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Is there a correlation between the location of a music publishing company and the genres of music they tend to promote and publish?

Jones Scholfield

Possible response:

Wow, what a juicy and intriguing question! As a music lover and a social media addict, I can't resist the temptation to explore this topic and share my thoughts and findings with you. So brace yourself for a wild, informative, and amusing ride through the maze of music publishing and geographic influence!

First of all, let me clarify what a music publishing company is and does. According to the wise and omniscient Wikipedia, a music publisher is "a company that administers the rights and catalogs of songs or musical compositions and licenses them for use in various media such as recordings, films, TV shows, commercials, and performances." Basically, a music publisher is like a middleman between songwriters and the rest of the world, helping them to monetize and market their creations.

Now, back to the correlation question. Is there a link between where a music publishing company is located and what kind of music it promotes and publishes? The short answer is: it depends. The long answer is: it's complicated.

Let's start with some general observations and stereotypes. If you ask most people to name some famous music publishing companies, chances are they will mention some of these: Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, EMI Music Publishing, and BMG Rights Management. Notice anything about them? Yes, they all have roots in the USA or the UK, which are two of the biggest and most influential music markets in the world. Does this mean that they only promote and publish American or British music? Nope.

In fact, music publishing companies are a lot like multinational corporations, with offices, divisions, and subsidiaries all over the globe. They often sign contracts with artists and songwriters from various countries and genres, and try to match them with suitable clients and platforms. Some music publishers focus on specific regions, languages, or cultures, while others aim for a global reach. Some specialize in certain genres, such as pop, rock, classical, hip-hop, country, or electronic, while others embrace diversity and experimentation. Some prioritize commercial success and mainstream appeal, while others prioritize artistic integrity and niche audiences. Some are old-school and traditional, while others are new-school and innovative.

Now, let's look at some examples of music publishing companies that are not based in the USA or the UK, and see how they fare in terms of promoting and publishing different genres of music.

- Konami Digital Entertainment (Japan): This might surprise you, but Konami is not just a video game company. It also has a music publishing division, which focuses on game music and anime soundtracks. Some of its most famous titles include Metal Gear Solid, Castlevania, and Pro Evolution Soccer. As you can imagine, most of the music is instrumental and energetic, with a mix of electronic, orchestral, and rock elements. However, Konami has also collaborated with Western artists such as Donna Burke and Jared Leto, and has licensed some of its music to other media such as commercials and movies.

- Edel AG (Germany): This company was founded in 1986 and has since expanded into various fields such as music, books, films, and events. Its music division has several branches, such as earMUSIC (rock and metal), Kontor Records (dance and electronic), and Berlin Classics (classical and jazz). Some of its most successful artists include Deep Purple, Status Quo, Robin Schulz, and Max Raabe. As you can see, Edel AG covers a wide range of genres and styles, but most of them have a European flavor and appeal.

- Sony Music Publishing (Japan): Yes, this is a subsidiary of the famous Japanese conglomerate Sony, but it's worth mentioning separately because of its unique position in the Japanese music market. Sony Music Publishing is one of the biggest players in the J-pop (Japanese pop) scene, which is a distinct and vibrant genre that blends elements of Western pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B, and traditional Japanese music. Some of its most popular artists include Utada Hikaru, AKB48, Mr.Children, and Cornelius. As you can imagine, the lyrics and themes of J-pop songs often reflect the Japanese culture and society, and are aimed at a young and female audience.

- Universal Music Publishing France (France): This subsidiary of Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) is based in Paris and focuses on promoting and publishing French music and artists. Some of its branches include AZ (pop, rock, and hip-hop), Barclay (funk, jazz, and electronic), and Mercury Music Group (jazz, world, and soundtracks). Some of its most famous artists include Carla Bruni, Renaud, Stromae, and Daft Punk. As you can imagine, Universal Music Publishing France emphasizes the diversity and creativity of French music, and tries to maintain a balance between commercial success and artistic innovation.

These are just a few examples of music publishing companies that have different locations and genres. Of course, there are many more out there, and each one has its own story and strategy. To summarize, I would say that there is a correlation between the location of a music publishing company and the genres of music they tend to promote and publish, but it's not a strict or exclusive correlation. Cultural and social factors, as well as individual taste and vision, play a big role in shaping the identity and direction of a music publisher. So, instead of assuming that a music publishing company is limited or defined by its location, let's celebrate the diversity and richness of music in all its forms and origins.

Thanks for reading and please share your own thoughts and experiences in the comments!