Independent music publisher Third Side Music (TSM) has acquired a stake in UK independent label Soundway Records and Soundway Publishing.
By purchasing an interest in both companies, the Los Angeles and Montreal-based TSM says it is “expanding” its international footprint.
Soundway’s catalog, staff, and ownership group will join TSM, while its London office and staff will remain intact.
The deal also sees TSM enter the master rights business.
Soundway Records was founded in 2002 by English DJ and record collector Miles Cleret, and specializes in compilations of rare recordings and LP re-issues.
The label’s past releases have showcased music from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Panama, French Caribbean, Colombia, Brazil, Thailand and South Africa.
The label’s contemporary artists include Lord Echo, Mauskovic Dance Band, Felbm, Dexter Story, Carlos Nino, Ondatropica, Meridian Brothers, Julien Dyne, and Flamingo Pier.
Soundway Publishing, meanwhile, is home to the label’s compositions, artists, songwriters, and composers.
For the past three years, TSM and Soundway have worked together to develop creative and sync licensing opportunities, placing music from Soundway’s catalog and roster in advertising, films and TV series, video games, and other media.
This includes the 2020 motion picture Zola from film production company A24, global campaigns for Apple Watch, Postmates, FIFA22, Facebook, H&M, and American Express, as well as the series AMC’s Better Call Saul, HBO Max’s Betty, and AppleTV’s Little America.
TSM says its new partnership with Soundway will enable them work together on releases.
TSM’s catalog consists of 70,000 titles, and its roster includes artists, songwriters, and composers such as BadBadNotGood, Courtney Barnett, Blonde Redhead, SOFI TUKKER, Pharoah Sanders, Colin Stetson, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Kurt Vile and The Cinematic Orchestra.
TSM also represents legacy music catalogs, including the works of Clyde Otis Music Group, Studio One/JamRec, and Grammy Award-winning composer Galt MacDermot.
“The stellar team [at Soundway] has always blown us away with their dedication, curation, and musical taste.”
Patrick Curley, Third Side Music
Patrick Curley, Co-founder and President of Third Side Music, said: “We’re delighted to announce our new partnership with Soundway Records and Publishing.
“The stellar team has always blown us away with their dedication, curation, and musical taste.
“Soundway brings a truly global sound into our creative pitching and services, and they have helped land some of our favorite sync placements.
“What three people have accomplished for the label in 19 years is truly impressive, and this is an amazing jump off point to come together and grow significantly bigger.”
“[TSM’s] artist-first approach, infrastructure, and resources will empower us with incredible opportunities to expand.”
Miles Cleret, Soundway Records and Soundway Publishing
Miles Cleret, Founder of Soundway Records and Soundway Publishing, added: “Partnering with Third Side Music is particularly appealing, as we both come from a truly independent place.
“At the core of everything we do, our values align in how we support and promote rosters, release music, and do equitable deals with artists, composers, and licensors.
“Their unwavering artist-first approach, infrastructure, and resources will empower us with incredible opportunities to expand.
“With complete creative independence to continue releasing groundbreaking compilations and re-issues of the best music from around the world, we’re really excited for what’s next!”
Music Business Worldwide
