Frederick Jude, MD of Snapper Music, has completed a management buyout from the Bryan Morrison estate.
Founded in 1996, the London-based independent label controls a portfolio of record labels, including three frontline imprints: metal label Peaceville, post-progressive and art rock imprint Kscope and classic & psychedelic rock label Madfish.
The company combines new recordings with catalogue activity. Snapper also handles European distribution of Charly Records.
Jude said: "After 21 years at Snapper and MD for the last 13 years, I’m truly excited and re-energised to have become the majority shareholder of the Snapper Group.
"At Snapper we’re continuing to evolve and move with the differing ways people consume music – building on specialist music genres with the Kscope and Peaceville labels and successfully elevating some of our artists to the top of those genres."
The label roster originally included the likes of W.A.S.P., Ozric Tentacles, The Pretty Things and the solo recordings of ex-Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green. Later singings included artists such as Porcupine Tree (featuring Steven Wilson, now a successful solo artist) and Cradle of Filth.
Peaceville Records is home to artists including Darkthrone, Bloodbath, Autopsy. Katatonia and Opeth.
Jude said: "We maintain a family feel with our artists, for many of whom we have their entire catalogue or majority recording history. Our heart is firmly in beautiful, physical packages and we’re continuing to learn how best to use today’s digital marketing tools to encourage fans to become aware and listen to music from our 12,000+ song catalogue.
"That’s not to say it’s been easy. Over the years at Snapper, there have been challenging times with a number of major retailers and distributors disappearing."
Forthcoming releases include new studio albums from The Anchoress, The Pineapple Thief, Bloodbath, and a deluxe 21st anniversary edition of the Mansun’s No.1 album Attack Of The Grey Lantern.
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