Warner Music Group has acquired Italo disco label DWA Records and its publishing arm Extravaganza, marking the expansion of its Italian music catalog.
The deal, announced on Tuesday (January 7), brings more than 250 Master recordings of WMG’s iconic Italo disco tracks include rhythm of nightexecuted by crown And by Francisco Bontempi; happy and Uh la la executor Alexia;and danceexecuted by sugar And by Roberto Zanetti. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
DWA records Founded in 1989 by Roberto Zanetti and Francesco Bontempi.
Zanetti, performing in the name of barbaric and produced as Robiksrelying on things like don’t cry tonight Later produced for artists including crown and ice MC. Bontempi, professionally known as plum marrowcontributed to the Italo disco genre, with hits including do you want me and Shanghai.
“Italo Disco is the lifeblood of the Italian music scene, and DWA has been at the heart of this sector for more than thirty years,” said sibelePresident of Warner Music Italy Santiago Menendez Pidal, President, Southern Europe, Warner Chappell Music.
The genre emerged in Italy in the late 1970s and reached its peak in the 1980s, characterized by electronic drums, synthesizers and English lyrics. Although its importance as a distinct genre declined in the late 1990s, its influence in contemporary electronic music styles continues.
“Italo Disco is the lifeblood of the Italian music scene and DWA has been at the heart of this sector for more than thirty years.”
Pico Sibeli & Santiago Menéndez PidalWarner Music Group
“Italo disco is a genre that has always transcended borders, and DWA’s catalog contains some of the biggest hits. Our staff around the world are already collaborating on exciting plans to promote this fantastic repertoire in innovative ways . Simon RobsonPresident of Recorded Music, WMG, EMEA.
Sibello added: “We are pleased that Roberto and Francisco have placed their confidence in us as custodians of their catalog and look forward to repaying their trust in the years to come. We would like to thank our Chief Financial Officers, Raffaelle Razzini and Luca Gentili, for their support and hard work in completing this transaction.
“Our global team is now committed to leveraging the opportunity to take this incredible collection of songs to new heights and help ensure that a new generation of fans around the world has access to this life-affirming music.”
Guy Mutter and Karian MarshallWarner Chappell Music
Kevin GorePresident of Recorded Music Global Catalog said: “We are committed to growing our catalog through strategic acquisitions and are always looking for opportunities outside of the Anglo market. We are proud to manage DWA’s catalog and will leverage our teams around the world to serve artists and their music to create new connections, allowing them to be discovered and continue to be loved.
Guy Mutter and Karian MarshallWarner Chappell Music co-chairman added: “We have invested heavily in producing amazing tracks. Our global team is now committed to leveraging the opportunity to take this incredible collection of songs to new heights and help ensure that a new generation of fans around the world has access to this life-affirming music.
The acquisition follows WMG’s strategic transactions in Italy in recent years. 2021, ADA Globalthe independent label and artist services arm of WMG, expands into Italy and is headquartered in Milan. In 2018, WMG sold the Italian live broadcast promotion company in vivo concert Its MD, Clement Zade. The company acquired the business in 2011.
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