The electronic music duo Sofi Tukker, comprised of Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern, has embarked on a significant new venture with Third Side Music, launching their own publishing company, Animal Talk Publishing. This initiative is not only a testament to the duo’s growing influence in the music industry but also a strategic expansion of their decade-long relationship with Third Side Music, which will now administer an exclusive worldwide publishing administration deal for Animal Talk Publishing. The partnership signifies a mutual commitment to fostering creative talent and expanding the reach of their musical endeavors.
A Decade of Collaboration and Creative Growth
The formation of Animal Talk Publishing marks a pivotal moment in Sofi Tukker’s career, building upon a strong foundation established with Third Side Music since 2017. This period has seen the duo achieve considerable success, including over 450 sync placements, a testament to the effectiveness of Third Side Music’s administration and the broad appeal of Sofi Tukker’s music. The joint venture represents a natural evolution of their collaboration, allowing Sofi Tukker to actively participate in the development and discovery of new artists.
Brontë Jane, executive VP of A&R at Third Side Music, expressed her enthusiasm for the continued partnership, stating, "Sophie and Tucker have been at the heart of TSM for a decade now and truly feel like family. Jane, who first signed Sofi Tukker ten years ago, highlighted the duo’s dedication to their craft. "They consistently define what it means to be a career artist by valuing longevity and uncompromising creative expression. Establishing Animal Talk Publishing together and simultaneously extending our global deal is both the start and continuation of an extremely special relationship that will only continue to build." This sentiment underscores the deep trust and mutual respect that have characterized their working relationship.
Sofi Tukker echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the rarity of such enduring professional bonds in the music industry. "It is rare in the music industry to work with the same team for 10+ years, but it’s undeniable when a team is consistently as amazing as Third Side has been for us," the duo stated. They specifically acknowledged the crucial role Third Side Music has played in their career, particularly in sync licensing. "Synch has been such a huge part of our story. We are so grateful for how far our music has traveled around the world because of all the work Third Side has done. We are very proud to pay it forward by bringing other artists into the Third Side family, with our new joint venture Animal Talk." This statement reveals their ambition to not only continue their own artistic journeys but also to mentor and support emerging talent.
The Strategic Significance of Animal Talk Publishing
The launch of Animal Talk Publishing by Sofi Tukker and Third Side Music is a strategic move that reflects several key trends in the contemporary music industry. Firstly, it empowers artists to take a more active role in the business side of their careers, moving beyond performance and creation to become stakeholders in the development of other artists. This model is increasingly popular among established acts seeking to diversify their income streams and exert greater creative control.
Secondly, the establishment of a joint venture with an established publishing administrator like Third Side Music provides Animal Talk Publishing with immediate infrastructure and expertise. This allows the new entity to leverage Third Side’s existing network, administrative capabilities, and industry knowledge from day one, facilitating a smoother launch and more efficient operations. For artists signed to Animal Talk Publishing, this means access to a robust global administration system and experienced professionals dedicated to maximizing their song placements and royalty collection.
The focus on sync placements, as highlighted by Sofi Tukker, is particularly significant. Sync licensing – the process of licensing music for use in films, television shows, commercials, video games, and other media – has become a vital revenue stream and a powerful promotional tool for artists. Sofi Tukker’s success in this area, with over 450 placements facilitated by Third Side Music, demonstrates their understanding of the market and their ability to create music with broad appeal across various media platforms. Animal Talk Publishing is likely to prioritize this area, seeking opportunities to place music from its roster in prominent media projects.
Expanding the Ecosystem: Supporting Emerging Artists
The explicit goal of "bringing other artists into the Third Side family" through Animal Talk Publishing suggests a vision for building a curated roster of talent. This could involve identifying artists with unique creative voices and strong potential for commercial success, particularly in genres that align with Sofi Tukker’s own musical sensibilities, such as electronic, dance, and pop. By creating a dedicated publishing arm, Sofi Tukker can offer emerging artists not only administrative support but also the benefit of their experience, creative insights, and industry connections.
The structure of the joint venture likely provides a framework for shared decision-making and profit-sharing between Sofi Tukker and Third Side Music. This collaborative approach can foster a more artist-centric environment, where the needs and aspirations of the signed songwriters are prioritized. Such an environment is crucial for nurturing creativity and encouraging long-term artist development.
The Broader Impact on the Music Industry
The formation of Animal Talk Publishing by Sofi Tukker and Third Side Music contributes to a broader trend of artist empowerment and diversification within the music business. As the industry continues to evolve, with digital platforms and new revenue streams constantly emerging, artists are increasingly seeking ways to gain more control over their careers and to build sustainable, long-term ventures.
This development also highlights the enduring importance of publishing in an artist’s career. While recorded music often garners the most public attention, publishing rights represent a stable and significant source of income, particularly through mechanical royalties, performance royalties, and sync fees. By establishing their own publishing company, Sofi Tukker is not only investing in their own future but also actively participating in shaping the landscape of music publishing for the next generation of artists.
The success of Animal Talk Publishing will likely be measured not only by its financial performance but also by its ability to cultivate a community of artists and to contribute to the discovery and development of new musical talent. The partnership between Sofi Tukker and Third Side Music, built on a decade of trust and mutual success, provides a strong foundation for achieving these ambitious goals. As the venture unfolds, it will be interesting to observe which artists join the Animal Talk Publishing roster and how this new entity influences the broader music publishing ecosystem. The duo’s commitment to paying it forward and building a legacy beyond their own discography signals a mature and forward-thinking approach to their careers.
