CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CelebrityAccess) – Warner Music Japan has joined forces with Red Light Management (RLM), one of the globe’s most significant independent management entities, to unlock new opportunities for Red Light’s artists in Japan, the second-largest music market globally.
The partnership leverages Warner Music Japan’s International Marketing and ADA divisions’ expertise to build a dedicated marketing and label channel for RLM’s talent, according to a press release on Tuesday (January 9). This collaboration is designed to heighten the international artists’ visibility and cultivate partnerships with domestic talent in Japan.
Founded in 1991 by Coran Capshaw in Charlottesville, RLM has evolved from its roots, nurturing Dave Matthews Band (DMB), and is now one of the world’s most established artist management companies. RLM’s services extend across touring, commerce, festivals, licensing, branded entertainment, and artist-driven philanthropy.
Red Light’s roster also includes Punctual, Enrique Iglesias, Brittany Howard, Lady A, Lionel Richie, Interpol, ODESZA, Phish, The Strokes, Sabrina Carpenter, Chris Stapleton, and Danny L Harle, among others.
The first project under this joint venture is the promotion of French-Canadian singer Margaux Sauvé, known as Ghostly Kisses, who is signed to British label Akira Records. Ghostly Kisses has nearly 366,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and over 387,000 subscribers on YouTube. Following her successful Tokyo debut in December, Sauvé’s new album release is slated for early 2024, with more established and emerging artists set to follow.
“We’re super excited to partner with Warner Music on this initiative to help our artists with a dynamic new route into Japan,” said James Sandom, Managing Partner, Red Light Management. “The Japanese market has unique characteristics, a landscape requiring bespoke attention and knowledge of the local music and entertainment sector. Bringing this knowledge together with our artists will help them build fan communities in this special market to enable a new generation of artists to find success in Japan.”
Kaz Shimada, Chief Operating Officer of Warner Music Japan, added: “In recent years, we have worked hard to help international artists connect with local fans as we transitioned from physical to digital. This exciting new partnership is another significant step forward, as we combine our experience promoting some of the biggest global stars in Japan with Red Light Management’s super-talented managers and amazing roster of artists.”
The deal with Red Light Management marks Warner Music’s latest in Japan. In June 2023, Warner Music Japan formed a strategic alliance with creative house LAND, and in 2020, Warner Music’s global independent distribution division ADA expanded into the Japanese market.
