‘Neighbours’ and BMG are now exclusive music partners

Neighbours and BMG are trying to find that perfect blend.

As it inches closer to its 8,000 episode, the iconic Aussie soapie has signed up BMG as its exclusive music partner.

Under the new arrangement with series producer Fremantle Media, BMG will provide repertoire from both its publishing and recordings rosters, and from its specialist BMG Production Music library.

It’s a huge coup for BMG, which established its brand here in 2016 when it bought the celebrated indie Alberts. The Neighbours rights have previously been with Mushroom for a long while, dating back to the show’s debut in 1985.

“The Neighbours brand has been synonymous with Australian music export for a very long time,” notes Heath Johns, Managing Director of BMG Australia, in a statement. “Our executives across both records and publishing will work closely with the Neighbours and Fremantle teams to ensure that music becomes an even more critical part of the show’s success around the globe”.

(Fremantle Media) Jason Herbison, Alexandra Cunningham, Natalie Mandel, (BMG Australia) Amy Jarman & Heath Johns

Neighbours is, of course, hugely popular in the U.K. and in Australia. And it’s provided a fertile breeding ground for aspiring pop singer and movie stars, with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce, Delta Goodrem, Russell Crowe, Liam Hemsworth and Natalie Imbruglia all doing time in and around Ramsay Street before making it big.

Through this new deal, a raft of homegrown BMG Australia signings, including Winston Surfshirt to Running Touch, San Cisco, Montaigne, Felix Riebl, Washington and Eves Karydas, plus BMG international writers and artists George Ezra, Jesper Lindell, Graham Candy and Jack Savoretti, have seen their music featured in the TV drama.

Allegra Caldwell, co-head of sync and creative & marketing at BMG Australia, notes: “Partnering with Neighbours is an incredible opportunity for our local and international roster. The show continues to be a favourite at home and abroad, and we are excited for our artists to showcase their music to new audiences and gain greater exposure around the world”.

BMG, founded by German media giant Bertelsmann in 2008, now claims to be the world’s fourth biggest music publisher, and today represents over 2.5 million songs and recordings. This year, its recorded music division has released albums by Kylie, The Prodigy, Rick Astley and many more.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.