- Matt Johnson signs publishing admin deal with Kobalt Music Publishing

- Covers all film soundtrack work and future compositions

- Includes his new ‘Hyena’ film soundtrack (released under THE THE name)

- New THE THE artist album also in the pipeline

12 March 2015, London: Matt Johnson, singer/songwriter, composer and founder of the band THE THE, has signed a global publishing administration deal with Kobalt Music Publishing (KMP). The deal covers his previous album soundtrack work for the independent films Tony and Moonbug; as well as all future compositions, starting with the soundtrack for the film Hyena, released under (the) THE THE name on 6 March, to coincide with the film’s opening in UK cinemas. A new THE THE artist album is also in the works.

The Gerard Johnson-directed Hyena was recently announced as winner of the Official Fantàstic Òrbita prize in the ‘Best Feature Film’ category at the Sitges 2014 film festival and Peter Ferdinando triumphed in the ‘Best Actor’ category at the Les Arcs film festival.

All three film soundtracks are released on Johnson’s own label, Cinéola, and will be distributed by Essential Music & Marketing. Each is packaged as a deluxe edition CD/Book, filled with exclusive material such as photographs, interviews, stills from the films and notes from the directors. A double-disc vinyl version will also be available via an exclusive licensing deal between Cinéola and Death Waltz Recording Company.

Helmed by Johnson, THE THE are well known for their critically acclaimed series of genre-defying works, including multimedia project Infected, UK #2 and #4 albums Dusk and Mind Bomb, and Soul Mining, re-released last year to mark its 30th anniversary.

Matt Johnson said: “I’m very happy to be joining the Kobalt Publishing family and look forward to some exciting years ahead. Their use of cutting edge technology has already revolutionised the publishing world and is helping empower an increasing number of independent minded songwriters and composers. Everyone I’ve met from the company so far is not only highly professional but also highly enthused about the job they do and the company the work for. It’s going to be a real tonic working with such a positive team of people.”

Nick Robinson, Kobalt’s SVP Business Development noted: “There’s a certain mark of quality and originality to everything Matt does and it’s a great privilege for Kobalt to now be supporting and promoting such a distinctive talent. With this new partnership, we will be working closely with Matt on his recent film soundtrack work - starting with the brilliant 'Hyena' - and a new THE THE artist album which I'm sure will be as outstanding as all his others."

About Kobalt Music Publishing

Kobalt provides technology solutions for a more transparent, efficient and empowering future for rights owners. Regardless of how complex the music industry becomes, Kobalt is determined to create a future where every artist, songwriter and publisher is paid fairly and accurately. Kobalt’s Music Publishing, Label Services and Neighbouring Rights divisions each offer a modern alternative to the traditional music business model, empowering creators with transparency, flexibility, ownership and control.

With over 275 employees in offices around the world, Kobalt represents over 8,000 artists and songwriters, 600,000 songs and 500 publishing companies, providing them with real-time, powerful, transparent reporting through the award-winning Kobalt Portal. Kobalt also services its clients with global licensing management, works and rights distribution, royalty collection and processing, online data and royalty statements, creative services, synch & brand partnerships, record release management and digital marketing.

For more information on Kobalt, please contact: info@kobaltmusic.com