Hard rock label Nuclear Blast expands opens local A&R division

Hard rock and metal label Nuclear Blast has announced a new A&R expansion for Australia and New Zealand.

The label, which boasts a prestigious roster of hard rock and metal including Opeth, Machine Head, Slayer, Anthrax, Nightwish and Rob Zombie, is expanding after Believe Digital purchased a majority stake.

Believe and Nuclear Blast settled on launch an A&R division in ANZ to help develop the digital side of things whilst continuing to drive their highly lucrative physical product.

‘’These are exciting times for the music industry here in Australian and New Zealand, finally we will have the option to sign local bands to the brand,” said newly appointed Nuclear Blast Oceania managing director John Howarth.

“There will be several options that we can explore. One is directly to the Nuclear Blast label be it Global or Local, the other is world class digital platform services with Believe.’’

Nuclear Blast managing director Marcus Hammer added; “‘We were looking into this market for a long time already. This area already brought such great artists to the world and has so many dedicated fans and bands.

“We are stoked to take the next step down under with John, who has been our major asset in this great country for so many years now and looking forward to further develop strong relationships in Australia & New Zealand.’’

Howarth explained that while new deals will be struck in Oceania, all accounting will still run through the European base.

‘’I look forward to developing the local market and local acts, there is so much talent here and to have a new player in the game is one that is needed, bands need options and we will offer another avenue,” he said.

“As a global business it’s vital that we develop a strong A&R strategy which allows us to identify and sign the best artists. Launching A&R in Australia and New Zealand is a huge opportunity to collaborate with amazing some local artists.’’

‘’It is going to be a very interesting and fun time scouting for bands. I know my inbox will blow up big time. If it’s in the straight-out Rock to Metal genres and all in between, I am interested. This is a huge boost for the Australian and New Zealand Music Industry, and we intend to be competitive.

“I really want managers and artists to reach out and I am really looking forward to discovering potential signings. So let’s bring it on!’’