Murphy Rights Management signs with Universal Music Publishing

INXS manager CM Murphy’s new Murphy Rights Management (MRM) has entered into a worldwide administration agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG). Murphy told TMN earlier this year that he wants to build a roster of global acts to break the international music market through opportunities in social media, movies, television, theater, fashion and gaming.

Unlike traditional publishers, MRM will secure both publishing and master recording rights for artists whose publishing it handles. First signing was Sydney’s Lepers and Crooks, whom Murphy said had the same camaraderie, songwriting skills and charisma as INXS when he discovered them in the late 1970s. INXS have sold 40 million albums worldwide.

Zach Horowitz, Chairman/CEO of UMPG said, “Chris Murphy is a true force of nature, whose passion and commitment to his artists and their music is second to none. He’s never been afraid to break the mold — all the more important in today’s ever-changing marketplace where developing artists requires fresh approaches and cutting edge creative solutions. We couldn’t be more excited to be in business with him and his team.”

Murphy added, “I’m thrilled to be expanding my relationship with Zach and UMPG, which started with INXS last year and will now include a host of new initiatives in publishing – as we find and break the artists of tomorrow. At Murphy Rights Management we’re dedicated to delivering to our clients and partners truly innovative ways to help them achieve success via management of their creative and commercial rights.”

Last year, Murphy signed INXS’s publishing to UMPG. After bringing back the band to the fore with an album of new interpretations with an international range of singers, Murphy executive-produced the two-part TV series Never Tear Us Apart which had very high ratings, and which is now being shopped overseas. A Broadway musical and a movie are also in the pipeline.