Photo Credit: Renato Tanchis, Raffaele Razzini, Pico Cibelli, Roberto Zanetti, Francesco Bontempi, Santiago Menendez Pidal, Luca Gentili, Filippo Pardini
Warner Music Group secures a deal to acquire DWA Records’ extensive catalog, as well as that of Extravaganza, DWA’s publishing business.
Warner Music Italy and Warner Chappell Music Italy announce a deal to acquire the extensive catalog of DWA Records, a leading independent Italo Disco label active since 1989. The deal also covers the catalog of Extravaganza, DWA’s music publishing business.
Founded in 1989 by singer-songwriters and producers Roberto Zanetti and Francesco Bontempi, the DWA and Extravaganza catalog includes over 250 masters. These include iconic tracks like “The Rhythm of the Night,” performed by Corona and written by Bontempi; “Happy” and “Uh La La” performed by Alexia; and “Baila,” performed by Zucchero and written by Zanetti.
Italo Disco originated in Italy in the late 1970s and exploded in popularity during the 1980s. Drawing on elements of “hi-NRG” and Euro disco, it was marked by the use of electronic drums and synthesizers, with lyrics often sung in English. While it faded as a distinct genre in the late 1990s, its influence can still be felt in Eurobeat, Italo dance, and Italo house music.
Zanetti, known by his stage name Savage and his producer alias Robyx, burst onto the music scene in the ‘70s as part of groups including Santarosa and Taxi. His hits included “A Love Again,” “Goodbye,” “I Just Died In Your Arms,” “I’m Losing You,” “Only You,” and “Radio.” In the ‘90s, he focused on his producing career, recording with artists like Alexia, Corona, Double You, Ice MC, and Zuchero. In recent years, he has returned to recording and performing live, in addition to his career as a producer.
Francesco Bontempi, also known by his stage name Lee Marrow, began his music career in the ‘70s as a drummer, before going on to be a DJ in Italian clubs. He signed a record deal in the ‘80s, with hits like “Do You Want Me,” “Pain,” “Shanghai,” and “To Go Crazy.”
“Italo Disco is the lifeblood of the Italian music scene, and DWA has been at the heart of the scene for more than three decades. We’re so pleased that Roberto and Francesco have placed their faith in us as the custodians of their catalog, and look forward to repaying their trust in the years ahead. We’d like to thank our CFOs, Raffaele Razzini and Luca Gentili, for their support and hard work in getting this deal over the line,” said Pico Cibelli, President, Warner Music Italy, and Santiago Menéndez-Pidal, President, Southern Europe, Warner Chappell Music.
“Italo Disco is a genre that’s always cross borders and DWA’s catalog contains some of its biggest hits,” adds Simon Robson, President, EMEA, Recorded Music, WMG. “Our people around the world are already collaborating on exciting plans to promote this fantastic repertoire in new and innovative ways.”
Kevin Gore, President, Global Catalog, Recorded Music, comments, “We’re committed to expanding our catalog through strategic acquisitions and are always looking at opportunities outside of Anglo markets. We’re proud to be managing DWA’s catalog and will leverage our teams around the world to create new connections for the artists and their music to be discovered and continue to be loved.”
“We’ve made a significant investment for an amazing catalog,” conclude Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall, Co-Chairs of Warner Chappell Music. “Our global team is now committed to leveraging opportunities to take this incredible songbook to new heights and helping ensure a new generation of fans worldwide get to connect to this life-affirming music.”