Olivier Chastan’s Iconoclast has announced its latest rights deal.
The company says that it has acquired the producer royalties of legendary composer, songwriter, and producer Giorgio Moroder.
Iconoclast says in the press release announcing the deal that it will work with Moroder on the development of his name, image, and likeness rights.
Described by Iconoclast as an “electronic and disco music trailblazer”, Giorgio Moroder’s career as a Grammy and Oscar-winning composer, producer, songwriter, and musician spans 60 years.
Moroder has collaborated with legendary artists like Donna Summer, David Bowie, Blondie, Janet Jackson, Kylie Minogue, Daft Punk, and more.
Iconoclast says that hits like I Feel Love for Donna Summer, Call Me for Blondie, and Take My Breath Away for Berlin, “showcase Moroder’s signature sonic imprint”.
In addition to his work in popular music, Giorgio’s work as a film composer “redefined the sound of cinema”, according to Iconoclast.
He won his first Oscar for Best Score for 1978’s Midnight Express, and went on to provide scores and songs for hit films like Top Gun, Scarface, Flashdance, and many more.
Today’s news marks Iconoclast’s latest deal, and follows the company’s acquisition in May of the music publishing catalog of British songwriter and producer Dave Taylor, aka Switch.
Founded in 2021 and led by veteran music executive Olivier Chastan, Iconoclast says that it, “operates at the intersection of brand management and technology to preserve and grow the intellectual property and legacy of culturally significant artists”.
“Giorgio has always had a unique ability to capture the pop sensibility of the times while being at the forefront of sonic innovation.”
Olivier Chastan, Iconoclast
Olivier Chastan, founder of Iconoclast, said: “Working with my friend Giorgio is an incredible honor. More than 45 years after they were created, songs like I Feel Love and The Chase still seem like the soundtrack of the future.
“Giorgio has always had a unique ability to capture the pop sensibility of the times while being at the forefront of sonic innovation.”
“I’m thrilled that Olivier and his team will help propel my musical legacy into the future.”
Giorgio Moroder
Moroder added: “Throughout my career, I took inspiration from the marriage of creativity and technology.
“Iconoclast shares that same DNA and I’m thrilled that Olivier and his team will help propel my musical legacy into the future.”
In February, Iconoclast acquired the catalog of Mad Decent Publishing, co-founded by DJ and producer Diplo and Kevin Kusastsu.
In March, Iconoclast snapped up the music publishing catalog of Lady Gaga co-writer and producer Nick Monson.
In July 2022, veteran music executive and producer Irv Gotti (Irving Lorenzo), the founder of rap label Murder Inc, sold a stake in his master recordings to Iconoclast in a deal worth $300 million.
Olivier Chastan was previously CEO at Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group, which in 2021 acquired catalogs from the likes of the Beach Boys, David Crosby, and Linda Ronstadt.
Scott McDowell and Peter Paterno of King, Holmes, Paterno & Soriano LLP represented Iconoclast, and Gary Stiffelman of GSS Law PC, Henry Root of Smith Entertainment Law Group LLP, and Wayne Johnson of Wayne R. Johnson & Associates, PLC represented Moroder in the transaction.Music Business Worldwide
