Warner Chappell Music has entered into a worldwide administration agreement with Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Daniel Caesar.
The deal consists of Caesar’s entire back catalog and future works, including his breakthrough collaborations “Best Part” ft. H.E.R. and “Get You” ft. Kali Uchis.
Warner Chappell Music co-chair and CEO, Guy Moot, said: “Daniel has an intimate approach to songwriting that is incredibly alluring. His ability to articulate complex emotions and feelings into beautiful lyrics and melodies is truly unmatched. I’ve worked with Daniel in the past and am incredibly grateful to again be in business with such a poignant storyteller as he moves into this next chapter in his career.”
Warner Chappell Music president of A&R, U.S., Ryan Press, adds: “Daniel has set a new standard for soulful songwriters around the world with his deeply passionate writing style. He pours his heart and soul into every verse and that really comes through when you see him perform. I’m excited for what the future has in store and all of us at Warner Chappell look forward to supporting him on this journey.”
Universal Music Publishing (UMP) China, a division of Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), have opened their new office in Shanghai. The move expands UMPG’s operations in China, which it first entered two years ago.
An opening event was held at UMP China’s new offices at 800 Show Creative Park of Shanghai’s Jing’an District and was attended by distinguished guests like Gao Yunfei (高韵斐), deputy director of the publicity department of Shanghai Municipal CPC Committee and director of the Shanghai Film Bureau; Mo LiangJin (莫亮金), Jing’an CPC Committee member and publicity department director; and many more.
At the event, UMPG launched the Chinese version of UMPG Window – its international royalty portal for songwriters – marking UMPG’s first local-language version in Asia. It also featured live performances by Shanghai-based UMPG China songwriters, including Chinese classical instrumental group Zide Club (上海自得琴社); R&B singer-songwriter Yingge Yang (杨英格); jazz pianist Daniel Niu (牛天宇); and China’s most popular chamber singing group, Shanghai Rainbow Chamber Singers (上海彩虹室内合唱团).
Purplebeat Music, administered by Music Asset Management, announced the signing of country and pop singer/songwriter Shane Stevens to a worldwide co-publishing deal.
The signing will include Stevens’ hit song “Fancy Like,” a song he co-wrote for Walker Hayes, and all of his songs moving forward.
Commenting on the announcement, Stevens adds: “I could not be more excited or feel more blessed about being back in Nashville and with my team at Purplebeat. It’s like a homecoming for me and nothing could possibly feel more right than being with Eric, Mike, Andy, Graham and Bob. Winning with them is a dream come true. This is a solid foundation to build on.”
Purplebeat said: “All of us at Purplebeat are so excited to be working with Shane. He is an absolute pro and brings tremendous talent and experience to our roster. I think the success of ‘Fancy Like’ is just a glimmer of things to come.”
Khari “Needlz” Cain, a songwriter and producer whose collaborators include Bruno Mars, Drake, Cardi B and 50 Cent, has signed with Hallwood Media for management. He will be represented by founder and CEO Neil Jacobson and senior vp of A&R/management Cristina Chavez.
Jacobson shared: “It’s an honor to have Needlz join the Hallwood family. Beyond his incredible production and that unique sound, he‘s building a diverse new business from the ground up and identifying superstar artists early. He is what you need to be in this new iteration of the music business, and we can’t wait to help him take it all the way.”
“I am excited to join the Hallwood Team,” added Needlz. “Not only does this partnership give me an opportunity to grow my brand as a producer, but also support as I establish an exciting new music company. Further, the partnership will enable me to draw from Hallwood Media’s vast resources and expertise to identify, nurture and introduce new talent to the industry.”
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) and Tommy Brown’s Champagne Therapy have jointly signed a worldwide co-publishing deal with songwriter/artist Melanie Fontana.
Since partnering, Fontana and Brown have collaborated on many occasions, including for “Bet You Wanna” by Blackpink feat. Cardi B and “Take It Home” by Mabel.
“Tommy Brown and I met over a decade ago during a vulnerable, equally demanding point in my music career,” said Fontana in a statement. “Looking back at our early shared experiences in the industry, it’s humbling to know that chance + circumstance would bring us together as friends first, then our musical chemistry would draw us both to working together in perfect synergy. It’s an honor to be taken under Tommy’s wing and to have an unobstructed front-row seat, seeing how he uses his innate talent to construct songs, equalize energies, build teams and guide projects to their fullest potential. To be a piece of the Champagne Therapy puzzle is a dream come true.”
Brown added, “When Melanie and I started working, it was a no brainer. She is brilliant with her wordplay and melody choices and brings something refreshing to the culture. Excited for our future works and to show the world what we’ve been building.”
Sony Music Publishing Nashville and KP Entertainment have joined to sign rising songwriter and producer Lee Starr to a worldwide publishing agreement.
Based in Nashville, Starr is a songwriter and producer specializing in country and pop music, known for penning songs for artists such as Elvie Shane, Ashland Craft, Conner Smith and Drew Green.
In a statement, Starr said that “the staff at Sony Music Publishing are incredible, and everyone involved in this deal is an absolute hustler. When you find good people, you stick with them. I think the sky is the limit for us.”
KP Entertainment founder Kerri Edwards said, “When our Creative Director Aubrey Schwartz played some demos of Lee earlier this year, I knew he was someone we had to represent. His approach to songwriting and producing is inspiring, along with his drive to work toward those next level goals. Lee is such a great addition to our roster, and I look forward to building this with him.”
Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston added, “I couldn’t be more excited for Lee and the team at KP Entertainment. Lee’s songs are full of heart, and his work ethic is second to none. His potential is endless and I’m looking forward to all that is to come.”
Sony Music Publishing announced a partnership with White Hill Music Pvt Ltd. to provide global publishing services for White Hill Music, including administration, synchronization, and catalog promotion.
“We couldn’t be more delighted to partner with Sony Music Publishing. Teaming up with Sony Music Publishing will undoubtedly facilitate a more transparent and efficient means of licensing and royalty collection. Over the years, White Hill Music has garnered immense love and adulation from around the world for its tasteful and diverse content, and I am positive that this partnership will benefit both companies in the time to come.” said Gunbir Singh Sidhu, managing director at White Hill Studios.
“With an unwavering determination to cater to a global audience, White Hill Music has always strived for perfection in all its endeavours. Joining hands with Sony Music Publishing will hopefully pave a new way for Punjabi music onto the world stage,” added Manmord Sidhu, managing director at White Hill Studios.
“Punjabi music is thriving and the demand for it has been growing across India and even beyond borders,” said Dinraj Shetty, director at Sony Music Publishing India. “We are very excited about this partnership with White Hill Music and to offer an effective and robust platform for their musical works at a global scale.”
Reservoir Media has signed singer-songwriter Madison McFerrin to a worldwide publishing deal that includes her entire catalog and future works.
“I’m excited to take my career as a singer, songwriter and producer to the next level through joining the dynamic roster at Reservoir,” said McFerrin. “In addition to the stellar group of artists, I’m equally grateful to join forces with such a talented and diverse, women-led team of music industry pros.”
David Hoffman, Reservoir’s vp of A&R and marketing, added, “After years of being a fan of and getting to know Madison, I’m so happy that she is joining the Reservoir roster. She’s a world class talent and we can’t wait to help support her music and grow her audience even more.”
Warner Chappell Music’s U.S. Latin division has signed a worldwide administration deal with Latin urban pop singer Carmen DeLeon. Having been signed to Capitol Music Group/Universal Music Latin Entertainment since 2019, DeLeon is currently readying her debut EP after having had success with her 2020 debut single “Volveras,” which was produced by Tainy.
Lazaro Hernandez, WCM vp A&R, U.S. Latin & Latin America, said, “Carmen is not only an incredible vocalist, but also a gifted songwriter who knows how to connect with people through the power of music. She’s a true star in the making and we feel lucky to be working alongside her.”
DeLeon adds: “I’m so happy to be with this amazing team and I’m super excited for what’s to come. Thank you Warner Chappell.”
