Seeker Music Acquires Michael Omartian’s Catalog
Seeker Music has secured the production and publishing catalogs of 11-time Grammy Award-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, and arranger Michael Omartian, thereby enriching its collection of music from the ’70s and ’80s.
This deal encompasses Omartian’s extensive work, including the production of Christopher Cross' debut album, which won the Big Four Grammy Awards in 1979 (Best New Artist, Record, Song, and Album of the Year), a remarkable achievement only equaled by Billie Eilish and Adele to this day.
The acquisition follows Seeker Music‘s purchase of the complete Christopher Cross catalog in 2022.
Legacy of Michael Omartian
Omartian’s catalog features writers behind numerous iconic songs, including Donna Summer's She Works Hard for the Money, Peter Cetera's Glory of Love, and tracks from Kenny Loggins, Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson, Boz Skaggs, Loggins and Messina, Al Jarreau, and Amy Grant. He has also contributed to soundtracks for films ranging from Young Frankenstein to The Karate Kid, Part II.
Seeker Music asserts that Omartian is one of the few producers in history to create No. 1 records spanning three consecutive decades.
Reflecting on the deal, Omartian remarked: “Throughout my music career, I have had the opportunity to write, play, arrange, and produce for many phenomenal artists. I’m so glad that my life’s work is in the hands of Evan Bogart and the Seeker Music Group staff.”
He expressed gratitude towards his friend and catalog broker, Peter Kalisz, advocate Ed Grauer, and his longtime business manager John Mucci Jr., for collaborating to bring this to fruition. Omartian looks forward to working with Evan and his team, thanking him for incorporating his music into the prestigious roster of writers and musicians at Seeker Music. “This is very cool!”
Celebrating Omartian’s Impact
Seeker Music CEO Evan Bogart described Omartian as “an extraordinary songwriter and producer whose music has defined generations of popular music and influenced music creators for decades.”
Bogart further stated: “I am obsessed with many of the songs he contributed to, which continue to be the soundtrack of our lives. He is the epitome of a truly timeless hitmaker, and we are grateful for this opportunity to celebrate his music and help pass on his legacy for future generations.”
“Throughout my music career, I have had the opportunity to write, play, arrange, and produce for many phenomenal artists. I'm so glad that my life’s work is in the hands of Evan Bogart and the Seeker Music Group.”
Michael Omartian
Bogart is also known for crafting chart-topping hits like Beyoncé's Halo and Rihanna's SOS.
Founded in 2020 with backing from M&G Investments, Seeker Music focuses on acquiring and revitalizing music catalogs with creative potential. The company believes that music from its catalog “deserves the same creative strategy, attention, and care as new releases.”
“The company prioritizes acquiring catalogs of music they truly love, with passion fueling a strategy for long-term celebration and growth. Given these criteria, obtaining Omartian’s catalog was no easy feat for Seeker,” according to the company.
To date, Seeker Music has amassed more than 14,000 copyrights and recordings, including works from artists such as Charlotte Caffey, Run the Jewels, and Jon Bellion. The company considers one of its successes to be Shabuzi's Bar Song (Tipsy), which interpolates a track from the Seeker catalog, Jay-Kwon's Tipsy, now ranking as one of Billboard's longest-running songs of all time.
Seeker Music also holds the catalogs of Return of the Mac hitmaker Mark Morrison and hit writer Lewis Capaldi, along with works from Niall Horan, Jonas Brothers, among others. Last year, it acquired the publishing catalog of the British production duo Future Version and catalogs from pop songwriters John Ryan and Jon Bellion.
Most recently, in November, Seeker Music secured the rights to publish the British indie rock band The Wombats' first four albums.
According to Pitchbook, Seeker Music raised $31 million in early-stage capital in March 2021.
Seeker Music acquires catalog of Christopher Cross producer Michael Omartian
