The Afterlife Shift: Carmine Conte Steps Down from Label Ownership
The Melodic Techno landscape is undergoing a seismic transition. After months of speculation, it has been confirmed that Carmine Conte-widely recognized by his solo moniker, MRAK-has officially relinquished his ownership stake in the powerhouse label, Afterlife.
### Legal Filings Reveal the Departure
The confirmation of this structural change emerged through German corporate transparency requirements. Under local regulations, businesses are mandated to publicly disclose significant shifts in management or ownership. A keen-eyed Reddit user cross-referenced these public records, revealing that as of August 17, Conte is no longer listed as a managing director.
Following this transition, the label’s leadership now rests with Matteo Milleri (Anyma) and long-time collaborator Aurelia S. Ortiz. Ortiz has been a foundational pillar of the Afterlife ecosystem, having co-founded both the record label and the associated talent agency alongside the duo Tale of Us back in 2016.
### The End of the Tale of Us Era
This administrative update serves as the final chapter in a two-year period of uncertainty regarding the future of Tale of Us. While the duo dominated the global festival circuit for years, rumors of a professional separation began circulating as early as 2023. These whispers were fueled by shifting performance dynamics and a noticeable decrease in joint appearances.
The speculation reached a fever pitch following their final scheduled performance together in Tulum this past January. While the artists remained largely silent, the industry viewed the move as a definitive conclusion to their collaborative partnership. For MRAK, this transition coincides with a new chapter in his career, as he prepares to unveil his highly anticipated debut solo album this autumn.
### A Strategic Pivot for Afterlife
The label’s recent trajectory has also signaled a period of consolidation. Beyond the leadership changes, Afterlife has significantly scaled back its global event footprint compared to its peak years. This shift in focus is mirrored in their release schedule; the label has become increasingly selective, with notable highlights such as Kevin de Vries’s 2024 anthem, “Born Like That,” standing out as a rare, high-impact release in a quieter calendar year.
As the brand moves forward under Milleri and Ortiz, the electronic music community remains eager to see how the Afterlife identity evolves in this post-Tale of Us landscape.
