Kassner Music is proud to announce the signing of platinum-selling rock act Reef to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal that includes the band’s highly anticipated new album, ‘Shoot Me Your Ace’, the title track of which is released today.
Reef are a British rock band from Glastonbury formed in 1993 whose present line-up comprises frontman Gary Stringer, Jack Bessant on bass and Jesse Wood on guitar. To date, the band have sold in excess of three million albums worldwide.
Emerging at the height of the Britpop era, Reef have released five studio albums, including three that reached the UK Top 10, and racked up no less than nine Top 40 singles. Reef’s debut LP, ‘Replenish’, contained the UK #11 hit song “Naked”, renowned for its use in a commercial that advertised the launch of the Sony Mini Disc in 1995. The record went on to achieve gold status in the UK and led to tours with Paul Weller, Soundgarden and the Rolling Stones.
In 1996, Reef returned with their most successful single to date, “Place Your Hands”. The song rocketed to #6 in the UK chart and laid the groundwork for the release of their 1997 sophomore album, ‘Glow’. Produced by George Drakoulias (The Black Crowes), ‘Glow’ went straight in at #1 and also featured the tracks “Come Back Brighter” (UK #8), “Consideration” (UK #13) and “Yer Old” (UK #21).
During Reef’s last headline performance on the Avalon stage at Glastonbury, they were joined by their good friend and guitarist Andy Taylor (The Power Station/Duran Duran) for an electrifying end to a memorable set and have continued to collaborate with him since. Andy has produced and performed on Reef’s forthcoming album, ‘Shoot Me Your Ace’. The record also sees Reef joined by virtuoso drummer Luke Bullen, formerly of Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros and Bryan Ferry’s band, completing a stellar line-up.
Reef regularly tour internationally and have always been hailed as one of the UK’s greatest live acts. They were special guests of Coldplay on the group’s last Wembley Stadium shows, invited personally by singer Chris Martin. Following a number of appearances at some of the UK’s best-loved festivals this summer, Reef have announced that their ‘Shoot Me Your Ace’ UK tour will take place in April 2022 to promote the release of their album and include a date at London’s O2 Forum, Kentish Town.
Discussing the deal, Reef’s management, Seven Webster of 7pm Management, said: “We had been talking to a number of publishers and were really keen to find one that shared our passion and vision for the band as well as having a want to be proactive and communicative. After talking to Brian Mahoney (A&R), Alex Kassner (Head of Legal and Business Affairs), David Kassner (Managing Director) and Natalie Kassner (Head of Sync), and other members of the Kassner team, we could not have been more impressed and excited by their desire to work with the band”.
Brian Mahoney, Head of A&R at Kassner Music, said: “I’m thrilled that Gary, Jack and Jesse have joined Kassner Music. They’re a great addition to the roster and I’m extremely excited for everyone to hear new Reef music. I’ve admired the band as songwriters and artists throughout their career and feel very fortunate that we are now the representatives of Reef’s entire catalogue”.
Listen to more of Reef’s music via our Spotlight playlist.
Socials:
Facebook: @Reef
Instagram: @reefband
Twitter: @reefband