Los Angeles, CA - Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has entered into an exclusive worldwide publishing administration agreement with entertainment visionary CM Murphy and his Murphy Rights Management (MRM) business, as announced today by Zach Horowitz, Chairman/CEO of UMPG. The deal provides global support for CM Murphy and his team. MRM is headquartered in Sydney Australia and will build a roster of the best new talent from across the globe. The first signing is the hot new Australian rock band, Lepers and Crooks.
“Chris Murphy is a true force of nature, whose passion and commitment to his artists and their music are second to none, said Zach Horowitz. “He’s never been afraid to break the mold—all the more important in today’s ever-changing marketplace where developing artists require fresh approaches and cutting edge creative solutions. We couldn’t be more excited to be in business with him and his team.”
“I’m thrilled to be expanding my relationship with Zach and UMPG, which started with INXS last year and will now include a host of new initiatives in publishing – as we find and break the artists of tomorrow,” said CM Murphy. “At Murphy Rights Management we’re dedicated to delivering to our clients and partners truly innovative ways to help them achieve success via management of their creative and commercial rights. This includes tailor made strategies that exploit the wealth of new opportunities in social media, movies, television, theater, fashion and gaming—all critical to maximizing the rights we’ll acquire for our new publishing company and the services we’ll provide for our clients.”
Unlike traditional publishers, as part of the new initiatives with UMPG, MRM will secure both publishing and master recording rights for artists whose publishing they handle. This will allow for the super-servicing of clients and partners, enhanced speed to market, and greater flexibility and creativity in crafting deals.
CM Murphy started his career as an agent in his home country of Australia in the early 70's. From there he discovered and managed iconic rock band INXS to become one of the biggest artists in the world. Murphy ventured in magazine publishing and ownership of radio stations in the late 90s before launching one of the first digital radio stations via his Digital One Group. Recognizing the untapped potential of world music, in 2004 Murphy launched Petrol Records, releasing chart topping compilations and music across genres, languages and destinations.
Since re-establishing his working relationship with INXS five years ago, Murphy has re-invented their brand and once again taken the band to chart topping success, with new compilations and album releases featuring some of the world's top vocalists interpreting INXS songs. He orchestrated a top rated television mini-series based on the story of the band, has a theatrical musical in the works, a documentary and a motion picture all in development.
“MRM is about quality and music that withstands the test of time,” said Murphy. We’ll be selective about what we sign but once we find something we’re passionate about, our philosophy is to use every tool at our disposal to maximize opportunities. No wall is going to get in our way.”
