Warner Music Executive Bart Cools: A Legacy of Dance Music Innovation and Industry Impact
Warner Music executive Bart Cools is set to depart from the label after a 13-year stint. Joining WMG in 2013, Cools played a pivotal role in the global marketing and A&R for dance music. His career highlights include collaborations with renowned artists like Daft Punk, Massive Attack, Chemical Brothers, and Air. Cools also worked closely with David Guetta, overseeing the transition after the Parlophone acquisition. He focused on developing A&R and marketing capabilities in key territories, establishing a Warner Dance community to enhance the label's dance and electronic music offerings.
During his tenure at WMG, Cools made significant signings such as Robin Schulz in Germany, Feder and Ofenbach in France, and Clean Bandit, Joel Corry, and Icona Pop in the U.K. and U.S. He was instrumental in WMG's acquisition of Spinnin' Records in 2017, ensuring the label's independence and unique working style. Additionally, WMG acquired the Guetta catalog in 2021 and a stake in SDM management in 2023, further expanding its artist roster.
Colleagues and industry insiders praise Cools for his dedication and expertise. SDM owner Stefan Dabruck commends Cools for his unwavering support and professionalism, while Guetta's manager Jean Charles Carre highlights Cools' role in navigating label transitions and major deals. Cools' reputation in the industry is built on his genuine care for artists and colleagues, making him a respected figure in the music business.
Recognized as a Dance Power Player by Billboard, Cools has been instrumental in the success of artists like Tiësto and David Guetta, who achieved 20 No. 1s on Dance/Mix Show Airplay. As he prepares to leave Warner Music, Cools looks forward to taking some time off to reflect on his next steps, indicating that he's not ready to retire just yet.