Laced Records CEO: Game Developers Are Missing Out on Revenue by Not Monetizing Their Soundtracks

The video game industry has witnessed a surge in demand for game soundtracks, with specialized labels like Laced Records leading the charge. Founded by CEO Danny Kelleher in 2015, Laced Records has collaborated with nearly 80 IPs across 250 releases, working with prominent clients such as Devolver, Bethesda, and Capcom. The company's record label is in high demand, and it recently partnered with Remedy to release the Alan Wake 2 soundtrack. This partnership marks the second time Laced Records has worked with Remedy, having previously released the soundtrack for Control in 2020. Kelleher notes that Remedy was heavily involved in the process, particularly in the creation of the vinyl release. Laced Records has seen increased demand for physical content, including vinyl and CD releases, but sales performance can vary greatly between AAA and indie titles. Kelleher emphasizes that the company's business model is centered around supporting both AAA and indie developers, and it is committed to maintaining a balance between the two. The company also aims to educate developers on the importance of registering music copyrights and collecting royalties. Laced Records has set up a publishing business to register music copyrights on behalf of its clients and has begun collecting mechanical and performance royalties. In addition to its audio services and record label, Laced Records has also partnered with Devolver to design, manufacture, and sell gaming merchandise. Kelleher's goal is to streamline the business and create a more efficient management structure as the company continues to grow and expand its services. Ultimately, Kelleher hopes to see video game music become a recognized and respected medium, with a solid business model and structure in place to support its growth.