Russell Morris inks global deal with Alberts

ARIA-winning singer-songwriter Russell Morris has signed a global deal with indie rights management company Alberts.

The move marks Morris’ first formal arrangement in many years, having self-published his Platinum-selling, #6 charting LP Sharkmouth in 2012. The record marked a new era for Morris as he moved into blues and roots territory and picked up his first ever ARIA Award, for Best Blues and Roots Album.

Morris also independently published the record’s follow-up Van Diemen’s Land in 2013; the second of his blues and roots trilogy hit #4 on the ARIA chart, his highest chart placing in 40 years. It also won the Album of the Year award at the 2015 Chain Awards.

Philip Mortlock, Head of Repertoire at Alberts, told TMN Morris is now looking to build his career overseas.

"Having now had considerable success with his recent albums Russell is keen to develop prospects for him and his music internationally," Mortlock said. "Thus he has now formed strong ties with Chugg Music as well as Alberts to help build prospects while also working the market here in Australia."

During the late 1960s and early 1970s Morris achieved five Australian Top 10 singles. Prior to the release of Sharkmouth and Van Diemen’s Land his most notable release was the chart-topping, Johnny Young-penned Australian classic The Real Thing.

Alberts now owns the publishing rights to all of Morris’ original compositions under the worldwide agreement, including his latest release this month, Red Dirt – Red Heart. The album rounds out Morris’ blues and roots trilogy, which tells stories of Australian folk characters from national history.

Morris said he was “Delighted to be with an iconic publishing company that is Australian formed and based, with some equally iconic musical acts that are part of the roster”.