Neil Finn signs deal with Kobalt

23 April 2011

by Nathan Jolly

Neil Finn has signed an administration deal with Kobalt Music Group.

In the deal, Kobalt will represent Finn’s vast back catalogue - including songs from his Crowded House, Split Enz, Finn Brothers and solo albums - in the US and Canada. In Australia and NZ they will represent his catalogue minus the Finn Brothers records and the two most recent Crowded House albums (Time on Earth and Intriguer).

Finn stated, “I'm delighted to have my songs being cared for by the good folk at Kobalt. They clearly love my songs and want to tell the world about it. I couldn't ask for more...except perhaps the closing credits of the new Coen Brothers movie.”

This is another coup for Kobalt, who recently signed Iva Davies (including the entire Icehouse catalogue) to an exclusive worldwide deal. Finn joins Davies, plus Roxette, Adam Lambert, Pearl Jam, No Doubt and Art vs Science on the diverse, impressive roster. Tongue in cheek as Finn's Coen Brothers quip may have been, there is a very real chance of similar instances occurring, with Kobalt planning to sync his catalogue across a variety of mediums.

“We’re really excited about working with Neil and his repertoire globally,” said Willard Ahdritz, CEO and Founder of Kobalt Music Group. “Our Kobalt teams are working together globally to generate new sync activity for Neil in all areas including film, TV, advertising, games and other mediums. We hope this is just the beginning of more opportunities for him worldwide.”

Kobalt will also exclusively represent Finn’s future works worldwide including his forthcoming Pajama Party record, a project with wife Sharon. Finn is currently working on another Crowded House album. Their latest, last year’s Intriguer, debuted on the ARIA charts at #1.

::READ OUT INTERVIEW WITH KOBALT FOUNDER WILLARD AHDRTIZ (Sept '10)