As Third Side Music (TSM) celebrates its 20th anniversary, it remains exactly what it set out to be—an artist-first, global independent music publishing powerhouse, empowering artists and songwriters to maximize the value of their music.
In 2005, the company was founded in Montreal by Jeff Waye—who had spent a decade running Ninja Tune’s North American operation and prior work in record distribution and retail—and Patrick Curley, an indie rock guitarist armed with an entertainment law degree. The two embarked on a shared vision of creating an equitable destination for career artists, a new kind of music publishing company modeled after the indie labels they loved.
“We treat artists as partners and not commodities, and have focused on building a successful kind of enclave where they can succeed, both creatively and financially,” said Waye, co-founder/COO of TSM.
Two decades later, that original vision for TSM has not only endured—it has flourished. What began as a $150,000 investment has grown into a company generating more than $25 million in annual revenue with 15–20% growth year-over-year. TSM has cumulatively paid out hundreds of millions in royalties to the artists and songwriters it represents.
Today, the company is one of the most successful music publishers with global reach, supported by offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, Montreal, and Mexico City. Its 75,000+ title catalog spans a dynamic roster that includes SOFI TUKKER, Sky Ferreira, BadBadNotGood, Cults, Courtney Barnett, Surf Curse, Future Islands, Pharoah Sanders, Colin Stetson, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Kurt Vile, The Cinematic Orchestra, Hermanos Gutiérrez, Carlos Niño, Waxahatchee, Blonde Redhead, Current Joys, Beverly Glenn-Copeland, and more. TSM also represents iconic legacy catalogs such as The Clyde Otis Music Group, Studio One/JamRec, Galt MacDermot, and Alan Watts, among others.
In an industry increasingly shaped by consolidation and investor-driven copyright acquisitions, Waye and Curley continue to retain full ownership with no third-party investors or corporate oversight. This strategic autonomy gives the company the freedom to back exceptional artists and music it believes in—an approach that has consistently paid off.
“Twenty years in, TSM is still wholly independent, and no one is dictating our moves,” said Waye. “We’re not beholden to anyone but our artists, songwriters, and their teams, who we genuinely love working with. Our focus is on delivering real results, not accumulating market share or cashing out to the highest bidder. We’re doing what we’ve always done: investing in art because we believe in it. That’s why we’re still here and thriving.”
TSM’s business model has also proven successful in a number of other ways. It weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and Hollywood strikes without layoffs or slowdowns. Historically, TSM’s track record in earning out deals is eye-opening, as over 95% have been fully recouped. Additionally, over its 20-year history, TSM has had nearly 99% retention of its active roster—a figure that speaks volumes, as most of its eclectic, cutting-edge artists, songwriters, and producers, as well as catalog clients, choose to renew or extend their deals. Some are entering their fourth or fifth contract cycles with the company.
“Our model works because we don’t chase hype or short-term trends. We partner with career artists we believe in, pay fair advances, and build lasting partnerships,” said Curley, co-founder and President/CEO of TSM.
With a very high staff retention rate of 93%, TSM has cultivated a highly experienced team of industry veterans, music and data obsessives, creatives, and expert legal negotiators—each known for their hands-on approach and strong relationships. Many team members have been with the company for over 15 years. With one of the best staff-to-copyright/artist ratios in the business, TSM provides exceptionally proactive and personalized support in sync licensing, creative services, administration, and beyond.
The international success of TSM’s roster is a testament to the company’s creative/A&R reputation and ability to develop and nurture talent to elevate, grow, and sustain their careers. The creative team works globally to identify and secure all the best opportunities for represented writers, with an emphasis on co-writing, sync briefs, work for hire projects, sampling, scoring, song pitching, and general A&R direction.
TSM’s sync division is widely recognized as one of the most respected in the industry, playing a pivotal role in both the company’s growth and the development of artists’ careers. Known for its creative strength, deep catalog knowledge, and relationships with agencies and the global music supervision community, TSM has secured more than 17,000 placements across film, television, advertising, gaming, and other media.
In addition, TSM’s investment in dedicated, knowledgeable catalog experts has helped unlock new opportunities and breathe fresh life into entire catalogs—generating consistent income well beyond just the headline hits. Unlike many publishers who rely heavily on a few standout tracks to grow the bottom line, TSM’s approach ensures broader catalog value and long-term revenue across a wider spectrum of repertoire.
From TV and film titles like The Bear, Shrinking, Babygirl, Grey’s Anatomy, Slow Horses, Emily in Paris, The Substance, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and Only Murders in the Building, to major brand campaigns for Apple, Dior, Verizon, Hermès, AMEX, Adidas, Postmates, Samsung, and Rolls Royce—and blockbuster video games including GTA V, Red Dead Redemption II, Fortnite, The Sims, Gotham Knights, and Riders Republic —TSM ensures the right music consistently lands with the right project.
As a trusted go-to partner, TSM also stands out for its efficient services, including fast clearances, a seamless licensing process, and consistently strong results—maximizing fees and negotiating the best possible terms for clients. The impact is tangible: global artists such as GRAMMY-nominated, platinum-selling artists SOFI TUKKER credit TSM for landing them over 400 sync placements—a rare feat, underscoring both the scale and success of the team’s efforts. With a hugely sync-friendly catalog and international hits like ‘Best Friend’ and ‘Purple Hat,’ TSM has helped maximize their exposure, catapult their career, and sustain momentum through the pandemic.
“Over the last eight years, Third Side has absolutely killed it for us. Our music is in more TV shows, movies, and commercials than we can even keep up with. It’s the best thing ever and a huge part of our business. We’re so grateful for everyone at TSM and are excited to continue working together for a long time,” said SOFI TUKKER.
“In representing me for over fifteen years now, the people at Third Side Music have been avid and active advocates of my music and career—truly familial in their care, consideration, and support. I am enormously grateful for all of their dedication and counsel over the years,” said Grammy Award-winning musician and composer Colin Stetson.
As TSM looks ahead to the next twenty years, it remains committed to empowering artists with its business model that has demonstrated its value beyond the traditional industry mold. The company has recently expanded the scope of its admin deal structures, creating joint ventures and catalog purchases with the artists and songwriters it represents. These financing options, which have traditionally been unavailable at scale in the independent space, enable TSM’s artist partners to access capital, lock in the value of their works, and diversify revenue streams.
