Concord Acquires U.K. Dance Label Ninja Tune
Concord has acquired U.K. indie label Ninja Tune, bringing the influential imprint into the Concord Label Group and expanding the company’s footprint across the U.K. and Europe.
Founded in 1990 by Coldcut’s Matt Black and Jonathan More, Ninja Tune has become one of the leading independent electronic and left-field labels, with releases from such artists as Diplo, ODESZA, Bonobo, Barry Can’t Swim, Peggy Gou, Little Dragon, nimino and Young Fathers, among many others.
Ninja Tune will continue to operate under its current leadership—Marie Clausen, Dawn Dobson, Martin Dobson, Adrian Kemp, Tess Kendall, Peter Quicke and Samantha Sissons—from its U.K. and U.S. offices.
The deal also includes Ninja Tune’s publishing division, Just Isn’t Music, whose catalog includes works by The Prodigy, Soulwax, Nova Twins and more.
“Over three decades, the team at Ninja Tune has built a label dedicated to independent artistry,” said Concord CEO Bob Valentine. “Their amazing roster and the team’s ambition to continue to grow Ninja Tune seamlessly align with our vision for Concord’s expanding frontline reach.”
Tom Becci, CEO of Concord Label Group, said, “I am beyond excited to welcome Ninja Tune and their stellar roster of artists to Concord. With their team on board, we are even better situated today to deliver on behalf of independent artists everywhere—increasing their reach and helping them find new audiences with whom their music resonates no matter where in the world that audience exists.”
Black and More said in a joint statement, “Partnering with Concord ensures that the culture and ethos that make the label so unique remain whilst bringing mad Ninja energy and innovation forward.”
Ruth Barlow, chair of the U.K.’s Association of Independent Music (AIM) and director of live licensing at Beggars Group, applauded the acquisition, remarking, “It’s fantastic to see investment coming from within the independent community itself, which speaks to the strength of the independent sector. Ninja Tune will remain a core part of the AIM community.”