Courtesy of Sony Music PublishingSMP Australia Managing Director Damian Trotter (L) and Kevin Parker of Tame Impala.
Sony Music Publishing has acquired the complete song catalog of Australian singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Kevin Parker of Tame Impala fame.
The agreement expands their existing partnership, which began in 2009.
In 2020, SMP signed a publishing deal with Parker to cover worldwide representation of his future songs. The new deal now covers both Parker’s existing collection of songs and his future works, SMP said today (May 15).
He has written, produced, mixed, sung, and performed every song on the band’s albums. Those include Innerspeaker, Lonerism, Currents and Tame Impala’s latest album, The Slow Rush, which landed at No.1 on ARIA’s Albums chart, Billboard’s Rock Albums chart and more.
“The idea of passing on ownership of my songs is one that I don’t think about very lightly, at all. They are the fruit of my blood, sweat and creativity over all the years I’ve been a recording artist and songwriter so far,” said Parker.
In addition to his work with Tame Impala, Parker also boasts songwriting credits with artists like Rihanna, Travis Scott, Dua Lipa, Mick Jagger, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Gorillaz, Mark Ronson, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, Kid Cudi, Flaming Lips, A$AP Rocky, Lil Yachty, Don Toliver, Daft Punk, Miguel, and The Wiggles.
“The idea of passing on ownership of my songs is one that I don’t think about very lightly, at all. They are the fruit of my blood, sweat and creativity over all the years I’ve been a recording artist and songwriter so far.”
Kevin Parker
Parker added: “I have a lot of love and trust for the Sony publishing family and have only had great experiences with [SMP Australia Managing Director] Damian Trotter and the rest of the gang worldwide.
“I don’t think my songs could be in any safer hands than Sony’s, and I’m excited for the future and happy I can keep working with them on whatever the future brings.”
“Kevin has built a catalog of songs with incredible range and enduring power, and he has always stayed true to his vision.”
Jon Platt, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Publishing, said: “I have always admired Kevin Parker and I believe he is one of the most versatile songwriters of our time.
“Kevin has built a catalog of songs with incredible range and enduring power, and he has always stayed true to his vision. It is a privilege to represent his music, and we are committed to broadening his legacy of success.”
“Kevin is a singular talent whose creativity and dedication to his art has enthralled fans and artists since he arrived on the music scene,” Damian Trotter added.
“Having worked with Kevin since before the release of the first Tame Impala album, it has been thrilling to witness his rise to success worldwide, which is so well deserved.
“We are proud and humbled to be taking custodianship of this iconic catalogue of songs and to be continuing our relationship with Kevin in this exciting phase of his music making career.”
“We are proud and humbled to be taking custodianship of this iconic catalogue of songs and to be continuing our relationship with Kevin in this exciting phase of his music making career.”
Damian Trotter, Sony Music Publishing Australia
Over the course of his career, Parker has garnered numerous awards and nominations, including Grammy nominations, APRA Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year awards, and multiple ARIA awards for Album and Producer of the Year.
The acquisition of Parker’s catalog marks Sony Music Publishing’s latest artist deal after launching joint ventures and partnerships with Snoop Dogg, Barry Weiss and Ryan Tedder.
