Zara Larsson announces own record label + back catalogue acquisition 08 Jun 2022
Multi-platinum global pop star Zara Larsson has today detailed plans for her own brand new record label, Sommer House. Sommer House will be licensed through Epic USA and distributed by Sony Sweden for all forthcoming Zara Larsson releases, with Larsson just dropping a brand new version of Abba's 'Lay All Your Love On Me'.
In a unique agreement made with TEN Music Group CEO Ola Håkansson – who originally signed Zara – Larsson has also today taken control of her entire recording catalogue (which has been streamed over 9 billion times). Having been signed to the Swedish independent since 2011, Zara's relationship with TEN has resulted in one of her country's most successful international exports – a story that continues in this new venture...
Commenting on the deal today, Zara states: "I really want to say thank you to Ola and everyone at TEN for giving me the opportunity to break out as an artist and helping me start my career. You are now also making something happen that is so, so rare for a woman in the music industry - the capability to own my own catalogue. With that it makes perfect sense that I would start my own record company. I very much look forward to my future and to a continued collaboration with Sony as well.'
"This is a natural and exciting development in Zara's continuing music career," Ola Håkansson comments. "We have worked together for more than 10 fantastic, eventful years and Zara is, despite her young age, an established and respected international artist with extensive experience of the international music scene today. It is going to be really exciting to follow Zara's ongoing music career. I wish her the best of luck, and I am convinced the she is going to achieve all her musical dreams and get to show her amazing artistry on the worlds biggest stages."
Epic CEO Slvia Rhone, meanwhile, closes: "Zara is a cornerstone artist for Epic Records. As she continues to deliver incredible music, we're privileged and excited to be part of the next chapter of her dynamic career."
Currently featuring on Alesso's latest single 'Words', Zara Larsson has just dropped her Spotify Singles cover of 'Lay All Your Love On Me' in a pulsing rework produced by Mark Ralph (Years & Years, Georgia). Zara was also invited to attend the premiere of ABBA's 'Voyage' residency at London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, ahead of Larsson's European tour this summer and brand new music expected this autumn.
NEWS & PRESS
Frontiers Music SRL announces signing of guitar powerhouse Jared James Nichols
Frontiers Music Srl is proud to announce the signing of acclaimed singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jared James Nichols. Known for his high-voltage blend of soulful vocals, raw energy, and searing guitar work, Nichols has carved out a reputation as one...more
O.R.C.A. (The Organization for Recorded Culture and Arts) names Patrick Clifton Executive Director
The Organization for Recorded Culture and Arts (O.R.C.A.) has appointed Patrick Clifton as its new Executive Director. Clifton will lead the global think tank and advocacy group - backed by leading independent record labels worldwide - as it prepares to publish...more
Openplay signs first partnership with Japanese record label Toy’s Factory
Rights management platform strikes first deal in Japan as the country’s streaming market continues to grow OpenPlay, the music industry’s leading media and rights management platform and business engine powering thousands of publisher and label catalogs, has announced its first partnership...more
Warner Chappell Music signs French rap icon MC Solaar
Warner Chappell Music France secures global admin deal, which spans MC Solaar’s catalog of three and a half decades Warner Chappell Music France (WCM France) today announced an exclusive global administration deal with MC Solaar and his company, Sentinel Sud. The...more
EcoRecords with integrated NFC chip
Innovation for the long play record of tomorrow Sonopress, a leading global provider in the field of media production, is working with US technology pioneer Citizen Vinyl / vinylkey® to integrate patented NFC chip technology into Sonopress' sustainable EcoRecords. At the...more
Blue Raincoat Music Renew Publishing Deal with Self Esteem
Blue Raincoat Music Publishing, through its joint venture with Reservoir, has announced the renewal of its global music publishing agreement with acclaimed English musician, songwriter and actress Rebecca Lucy Taylor aka Self Esteem. Born and raised in Rotherham, Rebecca Lucy Taylor...more
Live Nation & FAE Group partner with Britain’s grassroots university venues to launch new initiative
PUNCHBAG UNI: THE UNIVERSITY TOUR INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF GUITAR BANDS, THE 15 DATE UK TOUR FEATURES VILLENELLE, FLORENTENES, BINO BAMES & DIE TWICE Live Nation & FAE Group, a creative investment and services platform operating in music & fashion,...more
Gilles Peterson, Ezra Collective, Fontaines D.C. and BINA. Honoured at 15th Independent Music Awards
Gilles Peterson awarded 'Outstanding Contribution to Music', while Cosey Fanni Tutti receives 'Innovator' award' 'Best Independent Album' goes to Fontaines D.C.'s Romance, Ezra Collective wins 'Best Independent Track' for God Gave Me Feet For Dancing (ft. Yazmin Lacey) Influential 'One To Watch'...more
Armada Music Group Announces Opening of New Complex in London, Bolstering its Offerings for Artists as a Creative Hub
The brand new space features state-of-the art studios and event space to empower its global roster in the UK, and attract new talent in one of dance music's leading markets Armada Music Group, the parent company of the world’s biggest independent...more
RCA Records UK unveils a first-of-its-kind pop up space at Mare Street Market, Kings Cross
Launching Wednesday 24th September, RCA Records UK unveils a first-of-its-kind pop up shop at Mare Street Market, Kings Cross. Presenting a physical space for artist and fan interaction, the shop will spotlight the label's rich legacy through vinyl, curated fan activations, artist merch,...more
Academy Music Group unveils major technical audio and lighting upgrade and refurbishment O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
Academy Music Group Limited (AMG) has revealed a major investment at its beloved West London venue, O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire. These recent improvements are the latest in a continuous programme of upgrades planned by the company to ensure its venues...more
SXSW London confirms its second year in the capital as it opens 2026 submissions
Programme submissions for SXSW London 2026 - the leading European platform of convergence - open today SXSW London will return to East London between 1st – 6th June 2026, with tickets set to launch on 20th October 2025 Fifteen forward-thinking Conference tracks announced – including...more
Music industry business support programme GrowMusic announces new cohort
Music industry business support programme GrowMusic announces new cohort, supporting high-potential music tech startups, and launches programme at Angel Studios Launched by the BPI in partnership with London & Partners and Abbey Road REDD, GrowMusic is a 12-week business support programme...more
Absolute appoints ex-FUGA Director Paul Purcell to oversee ground-breaking Anthology platform
Key promotions across tech and finance departments were also announced. Absolute Label Services has appointed Paul Purcell as Director of Platform, with a primary focus on the company’s recently revealed ground-breaking Anthology portal. Purcell joins Absolute from FUGA, where he served as...more
Waterbear and Music Venue Trust partner for inaugural ‘Keeping Music Live’ multi-city tour
Proceeds from tickets go directly to the charity Music Venue Trust. Showcasing regional talent across the UK, the tour takes in venues in Hull, Sheffield, Manchester, Nottingham, Norwich, London, and Brighton. Demonstrating WaterBear’s continued commitment to music education, and investment in the...more
BDi Music signs exclusive worldwide publishing deal with rapper and poet Dan Whitlam
Whitlam has earned praise from Arlo Parks and Fred Again... BDi Music has signed rapper and poet Dan Whitlam to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal. Whitlam is a rising luminary in the music world, having earned praise from notable artists including Arlo...more
Zebralution Announces Raft of New International Signings
Distribution Agreements signed with 8 Head, Casa Nueve, Bawo and Folded Music Zebralution, one of the world’s leading independent digital distributors, has announced a number of new artist and label deals as it continues to build out its ongoing commitment to...more
Tomorrow's Warriors announces key new appointments to Board of Trustees & Senior Management Team
Tove Okunniwa MBE becomes Chair, Jez Nelson MBE & Gloria Fagbemiro FCMI appointed Trustees, Sian Lord-Baptiste appointed COO & Erin Barnes Head of Learning, Outreach & Engagement Award-winning jazz talent development organisation, creative producer and charity Tomorrow's Warriors announced today a series of...more
MusicInfra
Jules Parker, Chief Business Officer, wrote: MusicInfra (where I've just joined) has just closed a new funding round from MiddleGame Ventures, joining existing investors Raine, UTA Ventures, and Snö Ventures. About MusicInfra: Based in NYC with teams across the US, Europe, and Latin America, MusicInfra addresses...more
Dave Ayers named Executive Vice President, A&R, Peermusic
Peermusic, the world's largest global independent music publishing and neighbouring rights company with 39 offices in 32 countries, has appointed Dave Ayers to Executive Vice President, A&R as announced today by Mary Megan Peer, CEO, peermusic and Jamie Cerreta, President U.S. and Canada, peermusic. In...more
Sofia Kirwan-Baez crowned champion of Casio Sessions 2025
Casio Music UK’s singer-songwriting competition for piano players, Casio Sessions, returned for a triumphant third year with 14 incredible finalists Sofia Kirwan-Baez was crowned the winner during an incredible live final at 91 Living Room jazz bar on Brick Lane The winner received...more
Supporting Cross-Border Partnerships with the EU
In 2025, WIN partnered with IMPALA to collaborate under its new program of work co-funded by the EU and strengthen cross-border cooperation between the global and European independent music sectors. A key element of this initiative is the provision by WIN of key services, including...more
Legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club To Open New Live Music Venue
Launching in February 2026 after a major transformation, the newly designed Upstairs at Ronnie’s ushers in a new era at the UK’s most popular independent music venue *For the first time in its history, the club will also be opening its backstage spaces...more
Music Venue Trust and The Association of Independent Promoters Formalise Commitment to Reject Unfair Practices
New Agreements Seek to End Pay-to-Play and Merchandise Commissions Music Venue Trust (MVT) and The Association of Independent Promoters (AIP) have joined forces to formalise two key commitments that put fairness at the heart of the grassroots music sector. Both have confirmed...more
BMG marks single largest catalog acquisition investment in its history
Overall deal includes the works of Jason Aldean in a music rights collection encompassing 1,000+ songs by 23 artists BMG has announced the acquisition of Country music superstar Jason Aldean’s recorded music catalog along with interests in the recorded catalogs and publishing...more
cktrl signs publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music
cktrl, the songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist whose music fuses elements of classical, electronic and jazz, has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, covering his catalogue and future works. cktrl, which...more
Secretly Distribution Announces Global Distribution Deal with Third Man Records
Secretly Distribution announces a worldwide distribution deal with Third Man Records. Launched by Jack White in Detroit, MI in 2001, Third Man Records is an innovator in the world of vinyl records and a boundary pusher in the world of...more
Kobalt Signs Global Publishing Deal with Hit Producer/Songwriter Disco Neil
Kobalt, the world’s leading independent music publisher, announced today that they have signed a global publishing deal Disco Neil, one half of Bashment Sound, the production duo alongside Silent Addy who are behind MOLIY’s “Shake It To The Max” and...more
The Southbank Centre unveils 75th anniversary programme
Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the Festival of Britain, the Southbank Centre's 2026 anniversary programme is packed year-round with events that explore the future, celebrate youth culture, embrace arts' relationship with technology and open up the site as a...more
Africa Rising Music Conference Launches for 2026 - leading the way for the growth of Africa's music industry
After the stellar success of its 2025 edition, Africa Rising Music Conference is excited to announce its return to Constitution Hill, Johannesburg on 22–23 May 2026. With artist and speaker applications now open (deadline: 25 September 2025), and tickets officially on...more
THE HEADLINES
Artist-led lawsuit against Suno introduces stream-ripping claims (see Digital)
Music Tech has historically been a difficult bet. So why are investors still showing up? (see Comment)
IFPI publishes Music in the EU report (see Reports)
AI music - is it time to explore a blanket approach? (see Opinion)
The music video is back and more important than ever (see Features)
Author Liz Pelly discusses how streaming saved the industry from piracy, but not the artists (see Features)
Why Warner UK’s restructure is a bad thing for British music (see Opinion)
Why virality is not building fandom (see Reports)
Jeremy Sirota’s pre-exit interview: ‘The marketplace needs a strong Merlin’ (see Features)
Music managers contribute value worth £714m to the wider UK music business (see Reports)
New data shows why virality is not building fandom (see Reports)
The reunion tour's effect on music streaming (see Analysis)
Don’t just fund problems: Fix them (see Comment)
Deezer: 28% of all music delivered to streaming is now fully AI-generated (see Digital)
Government's proposals on NDAs welcome but further work needed to protect against 'culture of misogyny', WEC warns (see News)