Transcript
winter/spring 2013 volume 4 | NO 2
MUSIC news MAGAZINE
DAVE GROHL
SIGNS WORLDWIDE ADMINISTRATION DEAL WITH KOBALt AS HE PREPs TO DEBUT HIS FIRST FILM - SOUND CITY pg. 10
Inside This Issue PUBLISHING SIGNINGS PAUL MCCARTNEY & MPL COMMUNICATIONS • Lady Antebellum • THOM YORKE Stevie Nicks • IAIN JAMES • BIG & RICH BREAKOUT ACTS Alt-J • The Lumineers • JAKE BUGG • ZEDD NEIGHBOURING RIGHTS BOB DYLAN • Paul Simon • DR. LUKE LABEL SERVICES NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS NEW ACQUISITIONS THE B-52s CATALOG GRAMMY NOMINATIONS MAX MARTIN • GOTYE • Skrillex & MORE winter/spring 2013 | vol. 4 | no. 2
all rights reserved ©2013 Kobalt Music
kobalt music group news | winter/spring 2013
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IN THIS ISSUE | MESSAGE FROM FOUNDER/CEO
IN THIS ISSUE
Kobalt 2013: IT’s ALL SYSTEMS GO!
SOLID NEW SERVICES TAKE FLIGHT, NEW PARTNERSHIPS AND EXPANDED TECHNOLOGY TO BENEFIT THE INDUSTRY
PUBLISHING: DAVE GROHL PG.10
PUBLISHING: LADY ANTEBELLUM PG.9
With new superstar signings, an emergence of breakout talent, new technology in development, more strategic partnerships on the horizon, and successful new Label Services and Neighbouring Rights services at work, Kobalt is primed to deliver even more benefits to clients in 2013. I’m honored and pleased to welcome Paul McCartney and his publishing company MPL (ex-U.S. and U.K.), Dave Grohl, Lady Antebellum, Thom Yorke, Stevie Nicks and many others who have recently become Kobalt clients to benefit from our proven model. Signings of this caliber show the Kobalt approach is the way of the future. By working in partnership with our clients, WILLARD AHDRITZ FOUNDER & CEO we provide unique, tailored services that generate more money faster, while at the same time giving them unprecedented control and accuracy. On the technology front, we are excited by the key technology developments we will launch this year, which will further enhance our global database platform. Our constant state of development to keep pushing the envelope is what
“OUR CONSTANT STATE OF DEVELOPMENT TO KEEP PUSHING THE ENVELOPE FOR CLIENTS IS WHAT MAKES US A LEADER IN THE INDUSTRY.”
GRAMMY NOMS: MAX MARTIN PG.4
THE B-52s CATALOG PG.20
makes us a leader in the industry. Our clients and the industry will soon benefit from partnerships we are making to enable even more direct collections, as well as access to expanded revenue streams from multiple platforms where previously barriers have prevented money from flowing to rights owners. Our Label Services division is expanding globally and working its first release with the new Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds album. A number of innovative digital marketing and live streaming events are planned around this project. Lastly, our fund, Kobalt Music Royalties, has made its first acquisitions with The B-52s catalog and 50% of the Lindsey Buckingham catalogue, both which run deep with many important perennial songs. With all this and more on the horizon, we’re excited for the coming year to unfold. I would like to thank our clients, their advisors, and Kobalt’s dedicated staff, whose collaboration makes it possible to advance the industry in the increasingly complex modern economy and serve our collective purpose. WINTER/ spring 2013 MUSIC NEWS MAGAZINE volume 4 | NO 2
www.kobaltmusic.com NEW SIGNINGS: TIM MINCHIN PG.9
GRAMMY NOMS: BENNY BLANCO PG.4
© Copyright 2013 Kobalt Music Group, Ltd. (Kobalt). Editor: Rebekah Alperin, Kobalt SVP Communications & Marketing with contributions from staff worldwide. Information subject to change. Kobalt (including its representatives) make no warranties or representations of any kind, whether expressed or implied, regarding this publication or its contents, nor makes any warranties or representations that the contents of this publication are complete, accurate or current. Kobalt (including its representatives) assumes no liability or responsibility for any damages of any sort arising out of or in connection with any errors or omissions in the contents. For promotional use only. Not for resale. All rights reserved.
kobalt music group news | winter/spring 2013
GRAMMY AWARDS SPOTLIGHT
GRAMMY
AWARDS
GOTYE
In 2012 his multi-million-selling hit single “Somebody That I Used To Know” topped charts worldwide and was the No. 1 song of the Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart and the top selling digital song of 2012. Gotye has received two nominations for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, as well as another nod for Best Alternative Music Album for his record, Making Mirrors [Universal Republic].
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kobalt music group news | winter/spring 2013
GRAMMY AWARDS SPOTLIGHT
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MAX MARTIN
Max Martin and MXM’s Johan Schuster (a.k.a. Shellback) both received three nominations this year including one for Record of the Year for co-producing/writing with Taylor Swift her No.1 hit, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” [Big Machine Records], as well as nominations for Best Pop Vocal Album for Maroon 5’s Overexposed [A&M/Octone] and Pink’s The Truth About Love [RCA Records].
3 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS
KOBALt CLIENTS SCORE MAJOR NOMINATIONS for THE 55th ANNUAL Grammy AWARDS Kobalt congratulates its superstar artist, producer, songwriter and publisher clients who celebrate nominations for the 55th Annual Grammy Awards®. Hitmaker Max Martin and MXM’s Johan Schuster (a.k.a. Shellback) both received three nominations. Gotye, Kelly Clarkson, Björk and Skrillex received multiple nominations. Writer/ producers Savan Kotecha, Benjamin Levin, Ammar Malik (Prescription), Ryan Tedder and Noel Zancanella (Patriot) are also nominated via their work on the Maroon 5 album. With their career launching single “Ho Hey” continuing its long run atop charts around the world, The Lumineers received two nominations: Best New Artist and Best Americana Album for their self-titled debut. Other Kobalt represented artists who received nominations include Chick Corea (four nominations), Lateral Management’s John Martin, Björk (two nominations), Vince Gill (two nominations), LMFAO (two nominations) and Moby (one nomination), among many others. Nominated producer/writers also include Noah “40” Shebib, Andre Davidson and Sean Davidson (Numbers Don’t Lie LLC), Ryan Buendia, Cody ChesnuTT (Brill Building), Jake Hooker, Alan Merrill, arranger Lorraine Feather, William Orbit, Courtney Harrell, Doc McKinney, Tristan Jones, Ryan Toby, Aben Eubanks, John Hancock (Brill Building), Stefan Engblom and Olle Corneer (Spread The Sound), Lateral Management’s Michel Zitron, and First ‘N Gold Publishing’s Rick Ross, who enjoys three nominations for Best Rap Album for his work on three different albums, including his own God Forgives, I Don’t [Def Jam]. Kobalt Nashville clients Liz Rose, Dan Muckala and Phillip Coleman each have Grammy nominations related to their work. Rose wrote “If I Told You To,” which appears on Hunter Hayes’ self-titled album [Atlantic] which is nominated for Best Country Album. Muckala wrote five songs on Britt Nicole’s album Gold [Sparrow Records] which is nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. Coleman received a nomination for Country Song of the Year for his song, “Cost Of Livin” [Arista], which he co-wrote with Ronnie Dunn.
SKRILLEX
Skrillex, already a multiple Grammy winner from last year, received three nominations for Best Dance Recording, Best Dance/Electronica Album and Best Remixed Recording.
SHELLBACK (MXM)
SAVAN KOTECHA (MXM)
BENNY BLANCO
kobalt music group news | winter/spring 2013
GRAMMY AWARDS SPOTLIGHT
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NOAH “40” SHEBIB
Two nominations in the Best Rap Album category for Take Care by Drake [Cash Money Records] and Life Is Good by Nas [Def Jam]
LMFAO
The global party rock sensation LMFAO received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their song “Sexy And I Know It” [will.i.am/Interscope/Cherrytree Records], plus they’re also celebrating the nomination for Best Dance/Electronica album for their work on Steve Aoki’s album, Wonderland [Ultra Music/Dim Mak].
KELLY CLARKSON
Photographer: Scarlet Page
Four nominations including Best Pop Vocal Album for Stronger [RCA Records/19 Recordings Limited]
THE LUMINEERS
Nominated for two Grammy Awards - Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music Album
RYAN TEDDER
Co-wrote/produced two songs on Maroon 5’s Overexposed album, which is nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album
KOBALT CLIENT GRAMMY NOMINATIONS Category: Record Of The Year Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye feat. Kimbra [Universal Republic] Kobalt Client: Gotye Category: Record Of The Year We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together by Taylor Swift [Big Machine Records] Kobalt Clients: Producers Max Martin / Shellback (MXM) Category: Best New Artist The Lumineers Kobalt Client: The Lumineers Category: Best Pop Duo/Group Performance Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye feat. Kimbra [Universal Republic] Kobalt Client: Gotye Category: Best Pop Duo/Group Performance Sexy And I Know It by LMFAO [will.i.am/Interscope/Cherrytree] Kobalt Client: LMFAO Category: Best Pop Vocal Album Stronger by Kelly Clarkson [RCA Records/19 Recordings LLC] Kobalt Clients: Kelly Clarkson, Aben Eubanks (writer) Category: Best Pop Vocal Album Overexposed by Maroon 5 [A&M/Octone] Kobalt Clients: Max Martin, Johan Schuster (MXM), Savan Kotecha, Benjamin Levin, Ammar Malik (Prescription), Ryan Tedder and Noel Zancanella (Patriot) Category: Best Pop Vocal Album The Truth About Love by Pink [RCA Records] Kobalt Clients: Max Martin and Johan Schuster (MXM) Category: Best Dance Recording Bangarang by Skrillex feat. Sirah [OWSLA/Big Beat/Atlantic]. Kobalt Client: Skrillex Category: Best Dance Recordings Don’t You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia feat. John Martin [Astralwerks] Kobalt Clients: John Martin (Lateral Management) and Michel Zitron (Lateral Management) Category: Best Dance/Electronica Album Wonderland by Steve Aoki [Ultra Music/Dim Mak] Kobalt Clients: LMFAO and Scott Mescudi Category: Best Dance/Electronica Album Fire & Ice by Kaskade [Ultra Music] Kobalt Clients: Skrillex, John Hancock (Brill Building), Stefan Engblom and Olle Corneer (Spread The Sound)
BJÖRK
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GRAMMY AWARDS SPOTLIGHT Category: Best Dance/ Electronica Album Bangarang by Skrillex [OWSLA/Big Beat/Atlantic] Kobalt Client: Skrillex
Category: Best Country Album Hunter Hayes by Hunter Hayes [Atlantic] Kobalt Client: Liz Rose
Category: Best Alternative Music Album - Biophilia by Björk [One Little Indian/Nonesuch] Kobalt Client: Björk
Category: Best Country Album Four The Record by Miranda Lambert [The RCA Records Label Nashville] Kobalt Client: Shane McAnally
Category: Best Alternative Music Album - Making Mirrors by Gotye [Universal Republic] Kobalt Client: Gotye
Category: Best Country Album The Time Jumpers by The Time Jumpers [Rounder] Kobalt Client: Vince Gill
Category: Best R&B Song Heart Attack [Songbook/Atlantic] Kobalt Client: Benjamin Levin [Matza Ball Music/Where Da Kasz At]
Category: Best Jazz Instrumental Album - Further Explorations [Concord Jazz] Kobalt Client: Chick Corea
Category: Best Urban Contemporary Album Fortune by Chris Brown [RCA Records] Kobalt Clients: Andre Davidson and Sean Davidson (Numbers Don’t Lie LLC), Ryan Buendia, William Orbit and Courtney Harrell (Deluxe Edition) Category: Best R&B Album Back To Love by Anthony Hamilton [RCA Records] Kobalt Client: Writer Ryan Toby Category: Best R&B Album Beautiful Surprise by Tamia [Plus 1 Music Group] Kobalt Clients: Sean Davidson and Andre Davidson (Numbers Don’t Lie LLC) Roosevelt Harrell III Category: Best Rap Album Take Care by Drake [Cash Money Records] Kobalt Clients: Doc McKinney, Noah “40” Shebib, Rick Ross (First ‘N Gold) and Tristan Jones Category: Best Rap Album Life Is Good by Nas [Def Jam] Kobalt Clients: Rick Ross (First ‘N Gold) and Noah “40” Shebib Category: Best Rap Album God Forgives, I Don’t by Rick Ross [Def Jam] Kobalt Client: Rick Ross (First ‘N Gold) Category: Best Country Duo/ Group Performance for On The Outskirts Of Town by The Time Jumpers [Rounder] Kobalt Client: Vince Gill Category: Best Country Song Cost Of Livin’ by Ronnie Dunn [Arista] Kobalt Client: Phillip Coleman
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AMMAR MALIK (PRESCRIPTION)
Category: Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for Gold by Britt Nicole [Sparrow Records] Kobalt Client: Dan Muckala Category: Best Americana Album The Lumineers by The Lumineers [Dualtone Music Group] Kobalt Client: The Lumineers Category: Best Comedy Album Blow Your Pants Off by Jimmy Fallon [Warner Bros. Records/ LoudMouth Entertainment] Kobalt Client: Cody ChesnuTT (Brill Building)
VINCE GILL
Category: Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media for Rock Of Ages by Various Artists [WaterTower Music] Kobalt Clients: Jake Hooker and Alan Merrill Category: Best Instrumental Composition - Mozart Goes Dancing by Chick Corea & Gary Burton [Concord Jazz] Kobalt Client: Chick Corea Category: Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) for Out There by Shelly Berg [Jazzed Media] Kobalt Client: Lorraine Feather (arranger)
LIZ ROSE
MOBY
PHILLIP COLEMAN
RICK ROSS [First N’ Gold]
Category: Best Recording Package - Biophilia [One Little Indian/Nonesuch] Kobalt Client: Björk Category: Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical for Lie Down In Darkness (Photek Remix) [Little Idiot] Kobalt Client: Moby Category: Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical for Promises (Skrillex & Nero Remix) [Interscope] Kobalt Client: Skrillex
kobalt music group news | winter/spring 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | NEW SIGNINGS
Photo: © 2012 MPL Communications Ltd / Photographer: MJ Kim
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NEW PAUL Mccartney SIGNINGS and mpl communications “Kobalt is a forward-thinking, state-of-the-art company with excellent leadership and staff and is a great fit for our catalogues. We are excited to see what new opportunities this relationship will present.” - MPL In July 2012 Kobalt announced the signing of an exclusive long-term deal with Paul McCartney and MPL, one of the world’s largest, privately owned music publishing companies, which was founded by Paul McCartney in 1971. With the exception of the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Eire territories, Kobalt is representing the songs of three MPL catalogues: MPL Communications, MPL Music Publishing, and Cherio Corporation (Cherio) throughout the world and providing synch licensing. MPL encompass one of the largest collections of classic hits by Paul McCartney, as well as over one thousand major songwriters and composers. An MPL spokesperson said, “Kobalt is a forward-thinking, state-of-the-art company with
excellent leadership and staff and is a great fit for our catalogues. We are excited to see what new opportunities this relationship will present.” The MPL Communications catalogue includes all of Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles solo material, works by Linda McCartney and songs by Paul McCartney & Wings. Major hits include “Ebony and Ivory,” “Say Say Say,” “Jet,” “My Love,” “Band On The Run,” “My Brave Face,” “Listen To What The Man Said,” “With A Little Luck,” “Spies Like Us,” “Silly Love Songs,” “Vanilla Sky,” “Freedom,” “Dance Tonight” and the recent single, “My Valentine,” among many others. The MPL Music Publishing and Cherio catalogues contain an unsurpassed collection of standards written by such legends as Frank
Loesser, Carl Perkins, Joe Young, Harry Warren, Big Joe Turner, Jelly Roll Morton, Maurice Williams, Louis Jordan, Bessie Smith, Loudon Wainwright III, Hugh Masekela, Jule Styne, Roy Orbison, Hoagy Carmichael and over 1,200 other major songwriters. They include songs from famous Broadway musicals such as Guys and Dolls, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and The Music Man, among others and such classics as “Unchained Melody,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Till There Was You,” “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sentimental Journey,” “Wonderful Copenhagen,” “The Inch Worm,” “Seventy Six Trombones,” “Stay,” and “Honey Don’t” among thousands of others.
kobalt music group news | winter/spring 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | NEW SIGNINGS
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STEVIE NICKS
The legendary Fleetwood Mac songstress (center) celebrates her new deal with Kobalt Founder/CEO Willard Ahdritz (left) and Kobalt President Richard Sanders.
LADY ANTEBELLUM
Kobalt has concluded an exclusive, worldwide administration deal with multiple Grammy Award-winning American country pop act Lady Antebellum. Through the deal Kobalt will provide full global creative and synch services and represent all songs written by the trio (Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood) for their highly anticipated, upcoming Capitol Nashville release. In addition, Kobalt will also represent select Lady Antebellum catalog repertoire, including works on their multimillion selling 2011 album, Own the Night (Capital Nashville), including the recent smash hits “We Owned the Night” and “Just a Kiss,” and the songs “Cold As Stone,” “Singing Me Home,” and “Somewhere Love Remains” among others. “It is a privilege and an honor to have the opportunity to work with such unique individual and collective talent as Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood and Hillary Scott. As songwriters, they each bring their own creative vision for Lady Antebellum. Their collaboration has created one of country music’s hottest bands and a true global ambassador for the format. We are honored that Lady Antebellum has chosen Kobalt as their publishing partner and look forward to being a part of their ongoing and future success,” said Whitney Daane, Senior VP Creative of Kobalt Music Group. Lady Antebellum recently wrapped their first ever world tour that was awarded Billboard’s Breakthrough Award and traveled across the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia, where the award winning trio was welcomed by over one million fans in 11 countries on three continents. Lady Antebellum has sold over 11 million albums across the globe, scored seven Grammy Awards and tallied six No.1 hits at radio. They recently launched a global charity initiative for children in need called LadyAID and will release new music in 2013.
TIM MINCHIN
Kobalt Music Publishing Australia represents worldwide successful Australian musician, actor, comedian and composer Tim Minchin. Minchin wrote the music and lyrics for the award-winning West End and Broadwaybound Matilda The Musical, which recently swept the U.K. 2012 Laurence Olivier Awards winning seven awards including Best New Musical. He’s also been cast in the new season of Showtime’s popular TV series, Californication, where he plays a major recurring role as Atticus Fetch. Best known for his musical comedy act and comedy CD releases, Minchin has had major hits with his popular comedic songs, “If I Didn’t Have You’ (Secret Policeman’s Ball),” “Drowned,” “White Wine in the Sun,” “The Pop Song,” and the infamous “Christmas Song,” which was banned on TV in the U.K. Minchin has also released five DVDs and internationally performs a number of live comedy shows. He also played this year in his dream role of Judas Iscariot for the sold-out arena tour of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Jesus Christ Superstar. In August 2013 he’ll be performing in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead in Australia at the Sydney Opera House.
kobalt music group news | winter/spring 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | NEW SIGNINGS
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DAVE GROHL
Kobalt has signed an exclusive, worldwide administration deal with Foo Fighters lead vocalist, guitarist and founder Dave Grohl. Through the deal Kobalt will provide worldwide creative and synch services, representing Grohl’s new works, including songs from the upcoming Sound City - Real to Reel, the companion album to the Grohldirected documentary debuting this month at the Sundance Film Festival. Set for release in March 2013, the Sound City Real to Reel album is a collection of original music created by Grohl and a cast of musical legends specifically for the film about the hallowed and now-shuttered Sound City recording studio. Preceded by
the currently available first single “Cut Me Some Slack” performed by Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Grohl’s former Nirvana bandmates Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear, the album also features the likes of Stevie Nicks, Trent Reznor, Rick Springfield, Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk of Rage Against The Machine, Joshua Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour, Grohl’s fellow Foo Fighters (Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, Smear again) and many more. Grohl’s personal connection to Sound City dates back over 20 years, to the 1991 recording of Nirvana’s Nevermind, which sold over 30 million copies worldwide, transforming the entire modern musical landscape and forever altering the course of Grohl’s life. Additionally, in 2014 Kobalt will begin representation of the Grohl repertoire that chronicles his ascension to legendary status as one of the most beloved and respected figures on the international music scene: from his generation-defining work with Nirvana, through the Foo Fighters’ catalog that has won 11 Grammy Awards and sold 25 million records, and Them Crooked Vultures, the Grammy-winning supergroup he formed with Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones and Queens of the Stone Age’s Joshua Homme, and more.
THOM YORKE
Kobalt Music has concluded a worldwide administration deal with Thom Yorke to represent his previous solo album, The Eraser (XL) and his highly anticipated upcoming album with Atoms For Peace. The Atoms For Peace debut, Amok (XL), will be released on Feb. 25, 2013. Yorke initially formed Atoms For Peace with producer (and fellow Kobalt writer) Nigel Godrich, Flea (Red Hot Chilli Peppers), Joey Waronker and Mauro Refosco (also a Kobalt writer) – as a live band to perform The Eraser. As the collaboration went so well, they decided to make an album together. “Atoms is an ongoing and open ended project, where it leads I know not for certain...which is what is nice about it,” says Yorke. In November, Atoms for Peace released the preview single “Default.” Yorke’s solo album, The Eraser (XL), debuted Top 5 on both U.K. and U.S. album charts and has sold more than 500,000 units worldwide. “Thom is one of the most inspiring and creative musicians to come out of the U.K. Aside from his outstanding achievements as part of Radiohead, he continues to push himself musically with his solo work and now with Atoms For Peace,” says Sas Metcalfe, Kobalt EVP Creative. Kobalt SVP Nick Robinson adds: “It’s another landmark in an incredible catalogue and to have Thom as part of our roster is an absolute honour.”
“Atoms is an ongoing and open ended project, where it leads I know not for certain...which is what is nice about it.” - THOM YORKE
kobalt music group news | winter/spring 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | NEW SIGNINGS
WRITER/PRODUCERS IAIN JAMES
Kobalt’s U.K. team recently celebrated the signing of Iain James, one of the hottest writing talents in the U.K to a worldwide deal. James has penned hits including the No.1 single “Read All About It” by Professor Green feat. Emeli Sande (Virgin); the No. 1 U.K. single “Wings” and the No. 3 single “D.N.A.” by Little Mix, the X Factor 2011 competition winner. Iain has also written releases for a diverse range of artists such as Olly Murs, Wretch 32, One Direction, Matt Cardle and The Overtones among many others. Pictured at the signing are (Left to Right): Adam Clough of 365 Artists management; Sian Walter, Kobalt Creative Manager; Kelli Young, James’ partner; Iain James; Paul Smith, manager of 365 Artists management; Sam Winwood, Kobalt SVP Creative; and Phil Thirlway, Kobalt VP Business Affairs.
EG WHITE
British musician, songwriter and producer Eg White has signed an exclusive, worldwide publishing administration deal with Kobalt. As a highly in demand writer, musician and producer, the multiple Ivor Novello and Grammy Award winner has written numerous classic hits, including Adele’s breakthrough single “Chasing Pavements,” Duffy’s “Warwick Avenue,” the No.1 Will Young single, “Leave Right Now,” and James Morrison’s “You Give Me Something.” Eg has also penned hits for a huge variety of other artists including James Blunt, Joss Stone, Pink, Kylie Minogue and Florence + the Machine, and has recently been writing with Tom Odell, the winner of the BBC Sound of 2013 poll, the exciting new artist Chloe Howl and the unique Lily Allen.
DAVID HODGES
Multiple Grammy and BMI award-winning songwriter and producer, David Hodges, has signed an exclusive worldwide agreement with Kobalt. Formerly a member of the band Evanescence, Hodges cowrote their hit singles “Bring Me to Life,” and “My Immortal.” He has won several BMI Pop Awards, which include awards for his No.1 singles “Because Of You” by Kelly Clarkson, “Crush” by David Archuleta, and “What About Now” by Daughtry, among others. His songs have also been recorded by major artists such as Celine Dion, Backstreet Boys, Carrie Underwood, Christina Perri, Train and David Cook. Hodges is currently collaborating with Avril Lavigne, Natasha Bedingfield, Sara Evans, and Christina Perri for their new albums.
D’BANJ
Set to take the western hemisphere by storm, Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’BANJ, has signed an exclusive deal with Kobalt for worldwide administration. The talented Nigerian singer-songwriter and harmonica player has become an international superstar of the Afrobeats/Afro Pop/Afro Fusion music genre and recently signed to Mercury in the U.K. and Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label in the U.S. His 2012 summer dance fusion Afrobeats single, “Oliver Twist,” debuted Top 10 on the U.K. charts and reached No.2 on the U.K. R&B chart. Inspired by the story of Charles Dickens’ orphan Oliver Twist, the danceable, infectious single of same title was released in 2011. Fueled by a dance competition to the song where fan videos went viral, ”Oliver Twist” has so far sold about over 11 million records worldwide. Propelling his popularity in Africa, D’BANJ’s album, Mr. Endowed, helped him win Best African Act MTV Europe Music Awards, Artist of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards and Best International Act of the BET Awards. D’BANJ has also worked with Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, Jay Z, Kid Cudi, LA Reid, Tinie Tempah and Rio Ferdinand among others. With his sex appeal, various music awards, continuous relevance in the music market with entertaining live performances and music productions, D’BANJ remains one of the most celebrated pop stars in Nigeria and on the international scene.
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kobalt music group news | winter/spring 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | BREAKOUT ARTISTS
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BREAKOUT
ARTISTS
The Lumineers
The roots revival of the last few years has primed listeners for The Lumineers, who produce a new generation of rustic, heart-on-the-sleeve music—the kind that nods to tradition while setting off into uncharted territory. Nominated for two Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Americana Music Album, The Lumineers, walk that line with an unerring gift for timeless melodies and soul-stirring lyrics. Having signed to Kobalt worldwide for publishing administration, the band has solidified their global success propelled by the 2.3 million-selling single, “Ho Hey.” Their self-titled debut album (Dualtone) has sold nearly 700,000 copies. Their new single, “Stubborn Love,” is climbing U.S. charts. The video for “Ho Hey” has received over 27.7 million views on YouTube. The Lumineers music has been used in numerous synchs including uses in the major motion pictures Trouble with the Curve and Silver Linings Playbook, TV episodes of Hart of Dixie, Girls and Modern Family and in an advertisements for Dick’s Sporting Goods and MSN’s Bing, among other uses.
kobalt music group news | winter/spring 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | BREAKOUT ARTISTS
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ALT-J
Mercury Prize-winning U.K. band Alt-J are signed to Kobalt worldwide.Their debut album, An Awesome Wave (Infectious & Canvasback/Atlantic) features the singles, “Breezeblocks,” “Fitzpleasure” and “Something Good.” The album reached No.13 in the U.K. selling nearly 100,000 units to date. In October, the band also picked up Independent Breakthrough Act of the Year at the AIM (Association of Independent Music) Awards and was also nominated for Best New Act at the Q Magazine Awards. Their song “Buffalo” was also recently used for the critically acclaimed film, Silver Linings Playbook. Alt-J will return to the U.S. for a nearly sold-out U.S. tour including three shows at SXSW, where they are expected to be one of the hottest tickets. In early 2013 they play their biggest U.K. gig to date at Shepherds Bush Empire and in May with two sold out nights at Brixton Academy.
ZEDD
Hailed by Billboard as the “breakout DJ star of 2013” and Rolling Stone as the “Artist to Watch in 2012,” Zedd has not only been a critical favorite of the NY Times, Washington Post, the AP, and Spin among countless others, but he’s also made a fan of artists like Skrillex, Lady Gaga and music supervisors. Raised in Germany, 23 year-old Zedd, who comes from a classically trained background, began producing electronic music in 2009. Yet in this short amount of time he’s amassed widespread critical and audience acclaim. Zedd has toured with Lady Gaga, Skrillex & Deadmau5 and appeared at Coachella, Lollapalooza, Ultra & Electric Zoo festivals. His hit singles “Shave It” and “Slam The Door” (out through Skrillex’s OWLSA label), both held the top spot on Beatport’s charts for multiple weeks. In 2012 he also signed with Interscope and released his debut album, Clarity, in October. The album went to No.1 on the U.S. iTunes Dance Album chart and was named the iTunes “Breakthough Dance Album of 2012. The single “Spectrum” feat. Matthew Koma reached No.1 on the Billboard Club Play chart. HP also selected his track “Stache” for their major ad campaign. In addition to a headline tour, Zedd is quickly becoming a highly sought after producer with several massive original production credits including Eva Simons’ “I Don’t Like You” and Justin Bieber’s “Beauty And A Beat” feat Nicki Minaj. He’s been collaborating with Lady Gaga and even performed “Clarity” acoustic on the major U.S. TV show, The Late Show with David Letterman.
JAKE BUGG
Rising U.K. star Jake Bugg is signed exclusively to Soul Kitchen publishing, which is administered by Kobalt worldwide. Released in October, his selftitled U.K. No.1 debut album, Jake Bugg (Mercury/Universal), features the Top 40 single “Two Fingers.” His track “Country Song” was selected for use in U.K. national TV beer commercial for Greene King IPA. Bugg co-wrote eight songs on the album with fellow Kobalt writer Iain Archer, who produced four tracks including the singles “Trouble Town,” “Taste It,” “Lightning Bolt” and “Two Fingers.” At the age of 17 in 2011, Bugg was chosen by the BBC to appear on their “Introducing” stage at Glastonbury Festival and has since gone on to headline dates across the U.K. as well as support Snow Patrol and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds in the U.S. He is also due to tour with The Stone Roses in the U.K. in 2013.
kobalt music group news | winter/spring 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | NASHVILLE SPOTLIGHT
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nashville
spotlight
BIG & RICH JOHN RICH
Kobalt is representing John Rich worldwide including all new and previously released works via a deal with his publishing companies, Godfather Rich Muzik and Program 360. Rich and business partner, Charlie Pennachio (Linear), began Program 360 to sign and develop artist-writers. “With the advent of MySpace and Facebook they are as close away as a click. We were going through 1,000 -1,500 pages a month and I came up with the concept of the ‘Get Rich Talent Search’ with a cash prize where I would invite the top ten best artists and writers out of thousands to come play on my dime at 12th & Porter in Nashville. These artists began to get major record deals and interest,” said Rich. “I love discovering something that is brilliant that just needs a little fine tuning,” Rich continues. “Gretchen Wilson went from being my bartender to selling eight million CDs in about 24 months. That’s when the bug bit me. The folks at Kobalt are real ‘music passion’ people. It makes economic sense and it’s a fun place to do business.” Rich’s publishing company also publishes Jason Aldean’s multi-week No. 1
“The folks at Kobalt are real ‘music passion’ people. It makes economic sense and it’s a fun place to do business.” - JOHN RICH hit single, “Don’t You Wanna Stay” (featuring vocal superstar Kelly Clarkson). as well as Big & Rich’s current single, “Party Like Cowboyz.” Aside from the Big & Rich national tour, writing, producing and working with his publishing companies, Rich spends his time on charitable endeavors and has raised millions of dollars on behalf of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Second Harvest Food Bank. With all the good work Big & Rich do to help others, it’s no surprise they have has been announced as the recipient of the prestigious CRS 2013 Artist Humanitarian Award to be presented at Country Radio Seminar on February 27, 2013.
BIG KENNY
Superstar country artist/writer and producer Big Kenny – the “Big” of Big & Rich) has influences that range from old-school gospel to U2, or as he puts it, “the soul of Ray Charles, the honesty of Merle Haggard and the joy of Louis Armstrong.” When asked about his new relationship with Kobalt, Big Kenny adds, “The most fun I ever have is pushing the limits to find something that I
“I don’t do well in a box. Kobalt is the most cutting edge game in town, and the edge is where I thrive!”- BIG KENNY love. I don’t do well in a box. Kobalt is the most cutting edge game in town, and the edge is where I thrive!” With recent cuts on The Farm (Elektra Records) and The Lacs (Average Joes), Big Kenny has been writing with his favorite collective of Nashville writers and artists, as well as Jaron Lowenstein, Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora. As one of the founders (with Rich) of the “Muzik Mafia,” he says that for him it’s all about creating the next wave of “Muzik Without Prejudice.” “My inspiration for my music is my life, the experiences, the people, the passion and emotion of it all,” says Big Kenny, “Great ideas all come in a moment. I like to keep it moving. I work hard but I never force it.” One of his greatest passions is performing, and Big & Rich toured over 50 cities in 2012 to support their most recent album, Hillbilly Jedi (Warner Music Nashville). Its debut single “That’s Why I Pray” was Big & Rich’s fastest rising single of their career. Big Kenny was recently the 2nd U.S. recipient of the African Children’s Choir Malaika Award in recognition of his work in the Sudan presented to him at its 4th Annual Benefit Gala in New York City on December 3, 2012.
kobalt music group news | winter/spring 2013
MUSIC PUBLiSHING | GERMANY SPOTLIGHT
GERMANY spotlight TOBIAS KUHN
Tobias Kuhn’s first band Miles became one of the most influential German indie rock groups, internationally recognized with over 120,000 in album sales, a No.1 single success in Japan and tours worldwide. Afterwards he made two records with his solo project, Monta, and subsequently director Wim Wenders asked him to write music for his movie Palermo Shooting. It was during this time, that Kuhn became known as a very creative and talented producer and writer. In 2008 he produced Sportfreunde Stiller’s album, MTV Unplugged in New York, which went to No.1 on German album charts and garnered him an Echo nomination. Additionally he wrote music and co-produced a track on the album of Udo Lindenberg, which sold over 1 million units in Germany. Kuhn’s most recent success was his work with Die Toten Hosen, whose album sold over 600,000 units. He has also produced an album for Scottish band Martin & James (Universal Music Germany) in Los Angeles, where he’ll continue to work on projects in 2013.
BOYS NOIZE Berlin-based DJ and producer Alex Ridha – known professionally as Boys Noize – is signed to Kobalt for worldwide administration including creative services. Since inaugurating his career as one of electronic music’s most innovative artists, as a producer, Ridha has been behind the board for such artists as Kelis, the Black-Eyed Peas and Kano (co-produced with Damon Albarn). As a remixer, he has reimagined tracks for David Lynch, N.E.R.D., Depeche Mode, Daft Punk, Snoop Dogg, Feist and The Chemical Brothers. His recent projects have included the single “Only The Horses” from the Scissor Sisters full-length Magic Hour, as well as work with Usher, Snoop Dogg and Chris Brown. He recently teamed up with filmmaker and producer Mr. Oizo for a brand new project called Handbraekes.
DAVID JOST LA-based producer and hit-songwriter David Jost co-wrote Chris Brown’s new single, “Nobody’s Perfect,” in collaboration with Brown and Livingston, Hilbert and Showtek for Brown’s upcoming album. He’s had 74 platinum records and 108 gold records and written and produced 14 No.1 hits. Jost has worked with major artists including Lady Gaga, Limp Bizkit, Tokio Hotel, Nelly Furtado, Keri Hilson, Justin Bieber, Far East Movement, Melanie C (Spice Girls), and Adam Lambert among others. For Gaga, Jost produced the “Born This Way Jost & Naaf Remix.” Jost has also composed numerous songs for film, TV and advertising campaigns including BMW, Mercedes, Veltins, Verizon and Motorola among other major brands.
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kobalt music group news | winter/spring 2013
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LABEL SERVICES
KOBALt LAUNCHES FULL SCALE GLOBAL MUSIC DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING SERVICES In a move signaling Kobalt’s fast-forward expansion beyond music publishing and emergence as a full-scale, global music distribution and marketing services provider, Kobalt Label Services (KLS) has opened new offices in the U.S. and Australia and hired top experienced executives Shari Segalini, Karen Lieberman and Ben Godding. KLS digital distribution is being handled worldwide by AWAL, which was acquired by Kobalt last year. Kobalt Label Services, which already has a full service team in London supported by Kobalt’s recently acquired AWAL (Artists Without a Label) company, aims to empower recording owners with a similar level of control, transparency, accuracy and efficiency that Kobalt has successfully provided to songwriters and other owners of copyrights. The new services will enable artists and other rights holders the opportunity to maximize revenues from a wide range of digital retail, physical retail, subscription, D2C and social media services, and advanced data analytics.
ABOUT KOBALT LABEL SERVICES (KLS) Kobalt Label Services (KLS) provides the next generation of services for artists and labels worldwide, empowering recording owners with a full-service solution to releasing and marketing records while maintaining ownership of their masters. KLS maximizes client opportunities and revenues from a wide range of global digital retail, traditional physical retail, audio and video streaming, synch licensing, D2C and social media services. Clients benefit from Kobalt expertise in multirights management, the security and trust of Kobalt’s proven and transparent royalty accounting, advanced data analytics and experienced staff to co-ordinate and manage releases.
KOBALT LABEL SERVICES TO RELEASE (IN ASSOCIATION WITH BAD SEED)
NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS
NEW STUDIO ALBUM - PUSH THE SKY AWAY OUT FEBRUARY 18, 2013 Kobalt Label Services (KLS), in collaboration with Nick Cave and his management at ATC, is proud to announce the release of Push the Sky Away (Bad Seed Ltd.), the fifteenth studio album by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Working closely with Cave and his management on all aspects of the release, KLS is providing a full spectrum of label services to include global distribution via digital retail, D2C, physical retail and subscription services, as well as marketing and promotion, advanced data analytics and royalty tracking, synch licensing and other services. Push the Sky Away will be released on CD, Limited CD-DVD, Vinyl and Digital formats and represents a watershed moment for KLS. “We are extremely proud to count Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds as a key client for KLS. The new album is highly anticipated and the response from our extensive network of distribution partners worldwide has been phenomenal. We look forward to unveiling a wide range of promotional activity in support of the release this year,” said Paul Hitchman, MD of Kobalt Label Services. “The Push The Sky Away album campaign represents the start of a new, exciting and inspiring chapter for Nick, both creatively and in business. The skills and expertise KLS has to offer across the globe, especially in the digital space, gives us a service provider that best fits our expanding requirements.” said Brian Message, Cave’s manager out of ATC.
kobalt music group news | winter/spring 2013
NEIGHBOURING RIGHTS / KOBALT CAPITAL LTD.
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KOBALT NEIGHBOURING RIGHTS SUPERSTAR CLIENTELE TRANSPARENCY: GROWS AS SUCCESSFUL DIVISION ENTERS SECOND AN INDUSTRY FIRST FOR YEAR OF OPERATIONS NEIGHBOURING RIGHTS Bob Dylan, Dr. Luke, Gotye, Max Martin, Paul Simon, Ryan Tedder and Shellback (a.k.a. Johan Schuster) are among the global superstar talent that has recently concluded deals and chosen Kobalt to manage their neighbouring rights, it was announced by Willard Ahdritz, CEO and Founder of Kobalt Music Group, and Hans van Berkel, Executive Chairman of Kobalt Neighbouring Rights Ltd. (KNRL). The artists and producers join KNRL’s growing client roster which also includes Anders Hansson, Benny Gallagher, Carly Simon, Gary Numan, Guy Chambers, Iva Davies, OneRepublic, Paul Tucker (Lighthouse Family), Roger Taylor (Duran Duran), and Mary Wilson, among others.
“In some territories, we have found monies that have been held for 10 years or longer...Our clients are very positive about the Kobalt way of simplifying a very complex process, maximizing earnings and speeding up payments.” - HANS VAN BERKEL, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF KOBALT NEIGHBOURING RIGHTS LIMITED “We are privileged to be representing many of the world’s top artists and producers for neighbouring rights and bringing them the most transparent and efficient way to maximize their revenues,” said Hans van Berkel, Executive Chairman of KNRL. “In some territories, we have found monies that have been held for 10 years or longer. It is our mission to find the income that clients are properly due and have it released by the respective neighbouring rights societies throughout the world. Our clients are very positive about the Kobalt way of simplifying a very complex process, maximizing earnings and speeding up payments.” KNRL was established as an alternative to the traditional neighbouring rights model. Utilizing Kobalt’s advanced global relational databases, highly detailed royalty tracking and direct collections infrastructure, KNRL offers a bespoke service proven to provide more accuracy, faster distributions, global performance data and repertoire/database quality control in each territory.
In 2012 Kobalt unveiled the next generation in technology and services for Kobalt neighbouring rights clients who can now view online all account detail showing exactly where their income is coming from, and from which territory. KNRL is the first company to offer this level of transparency and detailed accounting with monthly statements for neighbouring rights. Accounts are continually updated and viewable 24/7. Willard Ahdritz, CEO and Founder of Kobalt Music Group, said: “As KNRL enters its second year of operation, we are very proud to offer the industry the next standard in global direct collections in this segment of the business. We’ve applied Kobalt’s modern approach and unique technology to neighbouring rights collections and are seeing a significant uplift in collections over traditional neighbouring rights models.”
KOBALT TO INVEST UP TO 100 M USD IN MUSIC ROYALTIES As part of the Kobalt Music Group (Kobalt), Kobalt Capital Ltd., an FSA regulated and authorized investment advisor, plans to invest up to 100m USD in the next 12 months in music royalties. In making the announcement, Willard Ahdritz, Founder and CEO of Kobalt Music Group, said: “In order to respond to existing and new clients’ needs for bigger advances, or part or whole acquisitions, Kobalt formed an investment advisory company in 2011 which now has substantial capital resources backed by blue chip family office and other institutional investors.” As the leading, global independent
music services company, Kobalt has already made a number of investments and is in talks to invest in and acquire rights in royalty streams generated by some of the world’s most popular artists and songwriters. The company already manages more than 250,000 copyrights worldwide on behalf of over 1,200 content holders and counts among its clients Paul McCartney and MPL, No Doubt, Max Martin, Kid Rock, Dr. Luke, Ryan Tedder, The Hives, Björk, Garbage, Richard Ashcroft, Kelly Clarkson, Gotye, Skrillex, Herbie Hancock, Moby, Kid Cudi, Dave Stewart, Joss Stone,
among many others. Johan Ahlström, CEO of Kobalt Capital Ltd., further added: “As we enter our second year of activity of KCL we are looking at stepping up our investment in royalty advances and copyrights acquisitions with a focus on rights where value uplift can be achieved through Kobalt’s efficient royalty collections and value enhancement through active management and marketing.” Kobalt’s proprietary copyrights administration platform and direct collection infrastructure has been proven to collect royalties up to two years faster with up to 25% more income over traditional models.
“In order to respond to existing and new clients’ needs for bigger advances, or part or whole acquisitions, Kobalt formed an investment advisory company in 2011 which now has substantial capital resources...” - Willard Ahdritz, Kobalt Founder AND CEO
kobalt music group news | winter/spring 2013
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GREAT SYNCHS / U.S.A.
FILM AND FILM TRAILER: SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK
Film and film soundtrack features the song “ Buffalo“ by Alt-J featuring Mountain Men. Film trailer features the song “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers (written by The Lumineers)
VIDEO GAME: FIFA 13
Features music by: Elliphant feat. Adam Kanyama, Ladyhawke (writer Pascal Gabriel), Matisyahu and Reptar (writers Matisyahu, Allan Griff and Reptar)
ADVERTISING: GAP KIDS “NEON”
The new holiday GapKids ad features a mash up with “Tonight Tonight” (co-written by Lindy Robbins and Emanuel Kiriakou)
FILM: PITCH PERFECT ADVERTISING: HP ENVY 4 TOUCHSMART “SOUND OF TOUCH” Features song: “Stache” by Zedd (written by Zedd)
Features music by: Agnes (writer Anders Hansson), Kelly Clarkson, Flo Rida (writers Dr. Luke and Allan Grigg), Nicki Minaj (writer Rami Yacoub), Yeasayer, Roxette, Miley Cyrus (writer Dr. Luke), B.O.B. feat. Rivers Cuomo (writer Dr. Luke), Jesse J feat. B.O.B. (writers Dr. Luke and Jessica Cornish)
kobalt music group news | winter/spring 2013
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GREAT SYNCHS / INTERNATIONAL
Advertising: Easyjet “Holiday Moments”
Advertising: Ellos “Good looking women create good looking men”
Features the song: “So Good” by B.o.B. written by Ryan Tedder (Write 2 Live), Brent Kutzle (Acornman Music) and Noel Zancanella (Patriot). Territory: UK, Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany and Spain
Features the song: “I Fell In Love” by Whitton written by Ian Coyne and Jaime Whitton (Position Music Inc).Territory: Scandinavia
Advertising: Otto “Weihnachtskampagne”
Advertising: E.on “Best Deal For You”
Advertising: Tele2 “Kaledos 2012”
Advertising: Ford Fiesta “Clocks”
Features the song: “La La Love” by Tim Myers written by Tim Myers (Zync Music). Territory: Germany
Features the song: “Wonderful Christmastime” by The Shins written by Paul McCartney (MPL Communications, Inc) Territory: Lithuania
Features the song: “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers written by Wesley Schultz and Jeremy Fraites. Territory: UK & Eire (World for Internet)
Features the song: “Get-Together” by Tim Myers feat. Serengeti written by Tim Myers & David Cohn (Zync Music) Territory: World ex-US
IFYOUSEEAFADEDSIGN
ATTHESIDEOFTHE
ROADTHATSAYS
FIFTEENMILESTOTHE
LOVE...SHACK! WE’RE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE KOBALT IS THE NEW HOME OF
THE B-52s CATALOGUE
INCLUDING THE HITS “LOVE SHACK” • “PLANET CLAIRE” • “ROAM” “ROCK LOBSTER” • “6060-842” • “CHANNEL Z” AND MORE CLASSIC SONGS!
Kobalt Music Group Ltd. 317 Madison Avenue Suite 2310 New York, NY 10017 U.S.A. United States of America Tel: +1 (212) 247 6204
