Sony/ATV signs Kevin Parker to global publishing deal

Sony/ATV has extended its Australia-only deal to a global deal with Kevin Parker, announcing a new agreement with the singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer.

MBW reports the deal will see Sony/ATV cover worldwide representation of Parker’s future songs.

Parker and Tame Impala originally signed with the publisher in 2009 for Australia, with BMG looking after his publishing needs for the rest of the world.

The new deal follows the release of Tame Impala’s fourth record The Slow Rush, which became Parker’s second ARIA #1 Album in just its debut charting week (following 2015’s Currents).

A huge global debut week followed, with the album landing in the Top 3 on album charts in the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, New Zealand and Canada, as well as on the USA’s coveted Billboard 200 Chart, giving it Tame Impala’s highest-ever position on the chart.

“I am a huge fan of Kevin Parker,” said Sony/ATV chairman and CEO, John Platt.

“He is an incredible songwriter whose impressive ascent with Tame Impala makes him one of the premier creators and musicians of the past decade.

“Kevin’s creative and professional relationship with Damian and the passionate team at Sony/ATV Australia has achieved great success, and we are well positioned globally to provide seamless support for this next dynamic phase of Kevin’s career.”

The former Pond drummer Parker writes, records and producers all of Tame Impala’s music on his own, recent years have seen Parker stretch his chops as a collaborator.

As a producer he’s since worked with Mark Ronson, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Travis Scott, The Flaming Lips and more.

“Having represented Kevin Parker in Australia for more than 10 years, I am incredibly proud and excited that Sony/ATV is now extending our publishing agreement with Kevin for the rest of the world,” said Sony/ATV Australia managing director Damian Trotter.

“I want to thank Jon Platt for his support, as he has been driving to make this happen from literally his first day on the job.

“Tame Impala is unquestionably one of the most respected, original and exciting bands on the planet and as the sole writer, producer, vocalist and engineer, who also plays every instrument on each of their albums, Kevin Parker is for all intents and purposes, Tame Impala.

“He is a once in a generation artist and I believe he is only just scratching the surface of his potential.”

Tame Impala recently took out Best Australian Band and Best Australian Single for ‘Borderline’ at the NME Awards in London.

“I’m super excited to be re-signing with Sony/ATV and extending my relationship with them from Australia to worldwide,” said Parker.

“Damian Trotter has become my good friend and someone I can rely on to take good care of my words and melodies.

“It’s also an honour to now be working with such a legendary figure in music as Jon Platt.”