British independent label Snapper Music has been bought from the Bryan Morrison estate by its Managing Director Frederick Jude, who is now the label’s majority shareholder.
Founded in 1996, the London based label controls three frontline imprints; metal label Peaceville, Kscope, which specialises in post-progressive and art rock, and classic and psychedelic rock label Madfish. It has a catalogue of over 12,000 songs.
Jude has worked at the label for 21 years and was named MD 13 years ago after Snapper’s founders, Jon Beecher and Dougie Dudgeon, left the company.
Morrison Music, which was set up by music publisher Bryan Morrison who died in 2008, purchased a majority stake in Snapper in 2005.
Jude said: “I’m truly excited and re-energised to have become the majority shareholder of The Snapper Group.
“Our heart is firmly in beautiful, physical packages and we’re continuing to learn how best to use today’s digital marketing tools to encourage fans to become aware and listen to music from our catalogue.”
frederick jude, snapper music
“At Snapper we’re continuing to evolve and move with the differing ways people consume music – building on specialist music genres with the Kscope and Peaceville labels and successfully elevating some of our artists to the top of those genres.
“Our heart is firmly in beautiful, physical packages and we’re continuing to learn how best to use today’s digital marketing tools to encourage fans to become aware and listen to music from our catalogue.
“That’s not to say it’s been easy. Over the years at Snapper, there have been challenging times with a number of major retailers and distributors disappearing.”
Snapper’s roster originally included W.A.S.P., Ozric Tentacles, The Pretty Things and the solo recordings of the ex-Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green.
It was then supplemented by established artists such as Porcupine Tree and Cradle of Filth.
Peaceville Records is now home to music of Darkthrone, Bloodbath, Autopsy, Katatonia and Opeth.
Kscope has had success with #3 UK charting artist Steven Wilson, as well as Anathema and TesseracT.
Snapper has also released music from The Pineapple Thief, Richard Barbieri (of Japan), Paul Draper (of Mansun) and The Anchoress (featured artist on the Manic Street Preachers’ new studio album).
In addition, the label handles European distribution for fellow UK independent Charly Records.
Forthcoming releases coming in 2018 include new studio albums from The Anchoress, The Pineapple Thief, Bloodbath, and a 21st anniversary edition of the UK No.1 Mansun album, Attack of the Grey Lantern.
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