Concord Music Publishing
Welcome to a snug-fitting Publishing Briefs, our semimonthly bulletin of recent signings, deals and doings in the wide world of music publishing. Since the last edition, OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder signed himself, Deadmau5 sold his catalog, Kobalt launched a new platform targeting the creator middle class, a deal for the $uicideBoy$’ publishing catalog is being shopped, and Primary Wave signed a marketing and admin deal with “Wichita Lineman” songwriter Jimmy Webb.
Caught up? Here’s what else is going on:
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Reservoir Media paired with PopArabia to acquire the publishing and master rights to Egyptian star Omar Kamal‘s catalog. Kamal is a key figure in popularizing mahraganat, a genre blending Egyptian rhythms, electronic music and rap. His 2020 hit “Mahragan Bent El Geran” with Hassan Shakosh became a cultural phenomenon, earning over 700 million YouTube views, and subsequent hits, “Oud Al Batal” and “LGHBTITA,” have attracted over 500 million and 300 million YouTube views, respectively. PopArabia vp of A&R Wissam Khodur highlighted Kamal’s ability to “pivot into mahraganat with his own unique twist,” while Reservoir CEO Golnar Khosrowshahi called the acquisition “another key growth moment” for both companies’ efforts in the booming Egyptian market. “This deal builds upon our other recent strategic acquisitions and further supports our efforts to become a major tastemaker in the region,” she said.
A Lau inked a global publishing deal with Position Music, joining artists like Tinashe and Cannons. Known for his work with Ice Spice, Lil Tjay and French Montana, Lau is a rising executive producer in NYC’s hip-hop scene. His credits include Ice Spice’s “Butterfly Ku” and Lil Tjay’s “Bla Bla.” Lau owns Off Record Studio in Manhattan and leads the Off Record producer collective, focusing on artist development, and this year plans to executive produce records for Ice Spice, Megan Thee Stallion and Babytron. Position Music’s vp of A&R Delmar Powell and partner Mark Chipello praised Lau’s record-crafting skills and talent for building connections, with Powell calling him a “dynamic producer with a sharp ear and a relentless work ethic.” He’s managed by Peter Robinson of Olympus Projects.
Kobalt signed South Arcade to a global publishing deal, representing the band’s entire catalog. The Oxford-based group, formed in 2021, has quickly gained prominence with over 20 million streams on their debut EP and nearly 800,000 monthly Spotify listeners, leading to multiple sold-out headline shows and support slots for bands like Dead Pony and Yours Truly. South Arcade has received significant radio support, including BBC Radio 1 features. Kobalt executives praised the band’s talent and potential, with head of creative (UK and GSA) Kenny McGoff highlighting their music as brimming with “energy and life,” and svp of creative Melissa Emert-Hutner saying the group “embodies everything that draws me to an artist – immense talent, unwavering drive, and incredibly catchy songs.” Manager Ben Karter offered props to Team Kobalt, which “truly understood the band’s vision and music, rather than just buying into their data.”
Concord Music Publishing signed Wyoming rapper Ryan Charles to a global publishing deal, covering his full catalog and future works. Charles, whose style blends cowboy culture with 2000s rap, is known for standout tracks including “Gettin’ Western,” “Old Dirt Fancy” and “New Boot Goofin’,” which he performed on American Song Contest as representative of his home state. He also collaborated with Ian Munsick on “Cowboy Killer,” amassing over 37 million Spotify streams. In 2023, he released tracks like “Turquoise Stones,” “Cold Beer Diet” and “Heartbreak Rodeo,” surpassing 65 million global streams. Melissa Spillman, VP A&R at Concord, praised Charles for his crossover appeal to country and rap fans, adding, “I can confidently say Ryan is unlike anyone I’ve ever worked with.”
Concord Music Publishing ANZ, established after Concord acquired Native Tongue in 2022, signed a worldwide publishing deal with Melbourne artist Glass Beams. Led by a masked Rajan Silva, Glass Beams blends Indian and South Asian heritage with psychedelic soundscapes, leaning heavily on live instrumentation and DIY electronica sounds. Their debut EP Mirage and breakout EP Mahal have propelled them to international success, with the group set to perform at Coachella and Primavera Sound this year. Jaime Gough, Managing Director of Concord ANZ, praised Rajan as a “supremely gifted artist and songwriter, who through Glass Beams has created a unique brand of serpentine, psychedelic-tinged music, capturing a spirit that drifts between worlds; mystical, elusive, and endlessly mesmerizing.”
Downtown Music Publishing signed writer-producer Cameron Montgomery, who has contributed to hit songs for Morgan Wallen, Kane Brown, 24kGoldn, HARDY and more. Based in both Nashville and Los Angeles, Montgomery is also working on music for film, brands and collaborations in the visual arts space. Downtown Music Publishing also represents Jason Isbell, Sadler Vaden, Tommy Prine and is aligned with the John Prine Estate, which it represents along with Oh Boy Records. –Jessica Nicholson
Regalias Digitales, an independent music publisher specializing in both Latin and non-Latin music, has signed several notable talents to global publishing administration deals. Among them are Peysoh and Wallie The Sensei, both collaborators on Kendrick Lamar’s latest album GNX. The roster also includes Mexican hip-hop icon Dharius, hip-hop artist 03 Greedo, rising roots/bluegrass artist Lindsay Lou, popular EDM duo Bonnie X Clyde, Cypress Hill member Eric “Bobo” Correa, New Age act Beautiful Chorus, and Uncle Murda, a protégé of 50 Cent.
Arden Records is expanding its artist-first lo-fi music label with a new publishing division. Founded in 2021 in partnership with Platoon, the label connects lo-fi artists, producers and songwriters. Co-founded by Nepalese artist sagun and executives Jordan Smith and Andrew Kwan, its roster includes sagun, clay house, DAVI JUNO and French WiFi. The publishing arm aims to create opportunities for lo-fi creators. Arden’s ethos, inspired by nature and tranquility, is reflected in projects like its Earth Day compilation. Smith stresses their commitment to community, while Kwan underscores their dedication to authentic musicianship amid the rise of AI-generated music. “We remain steadfast in championing our artists, ensuring their authentic musicianship receives the recognition it deserves,” said Kwan. “Now, through the launch of our publishing venture, we are excited to continue this mission from a fresh and dynamic perspective.”
Pixel Grip, a darkwave/club pop band, signed a co-publishing deal with Brill Building Music Publishing. Known for underground staples like “ALPHAPUSSY” and “Stamina,” the band’s next single, “Split,” drops on March 14, followed by their album Percepticide: The Death of Reality in May. Recently, they opened for HEALTH on a sold-out tour, further solidifying their presence in the scene.
MUSIC CITY MINUTES: Spirit Music Group renewed its co-publishing agreement with songwriter David Garcia and acquired rights to some of his catalog … The Warner Chappell Music Live Song Pitch Round is scheduled for March 13 at The Listening Room. Among the writers performing are Lydia Vaughan, Josh Kerr and Summer Overstreet … Finalists were revealed for the AIMP Nashville Awards, presented by the Association for Independent Music Publishers on April 8 at Marathon Music Works. Jordan Davis, Shaboozey and Carly Pearce are on the ballot, along with double nominees Tucker Wetmore, ERNEST, Laci Kaye Booth, Vincent Mason, Daniel Ross and Jessi Jo Dillon.
Last Publishing Briefs: ‘Cowgirls’ Co-Writer Finds Home at Range
Brooke Primont was promoted to executive vp of global sync at Concord Music Publishing, where she will lead the company’s 17-person synch team worldwide, the company tells Billboard.
Based in New York City, Primont will lead all of Concord’s publishing synch operations, managing teams in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Australia — along with the company’s global sub publisher network — while creating synergies across the Concord catalog. She will report to chief publishing officer Jim Selby.
Primont joined Concord more than five years ago as head of the North American publishing synch department. Recent achievements by her team include a Super Bowl ad for UberEats featuring Montell Jordan’s “This Is How We Do It”; Ericdoa’s “ >one (greater than one)” for the Valorant video game series; Night Ranger’s “Sister Christian” in the trailer for Air; and The Polyphonic Spree‘s “Hold Me Now” in the trailer for Everything Everywhere All At Once.
“I am excited to expand my role by bringing together Concord’s sync teams around the world, allowing us to broaden the scope and diversify the opportunities that we can offer our songwriters and composers,” said Primont in a statement. “The global Concord Music Publishing sync team is truly something special, we have developed unparalleled relationships across the entertainment industry, and it doesn’t hurt that our catalog is full of some of the best songs ever written.”
Selby added, “Brooke has already taken our sync division to new heights. I know that this new role will further expand her capabilities, bringing more opportunities to more of our writers and enriching our catalogue.”
Over her 25 years in music publishing, Primont has served in roles at BMI, Cherry Lane Music Publishing and Razor & Tie. She currently serves on the executive boards for the AIMP New York chapter and Kid Pan Alley.
The Paley Center for Media announced that Combs Global and REVOLT chairman Sean “Diddy” Combs and Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl joined the entertainment industry nonprofit’s board of trustees alongside LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky and Alibaba Group co-founder/executive vice chairman Joseph C. Tsai. Additionally, FOX Entertainment CEO Rob Wade joined the Paley Los Angeles board of governors. According to a press release, the organization’s board of trustees “offers guidance in support of the organization’s mission to lead the conversation around today’s rapidly evolving media landscape and provides critical input on strategy and operations, including public programs and exhibits, educational classes, workshops, and industry events hosted by the Paley Media Council.”
Recently formed multimedia platform gamma., founded by Larry Jackson, is expanding operations into Africa and the Middle East and has named Sipho Dlamani as president of Africa & Middle East and Naomi Campbell as special advisor of Africa & Middle East. The Africa operation will be based in Lagos, Nigeria and the Middle East operation will be based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dlamini most recently served as CEO of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa; Campbell, an internationally recognized supermodel and UN Commonwealth Ambassador, is the founder of Fashion For Relief and The Emerge Initiative, among other endeavors. In its debut in the region last Friday, gamma. exclusively distributed and marketed Rema‘s album, Rave & Roses (Ultra) in African territories.
AWAL announced the appointment of its U.K. executive leadership team, including Matt Riley as managing director; and Victoria Needs and Sam Potts as senior vps. Riley will expand his current oversight as the company’s head of A&R, working with AWAL president Paul Hitchman and CEO Lonny Olinick to sign new artists and develop the company’s roster. Needs will add the U.K. market to her existing international marketing duties for AWAL, while Potts will continue working with the executive leadership team to maximize audience development and growth strategies for AWAL artists across traditional and digital media.
Also at AWAL, Cami Operé was named vp/head of publicity. She joins the company from Sacks & Co., where she was vp of publicity and led public relations efforts for artists including Lizzy McAlpine, Jungle and Bruno Major. She can be reached at cami.opere@awal.com.
Sara Knabe was named senior vp of A&R at Big Loud, where she will work with both the Big Loud Records and Big Loud Publishing A&R teams. Knabe joins following a year spent founding and developing Cake Maker Music, her own music publishing, artist development and A&R consulting company; she previously served in roles at BBR Music Group and BMG, among others. Knabe can be reached at saraknabe@bigloud.com.
Steve Ziff was named chief business officer at Loud And Live, where he will oversee the company’s marketing services and enterprise-wide business development efforts, offering strategic guidance to grow the company’s portfolio. He joins the company from Thrill One Sports, where he served as chief marketing officer/chief communications officer. Ziff can be reached at sziff@loudlive.com.
Second Estate Records, a new label founded by A&R veteran and entrepreneur Mel Carter, appointed Katie Kay as general manager and Adise Bellille as president. Together, Kay and Bellille will oversee forthcoming releases from 2Rare and more acts in partnership with Warner Records, with which Second Estate has a joint venture. Kay most recently served as vp of marketing at Cinematic Music Group, while Bellille is an entertainment and hospitality entrepreneur who founded New York-based nightlife hub Carefree Nation, among other endeavors. Kay can be reached at Katie@secondestaterecords.com and Bellille can be reached at Adise@secondestaterecords.com.
Suzi Ibbotson was named director of communications at PPL; she joins from Unilever Global, where she held the same role. She will report to CEO Peter Leathem and join the company’s executive management team. Ibbotson can be reached at suzi.ibbotson@ppluk.com.
The board of Hipgnosis announced that Vania Schlogel stepped down as a director, effective April 30, to focus on her firm, Atwater Capital. “Vania is an exceptional executive and her experience in every aspect of investment and music has been invaluable in making Hipgnosis the market leader,” said Hipgnosis Songs Fund CEO/founder Merck Mercuriadis in a statement. “We appreciate her terrific contributions to Hipgnosis Songs Fund during her time on the Board and wish her every success in the future.”
Independent publishing company peermusic announced three promotions in its Canada office as well as its neighboring rights division, including Neville Quinlan to managing director of publishing & neighbouring rights, Canada; Cheryl Link to general manager of peermusic’s Toronto publishing operations; and Rachael Clark to head of administration at peermusic Canada. Quinlan can be reached at nquinlan@peermusic.com, Link can be reached at clink@peermusic.com and Clark can be reached at rclark@peermusic.com.
The U.K. office of independent record company Because Music and London Records has announced several senior appointments. They include Rhian Emanuel, promoted to managing director at Because Music UK; Laura Kelly, promoted to managing director at London Records; Ed Pearson, promoted to senior vp of marketing, dance & electronic at Because Music UK; and Junior Foster, hired as digital marketing & strategy manager at London Records, which he joins from Deezer.
Brian Celler was named senior vp of content and programming, Europe at ASM Global. He will be responsible for the company’s music, entertainment and sports content throughout its European and U.K. portfolio. The 25-year veteran has previously held roles at Q Prime, Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Principle Management. Celler can be reached at Brian.Celler@eu.asmglobal.com.
Ashley Gorley‘s publishing and artist development company, Tape Room Music, promoted all three members of its team. Blain Rhodes was named president, Kelly Bolton was named senior vp of A&R and Caroline Hodson was named manager of A&R.
Holly Schomann was promoted to senior director of program & project management at TuneCore, where she will now oversee a team of project managers to ensure proper execution of software development processes and internal reporting.
Todd Bonder joined Reitler Kailas & Rosenblatt‘s Los Angeles office as a partner in the firm’s litigation practice. Bonder focuses on intellectual property and general civil litigation, emphasizing entertainment, new media, trademark, copyright, rights of publicity and privacy and publishing matters, as well as unfair competition, trust, probate, contract, real estate and construction disputes. He can be reached at tbonder@reitlerlaw.com.
Veteran agent Stefanie Purificati joined The Feldman Agency in Canada, where she brings clients including Digging Roots, Aysanabee, iskwē and Tynomi Banks to the roster. She will be based out of the company’s Toronto office and can be reached at purificati@feldman-agency.com.
Found Objects, the music and sound collective founded by film/TV composers Jay Wadley and Trevor Gureckis, promoted Katt Matt to executive producer and Nick Chomowicz to senior producer. The collective specializes in sound design and music supervision for film, TV and brands.
Sue Ann Cordell joined Reliant Talent Agency, where she will be responsible for human resources, office administration and executive assistance. She has held roles at companies including WME and is also the owner of life coaching and event-speaking company Shineworthy Lifestyles, among other ventures. Cordell can be reached at sacordell@relianttalent.com.
Maria Eiliert was named account executive at Shore Fire Media out of its Nashville office, elevated from junior account executive. She joined the firm after graduating from Belmont University with a music business degree in November 2020.
Rachel Brittain joined The Neal Agency as a commercial and brand partnerships agent. She joins from FlyteVu, where she served as an account manager and was part of the talent team, connecting artists to brands. She can be reached at Rachel@TheNealAgency.net.
Labelcoin, a blockchain-based song exchange and investment marketplace “striving to end artist poverty with fan-supported investment in artists’ songs,” according to a press release, launched a business advisory council that so far includes Mark Dvornik, former head of U.S. distribution at Paramount Pictures; Hummingbird Productions founder/president Bob Farnsworth; G2G Enterprises founder/CEO Lee Guzofski; and MRSV Media CEO Loren Johnson.
Concord Music Publishing has acquired the majority of country songwriter-producer Corey Crowder‘s catalog and signed him to a co-publishing deal that also includes his future works. He was formerly signed to Tree Vibez.
The acquisition of Crowder’s catalog includes Chris Young’s two-times platinum single “Famous Friends” (featuring Kane Brown) and other hits from Young, Florida Georgia Line and Chase Rice, among many others.
“Corey is a proven, consistent, country hit-maker,” says Brad Kennard, senior vp of A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. He adds that the signing and acquisition represent “a big leap forward for Concord’s footing within the active country market. We are committed to representing significant real estate in the format. Further evidenced by locating Concord global headquarters here, we aim to continue our aggressive growth in Nashville.”
Kennard adds that Crowder’s catalog “stacks up with the best of the best and fits perfectly” alongside the company’s existing roster of country songwriters, including Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Andy Albert, Josh Miller and Russell Dickerson.
Crowder, a Georgia native, relocated to Nashville in 2010 and has built a catalog of songs that also includes Young’s Billboard Country Airplay chart-toppers “I’m Comin’ Over” and “Think of You” featuring Cassadee Pope (neither of which is included in the acquisition). He’s also a co-writer on the Florida Georgia Line hits “Long Live” and “I Love My Country,” as well as the duo’s Rice collaboration “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” In 2022, Crowder earned the Country Music Association’s Triple Play award for his role in writing three chart-topping songs within a 12-month period. He’s spent a total of four weeks atop Billboard‘s Country Songwriters chart.
As a producer, Crowder’s credits include work on Florida Georgia Line’s Life Rolls On album, Justin Bieber‘s “Yummy (Country Remix),” LoCash‘s “One Big Country Song” and the Chris Tomlin/Lady A collaboration “Who You Are to Me.” He’s also enjoyed placements on TV shows including Nashville, One Tree Hill and The Real World.
“The Concord team has such a great vision and passion for great songs and songwriters,” adds Crowder in a statement. “I’ve known a lot of the team and their writers for some time now. So, it felt like a natural fit.”
Omar Apollo has signed a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing. The new partnership comes after the Latin singer-songwriter’s major label debut album, Ivory (2022) via Warner Records, and a juggernaut soulful single “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All),” which recently landed at No. 51 on the Hot 100.
The contract with Concord will cover his complete music catalog, which includes Ivory and future works.
“Omar has already proven himself to be one of the most exciting artists, pushing music forward,” Jeremy Yohai, senior vp of A&R at Concord, said in a statement. “It’s been amazing working Omar together with Dylan [Shanks, management] and his current music success is only the beginning.”
“Working with Jeremy and the Concord Music Publishing team has been great,” adds Apollo.
The independent music publishing company also houses the works of acclaimed songwriters like The 1975, BIA, Daft Punk, and Duff McKagan, and represents the catalogs of legends such as Benny Blanco, Phil Collins, and Joan Sebastian among others.
Prior to Ivory, the Mexican-American artist was already a force to be reckoned with. He carved out a space as a prolific, millions-streaming SoundCloud creator; entered the top 20 of Heatseekers Albums for both 2019’s EP Friends and 2020’s mixtape Apolonio releases; and earned two Latin Grammy nominations in 2021. Plus, he’s been building a fervid, cult fan base that’s now ready for a mainstream breakthrough.
With a heady mix of pop-punk (“Talk”), delectable funk (“No Good Reason”), Spanglish trap (“Tamagochi”), and plenty of bluesy cuts in the new album, Apollo further testifies his genre-spanning prowess and song-crafting eminence and that’s equipped for global consumption. Proof? For starters, Ivory debuted at No. 1 of the Heatseekers Albums chart, and singles like “Evergreen” racked up about 66 million plays across streaming channels.
This year, the bilingual star made memorable appearances in major festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and ALC Fest. He also guested on Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and is preparing for another headlining tour Stateside that includes stops at Brooklyn’s King Theatre and Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre.
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