KPM Music

KPM Music is a legendary UK production music library based in London, with origins tracing to a partnership in 1830 between musical instrument makers Robert William Keith and William Prowse. The company began operating as KPM (Keith Prowse Maurice) in 1960 and is now part of Sony Music Publishing. KPM represents over 40 labels and 150,000 titles, and has provided some of the most celebrated TV themes in history. In North America, the catalog is distributed through APM Music (a joint venture between Sony Music Publishing and Universal Music Publishing Group). Best suited for composers who create high-quality production music and for supervisors seeking classic library music with decades of cultural recognition.

How KPM Music Works

KPM Music operates as a production music library under Sony Music Publishing's production music division. The company was rebranded from EMI Production Music back to KPM Music in September 2021.

The process works as follows:

1. Composer roster: KPM works with award-winning composers and producers who have penned number-one hits for artists including Shirley Bassey, Blur, Lana Del Rey, and Flo Rida. The company signs composers to create library albums across diverse genres.
2. 40+ labels: KPM represents over 40 labels, covering a wide range of genres from orchestral and jazz to rock, electronic, and classical. The combined Sony Music Publishing production music catalog (including Extreme Music and KPM) contains over 150,000 titles.
3. Historical catalog: KPM's catalog includes recordings from the 1950s onward. The KPM 1000 album series, mainly produced by Adrian Kerridge, has become commercially available in recent years and is widely sampled by commercial producers.
4. Digital access: In January 2019, KPM's production library was fully digitized and made available for streaming online. This made the catalog accessible to a new generation of creators.
5. Global distribution: KPM distributes its catalog worldwide through Sony Music Publishing's production music network. In North America, KPM is represented and distributed through APM Music, giving it direct exposure to US broadcast networks, advertising agencies, and trailer houses.
6. APM integration: Through APM Music, KPM gains enterprise-level search and metadata infrastructure, institutional licensing pipelines, and consistent visibility across North American broadcast and advertising.

Submission / Application Details

KPM Music does not accept unsolicited music. The company works with established composers through direct relationships.

• How to apply: Contact KPM through industry channels or through Sony Music Publishing's production music division. In North America, inquire through APM Music.
• Required materials: A portfolio of production music work demonstrating broadcast-ready quality. KPM's standard is set by composers who have written number-one hits.
• Exclusivity: KPM signs composers to exclusive agreements. You give up publishing control for tracks accepted into the library.
• No application fee: KPM does not charge a submission fee.
• Getting in: Requires industry connections and a proven track record. Casual or amateur producers will not meet the threshold.

Real-World Example

A music supervisor needs a 1970s-style funk groove for a retro TV drama. They search the KPM catalog and find a track from the KPM 1000 series recorded in 1972. The track has the authentic vintage sound the supervisor wants. Because it is production music, the license is straightforward. The fee for a UK broadcast use typically ranges from $100 to $500 per cue. The composer (or their estate) earns performance royalties through PRS when the program airs.

In another scenario, a hip-hop producer samples a KPM orchestral track for a new recording. KPM's catalog has been sampled by Jay-Z, Drake, Gnarls Barkley, and Fatboy Slim, making it one of the most sampled production music libraries in the world.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

KPM Music represents the gold standard of production music. The company's 60-plus-year history demonstrates how library music can achieve cultural significance and generate long-term income.

Consider these points:

• Cultural legacy: KPM themes are embedded in British television history. Tracks from the 1960s are still in regular use today. This longevity demonstrates the long-term value of production music.
• Sampling revenue: KPM tracks have been sampled by major artists. If your library tracks are sample-worthy, they can generate additional sampling revenue alongside sync income.
• Sony Music Publishing backing: As part of Sony, KPM has the distribution and administrative power of a major publisher. This means global reach and reliable royalty collection.
• Quality over quantity: KPM's reputation is built on quality. The company sets the standard that other production music libraries follow. If you can meet this standard, your music has a home.

Drawbacks / Things to Consider

• Exclusive composer agreements: KPM signs composers to exclusive agreements. You give up publishing control for tracks accepted into the library. Review terms carefully before signing.
• No open submissions: KPM does not accept unsolicited music. The company works with established composers through direct relationships. Getting in requires industry connections and a proven track record.
• High quality bar: KPM's standard is exceptionally high. The company's composers have written number-one hits. Casual or amateur producers will not meet the threshold.
• Corporate structure: As part of Sony Music Publishing, KPM operates within a large corporate framework. This can mean slower decision-making and less personal attention than boutique libraries.
• Historical catalog competition: New compositions compete for attention against decades of classic KPM tracks. Supervisors may default to familiar catalog tracks rather than exploring new additions.

Related Resources

• Sync Licensing Companies Directory
• Sync License Glossary Term
• Library Music and Production Music as Passive Income
• Sync Licensing Companies vs Music Libraries: Which Is Right for You
• How to Register a Music Publishing Company
• Use our Sync Licensing Fee Calculator to estimate fair pricing
• Visit KPM Music to explore the catalog