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Warner Chappell Music is moving all of its European online processing to ICE. After a 10-month review, the publisher is expanding its partnership with ICE, a joint venture of GEMA, STIM and PRS for Music that serves as a hub for publishing licensing, collections and payment processing for online uses of compositions in Europe and other markets.
A decade ago, the European Union opened the song-licensing market in Europe to competition by allowing any collective management organization (CMO) to license music for online uses across various markets. In other words, while the German CMO GEMA would maintain its offline monopoly in Germany, for example, it would compete with other CMOs to represent songwriters, publishers and other societies for online uses of their work. In practice, the serious competition takes place between the French CMO SACEM and ICE, a joint venture of GEMA, STIM (Sweden) and PRS for Music (U.K.). Other markets have opened to competition as well, although the U.S. is not one of them.
Universal Music Publishing Group works with SACEM, and ICE also works with Sony Music Publishing through SOLAR, which administers the company’s Anglo-American catalog. Warner Chappell had spread its rights over several different processing companies, but this deal means that all of its business in Europe, as well as some other markets, will go through ICE.
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Although the scope of writer and publisher deals with CMOs vary, this one only involves processing, since Warner Chappell does its own licensing.
“In today’s digital music market, there are vast volumes of data to process, and we need to work with a reliable partner to ensure we’re delivering best-in-class service,” Warner Chappell co-Chair and CEO Guy Moot said in the announcement of the deal. “ICE has always proved to be an innovative and flexible partner, so we’re delighted to expand our relationship with them.”
The deal represents a significant, but not unexpected, win for ICE. “It’s a significant decision and we’re committed to continuing to deliver the best services on the market,” ICE chief commercial officer Ben McEwen said in the announcement. “Specifically in the area of online processing, we have led the way with initiatives such as multi-stage invoicing to maximize claims, alongside many other innovations in matching, reporting and quality assurance.”
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.
The fallout from Warner Music Group’s company-wide cull has already reached Australia, where the head of the domestic Warner Chappell company, Matthew Capper, is understood to be among the departures.
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Capper has led Warner Chappell Australia as managing director since 2010, and boasts more than 20 years’ service with the company.
A popular figure in the music publishing community, Capper joined Warner Chappell in 2003, initially as a copyright/royalty analyst, was promoted to general manager in 2004, and was named managing director in July 2010.
Prior to working at Warner Chappell, Capper cut his teeth as administration manager at Festival Music Publishing, a now-defunct Australian independent music publishing brand which was acquired by Mushroom Music in 2005.
Outside of his duties leading Warner Chappell’s affiliate from Melbourne, he is non-executive director of APRA and AMCOS, deputy chair of AMCOS, chair and non-executive director of publishers trade association AMPAL, and treasurer and non-executive director of ICMP, the global trade body representing the music publishing industry worldwide.
On his election to the board of APRA in 2007, he become the youngest-ever director of the authors’ rights society, aged 30 – a record that still stands.
Capper will finish up with Warner Chappell Australia on Feb. 29, 2024, sources say, tying in to sweeping changes announced earlier in the week by Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl.
In an internal memo to staff obtained by Billboard, Kyncl wrote that the company will be reducing headcount by 10%, or some 600 people, as part of a plan to free up $200 million in cost savings to reinvest into the business.
Those cost savings will be realized by the end of September 2025, Kyncl said in the memo; some of those laid off have already begun to be informed, while the “vast majority” will be notified “by the end of September 2024,” he writes.
“As we carry out our plan, it’s important to bear in mind why we’re making these difficult choices,” the memo continued. “We’re getting on the front foot to create a sustainable competitive advantage over the next decade. We’ll do so by increasing funding behind artists and songwriters, new skill sets, and tech, to help us deliver on our three strategic priorities,” which he says includes growing engagement with music, increasing the value of music and evolving how Warner’s teams work together.”
Just before news broke of those company-wide cuts, WMG announced that its quarterly revenue grew 17% for the period ended Dec. 31, 2023, up 11% in normalized revenue, to $1.75 billion — its highest quarterly result ever.
Warner Chappell Music has promoted Lázaro Hernández to senior vice president, A&R, U.S. Latin & Latin America. The Miami-based executive — who most recently helped sign Maria Becerra, Chencho Corleone and Gabito Ballesteros — will lead the U.S. Latin A&R team while expanding his responsibilities to shape the company’s overall A&R strategy in Latin America. He […]
Kobalt has extended its worldwide publishing deal with rap superstar Gunna. The agreement includes global synch and creative services for all of Gunna’s catalog as well as future works. “Gunna is a superstar, plain and simple,” says Kobalt CEO Laurent Hubert. “It’s been incredible to see him attain these musical achievements while at Kobalt. We are honored to continue our partnership with Gunna and his team and look forward to supporting their efforts.”
BMG has signed a publishing deal with Daniel Johns, encompassing his entire Silverchair catalog. The worldwide deal immediately includes all of Johns’ publishing interests on his sophomore solo album FutureNever, and it will eventually include his catalogue of global hits including “Straight Lines,” “The Greatest View,” “Ana’s Song,” “Freak,” “Tomorrow” and many others reverting into the deal in 2025.
Warner Chappell Music and Madfun Entertainment have extended their publishing agreement with Matt Jenkins and have purchased Jenkins’ back catalog of music. This includes songs like “Happy Anywhere” by Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, “Buy Dirt” by Jordan Davis ft. Luke Bryan, and more.
Reservoir has announced a new deal with Grammy-winning country songwriter/producer/engineer Brent Maher. The company’s relationship with Maher began in 2018 when it acquired rights to Maher’s full catalog, and now it will also be involved in his future works as well. over the course of his career, Maher has worked on a slew of hits, including songs recorded by The Judds, Tanya Tucker, Dottie West, Tina Turner, Kenny Rogers, and more.
Warner Chappell Music has signed rising country trio The Castellows. Comprised of Ellie, Powell and Lily, the band recently signed a record deal with Warner Records and Warner Music Nashville and released their debut song “No. 7 Road.”
Budde Music and Karma Songs have extended their publishing deal with Nick Bradley, a London-based songwriter who has written songs with James Blunt, Bow Anderson, Røry, Matteo Bocelli, Don Diablo, You Me At Six, Maneskin, Kelvin Jones, NCT 127 and Flux Pavilion.
Warner Chappell Music has renewed its publishing deal with multi-platinum songwriter Rick Boardman. His credits include songs with Marshmello, Jonas Brothers, Khalid, Bebe Rexha, Louis Tomlinson, Clean Bandit, and Jess Glynne.
Universal Music Publishing Group has signed a global publishing deal with Mexican singer-songwriter Carin Leon. He’s known best for his Latin Grammy-winning song “Como Lo Hice Yo,” but he also has a slew of other popular songs, including “Ni me debes ni te debo,” “Te lo agradezco,” “Me haces tan bien,” and more.
Concord Music Publishing has signed Nashville-based songwriter and producer Aaron Eshuis. The worldwide co-publishing deal is effective immediately and also includes a selection of his existing catalog and all future works. His catalog includes cuts with Scotty McCreery, Rascal Flatts, Joe Nichols, A Thousand Horses, Catie Offerman, Kameron Marlowe, Corey Kent, Cole Swindell, Kylie Morgan, Meghan Patrick, and Mason Ramsey.
Position Music has signed producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alex Wilke to a worldwide publishing deal. So far, the rising hitmaker has worked on songs with Maddie Zahm, Leah Kate, Lexi Jayde, Jake Miller and more.
Primary Wave has signed an administration agreement with the estate of singer and “Soul Man” songwriter Isaac Hayes. As part of the deal, they will administer various publishing interests for Hayes. They will also be granted the opportunity to market the musician’s name, image and likeness.
Universal Music Publishing U.K. has signed electronic artist and producer Fred again.. to a worldwide publishing deal. He started his career as a producer but gained wide recognition for his artist project during the height of the pandemic after releasing his debut album Actual Life (April 14-December 17 2020). Over the course of his career, he has worked with Ed Sheeran, Brian Eno, Travis Scott, Skrillex, Young Thug, J Balvin and Burna Boy.
Artist and songwriter RAYE has renewed her publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music, following a breakthrough year. Her debut album My 21st Century Blues was released in February and peaked at No. 2 on the U.K. Official Albums chart and its lead single “Escapism.” (featuring 070 Shake) went all the way to No. 1 in the U.K. She first signed to the publisher in 2016, and her extension covers both her catalog and future works.
All Clear Music and Fuji Music Group have acquired a 100% stake in the writer’s share of publishing for songwriter Will Jennings. The deal covers his entire catalog, which spans legendary artists Steve Winwood, Whitney Houston, Roy Orbison, B.B. King, Celine Dion, and Tim McGraw. His biggest hits include “My Heart Will Go On,” “Tears in Heaven,” “Higher Love” and “Up Where We Belong.”
Raleigh Music Publishing has acquired the song catalog of musical theater composer and lyricist Alan Jay Lerner. For his evergreen songs, Lerner has been a past recipient of the Johnny Mercer Award, the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s biggest honor. The deal includes 100% of Lerner’s share of US royalties for the following musicals, excluding writer performance royalties and grand rights: My Fair Lady, Camelot, Gigi, Brigadoon, The Day Before Spring, Love Life, On a Clear Day, Paint Your Wagon, What’s Up.
Concord Music Publishing has extended its publishing agreement with Richard ‘Biff’ Stannard. Over the course of his three decade career, he has written with the Spice Girls, U2, Sia, 5 Seconds of Summer, and Ellie Goulding. One of his longest running relationships is with Kylie Minogue — whom he has been writing with for twenty years and counting. His relationship with Concord began in 2020.
Seeker Music has acquired the publishing catalog of Plested, a top U.K. artist and songwriter who has written songs like “Before You Go” by Lewis Capaldi and “Leave Before You Love Me” by Marshmello, Jonas Brothers. In addition, he also has cuts with Kygo, OneRepublic, Niall Horan, The Chainsmokers, Anne-Marie, James Arthur and more.
Warner Chappell Music and Tape Room Music have renewed their global publishing agreement with country songwriter Hunter Phelps. Additionally, WCM is also acquiring the hitmaker’s catalog, which includes “wait in the truck” by HARDY ft. Lainey Wilson, “Thinking ‘Bout You” by Dustin Lynch and Mackenzie Porter, and “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” by Chase Rice and Florida Georgia Line.
Position Music has signed Chloe Copoloff to a worldwide publishing deal. The 25-year-old songwriter has worked with Salem Ilese, Alan Walker, Andi, Skydxddy, Sundial, Francis Karel, Holden Miller, and Cloudy June and has forthcoming cuts with VIVIZ, Ashley Sienna, Dia Frampton, Culture Code, Meg DeAngelis, Francis Karel.
Concord Music Publishing has wrapped its 11th annual sync camp in Nashville, where 90 songwriters worked together on songs for synchronization in films, tv shows, commercials and more. Since its inception, the Concord sync camp has garnered over 1500 placements in various forms of visual media, including placements in “All Rise,” “Big Shot,” “The Witcher,” “The Spanish Princess,” and “East New York.”
Outer Voice Music Publishing (OVMP) has signed a global administration deal with Downtown Music Publishing. Founded as a branch of the Outer Voice Company, a label launched by JAM and Philly in association with Converse, OVMP was created to sign and represent the work of South Asia songwriters across the diaspora.
Warner Chappell Music has signed Laufey to a global publishing agreement. The Icelandic-Chinese artist is considered one of the brightest new stars in jazz, re-popularizing the genre for Gen Z. The deal announcement arrives just ahead of her sophomore album Bewitched, arriving Sept. 8 via AWAL, and her upcoming performance with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra at the Ford Ampitheatre in Los Angeles.
Laufey’s songs have always fared well on TikTok, in part because the singer is active in sharing her work on the app — but in the last month, her May single “From the Start,” began to hit true virality. With a bossa nova-inspired groove and wistful lyrics, fans began creating videos to a sped-up version of the single and that activity has led to real streams on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and other DSPs. U.S. on-demand streams for the week ending July 14, when the song began to take off, went up 50% from the previous week’s total and its streams climbed to 644,000 per day.
Laufey said of the new signing that she is “honored to join the ranks of some of the most iconic songwriters and artists in history at Warner Chappell. Gabz, David, Ryan, Guy, Carianne, and the rest of the team at Warner Chappell have been fervent songwriter advocates for years, and I’m elated to call the company my new publishing partner.”
Gabz Landman, vp of a&r, and David Goldsen, vp and head of a&r of Australia for Warner Chappell Music said in a joint statement: “At Warner Chappell, we pride ourselves on working with the most talented storytellers in the world, so Laufey is the perfect addition to our roster. Laufey’s innate musicality, lyrical ingenuity, deep relationship with her fans, and world class live show are just a few factors that make it no surprise her star is rising. We’re thrilled to be working with such an exceptional, generational talent, and thank Laufey, Max Gredinger, and Harry Roberts for trusting us at this exciting point in her career.”
“Laufey is a gifted songwriter who has a distinct sound that balances classic elements with modern songwriting, and her music has been resonating with audiences all around the world. She’s exposing jazz and classical music to a whole new generation of fans, and we’re incredibly excited to welcome her to the Warner Chappell family,” added Ryan Press, president of North America at Warner Chappell Music.
Warner Music Group and TikTok struck a multi-year licensing deal allowing creators on the short-form video app to use WMG music on Tuesday, marking the first publicly announced deal between a major music company since the popular social media platform since licensing renegotiations began about 18 months ago.
The companies said in a joint statement that the multi-platform agreement licenses the full repertoire of Warner Recorded Music and Warner Chappell Music to TikTok, TikTok Music, CapCut, and TikTok’s Commercial Music Library.
It is the first sizeable deal struck since WMG’s Chief Executive Officer Robert Kyncl took over in January, and it marks the cooling of what has at times been tough negotiations between TikTok and the music industry establishment.
Kyncl and TikTok’s chief execurtive Shou Chew said the agreement would benefit artists.
“We are very excited to partner with Warner Music Group to create a shared vision for the future in which artists, songwriters, music fans and the industry can all benefit from the power of discovery on TikTok platforms,” Chew said.
While terms of the deal were not disclosed, Kyncl described the deal as an “expanded and significantly improved partnership for both companies. We can jointly deliver greater value to WMG’s artists and songwriters and TikTok’s users.”
TikTok has been engaged in ongoing negotiations for roughly the last year over remuneration to the 100-plus rights holders through whom it must license music played on its app. Billboard reported that TikTok had struck short-term licensing deals in 2020 with most major music companies–shorter than the 18-24-month licenses common between the music and tech industries–to use 30-second clips of songs.
But negotiations to reach more permanent agreements had been fraught, with the music industry pushing for greater incentives for rights holders and TikTok exploring what music was really worth on its platform.
Kyncl’s WMG being the first to announce it struck an agreement with TikTok comes after he signaled a friendlier tone during comments he made at a banking conference in March. Kyncl expressed empathy for executives at TikTok at the Morgan Stanley conference, who he said are at “a company that’s kind of embattled today with lots of different institutions around the world.”
“That’s all I look for, fair setup on both sides and to grow a business together,” Kyncl said in March.
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Universal Music Publishing Group has signed Yahritza to a global publishing deal. As part of Yahritza Y Su Esencia, a sibling trio which has helped ushed Regional Mexican into the mainstream, she is one of Mexico’s most sought after stars.
Blackx, a new Asia-focused music fund, has acquired a catalog 230 songs from Frances Wang, a notable Taiwanese songwriter. Songs included in the deal span 30 years of work, including hits performed by Faye Wong, A-Mei, Jeff Zhang Xin Zhe, Oaeen, Eason Chan, Wan Fang and Tiger Huang Xiao Hu. This is one of Blackx’s first purchases in Asia. The fund launched in September 2022 with an initial $100 million in financing.
UMPG Germany has signed Berlin-based artist and songwriter Chris James to a worldwide publishing deal. As co-writer on “Komet” (Apache 207 and Udo Lindenberg), his work holds the honor of being the longest running #1 German-language song in 16 years, according to a press release. Most recently, he was listed as a co-writer on Jimin’s recent K-pop smash “Like Crazy” which debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100.
Universal Music Publishing UK has signed LF System, a chart-topping producer duo, to a global publishing deal. Comprised of Conor Larkman and Sean Finnigan, the duo is a top name in international dance music. Their song “Afraid to Feel” recently topped the UK Singles Chart for eight consecutive weeks.
Sony Music Publishing has signed 1da Banton, a Nigerian songwriter, artist and guitarist, to a global publishing agreement. He recently gained international acclaim with his song “Miss You” with Tungevaag, and his next EP is set to release next month, featuring 255, Rugged and Pimp.
Warner Chappell Music has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Spanish singer-songwriter Ana Mena. With nearly six million monthly listeners on Spotify, Mena’s “Música Ligera” won song of the year at Los40 Music Awards 2022. Most recently, she released her second studio LP Bellodrama, which follows her 2018 debut album Index.
Warner Chappell Music has signed Nia Archives to a worldwide publishing agreement. A DJ, producer and singer-songwriter, she won Best Electric/Dance Act at the MOBOs, Best Producer at the NME Awards, named Introducing Artist of the Year by BBC, and was shortlisted for the Rising Star Award at the BRITs 2023.
Universal Music Publishing Classics and Screen has signed Pulitzer Prize winner Kevin Puts and rising Puerto Rican composer Angélica Negrón to exclusive worldwide publishing deals. As part of the agreements, Universal’s Classics & Screen division also acquired Puts’ compositional catalog.
Angry Mob Music Group has signed UK-based Richard Walters to a worldwide co-publishing agreement. Currently signed to Nettwek Music Group on the label side, Walters next single is out May 26th. As a songwriter, he has worked alongside Joe Henry, Alison Moyet, Solomun, 3LAU, Sony Fodera, Sultan + Shepard, and more.
Warner Chappell Music has joined with Matchless Publishing and Artist Development to sign a global publishing deal with Nashville-based singer, songwriter and producer Dan Pellarin. Pellarin has co-written with acts like Filmore, Atlus, and Savage Hands.
Warner Chappell Music and Cornman Music have teamed up to jointly sign Graham Barham to a global publishing deal. A Nashville-based newcomer, he first gained attention with his popular track “Preachers Need People.”
Creative Nation, an independent music company, has signed Nashville-based songwriter and producer Oscar Charles to a publishing deal. He has written songs with Chase Rice, Elvie Shane, Boy Named Banjo, Madeline Edwards, Hannah Dasher and more. He has released songs with Carly Pearce, Charlie Worsham and Jacob Powell, among others.
