Catalog licensing and SXSW artist bookings

In early 2007 we began working with Slacker, the interactive, multi-platform radio service founded by Dennis Mudd (ex-CEO of MusicMatch), to license independent music content for inclusion in their offering. This was a massive undertaking that required us to contact and negotiate licensing terms with literally hundreds of independent labels and digital distributors of every genre. Labels and digital distributors with whom we negotiated licenses include Beggars Group, IODA, Merge, Touch & Go, InGrooves, Barsuk, Saddle Creek, Vice and many, many others. 

In addition, we were heavily involved in selecting and booking artists to perform during the Slacker launch at 2007's South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas. Our work included everything form sourcing appropriate artists to negotiating guarantees to advancing shows with artist reps. Artists we booked include RJD2, The Bravery, Andrew WK and many others.

Our licensing efforts on behalf of Slacker resulted in the addition of thousands of artists to the company's service, not to mention the forging of relationships between Slacker and key players within the independent music community. Our work booking artists on Slacker's behalf in advance of SXSW 2007 ensured a slew of high profile artists to help with the company's product launch.

Slacker says:

“We approached Brandracket to spearhead the licensing of independent music for inclusion in Slacker’s service. They were able to acquire a vast amount of content in a relatively short period of time. The Brandracket team was highly responsive, and their expertise and experience were invaluable. We couldn’t have done it without them.” ~ Seema Burke, Chief Legal Counsel