WMG inks deal with SoundCloud

Warner Music Group (WMG) has signed a deal with SoundCloud which covers both WMG’s roster of recording artists and songwriters signed to Warner/Chappell.

Anita Awbi
  • By Anita Awbi
  • 5 Nov 2014
  • min read
The deal stretches across On SoundCloud, the music platform’s ad-supported programme, plus its new subscription streaming service, which is due to launch in the first half of 2015.

Rob Wiesenthal, chief operating officer at WMG, said in a statement: ‘This leading-edge partnership reflects WMG's commitment to establishing new and alternative business models that recognise the value of music for our artists.

‘SoundCloud is a platform built on music innovation and it has a rare ability to drive music discovery while enhancing the connection and collaboration between an artist and their following. Our deal will foster that relationship, while providing a powerful range of income opportunities for WMG’s artists and songwriters.’

Jonathan Dworkin, executive vice president, digital strategy and business development, WMG, added: ‘SoundCloud is a distinctly artist-driven service, with a highly engaged global fan community at its heart.

‘This deal will enable SoundCloud to further develop its product as well as its massive user base, and will deliver multi-tiered monetisation while preserving the elements that have made the service so popular. It’s a win for artists, for rightsholders and for consumers.’

On SoundCloud launched two months ago on the back of licensing deals with music companies including Sony/ATV and BMG.

Today, it has over 40 partners including labels, publishers, emerging artists and audio creators.