Sony/ATV, Stellar Songs and MER Establish New Publishing Joint Venture Stellar Songs Scandinavia

Norwegian independent music company MER has entered into a worldwide publishing joint venture with Stellar Songs and Sony/ATV Music Publishing Scandinavia, entitled Stellar Songs Scandinavia.

The agreement includes administration rights of the extensive publishing catalogue of MER, as well as a joint venture setup entitled Stellar Songs Scandinavia. The joint venture enables the three entities to combine their creative forces in order to develop songwriter talents from both Scandinavia and other emerging markets across the globe.

In a setup which reflects the global nature of today's music industry, Stellar Songs Scandinavia is a natural next step in a longstanding and continuous working relationship between the three partners, and was formalized in Oslo on June 24th 2018. MER's modern studio complex in Oslo, Norway will serve as the creative hub and focal point of the partnership, with Stellar Songs Scandinavia aiming to connect worldwide songwriter and artist talents to create the sounds of tomorrow.

Managing director of MER, Gunnar Greve, shared his excitement of the joint venture agreement: "Myself and the whole team at MER couldn't be more thrilled about this partnership. Both Sony/ATV and Stellar Songs have been long-term partners of ours, and we're excited to embark on the next chapter together. Between the people involved, and the amazing talent and current creative momentum in the Nordics, I'm certain that we have all the right ingredients in place to create incredible music for the world to enjoy."

Tor-Erik Hermansen, co-founder of Stellar Songs and one half of production duo Stargate, said: "We're thrilled to welcome Gunnar and his creative team at MER to Stellar Songs. With an exceptional ear for talent and unstoppable drive, he will fit right in and continue to build his Scandinavian dominance. He also has the right haircut."

Johnny Tennander, who is the Managing Director Scandinavia and Senior Vice President European A&R for Sony/ATV, said: "I'm very excited about this. Tim & Danny and Stargate have been a key part of the Sony/ATV family for a long time now and we've worked closely for years. We got to know Gunnar and the fantastic MER team when we started working with Alan Walker and Mood Melodies together and we quickly realized we share the same ideas and visions. To write this creative chapter together with all of them feels very inspiring."

About MER:

MER is a boutique-styled independent music company group based in Oslo, Norway. Established in 2012, it consists of a management firm, record label, publishing company and a recording studio. Its roster includes global superstar Alan Walker, who has racked up more than 12 billion audio and video streams over the past 3 years, and emerging artist and producer K-391, who is currently also experiencing huge success with the debut single Ignite. In addition to K-391, who is also one of the first writers in the Stellar Songs Scandinavia setup, MER also represents a variety of songwriters such as the Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter Mood Melodies.

About Stellar Songs:

Stellar Songs is a publishing company founded by Tim Blacksmith and Danny D alongside long-time clients Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel Eriksen, creatively known as the multi-platinum awarded production duo Stargate. Stellar Songs is home to a wide range of critically acclaimed songwriters such as Sam Smith, Emeli Sandé, Labrinth, Charli XCX, Gorgon City and more. For the past years, Stellar Songs have partnered with Sony/ATV on a joint venture publishing deal, which will continue in its next chapter through Stellar Songs Scandinavia.

About Sony/ATV Music Publishing:

Sony/ATV Music Publishing, established in 1995, is the world's leading music publisher. Sony/ATV Music Publishing owns or administers more than 3 million copyrights, including those of EMI Music Publishing and iconic music catalogues such as Leiber & Stoller, Mijac Music, Motown and Famous Music. Sony/ATV also controls many of the best-known songs ever written such as "New York, New York", "Hallelujah", "All You Need Is Love", "You've Got a Friend", "Moon River", "Jailhouse Rock", "The Mission Impossible Theme", "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "Over the Rainbow", "Stand By Me", "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" and "Singin' in the Rain". In addition, Sony/ATV represents the copyrights of such legendary artists as The Beatles, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Carole King, Kraftwerk, Joni Mitchell, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Queen, The Rolling Stones, Richie Sambora, Sting, The Supremes, Wyclef Jean, Hank Williams and Stevie Wonder, among others. Its ever-growing list of chart-topping artists, writers and producers includes Cardi B, The Chainsmokers, Drake, Calvin Harris, Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, P!nk, Shakira, Ed Sheeran, Sia, Sam Smith, Stargate, Taylor Swift, Walk The Moon, Kanye West and Pharrell Williams.

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