Famed composer Max Richter has signed a long-term, global publishing deal with Universal’s newly-launched Decca Publishing – becoming the operation’s first signing since it launched out of the UK at the end of last year.
Richter, who was previously signed to independent publisher Mute Song, has written music that can be heard in movies such as Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island, Ari Folman’s award-winning Waltz with Bashir, Oscar-winning sci-fi film Arrival.
His work has also soundtracked TV shows like Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror, Tom Hardy’s BBC drama Taboo and HBO’s The Leftovers.
Richter has composed for theatre productions including Alan Cumming’s solo version of Macbeth on Broadway, plus multiple ballet projects with resident Royal Ballet choreographer Wayne McGregor.
Richter’s signing to Decca Publishing will complement his recording projects on Universal Music’s Deutsche Grammophon label, whose recent releases include his 8-and-a-half-hour long SLEEP album, which has sold over 100,000 copies, and his new album, Three Worlds: music from Woolf Works.
Max Richter said: “I liked the idea of being the first signing to Decca Music Publishing, as we agreed to take a fresh outlook on how we approach music publishing together, at a time when the rules are changing as to how music can engage with the multidimensional creative landscape of today.”
“Max Richter is one of the most important composers working today and we are looking forward to bringing his remarkable music to a wider audience with this ambitious new collaboration.”
David Joseph, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music UK, commented: “Max Richter is one of the most important composers working today and we are looking forward to bringing his remarkable music to a wider audience with this ambitious new collaboration.”
Natasha Baldwin, Head of Decca Publishing, added: “I’m incredibly proud to be working with Max Richter as the first signing to our new publishing division. He is spearheading a new generation of composers in a genre of music that is expanding in global popularity at a phenomenal pace. It’s an exciting time for neo-classical music and I feel privileged to be working at the forefront of this movement with such a visionary composer as Max.”
Under the leadership of Natasha Baldwin, Decca Publishing will complement Universal Music Publishing Classical (UMPC).
UMPC will represent Decca Publishing’s repertoire in the concert, opera and ballet fields and will work with Decca Publishing on synchronization and film uses and writing opportunities for its composers and repertoire.
Decca Publishing will also enhance Universal Music UK’s other recent soundtrack composer initiatives, such as Globe Soundtrack and Score, a label services offering for film makers and composers launched in conjunction with Abbey Road Studios.
German-born British composer Max Richter will be performing Three Worlds: music from Woolf Works live for the first time as part of the Nocturne concert series at Blenheim Palace on June 16.
[Picured L-R: David Joseph, Natasha Baldwin, Max Richter, Dickon Stainer, Steve Abbott – © Dominic Nicholls]Music Business Worldwide
