Kobalt Music Group signs first multi-rights label deal with Marathon

Kobalt Music Group is concluding its first multi-rights label deal with the signing of a services agreement with UK independent label and publisher Marathon Artists.

Marathon – co-founded by Jimmy Mikaoui, Paul-Rene Albertini and Philippe Ascoli, whose Virgin record label Source signed AIR, Simian and Phoenix – features Australian acts Jagwar Ma and Courtney Barnett on the roster.

Kobalt Label Services and Kobalt Music Publishing will provide a suite of services worldwide, including representation, multi-territory distribution, publishing and synchronisation licensing to Marathon’s roster, covering both masters and compositions. The first release under the agreement is from London-based duo We Are Shining, who will release their debut LP KARA on October 27.

Vincent Clery-Melin, Kobalt Label Services UK Managing Director, said in a statement: “We are incredibly excited to be working with Marathon Artists. They are simply the most exciting new independent label around, and their music taste and aesthetic are as impeccable as the commercial potential of their artists is undeniable.

“This also represents a significant move and commitment for Kobalt Label Services to work with developing talent in the UK and Europe,” Clery-Melin added, “We can’t wait to get started!”

Philippe Ascoli, Chief Creative Officer at Marathon Artists said: “We are all thrilled at Marathon to be heading into a partnership with Kobalt Label Services. I’ve known Vincent for years, having worked with him in the past, and am very excited at the prospect of working together once again.”