AWAL (originally Artists Without A Label) is a recorded music company offering distribution and other services to artists and independent labels.
It previously operated as part of Kobalt Music Group, but was acquired by Sony Music Entertainment in a $430 million deal in May 2021.
Originally cofounded by Denzyl Feigelson, AWAL became part of Kobalt via an acquisition announced in 2012. It subsequently formed the basis of Kobalt’s first label services division.
In March 2018, Kobalt Music Group announced it would be investing $150m in the growth of AWAL.
Artists and labels who have been AWAL clients include Kim Petras, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and Little Simz, plus label partners like Glassnote Records.
Artists signed to AWAL keep ownership of their copyrights.
Financials
In Kobalt’s FY2019, to the end of June 2019, AWAL saw its revenues increase by 86% year-on-year to $111.5m.
Acquisition of In2une
In June 2018, AWAL acquired New York-based independent radio promotion company In2une.
Founded in 2007 by Dale Connone, in2une handles multi-format radio promotion for independent labels and artists, in addition to other services including playlisting, social & digital strategy, and campus promotion.Music Business Worldwide