Richard Stumpf, former President of Imagem Music, US and before that SVP at Cherry Lane Music, has teamed up with long time publishing veterans Jennifer Blakeman (SVP Creative, Zomba / SVP Creative, Universal) and Michael Petersen (EVP & GM, Kobalt / SVP Business Affairs, Universal) to launch Atlas Music Publishing. A proactive alternative to big box publishing, Atlas promises the best front and back office where artists are paid attention to. All Atlas staff share in company profits thus creating a highly motivated environment where everyone runs it like they own it.
In addition to Stumpf's own financing, a team of long-term strategic investors has been assembled giving Atlas the capital necessary to compete for not only A-list writers, but also select catalogs that are up for sale.
Stumpf comments, "I've watch as the industry has been rolled up and many great brands, some which I've worked at, have been absorbed into large corporations. This inevitably leads to a lack of service for the writers and songs. There is room in the upper independent sphere for a hands-on music publishing partner that is more concerned with quality and a long term relationship than market share. This is what Atlas is built to do. We will soon announce our first group of signings and I think it will become very clear that writers at all levels are looking for a change."
"I joined Rich because I believe 100% that writers in the current systems are underserved," notes Blakeman. "For us, it is about high quality signings that we can truly work along side. It's not about just answering the phone, but rather pushing our roster out there in a strategic way and adding value to the team. Add to that the fact that the entire staff share in the company's success and the result is an amazingly passionate work environment, which is a huge benefit to our clients."
"It was important for me to move into an artist friendly environment where we get into business with writers within the bounds of high integrity, progressive deals that don't come with the all too familiar 'gotchas' that many companies still use. I am happy to bring the high tech operational knowhow to the team and, in combination with Jennifer's creative prowess and Rich's leadership, I believe Atlas offers the perfect combination of services," states Petersen.
About Atlas: Founded by Richard Stumpf (CEO) in late 2013, Atlas Music Publishing is a welcome alternative to big box, high volume music publishing. Bigger is not better. Better is better. The company brings together a team of exceptional music professionals with proven track records who each understand that successful music publishing requires hands on attention in combination with high tech solutions. Well funded by a mix of strategic, long-term partners (Sugar Music, CAMJAZZ, Aronson Media Ventures, Virgo Investment Group, Sword ,Rowe & Company and Michael Dawley), Atlas fills a void caused by over-consolidation and acquisition within the industry. The company is headquartered in NY with an office in LA and on the ground representation in every global territory. Atlas currently represents songs performed by top stars such as John Legend, Daughtry, Icona Pop, Krewella, Prince Royce, and Colbie Caillat as well as new artists like The Falls and Daniel and the Lion. www.atlasmusicgroup.com
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