Anderson .Paak has partnered with Universal Music Group to launch his own imprint called APESHIT INC.
“I wanted to start a label that sets fire to a new generation of artists, who can play while performing,” .Paak said in a press release. “This label is going to be about passion, about feeling, about honesty. It’s about respect for the culture and art and it’s about heart.”
With .Paak as the head of the label, his priority is to “showcase all genres of artists and push musicians that play instruments to the forefront.” Furthermore, his focus is on amplifying talented individuals without any gimmicks or “button-pushing.”
“I was going to shows and realized that less and less I was seeing actual performers,” he added. “Where is the next generation that can play instruments?? I know they’re out there – don’t sell your instruments, this label wants to hear you!!”
For those wondering how the label got its name, .Paak explained, “APE stands for Anderson .Paak Empire. And, well, we on some other shit out here in this music business jungle, so APESHIT!”
Universal Music Group’s Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge said, “UMG has always strived to be a home for music’s best creators, innovators, disrupters and entrepreneurs, and one that operates globally to help artists expand their creative and commercial opportunities.
Anderson .Paak has consistently created award-winning, culture shifting music and we are truly excited to work together to bring his bold and infectious vision for this new label to life.”
APESHIT INC. will be headquartered in Los Angeles. Announcements about the label’s new signings and upcoming releases are expected to be shared soon.
In the meantime, .Paak is gearing up to release his new album, An Evening with Silk Sonic, with Bruno Mars on November 12. The album will include the duo’s hit single “Leave the Door Open” and Skate. On November 5, they will share another track from the album titled “Smokin Out the Window.”
