What's Happening?
Reservoir Media, Inc. (NASDAQ: RSVR), an independent music company, has announced a new publishing deal with Ivor Novello-winning singer-songwriter Orla Gartland. This agreement covers Gartland's future works, including her recent contributions to the
original soundtrack for the fifth season of Apple TV’s “Trying.” The deal expands Reservoir’s existing relationship with Gartland, who has been managed by Claire Kilcourse at Big Life Management, a company within the Reservoir group, since 2017. Gartland, a Dublin-born, London-based artist, has self-released four EPs and two albums, with her 2021 album 'Woman on the Internet' reaching #1 on the UK Indie Chart and #10 on the UK Albums Chart. Her sophomore album, 'Everybody Needs A Hero,' released in 2024, earned her an Ivor Novello for Best Song Musically and Lyrically for the single “Mine.” Her work on the “Trying” soundtrack involved collaborations with Matt Maltese, Liang Lawrence, and Martin Luke Brown. Gartland is also a member of the indie-pop supergroup FIZZ, which released an album in 2023.
Why It's Important?
This publishing deal signifies a strategic move for Reservoir Media, strengthening its catalog with a critically acclaimed and commercially successful artist. For the U.S. music industry, such deals highlight the continued importance of publishing rights in an evolving market. Securing an artist like Orla Gartland, known for both her solo work and collaborations, can enhance Reservoir's revenue streams through royalties from her compositions across various platforms, including streaming, film, and television. This also demonstrates the global nature of the music business, with a U.S.-based company investing in a UK-based artist, potentially introducing her work to a broader American audience. The deal underscores the value placed on songwriting talent and the potential for long-term financial gains from intellectual property in music. It also reflects a trend where established music companies are actively seeking to expand their portfolios with artists who have a proven track record of both critical recognition and commercial appeal.
What's Next?
Orla Gartland is currently working on new music under her solo act, which will fall under this new publishing deal with Reservoir. The collaboration is expected to provide her with dedicated support across the board, leveraging Reservoir's resources and expertise in the music industry. This partnership could lead to increased visibility and opportunities for Gartland in the U.S. market, potentially through licensing for American productions or broader distribution of her future releases. Reservoir U.K. Head of Creative Charlie Pinder expressed enthusiasm for Gartland's artistry and range, indicating a focus on supporting her next chapter. The deal also suggests continued collaboration with Claire Kilcourse and the Big Life team, ensuring a cohesive strategy for Gartland's career development.
Beyond the Headlines
This deal reflects a broader industry trend where music companies are increasingly focusing on the long-term value of publishing rights, especially for artists with a strong songwriting foundation. In an era dominated by streaming, where per-stream royalties can be low, publishing offers a more stable and diversified income stream through synchronization licenses, public performance royalties, and mechanical royalties. For artists, aligning with a major publisher like Reservoir can provide not only financial backing but also strategic career guidance and access to a wider network of collaborators and opportunities. This move also highlights the growing importance of international talent in the U.S. music market, as companies seek to diversify their rosters and tap into global music trends. The emphasis on 'future works' indicates a forward-looking investment in Gartland's ongoing creative output, recognizing her potential for continued success and innovation in songwriting.
