Sony/ATV Music Publishing has expanded its Neighbouring Rights roster with the addition of Lady Gaga, Sting and a number of other artists.
Cream drummer Ginger Baker and contemporary stars French Montana, Grace, Kyla, Erick Morillo and Alan Walker are also newly signed to the UK-based operation, while deals have been extended with The Weeknd and Pharrell Williams.
Neighbouring rights money is due to artists and record companies whenever there is a commercial exploitation of their recordings through radio or TV airplay.
Sony/ATV’s neighbouring rights roster additionally includes Nile Rodgers, Mark Ronson, Slash and Snoop Dogg as well as the estates of Lou Reed and Amy Winehouse.
Sony/ATV UK Managing Director and President of European Creative Guy Moot said: “Our Neighbouring Rights department has quickly grown into a major player in this sector, reflected by the calibre of artists we are signing.
“Our Neighbouring Rights department has quickly grown into a major player in this sector.”
Guy Moot, Sony/ATV
“We have set out a clear goal of building up this business in a bespoke manner by signings artists we already have relationships with as well as other hitmakers. With us, it’s not about plugging into a machine, but offering our clients a focused and highly personal service which draws from our creative, business and administrative strengths as the world’s No. 1 music publisher.”
Sony/ATV’s NR division is headed by George Powell, who previously oversaw Neighbouring Rights at UK-based music licensing and rights organisation PPL.
Powell said: “We are all hugely proud to welcome the aforementioned artists into our Neighbouring Rights family and to see this department continue to grow from strength to strength.
“I am ensuring we hold focus on keeping healthy personable relationships with our clients and their teams, something we value and feel is vital for this to work.
“Extending with Pharrell and The Weeknd was a natural and healthy progression for us, and to welcome artists such as Sting, Gaga and others is an honour.”
“Extending with Pharrell and The Weeknd was a natural and healthy progression for us, and to welcome artists such as Sting, Gaga and others is an honour.”
George Powell, Sony/ATV
The signings of both Lady Gaga and Sting to the division coincide with the release of long-awaited new studio albums from the two superstars.
Lady Gaga’s fifth studio LP Joanne includes the hit single “Perfect Illusion” and became her fourth consecutive album to reach No. 1 in the US following its release last month.
Sting’s own new studio album 57th & 9th will be released on November 11 and is his first rock album in 13 years.
Last month he was given the BMI Icon award from the U.S. performing rights organisation at its annual London event, while he will follow the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson and Prince when he receives the American Music Award of Merit at the 2016 American Music Awards in Los Angeles on November 20.
Ginger Baker’s career includes performing alongside Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce as the rock supergroup Cream who during an existence of just three years established themselves as one of the 1960s’ most enduring and influential bands with hits such as “Sunshine Of Your Love” and “White Room” and albums including Disraeli Gears and Wheels Of Fire.Music Business Worldwide
