Warner/Chappell Music (WCM), the global music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, today announced it has expanded its German presence with the official opening of a new office in Berlin. The new location, which is primarily A&R-focused, joins Warner/Chappell Music Germany’s headquarters in Hamburg and itsexisting office in Munich.
Berlin is home to many leading songwriters signed to WCM Germany, among them Abaz, David Garrett, Samon Kawamura, Roland “Roy” Knauf, Kontra K, Lindemann, Marteria, and Nena. The Berlin office has already held its first songwriting camp – with WCM songwriters including Sebastian Henzl, Julia Kroehnert and Ela Steinmetz, working with the successful German pop duo Glasperlenspiel.
Lars Karlsson, Warner/Chappell Music’s Managing Director for Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Nordics, said: “Berlin’s cosmopolitan culture, combined with its access to affordable living, continues to attract a new generation of inspired creatives. We’re excited to be opening a new office in a city with such a diverse, innovative songwriting scene. This expansion is part of our commitment to always provide best-in-class services to songwriters from Germany and around the world.”
Jon Platt, Warner/Chappell Music’s Chairman & CEO, said: “Germany is the third largest music market in the world, and Berlin is an artistically vibrant capital, so it’s great to have a dedicated team in three different cities, seeking out and nurturing talent across this dynamic country. It is our mission to help great songwriters thrive, wherever they are, and to that end, we are continually growing our global presence.”
The new office is attached to the Riverside Studios, a central Berlin complex by the River Spree that offers 20 state-of-the-art studios and houses a wide range of creative companies and individual songwriters. WCM Germany will use the office primarily as an A&R hub, partnering with new and established songwriters, organising writer camps, and serving as a liaison with broadcasters and other partners.
