Warner Records has launched what it calls “its first-ever flagship electronic dance music label”, called Major Recordings.
Warner says the new label “will discover, sign, and develop top talent” across the electronic dance community.
In a statement issued on Monday (March 13), Warner Records’ Co-Chairman & COO Tom Corson and Co-Chairman & CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck said that Warner Records, “over the past few years”, has “strategically built a strong presence in the dance music community and have had quite a bit of success in that space”.
They added that they’re now “doubling down” on dance music with the launch of Major Recordings.
Headed up by Sam Mobarek, Major Recordings’ first signing is rising dance duo PARISI, in partnership with London-based Parlophone dance music imprint, FFRR.
Mobarek will report to Warner Records’ Co-Chairman & COO Tom Corson and Co-Chairman & CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck.
According to a press release, over the last few months, Mobarek and her team have “been behind the scenes working with Warner Music Group’s global partners to support the careers” of a number of artists.
Amongst those artists are The Blessed Madonna, Eliza Rose, LUUDE, Skin On Skin, HUGEL, BLOND:ISH, and more.
The label’s first signed act, PARISI, have previously collaborated with acts such as Fred Again, Swedish House Mafia, and more, and have also worked with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Black Eyed Peas.
Most recently, the pair teamed up with Steve Angello & Sebastian Ingrosso’s Buy Now for Church and Speak Up.
Sam Mobarek launches Major Recordings with nearly two decades of experience in branding and marketing, most recently running Mob Creative, which she also founded.
Described as a “full-service marketing agency with clients across music, cannabis, gaming, and lifestyle”, Mob Creative’s client roster includes Hollywood Records, BMG, Sony, Atari, Unidisc, MK, Maya Jane Coles, Faithless, Krewella, Solomun, Wilkinson, Carolina Liar, Jean Michel Jarre, and others.
Prior to Mob Creative, Mobarek led the marketing department at Ultra Music, working with multi-platinum acts such as Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki, Pitbull, and deadmau5.
Mobarek’s career also includes a stint operating pop imprint Lefthook under Sony Music while still a student at New York University’s Stern School of Business, and working for live music conglomerate SFX (now Lifestyle) as well as Beatport.
“Our goal is to collaborate with the most innovative and talented artists on the scene. Many thanks to Tom and Aaron for giving me the opportunity to uplift and support our community.”
Sam Mobarek
“PARISI are leaders of the new wave of high quality, innovative production that’s becoming more and more revered en masse,” said Mobarek.
“We here at Major and FFRR consider them the future of the genre and are excited to collaborate globally with the duo.”
Mobarek added: “At Major Recordings, we’re building a roster and team that reflects electronic culture and its roots in collaboration, integrity, inclusivity, and fun.
“We’re bringing the independent spirit of the genre and giving it the major resources it deserves, supporting the broad spectrum of people who create this sound and the family of fans who love it.
“Our goal is to collaborate with the most innovative and talented artists on the scene. Many thanks to Tom and Aaron for giving me the opportunity to uplift and support our community.”
“Sam brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to ensure the label Major becomes the home for artists with an aspiration for worldwide success.”
Anton Partridge, Warner Music Group
Anton Partridge, Warner Music Group’s Director of Global Strategy for Electronic Music, said: “I am excited to provide a global foundation to innovators like PARISI with Major Recordings and FFRR.
“Sam brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to ensure the label Major becomes the home for artists with an aspiration for worldwide success, and Aaron and Tom’s commitment to the genre will enhance our reach within the electronic landscape even further globally.”
“Sam will be the driving force behind our success, helping us ensure that this music and these artists make a true global and cultural impact.”
Tom Corson and Aaron Bay-Schuck, Warner Records
Corson and Bay-Schuck said: “Over the past few years, we’ve strategically built a strong presence in the dance music community and have had quite a bit of success in that space – whether it’s with Grammy Award-winning trio Rüfüs Du Sol or Billboard Music Award winner & Grammy nominee ILLENIUM or David Guetta & Bebe Rexha’s most recent No.1 chart-topping hit, I’m Good (Blue).
“Now, with Major Recordings, we’re doubling down, putting renewed energy and dedicated focus on supporting even more acts from around the world. Sam will be the driving force behind our success, helping us ensure that this music and these artists make a true global and cultural impact.”
Elsewhere in dance music at Warner Music Group, the company also owns Netherlands-based Spinnin Records, which it acquired in 2017– in a deal worth over $100m.Music Business Worldwide
