Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has entered into what it calls a “groundbreaking” partnership with ReverbNation, the artist services platform owned by Singapore-based BandLab Technologies.
BandLab Technologies acquired ReverbNation from eMinor, Inc. in November 2021 for an undisclosed sum. The unit offers digital distribution, as well as career management and online marketing tools for indie artists. It was rebranded last July.
Warner Chappell’s deal with BandLab Technologies for ReverbNation brings music publishing services to the platform’s songwriters, artists, and digital creators.
WCM Co-Chair and CEO Guy Moot said on Friday (April 26) that “joining forces with BandLab Technologies allows [WCM] to tap into the incredible creator community that they’ve built and help support and amplify the voices of promising, up-and-coming talent”.
As part of the deal, WCM will administer the music rights for all ReverbNation creators who sign up for the new ReverbNation Publishing Administration program.
Additionally, WCM and ReverbNation will work together to identify and sign “top-performing singer-songwriters” across the ReverbNation platform through a new joint venture.
According to WCM, songwriters jointly signed to WCM and ReverbNation will have access to WCM’s “full suite of offerings”, including the opportunity to work with its A&R, Sync, and Creative Services teams, “allowing them to capitalize on new avenues for their songs and careers”.
Reverbnation forms part of a wider suite of creator tools owned by Singapore’s BandLab Technologies.
The company also owns popular social music creation platform BandLab, which recently surpassed 100 million registered users.
BandLab also launched a distribution service in November in partnership with FUGA for its users to upload their music straight to streaming services.
In January, BandLab launched a licensing service for its users to make their songs eligible to be used in TV, films, games and advertising.
At the beginning of March, BandLab launched ‘Backstage Pass’, described as “an early-access, experimental program” for new creator tools and social features.
“Meng (BandLab Technologies CEO and Co-Founder) is an exceptional entrepreneur with a vision for the future of music that aligns well with ours, and we’re looking forward to a long and successful partnership together.”
Guy Moot, Warner Chappell Music
Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO, WCM, said: “Songwriters and artists are now being discovered through a multitude of different digital platforms, in what I call the ‘new songwriter economy.’
“Joining forces with BandLab Technologies allows us to tap into the incredible creator community that they’ve built and help support and amplify the voices of promising, up-and-coming talent.
“Meng (BandLab Technologies CEO and Co-Founder) is an exceptional entrepreneur with a vision for the future of music that aligns well with ours, and we’re looking forward to a long and successful partnership together.”
“By joining forces with Warner Chappell Music, we’ll open new doors for the ReverbNation community, creating even more opportunities for artistic growth.”
Meng Ru Kuok, BandLab Technologies
Meng Ru Kuok, CEO and Co-founder, BandLab Technologies, shared: “By joining forces with Warner Chappell Music, we’ll open new doors for the ReverbNation community, creating even more opportunities for artistic growth.
“This partnership not only unlocks additional potential avenues for artistic development and innovation, it also bridges the gap between emerging talents and established industry platforms, allowing a new generation of artists to find their voice and place in a continuously adapting and expanding landscape.”
“BandLab Technologies is at the forefront of the ever-evolving music creator ecosystem.”
Michael LoBiondo, Warner Chappell Music
Michael LoBiondo, Head of Business Development, WCM, added: “BandLab Technologies is at the forefront of the ever-evolving music creator ecosystem.
“We are pleased to partner with such a future-focused company and provide the tools for ReverbNation songwriters to monetize their works globally.”
BandLab Technologies is owned by parent company Caldecott Music Group, which was formed in 2021 to house three divisions including BandLab Technologies, plus Vista Musical Instruments, and NME Networks.
In May 2023, BandLab’s parent company, BandLab Technologies secured $25 million in a Series B1 funding round that raised the company’s valuation to $425 million post-money.
In August 2023, BandLab became the first music creation platform to support the Human Artistry Campaign, which aims to defend the ‘irreplaceable role of human artistry’ and promote the use of ‘ethical’ AI.
At the time, BandLab said that it had seen 15X growth in the amount of music being created using its AI tools.
In October, BandLab partnered with Universal Music Group (UMG), on what they called “an expansive, industry-first strategic relationship concentrated on artificial intelligence”.Music Business Worldwide
