This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Artist News Business News Deals Labels & Publishers
Warner/Chappell signs XTC co-founder
By Chris Cooke | Published on Friday 23 June 2017
Warner/Chappell has signed one of those worldwide deals with singer songwriter Andy Partridge, who you probably know better as a founding member of British band XTC. But he’s had a much more eclectic career as a songwriter, collaborating with artists like Terry Hall, Charlotte Hatherley, Miles Kane, Jamie Cullum and The Monkees.
The new deal with the Warner Music publishing company covers recent solo releases and future songwriting exploits.
Confirming the deal, Warner/Chappell UK MD and Andy Partridge fanboy Mike Smith says: “Andy Partridge is one of the great songwriters of his generation. I was smitten by his music as a teenager and was lucky enough to work with him during my time at EMI, when he was nominated for an Ivor Novello, and then later when I worked in records and would approach him to collaborate with my artists”.
He continues: “His music has touched countless people around the globe, through an incredible catalogue of stunning albums to the many uses of his songs in film and television. Andy is a unique talent, a superb British songwriter who has established himself both as part of a groundbreaking band and as a collaborative writer without equal”.
But you only read this article to hear from Partridge himself, we know that, and we’re famous crowd pleasers. So here’s XTC co-founder, songwriter extraordinaire and Mike Smith fanboy Andy Partridge with some words: “There are very few people I trust in the music industry, and with good reason, but one of the rare few is Mike Smith”.
He adds: “When Mike asked me to come with him to Warner/Chappell, I jumped at the chance, knowing that when Mike says something gets done, it gets done. He’s got a great sense for pairing people up, and what’s going to work artistically, and what isn’t, [and] an excellent ear for good music. I am more than pleased to be aboard the good ship Warner/Chappell with Captain Mike at the helm. Sail on”.
Sail on indeed – into those warm calm glorious waters ahead. Though, always keep a life jacket to hand, I say.
