Alan Watts' Recorded Legacy Gets New Life Through Publishing Deal

Alan Watts, a notable philosopher and influential member of the Beat Generation, has recently been given a fresh spotlight through a new global creative publishing agreement. This deal, secured more than half a century after his passing, aims to rejuvenate his extensive portfolio of recorded materials.

New Opportunities for Watts' Work

The independent music publisher Third Side Music (TSM) is pioneering this initiative by signing a deal with The Alan Watts Organization. TSM's plan involves curating over 500 hours of Alan Watts' audio recordings, which include captivating lectures and radio programming. The objective is to integrate these recordings into new musical compositions, films, TV series, advertisements, and other forms of media.

Watts' Influence in Modern Media

Alan Watts' voice and philosophical discourses have made significant impacts in various media campaigns for renowned brands like Volvo, GoPro, and Jack Daniels. With no direct songwriting credits, Watts’ thought-provoking words have nonetheless been included in the lyrics of hundreds of songs, proliferating across digital platforms like YouTube and social media.

Not only have his spoken words gone viral on platforms like TikTok—with the hashtag #alanwatts reaching hundreds of millions of uses—they have also been used by modern music icons. For instance, Harry Styles quoted Alan Watts during his recent concert tours—part of a growing list of influential artists and cultural figures drawn to Watts' insights.

Sampling Success

Artists such as Nas, Logic, INZO, and Nuages have sampled Watts' work, achieving millions of views and streams across Spotify and YouTube, bringing a taste of his philosophical musings to vast new audiences.

Alan Watts: Bridging Eastern Philosophy with the West

Watts was a pioneer in translating and adapting Eastern philosophy for Western listeners. His talks on unity, self-realization, and spirituality continue to resonate with a mainstream audience. His thought-provoking questions and perspectives remain a source of inspiration and reflection.

His radio show 'Way Beyond the West' started in the 1950s and continues to reach listeners. By the 1960s, Watts had become a voice of the counterculture movement, with his radio program syndicated nationally.

A Vision Fulfilled

TSM executives express their enthusiasm for this partnership, emphasizing the potential to introduce Alan Watts' wisdom to new generations. The collaboration with Mark Watts, director and co-founder of the Alan Watts Organization, aims to cultivate creative relationships and open dialogues in the music and film industries, as well as in commercial contexts.

philosophy, music, legacy