Paul Weller’s New Album, "Wake Up The Nation!"

Universal extends deal with legendary solo artist
By Stuart Clarke
California Chronicle

Universal Music Publishing has extended its long-term partnership with Paul Weller, signing a new deal with the Brit legend that covers his entire back catalogue as well as future output. The renewed agreement was concluded after much negotiation last week.

Weller’s latest album, 22 Dreams, was released by Island in June last year and debuted at number one in the UK. The album featured guest appearances from Oasis’s Noel Gallagher and Gem Archer, as well as Ocean Colour Scene’s Steve Cradock and Graham Coxon from Blur.

The album is currently enjoying a new lease of life courtesy of a sync for the album track Echoes Around The Sun, which is being used to soundtrack the trailer for the new Johnny Depp movie, Public Enemies.

Universal’s president of Europe and UK music publishing group Paul Connolly says Weller is currently working on the follow-up to 22 Dreams – Wake Up The Nation – scheduled for a spring 2010 release.

Elsewhere the publisher is looking at new opportunities to exploit his work. Connolly says, “Certain quality clothing lines, bespoke art prints and collectors’ merchandise items all utilising Paul’s catalogue are in the works.”

Weller has continued to develop his profile over recent years and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Brits in 2006.