[PIAS] Announces First ‘Repertoire Initiative’ Following UMG Partnership

Spinefarm is announced as the first repertoire initiative under the new alliance between [PIAS] and Universal Music Group.

[PIAS], a leading independent music company that recently announced a global partnership with UMG, has entered its first significant repertoire initiative following the alliance. Beginning January 1, 2023, Spinefarm Records will join the [PIAS] group’s roster of independent labels to be distributed worldwide.

Acquired by UMG in 2002, Spinefarm will continue to operate as a standalone label — alongside its imprints Candlelight and Snakefarm — from its headquarters in New York, under the leadership of GM Jonas Nachsin (pictured). The current Spinefarm teams in the US, UK, and other markets worldwide will continue handling and overseeing all A&R, marketing, and promotion activities for the label while utilizing [PIAS]’ unrivaled international network, support functions, and global marketing expertise.

Spinefarm’s current roster includes bands like Bullet For My Valentine, American metalcore band Atreyu, Aussie hard rock band Airbourne, alt-rock legends Killing Joke, and punk pioneers Anti-Flag. Additionally, they’ve acquired newer acts like Sleep Token, Creeper, BRKN LOVE, Dead Poet Society, While She Sleeps, Kid Kapichi, and Dayseeker. 

“Over the last ten years, we have built Spinefarm up from its regional origin to become one of the premier global rock destinations for artists,” says Jonas Nachsin, Spinefarm’s General Manager Worldwide. 

“Given that achievement, we are only just beginning and are very determined and dedicated to our future together with our awesome and growing roster. Combining forces with the storied and amazing worldwide [PIAS] team — one of the best and most respected indie organizations ever in our industry — promises that future will be very bright.”

Founded in Finland in 1990, Spinefarm quickly cemented itself as an indie powerhouse for European metal acts from Nightwish to Children of Bodom. In 2016, Spinefarm acquired the metal label Candlelight Records and a year later launched the blues, country, and roots offshoot Snakefarm.

“Jonas and his team at Spinefarm have built a phenomenal artist roster and are one of the world’s leading rock labels,” says Edwin Schroter, Group Managing Director of [PIAS]. 

“It has been our ambition for some years now to develop an independent global network for rock and metal music. It feels great to be able to now do so as part of our strategic partnership with Universal and with two teams that share a passion, working ethos, and combined areas of expertise that is second to none.”