Sony/ATV, Stellar Songs and MER Launch Joint Venture, Stellar Songs Scandinavia

The agreement includes administration rights of the extensive publishing catalogue of MER, as well as a joint venture setup entitled Stellar Songs Scandinavia. The joint venture enables the three entities to combine their creative forces in order to develop songwriter talents from both Scandinavia and other emerging markets across the globe.

In a setup which reflects the global nature of today’s music industry, Stellar Songs Scandinavia is a natural next step in a longstanding and continuous working relationship between the three partners, and was formalized in Oslo on June 24th 2018. MER’s modern studio complex in Oslo, Norway will serve as the creative hub and focal point of the partnership, with Stellar Songs Scandinavia aiming to connect worldwide songwriter and artist talents to create the sounds of tomorrow.

MER Managing Director Gunnar Greve said: “Myself and the whole team at MER couldn’t be more thrilled about this partnership. Both Sony/ATV and Stellar Songs have been long-term partners of ours, and we’re excited to embark on the next chapter together. Between the people involved, and the amazing talent and current creative momentum in the Nordics, I’m certain that we have all the right ingredients in place to create incredible music for the world to enjoy.”

Tor-Erik Hermansen, co-founder of Stellar Songs and one half of production duo Stargate, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Gunnar and his creative team at MER to Stellar Songs. With an exceptional ear for talent and unstoppable drive, he will fit right in and continue to build his Scandinavian dominance. He also has the right haircut.”

Johnny Tennander, who is the Managing Director Scandinavia and Senior Vice President European A&R for Sony/ATV, said: “I’m very excited about this. Tim & Danny and Stargate have been a key part of the Sony/ATV family for a long time now and we’ve worked closely for years. We got to know Gunnar and the fantastic MER team when we started working with Alan Walker and Mood Melodies together and we quickly realized we share the same ideas and visions. To write this creative chapter together with all of them feels very inspiring.”