Veteran A&R executive Pete Ganbarg formed a joint venture with Atlantic Records for his Pure Tone Records label.
The move means Gumbarger will step down as president of A&R at Atlantic Music Group, a position he has held since 2018. Halestorm, and others.
The first artist to sign to Pure Tone was Canadian singer-songwriter Forest Blakk, and Ganbarg was originally signed to Atlantic.
Ganbarg joined Atlantic in 2008 as executive vice president of A&R and was named president of A&R in 2018, overseeing A&R for Atlantic and its subsidiaries.
He has signed and/or directed recordings for Grammy Award-winning artists such as Twenty One Pilots, Halestorm and Jason Mraz; platinum and multi-platinum artists Christina Perri, Melanie Martinez, Skillet, Brett Eldredge, Matchbox Twenty & Rob Thomas, Theory of a Deadman and Icona Pop; and many others.
The Atlantic also notes that Gumbarger has been instrumental in the label’s recent Broadway success, including co-signing and A&R’s Diamond-certified original Broadway cast recording of “Hamilton.”
He won a Grammy Award as producer of the original Broadway cast recordings of “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Jagged Little Pill.”
Gumbarger also co-produced the Grammy Award-winning No. 1 soundtrack greatest performer Recently nominated for a Grammy Award for his score for the original Amazon Prime Video seriesDaisy Jones and the Six.
In addition, he recently oversaw the Broadway cast recording of this season’s Tony-nominated show, Saves and notebook.
Ganbarg originally formed Pure Tone Music before joining Atlantic, working with Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, Chaka Khan, Santana, Train, Aaron Neville, Donna Summer and others.
He also runs two publishing joint ventures with WMG-owned Warner Chappell Music. Its creators have received multiple gold and platinum certifications, including Miley Cyrus, who won Record of the Year at the 2024 Grammy Awards flowers.
Ganbarg began his A&R career in 1989 at SBK Records. In 1997, he joined Clive Davis at Arista Records as Senior Director of A&R, where he conceived and A&R produced Santana’s global 30-platinum album and nine-time Grammy Award winner Supernatural.
“The launch of Pure Tone is a big deal for Pete and Atlantic as he brings decades of experience, impeccable taste and a keen ear to steer his own ship, and we are thrilled to have him partners in this exciting next phase of his musical journey.
Julie Greenwald and Craig Kalman, The Atlantic
Julie Greenwald, chairman and CEO of Atlantic Music Group, and Craig Kalman, chairman and CEO of Atlantic Records, said: “Pete has done an outstanding job leading our A&R over the past 16 years. Mission – To discover, sign and support a range of hit artists across genres, while also elevating our theatrical impact through a portfolio of award-winning cast albums.
“At the same time, he mentored and built an outstanding A&R team who are experts in developing infant performers and superstars.
“The launch of Pure Tone is a big deal for Pete and Atlantic as he brings decades of experience, impeccable taste and a keen ear to steer his own ship, and we are thrilled to have him partners in this exciting next phase of his musical journey.
“I look forward to making Pure Tone a home for outstanding original talent, and at the same time, I’m excited to continue working with my amazing roster of Atlantic artists.”
Pete Gumbarger
Ganbarg added: “The launch of Pure Tone Records as an independent label is an exciting time for me.
“It’s the best of both worlds – a fantastic opportunity to run your own store whilst being supported by the fantastic Atlantic team, who I’ve worked closely with for over 15 years.
“I look forward to making Pure Tone a home for outstanding original talent, and at the same time, I’m excited to continue working with my amazing roster of Atlantic artists. I want to thank Julie and Craig for their incredible support over the years and thank them for having Faith joins me on this new adventure.global music business
