Music deals -- Week 6 2021

US independent music company Concord has finalised “a long-term, exclusive joint venture” with Easy Eye Sound, the label founded four years ago by The Black Keys guitarist, singer and songwriter Dan Auerbach. Under this worldwide partnership, Concord will release the indie labels' new recordings for the indie label, and distribute “all catalogue albums that have reverted or will revert to the label during the course of the venture.” Some 12 albums are expected to be released in 2021. The partnership will operate under the Easy Eye Sound label name and logo. “When I founded Easy Eye Sound a decade ago, it was meant as home base for my musical vision and as a way to discover and support artists I believe in,” said Auerbach. “It’s exciting to see the record label and recording studio evolve and begin a worldwide partnership with the fine folks at Concord.”

Loki Artist Group, a global entertainment company providing financial and industry-related services, has invested an undisclosed amount in entertainment company Title 9 Productions. Founder and co-CEO Carmen Murray and co-CEO Michael Michel will maintain ownership of the company. Following this multi-million dollar investment, Title 9 and Loki Artist Group will "jointly focus on new business opportunities, acquisitions, and investments in independent music companies and artists." "We couldn’t have found a better group of professionals to continue to build with. We’re all working toward the same purpose and goals. We now feel even more empowered to continue to develop content and artists, and to create unique opportunities while offering deals and partnership more favourable to the creators," said Murray, who launched the company 24 years ago.

Warner Records has sealed a strategic partnership with BPG Music, the company founded by co-CEOs Gee Roberson and Jean Nelson, with the ambition of “providing a gateway for young black artists and entrepreneurs who are looking for the global reach of a major label while retaining their creative autonomy.” “Our goal at BPG/Warner is to discover, mentor, and grow the next generation of musical and cultural innovators and disruptors," said Roberson and Nelson, who will also serve as advisors to Warner Records.

Artist Group International (AGI) has signed a worldwide representation in all areas with American boy band Why Don’t We. At AGI, the group will be represented by a team of agents led by Dennis Arfa and Jarred Arfa. Why Don’t We are managed by Randy Phillips and David Loefflerf or Signature Entertainment. Their sophomore album, 'The Good Times and the Bad Ones', was released January 15, 2021 on Atlantic Records. 

Round Hill Music has acquired the recording rights to the back catalogue of two of British band Massive Attack’s founder members, Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall, covering their first five albums. 

Sony Music Entertainment Australia has signed a  new distribution deal with Silverchair. The Australian rock band were signed in 1994 to Sony Music's label Murmur, and then went the independent road. “It’s great to have the catalogue all under one roof at Sony Music, back where it all began for Silverchair,” said band member Daniel  Johns. 

Warner Music Nashville has signed a recording deal with country singer and songwriter Drew Parker, known for his contributions forLuke Combsand Jake Owen. Parker is signed to River House/WarnerChappell for publishing since 2017.