As it addresses challenges related to the platform’s launch of new offerings and expansion into new territories, Sacem announced the signing of a new contract with Spotify.
This new multi-territory agreement covers mechanical reproduction and public performance rights for all of Spotify’s offerings: duo, student, family, etc. It covers all of the European Union countries, as well as Switzerland, Israel, South Africa, the Middle East, India, Russia and 80 other territories around the world.
Since 2008, when Spotify launched its streaming service and signed its first agreement with the Sacem, it has continued to grow and evolve, turning music streaming into a vital, mainstream mode of consumption.
Bolstered by its expertise in the management of authors’ rights in the digital sphere, Sacem has consolidated its position as a leader in collective management by regularly renegotiating its agreement with Spotify over the years in order to guarantee its members the fairest possible remuneration for the use of their works.
Together, Sacem and Spotify will continue to explore this ever-changing and strategic market for the entire music ecosystem.
Warner Chappell Music signed a worldwide publishing agreement with multi-platinum record producer Vinylz. He’s become a go-to producer for numerous stars like Travis Scott, Drake, Justin Bieber, Rihanna and many more.
“I couldn’t be happier to be reunited with Vinylz. We’ve had a great, longstanding successful relationship spanning many years,” said Rich Christina, Warner Chappell Music svp of A&R. “His production is truly special and standout. He expertly blends old and new styles, marrying ‘90s rap beats with contemporary R&B. We’re really looking forward to working with him across all genres in this next chapter at Warner Chappell.”
Born Anderson Hernandez, Vinylz worked under the wing of Boi-1da early in his career before co-producing Grammy-nominated albums and hits in the R&B and hip-hop genres. He most recently contributed to two songs on Bieber’s surprise Freedom EP and songwriter Starrah’s debut album The Longest Interlude.
“I’m really excited to join the Warner Chappell family and am looking forward to the next chapter of my career,” said Vinylz. “There’s a lot of amazing music on the way that I’ve been focused on and I’m grateful for the team for believing in my vision.”
Grammy-nominated and platinum producer London Cyr signed to WondaGurl’s label imprint Wonderchild, a joint venture with Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Travis Scott’s Cactus Publishing.
Cyr earned his first major placement on Scott’s Grammy-nominated hit “Can’t Say.” After forging a relationship with Wondagurl, the producer has since worked with Don Toliver, 6LACK, Young Thug, Shy Glizzy and many more.
Reservoir announced the signing of platinum-selling songwriter and artist BRELAND to a worldwide publishing deal. The signing, which includes his full catalog, breakout hit “My Truck,” and future works, marks his first-ever publishing deal.
In May 2020, BRELAND released his debut self-titled EP, which crossed genres of country, hip-hop, R&B and pop. The EP included “My Truck” plus a remix with Sam Hunt and five other standout co-writes, including “Hot Sauce.” Following the success of his EP, BRELAND released a two-song compilation in honor of Juneteenth called Rage & Sorrow. He also collaborated on Keith Urban’s The Speed of Now Part 1, co-writing and featuring on single “Out The Cage” alongside Nile Rodgers and co-writing “Soul Food.”
“I’m a genreless songwriter that wants to blur the lines between cultures with my pen, and I’ve been looking for a team of people that would know how to take what I’m doing to the next level,” says BRELAND. “I think the Reservoir team embodies that genrelessness in a really exciting and progressive way.”
“BRELAND is a signing that really excites us,” added John Ozier Reservoir evp of creative. “Not only is he creating some great country crossover songs, but he exudes such an inspiring energy that we know he’s going to be fantastic to work with.”
peermusic Nashville signed legendary artist and songwriter Lee Greenwood to an exclusive global music publishing deal. Through the deal, peermusic will administer some of his most iconic songs, including the classic “God Bless The U.S.A.”
“peermusic has had a special relationship with country music since it was founded, so adding a songwriter of Lee Greenwood’s stature to our roster is a truly special accomplishment for everyone here. Lee could obviously have his pick of publishers, so we’re thrilled he chose to sign with peermusic,” said Kathy Spanberger, president and COO of peermusic.
“It’s important to me to have a publisher who will support my music and help me continue to share it with the world, and after getting to know Kathy, Michael and their team I know that they will. peermusic has a long history with country music and I’m glad to now be a part of it,” added Greenwood.
Universal Music Publishing Nashville signed Logan Turner to an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement. He is one half of the duo Bexar (pronounced ‘bear’) alongside Chris Ryan.
“Logan is the complete package as a songwriter/artist/musician/producer. I’m constantly blown away by his work ethic and versatility,” said Missy Roberts, senior director of A&R. “He transitions seamlessly from writing for Bexar, to a 100% song for other artists, to a hit pop song for his brother, artist Mills Turner. He’s a creative machine and we couldn’t be more proud to welcome him to the UMPG family.”
Sony Music Publishing UK announced it has signed hit songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Ben Jackson-Cook to a worldwide deal.
Jackson-Cook has recently gained notoriety as Rag’n’Bone Man’s musical director and primary collaborator, co-writing and co-producing his forthcoming album Life By Misadventure in its entirety, including his brand new single “Crossfire.”
“Ben is an exceptional talent. I love that he is instinctive, taking time with artists to dig deeper,” said Sarah Lockhart, SMP head of A&R, UK. “I am thrilled that we are a part of this creative journey with him.”
“Felix, David, Tim and Sarah have been overwhelmingly welcoming and praising of my work,” added Jackson-Cook. “I can tell they share the same love of songs that I do and we’re definitely going to make some great things happen together. Felix is a force to be reckoned with and I’m honored to be on the journey with him and Sony.”
Kobalt today announced the signing of Seeb to a global publishing deal. The deal includes a full range of creative, synch, and administration services for their catalog and future works.
Seeb is widely known for their monster hit in 2016 with a remix of Mike Posner’s “I Took A Pill In Ibiza.” The Norwegian duo has also released two EPs and are featured on a great deal of tracks.
“Seeb is as creative as they’re technically skilled. They’ve raised the bar for remixes and created ground-breaking original tracks,” said Johan Ekelund, managing director of Nordics of Kobalt. “Their ability to source co-creators for collaborations makes them endlessly exciting. I consider Seeb as a perfect fit with Kobalt and I’m delighted they’ve chosen to work with us.”
Chumba Music announced its partnership with Sony Music Publishing (SMP) to provide its services to Chumba’s world-class roster of songwriters and producers.
Founded in 2015 by Grammy nominated producer-songwriter Jason Evigan, the company is a boutique music publishing and production company that specializes in developing new talent and supporting established creators with a hands-on approach. It also tapped music executive Aaron Sander as head of A&R.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chumba Music to Sony Music Publishing,” said Amanda Hill, svp of creative at SMP. “Jason has built an incredible roster, and the success of Gian Stone’s career is a testament to his passion for uplifting creators. We look forward to working with the Chumba team to further support their songwriters and drive new opportunities for their music.”
“I’ve known Amanda for twenty years, and between her insight and experience, Jon Platt’s unique leadership, and the Sony team’s hands-on approach, I knew it was the right place for Chumba,” added Evigan. “Their global reach is unmatched, and, most importantly, they love music. I’m also thrilled to have Aaron join the team – his background in publishing and records combined with his passion for breaking new talent makes him the perfect fit.”
Round Hill Royalty Fund Limited, the alternative investment vehicle created by Round Hill Music, closed on its purchase of the 29.14% share of Carlin Holdings owned by Round Hill Fund 1, the Fund’s board announced on May 4. Round Hill acquired Carlin in 2018 using money from its $209 million Fund 1 and $263 million Fund 2. In addition, Round Hill set up a revolving credit facility that allows it to borrow up to 25% of the Fund’s net asset value.
