Indie music group undergoes buyout as longserving MD takes over

Independent music group Snapper Music has undergone a management buyout.

The London-based company’s managing director, Frederick Jude, acquired the business from the Bryan Morrison estate.

Snapper Music was founded in 1996 and today controls a portfolio of record labels, including three frontline imprints – metal label Peaceville, post-progressive and art rock focused Kscope, and classic and psychedelic label Madfish.

Frederick Jude, who has been with the company for 21 years and rose to MD in 2005, said he is “truly excited and re-energised” to have become the group’s majority shareholder.

He said: “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’s roster originally included bands such as W.A.S.P., Ozric Tentacles and The Pretty Things, as well as the solo recordings of former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green.

It went on to welcome established artists Porcupine Tree, Cradle of Filth and a number of others.

Speaking further, Frederick said that while the company’s “heart is firmly in beautiful, physical packages”, his team is continuing to learn how best to use today’s digital marketing tools to engage fans.

He continued: “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.”

Other artists working with Snapper Music include Darkthrone, Bloodbath, Autopsy, Katatonia and Opeth.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →