Tony O’Connor’s chill catalogue to come online through partnership with SGC Group

SGC Group, the Brisbane-based independent music enterprise, has stuck a deal with Studio Horizon to license the catalogue of late Australian artist and composer Tony O’Connor.

By capturing the calming sounds of nature in his recordings, O’Connor found a niche in the therapy space.

He’s said to be one of the best-selling instrumental musicians on the planet, clocking up more than 3.5 million album sales in his lifetime, across some 30 titles, including the million-selling Mariner and Rainforest Magic, according to a joint statement announcing the new arrangement.

Some of O’Connor’s catalogue has never been made available on digital services, a situation that’s bound to change with SGC on board.

“I am so happy to have SGC looking after Tony’s legacy and bringing new audiences to his music,” said Tony’s wife and business partner in Studio Horizon Jacqui O’Connor.

“Our shared vision for Tony’s legacy and how his music can live on is aligned so very closely and I look forward to working with the team to bring his important music to new audiences,” adds O’Connor. “It feels like there’s never been a more important time for Australia to be reminded of the magical power of Tony’s music to help with relaxation and calm.”

The O’Connors grew their Studio Horizon business out of a shed at their Sunshine Coast hinterland in the 1990s and 2000s.

For a time, Studio Horizon was one of Australia’s biggest independent distributors, despite just one artist, O’Connor, on its books.

O’Connor passed away in 2010 after a battle with cancer. He was 49.

“Tony’s story is incredible,” enthuses SGC Group CEO and co-founder Stephen Green. “He is one of the country’s highest selling artists and his impact on lives cannot be understated, but this is a story that has never really been told. Over the coming years, we well tell this story, release this music and elevate Tony to the place he deserves to be in the Australian industry.”

Green’s connection with O’Connor’s music runs deep. The entrepreneur’s own Grandfather used O’Connor’s albums Bushland Dreaming and Seashore Sunrise to alleviate chronic pain during his palliative care in the early 1990s.

MGM Distribution will handle physical and digital distribution of the catalogue, with several of O’Connor’s recordings launched on digital services from today, including 1994’s Dreams and Discoveries.

Stephen Green

As part of the relaunch, the official website tonyoconnor.com.au has been updated with archival photos and written content.

Based in Fortitude Valley, SGC boasts several distinct units including the full-service PR, plugging and marketing company SGC Media, indie music website Purple Sneakers, heavy-edge label Collision Course and more.

SGC Media last year celebrated its 10th anniversary as a full-service publicity and radio firm. Its past client list includes Sheppard, Lauv, Gurrumul, and events and tours including MJR Presents, BIGSOUND, National Indigenous Music Awards, Australian Music Prize, Queensland Music Festival and more.

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