ADA Worldwide, the independent label and artist services division of Warner Music Group, has forged a strategic partnership with Rostrum Records, an independent record label based in Los Angeles.
Under the deal, ADA Worldwide will be responsible for worldwide distribution services for Rostrum’s entire label catalog and new releases, according to a press release shared with MBW on Tuesday (June 6).
Los Angeles-based Rostrum was founded in 2003 by CEO Benjy Grinberg, while he was working at Arista Records, a record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment.
Last month, Grinberg unveiled Rostrum Pacific, a parent company designed to accommodate Rostrum’s portfolio of entertainment properties.
The indie label is known for launching the careers of top-tier talents like Wiz Khalifa and the late Mac Miller. The latter had the first independently released debut album to land at # 1 on Billboard’s Top 200 since 1995.
In 2023, Rostrum, which describes itself as an “artist-centric label,” released Fat Nick’s debut pop-punk single ‘Songs on the Radio’ on May 3, followed by the release of DC The Don’s ‘Funeral’, which landed on No. 7 on Spotify‘s Top Debut Albums. DC is currently on $NOT’s US tour in promotion of his third studio album.
Rostrum also rolled out new music from Alé Araya and Brevin Kim, both of whom have garnered support from digital streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and TIDAL.
“we are excited to partner with the ADA team on a shared vision to deepen the support and amplification of independent artists.”
Erika Montes, Rostrum Records
“Rostrum Records was founded on a commitment to bring innovative, artist-first approaches to the music industry. 20 years later, we are excited to partner with the ADA team on a shared vision to deepen the support and amplification of independent artists,” said Rostrum Records President Erika Montes, who joined the company in January after serving as Global Vice President for Artist & Label Relations at SoundCloud.
“Erika and the entire Rostrum team are trailblazers with an impressive track record of identifying and developing some of the best talent across genres,” said Cat Kreidich, President, ADA Worldwide.
“Our extensive global network and collaborative approach will help expand their reach, bringing Rostrum’s incredible artists and special catalog to new and longtime fans around the world. We’re looking forward to working alongside a like-minded team of innovators to uplift some of the best independent talent.”
“Our extensive global network and collaborative approach will help expand their reach, bringing Rostrum’s incredible artists and special catalog to new and longtime fans around the world.”
Cat Kreidich, ADA Worldwide
Rostrum’s partnership with ADA will see it joining the latter’s roster alongside other labels like BMG, Partisan, 88 Rising, Watertower, Sub-Pop, VP Records, Mute, and more.
Last year, ADA formed a joint venture with indie record label and creative agency, Big.Ass.Kids (B.A.K). The company also inked a global distribution deal with Grammy-nominated producer and artist Murda Beatz in January 2022 and with multi-platinum band Incubus in 2019.
ADA recently supported major releases from Macklemore, Central Cee, M83, Big Freedia, Cigarettes After Sex, Jelly Roll, Quevedo, PJ Harvey, and Logic.
It also spearheaded notable partnerships for Daft Punk’s catalog with TikTok and Peloton, and supported Bonnie Raitt’s Just Like That album which received multiple wins at the 2023 Grammy Awards.
Last month, Rostrum Records appointed Edith Bo as Head of A&R to oversee the overall direction of A&R strategy, including scouting and signing new artists.Music Business Worldwide
