State Champ Radio Publishing Briefs
Armada Music‘s BEAT Music Fund has acquired Cloud 9 Music, an Amsterdam based music publisher. As part of the acquisition, the teams of Armada Music’s existing publishing company, Armada Publishing B.V., and Cloud 9 Music will merge to form Armada Music Publishing. The company’s BEAT Music Fund is dedicated to building a catalog of dance and electronic classics and now, after its purchase of Cloud 9, is well on its way. Its catalog now includes Armin van Buuren’s Grammy Award-nominated “This Is What It Feels Like,” “Reality” by Lost Frequencies and Da Beatfreakz’ co-written share in “Prada” which was originally performed by Cassö, D-Block Europe, and Raye.
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Pulse Music Group has launched a new publishing venture with singer, songwriter and producer Jon Bellion. Called Beautiful Mind, the new publisher will be helmed by Bellion and his longtime manager Matt Maschi as CEO. Louis Coppola will handle day-to-day operations. Along with the news of his new company and its staff, Pulse and Bellion have announced that Beautiful Mind has signed artist, songwriter, and Bellion collaborator Elijah Noll to the company.
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Warner Chappell Music and ICE have extended and expanded their multi-territory digital partnership. As part of the deal, WCM will move all online processing from other European digital licensing administration partners to ICE. This follows a thorough 10 month review by WCM which assisted its existing providers and new entrants to figure out the solution that best serves its songwriters.
Warner Chappell Music has signed the Red Clay Strays to a global publishing deal. After independently releasing their 2022 album Moment of Truth, the band broke through on TikTok, eventually landing the single “Wondering Why” on the Hot 100 chart. Now they are ready to take their career to the next level. Along with their new WCM publishing deal, the group also signed a label deal with RCA Records.
5 Alarm Music (a large indie production music library and a subsidiary of Anthem Entertainment) has entered a new exclusive partnership with Paramount to launch the program First Time Composer (“FTC”) with Paramount Music’s Anita Chinkes Ratner and Rochelle Holguin Capello leading the charge. The program begins with a writing camp at Sound Factory in Los Angeles from April 25-26. 14 participants will be split into four groups, each paired with a 5 Alarm producer who can guide the newcomers through the process of writing to specific song briefs.
BMI has launched a new royalty dashboard for songwriters and composers, providing more transparency into performance royalty earnings. The move is part of the newly for-profit PRO’s broader growth plan to enhance customer service. Now, BMI’s affiliates can have a fully interactive view of royalty statements and can view their top performing titles, search individual works, monitor quarterly and annual earnings trends, explore international earnings and more.
Concord Music Publishing has extended its agreement with Jeremy Lutito. Along with his publishing deal, which encompasses both his back catalog and future works, Concord and Lutito are also launching Mezzanine, a joint venture under which Lutito will sign and develop up and coming writers at Concord. The first Mezzanine signing is Jon Class, a frequent Lutito collaborator.
Spirit Music Nashville has renewed its deal with artist/writer Tim Montana. The news follows Montana’s recent breakthrough at rock radio, notching his single “Devil You Know” on both Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay and Rock & Alternative Airplay charts.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed Randall King to a new publishing agreement. With songs like “You In A Honky Tonk” “Hey Cowgirl” and “Mirror Mirror,” King is known for bringing tried-and-true Texas twang to Nashville.
Major Bob Music has signed a management and publishing deal with Leah Blevins. The singer-songwriter has built a following in Nashville for her unique sound and her touring chops. Over the last few years, the artist has toured with Lainey Wilson, Marcus King, Flatland Cavalry, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Oates, Amanda Shires, The War And Treaty and more.
Global Music Rights (GMR), the boutique performing rights organization, has reached a settlement in its copyright infringement lawsuit with Vermont Broadcast Associates. As part of the settlement, VBA has secured a long-term GMR license and settled for its past alleged infringements.
UMPG has signed Andrea Bocelli to a global publishing deal through its Classics & Screen department. Under the new agreement, the major publisher will represent Bocelli’s future works as well as his latest album, A Family Christmas.
Dua Lipa‘s media and management company Radical22 has signed a global administration deal with Warner Chappell Music. The agreement follows last year’s news that the pop star has acquired her publishing outright.
Position Music has signed a global publishing agreement with Tinashe. As part of the deal, Position will also administer the publishing rights to the singer’s latest album, BB/ANG3L, as well as future releases.
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1916 Enterprises has jointly signed producer Anthoine Walters (Drake, Post Malone, Brent Faiyaz) to a publishing deal with Heavy Duty. 1916 also signed producer, songwriter and artist Matt Wills to a joint publishing agreement with Billen Tedd/Milk + Honey U.K.
Universal Production Music‘s sample discovery and licensing platform, Usample, announced the addition of new sample pack albums from popular composers like Nicholas Britell, Clint Mansell and Isobel Waller-Bridge.
Bella Figura Music has closed a significant equity and funding round to expand its music catalog. The round was led by private equity firm Freshstream with co-investment from Canadian pension fund OPTrust, a strategic family office and leading Dutch private equity investor. Bella Figura was launched in 2023 and has purchased a number of catalogs in the last six months, including those of Jeff Silverman (Adele, Aloe Blacc, Lee Fields) and Adrian Wright of The Human League.
Young Guns Publishing has extended its worldwide exclusive publishing deal with songwriter Ben Stennis. A writer for some of country’s biggest hitmakers — including Morgan Wallen, Bailey Zimmerman, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw, Jake Owen, Justin Moore, High Valley and Ronnie Dunn — Stennis has been with the publisher for the last 10 years.
Warner Chappell Music has signed rising R&B artist Maeta to a global publishing deal. The agreement follows a breakthrough year for the singer, who hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart for two weeks with her single “Through the Night” featuring Free Nationals.
Barry Weiss’ Bossy Songs has signed “Austin” co-writer Cheyenna to a global publishing deal. Apart from co-penning Dasha‘s viral country-pop hit, Cheyenna has also collaborated with artists including GAYLE, BIZZY, Semler and Los Stars.
Blake Morgan‘s ECR Music Group has launched a new global partnership with Sony Music Publishing as well as Meridian, an artist services imprint.
Reservoir has signed indie rock singer-songwriter Katie Pruitt to a global publishing deal through its joint venture with One Riot. The agreement will include Pruitt’s upcoming album Mantras and future works.
Kobalt has signed Australian singer/songwriter Kita Alexander to a worldwide publishing deal. The news follows Alexander’s debut album YOUNG IN LOVE, which was released last month via Warner Music Australia.
Wise Music Group has signed Swedish composer Jacob Mühlrad to a new publishing agreement through Bosworth Music GmbH. Mühlrad’s back catalog will be represented by Gehrmans for Scandinavia and the Baltic States and by Bosworth Music for the rest of the world. Future works will also be administered by Bosworth worldwide.
Warner Chappell has signed Teddy Swims to a global publishing deal. Signed to Warner Records for his recorded music, the new deal unites his entire catalog under the WMG umbrella. News of the deal arrives the same week that his breakthrough hit “Lose Control” reached No. 1 on the Hot 100.
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Position Music has signed Zach Skelton, co-writer for Shawn Mendes, OneRepublic, Paul McCartney, Lil Nas X, and more, to a worldwide publishing deal.
Avex USA Publishing has signed DJ Smallz 732 to a global publishing deal. One of the most sought-after Jersey club producers, Smallz signs his deal on the heels of co-creating “Everybody” by Nick Minaj and Lil Uzi Vert from Minaj’s hit album Pink Friday 2.
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Red Bull‘s publishing division has signed producer Charlie Shuffler to a global deal. Best known for his records with Lil Yachty, Trippie Redd, Rico Nasty and Lil Peep, Shuffler has been a tastemaker since the early days of SoundCloud rap.
Big Machine Music has signed artist/writer George Birge to an exclusive co-publishing deal. News of the agreement arrives as Birge heads out on the road as the opener for Parker McCollum’s tour and just before the singer opens for Luke Bryan’s tour.
Concord Music Publishing has signed soul singer-songwriter William Bell to a publishing administration deal, including a selection of his back catalog and all future works. A legendary signee of Stax Records and inductee in the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, Bell has been making timeless soul records since his first album The Soul of a Bell, released in 1967.
BeatStars has announced the launch of Creator Rights Agency, its new division designed to help make clearing intellectual property rights more streamlined and affordable. It is described in the company’s press release as an “end-to-end service that allows creators to get data-driven recommendations from experts for licensing, protecting, and getting paid for their intellectual property. The CRA consolidates management, legal, and accounting services needed by creators in today’s music industry, charging a 10% commission only on the deals that are successfully negotiated by the CRA.”
BMG has acquired Eurodance pioneer Dr. Alban‘s recorded music interest in his catalog, including defining records like “It’s My Life” and “Sing Hallelujah.” The acquisition further bolsters BMG’s interests in 90s Eurodance. Recently, the company also holds a stake in “Planet of the Bass” by Kyle Gordon, which went viral on TikTok for its parody of the genre.
Bella Figura Music has acquired the writer’s share of The Human League-founder Adrian Wright‘s catalog. Wright’s current publisher will now work with Bella Figura’s sync and creative team to maximize commercial opportunities for his catalog.
Park Ave West Songs, founded by songwriter KT Mack, has signed Chris Canterbury to a global publishing deal.
Wise Music Group has signed Portico Quartet to its publishing roster through Campbell Connelly & Co. The influential composers and producers have been a mainstay in UK music their debut album Knee-Deep in the North Sea, was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2008.
The Last Briefing: Cat Stevens Signs With UMPG
Position Music has acquired the catalog of French producer, artist and DJ Gesaffelstein. As part of the deal, Position will own and administer the publishing rights to the catalog prior to his 2016 Sony Music Publishing deal. In addition, the company has also acquired the writer, artist and producer royalties for Gesaffelstein’s entire catalog, including “Lost in the Fire” ft. The Weeknd, “I Was Never There” and “Hurt You” by The Weeknd, “Black Skinhead” by Kanye West, and more.
UMPG has signed Yusuf/Cat Stevens to an exclusive global publishing administration agreement. Known for hits like “Father and Son,” “Wild World,” “The Wind” and “Morning Has Broken,” the singer-songwriter recorded music and publishing catalogs are now united under one roof for the first time at UMG.
Reservoir Media has signed Kings of Leon to a go-forward publishing agreement, including the group’s upcoming project Can We Please Have Fun. The deal arrives just after Kings of Leon announced their 2023 world tour, including 26 cities across the U.S. and Canada.
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Warner Chappell Music has signed Yellowstone actor and artist Luke Grimes to a global publishing deal, in collaboration with Range Media Partners. His debut song “No Horse To Ride” was featured in the mid-season series finale last year, driving Grimes up the Billboard Country charts. His debut album will be released on March 8 under UMG Nashville’s Capitol Records.
The 100 Percenters has linked with Spotify to offer ten $2,500 career stimulus grants for songwriters and producers. The grants are supported by Spotify’s Creator Equity Fund. Applications will open Friday, March 15, and will close Monday, April 15. Applicants must be members of the 100 Percenters community and must have at least two years of professional experience, have three or more commercial songwriting or producer credits, be a U.S. citizen, earn an annual income of less than $100,000 and submit verifiable proof of income.
SMACKsongs has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Sarah Buxton, the Nashville-based hitmaker behind songs like “Stupid Boy” and “Put You In A Song” recorded by Keith Urban, “Sundaze” by Florida Georgia Line, “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely” by The Band Perry, and “Fix” by Chris Lane.
BMG has extended its publishing agreement with Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Robin Schulz, which began in 2016. As part of the extension, BMG has also acquired the co-publishing rights to Robin Schulz’s entire song catalog, including “Waves,” “Prayer,” “Sugar,” “Alane,” “All We Got,” and “Young Right Now.”
The Other Songs Live, a songwriter night featuring performances by some of music’s top hitmakers, will be returning to the London Palladium on Monday, May 20. Presented by indie music company The Other Songs in partnership with The Ivors Academy, the event will raise money for three music-related charities, including The BRIT School, The Ivors Academy Trust and Nordoff and Robbins. In the past, the show has featured artists, including Raye, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Nile Rodgers, Dave Stewart and Katie Melua.
peermusic UK has signed Nothing But Thieves to a global publishing deal. The deal includes the band’s fifth studio album, which will be released later this year. Their prior catalog remains with Sony Music Publishing.
Warner Chappell Music and Katy Perry‘s Unsub Publishing have signed rising singer, songwriter and producer Debbii Dawson to a global co-publishing deal. Perry says of Dawson, “She’s a rare find and someone I believe has the brightest of futures ahead of her as an artist, songwriter, and creative force.”
The Nashville-based Edgehill Music Publishing has signed songwriter Carys Selvey to a global publishing deal. Founded by Josh and Tara Joseph, Edgehill adds the London-based Selvey to a growing roster that also includes Dave Villa, Rob Williford, LOCASH and more.
Spirit Music Group has signed worldwide publishing administration deals with Chris Robinson and Rich Robinson of rock band The Black Crowes. The deal includes the band’s albums Warpaint and Before The Frost…Until the Freeze as well as their latest album Happiness Bastards, out March 15.
Warner Chappell Music has signed a global publishing deal with AntsLive, the viral London rapper behind the popular song “Number One Candidate.” Nominated for two MOBO Awards in 2024, including Best Newcomer and Best Video, the musician says he decided to join the WCM roster after attending the company’s songwriting camp in Las Vegas.
BMG has acquired 100% of the catalog of Cologne-based record label Coconut Music, including the recorded rights to tracks by Haddaway, Bad Boys Blue, London Beat, and Wolfgang Petry. The deal builds on BMG’s 2022 acquisition of Haddaway’s recorded music royalties. Under the new agreement, BMG now controls 100% of Haddaway’s biggest track “What Is Love.”
Major Bob Music has re-upped its publishing agreement with writer/producer Colin Healy. Before signing a publishing deal, Healy got his start as bassist and music director for Dustin Lynch, a gig he held for thirteen years. Then, in 2019, he signed to Major Bob Music to further his career as a writer. Since then, Healy has landed cuts with Megan Moroney, Avery Anna, Tayler Holder and more.
Warner Chappell Music has signed Nashville-based talent Josh Montgomery to a global publishing deal. Known for his ability to work across genres, Montgomery has already earned cuts with Ashley Kutcher, Jessie Murph, Tyler Halverson, Graham Barham, Jax, and Dasha.
Wise Music Group‘s Chester Music has signed a new publishing agreement with performer, composer and Olivier Award-winning choreographer Dickson Mbi. Born in Cameroon and raised in East London, the multi-talented Mbi has worked with artists like Russell Maliphant, Boy Blue Entertainment, Robbie Williams, Corrine Bailey-Rae, Black Eyed Peas and choreographed the “Leave A Trace” music video for CHVRCHES.
Wise Music Group has signed Icelandic composer Högni Egilsson has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with the newly opened office, Wise Music Iceland, marking the first signing of the Iceland office, since it launched in November 2022. A leading voice in Iceland’s music scene, Egilsson will be administered by Wise for all future works.
Bucks Music Group has launched Chelsea Songs, a joint venture with music publishing veteran Eddie Levy. The new publisher represents works by Bill Withers, Andre Rieu, the Barton Music catalog – which contains standards such as “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head,” “Come Fly With Me” and others – and hits such as The Hues Corporation’s “Rock The Boat,” Janet Kay’s “Silly Games,” and Buscemi’s “Ole Ole We Are The Champions” for the UK at launch. As part of the agreement, Bucks will handle administration and creative sync.
Third Side Music has signed the late Alan Watts to a new worldwide publishing deal. Known as one of the defining writers and scholars of the Beat Generation, the deal with Watts is through his estate, The Alan Watts Organization. As part of the deal, Third Side Music will now foster unique creative music opportunities for Watts’ trove of 500+ house of audio commentary, lectures and radio programming for use in new songs, films, TV shows, ads, and more.
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Milk & Honey Music + Sports has signed Grammy-winning songwriter and artist Jozzy (Beyoncé, Summer Walker, 21 Savage) to a new management deal. Along with the new signing, the company’s founder and CEO, Lucas Keller, has announced the addition of manager Jason Ramos (previously of Roc Nation) to the Milk & Honey team.
Prescription Songs has extended its publishing deal with Vaughn Oliver. A multi-platinum producer, sound designer, DJ, and mix engineer, Vaughn began his partnership with Prescription in 2019 and since then, has worked on a number of top tracks, including “Super Freaky Girl” by Nicki Minaj, “Big Energy” by Latto, and “Her” by Megan Thee Stallion.
C3 Management launches C3 Publishing, a joint venture with Warner Chappell Music. Founded by Charlie Walker and Charles Attal of C3 Presents and C3 Management and led by Russell Baltera, the company will employ WCM’s help with a&r, creative, and sync. Its first signee is Natalie Jane, a rising singer-songwriter.
BMG has extended its publishing administration agreement with Too Lost, a music technology company and distributor. The companies’ partnership began in 2021, and under the terms of the deal, the two handle the rights for songs like “Jocelyn Flores” by XXXTENTACION, “BEEF” FloMix by Flo Milli and more.
Universal Music Publishing Group has signed the members of indie pop band The Wallows to global publishing deals. Known best for their song “Are You Bored Yet?” (feat. Clairo), the SoCal trio is comprised of actor Dylan Minnette, Braedon Lemasters and Cole Preston.
Spirit Music Nashville/2 Mix Music has signed Ryan Beaver to a worldwide publishing deal. Named the “Rising Songwriter of the Year” for 2023 by the AIMP Nashville Country Music Awards, Beaver recently penned the track “Pretty Little Poison” b y Warren Zeiders and “Party Mode” by Dustin Lynch. He has also written songs for Blake Shelton, Ryan Hurd, HARDY, Larry Fleet, Parker McCollum, Josh Abbott, Catie Offerman and Luke Bryan.
Warner Chappell Music has signed Brazilian producer Zerb to a global publishing deal. News of the deal arrives just the rise of Zerb’s biggest hit to date: “Mwaki” featuring Kenyan vocalist Sofiya Nzau, which has gained even more traction with recent remixes by Major Lazer and Tiësto.
Warner Chappell Music has signed emerging singer-songwriter Evan Bartels to a global publishing deal.
Wise Music Group‘s Bosworth Music has signed a new long-term administration agreement to represent the publishing catalog of Random Noize Musick. The roster includes German electronic talents like as Markus Popp (Oval), Annika Henderson (Anika), Pilocka Krach, T.Raumschmiere, Apparat, Moderat, and Sascha Ring.
Downtown Music Publishing has signed French artists Boombass and Étienne de Crécy to worldwide publishing agreements. Boombass is best known as one half of the renowned duo Cassius and and de Crécy has gained acclaim as a DJ and producer.
Universal Music Publishing Group has signed hitmaker and Semisonic frontman Dan Wilson to an exclusive global publishing agreement. According to the terms of the deal, UMPG will represent Wilson’s future works. “I consider it a true gift to work alongside a person who is so storied and accomplished, and yet so open to new experiences and collaborations,” said Jennifer Knoepfle, UMPG’s evp and co-head of A&R.
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Ultra Publishing has signed a deal extension with Wheezy, who first signed to the company in 2018. The new extension will also see Ultra acquiring an additional 427 songs from Wheezy, including titles released by Drake, Travis Scott Meek Mill and Lil Uzi Vert.
Kobalt has signed Latin Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter JULiA LEWiS to a global publishing administration deal. A go-to collaborator for Bad Bunny, Anitta, Rauw Alejandro, NBA YoungBoy, Feid and more, JULiA LEWiS is a certified hitmaker with top tracks like “La Jumpa,” “Classy 101” and “Kacey Talk” as part of his fast-growing catalog. He is managed by Matt Geffen, Jamil Davis and Matt Bauerschmidt of The Revels Group.
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Warner Chappell Music France has signed an administrative publishing deal with Lofi Records, the company behind the famous YouTube “Lofi Girl.” The channel provides a 24/7 feed of chill beats to relax or study to and it boasts more than 13.6 million subscribers, with 30,000-60,000 simultaneous listeners on any given day.
Avex USA has signed Jahnei “Mr. Jah” Clarke to its publishing division. A Queens-raised, Los Angeles-based hip-hop, R&B, Latin and pop producer, he is best known for his work with Luísa Sonza, 6ix9ine, Masego.
Rimas Publishing has expanded its roster, signing seven new talents. The new signees include Andrea Cruz, Elia, Harold Wendell Sanders, Manu Berlingeri, Mendoza, Nes, and Valentina.
Warner Chappell Production Music launches Run4Cover in partnership with Warner Chappell Music. Run4Cover is a new label designed to cover some of WCM‘s biggest songs in a way that might be useful for sync licensing purposes. Already their repertoire includes new renditions of hits like Radiohead (“Exit Music (For A Film),” “Karma Police”), Curtis Mayfield (“Move On Up”), Kool & The Gang (“Celebration”) and Donna Summer (“Hot Stuff”). These covers come in a wide array of styles, from string quartets to big band to trailerizations.
Concord Music Publishing has signed songwriting team Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen to a global publishing administration deal. This includes their full catalog and future works. Two of Broadway’s biggest composers today, the duo has written the music for Tuck Everlasting, The Burnt Part Boys, Blown Sideways Through Life, Revival and more together. Independently, Miller has worked on Swept Away, April Twilights, and Ravello. Tysen has worked on The Great Gatsby, Amelie, Paradise Square.
Major Bob Music has signed rising songwriter SJ McDonald to a global publishing deal. “She keeps it country and she’s a perfect fit for Major Bob,” says Andy Friday, head of publishing. Along with the announcement of her signing, McDonald also released a new single: “Hummingbird.”
Prescription Songs and Day One Songs has signed Joseph Tilley to a global publishing agreement. An artist, producer and songwriter, Tilley makes pop and R&B music. Along with his artist project, he also produces for indie pop songstress Emilee, contributing to songs like “Heaven” and “I Love You Baby.”
Sony Music Publishing and Relative Music Group have signed rising country artist Carson Wallace to a global publishing deal. Only 20, the songwriter has built an audience on TikTok, and now has achieved success with the release of singles like “Lonely Look Like,” “Leavin’ Season,” “Ghost In My Chevy” and “Light of Day.”
Primary Wave Music has partnered with Brazilian music company Nas Nuvens Catalog. The deal marks Primary Wave’s first major move into the fast-growing Brazilian music market. Nas Nuvens Catalog is the leading independent Brazilian company focusing on the acquisition, management and marketing of music catalogs, and is one of the five largest music companies in Brazil.
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BMG has signed a publishing partnership with hitmaker Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman and his company Playground Media. Known for his recent work with Victoria Monet, Jelly Roll, Jessie Murph, Mary J Blige, Hozier, Jennifer Lopez and more, Gitty’s new agreement with BMG will allow him to continue to expand his roster of new creatives at Playground Media.
Downtown Music Publishing has signed Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat to a global publishing agreement. This new deal includes future works as well as the administration of her full catalog, including “Bubbly” and “Lucky.” She is also signed to Downtown on the recorded music side.
Anthem Entertainment has acquired the catalog of songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk, including her own releases “Boot”, “In This Life”, “Time”, “Weight Of The World” and “Get To You.” It also includes hits she has written for other artists, like “Feel This Moment” by Pitbull and “Rich Girl” by Gwen Stefani.
Warner Chappell Music has purchased the catalog of hitmaker Jenna Andrews. This includes hits like “Butter” and “Permission to Dance” by BTS as well as “Supalonely” by Benne and Gus Dapperton, “July” remix by Noah Cyrus featuring Leon Bridges, and more.
Concord Music has signed Sleeping At Last‘s Ryan O’Neal to a global publishing deal, including both his catalog and future works. Since 1999, Sleeping At Last has written, produced and released over 20 albums and EPs, including “Turning Page,” which was featured on the soundtrack of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 1.
Warner Chappell Music and Lady Fairchild Publishing have signed Ashley Ray to a global publishing deal. Known best for penning Little Big Town’s “The Daughters,” along with other songs for Ruston Kelly, Lori McKenna, Sean McConnell, and more, Ray’s new publishing deal will have her continuing to work with Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild, founder of Lady Fairchild Publishing. This is a new publishing company, focused on artist development.
Concord Music Publishing has purchased selections of Cary Barlowe‘s catalog, including Chris Young’s “Famous Friends” and “Raised on Country,” as well as songs recorded by Kelsea Ballerini, Brett Kissel, Chris Tomlin, Rascal Flatts, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, Mickey Guyton, and more. The company has been working with Barlowe for years and in addition to the catalog news, the company also announces that it has extended Barlowe’s publishing deal through its creative joint venture, Hang Your Hat Music, including Barlowe’s full catalog and future works.
Prescription Songs has signed songwriting-production duo BaeRose to its roster. Comprised of best friends Dana “BaeBae” Victoria and Mariah Rose “MRose” Martinez, the duo has already been in the studio with the likes of Chris Brown, Roddy Ricch, Jason Derulo and more.
Blue Raincoat Music has signed a new global publishing deal with songwriter-producer and Lightning Seeds frontman Ian Broudie. The deal includes the majority of his catalog and will see him reunited with Jeremy Lascelles, CEO of Blue Raincoat, who was Broudie’s longtime publisher when he was at Chrysalis Music in the 1990s.
Warner Chappell Music has signed Sara Bares to a global publishing deal. Based in Nashville, the rising songwriter has worked with Leah Mason, Simon Jonasson, Oliver Frid, Tanner Adell, Ashley Kutcher and Camille Parker to date.
Reservoir and PopArabia have signed In2Musica — the label, publisher and production house of Lebanese star Nancy Ajram — to a global publishing deal. This includes the Ajram’s owned full back catalog as well as future works.
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Warner Chappell has signed a global publishing deal with Sharon Van Etten. A renowned indie rock artist and songwriter, news of the deal arrives shortly after Van Etten was shortlisted for Best Original Song at the 2024 Academy Awards for “Quiet Eyes” from Past Lives.
Position Music has signed Austin Powerz to a worldwide publishing deal. A songwriter and producer to Drake, Meek Mill and Lil Durk, among others, Powerz is perhaps best known for working on Drake’s hit “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” ft. Rick Ross.
Just Isn’t Music, the publishing arm of Ninja Tune, has joined IMPEL, an international collective licensing agency that represents digital music publishing rights. The Just Isn’t Music roster includes Thundercat, The Cinematic Orchestra, ODESZA, Bonobo, Young Fathers, Flying Lotus, Andreya Triana, Nova Twins, Black Country, New Road, The Heavy and Roots Manuva.
Rogét Chahayed’s TruSauce Publishing has signed artist and producer Pale Jay to a global publishing deal. Along with releasing his own music, Jay also has cuts with Erick the Architect, Jenevieve and more on the way.
Warner Chappell has signed Brittney Spencer to a global publishing agreement. In 2021, the country singer-songwriter had a breakout hit with the independently released “Sober & Skinny” which amassed millions of streams, but she has been sharing the stage with acts like Willie Nelson, Jason Isbell, The Highwomen, Reba, Bobby Weir, Brandi Carlile, and Maren Morris for many years. “Signing my first publishing deal in my 10th year of living in Nashville has to be the biggest cliche, and I wear it like a badge of honor,” she jokes.
Spirit Music Nashville / Fluid Music Revolution has renewed its publishing deal with Nathan Barlowe. Though he is a successful writer, penning songs recorded by artists like Taylor Swift, Steven Tyler, Keith Urban, Ayron Jones and Newsboys, Barlowe is also the frontman of pop rock act Luna Halo.
Warner Chappell and Space Colonel Publishing have signed Joey Green to a global publishing deal. Though he is perhaps known as a contestant on The Voice, the country singer-songwriter has also shared the stage with artists like Lainey Wilson, Parker McCollum, Eli Young Band, Randy Rogers, Kevin Fowler, Sean McConnell, Sam Riggs, and Giovannie and the Hired Guns.
Warner Chappell Music has signed Mick Jones, founding member of Foreigner, to a global publishing deal. Foreigner’s recorded music is already being looked after by Warner’s Rhino Entertainment, so this deal unites publishing and records for Jones under one roof.
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Barry Weiss, CEO/co-founder of RECORDS and RECORDS Nashville, has announced his publishing company Bossy Songs, which was formerly called TwentySeven Music Publishing. Like RECORDS, Bossy Songs is a venture in partnership with Sony. Their first signing is Dan Gleyzer, a songwriter and producer behind songs from BTS and Meghan Trainor.
In honor of the 30th Anniversary of Snoop Dogg’s seminal album Doggystyle, Death Row Pictures has partnered with Extreme Music — a production music library associated with Sony Music Publishing — to create Death Row Pro. Together, the two will aim to deliver a mix of unheard tracks from the Death Row vaults. It will also aim to create new songs “fueled by the iconic Death Row DNA.”
Warner Chappell Music‘s U.S. Latin team has signed Gabito Ballesteros to an exclusive publishing administration agreement. A breakout star in Mexico’s thriving music scene, he has worked with acts like Peso Pluma, Becky G, Piso 21, Fuerza Regida, Miguel Cornejo and Natanael Cano.
Warner Chappell Music has signed Jay Versace to a global publishing agreement. A producer behind SZA’s “SOS,” Lil Yachty’s “Lil Diamond Boy,” Tyler, the Creator’s “Safari” and many more, Versace says he is “very honored to create amongst such talented and inspiring creatives” at WCM.
300 Publishing has signed Sean Momberger to a global publishing deal. Momberger is best known for his work on Jack Harlow’s “First Class” as well as other hits for Doja Cat, Justin Bieber and Chris Brown. He joins a roster that also includes 1st Class and Jumbo Sounds as well as artists like Hunxho and Young Thug.
UMPG has signed a new global publishing agreement with Mónica Vélez. With multiple Latin Grammys to her name, Vélez is best known for her work on songs like “Ataúd” by Los Tigres del Norte and “Mientes” by Camila.
Reservoir has signed Vulfpeck’s Theo Katzman to a global publishing deal. This is Katzman’s first-ever publishing deal and includes his entire catalog and future works outside of his compositions made with Vulfpeck. He also has a solo artist project and has written songs with artists like Carly Rae Jepsen, Rett Madison, Kesha, Teddy Geiger and Louis Cato.
Regalias Digitales, an independent music publisher that specializes in both Latin and non-Latin music, has signed a number of new talents — ranging from reggae to hard rock — to global publishing administration deals. They include The Warning, Akwid, Pikete Opacalo, Branden Cox, Lil Gnar, J Swey, The Reverend Horton Heat, The Slackers and Passafire.
Downtown Music Publishing has signed Josh Ramsay, the songwriter behind Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe,” to a global publishing administration and creative services deal. This includes Ramsay’s back catalog of hits, including other major songs for Nickelback, 5 Seconds of Summer and Faber Drive.
Warner Chappell Music has signed pop songwriter Sam Backoff to a global publishing deal. The Nashville-based writer has written with Graham Barham, Ben Johnson, Jessie Murph, Ernest, Beau Bailey, Karley Scott Collins, KK Johnson, Zoe Clark, Carson Wallace and Savana Santos. The deal was made in partnership with Underscore Works’ Charly Salvatore.
Kobalt has signed actor and composer Tituss Burgess to a worldwide publishing administration agreement. The deal includes the works from his artist projects and his musical The Preacher’s Wife, which will debut at Atlanta’s Alliance Theater in Spring 2024.
Innercat Music Publishing and UMPG Latin recently hosted a three-day synch songwriting camp at InnerCat Studios in Miami. The camp included a mix of writers signed to both companies, including writers traveling from Colombia, Mexico and Los Angeles.
Hal Leonard has combined with Muse Group, which is home to digital music tools like MuseScore, Ultimate Guitar and Audacity. Hal Leonard is known as one of the world’s leading brands in sheet music and music education materials. As part of the deal, the two brands will retain their respective headquarters in the USA and Cyprus and their distinct operations. The deal was supported by Francisco Partners, an investor who recently purchased Kobalt and AMRA and has also invested in Native Instruments, iZotope, JKBX and more. Now, musicians can look forward to digitized and interactive formats of Hal Leonard’s arrangements and content via Muse platforms.
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Universal Music Publishing Group has signed Danny L Harle to a global publishing administrative agreement. News of the deal comes just after the release of “Houdini” by Dua Lipa, which he co-wrote and co-produced alongside Kevin Parker, Dua Lipa, TK. He is also a trusted collaborator of Caroline Polachek, Charli XCX, Flume, Clairo, Rina Sawayama, PinkPantheress, Lil Uzi Vert, Nile Rogers, Elton John, Shygirl and more, and is up for his first Grammy this year for his contributions to Desire I Want To Turn Into You by Polachek.
Pulse Music Group has joined with Dan Wilson (Adele, Taylor Swift, Weezer, Celine Dion, Nas, Panic! At the Disco, John Legend, Keith Urban) to launch Supermoon Songs. A publishing joint venture, Pulse co-CEO Scott Cutler and vp a&r Annie Aberle played key roles in facilitating the partnership. Wilson’s manager Jim Grant and business partner Rick Markowitz are also co-founders with Dan in Supermoon Songs. The first signing is artist Paul Dally.
Reservoir and Mushroom Music have jointly signed grentperez to a global publishing deal, including his full catalog and future works. Reservoir will work collaboratively with the leading Australia/New Zealand music publishing on all creative and administrative aspects of grentperez’s writing career.
Primary Wave has acquired the master royalties and writer’s share of publishing royalties from Marillion’s Derek “Fish” Dick in a new deal. Best known for 80s hits like “Kayleigh,” “Lavender” and “Incommunicado,” dick was the band’s primary singer and lyricist.
Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell Music have jointly signed Driver Williams to a publishing agreement. A songwriter for Eric Church, Luke Combs, Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen, Jon Pardi, Lainey Wilson, Jackson Dean and others, Williams is also a talented guitarist, holding the position of Church’s lead guitarist since 2005.
Kobalt has signed New Zealand artist and producer 9lives to a global publishing administration deal, including sync and creative services for his existing catalog and future releases. A favorite of artists like Trippie Redd, Rico Nasty, JELEEL!, and more, his production has earned him two No. 1s on Spotify’s viral songs chart.
Universal Music Publishing Group has formed a joint venture with DnB Allstars, a London-based label and events company that specializes in drum and bass music. Notable artists to emerge from DnB Allstars include Vibe Chemistry and Alcemist, and the new JV will include writers like Grace Barton, Elipsa, and Tsuki.
Next Era Music Publishing will now partner with Downtown Music Publishing to streamline the collection and administration of its clients. Representing 45 songwriters and over 7000 titles, Next Era’s catalog will use Downtown for admin globally, apart from Korea and China.
Warner Chappell Music has signed Conexión Divina (Liz Trujillo, Sandra Calixto, and Ashlee Valenzuela), a Gen Z all-female sierreño group, to a global publishing agreement. The news comes just after Conexión Divina’s nomination for Best New Artist at the 2023 Latin Grammy awards.
Brill Building Publishing has signed artist and songwriter Brando to a co-publishing agreement. An independent publishing outfit out of Los Angeles, helmed by executive Benjamin Groff, Brill Building’s signees are administered through Kobalt.
