Smash Mouth just signed an exclusive publishing deal with Spirit Music Group. The publishing company now has the rights to the rock group’s entire music catalog. “Smash Mouth have created an incredible body of work with some iconic songs that are part of our collective pop consciousness,” the publishing company’s chairman, David Renzer, said in a statement. Some of the group’s “body of work” includes “All Star,” “Then The Morning Comes,” and “Walkin’ On The Sun.”
Smash Mouth’s manager said the group has been searching for a music publisher for about a year, and they feel Spirit Music Group is the right choice. “We love Spirit’s focus and aggressive pinpoint approach to licensing with strong ties to film and television,” manager Robert Hayes stated. Smash Mouth previously had a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music. Spirit Music Group is an independent music publisher who has worked with Billie Holliday, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Chaka Khan, Madonna, Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Usher, Janet Jackson, and many other recording artists. Last year, the publishing company received $50 million dollars in funding from Fortress Credit Corporation.
Atlas Music Group is another independent publishing company that was able to secure a worldwide deal with a major recording artist. Eddie and Alex Van Halen recently signed a deal with the company, which now has rights to Van Halen’s entire music catalog. Atlas Music Group’s CEO, Rich Stumpf, said he’s been trying to secure a deal with the band for years. Stumpf stated the publishing deal is a huge victory on a business and personal level. Business wise, it proves that independent publishing companies can compete with major publishers, and the deal is a step in the right direction for the entire independent community.
Stumpf explained that the deal is a dream come true because Van Halen is his favorite band of all time, and he said the moment feels “surreal.” The CEO reiterated that Van Halen is the most important band Atlas Music Group has ever signed, and they plan on putting the band’s music in television, films, and commercials. The publishing company is hoping to reach the younger generation with Van Halen’s music. Atlas understands that the younger generation are the decision makers in a music industry that has moved into the digital age.
FDRMX Eyes: Boris Grim and Bratya Grim are a Russian band. Their music video for “Dead Season” is about the young pioneer movement in the Soviet Union.
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