Press Release

WARNER MUSIC GROUP BENELUX ACQUIRES CLOUD 9 RECORDINGS

October 10, 2024

Warner Music Group Benelux has today announced the acquisition of the renowned record label Cloud 9 Recordings. This acquisition marks the beginning of a close collaboration between the two labels, led by Niels Walboomers (WMG Benelux’s President of Recorded Music & Publishing). Co-founder Raymond van Vliet will remain as President of Cloud 9 Recordings.

Cloud 9 is one of the leading labels in the Netherlands, with a versatile roster and rich catalog. Cloud 9 represents artists such as Claude, Jaap Reesema, Kris Kross Amsterdam, Snelle, and Turfy Gang, and has the catalog of Antoon.

L-R: Niels Walboomers and Raymond van Vliet

Alongside the acquisition of Cloud 9, Warner Chappell Music Benelux will enter into an exclusive worldwide administration agreement with Blue Skies Publishing, representing authors such as Claude, Davina Michelle, Edwin van Hoevelaak, Flemming, Frank van Etten, John Dirne, La Fuente, and Snelle. Blue Skies represents around 100 songwriters and owns several catalogs containing more than 100 Top 40 legendary hits from acts such as Dolly Dots, Luv’ and Willeke Alberti. Blue Skies Publishing will continue to manage the entire creative process with its current team.

The Cloud 9 team will join the Warner Music Group network and 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.

Raymond van Vliet and Niels Walboomers share the ambition to be a reliable partner in the careers of their artists. Niels Walboomers, President of Recorded Music & Publishing, WMG Benelux, says: “We are very excited to welcome Raymond and the Cloud 9 team. 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.”

Raymond van Vliet will remain as President of Cloud 9 Recordings, which will remain a separate label, alongside his responsibilities at Blue Skies Publishing. He said: “On November 1st, 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. 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.”

About Cloud 9 Recordings

Cloud 9 Recordings is a renowned Dutch record label. Since its launch nearly 20 years ago from a 4-square-meter office in Amsterdam, it has grown into one of the leading independent labels in Benelux. Cloud 9 Music represents artists, labels, and collaborations including Claude, Kris Kross Amsterdam, Snelle, Jaap Reesema, Turfy Gang, Frank van Etten, Lieve Jongens, Esko, and Van Klasse. Cloud 9 has scored over 100 Top 40 hits. In 2020, Snelle was the most-streamed artist on Spotify. In 2022, Antoon secured that position and was the most successful artist in the Dutch Top 40, a title passed to Claude in 2023. In 2021, Cloud 9 Music was awarded the Independent Label Of The Year Award by STOMP (Foundation of Independent Music Producers), which represents independents through NVPI in the Netherlands.

About Warner Music Group

Warner Music Group (WMG) brings together artists, songwriters, entrepreneurs, and technology that are moving entertainment culture across the globe. Operating in more than 70 countries through a network of affiliates and licensees, WMG’s Recorded Music division includes renowned labels such as 10K Projects, 300 Entertainment, Asylum, Atlantic, Big Beat, Elektra, Erato, First Night, Fueled By Ramen, Nonesuch, Parlophone, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Sire, Spinnin’, Warner Records, Warner Classics, and Warner Music Nashville. WMG’s music publishing arm, Warner Chappell Music, has a catalog of over one million copyrights spanning every musical genre, from the standards of the Great American Songbook to the biggest hits of the 21st century. Warner Music Group is also home to ADA, which supports the independent community, as well as artist services division WMX. In addition, WMG counts film and television storytelling powerhouse Warner Music Entertainment among its many brands. Follow WMG on InstagramXTikTokLinkedIn, and Facebook.