WM Italy and WCM Italy Strike Deal With Leading Italo Disco company
L-R in the photo: Renato Tanchis, Raffaele Razzini, Pico Cibelli, Roberto Zanetti, Francesco Bontempi, Santiago Menendez Pidal, Luca Gentili, and Filippo Pardini
Warner Music Italy and Warner Chappell Music Italy have struck a deal to acquire the extensive catalogue of DWA Records, one of the leading independent Italo Disco labels, which was co-founded in 1989 by singer-songwriter and producers Roberto Zanetti and Francesco Bontempi. The deal will also cover the catalogue of Extravaganza, DWA’s music publishing business.
The DWA and Extravaganza catalogue includes more than 250 masters, including such iconic tracks as “The Rhythm of the Night”, performed by Corona and written by Bontempi; “Happy” and “Uh La La” performed by Alexia; and “Baila”, performed by Zucchero and written by Zanetti.
Italo Disco originated in Italy in the late 1970s and exploded in popularity during the 1980s. Drawing on elements of hi-NRG and Euro disco, it was marked by the use of electronic drums and synthesizers, with lyrics often being sung in English. While it faded as a distinct genre in the late 1990s, its influence can still be felt in Eurobeat, Italo dance and Italo house music.
Zanetti, known by his stage name Savage and his producer alias Robyx, burst onto the music scene in the 1970s as part of groups including Santarosa and Taxi. His 1983 hit “Don’t Cry Tonight” propelled his solo career, becoming an international hit, and subsequent smashes included “A Love Again”, “Goodbye”, “I Just Died In Your Arms”, “I’m Losing You”, “Only You”, and “Radio”. After 1990, he stepped up his producing career, recording with the likes of Alexia, Corona, Double You, Ice MC, and Zuchero, but in more recent years he has returned to also recording and performing live.
Francesco Bontempi, also known by his stage name Lee Marrow, began his music career in the 1970s as a drummer, before going on to be a DJ in Italian clubs, then signing a record deal in the 1980s and having hits including “Do You Want Me”, “Pain”, “Shanghai”, and “To Go Crazy”.
Pico Cibelli, President, Warner Music Italy and Santiago Menéndez-Pidal, President, Southern Europe, Warner Chappell Music, say: “Italo Disco is the lifeblood of the Italian music scene and DWA has been at the heart of the scene for more than three decades. We’re so pleased that Roberto and Francesco have placed their faith in us as the custodians of their catalogue and look forward to repaying their trust in the years ahead. We’d like to thank our CFOs, Raffaelle Razzini and Luca Gentili, for their support and hard work in getting this deal over the line.”
Simon Robson, President, EMEA, Recorded Music, WMG, comments: “Italo Disco is a genre that’s always crossed borders and DWA’s catalogue contains some of its biggest hits. Our people around the world are already collaborating on exciting plans to promote this fantastic repertoire in new and innovative ways.”
Kevin Gore, President, Global Catalogue, Recorded Music, adds: “We’re committed to expanding our catalogue through strategic acquisitions and are always looking at opportunities outside of Anglo markets. We’re proud to be managing DWA’s catalogue and will leverage our teams around the world to create new connections for the artists and their music to be discovered and continue to be loved.”
Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall, Co-Chairs of Warner Chappell Music, conclude: “We’ve made a significant investment for an amazing catalogue. Our global team is now committed to leveraging opportunities to take this incredible songbook to new heights and helping ensure a new generation of fans worldwide get to connect to this life-affirming music.”
