Chrysalis Music

Chrysalis Music is a British music publisher with origins dating to 1967 in west London, founded by Chris Wright and Terry Ellis as the Ellis-Wright Agency. The company was sold to BMG Rights Management in 2010 for 107 million pounds and now operates within BMG's catalog. Its historical catalog includes works by Jethro Tull, Ten Years After, and Aphex Twin. Best suited for music supervisors seeking to license classic British rock and pop catalogs through BMG's sync department.

How Chrysalis Music Works

Chrysalis Music no longer operates as an independent entity. Since the 2010 acquisition by BMG, the Chrysalis catalog is administered through BMG's global sync and publishing infrastructure.

The process works as follows:

1. Catalog administration: BMG administers the Chrysalis catalog alongside its broader portfolio of over 3 million songs and recordings. This includes royalty collection, copyright management, and sync licensing.
2. Sync licensing: Music supervisors and creative directors request licenses through BMG's sync department. BMG's global sync team handles negotiations, clearance, and contracting.
3. One-stop licensing: BMG offers combined publishing and recording rights licensing where both are controlled. This simplifies clearance for clients.
4. Creative pitching: BMG's sync team actively pitches catalog tracks for film, TV, advertising, and gaming opportunities worldwide.
5. Sub-publishing network: BMG uses a global sub-publishing network to represent the Chrysalis catalog in territories where BMG does not have direct operations.

Real-World Example

A music supervisor wants to license a Jethro Tull track for a period drama set in the 1970s. They contact BMG's sync department, which controls the Chrysalis catalog. BMG clears both the publishing and master rights if available. The sync fee for a 45-second use in a streaming series runs approximately $10,000 to $30,000 depending on territory, media, and term. BMG issues the license and handles all paperwork. The songwriter receives their performance royalties through their PRO.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

Chrysalis Music matters as a case study in how independent publishers build value over decades and eventually sell to larger entities. Understanding this trajectory helps artists make informed decisions about publishing deals.

Consider these points:

• Publishing deal implications: When you sign a publishing deal, your catalog may eventually be sold to another company. The Chrysalis-to-BMG transition shows how ownership changes hands. Read reversion clauses carefully.
• Catalog value compounds over time: Chrysalis built value over 43 years before selling for 107 million pounds. Long-term catalog ownership is where real wealth accumulates in music publishing.
• BMG access: If you want to license a track from the Chrysalis catalog, you work through BMG. Understanding this corporate structure saves time when clearing music.
• Sync through major publishers: BMG's sync team handles Chrysalis placements. This means your music, if signed to BMG, benefits from a global sync operation with dedicated teams in multiple countries.

Drawbacks / Things to Consider

• No longer independent: Chrysalis Music does not operate as a standalone company. All dealings go through BMG. If you want a relationship with an independent publisher, look elsewhere.
• No direct submissions: You cannot submit music to "Chrysalis Music" directly. Publishing deals are handled through BMG's A&R process, which is highly selective.
• Corporate bureaucracy: Licensing through BMG involves working with a large corporate structure. This can mean slower response times compared to boutique agencies.
• Catalog age: Much of the Chrysalis catalog consists of older works. Sync demand tends to favor current-sounding music. BMG must actively reposition classic tracks for modern placements.
• Acquisition history: The 2010 sale and subsequent integration into BMG means the original Chrysalis team and culture no longer exist. Do not expect the same company that signed artists in the 1970s and 1980s.

Related Resources

• Sync Licensing Companies Directory
• Sync License Glossary Term
• Visit BMG Sync for licensing inquiries