Publishing Briefs
Reservoir has acquired the rights to composer Lebohang Morake, professionally known as Lebo M. Lebo, who is best known for his work on The Lion King franchise. From South Africa, the renowned composer, arranger, producer and performer first broke through as a collaborator of Hans Zimmer, who has also sold part of his catalog to Reservoir, on the soundtrack for The Power of One (1992). He then reunited with Zimmer on The Lion King two years later, writing and performing songs like “Circle of Life” for the legendary Disney film. He has also worked on the soundtracks for many of the subsequent films in The Lion King franchise. This includes his soundtrack for the upcoming prequel Mufasa: The Lion King, which was co-composed by Lin Manuel Miranda. His other contributions to film soundtracks include Dinosaur, Back on the Block, The Life of Quincy Jones, Congo, Long Night’s Journey into Day, Tears of the Sun, The Legend of Tarzan, and The Woman King.
OTM Music has announced new publishing deals with Hemlocke Springs, Erick the Architect and Leon Michels, a touring member of The Black Keys and producer for Clairo, Norah Jones and Lee Fields. The company is also bringing on a new U.S. Head of A&R, Emmy Feldman, to the OTM Music team. Launched in 2017 by CEO Alex Sheridan, OTM Music is a fast-growing boutique publisher that serves a diverse array of songwriting talent, including Sudan Archives, Metronomy, Still Woozy, HONNE, Dot Da Genius and Sub Focus.
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Kobalt has signed rising Latin artist Ela Taubert and her longtime producer KEVN to global publishing agreements. Hailing from Colombia, Taubert announced her deal with Kobalt just a month after winning the Latin GRAMMY Award for Best New Artist and performing her hit “¿Como Paso?” with Joe Jonas at the ceremony.
Warner Chappell Music and All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth have signed a joint venture publishing agreement with musician, songwriter and producer Dan Swank. Over the years, Swank has played a crucial role in the writing, producing and mixing of releases by Pale Waves, Knox, Taylor Acorn, Mitchell Tenpenny, Charlotte Sands and more.
Berlin-based Bosworth Music GmbH, part of Wise Music Group, has announced the signing of Janus Rasmussen to a global publishing deal. A producer, composer and artist, Rasmussen hails from the Faroe Islands and is based in Reykjavik. An accomplished producer, composer and artist Rasmussen started his career with the Nordic Music Council Prize-nominated debut album “Vín,” which saw him honing his minimal techno chops into an hour-long exploration of acoustic textures and electronic sound design. Aside from his own music, Janus performs alongside Ólafur Arnalds as one half of Kiasmos. Arnalds was also recently signed to the same company.
TikTok and ICE have signed a long term licensing deal. The new agreement means that TikTok and its users can will to have access to the broad and wide ranging catalog of songs represented by ICE, which includes many of Europe’s biggest collection societies like PRS, STIM and GEMA. ICE also represents peermusic, Concord and Songtrust.
TikTok also launched its first-ever TikTok for Songwriters event on Tuesday (Nov. 19) at its London headquarters. Featuring appearance by JADE and Kamille, the event celebrating the art of songwriting in partnership with PRS and The Ivors Academy.
Seeker Music, the songwriter-led music rights, publishing and record company, has acquired the publishing rights to indie-rock band The Wombats’ first four albums. Formed in Liverpool in 2003, The Wombats early catalog contains hits like “Let’s Dance to Joy Division,” “Greek Tragedy,” and “Turn.” The Wombats said in a statement about the deal: “We are absolutely thrilled to be working with the team at Seeker and can’t think of a better team to help build our catalogue over the coming years.”
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Slipstream, a music licensing platform with over 650,000 songs in its production library, has partnered with Kobalt for publishing administration. Earlier this fall, Slipstream announced that it had acquired Anthem Entertainment’s production music businesses, including Jingle Punks, 5 Alarm Music and Cavendish Music.
Platinum Grammar Publishing has signed singer-songwriter Morgan St. Jean to a global publishing deal. A co-writer on Chappell Roan’s hit song “Casual,” St. Jean is a fast-rising talent in songwriting world. As an artist, St. Jean got her start as a featured artist on the Borgeous single “Famous” and Loud Luxury’s “Aftertaste.” Since then, she has also released solo material, including the viral hit “Not All Men.” Her new publishing home, Platinum Grammar, was founded in 2022 by Joie Manda as a fully independent, self-funded publishing venture with the hopes of developing new talent. The company also recently signed Adam Wendler, co-writer of Dasha’s “Austin.”
Third Side Music has signed Katie Crutchfield, better known as indie band Waxahatchee, to a global publishing deal. News of the signing arrives just after Waxahatchee earned a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album, and the A&R who signed her, Brontë Jane, received a promotion to become the company’s new executive vp of creative/A&R. In addition, TSM has elevated Mariah Flores to creative/A&R manager.
Maison Arts has signed producer/songwriter Alexander “AYOKAY” O’Neill to a publishing agreement. Along with his own artist project, making dance/electronic music, AYOKAY has lent his production skills to artists like Quinn XCII, Chelsea Cutler, Jeremy Zucker, Carly Rae Jepson and more.
Universal Music Publishing Group has signed Manchester-based singer-songwriter Lusaint to a global publishing deal. The news follows the release of Lusaint’s debut EP, Self Sabotage, released via Heavenly Fire.
Position Music, has announced the signing of SLOE JACK to a worldwide publishing deal. News of the agreement comes soon after SLOE JACK, a 22-year-old multi-genre talent, signed a label deal with Dream Artists and Interscope Records.
Warner Chappell Music and Cornman Music have jointly signed Trent Wayne to a global publishing deal. The southern Mississippi native has collaborated with notable songwriters such as Schmitty, Reid Morris, Noah Hudson, Zach John King, Matt Mulhare, Chase McDaniel, Mia Mantia, and Brett James, among many others.
Bosworth Music GmbH, part of Wise Music Group, has signed a further publishing agreement with the globally acclaimed Icelandic composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Ólafur Arnalds for his entire back catalogue as well as new works. Arnalds began his relationship with Wise Music Group in 2020.
Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has signed a global deal with Mike Dean and several members of his producer collective MWA, including Sean Solymar, Tommy Rush and Sage Skolfield. The deal also includes a new strategic partnership between SMP and MWA to foster the creative development of its new talent. Dean is one of the most influential producers working today. Since the ’90s, he’s defined the sound of hip-hop. He started his career in the Houston area working with Southern rap icons like Scarface, Ugk and Devin The Dude. Since then, Dean has worked across nearly the entire discography of Ye (formerly Kanye West) as well as on pivotal albums like Travis Scott’s ASTROWORLD, Beyoncé’s Lemonade, Frank Ocean’s Blonde, The Weeknd’s Beauty Behind the Madness and many more.
EMPIRE Publishing has entered a global publishing partnership with two-time GRAMMY winner Billy Ray Cyrus. The voice behind hits like “Achy Breaky Heart” and Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” remix, Cyrus is set to release his next song, “Remember Why You’re Here,” on Nov. 22.
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PULSE Music Group has formed a creative joint venture with songwriter/producer Gabe Simon and his publishing entity Abide By the Vibe. Simon is best known for co-writing and co-producing Noah Kahan’s hit album Stick Season along with Kahan’s previous LPs. The first two signings to the PULSE Music Group/Abide By the Vibe JV are Noah Levine (another Kahan co-writer) and Sam “HAFFWAY” Westhoff (a Nashville-based writer, producer and artist).
Bossy Songs (the publishing venture founded by RECORDS CEO and co-founder Barry Weiss) and Sony Music Publishing have extended their joint publishing venture and announced the signing of writer/producer Austin Corona. Corona is perhaps best known for his work on Halsey’s latest album, The Great Impersonator, (“Panic Attack,” “Ego,” “Darwinism,” “Lonely is the Muse”), but he has also worked on Zara Larsson’s Venus, Jean Dawson’s CHAOS NOW and GLIMMER OF GOD, and Peter McPoland’s “Piggy.” Frequently, Corona works alongside his production partner, Wyatt Bernard, who is signed to Sony Music Publishing. The roster for Bossy Songs now includes Corona, Dan Gleyzer, Cheyenna, Michael Sonier, Cody Tarpley and IDA.
The Ivors Academy, the U.K.’s premier songwriting advocacy organization, has elected 40 songwriters and composers to its members Senate. This group includes English star Paloma Faith, Ivor Novello Award winners Kamille and Tinie Tempah, fellow of The Ivors Academy David Arnold, and current Ivors Academy Chair and founding member of Gomez Tom Gray. Elected once every three years, the Senate provides feedback that influences the direction of the Ivors Academy and its positions on key issues like AI, creator remuneration, the future of public funding for the arts and more.
peermusic latin america has signed AQUIHAYAQUIHAY, Un León Marinero and Foudeqush to exclusive worldwide publishing deals. The trio was signed by peermusic Mexico, with the deals encompassing existing song catalogs and future works. “peermusic Mexico is proud to add to its roster these latest signings which showcase the variety and breath of Mexican music’s contemporary talents and our office’s commitment towards supporting our rich local heritage,” said Viridiana Gonzalez, GM of peermusic Mexico, in a statement.
Universal Music Publishing Group has signed Tim Powell in collaboration with Organized Chaos. Powell is a British songwriting talent who has lent his pen to songs like “Hole in the Head” and “Round Round” by Sugababes, “Call the Shots” by Girls Aloud, “Love etc.” by Pet Shop Boys, “Picking Up the Pieces” by Saint Etienne, “Change Your Life” by Little Mix and “Head & Heart” by Joel Corry & MNEK.
Warner Chappell Music and Twelve6 Entertainment have signed singer-songwriter Ben Wagner to a global publishing deal. Wagner is a rising talent in Nashville and is best known for his work with Wyatt Flores on his songs for Netflix’s Virgin River and Ordinary Angels.
Sony Music Publishing Indonesia (SMPI) today announced the signing of acclaimed Indonesian singer, songwriter and actor Sal Priadi to an exclusive global publishing agreement. The landmark deal sees Sal Priadi’s entire back catalog coming under the SMPI umbrella.
Warner Chappell Music‘s Latin division has signed urbano music producer Jorge Milliano. A trusted collaborator for superstars like Peso Pluma, Myke Towers, Anitta, The Chainsmokers, Maluma, Manuel Turizo, Marshmello and Nicky Jam, Milliano is one of the top producers working in Latin music today.
Concord Music Publishing has announced the signing of poet, singer, songwriter and producer Kara Jackson. Signed in collaboration with Ark Publishing, a joint venture founded by Grammy-winning producer and songwriter, Noah Goldstein, the worldwide publishing deal includes Jackson’s catalog and all future works.
The Circuit Group has partnered with Kobalt globally for publishing administration. The Circuit Group was founded by Dean and Jessica Wilson, Brett Fischer, David Gray and Harvey Tadman with the aim to acquire ownership in artists’ IP portfolios and partner with them to build new monetization opportunities.
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U.K. music supervision company 45RPM has launched a new music publishing arm with the support of Universal Music Publishing Group, which will administer the new publishing outfit. Founded in 2022 by top music supervisors Iain Cooke, Sarah Bridge, Catherine Grieves and Nick Angel, 45RPM offers a full service experience for clients, including soundtrack development, composer partnerships, rights negotiation, budget management and on-camera music supervision.
Spirit Music Group has joined a creative joint venture with Grammy-winner Autumn Rowe to form Rowe’s Honest Songs Music & Lyrics. A singer, songwriter and producer, Rowe has worked with Jon Batiste, Dua Lipa, Diana Ross, Pitbull, Zendaya, Ava Max, FKA Twigs and Leona Lewis, as well as released songs in her own right. When she’s not in sessions, Rowe sits on the board of Songwriters of North America (SONA) where she advocates for songwriter’s rights.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville today announced the signing of acclaimed songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Elysse Yulo. News of the deal comes just months after working with Lana Del Rey and Quavo on their song “Tough.” Along with her work with Del Rey and Quavo, Elysse has also worked with Nashville talents like Zach John King, and Maddox Batson.
EJ Pasin has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Position Music. He is perhaps best known for producing the beat and guitar of the viral hit “Embrace It” by Ndorz, but the songwriter/producer has also released his own work via the names EJ Pasin and ptasinski (his side project). He is managed by Ewan Jenkins and Jack Mangan of E2J Management.
Warner Chappell Music (WCM) and Grammy-nominated duo, The Warren Brothers, have jointly signed a publishing deal with emerging country singer-songwriter Preston Cooper. An Ohio native, Cooper is currently one of the special guests on Riley Green’s ‘Damn Country Music’ Tour. He also has new music dropping in early 2025.
Jonathan Tester has launched Groove Bound Songs, a new independent publishing company, created via a joint venture with Bucks Music Group. As part of their agreement, Groove Bound Songs, founded by Bucks longtime Head of Sync, will benefit from Bucks’ leading back end administration, creative A&R, sync services and general expertise under the JV.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has announced a new partnership with One4 Entertainment’s Brian Wright to sign breakthrough singer-songwriter Sadie Bass to a global publishing deal.
Sony Music Publishing U.K. has signed folk singer-songwriter Myles Smith to an exclusive publishing deal on the heels of his breakthrough hit “Stargazing.” Even before “Stargazing” shot Smith to stardom, he was quickly amassing a fan base with other streaming successes like “Solo” and “My Home.” Iconoclast has acquired the publishing catalog, sound records and […]
Livelihood Music Company has brought on three-time Grammy-nominated hitmaker Ali Tamposi as a principal. In this role, she will join fellow songwriters JKash and Michael Pollack at the helm of the new independent music publisher. Tamposi has penned some of the biggest pop hits of the 21st century, including “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson, “Havana” by Camila Cabello, “Senorita” by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, “Let Me Love You” by Justin Bieber and DJ Snake, “It Ain’t Me” by Selena Gomez and Kygo, “Youngblood” by 5 Seconds of Summer and “Break My Heart” by Dua Lipa. “I’m thrilled to be joining Livelihood Music Company, and expanding my sphere into the role of publisher,” says Tamposi. “Stepping into this new role creates a perfect blend of my two greatest passions – songwriting and motherhood – both requiring continuous nurturing and selfless devotion.”
Iconoclast, an artist and brand development company founded by Olivier Chastan, has acquired the catalog of rapper, singer and actress Eve. This includes her shares of hit singles like “Gangsta Lovin’,” “Love Is Blind” and “Who’s That Girl” among others. More recently, her work inspired a new generation of talent when she was sampled in Central Cee’s 2022 track “Doja.” Henry Root of Smith Entertainment Law represented Iconoclast, with Michael Poster of Michaelman & Robinson, LLP serving as advisor. Wayne Russell and Pippa Wealthall of Massive Management represented Eve in the transaction. Talya Shalsom and Tim Smith of Statham Gill Davies Law, with Benjamin Vermeil of Jab Music also facilitated the deal.
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Prescription Songs has signed Grammy-winning producer/writer Tobias Wincorn to a global publishing deal. Among Wincorn’s many credits are works released by Fred again.., Missy Elliott, Lizzo, Swedish House Mafia, Fridayy, Jack Harlow, Shenseea, Megan Thee Stallion, and more. Most frequently, he works with Fred again.., Timbaland and Murda Beatz. In addition to his work in the studio, he has also previously worked as an a&r consultant for Crush Music, Seeker Music, and Hipgnosis Songs Group.
Killphonic Rights, an LA-based rights management company, has partnered with Stilwell Creative Capital. Stilwell is investing $3 million of working capital for a proportional stake of equity in Killphonic. The money will be put towards expanding services for the company’s growing roster of artists, writers, labels and publishers.
Warner Chappell Music UK has signed Will Manning to a global publishing deal. An award-winning broadcaster, producer and songwriter, Manning was a DJ for stations like KISS FM, BBC 1xtra, The Hits, Capital FM before signing a record deal with RCA last year. Now, he releases his own music and writes with others. This includes his work on the dance banger “Kisses” by BI3ss.
Low Profile, a music licensing company established by Jen Pearce in 2017, has launched a music publishing division. Its first signees are Thandii, Steady Holiday, Lani Rose, Petite Noir, Kassa Overall and Camp Saint Helene. As the company’s press release states, this new division is “dedicated to providing songwriters with transparent, fair deals and essential resources to help them navigate the intricacies of music publishing.” Among its services, Low Profile offers its clients access to its proprietary Advance Calculator tool to demystify how publishing deals are put together.
AllTrack, the latest U.S. performing rights organization (PRO), has launched a suite of APIs now-available to platforms like streaming services, UGC platforms, distributor and publishing administrators. The APIs will include a direct single-click PRO registration capability for unaffiliated creators from within a platforms, authentification of songwriters profiles and account details, access to detailed song-level metadata, the ability to display songwriter credits to end users and immediate clearance of performing rights.
Warner Chappell Music has signed a global publishing agreement with hitmaking songwriter John Ryan. With six writing and production credits on Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet and cuts with Thomas Rhett, Teddy Swims, Harry Styles, Benson Boone, Maren Morris, Maroon 5, Niall Horan and more, WCM president of North America, Ryan Press, calls Ryan “a pop powerhouse.”
Primary Wave has partnered with the estate of Ric Ocasek on the late Cars songwriter’s publishing catalog as well as his name, image and likeness rights. The terms of the deal will see the publishing company work with all the songs from his time with the “Magic” band and his songs as a solo artist.
Audius, a decentralized music streaming service and community platform, has signed a global licensing agreement with Kobalt. The deal provides a new revenue stream for Kobalt’s roster of songwriters, and it creates a pathway for the music fans who use Audius to support their favorite artists with direct U.S. dollar payments. This is the latest in a string of deals Audius has made this year with the music business establishment to ensure proper licenses are in place and that musicians can get paid from the platform. This includes new agreements with ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and GMR.
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UMPG UK has signed producer and writer James Ford to a global publishing administration deal. Though he is best known as a creative collaborator of top acts like Arctic Monkeys, Depeche Mode via Foals, Florence and The Machine, Haim, Gorillaz and Jessie Ware, Ford also recently launched his own solo project with the 2023 album The Hum.
Savan Kotecha, renowned for his work with The Weeknd, Ariana Grande and One Direction, has joined forces with major Indian talent management company REPRESENT to launch Outwrite, India’s first incubator for songwriters. With Outwrite, Kotecha hopes to start a global hub for songwriters, producers, musicians, and engineers, offering end-to-end solutions for everything related to music creation and supervision, and to bring more Indian musical talent into the top writing rooms.
Big Yellow Dog Music has signed Trent Tomlinson to a global music publishing deal. Tomlinson is best known for penning hits like “Damn Strait” by Scotty McCreery and “In Case You Didn’t Know” by Brett Young as well as other artists like Lainey Wilson, George Strait, Chris Young, and Sara Evans.
Sony Music Publishing has signed an exclusive worldwide co-publishing agreement with hit songwriter and producer Jeremy Stover, covering his future works. As part of the deal, Sony has also acquired several of Stover’s songs, including hits by Tim McGraw and Justin Moore, underscoring its ongoing creative partnership with RED Creative Group. Stover, known for his current singles like Justin Moore’s “This Is My Dirt” and Ashley McBryde’s “The Devil I Know,” continues to work with major artists such as Luke Combs, Priscilla Block, and Travis Denning.
Position Music has signed Erik Ron to a worldwide publishing deal. A go-to collaborator in the rock and alternative space, Ron has worked with the likes of jxdn, Bad Omens, Huddy, Ellise, Charlotte Sands, Maggie Lindemann, Loveless, Jack Harris, MOD SUN, Emei, Sueco, Neoni, grandson, nothing,nowhere., Papa Roach and more.
Position Music has signed Fabio Aguilar to a global publishing deal in collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Keanu Beats. The news arrives on the heels of Auilar’s BMI Hip Hop Award win for co-producing “HOTEL LOBBY (Unc & Phew)” by Quavo and Takeoff. Just 22, Aguilar is a producer, loop specialist, beatmaker, and instrumentalist, he is also known for working with the likes of Lil Baby, Jack Harlow, NLE Choppa, Roddy Ricch, Denzel Curry and Logic.
Downtown Music Publishing (DMP) today announces a global music publishing deal with PDU, the record label and publishing company from iconic Italian singer Mina. Under this new agreement, DMP will provide global publishing administration and sync services for Mina’s prestigious catalog.
Campbell Connelly, part of Wise Music Group, has signed an exclusive songwriter agreement with Josephine Stephenson. The deal further cements Stephenson’s relationship with Wise Music Group. (Her concert repertoire is published by Leduc through Wise’s offices in Paris.) A composer, arranger, and performer, Stephenson has worked as an arranger or performer with Damon Albarn, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys and Daughter.
ESMAA, an Abu Dhabi-based rights management entity representing global music stakeholders in the Gulf and Middle East, and Anghami, a top music streaming platform in the Middle East and North Africa region, have agreed on a new music licensing agreement on behalf of independent music publishers. The deal marks the resolution of a legal dispute between ESMAA (representing PopArabia and Reservoir) and Anghami.
Maison Arts has re-signed Suki Waterhouse to a global publishing deal, further building upon her longstanding partnership with the Los Angeles-based boutique publisher, which has supported her since the start of her career. Under the new deal, Waterhouse’s upcoming album, Memoir of a Sparklemuffin, will be included and is set to release on Sept. 13 via Sub Pop Records.
The Other Songs has formed a new partnership with Universal Music Publishing Group and has signed “Easily” and “Nothing” singer/songwriter Bruno Major to a worldwide publishing deal. As part of their expansion, the UK-based independent publisher, founded by brothers Alastair and Billy Webber, has also brought on Jacque O’Leary as its new general manager.
Primary Wave Music has acquired the publishing, artist royalties and neighboring rights for the composer, flugelhorn and trumpet player Chuck Mangione. This encompasses his entire catalog, including jazz hits like “Feels So Good,” “Bellavia,” “Land of Make Believe,” “Give It All You Got, But Slowly,” “Children of Sanchez,” “Once Upon A Love Time,” “Chase The Clouds Away.”
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Kobalt has signed songwriter/producer Max Wolfgang to a global publishing administration deal. Though he is perhaps best known for his production work with BLACKPINK, BTS, Ed Sheeran and Olivia Dean, Wolfgang first gained attention as the frontman of British alt-rock band Wolf Gang.
Platinum Grammar Publishing and LISTEN TO THE KIDS PUBLISHING have signed Adam Wendler to a global publishing agreement. A co-writer for Dasha’s viral hit “Austin,” this is Wendler’s first-ever publishing deal.
Prescription Songs, in partnership with Disruptive Label publishing, is excited to announce the recent signing of JAYA. A rising Nigerian artist, songwriter and producer, JAYA has an upcoming placement on DaBaby’s next album and is currently working on records for Oxlade, RunTown, Lion King 2, and a number of Nigerian acts as well.
Song Sleuth has partnered with Regalías Digitales, the leading royalty collection agency in the Latin music industry and beyond, to identify undetected user-generated live music content and maximize collections for their rightsholders. Song Sleuth has also entered into a 12 month commercial trial with ICE, to ensure that ICE Core Society & Publisher Partners are properly collecting on UGC uses of their catalogs.
Position Music has signed Abe Parker to a worldwide publishing deal. An artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist, the rising star has experienced viral success with singles “Butterflies,” “Empty House,” and “Stupid Face.”
Warner Chappell Music and Songs & Daughters have signed singer-songwriter Emmi Elliott. A country and Christian songwriter, president and founder of Songs & Daughters, Nicolle Galyon, says “she’s a brilliant creative.”
Liz Phair has signed a global publishing administration deal with Warner Chappell Music. The agreement encompasses her full catalog, including hits like “Why Can’t I?,” “Supernova” and “Never Said.” Phair said of the deal: “My songs represent my life’s work, and I am excited to take a fresh look at my catalog with the support of such a unique and maverick team at Warner Chappell, co-headed by the charismatic Carianne Marshall.”
Jonas Group Publishing has signed two-time SESAC songwriter of the year Justin Ebach, a writer behind hits like Luke Bryan’s “Down To One”; Jordan Davis’s multi-platinum “Singles You Up”; “Sleep Without You” and “Here Tonight” by Brett Young; and Jon Pardi’s “Your Heart or Mine.” Ebach said in a statement, “I look forward to celebrating a lot of success together.”
Iconoclast has struck a strategic partnership with Ujama Designs to acquire the intellectual property rights of Half Pint, a legend in reggae. Born Lindon Andrew Roberts, Half Pint is best known for songs like “Greetings,” “Mr. Landlord” and “Winsome,” which was covered by The Rolling Stones, and “Loving,” which was sampled in Sublime’s massive hit “What I Got.” Joe Serling and Greg Brooks from Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill represented Iconoclast, while Peter Csathy of Creative Media and David Baram of Baram & Kaiser represented Half Pint.
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Concord Music Publishing has signed Grammy-winning songwriter/producer Sammy SoSo. The deal includes his back catalog, including “Water” by Tyla, and his future works.
Reach Music Publishing has acquired select publishing assets and songwriter shares from multi-platinum writer Wyatt Durrette, including his shares in songs like “Chicken Fried,” “Toes,” and “Whatever It Is” by Zac Brown Band and “Beautiful Crazy” by Luke Combs. Wyatt’s longtime publisher, Blackstone Entertainment, will remain his publisher and will co-administer these works together with Reach.
Big Machine Music has signed singer/songwriter Lanie Gardner to her first-ever global publishing deal. The news of the deal comes just after Gardner was featured on the star-studded Twisters: The Album soundtrack with her song “Chasing the Wind.”
Avex USA has signed LA-based Nigerian producer Tyson “Zone” Kong. Though he is just 23 years old, he has already worked with the likes of Jason Derulo, Sexxy Redd, Ludmilla, Lay Bankz and more.
Prescription Songs, in partnership with Hazheart Music, has added producer, songwriter and artist atlgrandma to its roster. Though he is perhaps best known for his work as a writer and producer for Willow, SNOW WIFE, Dorian Electra, The Hellp, D4ine, Izzy Spears, ericdoa, lil aaron, Y2K and Frost Children, atlgrandma also releases his own music, including his latest track “Nightmare Blunt Rotation.”
Primary Wave Music has acquired the catalog of Toto keyboardist, songwriter and composer Steve Porcaro. The multi-million dollar deal includes the ownership of Porcaro’s publishing catalog, artist royalties and neighboring rights, including some of his hits with Toto and all of his film/TV compositions, including his score for the FX show Justified.
Warner Chappell Music has signed Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer Cris Chil. One of the top songwriters in the Latin music market, Chil contributed to hits like “Telepatía” by Kali Uchis; “Contra La Pared” by J Balvin and Sean Paul; “Lento by Lauren Jauregui and Tainy; “Fuego” by DJ Snake, Anitta and Sean Paul; and “I Can’t Get Enough” by Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco and J Balvin.
NEON16 and UNRESTRICTED have jointly signed Mexican-American producer Frank Rio to a publishing deal. Known best as a producer for Ivan Cornejo, Becky G, A.Chal and Peso Pluma, Rio now hopes to expand his credits beyond the Latin charts.
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BMG Nashville has signed an administration deal with the publishing company Triple Play Music. Owned by Jason Aldean and his bandmates Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy, the Triple Play roster includes John Edwards, John Morgan and Neil Thrasher.
Tim & Danny Music and Warner Chappell Music UK have signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Elmiene, a 22-year-old emerging British R&B/soul star. Along with his own artist project, Elmiene has also written with Stormzy, Timbaland and Justin Timberlake. Recently, he was named one of BBC Radio 1’s “Sound Of 2024” artists and was also nominated for the Rising Star Award at the 2024 Ivor Novello Awards.
Concord Music Publishing has signed Grammy-nominated and Juno award-winning artist Daymé Arocena to a worldwide publishing deal. The agreement also includes a selection of the neo-soul fusion singer’s back catalog.
Warner Chappell Music has signed a publishing deal with Schmitty, a rising singer-songwriter who combines the sounds of ’90s-era country hits with rock and roll influences.
Wise Music Group has signed a new publishing deal with English folk duo The Staves. Comprised of sisters Jessica and Camilla Staveley-Taylor, the duo’s new publishing agreement comes on the heels of its fourth studio LP All Now, released in March.