Candice Horbacz
New York, NY – In a significant move poised to reshape the landscape of independent Latin music, Reservoir Media has officially acquired the acclaimed independent label Nacional Records and the associated publishing arm, Canciones Nacionales. This landmark transaction, revealed exclusively on Thursday, July 16, also heralds the establishment of a new joint venture dedicated to the discovery and development of emerging recording artists and songwriters within the vibrant Latin music sphere.
The acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Reservoir Media, a publicly traded independent music company (NASDAQ: RSVR) with a global footprint and a growing strategic focus on the burgeoning Latin music market. This expansion into Latin music is not merely an opportunistic venture but a deliberate, long-term commitment to amplifying its presence and influence within one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving musical territories.
"Over the last two decades, Nacional has cemented itself as one of the most influential independent music companies in the Latin market, with an incredible catalog and exceptional talent," stated Rell Lafargue, President and COO of Reservoir Media. "We’ve been deliberate about expanding Reservoir’s presence in Latin music, and this partnership is a transformational step in that strategy. It strengthens both our recorded music and publishing businesses while positioning us to invest in the next generation of Latin artists and songwriters. We’re proud to welcome Nacional to Reservoir and continue building on its remarkable legacy."
A Strategic Alignment of Vision and Legacy
The acquisition brings under Reservoir’s umbrella a catalog rich with critically acclaimed and commercially successful artists, many of whom have been at the forefront of the Latin alternative and independent music movements. Nacional Records, founded in Los Angeles in 2005 by Tomas Cookman, has consistently championed unique voices and innovative sounds, earning a reputation for its discerning taste and unwavering commitment to artistic integrity.
Cookman, who will continue to play a vital role in the combined entity, expressed his long-standing admiration for Reservoir’s leadership and ethos. "I have long been a fan of what Golnar [Khosrowshahi] and Rell have built at Reservoir," Cookman remarked. "We initially met a few years ago and developed a mutual respect for each other’s work – until it became obvious that we should now build together. I feel we share the same work ethic, and equally as important, a love of music and the industry that supports it. I look forward to what comes next for our current and future artists and writers. We look forward to working together to expand the Reservoir footprint in Latin music and culture."
This sentiment underscores a shared vision for nurturing talent and expanding the reach of Latin music globally. The joint venture component of the deal is particularly noteworthy, signaling Reservoir’s intent to actively scout and foster new talent, leveraging both its own resources and Nacional’s established expertise in the Latin music ecosystem.
Nacional Records: A Twenty-Year Journey of Influence
Since its inception in 2005, Nacional Records has carved out a significant niche in the Latin music industry. Tomas Cookman, a visionary entrepreneur and music advocate, established the label with a clear mission: to provide a platform for groundbreaking Latin artists who defied conventional genres and commercial expectations. This dedication to artistic innovation has resulted in a diverse and impactful roster.
Over the years, Nacional’s esteemed catalog has featured a constellation of influential artists, including the Grammy-winning Chilean rapper Ana Tijoux, the pioneering electronic music collective Nortec Collective, the vibrant Brazilian group Bomba Estéreo, the iconic American new wave band Tom Tom Club, the acclaimed Argentine rock band El Mató a un Policía Motorizado, the Colombian stalwarts Aterciopelados, and the Chilean DJ and producer DJ Bitman. The label has also been home to artists such as YADAM, La Vida Bohème, Jungle Fire, Cheo, the legendary Manu Chao, the Argentine rock titans Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, the Spanish band Jarabe de Palo, and the Venezuelan funk-fusion group Los Amigos Invisibles, among many others.
The label’s commitment to excellence was formally recognized when it earned its first Latin Grammy in 2007 for Best Alternative Album for Aterciopelados’ "Oye." According to company records, Nacional has since amassed an impressive tally of over 100 Grammy and Latin Grammy wins and nominations across its extensive catalog, a testament to the quality and impact of the music it has released.
Beyond critical acclaim and industry awards, Nacional’s music has also achieved significant penetration in mainstream media. Its tracks have been extensively featured in film, television shows, video games, and advertising campaigns, demonstrating the broad appeal and cultural relevance of the artists it represents.
Beyond the Label: The LAMC Connection
Nacional Records’ influence extends beyond its recorded music and publishing activities. Tomas Cookman is also the founder of the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC), widely regarded as one of the premier networking and showcase events for Latin music professionals in the United States. The LAMC serves as a crucial platform for artists, labels, publishers, and industry executives to connect, discover new talent, and discuss the evolving trends within the Latin music landscape. This year’s annual edition is scheduled to take place from July 28 to August 1 in New York City, further highlighting the vibrant and active community surrounding Latin music.
The integration of Nacional into Reservoir’s global operations is expected to provide the LAMC with enhanced resources and expanded reach, potentially solidifying its position as an even more influential force in the industry.
Reservoir Media: A Global Player with Deep Roots
Founded by Golnar Khosrowshahi, Reservoir Media is an independent music company headquartered in New York City, with a strategic network of offices in key global music hubs, including Los Angeles, Nashville, Toronto, London, Abu Dhabi, and Mumbai. The company’s robust business model encompasses the acquisition and management of both copyrights and master recordings, with a catalog dating back as far as 1900. Reservoir has consistently been recognized as one of the leading independent music companies in the industry, known for its strategic acquisitions and its dedication to artist and songwriter services.
The company’s commitment to expanding its Latin music division has been evident in its strategic planning and investment. This acquisition of Nacional Records and Canciones Nacionales represents a significant acceleration of that strategy, bringing a wealth of established talent, a powerful catalog, and deep industry expertise into the Reservoir fold.
Implications for the Latin Music Industry
The acquisition of Nacional Records by Reservoir Media carries several significant implications for the broader Latin music industry. Firstly, it consolidates a substantial portion of influential independent Latin music assets under a single, well-resourced entity. This consolidation could lead to greater opportunities for the artists and songwriters within Nacional’s catalog, benefiting from Reservoir’s global marketing, distribution, and licensing capabilities.
Secondly, the formation of the new joint venture underscores a continued commitment to artist development. In an era where independent artists are increasingly seeking partnerships that offer both creative freedom and robust business support, this venture is well-positioned to attract and nurture the next generation of Latin music stars. Reservoir’s global reach, coupled with Nacional’s proven track record in identifying and developing talent, creates a powerful synergy.
Furthermore, the strategic alignment is likely to enhance the visibility and commercial viability of Latin alternative and independent music on a global scale. By integrating Nacional’s catalog into its broader operations, Reservoir can leverage its existing global infrastructure to introduce these artists and their music to wider audiences across diverse markets.
The move also signals a growing trend of major music companies recognizing the immense commercial potential and cultural significance of Latin music. As the genre continues its ascent in global popularity, such strategic acquisitions and investments are expected to become more common, further fueling the industry’s growth and innovation.
The partnership between Reservoir Media and Nacional Records is poised to be a dynamic force, continuing the legacy of independent spirit while embracing the expansive opportunities of the global music marketplace. The combined expertise and resources are set to amplify the voices of established artists and pave the way for the emergence of new Latin music talent on the world stage.
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