Create Music Group, which recently acquired deadmau5’s catalogue along with his label, alongside Pack, !K7, Ostereo, half of Enhanced and more – they continue with the purchase of Monstercat, arguably their biggest buy yet.
Since its inception in 2011, Monstercat has built a strong identity around its artist-centric philosophy, genre-diverse catalogue, and highly engaged global fanbase. The label has issued more than 8,000 tracks from major artists. Monstercat is widely respected for its transparency, equitable contract terms, and unique ability to offer full-service licensing by managing both master and publishing rights.
Monstercat’s catalogue spans three labels: Uncaged (bass and heavy electronic), Instinct (melodic and vocal-driven), and Silk, which launched via the 2021 acquisition of Silk Music and now leads in progressive, chill, and deep house. The label also brings a growing live events business, with branded stages at Tomorrowland, Rampage Open Air, Amsterdam Dance Event, and Miami Music Week.
Originally established in Waterloo, Canada, Monstercat has staff based in Vancouver, Toronto and Los Angeles. The company will continue to operate independently under President Daniel Turcotte, Vice President Orri Sachar, and Director of Finance, Rob Hill, who together bring nearly three decades of internal leadership experience. Monstercat founders Mike Darlington and Ari Paunonen will remain involved in advisory roles to support the next phase of the label’s growth.
“Monstercat is everything an independent label should strive to be — exclusive, globally trusted and capable of breaking artists and songs at the highest levels,” said Jonathan Strauss, Co-Founder and CEO of Create Music Group. “Mike, Ari, Daniel, Orri, and the entire Monstercat team have built a culture and community at a scale rarely achieved in the music industry. We are excited to support their mission.”
Following the acquisition, Create Music Group has committed an additional $50 million investment over the next two years. This funding will go toward artist advances, career development, and expanded platform resources, designed to boost Monstercat’s current roster while supporting new signings and long-term talent growth.
To date, Monstercat has paid out over $60 million to artists and built a substantial digital footprint, with more than 13 million followers across platforms. Its YouTube channel alone boasts 9 million subscribers, complemented by one of the platform’s most-viewed continuous livestreams. In 2024, the label secured over 150 video game sync placements, with its music featured in titles such as Rocket League, Beat Saber, Fortnite, Roblox, and more.
“Our mission has always been to build sustainable, long-term careers for exceptional artists,” said Daniel Turcotte, President of Monstercat. “Create gives us the reach and support to do that at a larger scale, without changing what makes Monstercat special. We’re still artist-first — only now with more tools to serve them.”