- Designed to meet the needs of WMG’s artists, songwriters, employees and partners;
- Project included the restoration of one of the capital’s iconic buildings, the Schicklerhaus in Berlin-Mitte;
- Official opening ceremony on September 14th with more than 500 invited guests from the worlds of music, politics and business;
- Currently Warner Music Central Europe has 45% share of Albums Chart and Warner Chappell Music Germany is No.1 domestic publisher;
- WM Central Europe headquarters will remain in Hamburg.
Warner Music Group (WMG), encompassing both Warner Music Central Europe and Warner Chappell Music Germany, proudly announces the opening of its new creative hub in Berlin, which will serve its employees, as well as domestic and international artists, songwriters, and producers.
The hub is in the top floor of the Schicklerhaus, a historic gem built in the late 19th century and nestled in the vibrant heart of Berlin. It serves as a reminder of the legacy of Albert Einstein and the other luminaries who found inspiration within its walls, as well as Berlin’s enduring role in global innovation and enlightenment.
It is equipped with an interior performance space, four rooftop terraces, and collaboration rooms featuring the latest technology, including Dolby Atmos® immersive sound.
The design and build-out was conducted by architectural firm Graef, creating a dynamic and inspiring environment. The interior design concept, called “The Wave”, is all about bringing music to life. It connects the interior and exterior, incorporating wave-like elements in the structure, floor coverings, and special features such as the soundstage and the bar area.
The opening event
The grand opening was attended by over 700 guests, including artists, songwriters, the Warner Music Group team – led by CEO Robert Kyncl – and those from the wider worlds of music, entertainment and politics.
Artists and songwriters attending included Katja Krasavice, Bennett, Marten Lou, Marian Gold (Alphaville), 01099, Wave Wave, Peter Schilling, Marius Müller-Westernhagen, David Orlowsky, noonoouri, Prinz Pi, and Karo Schrader.
WMG was also delighted to welcome 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). The respected journalist Aminata Belli moderated the evening.
This year, Warner Music Central Europe and Warner Chappell Music Germany broke records with the single ‘Komet’ by Udo Lindenberg and Apache 207 spending an impressive 21 weeks at No. 1 in the official German Singles Charts.
Female singer-songwriter Ayliva, a Warner Chappell Music songwriter distributed by ADA/WM Central Europe, became the biggest artist on Spotify Germany in August 2023.
Warner Music Central Europe currently holds a 45% market share in the Official GfK Albums Charts, with nine albums in the Top 20 and three singles in the Top 10. Last week, Katja Krasavice’s album Ein Herz für Bitches topped the albums chart, while WM Central Europe also claimed three of the Top 5 and five of the Top 10 albums.
Warner Chappell Music Germany currently ranks as the number one domestic publisher in Germany. In the first half of 2023, Warner Chappell Music occupied a total of six positions in Germany‘s Top 10 singles chart, as compiled by GfK Entertainment.
With the opening of this office, Warner Music Central Europe and Warner Chappell Music not only reaffirm their commitment to discovering and supporting local artists, songwriters and other creative professionals in Germany, but also the importance of Berlin as a business location, cultural capital, and one of the Europe’s most vibrant cultural, creative and technological capitals. Warner Music Central Europe’s headquarters will remain in Hamburg, where they have been for more than 50 years.
The Berlin team will also work closely with colleagues in WMG’s 70+ locations worldwide to build global bridges for its local artists and songwriters.
Robert Kyncl, CEO, Warner Music Group, says: “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 revitalised 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, commented: “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. We see this new space, alongside our revitalised 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.”
Lars Karlsson, Managing Director, Warner Chappell Music Germany, Switzerland and Austria, and Scandinavia, and Natascha Augustin, VP, Warner Chappell Music Germany, add: “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. 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.”
Mayor of Berlin and Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Labor, Franziska Giffey comments:
“Welcome to the capital! 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.”
