Danmark Music Group has acquired the operations of Secretly Noord, the Scandinavia-based digital distribution arm of independent distributor Secretly Distribution.
As part of the deal, Secretly Distribution is becoming an equity partner in DANMARK.
Secretly Noord’s team – including ex-Phonofile employees Daggan Stamenkovic, Torny Gottberg and Jarle Savio — will become DANMARK’s Nordic team, with offices in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Oslo.
The Norwegian and Swedish labels supported by Secretly Noord will now have a new home at DANMARK.
Founded in 2005 by Dan Hougesen and Mark Wills, DANMARK is the largest independent distributor based in Scandinavia, servicing over 10,000 artist and labels worldwide.
Danmark has offices and representatives in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy and the United States.
NoordRights AS was founded in 2018 by Phonofile founder Erik Brataas and other ex-Phonofile shareholders and employees, including Trond Tornes, Daggan Stamenkovic, Torny Gottberg and Trond Stian Evensen Førde.
Phonofile was the leading independent distribution platform in the Nordics for a decade, before merging with Finetunes and eventually being acquired by The Orchard in 2017.
Now, according to DANMARK, “three of the strongest forces in Scandinavia become one as Secretly Noord (Secretly Distribution), key ex-Phonofile team members, and DANMARK join forces”.
“In a time where the majors are buying creative independent distributors, we feel it is more critical than ever to assert a dedicated, strong, and genuinely independent distribution service with unparalleled knowledge of the independent music scene.”
Daggan Stamenkovic
Daggan Stamenkovic, formerly Secretly Noord / Phonofile, said: “In a time where the majors are buying creative independent distributors, we feel it is more critical than ever to assert a dedicated, strong, and genuinely independent distribution service with unparalleled knowledge of the independent music scene.”
“United and trading as DANMARK, we will prove that total transparency, experience, and service complemented by cutting-edge technology is not just something indie labels and artists dream about.”
Mark Wills, DANMARK
Mark Wills, Co-Founder, DANMARK, said: “United and trading as DANMARK, we will prove that total transparency, experience, and service complemented by cutting-edge technology is not just something indie labels and artists dream about. It is already here.
“Our focus is on listening to our customer’s specific needs and immediately reacting to the market, continually improving our services, and making the label’s job as easy as possible.”
“It is very exciting that Scandinavia now has another true independent distributor of scale.”
Darius Van Arman, Co-CEO, Secretly Distribution, said: “Like Secretly Distribution, Danmark Music Group is committed to transparency and fostering true independence everywhere.
“It is very exciting that Scandinavia now has another true independent distributor of scale.
“DANMARK’s technology and team are impressive, and we are confident that DANMARK will deliver immense value to the independent community — especially in Scandinavia — and enable its labels and artists to make greater cultural impact throughout the world.” —Music Business Worldwide
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