Italian distribution company and record label Artist First has struck a wide-ranging new agreement with UK-born artist management company, Various Artists.
According to Claudio Ferrante, Founder and CEO of Artist First, “Italy is currently enjoying a musical renaissance” due, in part, to the success of Eurovision Song Contest winners Maneskin.
Now, Artist First and Various Artists Management, whose roster includes stars like Tom Grennan and Ashnikko, are joining forces to discover and develop Italian-based artists for the global market.
Artist First was launched by Claudio Ferrante in 2009 and has 50 employees in Milan.
The company works with numerous Italian artists alongside a number of high-profile international acts.
Artist First also distributes a wide range of labels and has in its own roster, which includes Gazzelle, Fulminacci, Alfa, Dardust and Zero Assoluto among others.
The company also has a significant shareholding in 432 Srl, the management company led by Alessandro Fabozzi that represents Italian artists Le Vibrazioni, Francesco Gabbani Mace, Dolcenera and Ana Mena.
Various Artists Management, which was founded in 2008, has offices in London and Los Angeles.
The firm represents a roster of artists, producers and songwriters including Tom Grennan, Ashnikko, Yonaka, Loyle Carner, Sad Night Dynamite, Supergrass, Barns Courtney, La Roux and The Libertines among others.
“Italy is currently enjoying a musical renaissance thanks to in no small part to Maneskin’s success in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.”
Claudio Ferrante, Artist First
Claudio Ferrante, Founder and CEO of Artist First said: “Italy is currently enjoying a musical renaissance thanks to in no small part to Maneskin’s success in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
“We already have a great relationship with David Bianchi and the team at Various artists Management, and are looking forward to combining the strengths of our two companies to help create more opportunities for Italian artists to reach a global audience.”
David Bianchi, Founder and CEO of Various Artists Management, said: “Artist First is a wonderful success story in Italy and has been at the forefront of innovation in the music industry there for many years.
“Artist First is a wonderful success story in Italy and has been at the forefront of innovation in the music industry there for many years.”
David Bianchi, Various Artists Management
David Bianchi, Founder and CEO of Various Artists Management, said: “Artist First is a wonderful success story in Italy and has been at the forefront of innovation in the music industry there for many years.
“They are incredibly ambitious and eager to build a presence in the international marketplace so it is an absolute privilege to have formed this alliance with them and to be part of this exciting new chapter in their story.
“There is some incredible Italian talent, which is deserving of a wider audience and we are joining forces to help that happen.”
John Dawkins was recently appointed UK Managing Director at Various Artists Management.
UK music industry veteran Charlie Rapino was appointed Vice President, International & Communications of Artist First in July.
In 2019 Various Artists sold a minority stake in its business to US-based entrepreneur John McEvoy.
Music Business Worldwide