[PIAS] and Universal Music Group (UMG) have announced what they call “the first significant repertoire” partnership under their recently announced global alliance.
According to a press release issued on Thursday (December 8), on January 1, 2023 Universal-owned rock label Spinefarm Records, “will join the [PIAS] Group’s roster of independent labels”.
The label will also be distributed on a worldwide basis through the [PIAS] services division [Integral].
The news follows the formation of a strategic global alliance between [PIAS] and Universal Music Group in June 2021, and comes a week after UMG acquired a 49% stake in the [PIAS] Group for an undisclosed sum.
Spinefarm was acquired by UMG in 2002 and together with its imprints Candlelight and Snakefarm, Spinefarm will continue to operate as a standalone label from its headquarters in New York, under the leadership of GM Jonas Nachsin, according to the announcement.
The existing, dedicated Spinefarm teams in the US, UK and other markets around the world will continue to handle and oversee all A&R, marketing and promotion activities for the label, whilst tapping into [PIAS]’ international network, support functions and global marketing expertise.
Founded in Finland in 1990, Spinefarm broke European metal acts from Nightwish to Children Of Bodom.
In 2016, Spinefarm acquired UK metal label Candlelight Records (Emperor, Opeth, Winterfylleth) and, a year later it launched the blues, country and roots offshoot Snakefarm (Marty Stuart, The White Buffalo, Austin Meade).
Spinefarm’s current artist roster includes acts such as Bullet For My Valentine (with over 3 billion streams), American metalcore band Atreyu, Aussie hard rockers Airbourne, alt-rock legends Killing Joke and punk pioneers Anti-Flag as well as more recent signings such as Sleep Token, Creeper, BRKN LOVE, Dead Poet Society, While She Sleeps, Kid Kapichi and Dayseeker.
“Combining forces with the storied and amazing worldwide PIAS team- one of the best and most respected indie organizations ever in our industry- promises that future will be very bright.”
Jonas Nachsin, Spinefarm
Jonas Nachsin, General Manager Worldwide of Spinefarm, said: “Over the last ten years, we have built Spinefarm up from its regional origin, to become one of the premiere global rock destinations for artists.
“Given that achievement, we are only just beginning and are very determined and dedicated to our future together with our awesome and growing roster.
“Combining forces with the storied and amazing worldwide PIAS team- one of the best and most respected indie organizations ever in our industry- promises that future will be very bright.
“We are thrilled to lock arms with Edwin, Kenny and the PIAS team to take Spinefarm and its artists to new heights.”
“Jonas and his team at Spinefarm have built a phenomenal artist roster and are one of the world’s leading rock labels.”
Edwin Schroter, Group Managing Director of [PIAS] said: “Jonas and his team at Spinefarm have built a phenomenal artist roster and are one of the world’s leading rock labels.
“It has been our ambition for some years now to develop an independent global network for rock and metal music.
“It feels great to be able to now do so as part of our strategic partnership with Universal and with two teams that share a passion, working ethos and combined areas of expertise that is second to none.”Music Business Worldwide
