Memphis-based distribution and publishing administration services startup Connect Music has acquired a London-based artist and label services provider MTX music.
Connect co-founder Askia Fountain will lead MTX Music’s operations as managing director, focusing his services on the UK’s hip-hop and R&B community. He will lead the growth of MTX’s A&R and marketing teams in the months ahead.
Additionally, Connect indicates that it grants MTX Music access to its $10 million credit facility to support the development of emerging UK talent, with up to $1 million available per artist.
Backed by Preserver Partners, Connect says it launched its credit facility this summer “to further the company’s mission of empowering independent artists — especially black creators — through access to capital while retaining ownership of their copyrights.
Established in 2020, Connect works with over 200 artists and labels in the United States, including Boosie Badazz, Dream Doll and the N Less Entertainment roster, which includes Dee Mula and Big Homiie G.
The acquisition of MTX marks Connect’s entry into the UK and European markets. For MTX, the deal will see the company branch out into R&B and hip-hop with new signings already in the works.
Founded in 2018 by Mike Bartlett and Mike Mills, MTX provides digital and physical distribution and marketing services to artists and labels.
The acquisition will see MTX’s roster, which includes Judith Owen, Lost Society, Jonathan Antoine, Ashton Jones and Calum Foad, benefit from Connect’s access to funding and network and US market expertise, according to the statement. release announcing the deal.
“This is a historic moment for Connect Music, it is part of our broader strategy to expand our global operations.”
George Monger, Connect Music
Commenting on the acquisition, George Monger, President and CEO of Connect Music, said: “This is a historic moment for Connect Music, it is part of our broader strategy to expand our global operations.
“We invested early in the infrastructure and immediately MTX customers will see high royalties and through our ‘Connected Business’ strategy we will see almost immediate and stronger net performance from operations.”
“Connect’s independent ethos and commitment to supporting artists make them an ideal candidate to move MTX forward. I look forward to seeing the company and its artists go from strength to strength.
Mike Bartlett, MTX Music
MTX Music founder and outgoing CEO Mike Bartlett will focus on his role as CEO of Motion Agency after the deal. MTX will maintain a strategic partnership with Motion Agency.
Bartlett said, “It has been incredibly rewarding growing MTX Music over the past four years, and the company is about to enter an exciting new era. Connect’s independent ethos and commitment to supporting artists makes it an ideal candidate to drive MTX forward.
“I can’t wait to see the company and its artists get better and better.”
“I’m incredibly excited to join the team at MTX and leverage Connect’s network resources to help build the UK’s vibrant community of independent creators.”
Askia Fountain
“I am incredibly delighted to join the team at MTX and leverage Connect’s network resources to help build the UK’s vibrant community of independent creators,” said Fountain.The music industry around the world
