Publishing Briefs: Indies Sound the Alarm on GenAI, Plus Sony Signs a Kendrick Collaborator
Written by djfrosty on April 3, 2025
Welcome to Publishing Briefs, our semimonthly bulletin of recent signings, deals and doings in the wide world of music publishing. Since the last time we rapped, NMPA chief David Israelite gave his annual State of Music Publishing address at a conference for indie publishers, Canada’s SOCAN reported a record-high number in total royalty distributions, and Billboard Español had a chat with Rimas Publishing president Carlos Souffront and managing director Emilio Morales about their vision for the company.
The Independent Music Publishers International Forum (IMPF) released its fourth Global Market View report, analyzing the indie music publishing industry’s performance and trends, including the impact of Generative AI. The report shows that the sector grew by 5.7% in 2023, the last full year of data, reaching a total value of 2.57 billion euros ($2.83B, as of the exchange rate on Dec. 30, 2023), up 105.6% since 2018. Despite a slight decline in market share from 26.7% to 26.3%, independent publishers collectively hold a larger market share than major companies like Sony Music Publishing, they said. Key priorities outlined in the report include addressing AI challenges and advocating for fair compensation from DSPs. The study warns that unchecked growth of AI-generated content could lead to a 24% revenue dip in music and a 21% drop in audiovisual by 2028, resulting in a cumulative loss of 22 billion euros, with 10 billion euros affecting music. The IMPF, which reps 230 indies, emphasizes the need for supportive tax policies and plans to monitor the U.S. Mechanical Licensing Collective for equitable practices. The report also raises concerns about consolidation/acquisitions of catalogs and indie publishers, which could negatively impact cultural diversity by reducing independent routes to the music market.
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Sony Music Publishing signed producer, engineer and multi-instrumentalist MTech (Matthew Bernard) to a global publishing deal. This agreement covers his existing catalog and future songs, and is in collaboration with producer Sounwave’s new production division, new.ordinary. Mtech contributed on six tracks on Kendrick Lamar’s GNX album, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. His credits on GNX include “Luther” and “Squabble Up,” both Hot 100 No. 1s. He has also worked on Lamar’s Euphoria, Kali Uchis’ Orquídeas, and Blxst’s I’ll Always Come Find You. Born in Los Angeles, MTech began his career at 17, later moving to Atlanta where he secured his first major TV placement on FOX’s Star and worked on The Four: Battle for Stardom. Returning to LA in 2022, he was introduced to Sounwave, who calls him a “superstar.” Sony Music Publishing manager, creative A&R Lauren Munroe said, “MTech’s exceptional talent is truly inspiring to be around, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with him. We’re honored to welcome MTech to the Sony Music Publishing family alongside the visionary Sounwave and excited for the incredible music ahead.”
Kobalt signed rock band Pierce The Veil to a global publishing deal. The band is on a successful tour following their fifth studio album, The Jaws Of Life, with sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden and The Forum. Their I Can’t Hear You world tour will continue across Europe, Mexico and South America. With over a decade in the industry, PTV blends post-hardcore, emo and progressive rock, earning a devoted global fanbase, especially within the Latinx community due to their Mexican-American roots. Melissa Emert-Hutner, Kobalt’s senior vp of creative, praised the group’s unique sound and significant fanbase in both rock and Latin music communities. “We look forward to working closely with the band and their team to provide the support and resources they need as they continue to grow their fan base around the world,” she said.
Peermusic signed songwriter and producer Clint Lagerberg to a worldwide publishing deal, covering future works and select back catalog. Lagerberg’s career highlights include Rascal Flatts’ “Here Comes Goodbye” and co-writing and producing Josh Kelley’s “Georgia Clay.” He achieved massive success with Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” the singer’s top song on Spotify and his highest-charting hit on the Hot 100 (at No. 24, in 2016). His songs have been recorded by country stars like Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw and Matt Stell. Recently, Lagerberg contributed to Brad Paisley’s upcoming album as both a writer and producer, with additional production credits include Matt Stell, LoCash, Leanna Crawford, Kevin Jonas and Backstreet Boys, among others. Knox praised Lagerberg’s talent and process. “He’s already proven his ability to land songs on the top of the charts, but it’s his process that is really impressive to me,” he said. “Clint has the technical knowledge and ability to see it through from conception to song production and delivery.”
Concord Music Publishing signed music producer Dom Martinez to a worldwide publishing deal, covering his full catalog and future works. Originally from Denver and now based in Nashville, Martinez is known for his versatility across genres like pop, rap, folk, singer-songwriter, and R&B. Martinez has collaborated with emerging talents such as Myles Smith, Caleb Hearn and Braden Bales. Lily Bunta, A&R Manager at Concord, praised Martinez’s passion and “truly infectious” enthusiasm for music.
Across the pond and then some, Concord Music Publishing ANZ signed up New Zealand power-pop band The Beths for worldwide representation. The deal covers their growing catalog, including albums Future Me Hates Me, Jump Rope Gazers, and Expert In A Dying Field. Formed in 2014 and led by vocalist Liz Stokes, The Beths have gained acclaim with their indie rock sound and performances at major festivals like Coachella. They were the first New Zealand act to win the Levi’s Music Prize in 2020. Jaime Gough, managing director at Concord Music Publishing ANZ, praised Stokes’ “deft lyricism and unique turn of phrase,” while Pennie Black, director at CMPNZ, called out their “infectious” indie pop sound as “a true reflection of their exceptional songwriting talent.”
Sony Music Publishing locked in multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Jesse Fink to a global publishing deal. Based in Los Angeles, Fink has written major hits, including Myles Smith’s Stargazing, which spent 44 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped international charts, and Artemas’ i like the way you kiss me, which surpassed 1 billion Spotify streams and reached #1 on Billboard’s Global 200 Excl. US chart. His songwriting credits include work with John Legend, Dove Cameron, and Leyla Blue. A GRAMMY winner for Best R&B Album in 2021 with Legend’s Bigger Love, he recently earned two BRIT Award nominations for Song of the Year. Sony Music Publishing A&R manager Clark Adler lauded Fink’s passion and work ethic, saying these traits “elevate everyone around him.”
Over in The Volunteer State, SMP Nashville signed singer-songwriter Averie Bielski to a global publishing deal. Originally from Roswell, GA, Averie has quickly made a name for herself, first gaining attention in 2021 with her viral debut single I Do Too, which gained traction on TikTok. Since moving to Nashville, her songs have been recorded by artists like Callista Clark, Zach John King, Carson Wallace, Ashley Anne and Grace Tyler. Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s manager of creative A&R, Synnovea Halsel, praised her “fresh” lyricism and unique melodies — “From the moment I heard her first song, I was taken aback.”
Warner Chappell Music‘s Miami team signed Afro-Colombian artist Hamilton, also known as AfroRockStar. As a prominent figure in the Afrobeat movement, Hamilton has already amassed over 250 million career streams. He is gearing up to release his debut album, which includes “Mi Reina,” a new single with Nanpa Basico. Recognized as an artist to watch, Hamilton’s Afrobeats collaborations include Ryan Castro’s “A Poca Luz” and Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez’s “Atardecer.” He is signed to Cigol Music on the label side and Globalatino/Cigol Publishing.
PUB BRIEFS BRIEFS: Centricity Music signed the Texas-based duo Band Reeves to a recording and publishing contract. The duo features Reeves brothers Jeramy and Cody, who have crafted a sound that blends country and Christian music. Band Reeves is managed by Proper Management and will release a debut single soon … Electronic music producer Anyma signed a global publishing deal with Kobalt. The agreement covers Anyma’s entire catalog, including his work with the duo Tale of Us, as well as future releases.