The group acquired Larrikin Music in 1989. Principal writer for this company is Eric Bogle who has established an international reputation in the contemporary folk idiom and many performers have covered his song, “And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda”. British Prime Minister Tony Blair has dubbed Bogle’s “The Green Fields of France” as his favourite anti-war song of all time. “From Little Things Big Things Grow” penned by Aboriginal singer/songwriter Kev Carmody is in constant demand as a “cover” and for licensing purposes. Also unique to this company is Australian children’s gem,”Kookaburra Sits On The Old Gum Tree”.
Another significant signing to the group, this time to G.Schirmer, is children’s television writer Simon Hopkinson. Simon is best known as one of the originators and lyricist of internationally acclaimed “Bananas In Pyjamas”. Also in the G.Schirmer stable is Michael Easton who writes for film and television in Australia including the theme music for Australia’s most popular television leisure program, “Backyard Blitz”. His music for Halifax FP has been profiled in countries all over the world.
In addition to copyrights acquired for the Australian company by its affiliates are direct international deals and its association with prominent independent, Hebbes Music Group. Recent direct signings include the Carly Simon catalogue and American list Aradia that features the music of Andy Summers (from the band Police) and Larry Coryell. Hebbes Music Group represents a large number of catalogues including Eaton Music and Perfect Songs which recently generated a number one song with controversial Russian singers Tatu.
Exclusive print license deals that the group holds include Universal Music, Sony/ATV, BMG, Peer, Festival, Mushroom and many others. These companies have assigned their print rights to the group in Australia for the purposes of exploitation. This involves a print publishing program of up to 25 new books a year designed specifically for the Australasian market together with a large number of reprints.
A strong affiliation with Macmillan distribution gives the company’s Omnibus Press imprint high visibility in this market. The marketing arm of the group ensures that high profile publicity and promotional campaigns generate best sellers. Recent examples include “Abba – Bright Lights, Dark Shadows” that was launched in Australia to coincide with the opening of Mamma Mia! As part of the Omnibus Press catalogue the company published “Music Business” by prominent Sydney copyright lawyer Shane Simpson. This book has been critically acclaimed as the “bible” of the Australian music business industry.
Print and DVD distribution is located at the company’s custom-built distribution centre that is located at Rosebery, close to Sydney’s international airport. Principal activities here by the staff of twelve people include the administration of all of IT, sales and credit control and the handling of all stock transactions. The building is a state-of-the art design catering for a sophisticated telesales operation and the quick dispatch of customer orders. The group services almost 1,000 accounts.
The production music activities are administered by the company’s Music For Media that represents Bosworth production Music, Parry Music and Abaco. Music For Media works closely with a third party – Big Bang and Fuzz – who manage the distribution to a wide network of end users which include Foxtel, the major Television and radio networks and a myriad of small studios.
Large independent music distributor Allans Publishing administers the distribution of the group’s hire library to customers in Australia, New Zealand and to all parts of Asia. These activities are closely coordinated with head office that issues the grand rights licenses to local customers and royalty statements.
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