By Quinton Miles

Electronic Arts announced today that they have partnered with Cherry Lane Music Publishing to create Next Level Music. The new publishing company will be responsible for signing new and established artists, as well as acquiring publishing catalouges from EA’s library of music. Terms of the deal also have Next Level licensing EA’s existing music to other areas like films, commercials, and film trailers.

“Video games have changed the way the world hears music and EA has led the way. We could not imagine a better partner in our new creative music venture than Cherry Lane.”

“Together, we have the ability to acquire publishing catalogs of established artists and to sign and develop new artists and songwriters, providing them with unique opportunities for success,'” said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Audio at EA.

“When it comes to interactive entertainment, EA is the best in the business. We like to think that we enjoy similar stature in the music publishing industry. The potential synergy is boundless,” said Cherry Lane Music President, Aida Gurwicz. “EA’s video game empire affords us a unique platform upon which to build a great and diverse music publishing company, tapping every genre of contemporary music. It is our shared goal to develop a music publishing company that will not only be preeminent in the video game industry but will rival the best in the music publishing industry. We’re psyched and can’t wait to ‘get in the game.'”

Even with the announcement of the new company, EA assures fans that they will continue to license music through their EA Trax program.