Because Music

Because Music is a French-British independent label founded in November 2004 in London and Paris by Emmanuel de Buretel. The label achieved immediate international recognition with the release of Amadou & Mariam's Dimanche à Bamako, co-produced with Manu Chao. It expanded its roster with established artists including Rita Mitsouko, Manu Chao, and Camille, alongside breakthrough signings such as Charlotte Gainsbourg. In 2017, Because Music acquired part of the Parlophone catalog (including Mano Negra, Rita Mitsouko, JJ Cale, Les Négresses Vertes, and Beta Band) and the London Records catalog (home to Bronski Beat, Happy Mondays, Fine Young Cannibals, and Bananarama).

Entering 2026, Because Music continues its momentum with breakthrough releases from Rnboi, Sébastien Tellier, and the success of "What You Want" by Angèle & Justice. Pedro Winter, the founder of Ed Banger Records, is joining Because Music France in June 2026 as Global Head of Creation and Co-Managing Director. London Records now operates as a standalone label within the Because Group with new signings including Alewya, Joalin, Shadow Child, and a new Goldie project. Because Music operates as an integrated independent music company, combining artist development, catalogue strategy, and global direct-to-platform distribution across recorded music and rights management.

How Because Music Operates

Because Music runs dedicated A&R from its Paris and London offices. It operates direct-to-platform distribution globally, giving it independence from major distribution networks. The label's strength is French and European pop, electronic, and world music with international crossover potential. The 2026 addition of Pedro Winter (Ed Banger founder) as Global Head of Creation strengthens its electronic music expertise.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

If you make French or European pop, electronic, or world music with international potential, Because Music is one of the most successful independent labels in that space. Its track record with Amadou & Mariam, Manu Chao, and Angèle shows it can break European artists globally. Its direct-to-platform distribution model gives it independence from major distribution networks.

Drawbacks and Things to Consider

• European focus: Because Music's primary signing activity is in France and the UK. US-based artists may find it less relevant.
• No unsolicited demos: Because Music does not accept cold submissions.
• Niche roster: The label signs a curated roster of European artists with distinct identities.
• Direct-to-platform model: While independent, this means the label handles its own distribution infrastructure rather than leveraging a major network.

Notable Artists and Releases

Because Music has built its roster around French and European artists with international crossover potential. Below are 10 releases with chart data:

Video Highlights

Deal Structures

Because Music operates as an integrated independent music company with these deal types:

1. Traditional recording deals: Because Music owns the masters and provides artist development, marketing, and global distribution. This is the standard deal for flagship artists like Justice and Angèle.
2. Direct-to-platform distribution: Because Music operates its own integrated distribution infrastructure rather than using a major distributor. This gives the label full control over release timing and platform relationships.
3. Catalog licensing and acquisition: Because Music has acquired significant catalogs, including part of the Parlophone catalog (Mano Negra, Rita Mitsouko, JJ Cale) and the London Records catalog. These acquisitions provide ongoing revenue.
4. Label services for sub-labels: London Records operates as a standalone label within the Because Group. The 2026 addition of Pedro Winter (Ed Banger founder) as Global Head of Creation brings Ed Banger's electronic expertise into the group.
5. Publishing and rights management: Because Music combines recorded music and rights management, offering publishing deals alongside recording contracts.

How Artists Get Signed

Because Music does not accept unsolicited demos. The signing process follows these steps:

1. A&R scouting in France and the UK: Because Music's A&R team operates from Paris and London offices, monitoring French and European streaming data, radio, and live circuits. The label prioritizes artists with international crossover potential.
2. Referrals through European music industry: Managers, agents, and festival bookers refer artists to Because Music. The European independent music network is the primary source of signings.
3. Existing artist collaborations: Because Music signs artists through collaborations with its existing roster. Angèle's collaboration with Justice on "What You Want" led to a deeper partnership.
4. Pedro Winter's creative direction: Starting June 2026, Pedro Winter (Ed Banger founder) joins as Global Head of Creation and Co-Managing Director. His network in the French electronic music scene brings new signing opportunities.
5. London Records sub-label signings: London Records operates as a standalone label within the Because Group, signing artists separately from the main Because Music roster. Recent London Records signings include Alewya, Joalin, and Shadow Child.

Similar Labels

• Ninja Tune - UK independent electronic label
• Ed Banger Records - French electronic label, now partnered with Because
• Warp Records - UK independent electronic label
• Domino Recording Company - UK independent label group
• XL Recordings - UK independent label with international roster
• Transgressive Records - UK independent label
• Parlophone Records - Label whose catalog Because partially acquired

Related Resources

• Record Label Contracts Explained - What a Because Music deal contains
• Independent Labels vs Major Labels - The European independent model
• How to Get a Record Deal in 2026 - Building an international profile
• Ninja Tune - A related European independent label
• Because Music Official Site - Roster and releases