Wise Music Group strikes deal with GoGo Penguin

03 December 2025 - Press release

The Manchester-based trio GoGo Penguin have signed an exclusive publishing deal with Campbell Connelly & Co, part of Wise Music Group. Their music blends breakbeats, minimalist piano, strong basslines, electronica-inspired drums, and anthemic riffs, with influences from trip-hop, jazz, rock, and classical genres.

The band’s members are pianist Chris Illingworth, double bassist Nick Blacka, and drummer Jon Scott. They formed in 2012 and, as of 2025, they have released seven studio albums, two EPs, and three live albums. Their latest album, released on XXIM Records, is Necessary Fictions. 

Following their recent US live dates Gogo Penguin embark upon the European leg of their tour this December with more than forty gigs, including London’s Barbican on December 3. 

Dirk Lange, Managing Director, UK Rights at Wise Music Group says: “GoGo Penguin is a prolific and genre-defying ensemble whose innovative sound continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The band’s principal writers, Christopher Illingworth and Nick Blacka, have created a distinctive musical voice that pushes musical boundaries with precision and depth. We are honoured to collaborate with such exceptional talent. Their latest album, Necessary Fictions, marks a significant milestone in their already impressive catalogue.”

GoGo Penguin add: “It really means a lot to us to have been invited by Dirk Lange to join the fantastic roster of composers and musicians in the Wise Music Group. It's great to know that both music from our back catalogue and future works will be in the safe hands of a team with a strong passion for music and creativity and we're excited to see what the future holds for us and our collaboration with Dirk and the Wise Music team.’

On the latest album, bassist Nick Blacka says: “Necessary Fictions is about us attempting to speak honestly about who we are as human beings, musicians and as a band. The title is about us striving to be as open and authentic as we can be and shedding the protective mask that we develop in early life. Each person must find a way to operate in a complex world and to us, this album is about us looking at who we are and what we think are our integral, authentic qualities at this moment in time, as we move forwards into the future.”