Reservoir Media Acquires US Latin Label Nacional Records Catalog, Forms Joint Venture

Reservoir Media has acquired the catalog of United States-based Latin independent label Nacional Records and its publishing arm, Canciones Nacionales, and will enter a joint venture with the label to sign and develop recording artists and songwriters, the company announced on 16 July 2026.

The deal adds Nacional’s catalog of Latin music to Reservoir’s portfolio and establishes a long-term partnership aimed at developing new Latin talent.

Deal Structure

Under the agreement, Reservoir takes ownership of the recorded music and publishing catalogs. The joint venture will focus on signing and developing emerging artists and songwriters, with both companies collaborating on A&R and creative services.

Nacional Records’ Legacy

Founded in Los Angeles in 2005 by Tomas Cookman, Nacional Records has become one of the leading independent labels in Latin music, working with artists across Spanish-speaking markets and genres. Its roster and catalog include Ana Tijoux, Nortec Collective, Bomba Estereo, Tom Tom Club, El Mató a un Policía Motorizado, Aterciopelados, DJ Bitman, YADAM, La Vida Boheme, Jungle Fire and Cheo. The label has also released albums by Manu Chao, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Jarabe de Palo and Los Amigos Invisibles.

Nacional earned its first Latin Grammy for Best Alternative Album in 2007 with Aterciopelados’ Oye and has since accumulated over 100 Grammy and Latin Grammy wins and nominations. Its catalog has been licensed extensively across film, television, gaming and advertising.

Cookman’s Broader Role

Beyond the label, Cookman founded the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC), a key networking and showcase event for Latin music in the US. The 2026 LAMC begins 28 July at the Intercontinental Hotel New York Times Square, with Reservoir joining as a sponsor. Cookman is also an artist manager and a partner in Magnus Talent Agency, a global booking and management firm.

Executive Quotes

“I have long been a fan of what Golnar and Rell have built at Reservoir. We initially met a few years ago and developed a mutual respect for each other’s work – until it became obvious that we should now build together. I feel we share the same work ethic and, equally importantly, a love of music and the industry that supports it. I look forward to what comes next for our current and future artists and writers. We look forward to working together to expand Reservoir’s footprint in Latin music and culture.”

, Tomas Cookman

“Over the last two decades, Nacional has cemented itself as one of the most influential independent music companies in the Latin market, with an incredible catalog and exceptional talent. We’ve been deliberate about expanding Reservoir’s presence in Latin music, and this partnership is a transformational step in that strategy. It strengthens both our recorded music and publishing businesses while positioning us to invest in the next generation of Latin artists and songwriters. We’re proud to welcome Nacional to Reservoir and continue building on its remarkable legacy.”

, Rell Lafargue, President and Chief Operating Officer, Reservoir

Reservoir is an independent music company based in New York City, with offices in Los Angeles, Nashville, Toronto, London and Abu Dhabi.