Because Music and Caroline International Launch Global Partnership to Expand Artist and Label Services
LONDON, November 29, 2017 — Because Music, one of the leading independent music groups in Europe, and Caroline International, the independent label services and distribution company, today announced a global multi-year agreement which includes marketing, promotion and physical distribution, as well as the launch of Because Music’s first U.S. record label office in Los Angeles.Effective January 1, 2018, Because Music will distribute directly to digital platforms across the world through their Merlin membership. From next year, Because will partner with Caroline International for global marketing and promotional support, as well as worldwide physical distribution, with the exception of France, which will commence in 2019.As part of this strategic partnership, Because Music will work closely with Caroline International’s teams, led by Michael Roe and Jim Chancellor, in more than 20 countries to strengthen its existing global operations. Together, the companies will focus their combined expertise on creating innovative and dynamic campaigns for Because Music’s artists and catalogue.In addition, the companies are developing a next generation independent label services system utilizing best-in-class data analysis, digital video-based marketing and promotion capabilities, streaming strategy, consumer engagement, among other elements, which will benefit a new generation of independent labels, entrepreneurs and artists.For more than a decade, Because Music has been at the forefront of independent label culture, releasing ground-breaking music which has achieved commercial success alongside widespread critical acclaim. With a global vision for A&R, Because Music has signed and developed talent from around the world including Christine & The Queens, Django Django, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Justice, Major Lazer, and Metronomy.Because Music founder and owner, Emmanuel de Buretel said, “This deal is a clear breakthrough; it opens a brand-new type of relationship between the indie community and the main major. I call it a ‘variable geometry deal’ as it combines complete freedom, agility, technology and world marketing coverage while respecting the independence of the artists and labels. More importantly in this new digital world, this partnership enables us to own and control all of our data and our digital pipeline for the first time. I am delighted that Lucian and Mike agreed to combine our respective strengths and invest significant resources to build something very special together. I look forward to working hand in hand with Caroline teams to create new ways of developing and breaking new talents everywhere. It will make Because artists more independent and better placed to enter the new world of music consumption.”Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, said, “I have long admired Emmanuel’s sharp A&R instincts, his track record of breaking innovative artists and supporting music that moves culture. I’m thrilled that Caroline International will be working closely with Emmanuel and his talented team at Because Music to build upon the success they’ve already achieved by developing new creative and commercial opportunities, as well as launching Because Music’s first U.S. label.”For media enquiries please contact:Because Music Rachael Griffith / Name PRrachael@namepr.co.uk+ 44 208 357 7303Mobile + 44 7747 544567Caroline International / Universal Music GroupAndy Fixmer (US & North America)andy.fixmer@umusic.com+1-310-865-0132James Murtagh-Hopkins (UK, Europe & ROTW)James.Murtagh-Hopkins@umusic.com+44 207 471 5340About Because MusicThe Because Group was created more than 12 years ago by Emmanuel de Buretel (former CEO of Virgin Europe and EMI Europe) and is active in music production, music publishing, touring and venues. It is one of the leading independent music groups in Europe with artists such as Christine and the Queens, Metronomy, Major Lazer, Justice, Django Django and Charlotte Gainsbourg.Because music won best independent label at the Music business worldwide awards in 2016 and again in 2017 at the AIM (Association of Independent Music) awards. Because Music acquired the catalogue of London Records in August 2017. For more information go to:http://www.because.tv/ About Caroline InternationalCaroline International is an award winning global label services operation for artist and independent labels with dedicated personnel and offices around the world. Caroline’s partners include:?Glassnote, Communion, Wolf Tone, Fiction, Loma Vista (Concord), Fantasy (Concord), Dirty Hit, Future Classic, Arts & Crafts, Dine Alone, PMR, AMF, One Little Indian, Spacebomb, Deadbeats and artists including: Glass Animals, Van Morrison, Iggy Pop,?St?Vincent, Marilyn Manson, Peter Gabriel,?Tame?Impala,?Underworld, Prophets of Rage,?Steven Wilson, Nine Inch Nails, Nick Mulvey, The Amazons, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats and The Horrors. For more information go to: ?http://www.carolineinternational.com. About Universal Music GroupUniversal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company. Find out more at: http://www.universalmusic.com.