Original Loopmasters founder Matt Pelling buys company back from Beatport: “Loopmasters has always been in the inspiration business”Loopmasters has been reacquired by former owner Matt Pelling, who sold the company to Beatport back in 2020.
Founded by Pelling in 2003, Loopmasters became a leading sample library and a go-to for producers worldwide, and the team later started Plugin Boutique and Loopcloud, which, like Loopmasters, were acquired by Beatport in 2020 for an undisclosed amount.
Since the sale, Pelling has served as a director of the Rhodes Music Group. He confirms to MusicTech that he’ll stay involved in both companies for the “foreseeable future”. Now, the new acquisition marks the first time Plugin Boutique and Loopmasters have split.
In his official statement, Pelling notes how the five years between 2020 and now allowed him the time and space to start a family and work on other projects, but that he “always missed what I had built with Loopmasters and Loopcloud”.
“Today’s technological landscape has only inspired me more. Working on multiple projects, I’ve been able to contrast making handcrafted musical instruments at Rhodes with modern AI-assisted software. It turns out there’s a commonality when it comes to creating music tools that stand the test of time.”
We caught up with Matt Pelling to get the lowdown on his acquisition of Loopmasters, and what we can expect from the company in the near future.
Do you have any big ideas you’d like to implement right away now you’re back in control of Loopmasters?
“It’s an exciting time for music producers and for everyone involved in the music software space. As a producer myself, I’ve been inspired by many of the latest tools and technologies emerging today. I’ve always embraced innovation – especially when it serves the producer rather than replaces them.
“We do have big ideas for the future, but it’s important we take the time to evaluate them properly – to make sure everything we do genuinely serves our customers and stands the test of time, rather than adding complexity for the sake of it.
“Ultimately, Loopcloud, powered by Loopmasters exists to provide fast access to inspiration at any stage of the creative journey. Any new ideas we pursue will always keep that purpose at the centre.”
Credit: Press
This is the first time Plugin Boutique and Loopmasters have split. How much does this change the business model of Loopmasters? 
“Loopmasters and Loopcloud have always operated largely independently from the team at Plugin Boutique, aside from a few shared people. With that in mind, we’re now a smaller company than we may have appeared while part of the wider Plugin Boutique and Beatport ecosystem – but in many ways, it feels very familiar. It reminds me of the early days when we first put our name on the map – those were incredibly exciting times. We remain close with our friends at Plugin Boutique.”
How do you see the landscape of online sample libraries changing over the next 5 or 10 years?
“Loopmasters has been around for nearly 25 years, and in that time we’ve seen huge shifts. We started out with CD-ROMs, moved into digital downloads and distribution, then into cloud-based sound libraries and subscription models. Now, of course, everyone is talking about AI and its growing influence on music creation.
“As musicians, we’re always evolving – just like the technology and business models that surround us. But at the core, our mission remains the same: to inspire with our music and to be inspired by the tools we use to make it.
“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.”
Credit: Press
Does Loopmasters commit to only hosting human-made material, or will AI-created material also be available to purchase? 
“From the very beginning, Loopmasters has worked with a broad range of producers and musicians from around the world to provide our customers with the most diverse and authentic sounds possible. We’re proud to have built and nurtured these symbiotic relationships over nearly three decades.
“We can’t predict exactly where the future will take us, but for now, human-created content remains at the heart of what we do – and it’s where we continue to thrive. That human connection, creativity, and feel is something we’re very proud to stand behind.”
Will you remain in your position as Director at Rhodes Music Group? Will there be any crossover between these brands?
“Having a great team behind me at Rhodes, along with a fantastic and multi-skilled CFO in my friend and colleague Tim Dawson, gives me the freedom to stay involved with both companies for the foreseeable future.
“I hope there will be some natural synergies between the two brands as we move forward – anything is possible. For now, I divide my time between them as needed, focusing on where I can add the most value.
“Rhodes is a wonderful company to be part of, as is Loopmasters, and I feel very fortunate to have found what feels like the perfect balance – shaping strategies that will enrich the future of both in their own ways.”
Are there any learnings you’ve taken from your time as Rhodes Music Group Director that you’ll be able to apply as you reacquire Loopmasters?
“You should be proud of everything you create – only then do you truly earn the attention of others. Working with Rhodes also gave me a deeper appreciation for what it means to build a global brand that’s associated with warmth, positivity, and great music.
“The importance of brand and reputation is magnified at Rhodes, and as a custodian of that legacy, I’ve learned how essential it is to nurture it with respect – while acknowledging the community that helped build it in the first place.
“Providing great products always comes with both risks and rewards, but the common thread is music. That’s where the brand naturally belongs. The closer we stay to the music itself, the more authentic our brand – and our work – will feel.”
Check out Loopmasters.
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