Talking publishing and legacy

An experienced panel line-up with some fine advice to impart was made up of Ian Ramage of Sony ATV, Jens-Markus Wegener of AMV Talpa, Germany, Francis K. Pettican Fairwood Music (UK), Alison Donald, MD of Chrysalis Music Publishing, Andy McQueen -Chairman of The Notting Hill Music and Barbara Orbison, President, Orbison Music Co. & Still Working Music Co.
Barbara Orbison, who was married to Roy Orbison for 20 years, now holds over the big industry that surrounds his catalogue and legacy. "With heritage artists it's important to keep him or her on an iconic level, but also to bring them into today". She also dismissed moderator Emmanuel Legrand's query about licensing a sample from Orbison to a rap star, claiming that if it worked well and was true to his legacy, she'd green-light it. After all, she reminded us, Roy worked with Rick Rubin in his latter years.
Alison Donald put the job of a publisher into a personal context when she told us that publishers are "in the relationship business". Ian Ramage thought that the closeness of the relationship business is determined by which point in the story the publisher gets involved. Andy McQueen claimed that one of the more important roles of the publisher was to be a sounding board for opinions, saying "Sometimes an inexperienced manager coupled with an experienced publisher can be a good thing".
There were mixed opinions traded on A&R bidding wars. McQueen thought that "the bidding wars can be counter-productive because you're trying to recoup more quickly". Ramage profered that the upside of the bidding wars was that it endorses the value of songs and songwriters. The downside being that it sets the expectation high for the artist and can lead to negative energy and thought it was a question of balance.
Alison relevaled that Bon Iver was reluctant and nervous to do a publishing deal until it was explained to him. For him, the decision of who he signed to was really about the right relationship and the right team which shared his vision. Alison also stressed the importance of development deals. Bat For Lashes, who Chrysalis licensed to Parlophone, won Alison over by giving her a book of 'Natasha's World' when she had only heard a few demos.
Jens confessed frustration at the A&R Panel yesterday "the label A&Rs came up with a lot of of excuses as to why they can't sign things... I don't want those guys working at my company". He then admitted that he'd need to speak to those same A&Rs the next time he had a fantastic songwriter to plug to them.
Barbara lamnted that although heritage acts' back catalgue is keeping the majors afloat, it's not as respected as it should be.
In a panel with some confusion as to the best models for engaging with new revenue streams, Alison offered succour for any publishers, big or small : "music is more ubiquitous now than it has ever been". Amen to that.

Emmanuel asked each panelist for a tip of a songwriter who is worth keeping an eye on, here are their answers:
Ian: Rachel Furner
Jens: Patrick Noor (Switzerland)
Francis: Noel Hogan - Architect/ The Cranberries
Alison: Laura Marling
Andy: Dizzee Rascall
Barbara: Taylor Swift