The world’s biggest music publishing company is no longer called Sony/ATV. It’s now Sony Music Publishing.
The re-brand of the US-headquartered pubco sees the Sony Music Publishing name return for the first time in over two decades, complete with a new logo.
The move marks 25 years since Sony/ATV was first established in 1995 through a joint venture with Michael Jackson.
That merger brought together the original Sony Music Publishing with Jackson’s ATV Music, which the late artist acquired in an astonishingly smart buy for just $47.5m in 1985. (ATV owned the Northern Songs catalog, including the majority of Lennon/McCartney songs written for The Beatles.)
A process of modern unification at Sony Music Publishing began in 2016, when Sony acquired the Michael Jackson estate’s 50% share of Sony/ATV for $750m, making it a wholly owned Sony company.
In 2018, Sony further consolidated its position at the largest music publisher – and further simplified its structure – via the purchase of full ownership of EMI Music Publishing via two deals jointly worth more than $2.5bn.
This recent process of unification has been reflected in the new re-brand to Sony Music Publishing, a move driven by the publishing company’s Chairman & CEO, Jon Platt.
The new Sony Music Publishing logo is described by Sony as “as an abstraction of sound waves — with resonance and vibrations that express infinitely expanding opportunities for songwriters”.
“Returning to the Sony Music Publishing name reconnects us to our legacy and further unifies our mission and culture with the Sony Corporation.”
Jon Platt, Sony Music Publishing
Sony Music Publishing Chairman and CEO Jon Platt commented, “Sony Music Publishing has always embraced the power of songwriting to connect cultures and bring people together. Since its inception, Sony Music Publishing has supported the careers of songwriters and continues to defend their rights.
“Returning to the Sony Music Publishing name reconnects us to our legacy and further unifies our mission and culture with the Sony Corporation. Our new brand embodies a modern vision to be an authentic reflection of the music and songwriters we represent.”
“By re-energizing the Sony Music Publishing brand, Jon and the company are charting a new course for the business and an exciting path forward for its songwriters and its people.”
Sony Music Group Chairman Rob Stringer added, “By re-energizing the Sony Music Publishing brand, Jon and the company are charting a new course for the business and an exciting path forward for its songwriters and its people.
“The publishing division’s bold new image also conveys Sony Music Group’s evolution as a future-forward creative entertainment company, adding distinction to our positioning.”
Sony Corporation Chairman, President and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida stated, “Sony Music Publishing’s dynamic new brand conveys the promise of our creative approach and our leadership in the music and entertainment space. Jon and Rob are continuing to advance Sony’s business and strengthen our reputation as a ‘Creative Entertainment Company with a Solid Foundation of Technology’ with artists and songwriters around the globe.
“As a company that has been and continues to empower songwriters, I strongly believe that its inclusive brand message will lead to bringing people closer together, more than ever.”
“Sony Music Publishing’s dynamic new brand conveys the promise of our creative approach and our leadership in the music and entertainment space.”
Kenichiro Yoshida, Sony Corporation
Sony Music Publishing is home to classic catalogs including Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Queen, Ashford & Simpson, Motown, Carole King, Leiber & Stoller, Leonard Cohen, Stevie Wonder, Claudia Brant, as well as contemporary songwriters like Ed Sheeran, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Calvin Harris, Cardi B, Daddy Yankee, Gabby Barrett, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Luke Bryan, Maluma, Miranda Lambert, Pharrell Williams, Rihanna, Sara Bareilles, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and many more.Music Business Worldwide
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