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FALL/WINTER 2013
volume 4 | NO 3
MUSIC news MAGAZINE
MAROON 5
SIGN WORLDWIDE PUBLISHING
ADMINISTRATION & creative
services DEAL pg. 3
Inside This Issue
PUBLISHING SIGNINGS BENNY BLANCO • GAVIN DEGRAW • FRANK ZAPPA MUSIC • DISNEY MUSIC GROUP • EG
WHITE • FUTURE CLASSIC ON THE RISE GRIMES • ARIEL RECHTSHAID AWARDS MAX MARTIN • PRESCRIPTION
SONGS • ALT-J • GOTYE • LADY ANTEBELLUM LABEL SERVICES PRINCE • BOY GEORGE • DAVE STEWART
BEST COAST ACQUISITIONS LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM NEIGHBOURING RIGHTS TRAIN • TOM ODELL & MORE
fall/winter 2013 | vol. 4 | no. 3
all rights reserved ©2013 Kobalt Music
kobalt music group news | FALL/WINTER 2013
IN THIS ISSUE | MESSAGE FROM FOUNDER/CEO
IN THIS ISSUE
MAX MARTIN MAKES HISTORY PG.16
AWARDS: PRESCRIPTION SONGS PG.16
2
KOBALT DNA AT WORK:
NEW KOBALT TECHNOLOGY UNLOCKS MAJOR
DIGITAL REVENUES AND EMPOWERS THE FUTURE
OF MUSIC COLLECTIONS AND DISTRIBUTION
We all know that digital is the future. The difference for our clients is
that we are approaching the future with Kobalt “DNA” – combining music
with the most advanced technology. Whether applied to publishing or
neighbouring rights collections, or to digital distribution and marketing
for our label services partners and
AWAL artists, we’re using technology
to provide faster access to revenues,
direct access to data, higher earnings
and complete transparency. In our
publishing business, this year we
applied these core Kobalt fundamentals into digital streaming and
introduced the first transparency in
YouTube collections. I am extremely
excited about the increased payments
WILLARD AHDRITZ FOUNDER & CEO
and results, which are also educating
our clients on the potential of this area. Our clients are telling us they
love the expanded access they have in the portal. They’re getting direct
access to data online, viewing the videos of YouTube user generated
content that features their songs, and seeing information on the
corresponding money they’ve earned per video stream. In the case of
“THIS YEAR WE APPLIED THESE CORE
FUNDAMENTALS INTO DIGITAL STREAMING
AND INTRODUCED THE FIRST TRANSPARENCY
IN YOUTUBE COLLECTIONS.”
TECHNOLOGY: NEW CLIENT PORTAL UNLOCKS DIGITAL REVENUES PG.28
URBAN SPOTLIGHT: DJ PREMIER PG.11
a hit song, we can see sometimes up to 20,000 videos — all of which
generate income that is collected and paid out. This is a giant step
forward for our industry, and we’re seeing just a glimpse of what is to
come. Other unique features of the new Kobalt client portal include a
real-time synch process, a global activity feed and an action center.
Our clients tell us the new global activity feed is extremely helpful in
highlighting account issues – such as duplicate claims – that can
be resolved so that money is flowing properly and faster. Also, our
publishing company clients tell us the new portal makes it so easy
and cost effective for them to account to their own writers. Ask for a
demonstration and you’ll see for yourself how our marriage of music
+ technology has taken the industry to the next level.
FALL/
WINTER 2013
MUSIC NEWS
MAGAZINE
volume 4 | NO 3
www.kobaltmusic.com
CMA NOMS: KELLY CLARKSON PG.19
NEIGHBOURING RIGHTS: TRAIN PG.30
© Copyright 2013 Kobalt Music Group, Ltd. Editor: Rebekah Alperin, Kobalt SVP Communications & Marketing-Worldwide with contributions from global staff. 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 | FALL/WINTER 2013
3
MUSIC PUBLISHING | NEW SIGNINGS
NEW SIGNINGS
MAROON 5 SIGNS WORLDWIDE
ADMINISTRATION DEAL
KOBALT NOW REPRESENTING MAROON 5’S FUTURE WORKS AND PROVIDING
CREATIVE SERVICES INCLUDING SYNCHRONIZATION
Global music powerhouse and multi Grammywinning act Maroon 5 has signed an exclusive,
worldwide administration deal with Kobalt. As
part of the deal Kobalt will represent the band
for all of their new works going forward including
their next album. In addition the company will
provide creative services as well as synch
licensing worldwide for music use in film, TV,
advertising, games, and other media. “As one
of the most popular acts in the world, Maroon
5 have such a broad range of musical talents
and have mastered the art of crafting great
songs that resonate with audiences worldwide.
We’re thrilled to be representing the band,”
said Richard Sanders, President of Kobalt.
Grammy Award-winning recording act Maroon
5 has left an indelible mark on popular music.
The heartfelt ballads and anthems have
become part of the fabric of popular music.
Maroon 5’s new album, Overexposed (A&M/
Octone), was released in 2012 and became
an instant smash hit. The group was nominated
this year for two Grammy Awards in the categories of Best Pop Performance and Best
Pop Album. These recognitions mark the 11th
Grammy nomination for the three-time
Grammy award-winning band. “Daylight,” the
third single off of Overexposed, notably
claimed the No.1 spot on both Top 40 and
Hot AC radio charts. In the process, the band
set a record for the most No.1s (six in total) by
a group in the Top 40 chart’s 20-year history.
Maroon 5 recently released a new single,
“Love Somebody,” in conjunction with their
most recent U.S. tour. In addition to his work
with the group, Adam Levine is a coach on
the NBC hit TV show The Voice. For more
information and tour dates please visit
www.maroon5.com
kobalt music group news | FALL/winter 2013
4
MUSIC PUBLISHING | NEW SIGNINGS
GAVIN DEGRAW
With a major new album released on Oct. 15, American singer-songwriter Gavin
DeGraw chose Kobalt to administer his publishing on an exclusive, worldwide basis.
Entitled Make A Move (RCA), the record includes his new hit single, “Best I Ever Had,”
which was co-written by DeGraw and producer Martin Johnson. Sweeter (RCA),
DeGraw’s last studio album, spawned the hit “Not Over You.” Make A Move features
collaborations with a host of top-notch producers including Kobalt client and
OneRepublic front man Ryan Tedder, Butch Walker, Eric Rosse, Tori Amos, and Ron
Aniello. In the interim between albums, the singer appeared on Season 14 of the U.S.
hit TV series Dancing With The Stars. DeGraw has enjoyed success since breaking
through in 2003 with his debut album, Chariot (J Records), which sold over a million
copies, earned platinum certification, and yielded three hit singles: “I Don’t Want To
Be,” “Follow Through,” and the title-track, “Chariot.” He has toured the globe,
performing sold-out headlining shows as well as festivals with a variety of artists.
QUEENS OF THE
STONE AGE
Kobalt client Queens of the Stone Age earned its
first No.1 on the Billboard 200 in June with their
new album, . . . Like Clockwork. The album also
went to No.1 in Australia, Ireland and Portugal and
went Top 10 in twelve other countries. The record
is their first studio effort since 2007’s Era Vulgaris.
...Like Clockwork was recently certified gold in the
U.K., well in advance of two Wembley Arena
shows they have scheduled in November. In
December, Queens return to the U.S. for headline
appearances at Brooklyn’s Barclays Arena and
Boston’s Agganis Arena. Recently, the band shot a
video for “The Vampyre of Time and Memory,”
which is coming out in late October. The LA Times
review of the band’s recent sold out show said:
“Some bands are better than others. Chord by
chord, line by line, beat by beat, hook by glorious
hook, none is as convincing in 2013 as the
Queens of the Stone Age. Even their codas kill.”
FRANK ZAPPA MUSIC
On a worldwide basis, Kobalt is privileged to
now be working with The Zappa Family Trust
and administering the iconic catalogue of
composer, music pioneer, producer, guitarist
and bandleader Frank Zappa. The company
is also handling synchronization for the
extraordinary songs, including Zappa’s early
works with the Mothers of Invention, and his
touring groups as well as his solo works.
With a primary catalogue of 65 albums, the
Zappa Family Trust will release the 100th
official Frank Zappa album within the year.
“Frank Zappa wielded a big stick, whether
baton or guitar, and his influence on music
and the arts in contemporary society penetrated and plumbed the depths of the importance of a free society with a sense of humor.
We are forever laughing at the absurdity of this business and we are pleased to be doing
it in the company of Kobalt,” says Gail Zappa.
“We are forever laughing at the absurdity of
this business and we are pleased to be doing it
in the company of Kobalt”–Gail Zappa
kobalt music group news | FALL/WINTER 2013
5
MUSIC PUBLISHING | NEW SIGNINGS
BENNY
BLANCO
Kobalt client Benny Blanco (a.k.a.
Benjamin Levin) is one of pop music’s most
prolific hitmakers. He was honored by the
Songwriters Hall of Fame in June.
SPECIALTY: Lyricist, Top Line/Melody Writer,
Instrumentalist, Engineer, Recording Artist
CATALOGUE INCLUDES: He’s written and
produced songs for artists such as Katy
Perry (“California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream”),
Maroon 5 (“Moves Like Jagger,” “Payphone”),
Britney Spears (“Circus”), Taio Cruz
(“Dynamite”), Ke$ha (“Tik Tok”), Gym Class
Heroes (“Stereo Hearts,” “Ass Back Home”),
Wiz Khalifa (“Work Hard, Play Hard,” “No
Sleep”) and Trey Songz (“Heart Attack”)
CAREER DEFINING MOMENTS OR
EXPERIENCE: Being presented with the
Hal David Starlight Award at the Songwriters
Hall of Fame ceremony in 2013
CURRENTLY WORKING ON: A Keith
Urban single, two songs on Katy Perry,
5-6 songs for Maroon 5’s new album
INFLUENCES: Prince
kobalt music group news | FALL/winter 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | NEW SIGNINGS
6
COMPANY ON THE RISE:
MARTIN KIERSZENBAUM
ARTIST ON THE RISE:
GRIMES
Signed to Kobalt for administration and creative services worldwide, Grimes (a.k.a. Claire Boucher) is an indie/electronic singer/
songwriter/producer who has made many of the Top 10 Best
Albums of 2012 lists. Her music has gained notoriety since early
2010 when she developed Grimes in Montreal’s burgeoning DIY
scene, where both punk ethos and pop music collide. Her 4AD
debut, Visions, is her fourth release in less than two years. With
rave reviews from critics around the world, she has been described
as a modern cross between Björk and Enya. Pitchfork says she
“could well be posed for a meteoric rise with the release of her next
full length.” With her creative bent being both musical and visual,
her second self embodies the arts of 2D, performance, dance,
video and sound, weaving them together to strong rhythmic effect.
Her latest set incorporates influences as wide as Enya, TLC and
Aphex Twin, while drawing from genres like New Jack Swing, IDM,
New Age, K-Pop, Industrial and more, resulting in a record that is
both otherworldly and futuristic.
CHERRYTREE
MUSIC
PUBLISHING
Grammy-nominated producer/songwriter and renown label/A&R
executive Martin Kierszenbaum has partnered with Kobalt to launch
Cherrytree Music Publishing, it was announced by Kierszenbaum,
Chairman of Cherrytree Records and Cherrytree Music Publishing,
and Richard Sanders, President of Kobalt. Through the deal,
Kobalt is providing funding, administration and creative services for
Kierszenbaum’s new Cherrytree Music Publishing company.
Kierszenbaum said: “I’m excited to be starting Cherrytree Music
Publishing in partnership with Kobalt, Richard and especially Benjamin
who’s been a good friend and colleague for a long time. With their
expert support, I’m looking forward to extending the Cherrytree
philosophy to protect and amplify our recording artists’ and management
clients’ creative visions to serve songwriters with the same attention
and care.” Benjamin Groff, Kobalt EVP Creative, said: “Martin has one
of the best track records in the music business; in signing, developing
and breaking many of the biggest recording artists in the world. The
Cherrytree brand is synonymous with excellence in modern music, and
I have immense excitement having the opportunity to work with Martin,
and for Kobalt to represent Martin’s Cherrytree Music Publishing clients.
As a record and A&R executive, Kierszenbaum started his Cherrytree
Records imprint in 2005 through Interscope with the release of Feist’s
debut album, Let It Die. Since its inception, Cherrytree has signed and
introduced to the world such cutting-edge artists as Ellie Goulding, La
Roux, Far East Movement, Robyn and LMFAO as well as released the
first two albums (The Fame & The Fame Monster) by Lady Gaga for
which Kierszenbaum wrote and produced four songs including Gaga’s
debut album title track, “The Fame.” He was also nominated for an
Album of the Year Grammy in 2010 as a producer for The Fame. Over
the last 2 years Cherrytree Records has had 4 No.1 singles on the
Billboard Top 40 Radio Chart (Far East Movement’s “Like a G6,”
LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem,” and “Sexy and I Know It.”) and Ellie
Goulding’s “Lights.” Cherrytree is currently enjoying another Top 5 record
at the format with Ellie Goulding’s & Calvin Harris’ “I Need Your Love.”
Cherrytree Records released Sting’s new album, The Last Ship, which
Kierszenbaum A&R’d, on September 24, 2013. Additionally, his management clients include Grammy-award winning mixer Robert Orton,
Grammy Award-winning producer/writer Jeff Bhasker, producer/writer
Mike Einziger, producer/writer Fernando Garibay, producers/writers
B3taBlocker, and recording artists Natalia Kills, La’Reda and Max and
The Moon, as well as video directors Talk-BoyTV (Colette Carr).
Kierszenbaum also releases his own music and remixes under the name
Cherry Cherry Boom Boom. His original composi-tion/recording “One and
Only” hit no. 13 on the Billboard Dance/Club chart earlier this year and
he’s recently produced remixes for Imagine Dragons, RAC and Krewella.
kobalt music group news | FALL/winter 2013
7
MUSIC PUBLISHING | NEW SIGNINGS
DISNEY MUSIC GROUP
KOBALT MUSIC PUBLISHING TO REPRESENT DISNEY MUSIC GROUP CATALOGUE
IN AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND
Disney Music Group (DMG) and Kobalt Music
Publishing Australia (Kobalt) concluded an exclusive agreement for Kobalt to become the official
sub-publisher for Disney Music Group in
Australia, New Zealand and associated APRA
territories. Kobalt is honored to provide Disney
Music Group with copyright administration, synch
licensing and creative services, representing
the songs owned by Disney’s music publishing
companies, including the music from timeless
major motion picture scores, themes and classics works from The Lion King, The Little
Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella,
and Toy Story among many others. Deeply
rooted in the history of the Walt Disney
Company, the broad range of the globally
familiar catalogue includes such memorable
favorites as “Mickey Mouse March” (The
Mickey Mouse Club), “A Whole New
World” (Aladdin), “Beauty and the Beast”
(Beauty and the Beast), “Can You Feel
the Love Tonight” (The Lion King),
“It’s A Small World,” “Under the Sea”
(The Little Mermaid), “Winnie the Pooh”
(Winnie the Pooh), “Circle of Life” (The
Lion King), “A Dream Is a Wish Your
Heart Makes” (Cinderella), “You’ll Be In
My Heart” (Tarzan), “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo”
(Cinderella), “The Bare Necessities”
(The Jungle Book), “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” (Toy Story),
“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” (Mary Poppins) and
more. In addition, Disney’s stellar roster of contemporary
songwriters and artists includes Demi Lovato, Selena
Gomez, Zendaya, Matt Squire (writer of Youngblood
Hawke’s single “We Come Running” and Ke$ha’s
“Dirty Love”), John Fields, Adam Watts and
& Andy Dodd, Adrian Newman, Jay L-Oreal,
Melissa Peirce, Nashville recording artist Caanan
Smith, McClain Sisters, Bridgit Mendler, ZZ Ward,
Coco Jones, Cole Plante, Grace Potter & The
Nocturnals, Redlight King, R5, and Stefano,
among many others. Disney Music Group is
home to Hollywood Records, Walt Disney
Records and Disney Music Publishing.
The labels’ genre-spanning rosters
include Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato,
Grace Potter & The Nocturnals,
Lucy Hale, Coco Jones, R5, Bridgit
Mendler, Plain White T’s, Redlight
King, ZZ Ward, and more. Disney
Music Group also releases family
music and film and television
soundtracks such as the Grammynominated soundtracks for The
Muppets and Brave, as well as
Avengers Assemble, Phineas and
Ferb, A.N.T. Farm, Shake It Up, and
Wreck-It Ralph.
DISNEY’S TIMELESS SONGS, SCORES & THEMES
Disney’s music publishing companies own music from timeless major motion picture scores, themes and classics from The Lion King, The Little
Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Mary Poppins and Toy Story among many others.
kobalt music group news | FALL/winter 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | NEW SIGNINGS
8
WRITER/PRODUCERS
PATRIK BERGER CELEBRATES NO.1 WITH ICONA POP’S “I LOVE IT”
The international smash hit “I Love It” by Swedish electro pop act Icona Pop (feat. British artist
Charli XCX) was written and produced by Kobalt client Patrik Berger. The song went to No.1
in the U.K. and has gone double platinum in the U.S. with sales of over 2 million copies. It also
went Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. A favorite among music supervisors, the song
has been featured in the video game Need for Speed Most Wanted, the film trailer for The Heat,
advertisements for Microsoft Internet Explorer’s and Samsung’s demonstration of the Samsung
Galaxy S4, as well as in a multitude of TV shows such as MTV’s Snooki & JWoww, Girls, The
Vampire Diaries, and Glee among many other uses. In August, the Sesame Workshop released
a parody called “Me Want It (But Me Wait)” feat. Cookie Monster, which has garnered over 1.3
million YouTube views. Kobalt Scandinavia recently celebrated Berger’s success in Stockholm.
Pictured are (L to R): Carolina Eriksson, Johan Ekelund, Patrik Berger and Mona Aghai.
EG WHITE
SPECIALTY: Producer/Lyricist, Top Line/Melody Writer, Instrumentalist, Engineer,
Recording Artist, Songwriter, Musician
CATALOGUE INCLUDES: “Leave Right Now,” “Let It Go,” “Changes,” “Who Am I,”-Will
Young. “You Give Me Something,” “Wonderful World,”-James Morrison co-writes.
“Chasing Pavements,” “Melt My Heart To Stone,” “Tired,” “Take It All,”-Adele co-writes.
“Warwick Avenue”-Duffy co-write. “What the Water Gave Me,” “Hurricane Drunk,” “Lover
to Lover,”-Florence & the Machine co-writes. “Once”-Diana Vickers. “Shiver”-Natalie
Imbruglia. “Hold Me,” “Sense”-Tom Odell co-writes.
CAREER DEFINING MOMENTS OR EXPERIENCE: “It’s almost never a public thing,
but when I’m working with a singer, and the two of us look at each other having found
something truly, genuinely exciting...that moment always does it for me.”-Eg White
CURENTLY WORKING ON: Sam Smith, Chloe Howl, Lily Allen, CeeLo, Grace Mitchell,
Birdy, Kwabs, Josef Salvat, Luke Sital Singh, Will Heard, George Ezra
PERSONAL QUOTE: “Kobalt has the best sync team around, and by Kobalt’s
central position with people commissioning and making music in the US, it has
opened up the chance for them to feed great, new and established artists over
from across the pond to me in London.”-Eg White
GUY CHAMBERS
SPECIALTY: Songwriter, musician, producer
CATALOGUE INCLUDES: “Angels,” “Let Me Entertain You,” “Feel,” “New Age”
-Marlon Roudette, “Tangled Up”-Caro Emerald, “5AM”-Katy B
CAREER DEFINING MOMENTS OR EXPERIENCE: “Meeting Robbie Williams.
Touring with World Party. Getting dropped with my band Lemon Trees. Playing at
Glastonbury. Recording with Tina Turner. Working with Rufus Wainwright, Julie
Englebrecht and Robbie Williams”-Guy Chambers
INFLUENCES: The Beatles, Debussy, Serge Gainsbourg, David Bowie, Blondie,
MGMT, John Grant
PERSONAL QUOTE: “Kobalt offers a fair share to the writer that gives one the
freedom to work on records he or she feels passionate about.”-Guy Chambers
kobalt music group news | FALL/WINTER 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING |NEW SIGNINGS
9
ON THE RISE:
ARIEL RECHTSHAID
Ariel Rechtshaid is an American writer/producer and musician who is enjoying continued success with a broad range of major artists around
the world. Having recently produced Vampire Weekend’s No.1 album, Rechtshaid has worked with top talents such as Usher, Snoop Dogg,
No Doubt, Charli XCX, Major Lazer, Alex Clare, Cass McCombs, Mikky Ekko, and the Plain White T’s, whose No.1, platinum-selling, Grammynominated single “Hey There Delilah” he produced. He also co-penned (with Sean Fenton and Diplo) the recent Grammy-winning hit “Climax”
from Usher’s album, Looking 4 Myself (RCA), and the triple platinum song “Too Close” by Alex Clare. He has just finished the production
& co-writing on the debut album for Haim, which went to No.1 in the U.K.
kobalt music group news | FALL/winter 2013
10
MUSIC PUBLISHING | URBAN SPOTLIGHT
MINT CONDITION
URBAN SPOTLIGHT
MINT CONDITION
SPECIALTY: Producer, Lyricist, Top
Line/Melody Writer, Instrumentalist,
Recording Artist
CATALOGUE INCLUDES: The Mint
Condition catalogue-eight albums. Stokley
Williams’ placements on Wale’s album.
CAREER DEFINING MOMENT OR
EXPERIENCE: “Being able to share my art
and passion for music with the world.”
-Sayez
CURRENTLY WORKING ON: Wiz Khalifa’s
next album
INFLUENCES: TapeOp magazine, ID Labs
CAREER DEFINING MOMENT OR
EXPERIENCE: “Hearing our song on the
radio in New York for the first time. Another
would be meeting Stevie Wonder for the
first time.”-Stokley Williams, Mint Condition.
PERSONAL QUOTE: “There is always room
for improvement.”-Sayez
SAYEZ
SMACK WATER PUBLISHING
SPECIALTY: Producers, Top Line
Melody Writers
CURRENTLY WORKING ON: Stokley Williams
co-produced songs on Wale’s record The
Gifted. A Mint Condition Christmas album.
CATALOGUE INCLUDES: Songs on Eve,
Lonely Island. “Put Your Drinks Up,” and “Last
Call”-DJ Mad
INFLUENCES: Al Green, Earth Wind & Fire,
Miles Davis, Tony Williams, Ella Fitzgerald
CAREER DEFINING MOMENT OR
EXPERIENCE: “When we worked with Lionel
Richie...when he heard the song we submitted
to him (I Call It Love) and I went in the studio
to cut the record with him. He was such a
pleasure to work with. That moment always
stands out in my mind.”-Eric White
PERSONAL QUOTE: “I try to live from the
inside out.” “Make every moment count.”
“If you can visualize it, it can come to pass.”
-Stokley Williams, Mint Condition.
SAYEZ
SPECIALTY: Producer/Engineer at ID Labs
recording studio
CATALOGUE INCLUDES: “Loud”-Mac Miller,
“Paperbond”-Wiz Khalifa, “Freddie Soprano”
-Freddie Gibbs
CURRENTLY WORKING ON: Alexis Jordan,
Autumn Rowe, Enrique Iglesias, A new
production company-The Water Boys
INFLUENCES: Timbaland, Pharrell, Jimmy
Jam & Terry Lewis
PERSONAL QUOTE: “Music is Publishing.”
-Eric White
kobalt music group news | FALL/winter 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | URBAN SPOTLIGHT
11
REGAL REPUBLIC
SPECIALTY: Lyricists, Top Line/Melody
Writers, Vocal Producers, Production
CATALOGUE INCLUDES: ”Morning After
Dark”-Timbaland co-write. “I’ve Just Begun”
-Britney Spears co-write. “Doo Rags”-Nas
co-write. Don Parma has worked with Nick
Cannon, E-40, DJ Premier and CeeLo.
CAREER DEFINING MOMENT OR
EXPERIENCE: “Too many to choose
from. Our stories are as diverse as our
sound. Anytime you meet someone
whose music you admire and you get
the chance to work with them it’s an
amazing experience.”-Michelle Bell
CURRENTLY WORKING ON: “We’re
writing songs we love, to pitch to artists
we love. We like to create a direction, we
write with the artist in mind but we want
everything to have our signature sound.”
-Michelle Bell
INFLUENCES: Pop, Reggae, Rock, Indie,
R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Dance, World Music,
Nature, City Soundscapes
PERSONAL QUOTE: “To whom much is
given, much is required.”-Michelle Bell
WELCOMING A-ROD TO KOBALT: PICTURED AT KOBALT’s LA OFFICE ARE (L TO R): A-ROD MANAGER NATALIE
PROSPERE OF PROSPER ENTERTAINMENT; PAIGE PARSONS, KOBALT SR. DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE; A-ROD; AND
SAS METCALFE, KOBALT PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL CREATIVE.
AL SHERROD “A-ROD” LAMBERT
SPECIALTY: Lyric/Melody
with Jay-Z. Being a 3-time Grammy Awardwinner for working with Jay-Z, D’Angelo and
Christina Aguilera”-DJ Premier
CATALOGUE INCLUDES: Co-writer of
Ariana Grande’s current single, “The Way,”
Fantasia’s current single, “Without Me,”
and Michelle Williams’ current single, “If
We Had Your Eyes”
CURRENTLY WORKING ON: New productions which include Slaughterhouse, Busta
Rhymes, Christina Aguilera, Mack Wilds, Nas
CAREER DEFINING MOMENT OR
EXPERIENCE: “My first Top 10 record on
the Billboard Hot 100”-A-Rod
CURRENTLY WORKING ON: Ariana
Grande’s debut album, Jennifer Hudson,
Austin Mahone, Jessica Mauboy and
Jordin Sparks
INFLUENCES: James Brown, DJ Marley
Marl, George Clinton
PERSONAL QUOTE: “Criticize me when
you reach my level, until then just admire
my style of fire”-Bumpy Knuckles
DJ PREMIER
INFLUENCES: Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie
Wonder, Babyface, R.Kelly, Bobby Caldwell,
Max Martin
REGAL REPUBLIC WRITERS DON PARMA (Left)
AND SAABIRAH CHANDLER
PERSONAL QUOTE: “Create from a pure
place and never forget that life gives you
all the material you’ll ever need and you
can never run out of things to talk about in
songs.”-A-Rod
DJ PREMIER
SPECIALTY: Producer, DJ
CATALOGUE INCLUDES: Produced: JayZ-“So Ghetto,” “D’evils,” “Friend Or Foe,”
“A Million And One Questions/Rhyme No
More,” and “Bring It On.” Produced: Christina
Aguilera-“Ain’t No Other Man,” “Still Dirrty,”
“Back To Basics,” and “Thank You.” Produced: D’Angelo-“Devils Pie”
PICTURED: Kobalt’s Al McLean (left) with
REGAL REPUBLIC FOUNDER MICHELLE BELL.
CAREER DEFINING MOMENT OR
EXPERIENCE: “Getting my first Grammy
“Criticize me when you
reach my level, until then
just admire my style of
fire”-BUMPY KNUCKLES
kobalt music group news | FALL/winter 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | AUSTRALIA SPOTLIGHT
12
AUSTRALIA
ARIA 2013 PRODUCER OF THE YEAR, FLUME (ABOVE),
HAS SWEPT THE ARIA NOMINATIONS, WITH 8 IN TOTAL
INCLUDING BEST ALBUM FOR HIS PLATINUM DEBUT
SELF-TITLED ALBUM.
FUTURE CLASSIC
FLUME
SPECIALTY: Songwriter, Producer
Kobalt Music Australia administers
the publishing of Future Classic,
one of Australia’s premier music
companies. Future Classic’s
publishing signings include Flume,
Panama, Flight Facilities, Mitzi,
and up and coming writer/artists
Scenic, Charles Murdoch, and
Hayden James.
CATALOGUE INCLUDES: “Holdin On”-Flume,
“Insane”(feat. Moon Holiday)-Flume, “On Top”
(feat. Shirt)-Flume
CAREER DEFINING MOMENT OR EXPERIENCE:
Flume has had a very big year in 2013 with a
No.1 (ARIA) platinum-selling debut album in
Australia, a huge headline Australian tour selling
37,000 tickets nationally, 6 international tours
including multiple U.S. and European headline
tours and some seriously loved remixes,
including his remix of Disclosure’s “You &
Me” (over 3.3 million plays on Soundcloud).
CURRENTLY WORKING ON: A deluxe
version of their debut album with a mix tape,
feat. songs from the original album and new
guests. Also a collaborative EP with Chet
Faker coming before the end of 2013
INFLUENCES: Flying Lotus, Shlohmo,
Space Dimension Controller
PANAMA
SPECIALTY: Songwriter, Lyricist, Producer
CATALOGUE INCLUDES: “It’s Not Over”
-Panama, “Magic”-Panama, “We Have
Love”-Panama
CAREER DEFINING MOMENT OR
EXPERIENCE: Each of Panama’s
lead singles to date, plus a remix for
Clubfeet, have all gone No.1 on
Hype Machine
CURRENTLY WORKING ON: A new
EP to be released in October. Remixes
from Classixx, Wave Racer and
Cosmo’s Midnight
PANAMA
INFLUENCES: Kindness, Classixx,
Peter Gabriel
kobalt music group news | FALL/winter 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | BUZZWORTHY
13
BUZZWORTHY:
MOBY
Music fans around the world are excited over
Moby’s new CD, Innocents (Mute). On September 30, he released the album, which is a
record of firsts for Moby. It’s the first time in
his career he worked with an outside producer,
friend Mark “Spike” Stent, whose résumé includes Madonna, U2, Muse, Björk and Massive
Attack. In addition, this is the first time Moby
has concentrated an entire album on collaborations, which include Wayne Coyne (the
Flaming Lips), alt-rock legend Mark Lanegan,
Cold Specks, Skylar Grey (best known for
co-writing and performing on Eminem and
Rihanna’s “Love the Way You Lie”), indie folk
singer Damien Jurado, and Inyang Bassey,
who was the vocalist on “The Right Thing”
from Destroyed. On September 10 Moby
released an EP for “The Perfect Life (feat.
Wayne Coyne)” including the single, as well as
remixes by Fuck Buttons, Andrew Weatherall,
and one from Moby himself.
“The 12 tracks on Innocents
show an expansive,
energized and fierce
experimentalism”-TIME
kobalt music group news | FALL/winter 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | COMPANY SPOTLIGHTS
14
HOW HAS KOBALT HELPED YOU IN
YOUR BUSINESS?
“Kobalt’s excellent U.K. A&R team was instrumental in setting up the writing session with our
writer Johnny McDaid and Example. A song from
the session entitled “Say Nothing” went on to score
a U.K. No.2 chart position. Chris Lakey at Kobalt
LA sync department has also worked patiently and
diligently to score a Johnny McDaid composition
in the trailer of a new major motion picture.”
-Steve Farris, Company Director of Polar Patrol
COMPANY
SPOTLIGHTS
B-UNIQUE ARTIST/WRITER JOHN NEWMAN
With You”-Luke Temple, “Home”-Paul
Van Dyk, “Aching Bones”-Nadine Shah,
“Demons”-Tree, “Make It Better”-Gary
Nock, “The Whistler”-Kidda
SAN REMO LIVE LTD.
CATALOGUE HIGHLIGHTS:
“Tornado”-Little Big Town, “Need You
(100%)”-Duke Dumont (feat. A*M*E),
“The Quest”-Bryn Christopher, “Walks Like
Rihanna”-The Wanted, “Fires”-Ronan Keating,
“Proud”-Susan Boyle, “Don’t Trip”-Max
Marshall, “Play The Game Boy”-A*M*E
UP AND COMING WRITER/ARTISTS:
Max Marshall, A*M*E, Electric
HOW HAS KOBALT HELPED YOU IN
YOUR BUSINESS?
“Kobalt have always worked like a joint venture with San Remo rather than just an Admin
deal, that’s very rare these days and leads to a
strong creative partnership.” -Celia McCamley,
Managing Director, San Remo Live Ltd.
POLAR PATROL PUBLISHING
CATALOGUE HIGHLIGHTS:
“New York”-Snow Patrol, “Say Nothing”Example, “How Do I Know”-Here We Go
Magic, “Save Me”-Bo Bruce, “Make Right
AWARDS:
Polar Patrol writer and artist Bo Bruce
achieved a Top 10 U.K. chart position
for her debut album, Before I Sleep
(Universal), released in April. Polar Patrol
writers Johnny McDaid and Gita Langley
contributed to the writing on his debut.
Bo’s vocals are also featured on a
song penned by Gary Lightbody & J.J.
Abrams called “The Rage That’s In Us
All,” which is featured in the movie Star
Trek: Into Darkness.
UP AND COMING WRITER/ARTISTS:
Luke Temple — His new 80’s tinged selfproduced album, Good Mood Fool (Secretly Canadian), coming in October is set to
elevate him into the mainstream. Songs
such as “Florida” and “Hard Working
Hand” are sure to be well received by radio, press and the sync community alike.
Nadine Shah — Shah’s recent debut
album, Love Your Dum and Mad (Apollo),
has been heaped with critical acclaim in
the U.S. Received in the U.K. Album Of
The Week in The Sunday Times and was
featured on BBC 6 Music. The album was
co-written and produced by Ben Hillier
(producer of Blur and Depeche Mode).
Little Matador — Nathan Conolly, Snow
Patrol’s guitarist, has made a superb debut
solo album under the Little Matador moniker.
Conolly has assembled a group of fine
musician friends to help him to write and
record the album, which will be released
by Fiction Records in October. The album
shows off his rockier roots.
B-UNIQUE MUSIC LTD.
(Martin toher & mark Lewis)
CATALOGUE HIGHLIGHTS:
“High Hopes”-Kodaline, “Love Me Again”-John
Newman, “Heart Skips A Beat”-Samuel Preston
AWARDS: Four U.K. Number 1 singles in the
last two years
CURRENTLY WORKING ON: Kodaline, John
Newman, Jonny Coffer (co-writer of Naughty
Boy’s “La La La”)
UP AND COMING WRITER/ARTISTS:
Johnny Coffer, Grace Tither, James Flannigan
HOW HAS KOBALT HELPED YOU IN
YOUR BUSINESS?
“We have worked with the Kobalt team since the
inception of B-Unique Publishing. We combine
incredibly well together and the growing success
of B-Unique, as a publisher, is in no small part, a
testimony to the care and attention shown to us by
the worldwide Kobalt team, We look forward to
future successes together.”-Mark Lewis, Co-owner,
B-Unique Music
COMMUNION PUBLISHING LTD.
CATALOGUE HIGHLIGHTS:
Matthew and the Atlas–To the North (EP) and
Kingdom of Your Own (EP). Catfish and the
Bottlemen–“Homesick” and “Rango.” Bears
Den–Agape (EP)
kobalt music group news | FALL/winter 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | COMPANY SPOTLIGHTS
15
UP AND COMING WRITER/ARTISTS:
Rango (out on Sept 16) was Zane Lowe’s
Hottest Record in The World on Radio 1.
Matthew and the Atlas (aka Matt Hegarty)
single, “I Will Remain,” has had a string of
placements, including in the upcoming film
adaptation of Nick Hornby’s A Long Way Down.
Bears Den is about to embark on 20-date U.S.
tour supporting Mumford and Sons.
HOW HAS KOBALT HELPED YOU IN
YOUR BUSINESS?
“We are a creative company focused on the
sourcing and developing of writing talent. Knowing that we have the best engine in the business
-Kobalt’s - underpinning that creative activity is
absolutely key to our offerings to writers.”-Jamie
Emsell, Communion Publishing
SOUL KITCHEN MUSIC LTD.
CATALOGUE HIGHLIGHTS:
“Lightning Bolt,” “Country Song,” “Two Fingers”
and “Broken”-Jake Bugg. “Smokers Outside
the Hospital Doors” and “Munich”-Editors.
“Club LA LA” and “E-A-S-Y”-Sirens. “Wherever I
Go”-Karima Francis. “Her,You & I”-The Changes.
uwantme2killhim? (film score)-Jon Hopkins
AWARDS:
Ivor Nomination-Jake Bugg for “Two Fingers.”
Brit Award nominations - Jake Bugg and Editors.
Mercury Music Prize nomination-Editors. Winner
of World’s Hippest Publisher-Soul Kitchen Music.
UP AND COMING WRITER/ARTISTS:
Jake Bugg (sophomore album, Shangri La,
coming in November). Jon Hopkins
(uwantme2killhim?), Paddy McAloon
(the new Prefab Sprout album).
HOW HAS KOBALT HELPED YOU IN
YOUR BUSINESS?
“Without Kobalt, Soul Kitchen Music would not
exist. They have backed us, nurtured and supported us and kept us real!”-Keith Armstrong,
Soul Kitchen Music
MERCURY PRIZE 2013 NOMINEE JAKE BUGG (SOUL KITCHEN)
RELEASED HIS SOPHOMORE ALBUM SHANGRI LA ON NOVEMBER 18
Writers Adam Baptiste, Kurtis Mackenzie,
Joey Dyer, Mans Wredenberg
HOW HAS KOBALT HELPED YOU IN
YOUR BUSINESS?
“Great partnerships needs care and attention
from both sides. Kobalt are all about care, attention and amazing service which we value a lot.”
-Christian Wåhlberg, Managing Partner, Lateral
UP AND COMING WRITER/ARTISTS:
Elliephant, Johan Wedel, Zara Larsson
LATERAL
CATALOGUE HIGHLIGHTS:
“Don’t You Worry Child”–Swedish House Mafia
feat. John Martin, “Save The World”–Swedish
House Mafia feat. John Martin,“I Could Be
The One”–Avicci, “I Like How It Feels”–Enrique
Iglesias, “Can’t Say No”–Conor Maynard
UP AND COMING WRITER/ARTISTS:
Artists Kenzie May and Baby Trish.
AWARDS:
Icona Pop–Swedish Grammis 2013, Best New
Act. Erik Hassle Swedish Grammis 2009 and
Newcomer of the Year at P3 Gold Awards 2009.
Nicki and the Dove– Best New Act Manifest
2013, Best Pop European Border Breakers
Award 2013 and BBC Sound of 2012. Zara
Larsson -Scandipop Awards: Brightest New
Hope For 2013
PUBLISHING COMPANY TEN
CATALOGUE HIGHLIGHTS:
“We Got the World”–Icona Pop, “Shark In
the Water”–VW Brown, “Uncover”–Zara
Larsson, “DJ, Ease My Mind”–Nicki & The
Dove, “Hurtful”–Erik Hassle, “Down on
Life”-Elliephant
HOW HAS KOBALT HELPED YOU IN
YOUR BUSINESS?
“I tend to lean more to the creative side of a
publishers work, so it’s a real comfort for me
knowing all our admin is handled in a professional
manner. I also appreciate the fact that everybody
I come in contact with has a genuine desire to
help, regardless of my inquiry.” – John Rosen,
General Manager, Publishing Company TEN
kobalt music group news | FALL/winter 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | AWARDS
16
ASCAP AWARDS
Photo: Brian Dowling/Invision for ASCAP/AP Images
Photo: Brian Dowling/Invision for ASCAP/AP Images
PRESCRIPTION SONGS WINS ASCAP INDIE PUB AWARD
Top honors were given to client Max Martin, who for the third year-in-arow (6th time in his career), won Songwriter of the Year at the ASCAP
Pop Awards. It was a historic achievement – he is the only songwriter to
have received the award six times. He also received ASCAP Pop Awards
for seven songs including “Domino,” “One More Night,” “Part of Me,”
“Scream,” “The One That Got Away,” “We Are Never Ever Getting Back
Together” and “Wide Awake.”
Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald (pictured above left with ASCAP President
Paul Willams), accepted the ASCAP Independent Publisher of the
Year award for his company Prescription Songs, which has a network
of 40 songwriters including ASCAP Pop Award winners Katy Perry,
Cirkut, Ammo and KoOol kOjAk. Dr. Luke also received six ASCAP
Pop Awards for the songs “Domino,” “Part of Me,” “The One That Got
Away,” “Wide Awake,” “Good Feeling” and “Where Have You Been.”
Photographer: Scarlet Page
MAX MARTIN MAKES ASCAP HISTORY
Photo: Brian Dowling/Invision for ASCAP/AP Images
NOAH “40” SHEBIB: TOP RHYTHM & SOUL HONORS
KOBALT CLIENTS WIN NUMEROUS ASCAP POP AWARDS
At the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards, Noah “40” Shebib received
ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, as well as awards for the songs “Crew
Love” by Drake (feat. The Weeknd), “Make Me Proud” by Drake (feat.
Nicki Minaj), “The Motto” by Drake (feat. Lil Wayne) and “Take Care” by
Drake (feat. Rihanna). He additionally won an ASCAP Pop Award for
his song “The Motto” recorded by Drake.
Kobalt staff celebrate client wins at the ASCAP Pop Awards in
Los Angeles. Pictured (L to R): Bob Bortnick, Willard Ahdritz, Sas
Metcalfe, Al McLean, Merril Wasserman-Serling, Richard Sanders,
Paige Parsons, Silke Lorenzen, Benjamin Groff, Chris Lakey and
Rebekah Alperin.
kobalt music group news | FALL/winter 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | AWARDS
17
GRAMMY AWARDS
KOBALT CLIENTS TAKE MAJOR
GRAMMYS INCLUDING RECORD
OF THE YEAR, BEST POP ALBUM
AND MORE
GOTYE: 3 GRAMMYS INCLUDING RECORD OF THE YEAR
Kobalt Music Group congratulates its clients Gotye, Kelly
Clarkson, Skrillex, Chick
Corea, Noah “40” Shebib,
and Björk who were among
the superstar artist, producer,
and songwriters celebrating
wins from the 55th Annual
Grammy Awards. Wally
de Backer a.k.a. Gotye,
whose multi-millionselling hit single,
“Somebody That I Used
To Know” featuring Kimbra
(Universal Republic), topped charts
worldwide this year, won all three Grammy Awards for which he was
nominated. Prince presented Gotye and Kimbra the prestigious
Record of the Year Award award for “Somebody That I Used to
Know.” Gotye also received a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group
Performance for the global smash hit, and also received the Best
Alternative Music Album award for his record, Making Mirrors [Universal Republic]. According to a statement by Gotye’s PR firm,
Bossy Music, this is only the second time in the 54-year history of
the Grammys that the Record of the Year prize has been won by an
Australian artist, as well as the first time ever that an Australian male
solo artist has received multiple Grammys in the same year. Skrillex,
already a multiple Grammy winner from last year, also received wins
for all three categories for which he was nominated including Best
Dance Recording for “Bangarang” by Skrillex feat. Sirah (OWSLA/
Big Beat/Atlantic), Best Dance/Electronica Album for Bangarang and
Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical for “Promises” (Skrillex
& Nero Remix) (Interscope). Pop superstar Kelly Clarkson won for
Best Pop Vocal Album for Stronger (RCA Records/19 Recordings
Limited). Jazz legend Chick Corea won the Grammy Award for Best
Instrumental Composition for “Mozart Goes Dancing” by Chick Corea
& Gary Burton (Concord Jazz). Brill Building writer Cody ChesnuTT
contributed to the Best Comedy Album winnner by Jimmy Fallon, for
his record, Blow Your Pants Off (Warner Bros. Records/LoudMouth
Entertainment). Björk received the award for Best Recording Package for her album, Biophilia (One Little Indian/Nonesuch). Producer/
writers celebrating wins also included Kobalt clients Noah “40”
Shebib, Doc McKinney, Tristan Jones and First ‘N Gold Publishing’s
Rick Ross for the Best Rap Album award for Take Care by Drake
(Cash Money Records).
Gotye won all three Grammy Awards for which he was nominated
including Record of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and
Best Alternative Album.
ANOTHER BIG YEAR FOR SKRILLEX: 3 GRAMMYS
Kobalt client Skrillex received three Grammys for Best Dance Recording,
Best Dance/Electronica Album and Best Remixed Recording.
CHICK COREA: BEST INSTRUMENTAL COMPOSITION
Jazz legend Chick Corea won the Grammy for Best Instrumental
Composition for “Mozart Goes Dancing” by Chick Corea & Gary
Burton (Concord Jazz).
kobalt music group news | FALL/winter 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | AWARDS
18
KOBALT TAKES HOME TOP AWARDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC
Photo: Brian Dowling/Invision for ASCAP/AP Images
Kobalt Music Group received top honors at two major
annual music industry award ceremonies. At the Music
Week Awards held in London, Kobalt received the award for
Independent Publisher of the Year for the fifth consecutive
year. The winner of the award is determined by market
share of the top 50 selling albums and top 100 singles
of 2012 in the U.K. At the ASCAP Pop Awards ceremony
held in Los Angeles, Kobalt also received the first ASCAP
Publisher Administrator of the Year Award. The newly
established award is given to the ASCAP publisher that
administers the most ASCAP Pop Award-winning songs
each year. Pictured left: Sue Drew presents Kobalt Founder/
CEO Willard Ahdritz with ASCAP’s first Administrator of
the Year Award. Pictured right: Accepting Music Week’s
Independent Publisher of the Year Award is Kobalt
CFO James Fitzherbert-Brockholes.
IVOR NOVELLOS (UK): ALT-J
Alt-J received the Ivor Novello Album Award
for An Awesome Wave. The band was also
nominated for best contemporary song for
“Fitzpleasure.” Since signing to Infectious in
2010 Alt-J have sold more than 750,000 albums
(achieving platinum status in the U.K.), toured
over 200 dates, appeared on the soundtrack to
Silver Linings Playbook, won the Mercury Prize
Album of the Year award, won the Ivor Novello
Best Album of 2012 Award, has been nominated for three Brit Awards and listened to over
55,000,000 times on Spotify alone. The band
have just finished scoring the soundtrack to the
independent film Leave To Remain directed
by Bruce Goodison and starring Toby Jones
(Hunger Games/Harry Potter). They are wrapping up a 27-date North American tour and
touring Europe this fall.
MUSIC ROW AWARDS (NASHVILLE)
Photo: Tony Mott
Kobalt Nashville clients Jessi Alexander and Robin Palmer (Little Blue
Egg) tied for Song of the Year at the Music Row Awards. Alexander
won for writing Lee Brice’s hit “I Drive Your Truck” (a song in her
Disney catalogue). Palmer won for Kacey Musgraves’ “Merry Go
Round” (co-written by Shane McAnally).
APRA AWARDS (AUSTRALIA): GOTYE WINS AGAIN
At the 2013 APRA Awards, Gotye won Most Performed Work Overseas
for his international hit “Somebody That I Used To Know.” Pictured with
Gotye (left) at the ceremony is Simon Moor, Managing Director of Kobalt
Music Australia.
KACEY MUSGRAVES (LEFT) AND SHANE MCANALLY
JESSI ALEXANDER
kobalt music group news | FALL/winter 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | AWARDS
19
CMA AWARDS
KOBALT CLIENTS RECEIVE MULTIPLE
COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD NOMINATIONS
Kobalt congratulates our clients (including
Kelly Clarkson, Max Martin, Shellback,
Shane McAnally, Rosi Golan, Lady
Antebellum, Big & Rich, Vince Gill, Delta
Maid (San Remo) and Ryan Tedder)
on their related nominations in 13 CMA
categories. Clarkson (pictured) is
nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year.
kobalt music group news | FALL/WINTER 2013
20
MUSIC PUBLISHING | NASHVILLE SPOTLIGHT
CHART HITS
Photo credit: Ed Rode
NASHVILLE #1S
KOBALT NASHVILLE
CLIENTS CELEBRATE
MAJOR CHART HITS
No.1 SINGLE “BETTER DIG TWO” (THE BAND PERRY)
WRITTEN BY SHANE MCANALLY
Pictured (L to R) celebrating the No.1 single “Better Dig Two” by The
Band Perry are songwriters Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark and Trevor
Rosen, Little Blue Egg’s Robin Palmer, and The Band Perry’s Neil Perry,
Kimberly Perry and Reid Perry.
THIRD NO.1 ALBUM FOR LADY ANTEBELLUM
Photo credit: Rick Diamond
In May, Lady Antebellum (Dave Haywood, Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley) and Kobalt toasted to the success of their new album, Golden (Capitol
Nashville), which went to No.1 in the U.S. Pictured are (L to R): Dave Haywood, Kobalt Dir. of Creative Jeff Skaggs, Hillary Scott, Kobalt SVP
Creative Whitney Daane, Charles Kelley, Kobalt VP Creative Stephanie Cox, and Lady Antebellum attorney Linda Edell Howard of Adams & Reese.
No.1 SINGLE (MEDIABASE) “TORNADO” (LITTLE BIG TOWN)
WRITTEN BY DELTA MAID (SAN REMO)
No.1 SINGLE “EVERY STORM (RUNS OUT OF RAIN)” (GARY ALLAN)
CO-WRITTEN BY MATT WARREN
Pictured front (L to R): San Remo’s Delta Maid, co-writer Natalie Hemby;
Back row (L to R): Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet, Karen Fairchild,
Kimberly Schlapman and Jimi Westbrook.
Pictured commemorating the No.1 on Billboard Country Singles Chart
are (L to R): songwriters Gary Allan, Hillary Lindsey, Kobalt writer Matt
Warren and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad.
kobalt music group news | FALL/winter 2013
KOBALT MUSIC COPYRIGHTS | ACQUISITIONS
21
ACQUISITIONS
KOBALT ACQUIRES 50 PERCENT OF THE TIMELESS SONG CATALOGUE OF
LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM
Kobalt Music Copyrights SARL (KMC), an entity advised by Kobalt Capital Ltd., has acquired 50% ownership of the worldwide rights to the
major song catalogues of Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac. Additionally Kobalt Music Group will not only administer the 50% of Lindsey
Buckingham’s publishing rights newly acquired by Kobalt Music Copyrights SARL, but also will administer Mr. Buckingham’s remaining 50%
share of his entire publishing catalogue through a separate administration agreement struck with the superstar. Outside of the U.S. and
Canada, Kobalt’s administration rights will commence in 2014. Buckingham is now a Kobalt client alongside other Fleetwood Mac members
Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood. The acquisition of Lindsey Buckingham’s catalogue includes his ownership of songs recorded by
Buckingham Nicks, and his solo works, and Fleetwood Mac, including Rumours, the 1977 album that remains one of the best-selling in history.
In addition to his perennial hits and extensive repertoire with Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham’s songs have also been recorded by such artists as Brian
Wilson, The Cranberries, Cher, Stevie Nicks, Pam Tillis, Kid Rock, Grateful Dead, Warren Zevon and Mick Fleetwood among others. In 2013
Fleetwood Mac has been on tour to support their new EP, Extended Play, their first collection of new music in a decade. In January Rumours was
reissued in a three-CD package that contained outtakes, demos and live performances. In 2014, the band will celebrate the anniversary
of their 1979 masterpiece, Tusk.
kobalt music group news | FALL/winter 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | GREAT SYNCHS – US
22
ADVERTISING: MOUNTAIN DEW “LIVING PORTRAIT OF DANNY DAVIS” ADVERTISING: MICROSOFT “THE WINDOWS NOKIA LUMIA 928”
Featured music: “Smooth Sailing” by Queens Of The Stone Age
(writers Josh Homme, Michael Shuman)
Featured music: “Fitzpleasure” by Alt-J (writers Joe Newman, Augustus
Unger-Hamilton, Thomas Green & Gwilym Sainsbury)
ADVERTISING: GOPRO “Ryan Scheckler in New York City”
FILM: THE HEAT
Featured music: “On Top” by Flume (writer Harley Streten)
Featured music: “Tick Tick Boom” by The Hives (writer Randy
Fitzsimmons) and “Daft Punk Is Playing At My House” by LCD
Soundsystem (writer James Murphy)
TV: THE VAMPIRE DIARiES
FILM: SMURFS 2
Featured music: “Magik 2.0” by B.O.B. feat. Rivers Cuomo (writer
Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald), “Vacation” by GRL (writers: Max Martin,
Lukasz Gottwald, Bonnie McKee and Henry Walter)
Featured music: “Been A Long Day” by Rosi Golan (writer Rosi Golan),
“Stay Away” by Charli XCX (writer Ariel Rechtshaid), “Dance In the
Graveyards” by Delta Rae (writer Ian Holljes), “I Love It” by Icona Pop
(writer Patrick Berger), “Control” by Garbage (writers Douglas Elwin,
Steve W Marker, Shirley Ann Manson, Bryan David), “Revolution” by
Dr. John (writer Nicholas Movshon)
kobalt music group news | FALL/WINTER 2013
MUSIC PUBLISHING | GREAT SYNCHS – INTL
23
ADVERTISING: VERY.CO.UK “DEFINITIONS”
ADVERTISING: GATORADE “THE LIGHTNING BOLT”
Featured music: “Fineshrine” by Purity Ring (writers Corin Roddick
and Megan James)
Featured music: “Lightning Bolt” performed by Jake Bugg (written by
Jake Kennedy Iain Archer)
ADVERTISING: GOOGLE RUSSIA “CAT”
ADVERTISING: O2 “BE MORE DOG”
Featured music: “Kitty” by The Presidents Of The United States Of
America (writer David Dederer and Chris Ballew)
Featured music: “Tick Tick Boom” by The Hives (writer Randy Fitzsimmons)
FILM: KICK ASS 2
FILM: WORLD’S END
Featured music: “Bust Out Brigade” by The Go! Team (writer Ian Parton)
and “No Strings” by Chloe Howl (writer Eg White)
Featured music: “So Young” by Suede (writer Bernard Butler)
kobalt music group news | FALL/WINTER 2013
LABEL SERVICES | Q&A
25
PRINCE ANNOUNCES LABEL SERVICES
INNOVATIVE
NEW PARTNERSHIP
WITH KOBALT
Q+A WITH
PAUL HITCHMAN
UNIQUE VENTURE PROVIDES
NEW LEVEL OF FREEDOM AND
FLEXIBILITY FOR PRINCE TO
BRING NEW MUSIC TO THE WORLD
Ever-blazing new trails to push traditional
boundaries for music to be heard, marketed
and distributed, Prince announced recently
that he’s created a unique new partnership
with KLS, which, for the first time, gives him
the ability to self-release music globally with a
new level of flexibility and freedom. Through
the ground-breaking venture, the seven-time-
“This new venture gives
Prince the flexibility
and freedom he’s always
sought in a label partner.”
— RICHARD SANDERS
Grammy Award-winner and multi-platinum
artist, will release a slate of music by new
artists, as well as Prince recordings and other
Prince-produced material by utilizing Kobalt’s
label services for marketing and distribution
and other services. Prince will provide artist
development and recording services for newly
signed artists that Kobalt will market and
distribute globally through their wholly-owned
global digital platform and network of physical
distribution partners. With a history of innovation in releasing his music, whether through
newspaper distribution, at concerts, via his
exclusive clubs or through direct deals with
retail, Prince is embracing a new label services model to bring new music to the world
without the confines of the old-school label
system. “This new venture gives Prince the
flexibility and freedom he’s always sought in
a label partner. We’re providing a high level
of diverse services that will be particularly
customized to his vision for each release,
allowing the world to experience more music
from Prince and his creative community,”
said Richard Sanders, President of Kobalt.
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF
KOBALT LABEL SERVICES
What is different about KLS vs traditional labels?
Let’s start with honesty and transparency, which shockingly is still lacking at many
traditional labels. Either because they lack the technology to report transparently or
because they don’t want to, these labels are making it easy for Kobalt to distinguish itself.
Kobalt Label Services (KLS) has been set up to provide a true alternative to the traditional
record label model, and to empower recording owners with a full service solution to
releasing and marketing their records worldwide (while retaining ownership of their
masters). We have the global network and resources to compete at the highest level,
combined with the ethos and transparency of a pure services company, and expertise in
the digital market that is second to none. It’s a clear advantage for our clients that we’re
not a bolt-on service to a much bigger label entity – we’re dedicated to and 100% focused
on label services so our interests are perfectly aligned with our clients. Unlike most
traditional labels, our service-centric business model is not about acquiring rights, so the
client has complete freedom by retaining ownership and control over their masters.
WhO AND WHat kind of situations
benefit most from a label services
deal? Why have label services routes
become so popular these days?
Artists who would benefit most from working with Kobalt
Label Services are those who want to retain ownership
and creative control over their records. KLS operates
as a partner to the artist and their management, which
means that all key commercial decisions are mutually
approved, while the artist retains control of creative
decisions. If a release is commercially successful, then
KLS CLIENT: PET SHOP BOYS
the artist will generally earn significantly more revenues
via KLS than through a traditional record label deal or
licence, even before taking account of the value in retaining the master rights. KLS makes it
much more cost effective and efficient for artists and managers by offering a global structure
and team along with the necessary funding to make it far easier and less risky for artists to
go down this route. For labels focused primarily on A&R and artist development, our label
services model can connect them to a global infrastructure that supports the marketing and
distribution of their releases. Labels plugging into Kobalt’s infrastructure benefit from Kobalt’s
global reach and expertise in both physical and digital markets, enabling them to focus on
the more creative aspects of developing artists and releasing records.
“It’s a clear advantage for our clients that we’re not a bolt-on
service to a much bigger label entity - WE’RE DEDICATED TO AND
100% FOCUSED ON LABEL SERVICES SO OUR INTERESTS ARE PERFECTLY
ALIGNED WITH OUR CLIENTS”-PAUL HITCHMAN
kobalt music group news | FALL/WINTER 2013
26
LABEL SERVICES | UPCOMING RELEASES
NEW RELEASES
“I’ve had a
really great
relationship
with Kobalt for
over five years
and it seemed
natural to
me when they
started KLS,
to continue
working with
such a great
company.”
- DAVE STEWART
JOHNNY FLYNN (Sept. 30)
Johnny Flynn’s third record Country Mile was released on September 30 through
Transgressive Records via KLS. Flynn and long-time collaborator/best friend Adam
Beach (The Sussex Wit) produced the record themselves in a number of different
studios in New York and London over the last two years. Those fresh, first drafts
have become the finished album. This multi-talented enigma who fronts Johnny
Flynn & the Sussex Wit has appeared in many of the U.K.’s most exciting, recent
theatrical events: The Heretic and The Low Road at The Royal Court, Jerusalem,
plus last summer’s Shakespeare double-bill at the Globe and in the West End,
Richard III and Twelfth Night (also starring Mark Rylance). After a two-year hiatus
from the live circuit, Johnny Flynn and The Sussex Wit announce an October headline tour, which includes London’s Hackney Empire.
BEST COAST (OCT. 22)
Fade Away, out October 22, is the first release on Bethany Cosentino’s Jewel
City label in partnership with KLS. The album has been called a “faster-paced,
energetic set of songs inspired by Mazzy Star, Patsy Cline, My Bloody Valentine
and Ambien.” The new album reflects the increased confidence that Cosentino
and her bandmate, multi-instrumentalist Bobb Bruno, have gained in three
years since their breakthrough album, Crazy For You. Celebrated as darlings
of lo-fi, Best Coast have enjoyed the opportunities that have come from
the popularity of their last record including appearing with Green Day and No
Doubt, dueting with Kendrick Lamar and Iggy Pop, having Drew Barrymore
direct their Chloe Moretz-starring video, creating a new collection for Urban
Outfitters, and working with the widescreen producer Jon Brion.
THE HEAD AND THE HEART (oct. 28)
The Head And The Heart’s new album, Let’s Be Still, was released through Kobalt
Label Services on October 28. The 13-track album (released on Sub Pop in the
U.S), is the follow up to the Seattle band’s critically and commercially successful
self-titled debut, which was released in 2011 and went on to sell over 300,000 copies
worldwide. The new album was recorded at Seattle’s Studio Litho and produced
by the band along with Shawn Simmons. The album will be accompanied by the
release of the first single, “Shake.”
DAVE STEWART (sept. 30)
KLS is the official worldwide label services partner (excluding
the territories of Germany, Switzerland and Austria, which
will be released by Membrane) for Lucky Numbers, the highly
anticipated new album by renowned artist, producer and
composer Dave Stewart.The album was released on
September 30 on Stewart’s own label, Weapons of Mass
Entertainment (WME) via KLS. The first single, “Every Single
Night” feat. Martina McBride, was released in the U.S. on
August 13. KLS is marketing and distributing the album
globally through its wholly-owned global digital platform and
network of physical distribution partners. Says Stewart: ”I’ve
had a really great relationship with Kobalt for over five years
and it seemed natural to me when they started KLS, to
continue working with such a great company.”
kobalt music group news | FALL/WINTER 2013
LABEL SERVICES | BUZZWORTHY
27
BUZZWORTHY:
THE RETURN OF
BOY
GEORGE
BOY GEORGE SIGNS WITH KOBALT
LABEL SERVICES TO RELEASE FIRST
STUDIO ALBUM IN 18 YEARS
Boy George needs little introduction. With
a career spanning over 30 years he first
shot to international stardom in the 1980s
as the front man of one of the U.K.’s biggest exports - the Brit & Grammy Awardwinning act Culture Club - and he has
had continued success as a solo artist.
Boy George has sold over 150 million
records with top 10 hits in every country.
He’s also a hugely respected house DJ,
playing for twenty years, and continues
to DJ successfully in clubs all over the
world. However it is his new album, This
Is What I Do, that reinforces his first true
love — writing & singing. On October 28,
his new album was released on his
own Very Me Records via Kobalt Label
Services. His first studio album in 18
years, This Is What I Do was written by
Boy George and longtime writing partners
John Themis, Kevan Frost and Richie
Stevens (Soul II Soul, Tina Turner,
Simply Red, Culture Club). The record
was produced by Richie Stevens at
London’s Cowshed Studios.
“Working with Kobalt adds to the excitement. I feel that I’m going to get more personal involvement
from them, and I have been very impressed with their work with Pet Shop Boys recently.”– BOY GEORGE
kobalt music group news | FALL/WINTER 2013
28
NEW TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT
KOBALT BRINGS TRANSPARENCY TO THE NEXT LEVEL
GAME-CHANGING NEW CLIENT PORTAL TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY
UNLOCKS DIGITAL STREAMING ROYALTIES INCLUDING
YOUTUBE USER-GENERATED CONTENT
Kobalt recently debuted its next transparent, interactive client portal,
the company’s most radical leap forward to date in technology and
design. The new Kobalt Portal presents a number of unique, transformative features. As a first for the industry, clients can see usage data
and royalties earned on YouTube user-generated content and watch the
associated video from their portal. Kobalt plans to roll out this level of
transparency for all key digital service providers globally. Clients can
also follow the synch process in real time globally and not only see the
incomes generated, but also the videos of their music when licensed
for advertising, TV, film trailers, games and other media. Among other
key new features are a real-time, customizable global activity feed and
action center that notifies clients of key events and items to address in
their catalogue. Willard Ahdritz, Kobalt CEO and Founder, said: “We expect digital revenues for Kobalt’s rights owners to increase significantly
“we expect digital revenues for kobalt’s
rights owners to increase significantly as
a result of our new technology...”– willard ahdritz
as a direct result of our new technology integration. With total transparency
and control for our clients, the new portal is a game-changer for the music
industry. Building on our existing platform and proven technology, this is one
of our most significant technology achievements to date, offering the first
completely visual and fully interactive client communication platform.” A new
clean design improves the user experience and interface for Kobalt clients.
Detailed, dynamic royalty analysis tools are supported by quick and easy-touse graphics. Key income and product data are prominently featured, and
it is easy for clients to query their catalogue in full detail by work, rights
type, territory, product and licensee. Clients can enter new works and
product data, allowing for two-way communication. The new portal is also
customizable; each client can set their own reporting preferences and
choose which activity alerts and notifications they receive.
Pictured Top: The new portal Activity Feed center is demonstrated on a
tablet device; Center: Kobalt CEO/Founder Willard Ahdritz unveils to clients
new YouTube UCG content on the Kobalt Portal; Bottom: Kobalt Sr. Dir.
Creative Paige Parsons (left) demonstrates the new portal on a mobile
device for Buskin Records/WB executive Jeffrey Evans at Kobalt’s launch
event at Soho House in LA.
WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE NEW PORTAL...
“the kobalt songwriters with whom we work appreciate the high levels of detail and
the feeling of transparency they get from the new portal. the portal also allows us
to monitor client royalty flows on a real-time basis which obviously helps us with
budgeting...and the system is very user friendly too.”
-john watson, manager of gotye and president/eleven music
THE new KOBALT portal
this is transparency
Live Global Song Registration Status
Live Activity Feed of Every Material Catalogue Event
Online Work/Product Delivery & Adaptation Management
Live Counterclaim Reporting & Management
Clear Licensee Royalty Data – No Confusing Abbreviations or Codes
Detailed Royalty Analysis – By Song, Product, Territory, Right & Writer
Flexible Online Advances – Amount Updated Weekly for Collections
User Generated YouTube Videos with Earnings & Views Data
Individualized Global Chart Position Data for Client Songs
Live Global Synch Activity – Requests, Licenses, Payments & Videos
www.kobaltmusic.com
kobalt music group news | FALL/WINTER 2013
30
NEIGHBOURING RIGHTS | NEW SIGNINGS
TRAIN
CHER LLOYD
A*M*E
TOM ODELL
KOBALT NEIGHBOURING RIGHTS
SIGNS MAJOR TALENT
THE KNR TEAM (L to R): Matthew Seal, KNR Manager; Ann Tausis,
KNR MD; Hans van Berkel, KNR Executive Chairman; and Ross
Hagen, Assistant Manager.
JOINING KNR clients BOB DYLAN, GOTYE AND THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL JACKSON
ARE NEW SIGNINGS 30 SECONDS TO MARS, CHER LLOYD, ELLIE GOULDING, TRAIN,
TOM ODELL, JAKE BUGG, and A*M*E AMONG OTHERS
Under the leadership of Hans van Berkel, Executive Chairman of Kobalt Neighbouring Rights (KNR), and new Managing Director Ann Tausis, KNR
has continued to grow its impressive artist roster in 2013, with recent U.K. signings including Ellie Goulding, Cher Lloyd, Tom Odell, Jake Bugg and
A*M*E. The overall client list is truly international however, with U.S. rockers 30 Seconds To Mars and Train and Australia’s Matt Corby and Sweden’s
Loreen coming on board to join the likes of Bob Dylan, Björk, Gotye and the estate of Michael Jackson. In addition to looking after the rights of performers, KNR has now expanded its services to also include Neighbouring Rights collections for record labels. Neighbouring Rights is still a relatively
unknown side of the music industry and one that has great potential for growth in the years to come, both on the artist and on the label side.
kobalt music group news | FALL/winter 2013
31
STAFF NEWS | K-STAR
STAFF
ANN TAUSIS
KOBALT AND STIM LAUNCH
ONE-STOP EUROPEAN DIGITAL
MUSIC LICENSING SERVICE
SAS METCALFE
diarmuid Quinn
SUE DREW
VINCENT CLERY-MELIN
Kobalt and Swedish copyright management organization
STIM have launched Kobalt STIM Aggregated Rights AB, a
partnership that enables multi-territorial digital music service
providers a very efficient, large-scale one-stop European
licensing solution for song rights. The licensing service
enables STIM and Kobalt to leverage a unique, shared
technology platform to give Kobalt clients full transparency
in usage data, rates and costs per licensee. It also gives
clients significantly accelerated access to their money, as
fast as a month from when the music was used, which is
unique in publishing. The agreement enhances the European
licensing process and administration of online rights for all
Kobalt Music Group’s Anglo-American repertoire, which
includes over 250,000 songs.
STAFF NEWS
SAS METCALFE, president, GLOBAL CREATIVE
Sas Metcalfe has been promoted from EVP Creative to the newly created position
of President, Global Creative for Kobalt Music Group. Continuing her responsibilities
managing Kobalt’s global 18-person creative services team, Metcalfe, who is
based in Los Angeles, is responsible for Kobalt’s creative deals, including new
signings, acquisitions and identifying new partnerships with emerging publishers.
DIARMUID QUINN, president, KLS - NORTH AMERICA
Kobalt has appointed Diarmuid Quinn as President of Kobalt Label Services –
North America. With 30 years of experience in the music business, he was most
recently Chief Executive of TourDForce Productions. Prior to this he served as
COO of Warner Bros Records/President of Reprise Records, where he oversaw
the development and multi-million-selling releases of Michael Bublé, Josh Groban
and My Chemical Romance, as well as marketing campaigns for Madonna, Linkin
Park, Green Day, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Oasis, and more.
ANN TAUSIS, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF KNR
Ann Tausis has joined Kobalt Neighbouring Rights as its new MD based in London.
Most recently she was Director of European Regional Administration at Universal Music Publishing. Reporting to Hans van Berkel, Executive Chairman
of Kobalt Neighbouring Rights, Ann brings to KNR 20 years of experience in
rights management administration, particularly in registration of rights.
SUE DREW, GM OF CREATIVE & ACQUISITIONS-U.S.
Sue Drew has joined the company in the new LA-based creative position of GM
of Creative & Acquisitions – U.S. Reporting to Sas Metcalfe, Drew is working
with the team to manage the growing publishing roster, plus helping to identify
catalogues for acquisitions and expanding Kobalt’s administration of film and
television catalogues. She was most recently SVP of Membership at ASCAP.
VINCENT CLERY-MELIN, MANAGING DIRECTOR of AWAL
Vincent Clery-Melin has been appointed as Global MD of AWAL. Reporting to
Paul Hitchman, MD of Kobalt Label Services, Clery-Melin joins from Cooperative
Music (Co-op), a business he founded and managed for eight years. Prior to
founding Co-op Clery-Melin was VP, Marketing for EMI Music Continental Europe.
TOMAS ERICSSON APPOINTED PRESIDENT,
SOCIETY RELATIONS
Kobalt has appointed Tomas Ericsson (pictured above right)
to the position of President, Society Relations. In this newly
created position, Ericsson will report to Willard Ahdritz and will
join the Kobalt executive management team and be responsible
for extending and maintaining Kobalt’s relationships with
global perfor-mance societies and digital service providers.
With over 18 years of experience, Ericsson joins Kobalt from
Swedish performance society STIM, where he has served as
Deputy CEO since 2010 and was CFO from 2006-2007. In
2007 he was appointed MD of ICE, a joint venture between
STIM and PRS for music aimed at creating a world class back
office service for global rights administration. From 2009 Mr.
Ericsson gained the position as STIM’s Executive Director of
Media and International Markets responsible for all aspects
of licensing of broadcasting and online including acquisition
of repertoire. Prior to STIM, Ericsson worked for Universal
Pictures as MD for the Nordics and Finance Director for Dell
Computers in the Netherlands and Denmark.
YOUCANGO
YOUROWNWAY
GOYOUROWNWAY
YOUCANCALLIT
ANOTHERLONELYDAY
WE’RE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE KOBALT IS THE NEW HOME OF THE SONGS OF
LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM
INCLUDING HITS BY FLEETWOOD MAC, BUCKINGHAM NICKS AND MORE
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