Likely in acceptance of a higher level of stardom (and its financial perks) as well as in preparation for what will be a major 2015 (and beyond) as an artist signed with Axwell to Def Jam/Universal Records, Sebastian Ingrosso has announced key changes to the organizational structure of his Refune Music Group label. Over the past 11 years, Refune's released tracks by the likes of Steve Angello, Alesso, Otto Knows, Dirty South, Laidback Luke, and Ingrosso himself, while also handling the management of DJ/producers Alesso and Otto Knows.
Much of the company stays the same with some outside hires, but the most intriguing part is noting just how deep the investment by Universal is into EDM as Refune absorbs Universal staff including Arvid Frisk working as an A&R manager (moving from Universal Music Publishing) and the major announcement being Refune's previously hired (with a decade of experience INCLUDING working at Universal) Commercial Director Dina Mystris taking the helm as Refune's Managing Director.
In noting the emerging shape of things to come, the major label absorption of EDM now extends further than just signing recognized industry giants, but also as well pulling their imprints into the mix as well. Major labels getting savvier in the EDM space certainly cannot be unexpected, and there are certainly more stories like this forthcoming.
