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Business News Deals Labels & Publishers
Warner Music acquires Doug Morris’s 12Tone Music
By Andy Malt | Published on Wednesday 21 July 2021
Warner Music has acquired the assets of 12Tone Music – the record company launched in 2018 by US record industry veteran Doug Morris, who began his major label career at Warner in the 1970s before going on to hold the top job at both Universal Music and Sony Music.
“12Tone is home to some of today’s most compelling artists and innovative label partners, encompassing emerging and established talent that crosses genres and generations”, says CEO of Warner Music Group’s recorded music division, Max Lousada. “We’re very pleased that Doug has chosen Warner as the team to continue nurturing the amazing artists that 12Tone has signed and developed over the past three years”.
Morris adds: “After leading all three major music companies, I loved returning to my indie roots by starting 12Tone. I want to thank Steve Bartels and the 12Tone team for being such a big part of the picture. This three-year run has been a lot of fun. I look forward to remaining fully engaged with the WMG team, who are outstanding professionals. A special thanks to Max – I know the music couldn’t be in better hands”.
The launch of 12Tone came after Morris stepped down as CEO of Sony Music in 2017. Already distributed by Warner’s ADA label services division, artists working with the label include Anderson .Paak, 88rising, Illenium and more. It also released Dolly Parton’s Christmas album, ‘A Holly Dolly Christmas’, last year.
Morris will continue to work with the label for the time being, with the deal expected to close later this month.
