Sony BMG Germany has bought a 50% stake in Four Music Productions, the Berlin-based label owned by German hip hop group Fantastische Vier.
The contracts are to be formally signed in the next few days, says Sony BMG in a statement. Neither party disclosed the sum to be paid.
Rolf Gilbert, managing director of Sony BMG Music Entertainment Germany, describes Four Music Productions as “one of the most successful labels in Germany in recent years.” He adds, “We are convinced that this creative cell’s potential has by no means been tested to the limit.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Sony BMG will inject capital into the label. Four Music’s distribution contract with Universal Music will continue for a further year.
Fitz Braum’s role as managing director of Four Music has been extended to a long-term position. He takes sole responsibility for the creative concerns of the label. Braum says Four Music continues to see itself as an independent company focusing on the development of new artists not necessarily in the main stream.
The label’s artists include Freundeskreis, Max Herre and Gentleman. Fantastische Vier’s recordings are not featured on the label’s catalog.
