BMG acquires US hard rock label Rise Records

BMG has announced its acquisition of 24-year-old US metal and hard rock label Rise Records.

Founded byCraig Ericsonin Oregon in 1991, Rise is home to Crown The Empire, The Devil Wears Prada (pictured), Of Mice & Men, Memphis May Fire and PVRIS.

95% of its current revenue is generated in the US with digital media becoming a focal point in recent years following the launch of its YouTube video channel, which has more than 1.4m subscribers.

Under the acquisition, Rise will continue to base itself from its Portland, Oregon head quarters and be lead by Ericson. Rise Records’ acts will have access to BMG’s admin services and international network.

Craig Ericson, President of Rise Records, said:“I’m thrilled to work with BMG and I know Rise Records and its bands will benefit greatly from this new partnership.”

Sales of hard rock recordings in the US grew by 8% in the fourth quarter of2014 at a time when the overall market declined by 3.5%. Since launching in 2008 BMG has grown to become the world’s fourth largest music publisher and has followed this resilient trend in the genre with its recent purchases. Last year BMG picked up two key alt-rock labels: the UK-based Infectious and the US-based Vagrant Records, as well as UK catalogue specialist Union Square Music.

BMG also owns the recording catalogues of heavy music acts including Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Megadeth, Uriah Heep, Bring Me The Horizon and Helloween.

Laurent Hubert, President Creative & Marketing at BMG Chrysalis US, said, “Rise Records is more than a record label. It is a cultural phenomenon which has harnessed digital media to create a genuine community. We are delighted to partner with Craig and his team to give Rise’s artists access to BMG’s world-class admin services and international network.”

In September last year, local independent label UNFD entered a partnership with Rise Records to see its Australian artists released through Rise in America. TMN understands UNFD and Rise’s current agreement remains unchanged.