Lasse Karlsson börjar som Artist Brand Manager på Warner Music Sweden

WARNER MUSIC NORDIC APPOINTS LASSE KARLSSON AS ARTIST BRAND MANAGER Renowned manager and A&R agent appointed Artist Brand Manager for Warner Music Sweden 3 April 2008, Sweden: Warner Music Nordic, a division of Warner Music International, today announced the appointment of Lasse Karlsson as Artist Brand Manager, Warner Music Sweden. Karlsson reports into Bo Frölander, General Manager Warner Music Sweden and is based in Stockholm. Throughout his career, Karlsson has built an impressive reputation as one of Sweden’s most successful artist agents, having acted on behalf of multi-million selling artists since 1989. As well as managing pop group Ace of Base, whose debut album sold over 22 million copies and went to number one in 14 countries including the US, Karlsson also guided the local and international careers of popular Swedish artists, achieving number one albums for Emilia, Meja and Jessica Folcker. In 2002, Karlsson became co-partner of Sweden’s biggest independent tour and concert agency, United Stage Artists, staging over 2000 concerts from Scandinavia to Japan. Karlsson also co-founded a Swedish production and studio complex with songwriter and producer Douglas Carr. In his newly created role, Karlsson will be tasked with managing the development of new services the company can offer its artists. Initially working with the label’s Swedish artists, Karlsson will look to expand artist relationships to encompass a wider variety of rights, working with them to build on new opportunities such as touring, merchandise, sponsorship and endorsement. Jonas Siljemark, President Warner Music Nordic said “I am absolutely thrilled that Lasse is joining our team in Sweden. His proven expertise in artist management and live events will be an invaluable added resource for us as we build on the full spectrum of services we can offer our artists. Labels, artists and fans can all benefit when the interests of record companies and artists are more directly aligned.” Lasse Karlsson said “This is a really exciting time to be joining Warner Music Sweden as they continue to redefine the ways in which they support their superb roster of established and up-and-coming artists across all areas of their career.” Karlsson’s appointment follows a series of moves from Warner Music International that maximise these opportunities and strengthen the business in the Nordic region. In December 2007, Warner Music Nordic acquired HMC (Helsinki Music Company) a Finnish music company with operations in recorded music, merchandising, music publishing and touring. Prior to this in October 2007, Warner Music Finland appointed the founders of HMC Niko Nordström and Asko Kallonen as General Manager and A&R Director respectively. In 2006 Warner Music Sweden acquired the legendary label Mariann Grammofon from Bert Karlsson. About Warner Music International: Warner Music International (WMI) is Warner Music Group's global (ex-U.S.) recorded music division that markets and distributes WMG's world-class roster of U.S. and international recording artists through a network of affiliates and licensees in more than 50 countries. With a commitment to developing local talent as well as marketing international superstars, WMI leverages its expertise in each region around the world to attract and cultivate a diverse international artist roster. WMG is a pioneer in delivering music content in new and exciting ways, with a track record of 'firsts' in the digital space.