Chicago-based Victory Records is one of the US’s leading independent rock labels, having sold more than 15m albums across artists including Hatebreed (pictured), Thursday, Taking Back Sunday and Hawthorne Heights.
In the past few years, it’s seen a number of its peers and rivals in the world of rock and metal sell their businesses to bigger companies.
A few examples:
- UK metal label Candlelight, founded in 1993, which was acquired by UMG’s Spinefarm earlier this year;
- German metal label Century Media, founded in 1988, which was acquired by Sony for around $17m at the end of 2015;
- US rock and metal label Rise Records, which was acquired by BMG in a multi-million dollar deal in May last year;
- A duo of US rock/alternative labels, Wind-Up and Fearless, were both acquired by Concord Music Group – also in May last year.
Clearly, the biggest companies in the world are now very much sniffing around the heavier end of the rock spectrum.
As MBW asked after Candlelight was sold… you have to wonder who’ll be next.
Not us, says Victory, which was founded by Tony Brummel back in 1989 – making 2016 its 27th year of existence.
Instead, the label is responding to the surge of interest in its music by expanding its ranks.
“While so many independent labels have sold, we are optimistic about the future.”
Tony Brummel, Victory Records
As you can see on the MBW Latest Jobs page, Victory is currently hiring for three key positions at its Chicago HQ: a Publicist, a Junior Web Developer and a Copyright & Licensing Administrator at sister publishing company Another Victory.
These are all new roles, Brummel tells MBW – a sure sign of Victory’s steady recent growth.
“Victory Records and our sister publishing company, Another Victory, are always looking to add great, value adding members to our dedicated team,” said Brummel.
“While so many independent labels and publishers have been selling their businesses we are optimistic about the future.
“If you can help our artists and our mission there is always a seat on the bus available here.”Music Business Worldwide
