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Sony/ATV extends its deal with Greg Kurstin

By | Published on Thursday 21 September 2017

Sony/ATV Senior Vice President, Co-Head of West Coast A&R Amanda Berman-Hill, Greg Kurstin and Greg’s manager Rachel Kurstin

The Sony/ATV – my favourite of all the ATVs – has only gone and extended its worldwide deal with that Greg Kurstin chap, who you might know best from that time in 2014 when we reported on him extending his worldwide deal with Sony/ATV. Or for his work with Adele. Or Kelly Clarkson. Or Lily Allen. Or Gwen Stefani. Or Foo Fighters.

He even co-wrote Sia’s ‘Cheap Thrills’ and yet, remarkably, nobody is THRILLED about this new deal. Despite it also involving the launch of a new imprint via which Kurstin will get to sign other songwriters and musicians.

Sony/ATV top dude Marty Bandier is proud though. “Greg is simply the best at what he does”, says the big boss, basically dissing every other songwriter signed to his company. Unless by “what he does”, Bandier specifically means co-writing songs called ‘Hello’. Though – sorry Adele – that’s not the best song called ‘Hello’. So it can’t be that.

“He is an incredible songwriter, a producer extraordinaire and has an amazing ability to discover and nurture new talent”, continues the Bandy man. “I’m so PROUD to be associated with this great guy and can’t wait to see what he comes up with next”.

Me neither. Though, actually, what Kurstin came up with next was this rather lacklustre quote. “I have had a long and great relationship with the Sony/ATV team who have always been incredible supporters of my career”, said he.

Confirming his new joint venture imprint with Bandier et al, Kurstin added: “I have no doubt that they will give the same kind of backing to the songwriters and producers signed to the JV as they have given me”. Yeah, maybe.

Kurstin has also written songs for and/or collaborated with Beyonce, Lana Del Rey, Ellie Goulding, Lykke Li, Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani, Tegan & Sara, Kendrick Lamar and Liam Gallagher, and is the main collaborator on Beck’s forthcoming album.

It’s the kind of CV that makes you think he probably deserves a certain level respect, and therefore sarcasm-free reporting on his publishing deals. Sorry Greg. We really are THRILLED about it all, promise.



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