Eureka moments are rare. Such flashes of inspiration can also be transformative and set the recipient on an unexpected journey. That was the case for Josquin Des Pres, whose own experience inspired him to create a label that operates under the slogan “Songs Without Borders.”
Des Pres was enjoying a moment of peace and drifting off to slumber land when a song on the television jolted him awake. It was a cover of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know” sung by vocalist Reneé Dominique being used in a Samsung Galaxy ad. It’s a story he recounted in the pages of Music Connection back in October of 2019.
“Michael Natter and I reached out to her and realized she was in the Philippines,” remembers Des Pres. Through research and chatting directly with Dominique, the industry veteran learned her music has been part of numerous other commercials, including spots for Michael Kors and Audi. Even back then, the ukulele strummer and singer boasted millions of online followers.
Des Pres smelled an opportunity—why not take this major overseas talent, hook her up with an American superstar, and introduce her to a stateside audience through a duet? Jason Mraz is one of the artists with which he maintains a working relationship, so he sent the pop hit-maker a link to the Filipina’s music. “He didn’t seem to think much of it,” Des Pres recounts. “But then he overheard us writing a song for her.” Mraz liked what they were creating yet surmised he could improve it by incorporating elements from a piece he’d been working on.
The resulting track, “Could I Love You Any More,” was released on Virgin Germany and has surpassed over 200 million streams. Mraz took Dominique on tour, giving her massive exposure and a major career boost. “That success inspired us to build a label focused on bringing together artists from different worlds to create songs that resonate everywhere,” explains the President and CEO. Along with Vice President Roxanne Stone, who boasts a dozen years in the management space, he brought the label to life.
Every company needs a good name. The story behind this one is almost comically benign. Several years ago, the Frenchman who migrated to Los Angeles in the ‘70s was strolling about Nashville with a friend when he wondered aloud what would be a good name for a label. His pal’s offhand response? Utonium. “It sounds like an element,” observes the newly minted label boss wryly. The fact that there is a character named Professor Utonium in the animated series The Powerpuff Girls remains a coincidence.
Though he’s never run a label before, Des Pres has the knowledge and industry connections to make Utonium Music an unparalleled success. He began his career as a bass player, spilling out tasty progressive jazz fusion and rock licks alongside greats such as Aerosmith’s Jimmy Crespo and Didier Lockwood. Later on, he would either produce or play with everyone from Gispy Kings and Jeff Porcaro to Slightly Stoopid, Charley Pride, and The Young Dubliners.
Other accomplishments include authoring a collection of music instruction books, helping develop plugins for digital audio workstations, and composing over 2,000 movie, TV, and multimedia syncs. Des Pres marvels at the journey he’s taken, having grown up a child of humble means in a house without running water. “It’s all about direction and drive,” as he tells it. “And you always have to be ready to be thrown on the ground and get back up.”
A recent production is a Spanish-language version of Mraz’s “I’m Yours,” as performed by French Gypsy Flamenco singer Loukas. Upcoming tracks feature former Disney actress Laura Marano and Indian social media influencers Kiran & Nivi.
Connecting artists and songwriters from across the globe is a skill unto itself. “It’s part instinct, part experience,” says Des Pres. “We look at vibe, vocal style, originality, and how it fits in today’s music scene. The best pairings happen when artists from different cultures click. It feels fresh but authentic.” Fortunately, technology makes joining forces continents away as easy as the press of a button. By way of example, he references the video for Loukas’ Mraz cover, which his team was able to direct from the West Coast while the artist and camera crew toiled away in France.
Des Pres insists that the deals Utonium offers are simple and fair. Contracts are typically based on single songs, though he isn’t ruling out the possibility of producing an EP. Additionally, they’re non-exclusive, allowing artists maximum flexibility. Utonium remains small but mighty, capable of handling distribution, production, and promotion with no strings attached.
The label continues to seek talent with which it can make magic happen. Des Pres encourages creative types to get in touch. “We’re looking for artists with strong originality, media presence, and solid streaming numbers,” he states. “We want Utonium to be the go-to place for artists looking to create something truly global and meaningful.”
