The Lovin’ Spoonful co-founder John Sebastian (pictured) has sold his catalog to AMR Songs. Photo Credit: AMR
Amplified Music Rights (AMR Songs), a self-described “full service publishing, music rights acquisition & management company,” has officially announced the purchase of The Lovin’ Spoonful co-founder John Sebastian’s catalog.
Founded by former Roc Nation publishing exec Tamara Conniff (who serves as CEO) and SR Capital Advisors managing partner Steve Reinstadtler (who’s CFO), AMR unveiled its deal with 79-year-old John Sebastian via a formal release today. According to this announcement message, the transaction encompasses an “interest in Sebastian’s entire catalog,” though AMR hasn’t identified the precise financials and ownership details of the investment.
In any event, AMR – which is equipped with $100 million in investor capital, according to Variety – did indicate that the deal extends to both “publishing and artist royalties” from Lovin’ Spoonful hits like “Daydream,” “Summer in the City,” and “Do You Believe in Magic,” to name a few.
Also included are the selling musician’s stakes in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted group’s “Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?” and “Darlin’ Be Home Soon” (which Sebastian wrote for Francis Ford Coppola’s You’re a Big Boy Now). As a solo act, New York City-born Sebastian has penned and recorded tracks including “Welcome Back,” the theme song of Welcome Back, Kotter.
Addressing her company’s newest investment in a statement, Tamara Conniff said: “John Sebastian is one of the most prolific songwriters and artists in music history, and we are honored that he has chosen AMR Songs to be caretakers of his works. We’re passionate about his music and will work tirelessly to preserve his legacy and ensure the songs are exposed to new audiences for generations.”
And in remarks of his own, the Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Sebastian communicated: “AMRs’ involvement in my catalogue, and specifically the enthusiasm I’m feeling from Tamara Conniff about this material, will ensure that my songs will keep singing for a good long time.”
Meanwhile, AMR likewise took the opportunity to emphasize that it has “in the past year” acquired the music rights of reggae group SOJA, besides purchasing “select interests in music publishing, producer and artist royalties from hundreds of celebrated songs.” Among the latter are works recorded by Boston, Pitbull, Linda Ronstadt, Eminem, Celine Dion, and an array of others, per AMR.
Finally, AMR further stated that it’s scored global publishing deals with songwriter and producer Erik Janson as well as “Hard to Find” artist EJ Worland, who’s preparing to release new music via AMR’s label.
Aside from AMR’s pact with John Sebastian, March’s first three or so weeks have delivered catalog deals from Shamrock, The Netherlands’ Pythagoras Music Fund, and Spain’s Larrosa Music Group, as different investors yet aim to offer IP owners a fresh approach to catalog deals.