Glassnote Moves Distribution From UMG To Kobalt’s AWAL

Indie label Glassnote Music has shifted its digital and physical distribution to Kobalt's AWAL, after years at Universal Music Group.  Glassnote artists include Mumford & Sons, Phoenix, CHVRCHES, Childish Gambino, The Strumbellas, and Jade Bird.

Glassnote will also leverage Kobalt and AWAL’s global marketing, radio promotion and data analytics platform.

Since launching in 2007, Glassnote  has been called the “Best Indie Label” by Rolling Stone, “Label of the Year” at the A2IM Libera Awards and the “#1 Independent Label” by Billboard.

“It is truly a landmark day in the music industry and for the future of Glassnote as this progressive alliance and relationship with Kobalt becomes a reality,” said Glassnote President & Founder Daniel Glass. “For our artists, it’s the same team and family they have always been a part of, with exciting new additions from a company on the cutting edge of music’s future.”

“We’re writing an important new chapter in the history of the music industry – proving together that it’s possible to break global superstars outside the old system,” said Willard Ahdritz, Founder and CEO of Kobalt Music. “When Lonny, Laurent and I looked at the current landscape of relevant independent labels, Glassnote stood out as an ideal partner, as we both put talent at the center of our business. I’m looking forward to working with Daniel, a real music man, and the Glassnote team.”

AWAL CEO Lonny Olinick added, “After a highly successful year with four top 10 UK records, landing three artists on the U.S. top 50 radio chart, and pushing Lauv over a 1.5 billion streams globally, we couldn’t be more excited to build on that success with Glassnote. This partnership is a testament to our achievements and Glassnote recognizes our global approach and operational ability. With our commitment to breaking and growing artist careers, there’s no limit to what we can achieve together in the future.”

AWAL has scored a string of indie success globally, including Lauv, Rex Orange County, Tom Misch, R3HAB, Deadmau5, Freya Ridings, The Wombats and Bruno Major. This year the company has charted four records in UK’s Top 10, scored a #2 US radio hit with Lauv’s “I Like Me Better” and billions of streams for its roster of artists.