Loopmasters Founder Reacquires Influential Sample Label From Beatport
The move marks a symbolic return for one of the most influential platforms in electronic music production, raising questions about the role of human creativity in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.
The sounds that once inspired a generation of aspiring electronic music producers are once again under the stewardship of the man who helped define them. Matt Pelling, founder of Loopmasters, has officially bought back the sample library he launched more than two decades ago, regaining control of the companies from Beatport.
Long considered a pillar of sample-based music creation, Loopmasters’ success helped spawn sister brands like Loopcloud and the VST marketplace Plugin Boutique, all three of which were acquired by Beatport in 2020. However, in a surprising reversal, Pelling has now reacquired Loopmasters and Loopcloud, MusicTech reports.
“Loopmasters has always been in the inspiration business, and as long as there’s a need for that spark – for tools that help creators express themselves – I believe this industry will continue to thrive,” Pelling said.
The music production space is at a crossroads. Artificial intelligence tools have flooded the market with AI-generated songs, virtual collaborators and real-time mastering assistants. Some of these developments have stirred debates around authenticity, while others have sparked excitement over new creative frontiers.
For Pelling, who has also served as director of Rhodes Music Group, the buyback appears to be a recommitment to the fundamentals.
“For now, human-created content remains at the heart of what we do – and it’s where we continue to thrive,” he said.
