Key Takeaways
- Reservoir Media has acquired independent label Nacional Records and its publishing assets.
- The deal includes a joint venture to sign and develop recording artists and songwriters.
- Nacional Records is known for representing influential Latin alternative and indie artists.
Reservoir Media, an independent music company based in New York City with offices across the globe, has announced its acquisition of Nacional Records and Canciones Nacionales, a sister publishing company. The deal was exclusively reported by Billboard on July 16.
According to Reservoir president and COO Rell Lafargue, 'Over the last two decades, Nacional has cemented itself as one of the most influential independent music companies in the Latin market, with an incredible catalog and exceptional talent.' This acquisition is seen as a significant step towards expanding Reservoir's presence in Latin music.
Tomas Cookman, founder of Nacional Records, expressed his excitement about the partnership. 'I have long been a fan of what Golnar [Khosrowshahi] and Rell have built at Reservoir,' he said. 'We initially met a few years ago and developed a mutual respect for each other’s work — until it became obvious that we should now build together.'
Founded in Los Angeles in 2005, Nacional Records has been instrumental in promoting Latin alternative and independent music. Its roster includes notable artists such as Ana Tijoux, Nortec Collective, Bomba Estéreo, Tom Tom Club, El Mató a un Policía Motorizado, Aterciopelados, DJ Bitman, YADAM, La Vida Bohème, Jungle Fire, Cheo, Manu Chao, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Jarabe de Palo, and Los Amigos Invisibles.
The label has achieved significant recognition, earning its first Latin Grammy for best alternative album in 2007 with Aterciopelados' Oye. Nacional Records boasts more than 100 Grammy and Latin Grammy wins and nominations across its catalog, making it a key player in the Latin music industry.
Beyond its record label, Nacional is also associated with the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC), founded by Cookman, which serves as one of the premier networking and showcase events for Latin music. This partnership will allow Reservoir to leverage Nacional's extensive network and resources to support emerging artists and songwriters.
The acquisition includes a joint venture that will enable both companies to sign and develop new talent. 'It strengthens both our recorded music and publishing businesses while positioning us to invest in the next generation of Latin artists and songwriters,' said Lafargue, emphasizing Reservoir's commitment to fostering future talent in the Latin market.
Reservoir Media is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker RSVR and represents copyrights and master recordings dating back as far as 1900. With this acquisition, it aims to further establish its dominance in the independent music sector.
'Over the last two decades, Nacional has cemented itself as one of the most influential independent music companies in the Latin market, with an incredible catalog and exceptional talent.'
Rell Lafargue, Reservoir president and COO
'I have long been a fan of what Golnar [Khosrowshahi] and Rell have built at Reservoir. We initially met a few years ago and developed a mutual respect for each other’s work — until it became obvious that we should now build together.'
Tomas Cookman, Founder of Nacional Records
