Cooking Vinyl Australia launches publishing division

Cooking Vinyl Australia (CVA) has launched its own publishing division with former Peermusic Managing Director Matthew Donlevy brought in to lead operations.

Announced today, Cooking Vinyl Publishing Australia will operate out of Sydney, while the label’s activities will continue to be based in Melbourne under co-Managing Directors Leigh Gruppetta and Stu Harvey.

Donlevy will report directly to Cooking Vinyl Group Founder & CEO Martin Goldschmidt, who is based in the UK. Donlevy, an AMCOS board member for almost 20 years, and a board member of AMPAL, has been given the task to sign and grow local songwriters for both domestic and international development.

Martin Goldschmidt said in a statement:“Not only is Matt a fine skier (we first met at Skidem), and a great guy, but one of the most experienced music publishers in Australia with a strong track record of success. He is the perfect person to develop and build our Australian music publishing company, which will complement the fantastic work that already been achieved by the label.”

Donlevy has over 25 years experience in the identification, development, management, commercialisation, marketing and sales of music talent and copyright. He launched independent music production house Rednote Visionary Sounds last October with former In The Mix / Faster Louder Brand and Sponsorship Manager Greg Townley, music composer Steve Peach and Red Engine Managing Director Julian Townley.

Donlevy said the openingof a Cooking Vinyl America office in New York this month shows a concentration on global growth.

“Cooking Vinyl has an exceptional roster of acts both locally & internationally and with Cooking Vinyl Australia enjoying major hits recently including a number one album with Parkway Drive and a top five album from City and Colour it’s time to augment that success with a strong music publishing division,” said Donlevy.

Cooking Vinyl Group, which also has offices in London,Paris and Berlin, has its own publishing division. It’sheaded by Paul Kinder, a former director at Chrysalis.

Gruppetta and Harvey, both former Shock Records staffers, established CVA a wholly independent label in 2013. It provides project management services to BMG Rights, Dine Alone, Razor & Tie, Resist, Run For Cover, SideOneDummy and Thirty Tigers, among others, and its roster includes Billy Bragg, Marilyn Manson, The Pretty Reckless, The Cult and The Prodigy among others.

Last month Cooking Vinyl Aus announced its partnership with UK label Fatcat Records. The team-up saw CVA release the debut LP by 2015 Mercury Prize nominated artistC Duncan on February 26. In February 2015 CVA announced its heavy music imprint Double Cross with Canada’sCancer Bats, UK’s Gallows and local band High Tension.

Gruppetta said in a statement: “As a label we are very proud of the success we have achieved in the three years since we launched. Our records and label services activities are now well established and it is time to focus on growing our presence in the market. Music publishing has been a key part of the long term strategy for the business and Matthew, who is a highly respected figure in that world, will bring energy, experience and expertise to his new role and will be a valuable addition to our team.”