News & Press
604 Records Sign Exclusive Distribution Deal With Warner Music Canada
May 26, 2022 – 604 RECORDS has entered into an exclusive Canadian distribution deal with WARNER MUSIC CANADA. The announcement was made today by 604 President JONATHAN SIMKIN. Founded by SIMKIN and Nickelback’s CHAD KROEGER in 2001, with its first release in 2002, 604 Records brings its storied roster of artists to this new deal, which include CARLY RAE JEPSEN, MARIANAS TRENCH, COLEMAN HELL, and JOJO MASON amongst many others.
KRISTEN BURKE, President of WARNER MUSIC CANADA says “Jonathan is one of the strongest artist advocates I’ve ever met, and he has such an incredible history of finding and developing talented new artists. I’m honoured that he has chosen WARNER MUSIC CANADA as his exclusive Canadian distribution partner and look forward to working with his team to further elevate his impressive roster of artists.”
JONATHAN SIMKIN, co-founder of 604 RECORDS says “When I heard that Kristen was going to become the new president of Warner Music Canada, I knew that I wanted to go there. I’ve known Kristen for many years because of 604’s history with Universal, and we have developed a great working relationship over time. It felt like the right time for 604 to make a move as we enter an exciting new phase of the company’s history. I’m looking forward to working with Kristen and her entire team for many years to come.”
About Warner Music Group
With a legacy extending back over 200 years, Warner Music Group (WMG) today brings together artists, songwriters, and entrepreneurs that are moving entertainment culture across the globe.
Operating in more than 70 countries through a network of affiliates and licensees, WMG’s Recorded Music division includes renowned labels such as 300 Entertainment, Asylum, Atlantic, Big Beat, Canvasback, Elektra, Erato, First Night, Fueled by Ramen, Nonesuch, Parlophone, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Sire, Spinnin’, Warner Records, Warner Classics, and Warner Music Nashville.
WMG’s music publishing arm, Warner Chappell Music, has a catalog of over one million copyrights spanning every musical genre, from the standards of the Great American Songbook to the biggest hits of the 21st century.
Warner Music Group is also home to ADA, the independent artist and label services company – as well as next gen artist services division WMX, which includes consumer brands such as Songkick, the live music app; EMP, the merchandise e-tailer; UPROXX, the youth culture destination; and HipHopDX, the hip-hop music news site. In addition, WMG counts storytelling powerhouse Warner Music Entertainment and social media content creator IMGN among its many brands.
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About 604 Records
604 Records is one of Canada’s most successful independent record labels. With over 20 years in the industry, the label is home to a diverse roster and has developed some of Canada’s most renowned artists, such as Carly Rae Jepsen, Marianas Trench, and Coleman Hell, to name a few. In addition to the label’s hand in developing talent, they’ve also become pioneers when navigating the ever-changing landscape within the music industry.
Throughout the label’s 20 years in existence, they have expanded their company to best support artists alongside the industry, which has resulted in 5 umbrella companies. The first to come to fruition was alternative label Light Organ Records, home to artists such as The Zolas, Mounties, Hotel Mira, and Fake Shark. 604 Records also began developing talent outside of music with their comedy label, Comedy Here Often. Through the comedy label, they have their hand in developing Canadian comedians, which has resulted in two JUNO nominations for Comedy Album of the Year so far, including the winner of the 2022 Juno for Andrea Jin’s Grandma’s Girl. More recently, the label has launched an ambient record imprint INTRASET. Earlier this year, 604 announced its most recent venture of launching an NFTmarketplace, 604 INFINITE.
In 2015, 604 moved into its new headquarters in the Railtown neighbourhood of Vancouver. The building includes offices, but is also home to 604 Studios, recording studios and soundstage. The facility has enabled 604 artists to create world-class content.
It is through these successful ventures and their eagerness to evolve alongside the music industry, all while simultaneously providing a nurturing space for artists to develop at a comfortable and sane pace, that many emerging artists find themselves naturally gravitating towards 604 Records.