After 25 years of success working with legendary acts, Universal Music Group’s Astralwerks dance label gets a serious makeover. Since 1993, it’s won the hearts of electronic music fans with releases from Kraftwerk, The Chemical Brothers, deadmau5, Fatboy Slim, Porter Robinson and more. In 2018, it welcomes a new roster of talent and a fresh staff in an aim to refocus on its roots as an influential arm of the dance music community.
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Toward this goal, Astralwerks General Manager Toby Andrews signed future-bass melody man Illenium and iconic Swedish duo Axwell & Ingrosso. The duo released its single “Dancing Alone,” featuring RØMANS, via the label in June of this year. The single peaked at No. 27 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. Astralwerks built on that momentum with Marshmello‘s recent Bastille collaboration “Happier,” currently perched at No. 46 on the Hot 100.
Andrews credits the Marshmello singles’ success on his international approach. Astralwerks handles worldwide communications and promotions personally from its headquarters in Los Angeles, which distills the message and eliminates room for error. His experience as General Manager of International Marketing for Sony Music International primed him for this opportunity.
Behind the scenes, Astralwerks welcomes a host of new employees, representing the dance music industry across genres and area of expertise, each with a decorated resume. Luke Armitage, Nick Sung and Catherine Corkery join the marketing department, having worked on campaigns for artists as varied as, among others, Jax Jones and Tiesto, GTA and REZZ, Whethan and Rudimental respectively. Nicole Lee, with experience running campaigns for The Chainsmokers and Diplo, will help lead strategy.
Jeremy Vuernick, Senior Vice President of A&R at Capitol Music Group, was brought on to head the A&R department of Astralwerks. He continues to work with CMG’s Ryan Murphy, as well as Natalie Dodge, formerly of Big Beat, and Sergio Vega, from William Morris Endeavor. Joe Mortimer (Kygo, Snakehips) is named Creative Director, with Jin Ju Lee (TMWRK) as administrative assistant to Astralwerks.
The label celebrates the relaunch with a move to Los Angeles’ famed Capitol Tower, a new logo and more. Before 2018 lets out, Astralwerks will open its first brick and mortar record store, giving new merch lines a home. It’s all in the hope of digging deep into the DJ world underground while maintaining a strong hold on the mainstream ear.
Look for more from the new Astralwerks vision soon.