Photo Credit: Lars Karlsson, Doreen Schimk, Natascha Augustin, Fabian Drebes
Warner Music Group opens a creative hub in Berlin, restoring one of the capital’s iconic buildings, the Schicklerhaus in Berlin-Mitte.
Warner Music Group has announced the opening of its new creative hub in Berlin, which will serve the needs of its employees and domestic and international artists, songwriters, and producers. The space is on the top floor of the Schicklerhaus, a historical landmark built in the late 19th century in the heart of Berlin.
The new hub is equipped with an interior performance space, four rooftop terraces, and collaboration rooms with the latest technology, including Dolby Atmos immersive sound. The grand opening was held on September 14, attended by over 700 guests, including artists, songwriters, the WMG team led by CEO Robert Kyncl, and those from the broader music, entertainment, and politics sectors.
Artists and songwriters attending included Katja Krasavice, Bennett, Marten Lou, Marian Gold (Alphaville), 01099, Wave Wave, Peter Schilling, Marius Müller-Westernhagen, David Orlowsky, noonoouri, Prinz Pi, and Karo Schrader. WMG also welcomed Deputy Mayor of Berlin and Senator for Economics, Energy, and Business Franziska Giffey; State Secretary Michael Biel; Christian Ehler MEP; and Dr. Florian Drücke, Chairman of the German Music Industry Association (BVMI).
Architectural firm Graef conducted the design and build to create a dynamic and inspiring environment. The interior design concept, called “The Wave,” is about bringing music to life, connecting the interior and exterior by incorporating wave-like elements in the structure, floor coverings, and special features, including the soundstage and the bar area.
The opening of the new office sees Warner Music Central Europe and Warner Chappell Music reaffirm their commitment to discovering and supporting local artists, songwriters, and other creative professionals in Germany and the importance of Berlin as a business location and a vibrant cultural and creative space within Europe. The team in Berlin will work closely with colleagues in WMG’s 70+ locations worldwide to build global bridges for its local artists and songwriters.
“This beautifully restored building, at the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant cities, is a symbol of Warner Music Group’s commitment to super-serve our artists and songwriters,” says Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl. “Along with our revitalized offices in Hamburg, these facilities will help our teams in Germany to keep developing our collaborative, innovative approach to music.”
Doreen Schimk and Fabien Drebes, Co-Presidents of Warner Music Central Europe, commented: “Today we are writing a new chapter for Warner Music in Central Europe. Berlin has a rich musical history and cultural scene, and we look forward to working more closely with artists and partners in the region. We see this new space, alongside our revitalized Hamburg headquarters, as a sign of our commitment to local players in the creative and cultural scene and to the importance of Berlin as a European metropolis and a location for the music industry.”
“We’re excited to be expanding our presence in Berlin and sharing a collaborative space with our Recorded Music colleagues. Our songwriters from around the world are drawn to Berlin as a vibrant, exciting city at the crossroads of Europe whose atmosphere fuels their creativity. Now we have a world-class hub where we can host them when they’re in town,” added Lars Karlsson, Managing Director, Warner Chappell Music Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Scandinavia, and Natascha Augustin, VP of Warner Chappell Music Germany.
“We’ve long been committed to supporting local songwriters of all genres, playing our part in the city’s cultural renaissance. This move into the redeveloped Schicklerhaus in the heart of Berlin is a natural next step for us.”
Franziska Giffey, Mayor of Berlin and Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy, and Labor, concluded: “In 2022, the number of employees in this industry increased by 700 to around 6,800 compared to the previous year. Now, 350 more are being added. With Warner Music Group, we now have another internationally active music label in the city that will be a magnet for artists from all over the world.”
