Primary Wave Music has acquired a stake in the music publishing catalog of Julian Casablancas, lead singer of rock band The Strokes.
Described in a media statement as a “multi-million-dollar deal”, Primary Wave says it is buying a stake in Casablancas’ “share of music publishing on all Strokes compositions, as well as his share of master copyrights and master royalties”.
This deal includes some of Casablancas’ biggest hits as vocalist and songwriter of The Strokes including singles Last Night and Reptilia, as well as Someday, and the band’s Top 10 single Hard to Explain.
Primary Wave says it has also acquired a stake in his music publishing for the band’s 2021 Grammy-winning album, The New Abnormal.
Primary Wave says that the Grammy award winning singer “ushered in a new wave of indie rock music and fashion” with The Strokes’ 2001 multi-platinum debut album Is This It.
Casablancas has collaborated with artists such as Daft Punk and Pharrell, owns the independent label Cult Records, and also releases music with his band, The Voidz.
Primary Wave says that the terms of the deal will also give Casablancas access to the company’s marketing and branding teams, as well as the publishing infrastructure which includes licensing and sync opportunities.
Today’s news follows Primary Wave’s recent acquisition of Bob Dylan’s share of supergroup The Traveling Wilburys.
“The Strokes are one of the most important bands of this century and are beloved by a multi-generational audience who have made them a global festival headliner.”
David Weitzman, Primary Wave Music
Of the deal, Primary Wave Music’s David Weitzman, said: “Primary Wave is thrilled to partner with Julian Casablancas for his works in The Strokes. Julian’s extraordinary talents as a songwriter, singer, and leader infuse the magic that is The Strokes.
“The Strokes are one of the most important bands of this century and are beloved by a multi-generational audience who have made them a global festival headliner.”
In March, Primary Wave acquired all rights of Regent Music Corporation and Jewel Music Publishing Co., Inc., the publishing catalogs founded by music publishing legends Gene Goodman and his late brother, Harry.
In February, Primary Wave acquired music rights from the estates of Layne Staley and Mike Starr of Alice In Chains.
In January, Primary Wave bought an “additional” stake in Def Leppard’s music publishing catalog, as well as the band’s master royalty income stream.
Also in January, the company struck new catalog deals for a combined $60 million. Those deals included $20 million on a stake in Paul Rodgers’ music publishing catalog for Free and Bad Company, as well as his master recording income streams for both bands.
The other deal in January saw Primary Wave acquire Gerry Beckley’s and Dewey Bunnell’s rights in the America music catalog, in a deal worth $40 million.Music Business Worldwide