Because Music

Because Music is a globally recognized independent music company founded in November 2004 in Paris by Emmanuel de Buretel. From its very first release—the critically acclaimed Dimanche à Bamako by Amadou & Mariam, co-produced with Manu Chao—Because set a bold standard for creativity and international reach. Over the years, the label has built a genre-spanning catalogue that combines iconic heritage with trailblazing innovation. Its roster includes celebrated artists such as Christine and the Queens, Charlotte Gainsbourg, London Grammar, Klaxons, Keziah Jones, Les Rita Mitsouko, Camille, Connan Mockasin, and Justice, all of whom have achieved worldwide recognition. Because quickly expanded beyond France, opening a London office in 2005 and signing globally successful acts like Metronomy and Django Django, earning the title of Best UK Indie Label at the AIM Awards 2017. The label’s international footprint has continued to grow with artists like Selah Sue, Moby, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Calypso Rose, Parcels, and Jorja Smith, and through its long-standing partnership with Ed Banger Records—home to electronic pioneers Justice, SebastiAn, Breakbot, Mr Oizo, DJ Mehdi, Myd, and more. A Los Angeles office opened in 2019, and a direct-to-platform distribution model launched in 2018, further strengthening Because Music’s global reach. Because remains a hub for next-generation talent, signing forward-looking artists such as Shygirl, Logic1000, Crystal Murray, Aime Simone, OKLOU, Snowstrippers, Eeartheater, LB aka LABAT, BAMBII, spill tab, the electronic imprint Deewee and the newly created imprint of Thomas Bangalter ‘Alberts & Ghotmaan’ while cultivating a vibrant presence in contemporary hip-hop and R&B with acts like Shay and Maureen. The label has also played a pioneering role in French rap, shaping the landscape with influential projects from Booba (Lunatic and the Autopsieseries), Medine, Sexion d’Assaut, Keny Arkana, Lartiste, Marwa Loud, Sefyu, Kekra, Dinos, and Tandem, and introducing international sensations like Migos to French audiences. Beyond artist development, Because invests deeply in music heritage. Its acquisitions include the London Records catalogue (Bronski Beat, Bananarama, Fine Young Cannibals, Happy Mondays, Orbital, Goldie), the celebrated Zagora catalogue (Ottawan, La Compagnie Créole, Gibson Brothers, Daniel Vangarde), and parts of the Parlophone/Delabel/Virgin catalogue (JJ Cale, Les Rita Mitsouko, Mano Negra, Les Négresses Vertes), as well as key works from Cerrone. Iconic reissues include Stardust’s legendary Music Sounds Better With You, and in 2009 the label released Prince’s acclaimed album Lotus Flow3r, organizing unforgettable concerts at La Cigale and the Grand Palais. Because also manages the Daft Punk legacy, underscoring its status as one of the world’s foremost independent music groups. Because Music is part of the larger Because Group, co-founded by Emmanuel de Buretel and Eric Bielsa, which spans music production, publishing, live promotion, festivals, and artist management. Through Corida Group, it operates Parisian venues such as La Cigale and La Boule Noire and co-founded influential festivals including We Love Green, Peacock Society, and Yardland, further cementing its impact on the global live music scene. Its publishing arm, Because Editions, represents a prestigious roster from Daft Punk, Christine and the Queens, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Cerrone to Claude François (including My Way), Ed Banger artists, Stromae, and London Grammar. Celebrated with Grammy, BRIT, Mercury, Juno, Polaris, and Victoires de la Musique awards, Because and its artists continue to shape global music culture with recent highlights from Thomas Bangalter, Shay, London Grammar, Jorja Smith, Justice, Manu Chao, Sébastien Tellier, Parcels, Soulwax, OKLOU, spill tab, BAMBII, and LB aka LABAT. Because Music is a globally recognized independent record label dedicated to championing creativity without boundaries. With a catalogue that spans cutting-edge electronic music, forward-thinking pop, experimental projects, and timeless classics, Because stands at the crossroads of art and innovation. Guided by a philosophy of artistic freedom and long-term vision, the label supports talent from development to international success, leveraging a strong digital and physical strategy and a deep understanding of evolving audiences. Whether breaking new acts or amplifying established voices, Because focuses on authenticity, collaboration, and the power of music to transcend borders. Its diverse roster and dynamic approach continue to shape contemporary music culture, reaffirming its role as a trailblazer in the global independent scene.