Primary Wave Partners with Jesus Jones Frontman Mike Edwards to Expand Catalog and Licensing Reach

On July 6, 2026, Primary Wave Music announced a strategic partnership with Mike Edwards, the lead singer and songwriter of the British alternative‑rock band Jesus Jones. The agreement places Edwards’ entire catalog—spanning the band’s debut Liquidizer, the 1991 breakthrough Doubt, and the 2001 release London—under Primary Wave’s publishing umbrella. In return, Edwards gains access to the company’s seasoned marketing team and comprehensive publishing infrastructure, which includes digital strategy, licensing, synch opportunities, and film‑and‑TV production services.

The partnership brings several of Jesus Jones’ most iconic tracks into Primary Wave’s fold. The catalog features “Right Here, Right Now,” “Real Real Real,” “Info Freako,” “International Bright Young Thing,” “The Devil You Know,” and other songs that defined the band’s early 1990s sound. “Right Here, Right Now” was the single that propelled Doubt to commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1991 and helping the album sell more than two million copies worldwide. The track was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 1992 for “Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals,” and Doubt received a nomination for “Best Alternative Music Album.”

Edwards expressed enthusiasm about the new arrangement. “I’m both really thrilled and excited to be in partnership with Primary Wave,” he said. “Thrilled because to my astonishment and pleasure, I’m now sharing space on a roster of enormous talents, true legends of the music industry. Excited because it feels very much as though with Primary Wave, we are at the start of a great working relationship, a relationship that’s using songs from my past but is very much about the future.”

Justin Dowling, Primary Wave’s Executive Vice President for UK & Europe, added that the company is honored to work with Edwards. “We’re honored to partner with Mike Edwards on his catalog of songs,” Dowling said. “While Jesus Jones may humbly brand themselves as the ‘purveyors of fine indie‑dance anthems since 1989,’ under the hood it’s a little more than that. Mike proved that new fertile ground could be broken in music by marrying the art of sampling with rock guitars and bringing all that to a global stage and a global audience.”

Founded in 2006 by Lawrence Mestel, Primary Wave has evolved from a publishing and administration company into a full‑service music business. The firm now manages talent, produces film and television content, and offers digital marketing and branding services. In recent years it has acquired significant catalogs, including the estate of Thin Lizzy co‑founder Phil Lynott, and has positioned itself as a major player in the global music publishing market.

Jesus Jones formed in late 1988 in Bradford‑on‑Avon, Wiltshire. Their early work blended techno, dance, and rock, and the band achieved international recognition with Doubt. The album topped the UK Albums Chart, reached number 25 on the US Billboard 200, and was certified platinum in the United States. The group’s singles from the album all entered the UK Top 40, with “International Bright Young Thing” peaking at number seven.

The partnership is expected to broaden the reach of Edwards’ catalog through Primary Wave’s established licensing and synch channels. The publisher’s infrastructure will also support digital distribution and marketing campaigns, potentially increasing the visibility of Jesus Jones’ music on streaming platforms and in media placements.

As of the announcement, no specific timelines for new releases or licensing deals were disclosed. The partnership represents a strategic move for both parties: Primary Wave expands its catalog with a proven 1990s act, while Edwards gains access to a global network of marketing and licensing resources.

The deal underscores the continued importance of catalog ownership and strategic partnerships in the modern music industry, where legacy acts can find new audiences through coordinated publishing and media efforts.