The Music Sales Group is rebranding as Wise Music Group, effective Monday, February 3, 2020.
The company’s global network comprises over 60 publishing houses, 30 imprints, two record labels, two digital music education companies, a book publisher and a live concert & theatrical production company.
Wise Music Group claims to own or control nearly half a million copyrights.
In addition to the rebrand, multi-instrumentalist and composer Ólafur Arnalds (pictured) has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Wise Music imprint Bosworth Music GmbH.
The catalog includes Flow 1 and Flow 2 from Ekki Hugsa 360°, a commission from the Reeperbahn Festival, plus all upcoming works.
Meanwhile, Evan Dando of The Lemonheads has signed a publishing agreement with Wise Music USA.
The worldwide deal includes all of Dando’s work to date, including hits such as It’s a Shame About Ray, My Drug Buddy, Confetti, Rudderless, and Big Gay Heart.
“Our new name reflects both the continuity of our business approach and the fact that ours is a family business with two generations of the Wise family well established and guiding our future progress.”
Robert Wise, Wise Music Group
Evan Dando said: “I’m super excited that for the first time in my career, all of my publishing will be with one company under the same roof. I’m looking forward to a successful partnership with Wise Music.”
“Everyone at Wise Music is excited to work with Evan and his team and are squinting at the bright future ahead.”
Tomas Wise, Wise Music USA
Tomas Wise, CEO of Wise Music USA, added: “Growing up my brothers and I listened to The Lemonheads religiously. We were their biggest fans.
“I could not be more thrilled to be representing their music today. Everyone at Wise Music is excited to work with Evan and his team and are squinting at the bright future ahead.”
Ólafur Arnalds said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Bosworth / Wise Music family’s close-knit community.
“Their long history combined with their embracing of change within the music industry made me confident that they were the right team for me and my variety of projects.”
“We have been following Ólafur’s career with huge interest during the last years and are thrilled to work with him and support him in his future activities.”
Michael Ohst, Bosworth Music
Michael Ohst, Managing Director of Bosworth Music said: “We have been following Ólafur’s career with huge interest during the last years and are thrilled to work with him and support him in his future activities.”
Wise Music Group Chairman Robert Wise, said: “With historic roots in print publishing, we have recently refocused on expanding our already substantial portfolio of copyrights across all styles of music.
“We work hard to maximise the value of those copyrights while promoting the talents of our impressive roster of contemporary composers.
“Our new name reflects both the continuity of our business approach and the fact that ours is a family business with two generations of the Wise family well established and guiding our future progress.”Music Business Worldwide
