Artist First and AWAL Announce Strategic Partnership

Milan headquartered distributor, record label and services company Artist First has entered a strategic partnership with global artist development company AWAL.

The deal:

• Artist First’s roster will benefit from growth and development support from AWAL, as well as access to the Sony Music-owned company’s worldwide global distribution services.

• In turn, Artist First will strengthen AWAL’s presence in the Italian market, providing AWAL artists with local marketing and promotion expertise.

• Founded in 2009 by Claudio Ferrante, Artist First – which features its own concert division, A1 Concerti – remains a fully independent company.

What they said:

• Claudio Ferrante: “This new strategic partnership with AWAL will add global reach to our distribution and services capabilities, allowing the Italian artists we represent to engage with new markets and audiences around the world. At the same time, this alliance will enable us to develop new synergies with AWAL’s roster, leveraging A1’s fully integrated and holistic structure to create opportunities that go beyond distribution.”

• Lonny Olinick, CEO of AWAL: “Since our first meeting with Claudio and his team we have felt a strong alignment of principles between our two companies. We share the dedication to developing and empowering artists, and in combination we will be a powerful force for the Italian music industry. The Italian market is one of the most exciting in the world, with strong digital growth and a thriving local artist community, so now is the perfect time to innovate and bring new solutions to the market.”