Warner Records strikes JV with Mel Carter’s Second Estate Records – Music Business Worldwide

Second Estate Records, a new label founded by A&R veteran and entrepreneur Mel Carter, has entered into a worldwide joint venture with Warner Records.

Under the terms of the deal, Warner Records says that it will provide marketing and distribution services for Second Estate’s artists and recordings. 

As part of the arrangement, Carter will also serve as a consultant to the A&R team for Warner Records’ artist roster, working closely with Steve Carless (President of A&R) and Karen Kwak (EVP and Head of A&R).

Second Estate’s first signing is Philadelphia rapper 2rare.

Warner Records says 2rare has “already seen success” due to his viral hit Q-Pid featuring Lil Durk.

Carter most recently served as SVP of A&R for Republic Records.

At Republic, Warner says that Carter, “scouted, signed, and fostered new talent” alongside overseeing the roster for Hikari Ultra, his joint venture with the label.

Before that, according to the announcement, “Carter spent a decade facilitating deals throughout the industry, including signing Jovanie to Atlantic Records“.

“Mel is one of the top A&R minds in the business.”

Aaron Bay-Schuck, Warner Records

In making the announcement, Aaron Bay-Schuck, CEO and Co-Chairman, Warner Records, said: “Mel is one of the top A&R minds in the business.

“He’s already proven to be an invaluable resource for our team and 2rare is just the very beginning of what’s to come from Second Estate.

“Tom [Corson] and I are excited about this new partnership and to be aligned with such a forward-thinking, dynamic force like Mel.”

“Being able to tap into Warner Records’ incredible network and global reach is a game changer, and will allow Second Estate’s artists to reach new heights.”

Mel Carter

Carter added: “Throughout my career, I’ve been laser-focused on discovering and championing young talent. Now with Second Estate, I can continue to do that on an even bigger scale.

“Being able to tap into Warner Records’ incredible network and global reach is a game changer, and will allow Second Estate’s artists to reach new heights.

“I’m grateful to Aaron, Tom, Steve, and Karen for their partnership, and I’m looking forward to all we can accomplish together.”

Elsewhere at Warner Records, Sean Stevens was recently promoted to Vice President, A&R and Head of Research & Analytics.

Dalia Ganz joined Warner Records last month as Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing.Music Business Worldwide