This bilateral agreement integrates Artist First’s domestic expertise—boasting 275 Gold and 140 Platinum certifications—with AWAL’s global distribution network. While Artist First retains its independence, the deal establishes a reciprocal pipeline: AWAL artists gain localized marketing support in Milan, while the Italian roster accesses international distribution channels. This move follows a data-backed trend, targeting a market that saw 9.7% YoY growth in early 2025, driven heavily by a 12.7% surge in premium streaming revenue.
Strategically, this partnership underscores the diminishing viability of centralized global operations in favor of localized, high-touch partnerships. For Sony-owned AWAL, tapping into Artist First’s proven A&R capabilities allows for efficient market entry without the overhead of building a ground-up team in a region dominated by strong local repertoire.
Curated by MusicResearch.com from Music Business Worldwide. Read the full article at: AWAL strikes global distribution deal with Italy’s Artist First
