The trend of so-called ‘label services’ companies working more with catalogue material continues: veteran singer/songwriter Peter Gabriel has partnered with Universal‘s Caroline International for the distribution of his solo career recordings, with immediate effect.
The news comes a few weeks after Kobalt Label Services entered the digital catalogue game by signing a deal with UK rock band Placebo for their first six albums. Meanwhile, the likes of [PIAS] and INgrooves are working with BMG to maximise the potential of recordings acquired as part of its purchase of the Sanctuary and Mute catalogues in 2013.
Caroline will take on the distribution worldwide – outside North America, Australia and New Zealand – of Peter Gabriel’s solo albums, soundtracks and live audio releases. The deal covers material from his debut 1977 self-titled album up to and including HIT, originally released in 2003.
Caroline will work alongside Gabriel and his team at Real World on creative marketing and promotional opportunities for the catalogue.
The news joins up Gabriel’s back catalogue with his newer material: his last album, 2013’s And I’ll Scratch Yours, was the first ever release to come through the Caroline International setup.
Mike Large, CEO of Real World, said: “Peter has always wanted to work in partnership with his label rather than be a servant to it, choosing what services he needs rather than being forced to fit into a rigid system. Working with Michael [Roe] and his team will give us the flexible relationship that we wanted: a true partnership, fuelled by expertise and enthusiasm.”
Michael Roe, Joint Managing Director of Caroline International, said: “I’ve had the privilege of working with Peter Gabriel and Mike Large many times over the years and so I’m delighted that they’ve chosen Caroline as their international label services partner.
“Peter continues to be one of the most creative and inspirational artists in the world so everyone at Caroline is immensely proud of this new partnership.”
Gabriel co-founded Genesis while still at school and was a staple of the group before embarking on his solo career in 1975.
He has released eleven studio albums, numerous live albums and written for three films.
In 1980 he founded WOMAD (World of Music Arts and Dance), which has presented 150 festivals in over 40 countries.Music Business Worldwide
