Multi-platinum US recording artist JoJo is partnering with Seeker Music.
The music rights, publishing and record company was founded by songwriter Evan Bogart and backed by M&G Investments.
“The partnership celebrates JoJo’s music as one of the defining forces of 21st-century pop and R&B while laying the groundwork for its next chapter,” said a statement.
Seeker has acquired JoJo’s (real name Joanna Levesque) original and re-recorded versions of her first two albums – JoJo and The High Road – and is planning special releases and projects. Seeker’s first release is a deluxe 20th anniversary edition of The High Road, her sophomore album.
Released when she was 13, JoJo’s single Leave (Get Out) became a global hit in 2004, reaching No.2 in the UK and No.12 in the US. It has amassed consumption of 629,836 units to date in the UK.
With Too Little Too Late two years later, JoJo went Top 5 in both the UK and US, in addition to chart results in multiple territories. UK consumption stands at 854,802, according to the Official Charts Company.
Seeker Music already holds publishing interests in two of her best known songs: Too Little Too Late, through its acquisition of RuthAnne Cunningham's publishing catalogue, and Leave (Get Out), through its acquisition of Soulshock & Karlin’s catalogue via Notting Hill Music.
Seeker has helped songs to reach new audiences, including with Levi & Mario's reimagining 2 Little 2 Late and Alexander Stewart's The Way a Heart Breaks' an interpolation of Too Little Too Late. There has also been a run of successful DSP, social media and short-form video campaigns.
JoJo is straight up incredible. She’s one of the greatest voices of her generation
Evan Bogart
“Deciding who to trust with such a personal and important part of my catalogue wasn’t something I took lightly,” said Joanna Levesque. “So, when discussions started about Seeker acquiring the original recordings of JoJo and The High Road, my interest was piqued. Over time it was heartening to learn more about their ethos and see how involved and passionate Evan is – someone who truly understands artists because he is a creator himself.
“I appreciate the care they’ve taken in understanding what this music means to me and to my fans. It feels full-circle to have both versions of these albums together with a team committed to finding new ways to amplify it.”
Seeker Music CEO Evan Bogart added: “JoJo is straight up incredible. She’s one of the greatest voices of her generation, and continues to inspire generations of songwriters, producers and vocalists. Her fans have stood by her for more than 20 years, and you can hear why in every note. I’ve personally been such a fan for so long, and it means the world to all of us at Seeker to be partnering with her. This is just the beginning!”
The High Road’s 20th anniversary celebration continues next month with a US tour.
Seeker is working on archival music and visual releases based around JoJo’s discography, as well as a new single built around her music and unidentified electronic music act.
Seeker Music chief creative officer Steven Melrose said: “We're super-excited to be partnering with JoJo and to globally celebrate her music this year and beyond. To kick things off, we're releasing the deluxe 20th anniversary edition of The High Road today, and she'll be continuing the celebration next month with her sold-out 20 Years Unplugged tour. We already have so much in store for the music from that album and her debut, and can't wait to continue building new chapters together.”
Valued at more than $400 million, Seeker’s portfolio includes music from Joan Jett, Christopher Cross, Run the Jewels, Cocteau Twins’ Simon Raymonde, Jon Bellion, Jay Sean, Nu Shooz, DMX, SWV, The Go-Go’s and many more.
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