Warner Music Group has acquired prominent Russian indie label Zhara Music, co-founded by artists and businessmen EMIN and Bahh Tee.
As a result of the deal, the label, which was founded less than three years ago, will be rebranded to continue its operations as Atlantic Records Russia, plugging into Warner Music’s global network.
Atlantic Records Russia will be headed by Bahh Tee as General Producer, and he will maintain a dedicated team of A&R and marketing specialists in a standalone office, separate to Warner Music Russia.
Alexander Blinov, General Director of Warner Music Russia, will provide strategic leadership for Atlantic Records Russia.
Back office functions, such as legal and financial support, catalog registration and content distribution, will now be performed by the Warner Music Russia team.
Zhara co-founder EMIN will now focus on his own business projects and will remain one of Atlantic Records Russia’s artists.
The label’s roster includes acts such as HammAli & Navai; Зомб; Morgenshtern; Slava Marlow; Rauf & Faik; Jony, Elman, Andro, Gafur (RAAVA Music); ЛСП; Idris & Leos; and DAVA.
These artists, already popular in markets such as China and the Middle East, will now be represented worldwide under the Atlantic Records banner.
This year Atlantic Records Russia will release the last album from HammAli & Navai, new albums by EMIN, Jony, Idris & Leos, LSP, Morgenshtern, Rauf & Faik and Slava Marlow, as well as a special collection dedicated to the launch of Atlantic Records Russia.
Atlantic Records was founded in 1947 by Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson and has been home to renowned artists including Aretha Franklin, Bruno Mars, Cher, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Genesis, Led Zeppelin, Lizzo, Ray Charles, The Rolling Stones and Wiz Khalifa.
“Becoming part of the Warner Music family will help take our support for our artists to the next level both here and internationally.”
Bahh Tee
Bahh Tee said: “EMIN and I have been on an incredible journey since we founded Zhara less than three years ago.
“We knew fans loved our music and were hungry for new discoveries, but even we were surprised by how quickly things took off!
“Becoming part of the Warner Music family will help take our support for our artists to the next level both here and internationally. It’s a landmark day for me and my colleagues – we’ve really come of age.”
“EMIN and Bahh Tee have poured their hearts and souls into building a label.”
Alexander Blinov
Alexander Blinov adds: “EMIN and Bahh Tee have poured their hearts and souls into building a label.
“They’re talented artists, sincere fans and successful business people, and that’s shone through in the incredible roster they’ve built.
“I’m delighted that Bahh Tee has agreed to launch Atlantic Records in Russia – connecting the world renowned brand to a whole new generation of artists from across Russia and beyond. It’s going to be a wild ride!”
