Warner Music Group Expands Foothold in the Netherlands with Cloud 9 Recordings Acquisition

Warner Music Group (WMG) has announced the acquisition of Cloud 9 Recordings, an independent record label based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The move strengthens WMG's presence in the Benelux region and aligns with the company's strategy of investing in local talent and expanding its global reach.

Unlocking New Opportunities for Dutch Music Talent

Strengthening the Cloud 9 Roster

The acquisition of Cloud 9 Recordings, led by Niels Walboomers, WMG Benelux's President of Recorded Music & Publishing, will see Cloud 9 co-founder Raymond van Vliet remain as the label's President. Cloud 9 has established itself as a prominent independent label in the Netherlands, representing artists such as Claude, Jaap Reesema, Kris Kross Amsterdam, Snelle, and Turfy Gang, as well as the catalog of Antoon.

Expanding the Publishing Footprint

Alongside the Cloud 9 acquisition, Warner Chappell Music Benelux will enter into an exclusive worldwide administration agreement with Blue Skies Publishing. This move will strengthen WMG's publishing presence in the region, representing songwriters such as Claude, Davina Michelle, Edwin van Hoevelaak, Flemming, Frank van Etten, John Dirne, La Fuente, and Snelle. Blue Skies Publishing owns several catalogs containing more than 100 Top 40 hits from acts such as Dolly Dots, Luv', and Willeke Alberti.

Integrating the Teams and Facilities

The Cloud 9 team will relocate to The Amsterdam Music Harbour, the creative hub of Warner Music Benelux in the Amsterdam Houthavens. Additionally, the Blue Skies Publishing office in the Dutch town of Laren will serve as a satellite office for Cloud 9, fostering collaboration and synergies between the two entities.

Leveraging Global Expertise and Resources

Niels Walboomers, President of Recorded Music & Publishing at WMG Benelux, expressed his excitement about welcoming the Cloud 9 team, stating, "Cloud 9 has made a significant impact on the Dutch music industry with its versatility and expertise. In the past five years, they have had eight Number One hits in the Dutch Top 40 with five different artists. With the expertise of our talented local teams and Warner Music's global network, we will strengthen Cloud 9's catalog and create new opportunities and inspiring collaborations for everyone."

Celebrating 20 Years of Cloud 9 Music

Raymond van Vliet, President of Cloud 9 Recordings, shared his sentiments on the acquisition, saying, "On November 1, Cloud 9 Music will celebrate its 20th anniversary. It is a proud moment to sell this incredible company on the eve of this milestone. In the coming years, I will continue to lead Cloud 9, ensuring that my team, enhanced by Warner Music's expertise, will keep representing our artist roster. We will take the next steps in the careers of our artists and continue to expand Cloud 9 Music."

Strengthening the Song-Driven Ecosystem

Van Vliet also highlighted the significance of the combination of Blue Skies Publishing's expertise on the publishing side and Cloud 9 Music as a label, stating, "The combination of Blue Skies Publishing's expertise on the publishing side, along with Cloud 9 Music as a label, provides a rock-solid foundation built on songs. Because at the end of the day, everything starts with a great song."This strategic acquisition and partnership further solidify Warner Music Group's commitment to the Dutch music market, building on its previous acquisition of Spinnin' Records in 2017. The integration of Cloud 9 Recordings and Blue Skies Publishing into the WMG Benelux ecosystem promises to unlock new opportunities for Dutch music talent and strengthen the company's position as a leading player in the region.