Mushroom Group sets up neighbouring rights company Good Neighbour

Mushroom Group has set up a new neighbouring rights company, Good Neighbour with global neighbouring rights specialist and pioneer Susan Cotchin.

Cochin, who will be its managing director, began her career in the UK with the Performing Artists Media Rights Associate (PAMRA, now part of PPL) in 2000.

In the past 20 years, she has represented Beyonce, Radiohead, Tom Jones, Fat Boy Slim, Nelly Furtado and Rihanna.

The new partnership sees the Mushroom Group acquire Cochin’s International Royalties Rescue (IRR), one of the first neighbouring rights businesses in the world.

IRR clients include Gang of Youths, Empire of the Sun, Jet, The Avalanches, Middle Kids, The Temper Trap, Paul Kelly and John Farnham.

The Good Neighbour team includes Zoe Coverdale as business development manager.  

Coverdale has spent the past twelve years managing Mushroom Music Publishing’s international department and has been instrumental in driving the formation of Good Neighbour.

Coverdale will remain in her role with Mushroom Music Publishing, while also working alongside Cotchin.

Of the new venture, Mushroom’s chairman and founder, Michael Gudinski says “We are always looking for new opportunities to grow and develop the Mushroom Group’s network of companies.

“Neighbouring rights is an intricate area of royalty collection that we’ve wanted to move into and naturally complements our other businesses.

“However, we recognised it was important to have the specialist knowledge and experience required to service our clients properly.

“Susan’s expertise and understanding of neighbouring rights is second to none and partnering with her made so much sense.

“I am excited to see what the company can achieve both within Australia and internationally.”

Cotchin adds, “I have always had great reverence for Michael Gudinski and his colossal impact on the industry.

“When I was approached by the Mushroom Group and witnessed their professionalism and ongoing determination to manage neighbouring rights correctly, it made my decision to join forces an easy and obvious one.

“We launch Good Neighbour not as a start-up but as a leader in neighbouring rights from day one.

“The result of our combined interests and connections will enable us to extend our reach to more performers, without diluting the personal service we are famous for.

“We make a formidable team.”