The hub, situated in the historic 19th-century Schicklerhaus building, was “designed to meet the needs of WMG’s artists, songwriters, employees and partners,” the company said in a press release on Friday (September 15).
Equipped with an interior performance area, four rooftop terraces, and collaboration rooms featuring technology such as Dolby Atmos immersive sound, the space was designed and built by architectural firm Graef.
The opening ceremony for the hub on Thursday (September 14) drew over 700 guests including artists, songwriters, and Warner Music Group executives led by CEO Robert Kyncl, as well as figures from the fields of music, entertainment, and politics.
Among the artists and songwriters that attended the opening included Katja Krasavice, Bennett, Marten Lou, Marian Gold of Alphaville, 01099, Wave Wave, Peter Schilling, Marius Müller-Westernhagen, David Orlowsky, noonoouri, Prinz Pi, and Karo Schrader.
“Berlin has a rich musical history and cultural scene, and we look forward to working more closely with artists and partners in the region.”
Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes, Warner Music Central Europe
The event also welcomed Deputy Mayor of Berlin and Senator for Economics, Energy, and Business Franziska Giffey; State Secretary Michael Biel; Christian Ehler MEP; and Dr. Florian Drücke, Chairman of the German Music Industry Association (BVMI).
WMG said Warner Music Central Europe and Warner Chappell Music Germany achieved significant milestones this year, with the single Komet by Udo Lindenberg and Apache 207 maintaining a record-breaking 21-week run at No. 1 on the official German Singles Charts.
Ayliva, a Warner Chappell Music songwriter distributed by ADA/WM Central Europe, emerged as the top artist on Spotify Germany in August 2023.
WMG added that Warner Chappell Music Germany claims to be the top domestic publisher in Germany, with six positions in Germany’s Top 10 singles chart for the first half of 2023.
WMG says that the new Berlin office and creative space demonstrates Warner Music Central Europe and Warner Chappell Music Germany’s “commitment to discovering and supporting local artists, songwriters and other creative professionals in Germany.
The Berlin team will collaborate closely with colleagues in WMG’s 70-plus global locations to facilitate international exposure for local artists and songwriters.
Credit: Warner/press
“This beautifully restored building, at the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant cities, is a symbol of Warner Music Group’s commitment to super-serve our artists and songwriters.”
Robert Kyncl, Warner Music Group
Robert Kyncl, CEO, Warner Music Group, said: “This beautifully restored building, at the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant cities, is a symbol of Warner Music Group’s commitment to super-serve our artists and songwriters.
“Along with our revitalized offices in Hamburg, these facilities will help our teams in Germany to keep developing our collaborative, innovative approach to music.”
Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes, Co-Presidents Warner Music Central Europe, added: “Today we are writing a new chapter for Warner Music in Central Europe. Berlin has a rich musical history and cultural scene, and we look forward to working more closely with artists and partners in the region.”
They added: “We see this new space, alongside our revitalized Hamburg headquarters, as sign of our commitment to local players in the creative and cultural scene, and to the importance of Berlin as a European metropolis and a location for the music industry. Here in this historic building, in partnership with our colleagues in Warner Chappell Music, we’ve developed a creative and inspiring place with a unique view over Berlin. This history connects us and creativity drives us. It’s time for new impulses and synergies.”
German hip-hop star Capital Bra signed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music in Germany in 2020.
Most recently, WMG said Warner Music Central Europe now holds a 45% market share of the Official GfK Albums Charts, with nine albums in the Top 20 and three singles in the Top 10.
“We’re excited to be expanding our presence in Berlin and sharing a collaborative space with our Recorded Music colleagues.Our songwriters from around the world are drawn to Berlin as vibrant, exciting city at the crossroads of Europe whose atmosphere fuels their creativity,” said Lars Karlsson, Managing Director, Warner Chappell Music Germany, Switzerland and Austria, and Scandinavia, and Natascha Augustin, VP, Warner Chappell Music Germany.
“We’ve long been committed to supporting local songwriters of all genres, playing our part in the city’s cultural renaissance. This move into the redeveloped Schicklerhaus in the heart of Berlin is a natural next step for us.”
Lars Karlsson and Natascha Augustin, Warner Chappell Music German
Augustin was promoted to VP in December 2021 after previously holding the role of Senior Creative Director.
“Now we have a world-class hub where we can host them when they’re in town.And we’ve long been committed to supporting local songwriters of all genres, playing our part in the city’s cultural renaissance.This move into the redeveloped Schicklerhaus in the heart of Berlin is a natural next step for us,” Karlsson and Augustin added.
Franziska Giffey, Mayor of Berlin and Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Labor welcomed WMG to Berlin, saying: “Berlin is the city of talent with creative energy, the will to innovate and creative power, making it just the right place for Warner Music Group. In short, this is where the music plays.”
“Because the music industry is of increasing importance for Berlin. In 2022 alone, the number of employees in this industry increased by 700 to around 6,800 compared to the previous year. Now 350 more are being added. With Warner Music Group, we now have another internationally active music label in the city that will be a magnet for artists from all over the world,” Giffey said.
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