Montreal-based AI-powered music production platform LANDR has acquired Reason Studios for an undisclosed sum.
The deal, announced Tuesday (January 6), brings together LANDR’s AI-powered production tools with Reason Studios’ digital audio workstation Reason DAW and Reason Rack, known for its “modular approach and signature sound.”
Following the acquisition, Stockholm-based Reason Studios will continue operating under its own brand.
LANDR CEO Pascal Pilon said the company plans to make Reason’s rack system work across competing music production platforms.
Pilon said: “Our vision is to make Reason and the Reason Rack indispensable tools for every producer, regardless of what DAW they use. Wherever music is made, Reason will be there, with its amazing instruments, effects, and iconic analog workflow–enhanced by LANDR’s value-rich creator tools.”
LANDR, which launched its AI Mastering software in 2014, claims to have over 7 million users globally, offering tools and services to enhance users’ music production, distribution and monetization. In 2019, the company raised $26 million in its Series B round of fundraising.
“Our vision is to make Reason and the Reason Rack indispensable tools for every producer, regardless of what DAW they use. Wherever music is made, Reason will be there.”
Pascal Pilon, LANDR
The company also owns Synchro Arts, which developed the popular VocAlign and Revoice Pro audio softwares.
Verdane, a European growth equity firm that became Reason Studios’ majority owner in 2017, exited its investment as part of LANDR’s acquisition.
Charlotte Möller, Director at Verdane, said: “Working with the Reason Studios team since 2017 has been an honor for all of us at Verdane. We’re glad that the business has found the perfect partner in LANDR for its next stage of growth.”
Following the acquisition, LANDR and Reason Studios plan to establish an Artist Council of producers who use Reason, giving them input on product development.
“Working with the Reason Studios team since 2017 has been an honor for all of us at Verdane. We’re glad that the business has found the perfect partner in LANDR for its next stage of growth.”
Charlotte Möller, Verdane
Daniel Rowland, VP of Strategy at LANDR, said: “Like a lot of producers, Reason was my first experience making music on a computer, and I’ve been a fan ever since. Reason has always been shaped by its community, and this council makes that official, giving power users a direct voice in shaping the tools they rely on, benefitting all of us.”
The companies will operate teams in both Montreal and Stockholm, with each location focusing on their core strengths, said LANDR. Pilon said: “This isn’t about changing Reason, it’s about giving it room to grow. We’re preserving each brand’s identity and core market while unlocking new possibilities for creators everywhere.”
“Reason has always been shaped by its community, and this council makes that official, giving power users a direct voice in shaping the tools they rely on, benefitting all of us.”
Daniel Rowland, LANDR
The deal comes amid increasing competition in the DAW market following the entry of AI companies like Suno. In September, AI music generator Suno launched its own DAW, targeted at professional songwriters, producers, and engineers as well as aspiring artists. It follows Suno’s launch of its “most advanced music model yet,” and its acquisition of WavTool, a browser-based digital audio workstation that incorporates AI features including stem separation and automated MIDI generation.
Suno rival Udio also released a visual editing workstation for AI-generated music in June.
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