WESTWOOD RECORDINGS AND MONSTERCAT ANNOUNCE JOINT VENTURE TO EXPAND ARTIST DEVELOPMENT AND GLOBAL REACH
Vancouver-based label enters a new chapter with increased investment and global resources, retaining its identity under founder Nick Middleton’s leadership.
VANCOUVER, BC - October 28, 2026 - Westwood Recordings, one of Canada’s most exciting independent record labels, and Monstercat today announced a strategic partnership and joint venture designed to accelerate Westwood’s next phase of growth. Bringing together two Canadian-founded music companies, the partnership will give Westwood access to capital, global infrastructure, and an expanded team while preserving its identity and creative direction under founder Nick Middleton’s leadership.
The partnership forms part of Monstercat’s broader expansion, supported by Create Music Group’s $50 million investment commitment to Monstercat. Through the joint venture, Monstercat will support Westwood in signing new artists and recordings, expanding its release schedule, entering new genres, and pursuing catalogue acquisitions. The partnership will also support the launch of a publishing arm, building on Westwood’s track record in sync licensing and creating new opportunities for its artists and songwriters.
Founded in 2013 by Nick Middleton of The Funk Hunters, Westwood has spent more than a decade building a distinct identity across electronic music and adjacent genres. The label will remain headquartered in Vancouver, with Middleton continuing to lead its creative direction and day-to-day business.
“I’ve always respected how Monstercat has built its business, especially how transparent they are with their artists and how connected they are to their fans. Those things matter a lot to me, and we’ve built Westwood with that same care,” said Nick Middleton, Founder and CEO of Westwood Recordings. “After more than a decade of running Westwood independently, I know how much the right support can mean for an artist or a record. This partnership gives us the backing to put more behind the music we believe in, be more ambitious with the artists and projects we take on, and open more doors for the people we work with. We’ve built something special with Westwood, and there’s a lot more I want to do. After years of working together, the trust I have in Daniel and the Monstercat team is a big part of why this feels right. They understand what we’re building and want to help us take it further.”
Through the partnership, Westwood artists will gain access to Monstercat’s infrastructure and services, including monthly royalty accounting, global digital distribution, and their gaming partnerships team.
Westwood has released music from artists including The Funk Hunters, Chali 2na, Moontricks, Big Gigantic, Dirtwire, Maddy O’Neal, NXSTY, and The Free Label. Beyond its releases, the label has built a dedicated fan community through branded events and festival stage takeovers, including at Shambhala Music Festival, Rifflandia, and Vancouver’s Malkin Bowl.
The partnership builds on years of collaboration between Westwood and Monstercat, with a shared commitment to supporting emerging talent, connecting artist communities, and building international audiences. In 2021, Westwood curated Monstercat’s Compound 2021 compilation and hosted a stage at its Vancouver festival, bringing those communities together through recorded music and live performances.
“Nick has a real talent for discovering and developing artists, and he’s done an incredible job of that with Westwood,” said Daniel Turcotte, President of Monstercat. “By combining his A&R instincts and deep roots in the Canadian music industry with Monstercat’s global infrastructure and investment, we have an opportunity to build in new genres and develop artists in spaces we haven’t explored before. I’m excited to build on what Nick has created and see where we can take it together.”
Further announcements will follow on new signings, upcoming releases, and publishing initiatives.
Read more on Billboard here: https://www.billboard.com/pro/electronic-label-westwood-recordings-signs-jv-monstercat/