Because Music was founded in November 2004 in London and Paris by Emmanuel de Buretel. The label achieved immediate international recognition with the release of Amadou & Mariam’s Dimanche à Bamako, co-produced with Manu Chao. It quickly expanded its roster with established artists including Rita Mitsouko, Manu Chao and Camille, alongside breakthrough signings such as Charlotte Gainsbourg, all of whom achieved international success.
At the same time, Because Music entered into a partnership with Ed Banger Records, the influential Paris-based electronic label behind globally successful artists including Justice, SebastiAn, Breakbot and Myd.
In parallel, Because UK developed an international profile through signings including Metronomy and Django Django, both of whom built strong global careers. In 2017, Because UK was named “Best UK Indie Label” at the AIM Awards.
The label’s international growth was further reinforced through early European success with Selah Sue, followed by a diverse global roster including Major Lazer, Manu Chao, London Grammar, Parcels, Jorja Smith, Christine and the Queens and Shygirl.
In 2017, Because Music acquired part of the Parlophone catalogue (including Mano Negra, Rita Mitsouko, JJ Cale, Les Négresses Vertes and Beta Band) and the London Records catalogue, home to Bronski Beat, Happy Mondays, Fine Young Cannibals and Bananarama. In 2019, it reissued the Stardust project. London Records is now operating as a stand alone label within the Because Group with new signings such as Alewya, Joalin, Shadow Child and a new Goldie project.
The company continued its international expansion in 2019 with the opening of its Los Angeles office.
Since 2022, Because Music has been responsible for managing the catalogue and artistic legacy of Daft Punk.
In recent years, the label has strengthened its artist development strategy with signings including Shygirl and Oklou, while expanding its presence in Hip Hop and RnB music through artists such as Lartiste and Shay.
In October 2025, Because Music marked its 20th anniversary with “Because Beaubourg” at the Centre Pompidou, a two-day curated event featuring performances from the label’s roster, closing with Thomas Bangalter.
Entering 2026, the label continues its momentum with breakthrough releases from Rnboi, Sébastien Tellier and the success of “What You Want” by Angèle & Justice.
Pedro Winter, the founder of Ed Banger, is joining Because Music France in June 2026 as Global Head of Creation and Co-Managing Director.
Today, Because Music operates as an integrated independent music company, combining artist development, catalogue strategy and global direct-to-platform distribution across recorded music and rights management.