There’s a new music company that’s set to develop and launch songwriting talent from Scandinavia and emerging markets worldwide, Stellar Songs Scandinavia.
The firm exists as a worldwide publishing joint venture between Norwegian independent music company MER, Stargate, Tim Blacksmith and Danny D’s Stellar Songs and Sony/ATV Music Publishing Scandinavia.
Based in Norway, MER’s roster includes Alan Walker and emerging artist and producer K-391 – who is one of the first artists signed to the new JV – as well as Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter Mood Melodies.
The agreement includes administration rights of MER’s publishing catalogue. It expands upon a JV publishing deal already established between Stellar Songs and Sony/ATV.
MER’s studio complex in Oslo, Norway will serve as the creative hub and focal point of the partnership.
Managing Director of MER, Gunnar Greve, said: “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.” gunnar greve, mer
“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, Gunnar and his creative team at MER will fit right in and continue to build his Scandinavian dominance.”
tor-erik hermansen, 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, Managing Director Scandinavia and SVP 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.”
Pictured L-R: Johnny Tennander (managing director of Sony/ATV Music Publishing Scandinavia), Gunnar Greve (managing director and partner of MER), Danny D (co-founder of Stellar Songs), Tim Blacksmith (co-founder of Stellar Songs), Gilbert Lunde (head of live and partner of MER), and Yonas Aregai (label manager and partner of MER). Not pictured: Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel Eriksen (production duo Stargate, and co-founders of Stellar Songs). Photo credit: Agri Soltan.Music Business Worldwide
