The Orchard has signed a global distribution deal with Zagreb-based Croatian Records, an independent label that claims to have “the largest collection of recordings of Croatian artists” in Croatia.
The Orchard, the distribution and artist/label services company of Sony Music Entertainment, said artists on the Croatian label will now have access to its global network and “full suite of label services”.
Led by Director Zelimir BabogredakCroatian Records (formerly Jugoton) has an extensive catalog of music by Croatian, Serbian and Slovenian artists.
According to The Orchard, the 70-year-old music company “has been recognized as one of the largest music companies by revenue—[generating] Labels for Central and Eastern Europe”.
Croatian Records has recently invested in independent sub-labels across a variety of genres, including classical, jazz, instrumental, pop, rock and folk.
The company is also dedicating resources to preserving Croatian cultural heritage by digitizing its discography and “adapting it to modern platforms and contemporary usage” to make music accessible to new generations of listeners.
In addition to its extensive catalog, Croatian Records has signed many well-known contemporary Croatian artists of various genres, including Miso Kovacs, Josipa Lisak, Marko Perkovi Chi Thompson, Zwirna Jabka, Drazen Zecic, Gaby Novak, Teresa Kosovega, Pany Varjak, Dino Merlin, Bahaga and coaches, mothers, general danger, Vlatko Stefanovski, Rade Šerbedžija, Mladen Grdović, Wild Strawberry, Matija Dedić, Zoran Predin, Mia Dimšić, Mia Negović, JR August and others.
Oleg Rozov, director of Eastern Europe and Central Asia at The Orchard, and Lia Mansola, senior manager of label and artist partnerships, led the deal.
“The partnership between The Orchard and Croatian Records is a milestone that will surely enrich the global music scene.”
Oleg Rozov and Leah Mansola, Orchard
Rozov and Mansola said in a joint statement: “The partnership between The Orchard and Croatian Records is a milestone that will surely enrich the global music scene.
“This collaboration will provide significant business opportunities for both parties and serve as a gateway to the rich and diverse musical heritage of the Balkans, including Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, etc. .
“We are delighted to be working with Croatia to bring new international trends to the forefront while preserving the region’s musical heritage.”
“This partnership fits perfectly with our vision to build music brands and bring music closer to audiences than ever before.”
Zelimir Babogredak
Želimir Babogredec added: “I’m delighted to announce our partnership with The Orchard. This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision to build music brands and bring music closer to audiences than ever before.
“Our aim is to leverage The Orchard’s extensive network and innovative technology to ensure our artists reach audiences around the world, creating a more connected and vibrant music community and giving the best of Croatian music a global presence The forefront of the stage.
Elsewhere in the orchard, the company has recently strengthened its operations in South Korea with key executive appointments.
In September, Myst Music, a label and artist development company focusing on South Asian music, reached a strategic partnership with The Orchard.global music business
