Seeker Music acquires original and re-recorded albums by JoJo

Seeker Music, an established music rights, publishing, and record company, has recently acquired the original and re-recorded versions of JoJo’s first two albums, marking a significant moment in the multi-platinum artist’s career. Founded by songwriter Evan Bogart and supported by M&G Investments, Seeker Music is positioning itself as the steward of JoJo’s early catalogue, aiming to amplify her impact in the pop and R&B spheres.

This acquisition includes JoJo’s debut album, "JoJo," and her sophomore release, "The High Road," both pivotal works in her discography. The company has already initiated the rollout with a deluxe 20th anniversary edition of "The High Road," which originally introduced the world to JoJo when she was just 13 years old. Back in 2004, the album featured "Leave (Get Out)," a single that achieved substantial commercial success, peaking at number two in the UK and number twelve in the United States, accumulating significant sales and streams across multiple markets.

JoJo’s follow-up single, "Too Little Too Late," released two years later, further solidified her presence in the music industry with top-five positions on both UK and US charts, reflecting her continued relevance and appeal across international audiences. These tracks have remained enduring staples of early 2000s pop and R&B, contributing to her lasting fanbase.

Seeker Music’s involvement with JoJo’s catalog extends beyond ownership of the recordings. The company already controls publishing rights for "Too Little Too Late" through its acquisition of RuthAnne Cunningham's catalogue and for "Leave (Get Out)" via Notting Hill Music’s acquisition of Soulshock & Karlin’s publishing. These strategic holdings have enabled Seeker to facilitate new creative interpretations of JoJo’s hits, such as Levi & Mario’s reworking of "2 Little 2 Late" and Alexander Stewart’s interpolation of "Too Little Too Late," helping the songs resonate with contemporary audiences.

The partnership between JoJo, whose legal name is Joanna Levesque, and Seeker Music reflects a mutual commitment to preserving and expanding the legacy of her early work. JoJo’s trust in Seeker’s ethos and the personal dedication of founder Evan Bogart, himself a creator with a deep understanding of artistic value, was a key factor in the agreement. This alignment suggests a collaborative approach to curating and celebrating the artist’s catalogue with sensitivity to both her creative intentions and fan expectations.

Looking ahead, Seeker Music has ambitious plans that go beyond mere reissues. The company is developing archival music and visual projects that will explore JoJo’s discography in greater depth. Additionally, a new single inspired by her work is in the pipeline, featuring an as-yet-unidentified electronic music collaborator, signaling an effort to blend JoJo’s timeless sound with contemporary production styles.

The 20th anniversary of "The High Road" is being commemorated not only through the deluxe album edition but also via JoJo’s sold-out "20 Years Unplugged" tour in the United States, which highlights her vocal prowess and enduring appeal two decades after her debut. These activities underline Seeker’s strategy to sustain momentum and engagement around JoJo’s foundational recordings while opening avenues for future creative endeavors.

Seeker Music’s broader catalogue, valued at over $400 million, includes a diverse range of artists from various genres and eras, such as Joan Jett, Run the Jewels, Jon Bellion, DMX, and The Go-Go’s. This extensive portfolio situates JoJo’s catalogue within a rich context of influential music properties, providing a robust platform for promotion and development.

In summary, Seeker Music’s acquisition of JoJo’s early recordings and publishing interests marks a notable development in the stewardship of a key 21st-century pop and R&B artist’s work. With a combination of archival projects, anniversary celebrations, and new creative collaborations, the partnership aims to celebrate JoJo’s contributions while charting new directions for her musical legacy.