BMG and Cirque du Soleil have formed a partnership to manage the live entertainment company's music catalog, as well as explore a range of music-driven initiatives.
The deal sees BMG as the home label for Cirque's catalog of original scores and soundtracks, manage its music publishing and co-create new music.
The first release under the pact has a country theme Songblazersout today. Songblazers is Cirque's newest production, presented in association with Universal Music Group Nashville, about two characters who take a journey to find their own path to country music stardom. The soundtrack was produced by the Grammy Award-winning producer Daniel Tasian.
The partnership will be spearheaded by Cirque du Soleil's new music division, Cirque du Soleil Studio, which is tasked with expanding the brand's fan base.
“The power of music has long been a force that unites cultures and peoples Cirque du Soleil productions around the world. As music plays an integral role in our productions, we are proud to finally dive into the music industry and explore this new avenue,” he said. Ann Beliveau, Chief Customer Experience Officer for Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. “In recent years, BMG has brought a new vision to the music industry, and we look forward to working with BMG on a variety of music-related opportunities.”
Marian Wolfsenior vice president of music publishing, North America, for BMG, he added.Cirque du Soleil is one of the most innovative and creative entertainment companies in the world. We are excited to be the new publishing and recording music house for Cirque du Soleil and collaborate on upcoming new releases. This will provide unparalleled opportunities for BMG's diverse roster of artists, songwriters and catalogues. Together we aim to celebrate and elevate global culture by showcasing diverse music releases and transforming the way global audiences discover new music.”
Cirque's catalog includes more than 30 titles including recordings of popular Cirque du Soleil productions such as Ka, O, Alegria, Mystere, La Nouba, Dralion, Saltimbanco, Zumanity and Quidam. (The deal does not include Love, the Cirque production based on the Beatles catalog. that title remains with Apple/Capitol. Separately, BMG has publishing and recording relationships with Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and the late George Harrison).
Cirque's catalog has earned more than 250 million career streams in the US and more than 500,000 equivalent albums sold in the US alone, according to the company.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/pro/cirque-du-soleil-bmg-catalog-new-ventures/