AudioSalad has partnered with Japanese music technology firm RecoChoku as the digital music distributor pushes deeper into the Asian music market.
The deal gives AudioSalad access to RecoChoku‘s local partners and distribution network in Japan as the New York-headquartered company seeks to expand beyond its existing partnership with Japanese rights management firm NexTone.
In December 2023, AudioSalad partnered with NexTone to expand its distribution reach for its Japanese content to a broader worldwide audience.
AudioSalad says since establishing its partnership with NexTone, it has built what it describes as a position in Japan’s distribution, analytics, and supply chain services sector. The RecoChoku deal accelerates that strategy through additional local partnerships, the company said.
The latest partnership comes as Japan’s digital music sector continues evolving as traditional and streaming consumption models blend, according to AudioSalad. Japan was the second-largest music market in 2024, next to the US, according to data from IFPI.
“Japan’s unique music market presents both exciting opportunities and distinct challenges. Our partnership with RecoChoku allows us to address these market dynamics with tailored solutions that honor Japan’s rich musical traditions while embracing digital innovation.”
Iain Catling, AudioSalad
Iain Catling, CEO of AudioSalad, said: “Japan’s unique music market presents both exciting opportunities and distinct challenges. Our partnership with RecoChoku allows us to address these market dynamics with tailored solutions that honor Japan’s rich musical traditions while embracing digital innovation.”
Under the latest partnership, RecoChoku will handle localized support and what RecoChoku General Manager Kaz Aida calls “meticulous distribution operation support services”.
The Tokyo-based company, founded in 2001, offers a digital music distribution service for individuals and companies. Its service offers 26 million tracks for download and streaming across a range of platforms like smartphones, PCs and the Nintendo Switch, according to Crunchbase.
Kaz Aida, General Manager, RecoChoku, said: “This partnership with AudioSalad enables us to realize both comprehensive global-standard distribution asset management and a hybrid form of music distribution with delivery-agency operations.”
“This partnership with AudioSalad enables us to realize both comprehensive global-standard distribution asset management and a hybrid form of music distribution with delivery-agency operations.”
Kaz Aida, RecoChoku
“By adding our meticulous distribution operation support services, we are able to offer each service in an all-in-one manner that meets the needs of rights holders.”
Added the executive: “Our service is designed to solve such challenges and concerns faced by domestic rights holders, and we are very pleased to be able to collaborate with AudioSalad, who shares our vision. We will continue to develop services that cater to the needs of rights holders to achieve our mission of ‘Maximize Music Market’.”
AudioSalad, founded in 2010 by Catling, was acquired by SESAC, the Nashville-headquartered music licensing/collection society, in 2023.
AudioSalad’s clients include independent labels such as Secretly Group / Secretly Distribution, Mushroom Group, Redeye Distribution, Mad Decent, and Stones.
Music Business Worldwide
