Liberator Music

Last updated

Liberator Music
Parent company Mushroom Group
Founded2006 (2006)
FounderNick Dunshea
Michael Gudinski
Defunct2024 (2024)
Distributor(s) Universal Music Australia
GenreVarious
Country of origin Australia
Location Melbourne, Australia
Official website liberatormusic.com.au

Liberator Music was a record label owned by the Mushroom Group. It was founded in 2006 by Nick Dunshea and Michael Gudinski in Melbourne. [1] The label was the international recording division of the company [2] and is home to artists such as Childish Gambino, CHVRCHES, alt-J, Andy Grammer, FIDLAR, Steve Aoki, Garbage, AJR, We The Kings, Wolf Alice, Kylie Minogue, Gengahr, Faith No More, Day Wave, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Fontaines D.C., and IDLES.

Contents

Liberator Music was merged into Mushroom Music in 2024.

History

Liberator Music was founded in March 2006 by ex-Shock Records employee, Nick Dunshea, and Mushroom Group founder & chairman, Michael Gudinski as the international recording division of the Mushroom Group. [1]

Liberator Music went on to set up joint ventures and distribution deals with international labels such as [PIAS], Glassnote Records, [3] Infectious Music, [3] S-Curve, [3] Norman Cook's Southern Fried Records, [3] Partisan Records, [4] as well as direct artist signings (for Australia & New Zealand) such as CHVRCHES, [5] [6] Garbage, [7] [8] Dizzee Rascal, [9] Kaiser Chiefs [10] and Childish Gambino [11]

As part of a restructure of the Mushroom Group in July 2024, Liberator Music and other labels were consolidated into a new division called Mushroom Music. [12]

[PIAS] joint venture

In 2007, the company entered into a 50/50 joint venture deal with European record company, [PIAS]. [13] In early 2013, [PIAS] acquired Cooperative Music (and the Coop-owned V2 Records label) from Universal Music Group, forming the new business division [PIAS] Cooperative [14] thus giving Liberator Music the exclusive rights to the catalogue in Australia & New Zealand. After almost 10 years, [PIAS] and Liberator Music's partnership came to an end on 23 January 2017 when [PIAS] acquired Australian record label, Inertia Music. [15]

The return of Garbage to Mushroom

Garbage had originally signed to Gudinski's Mushroom Records for the release of their debut single, "Vow" in 1995, and subsequent albums. [16] In 2003, Mushroom Records was sold to Warner Music and absorbed by the label East West, which was headed up by former Mushroom Records executive, Korda Marshall. [17] With the sale, Warner Music also gained the rights to Garbage's catalogue. [18] On 18 November 2011, after an "indefinite hiatus", [19] the band tweeted that they had "Just signed in Australia with Liberator Music. Our career started in Oz. Twenty years on we are still loving Michael Gudinski." [20] With this deal, Liberator Music took control of the band's catalogue, as well as future recordings. The first album of new material released via Liberator Music was Not Your Kind Of People .

Childish Gambino

On 15 November 2011, Liberator Music released Childish Gambino's debut album Camp . [21] This was the start of a long-standing and successful collaboration between Liberator Music and Childish Gambino. Childish Gambino released his second album, because the internet on 10 December 2013, once again via Liberator Music in Australia/New Zealand. [21] On 2 October, he released a mixtape titled STN MTN and the following day an EP titled Kauai . [22] 2 December 2016 saw the release of "Awaken, My Love!" . [23] [22]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mushroom Records</span> Australian record label

Mushroom Records was an Australian flagship record label, founded in 1972 in Melbourne. It published and distributed many successful Australian artists and expanded internationally, until it was merged with Festival Records in 1998. Festival Mushroom Records was later acquired by Warner Bros. Records, which operated the label from 2005 to 2010 until it folded to Warner. Founder Michael Gudinski went on to become the leader of the Mushroom Group, the largest independent music and entertainment company in Australia, with divisions such as Frontier Touring.

<i>Beautiful Garbage</i> 2001 studio album by Garbage

Beautiful Garbage is the third studio album by American rock band Garbage. It was released on October 1, 2001, by Mushroom Records worldwide, with the North American release by Interscope Records the following day. Marking a departure from the sound the band had established on their first two releases, the album was written and recorded over the course of a year, when lead singer Shirley Manson chronicled their efforts weekly online, becoming one of the first high-profile musicians to keep an Internet blog. The album expanded on the band's musical variety, with stronger melodies, more direct lyrics, and sounds mixing rock with electronica, new wave, hip hop, and girl groups.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Association of Independent Music</span> British non-profit trade body

The Association of Independent Music (AIM) is a non-profit trade body established in 1999 by UK independent record labels to represent the independent record sector, which in 2016 constituted approximately 23% of the UK market. Its members include record labels, self-releasing artists and distributors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Gudinski</span> Australian music industry executive (1952–2021)

Michael Solomon Gudinski AM was an Australian record executive and promoter who was a leading figure in the Australian music industry. Born and raised in Melbourne, Gudinski formed the highly successful Australian record company Mushroom Records in 1972 through which he signed several generations of Australian musicians and performers ranging from MacKenzie Theory, Skyhooks, The Choirboys, Kylie Minogue, and New Zealand's Split Enz to newer artists such as Eskimo Joe, Evermore and others.

A&E Records is a United Kingdom-based record label.

Infectious Music is an independent record label owned by BMG, whose bands have included Alt-J, Ash and the Subways.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ivy League Records</span> Australian record label

Ivy League Records was an Australian record label based in Sydney. It was founded in 1997 by Pete Lusty, Andy Cassell and Andy Kelly. In 2024, the label was merged into Mushroom Music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Donald Glover</span> American actor, comedian, musician, and filmmaker (born 1983)

Donald McKinley Glover Jr., also known by his musical name Childish Gambino, is an American actor, comedian, singer, rapper, and filmmaker. While he studied at New York University and after working in Derrick Comedy, a comedy group, Glover was hired by Tina Fey to write for the NBC sitcom 30 Rock at age 23. He gained fame for portraying college student Troy Barnes on the NBC sitcom Community from 2009 to 2014. From 2016 to 2022, he starred in the FX series Atlanta, which he created and occasionally directed. For his work on Atlanta, he won various accolades including two Primetime Emmy Awards, as well as two Golden Globe Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liberation Music</span> Australian record label

Liberation Records, formerly Liberation Music, was an Australian record company and label, started in 1999 by Michael Gudinski and Warren Costello, based in Melbourne. Its stated business aim is to "find, nurture and then to develop new talent for a world market while remaining independent in the process".

Glassnote Records is a record label that was launched by American music executive Daniel Glass in 2007. With a lineup of primarily indie rock and alternative rock artists, the New York-based independent label has an enviable roster, including Grammy Award winning acts Phoenix, Mumford & Sons, Childish Gambino and Silvana Estrada, and standouts AURORA, Chvrches, Grouplove, Tors, bby, Jade Bird, Patrick Martin, Talia Rae, Gracey, Two Door Cinema Club. The label is distributed by The Orchard as of 2022. and partnered with How Good for Australian representation in 2024. Glassnote also has a strong Australian connection, having released recordings from the likes of Flight Facilities, The Teskey Brothers and The Temper Trap.

<i>Camp</i> (album) 2011 studio album by Childish Gambino

Camp is the debut studio album by American rapper Donald Glover, under his stage name Childish Gambino. It was released on November 15, 2011, by Glassnote Records. After releasing four mixtapes and three independent albums, Gambino signed a deal to Glassnote, making Camp his first album on a major record label. The album was co-produced in its entirety by Gambino's longtime collaborator Ludwig Göransson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Childish Gambino discography</span>

The discography of American hip hop recording artist and actor Childish Gambino comprises five studio albums, fourteen mixtapes, and four EPs. After releasing his first five mixtapes and EP independently, he signed to Glassnote Records and released Camp (2011), his first album on a major record label.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mushroom Group</span> Australian music and entertainment company

Mushroom Group is the largest independent music and entertainment company in Australia. It comprises more than two dozen companies. It has offices in Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland with over 200 employees.

<i>"Awaken, My Love!"</i> 2016 studio album by Childish Gambino

"Awaken, My Love!" is the third studio album by the American actor and singer Donald Glover, under his stage name Childish Gambino. It was released by Glassnote Records on December 2, 2016. Consisting of tracks being sung rather than rapped, its fusion of psychedelic soul, funk and R&B influences was considered a bold departure from the predominantly hip hop style of his prior work. The album was produced by Glover and his longtime collaborator, Ludwig Göransson.

"Me and Your Mama" is a single by American singer Donald Glover, under his stage name Childish Gambino. It was released on November 10, 2016 worldwide, and is the first single from his third studio album "Awaken, My Love!"

"Redbone" is a song recorded by American singer Childish Gambino, the stage name of Donald Glover. It was released on November 17, 2016, and serves as the second single from his third studio album "Awaken, My Love!" The song received three Grammy Award nominations including Record of the Year at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, eventually winning the award for Best Traditional R&B Performance. In 2021, it was ranked No. 383 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

<i>Summer Pack</i> 2018 EP by Childish Gambino

Summer Pack is the third extended play by American actor and musician Donald Glover, under his stage name Childish Gambino. It was released by Wolf+Rothstein, Liberator Music and RCA Records on July 11, 2018. It contains only two songs, "Summertime Magic" and "Feels Like Summer". The EP was produced by Glover and his longtime collaborator, Ludwig Göransson. It was revealed to the public via social media shortly after its release in a surprise manner.

The This Is America Tour was the fifth concert tour by American recording artist Childish Gambino. The tour began in the summer of 2018, playing over 30 shows in North America and Europe.

<i>3.15.20</i> 2020 studio album by Childish Gambino

3.15.20 is the fourth studio album by the American actor and rapper Donald Glover, under his stage name Childish Gambino. It was initially uploaded to the website donaldgloverpresents.com on March 15, 2020, before being taken down 12 hours later. After a countdown, it was released to streaming and download services under the title 3.15.20 on March 22. It is therefore interchangeably referred to as both 3.15.20 and Donald Glover Presents.

<i>Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story</i> 2023 Australian film

Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story is a 2023 Australian documentary film focusing on the life and career of Michael Gudinski, the founder of Mushroom Records.

References

  1. 1 2 Eliezer, Christie (8 March 2006). "Gudinski Sets Up Liberator To Tap Global Acts". Billboard. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
  2. ↑ "Liberator". Mushroom Group. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Licensing Copyright Owners" (PDF). ARIA. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  4. ↑ "Liberator Music announces partnership with Partisan Records", The Music Network (24 June 2020). Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  5. ↑ Newstead, Al (1 June 2018). "Love Is Dead: Chvrches are a cathartic pop beacon in confusing times". triple j. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  6. ↑ "2018, English, Sound, Recorded music edition: Love is dead / Chvrches". National Library Of Australia. 2018. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  7. ↑ "Garbage to self-release comeback album on new label". Digital Spy. 23 January 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  8. ↑ "Garbage Unveil Track List, Artwork & Release Details For Sixth Studio Album". The Music. 11 March 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  9. ↑ "Frontier Touring, The Bump, Take 40, Channel [V], Scene, Music Feeds & Spotify Present DIZZEE RASCAL Headlining Tour & Album Announcement!". Oztix. 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  10. ↑ Langlands, Alex (27 March 2012). "Kaiser Chiefs Releasing Greatest Hits Compilation". Music Feeds. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  11. ↑ Brandle, Lars (22 May 2018). "Childish Gambino Earns First No. 1 on Australia's Singles Chart With 'This Is America'". Billboard. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  12. ↑ Brandle, Lars (25 July 2024). "Chris Maund, Linda Bosidis Talk Mushroom Music (EXCLUSIVE)". The Music Network. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  13. ↑ Eliezer, Christie (21 April 2007). "PIAS Sets Up Down Under". Billboard. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
  14. ↑ "PIAS buyout of Co-Op cleared by EC regulators", Music Week (25 March 2013). Retrieved 23 August 2019.
  15. ↑ Ingham, Tim (23 January 2017). "[PIAS] ACQUIRES INERTIA MUSIC IN AUSTRALIA". Billboard. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
  16. ↑ White, Adam (14 September 1996). "With Murdoch's Stake, A Changing Mushroom Grows". Billboard. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  17. ↑ "Marshall builds for future as East West absorbs Mushroom". Music Week. 19 May 2003. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  18. ↑ "Warner acquires Mushroom Records UK". Garbage Disco. 15 June 2003. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  19. ↑ "Dear worried and confused". Garbage.com. Archived from the original on 10 February 2008. Retrieved 24 February 2008.
  20. ↑ "Garbage sign record deal down under". Garbage Disco. 18 November 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  21. 1 2 "Niche & Live Nation present Childish Gambino's only Australian headline show". All Aussie Hip Hop. 11 May 2014. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  22. 1 2 "CHILDISH GAMBINO Reveals 'Redbone' 2nd Song From "Awaken, My Love!"". Scenezine. 21 November 2016. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  23. ↑ Strauss, Matthew (10 November 2016). "Donald Glover Details New Childish Gambino Album "Awaken, My Love!"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.