Blue Raincoat Music/Reservoir strikes publishing deal with Nick Drake Estate

19 January 2021 - Press release

 

Blue Raincoat Music Publishing in conjunction with Reservoir have signed a global publishing deal with the estate of seminal artist Nick Drake to represent his entire catalogue of songs. The arrangement includes the classic albums Five Leaves Left, Bryter Later and Pink Moon. 

Nick Drake died in 1974 at the age of 26, but during his brief career he wrote a collection of songs that have inspired a host of artists including Radiohead, R.E.M, Paul Weller, Guy Garvey, Beck, The Unthanks, Air, Lucinda Williams, John Parish, Aldous Harding, Laura Marling, Rhiannon Giddens & Max Richter. All cite Nick as an inspiration for their own work. The three albums regularly appear in “best ever” and “greatest of all time” lists. As expressed by journalist Pete Paphides “his albums have become an unofficial set text for anyone embedded in music “

Nick remained relatively unknown during his lifetime. His live appearances were infrequent and the records sold modestly. Widespread recognition and success only arrived posthumously. The use of “Pink Moon” in a Volkswagen TV advert in the US triggered widespread interest that grew steadily around the world and resulted in his albums entering the Billboard 100 and the Amazon Top 5 charts. His legacy and the appreciation of his artistry continues to expand year by year.

Nick’s sister, the actor Gabrielle Drake stated “For nearly 50 years I have had to do my best to protect my brother’s legacy. My reward has been witnessing the burgeoning recognition of his talent but above all the ability his songs have had to help so many. The downside has been trying to anticipate his wishes. He was a perfectionist. He always knew exactly what he wanted for his music. In his utter absence I have so often agonised about what to do. But every now and then it is as though he nudged my elbow and said “this is right”. Such has been the case with Blue Raincoat. I knew, from the beginning, that they would be right for Nick - from the moment I first heard of their interest from Cally, Nick’s manager - whose appointment was another elbow-nudge from my brother.

I can analyse this instinct till I’m blue in the face, but in the end, it boils down to my feeling that the people at Blue Raincoat understand Nick’s particular quality and its needs. That his work is like fine bone china - easily smashed but given the right treatment, strong and inclusive and strengthening to the spirit. These are qualities we all need more than ever at this moment. We will face choppy waters but I am happy that Nick sails in the same boat as Blue Raincoat and Reservoir.”
 

Cally Callomon, manager of Bryter Music, The Estate Of Nick Drake commented “Nick’s career has so often swum against the tide. Working with Nick's songs has always demanded and rewarded close attention and focus so it was a relief to find that there are still a clutch of song publishers who have the time and dedication to concentrate on the subtleties and details that these songs deserve. Blue Raincoat is one such, along with their American partners, Reservoir. The fact that the company also owns the newly reformed Chrysalis is an added bonus. Chrysalis were once bed partners with Island Records and so this move will be like a return to the fold.”

Jeremy Lascelles, CEO Blue Raincoat Music said “There are very, very few song collections that have meant more to me over the years, and my sentiments are clearly widely shared both within and without the artistic community. It is no mean feat to have written songs that are era defining but remain utterly timeless, but that is what Nick has left behind for us all. His body of work has been so skillfully and lovingly curated by Cally and Gabrielle over the years, and it is an unbelievable honour that Blue Raincoat Music have been chosen to continue that work along side them into the future.”

Blue Raincoat Music is an artist management company, music publishing company and record label, founded in 2014 by Jeremy Lascelles and Robin Millar. In 2019 Blue Raincoat Music forged a partnership with New York based independent music company Reservoir Media, and Blue Raincoat Music Publishing is a joint venture between the two parties.