Tag Archives: epic rights

Brands for Fans launches two Def Leppard gins

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Rock legends Def Leppard are celebrating their 45th anniversary in 2022, and to commemorate the occasion, award-winning Swedish liquor producer Brands For Fans is releasing two premium gin products.

The Brands for Fans gins are named after two songs on Def Leppard’s iconic album Hysteria: “Animal” and “Rocket.” Expertly created by globally recognised in-house master blender Daniel Henriksson, the gins aim to deliver a rock ’n’ roll lifestyle into the homes of both life-long fans and spirits connoisseurs.

Brands for Fans worked with Epic Rights, a licensing agency of Def Leppard, to develop the products.

Def Leppard ‘Animal’ is a classic London Dry Gin with a high intensity of flavours. The grain-based distillate is heavy with juniper, lemon, and botanicals. It is spicy, big, and bold and has all the classic gin characters you should expect in a London Dry Gin. This gin’s label design is inspired by the hit single “Animal” from the album Hysteria.

Def Leppard ‘Rocket’ is a premium distilled gin with a high intensity of flavours. Also, with this gin, the grain-based distillate is bold with juniper and herbaceous tones. Taking inspiration from the lavender labyrinths in Sheffield (Manor Lodge), and to get an even more developed experience of botanical character, additional flavors of lavender and lemon are macerated and blended with the distillate. There are no added sweeteners, ensuring the purest quality of liquid. The label design is based on the hit single “Rocket” from the album Hysteria.

The products launched on June 10 in the UK, mainland Europe, Sweden, the Nordics, and the USA, and are available to order here: https://brandsforfans.com/

Epic Rights to develop a global retail merchandise programme for New Kids on the Block

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On the heels of their latest release, the high-octane anthem “Bring Back the Time”, and their North American Mixtape Tour, multi-platinum pop artists New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) have appointed Epic Rights as their global licensing agent to develop a global merchandise programme.

Since the band first debuted in 1984, NKOTB, consisting of brothers Jonathan and Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg and Danny Wood, have sold more than 80 million records. To coincide with the tour and multiple initiatives, starting in 2022 through 2024, Epic Rights will develop a robust licensing programme for the band across multiple categories, including apparel, footwear, accessories, gaming, spirits, home décor, collectibles, and more. Initial product launch for some categories will hit retail shelves in time for the holiday season 2022.

“New Kids on the Block is one of the most successful pop boy bands of all time with multiple number-one hits and legions of fans just as eager to engage with them today as when they first started,” says Lisa Streff, SVP, Global Licensing, Epic Rights. “With the Mixtape 2022 tour starting in May, a cruise in October, and other initiatives in the works, we have endless opportunities to create a distinctive line of merchandise that represents the band, featuring retro nostalgia from the 80s and 90s as well as products that speak to who they are today.  We are so excited to add New Kids on the Block to our roster of amazing artists.”

NKOTB’s Danny Wood adds: “We can’t wait to get back on the road this summer and perform for our fans, old and new! With all of the exciting plans we have coming, we wanted to create a unique, fresh, and memorable product line, and Epic Rights is the premiere agency for artists who want to develop merchandise lines that speak to their fans.  We are thrilled to begin the process with Lisa and the team to bring all of our ideas to life!”

NKOTB has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide – including back-to-back international number-one songs, 1988’s “Hangin’ Tough” and 1990’s “Step By Step” – and a series of crossover smash R&B pop hits like “You Got It (The Right Stuff),”  “Cover Girl,” “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time),” “Hangin’ Tough,” “I’ll Be Loving You” and “Tonight.”

Since reuniting in 2007, NKOTB have toured consistently to sold-out arenas, have sold nearly 4 million tickets and have doubled their crowd sizes. The Boston natives have been bestowed with their very own “New Kids on the Block Day,” and have played Fenway three times before. The group solidified their place in Hollywood with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame since reuniting and will continue representing Boston on their journey long into the future.

For more information on NKOTB, visit www.nkotb.com.

Bravado and Epic Rights centralise licensing roster, with Lisa Streff at the helm

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Bravado, Universal Music Group’s merchandise and brand management company, announced today the centralisation of both Bravado and Epic Rights’ licensing rosters. Bravado acquired Epic Rights in 2019 and the new structure includes the expanded purview of Epic Rights’ SVP Global Licensing, Lisa Streff, to oversee global licensing strategies across both companies.

Streff will work closely with the existing Bravado and Epic Rights retail and brand management teams and will report to Jesper Poulsen, General Manager, Bravado.

Bravado’s president Matt Young states: “We are continuing to grow our global licensing and retail business with a more unified and complementary strategy across both Bravado and Epic Rights, while maintaining individual strategies and priorities. With Jesper leading the team as General Manager and Lisa driving global licensing strategy, we have the right team in place to ensure growth for our artists in this area.”

Jesper Poulsen adds: “I have had the pleasure of working with Lisa for close to 10 years and proud of how our team built Epic Rights’ global retail footprint. Lisa has been instrumental in developing innovative campaigns, and creating unique licensing opportunities and partnerships with best in class licensed products for our artists and their fans. Creating this strategic alignment of our retail and licensing teams gives us a competitive advantage unmatched in the industry.”

“Since joining Epic Rights, it has truly been an incredible ride to play an integral role in the growth of what was essentially a start-up organisation to now being part of the biggest global merch company,” says Lisa Streff. “This is a magical time to be in music licensing and merchandising. I am honoured and excited to collaborate with Matt, Jesper and the Bravado team in this expanded role and to work with some of the biggest artists in the world under the Bravado banner, while continuing to spearhead the programmes for our Epic Rights’ talent.”

Streff joined Epic Rights in 2014 as SVP of Licensing. In 2019, Bravado acquired Epic Rights with an artist roster including KISS, AC/DC, Def Leppard, David Bowie, John Lennon, Britney Spears, and NSYNC, among others. Streff will continue to spearhead the development of global merchandising licensing programmes for Epic Rights’ artists while adding the oversight of programmes for Bravado’s clients, such as The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, Sex Pistols, Run DMC, Beastie Boys, Spice Girls, Avril Lavigne and many more.

Jesper Poulsen named general manager of Bravado

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Universal Music Group’s (UMG’s) leading merchandise and brand management company, Bravado, announced today that veteran industry executive and Epic Rights co-founder Jesper Poulsen has been named general manager.

Poulsen joins Bravado’s executive management team and will play an integral role in continuing to develop the company’s global merchandise strategy in the everchanging landscape of the music and fashion industries. He will oversee day-to-day operations of both Bravado and Epic Rights. Poulsen is based in Los Angeles and reports to Bravado’s president, Matt Young.

Matt Young says: “As we continue to execute our global brand strategy, aligning the power of Epic Rights more closely with Bravado exponentially enhances the reach, capabilities, and depth of how we service our artists and their fans around the world. Jesper has a wealth of experience and his leadership across the Bravado ecosystem will only supercharge our capabilities.”

Poulsen adds: “I want to thank Richelle Parham and UMG’s leadership team, Matt Young, and, of course, the team at Epic Rights, for this opportunity. Having been mentored by Dell Furano, I’m proud to continue to evolve what we started almost 10 years ago with Kym Furano and Phil Cussen. It’s an honour to work with so many incredible artists and their teams to reach their fans all over the world. It’s an exciting time to be in the artist services business and look forward to what’s ahead.”

Poulsen’s career in artist brand development, consumer products and fan experiences started at Signatures Network, where he supported the company’s growing wholesale business and digital strategy. In 2008, through acquisition, he joined Live Nation Merchandise where he held the position of Brand Manager, helping oversee relationships such as KISS, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Led Zeppelin, and ZZ Top. In 2014, Poulsen, together with Dell Furano, Kym Furano and Phil Cussen, launched merchandise and branding company, Epic Rights.

Bravado acquired Epic Rights in 2019 with a roster that includes KISS, AC/DC, Def Leppard, David Bowie, John Lennon, Aerosmith, Bob Dylan and the Woodstock Festival among others. Poulsen in his new role will maintain the individual brand identities of both Epic Rights and Bravado, supervising the expert teams of both divisions.

Epic Rights to develop licensing programme for Aerosmith

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In advance of multiple 50th anniversary celebrations and live appearances, Aerosmith, the best-selling American hard-rock band of all time, has tapped Universal Music Group’s Epic Rights as the band’s global brand management agency to develop an all-new multi-category worldwide retail programme, with a roster of new licensing partners signed to create branded merchandise.

Aerosmith continue to solidify their position as one of the most groundbreaking groups in history as the band prepares to celebrate multiple milestones in 2022, including the 40th anniversary of their Rock in a Hard Place album; 35th anniversary of Permanent Vacation, and 25th anniversary of Nine Lives, along with a historic anniversary celebration concert at Boston’s Fenway Park on 8 September, with more announcements to come.

In 2023, the band will honour the 50th anniversary of their iconic self-titled album; the 45th anniversary of Draw the Line, and 30th anniversary of Get a Grip.

With increasing demand from Aerosmith fans to engage with the iconic band, Epic Rights has signed agreements with new licensing partners across multiple territories and categories.

Global deals have been signed with Funko for vinyl figures (global for eCommerce, and U.S. and Canada for bricks and mortar); Knucklebonz for statues and 3D vinyl collectibles; Replay for a t-shirt and sweatshirt capsule collection; Madeworn for high-end apparel; and Collectionzz for hand-screened fine art prints.

New North American apparel partners include Just Some Thoughts, Philcos, Recycled Karma, Ripple Junction, and Angry Minnow for a collection of men’s, juniors and kid’s t-shirts, fashion tops, cut and sew fleece, sweaters, jackets, joggers, sweatpants/tops and more.

Rounding out the roster are Springs Creative for fabric, no-sew fleece kits and bandanas (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand); Watson Apparel for apparel and accessories (USA, Canada, Dubai); Brands Club for apparel and accessories (Chile, Peru, Argentina, Colombia), and Bloomerry for men’s, women’s, kids’ and babies’ apparel and accessories (Europe).

“We are thrilled to have Aerosmith, one of the all-time greatest rock icons, on the Epic Rights’ roster,” says Lisa Streff, Epic Rights’ Senior Vice President of Global Licensing. “In anticipation of the upcoming 50th anniversary activities, we’re excited to be developing a global licensing programme that will celebrate and illustrate the band’s career at retail.”

Epic Rights represents a diverse roster of iconic music artists and brands, including AC/DC, KISS, Aerosmith, David Bowie, John Lennon, Def Leppard, Britney Spears and *NSYNC. The company offers a broad range of services, including retail licensing, tour merchandising, D2C e-commerce, VIP/fan experiences, merch bundles, and fan engagement opportunities.

 

 

Epic Rights to develop global L&M programme for Cyndi Lauper

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Epic Rights is now representing Cyndi Lauper, the Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning musical star behind hit songs “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Time After Time” and “True Colors.”

Epic Rights will be developing a robust licensing programme across multiple categories such as fashion, apparel, footwear, accessories, health & beauty, home décor, digital gaming, collectables, and more. Initial product launch for some categories will be spring 2022.

Headquartered in West Hollywood, Epic Rights represents a diverse roster of music artists and brands including AC/DC, KISS, Aerosmith, David Bowie, John Lennon, Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Britney Spears,  and *NSYNC. It offers a range of services, including retail licensing, tour merchandising, D2C e-commerce, VIP/fan experiences, merch bundles, and fan engagement opportunities. For more information, visit www.epicrights.com.

US rock band KISS back on the road with worldwide tour and global roster of licensing partners

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America’s platinum record selling rock band, KISS is hitting the road once again, continuing its End of the Road World Tour this year, and bringing with it a truly global licensing programme that spans multiple categories across international markets.

Headed up by the band’s exclusive global licensing agent, Epic Rights, a full roster of global partners makes up the licensing list as the rockers kick their worldwide parade back into action. The End of the Road World Tour launched in 2019 but hit the pause button while the world grappled with the coronavirus pandemic.

The tour will now set out to wow audiences in 2021 with rescheduled shows and new additional concert dates. And with the return of the show, comes the return of the band’s established merchandise machine. KISS continues to be among the most merchandised bands in history, and a pioneering force in the music merchandise and licensing industry. KISS branded merchandise is currently available in major retailers around the world, including Nordstrom, Macy’s, Urban Outfitters, Hot Topic, Torrid, Tilly’s, Pacsun, Cotton On, Target, Walmart, and more.

New KISS deals across the US include those with the likes of Dead Sled Coffee and its pre-packaged coffee, Robert Graham and a new fashion and accessories launch, and Lauren Moshi who will be deliver high-end apparel to the market. A line of seasonal apparel will also launch via Ugly Christmas Sweater for the 2021 holiday season.

Meanwhile, international partnerships include those with Brands for Fans and its KISS branded gin and dark rum launching in the UK this year, as well as Europe, Japan, and Australia; Metal Departments for real money gambling worldwide, Fexpro for apparel and accessories in Mexico, Central America, and South America, Konnekt for apparel and accessories in Japan, and EastPak for bags, backpacks, and accessories in the US, Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Canada.

“Our licensing partners from around the world continue to do an outstanding job collaborating creatively with us to further build our retail program,” said KISS.

“And we are eternally grateful to our legion of fans that continue to engage and support us, and we cannot wait to get back on the road this year with an explosive tour to remember! We’re pumped and can’t wait to celebrate the wildest and hottest show ever!”

Lisa Streff, EVP global licensing at Epic Rights, added: “KISS’ licensing program is hotter than ever. The band’s merch continues to grow bigger and better year after year into new and unique categories with expansion into new markets around the world, as well as the return of their highly successful global tour in this summer.

“The strong interest from our licensing partners worldwide, as well as the remarkable sell-in and sell through success at retail, is a testament to the never-ending strength of this evergreen giant.”

The complete list of new licensees for the KISS brand is as follows: 

Worldwide & International Deals: 

  • Metal Departments (real money gambling) – Worldwide
  • Brands for Fans (spirits) – UK, Europe, Japan, Australia
  • Absolute Garments (tops for H&M) – Worldwide
  • Bradford Exchange (collectibles) – United States, France, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand
  • Wren & Glory (fashion denim jackets) – Worldwide
  • Ropa Viva (apparel) – Mexico
  • Fexpro (apparel & accessories) – Mexico, Central America, South America
  • Gloria Jeans (apparel) – Russia
  • Konnekt (apparel & accessories) – Japan
  • Replay (apparel collection) – Worldwide
  • Eastpak (bags, backpacks, accessories) – Europe, Middle East, Asia, United States and Canada
  • Aquarius (playing cards, puzzles & board games) – US, Australia, New Zealand, Europe
  • Smartshake (protein drink shakers) – Worldwide
  • Shinko (t-shirts & tote bags) – Japan

 North American Deals: 

  • Dead Sled Coffee (brew-at-home coffee) – United States 
  • Robert Graham (fashion & accessories) – United States, Canada
  • Darring USA (denim & apparel capsule collection) – United States
  • Gotham City (wall art & calendars) – United States, Canada, Mexico
  • Ideastream (storage boxes) – United States,  Canada
  • Lauren Moshi (high-end apparel) – United States
  • My Custom Sports Chair (chairs) – United States, Canada
  • Ugly Christmas Sweater (seasonal apparel) – United States
  • Toynk (toys & games) – United States, Canada
  • J&F Design (plus-size apparel) – United States, Canada
  • Intimo (loungewear, sleepwear, accessories & bags) – United States

Renewed Deals:

  • Liquid Blue (apparel) – United States and Canada 
  • Fun.com (costumes) – Worldwide
  • UD Replicas (costumes) – Worldwide
  • Advanced Graphics (life-size cardboard cut-outs) – United States and Canada
  • Zippo (lighters) – Worldwide