04.09.2006: Julie Feeney Pens Worldwide Deal:IMRO

more news... back to home page...

JULIE FEENEY has signed a world-wide recording deal with Sony BMG (UK). Feeney's self-produced album, '13 songs', which won the Choice Music Prize - Irish Album of the Year in 2005, came to the attention of Sony BMG (UK) Chairman, Ged Doherty who brokered the deal with Feeney.

"I am delighted to sign this deal given the very high level of creative control and hands-on approach that it affords me," said Feeney. "I am very excited to be working with Ged Doherty and the fantastic team at Sony BMG. Choosing to go in this direction has given me all of the creative opportunities I have been looking for."

According to a leading U.K. music industry lawyer, the deal is highly unusual for a new artist in that it gives an unprecedented level of creative control.

'13 songs' will be released in the UK on October 2nd accompanied by a nation-wide tour and promotional schedule. Julie has already begun work on material for her follow up album due out in 2007. Feeney has yet to confirm management.


Feeney first came to the attention of the music fans and industry insiders when her self financed album, '13 songs', was outright winner of the Choice Music Prize in February this year. The Choice, in its inaugural year, was established to acclaim the best full-length release by an Irish artist across all genres of music and '13 songs' was selected by 12 judges representing the cream of Irish music critics, journalists and broadcasters.

Feeney composed, arranged and produced '13 songs' herself, singing all the vocals and playing most of the instruments as well as designing the cover art-work. She did not employ the services of management, record company or PR professionals, micro-managing the entire project on her own. She financed the recording and manufacturing costs by a succession of bank loans, eventually setting up her own record label - Mittens - named after her mother's favourite cat.

Without the assistance of a promo team she set about taking '13 songs' to the masses and succeeded in securing rave reviews and critical acclaim in Ireland and abroad, including in The New York Times.

"I'm passionate about music," says Feeney. "Every day I eat, breathe and sleep music. There is no existence for me without it. That's my drug."

Email the author
Printer-friendly version