Warner Music Group Expands Its Italian Music Catalogue
Warner Music Group has acquired Italo disco label DWA Records along with its publishing division Extravaganza, further expanding its Italian music repertoire.
Details of the Acquisition
The announcement, made on Tuesday (January 7), reveals that Warner Music Group has added over 250 master recordings of legendary Italo disco tracks to its collection. This includes iconic songs such as Rhythm of the Night performed by Crown, written by Francesco Bontempi; Happy and E-la-la performed by Alexia; and Bayla performed by Zucchero, with lyrics by Roberto Zanetti. The financial specifics of the deal were not disclosed.
DWA Records was established in 1989 by Roberto Zanetti and Francesco Bontempi.
Zanetti, known as Wild when performing and as Robix when producing, gained international acclaim with hits like Don’t Cry Tonight and later collaborated with artists including Crown and Ice MK. Bontempi, under the name Lee Bone Marrow, made significant contributions to the Italo disco scene with tracks such as Do You Want Me? and Shanghai.
Impact of Italo Disco
“Italo disco is the lifeblood of the Italian music scene and DWA has been at its center for over three decades,” stated Pico Cibelli, President of Warner Music Italy, alongside Santiago Menendez-Pidal, President of Southern Europe for Warner Chappell Music.
Originating in Italy in the late 1970s and reaching its peak in the 1980s, the genre is characterized by electronic drum beats, synthesizers, and English lyrics. Although it saw a decline in distinct prominence by the late 1990s, its influences persist in modern electronic music genres.
“Italo disco is the lifeblood of the Italian music scene and DWA has been at the center of it for over three decades.”
Pico Cibelli and Santiago Menendez-Pidal Warner Music Group
“Italo disco transcends borders, and the DWA catalog showcases some of its finest hits. Our global teams are already collaborating on innovative strategies to promote this extraordinary repertoire,” remarked Simon Robson, President EMEA, Recorded Music at WMG.
Cibelli further expressed, “We are thrilled that Roberto and Francesco have entrusted us with their catalog, and we look forward to upholding this responsibility in the coming years. Special thanks to our CFOs, Rafael Razzini and Luca Gentili, for their invaluable support in finalizing this agreement.”
“Our global team is now dedicated to seizing opportunities to elevate this remarkable songbook and help a new generation of fans globally engage with this uplifting music.”
Guy Muth and Kariann Marshall Warner Chappell Music
Kevin Gore, President of Global Catalog, Recorded Music, stated: “We are focused on expanding our catalog through strategic acquisitions while continuously seeking opportunities outside Anglo markets. We take pride in managing the DWA catalog and will mobilize our teams worldwide to forge new connections for artists and their music to be discovered and appreciated.”
Guy Muth and Kariann Marshall, co-chairpersons of Warner Chappell Music, noted: “We have made substantial investments in this remarkable catalog. Our global team is now dedicated to harnessing opportunities to elevate this incredible songbook and connect a new generation of fans worldwide with this uplifting music.”
This acquisition follows WMG’s strategic movements in Italy over recent years. In 2021, ADA Worldwide, WMG’s independent artist and label services division, expanded into Italy with its Milan headquarters. In 2018, WMG divested the Italian direct promotion company Vivo Concerts to Clemente Zard, having initially acquired it in 2011.
