As first reported by Billboard, Bruce Springsteen has sold his masters to Sony Music and his music publishing to Sony Music Publishing in a combined deal that sources say is in the area of $500 million. Read More
Round Hill Music in partnership with its Music Royalty Fund Two vehicle has acquired the music publishing catalog of producer, writer, music supervisor/publisher, DJ Jellybean Benitez. The acquisition includes worldwide hits by Madonna, Whitney Houston, Snap, Will Smith and Nas among others .
The company, which has been working with Benitez since 2020, also has agreed plans for a wide-ranging joint venture agreement which will allow him to sign new talent and acquire further rights with a particular focus on the fast-expanding Latin market.
Benitez’s publishing catalog, which has been built up over the last four decades, includes hits such as Snap “The Power,” Madonna “Holiday,” Nas “Hate Me Now,” Will Smith “Getting Jiggy with It,” Baby Bash “Suga Suga” and Whitney Houston “Love Will Save the Day” among many others.
As part of this agreement Round Hill Music will assume full responsibility for global administration of the copyrights acquired.
Josh Gruss, Founder and CEO of Round Hill Music said, ”Jellybean Benitez is a music industry legend, there’s no better way to describe him. As an artist, producer, writer, and remixer he is universally revered, and his track record of hits is astonishing. He is also a respected entrepreneur and executive who has launched and developed several hugely successful companies. This ongoing agreement, which saw us acquire his catalog in 2020 and partner with him going forward on a number of exciting and innovative new projects brings even more creative firepower to our team.”
Robin Godfrey-Cass, Managing Director of Round Hill’s London office said, “I have long been an admirer of Jellybean, whose work has soundtracked so many of our lives over so many years. When the opportunity arose to work with him in 2020 it was an absolute no-brainer and our relationship has gone from strength to strength since then.”
Jellybean Benitez said, “I like the way Round Hill do business. They are a smart commercial operation but they also understand and appreciate music and have a natural empathy with creators. It’s always more rewarding if you can work with people with whom you have some common ground and that’s certainly the case in this situation. I would also like to thank my Lawyer Paul Schindler for representing me with Round Hill Music.”
Reservoir Media, Inc. has acquired a stake in the publishing catalog of Fred Parris, the writer, lead vocalist and founder of the doo-wop group The Five Satins. Parris is best known as the writer and lead singer of “In the Still of the Night.”
“In the Still of the Night” has been ranked among the top doo-wop songs of all time, also having been recorded by Boyz II Men and Debbie Gibson.
On the deal with Reservoir, Parris said, “I am extremely pleased to make this agreement with Faith Newman and the Reservoir team, and I’m thankful for all their enthusiasm. I know they genuinely care about my work and are avid supporters.”
Marvin Katz, Parris’ attorney, who represented Parris in the deal, added, “Fred and I are extremely happy to have been able to enter into this agreement with Reservoir. Representing Fred has been a complete joy for me and the continuance of our great relationship. Thanks to the great Reservoir team for helping to make this happen.”
Faith Newman, Reservoir Executive Vice President of A&R and Catalog Development, also commented, “Fred Parris helped define the genre of doo-wop, and we’re honored to be a part of maintaining the piece of history he created. We look forward to finding new opportunities for his works and fostering a renewed love for these classics.”
Sony Music Publishing has renewed their exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with Måneskin. The deal renews the company’s long-established partnership with the band, which began in 2017, and covers futures and catalog.
The Italian rock group Måneskin, consisting of Victoria De Angelis, Ethan Torchio, Thomas Raggi, and Damiano David, having captured audiences around the world since winning this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in May.
Paola Balestrazzi, A&R Director, Sony Music Publishing Italy said, “It has been a huge privilege to work with Måneskin over the past 4 years, because they reflect how music should be – free-spoken, inclusive, and authentic – and it’s why their songs are so incredible. Their achievements this year also remind us of the power of dreams, showing what’s possible through hard work, commitment, and strong will. We are honored and grateful to continue working with Måneskin and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.”
Guy Henderson, President, International, Sony Music Publishing stated, “We are thrilled that Damiano, Victoria, Ethan and Thomas have decided to extend their relationship with us. Their songs have taken popular music forward into new uncharted waters around the globe, single-handedly creating a genre that is both new and fresh, as well as true to rock ‘n roll. We look forward to working with them on this exciting phase of their momentous career.”
Songwriter Cole Taylor has signed a joint worldwide co-publishing deal with RED Creative Group, Sony Music Publishing Nashville, and Anthem Entertainment. The agreement is said to cover all of Taylor’s material moving forward.
“I’m so excited to start the next chapter of my career with this team,” Taylor says. “Jeremy and Taylor at RED are some of the best in the business and having Rusty, Anna and the Sony Publishing team on our side is more than I could ask for as I start my 9th year in Nashville.”
RED Creative Group Owner Jeremy Stover shares, “I have been a huge fan of Cole and his work for years now. I am thrilled to be able to work with him in an official capacity here at RED and can’t wait to see him continue to succeed and grow in his writing career.”
“Cole Taylor is a true country music craftsman and a rare talent,” added Sony Music Publishing CEO Rusty Gaston. “We are so excited to welcome him into the SMP family and partner with RED Creative/Anthem to champion his work.”
Afro-Cuban French twins Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Diaz, also known as Ibeyi, have signed a worldwide music publishing administration agreement for their back catalogue and future works with Downtown Music Services.
The duo play a unique blend of Yoruban music fused with modern jazz, pop, soul and hip-hop and are signed to independent label XL Recordings.
Laura Bedikian, Senior A&R Manager at Downtown Music Services said, “Since their debut album, I have been following Ibeyi’s journey very closely, they are part of these few artists from France who take it to another level and put themselves on the international map. It’s a huge honor to have their trust to bring them even further now. And it’s a daily pleasure working with Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi and the talented team around them.”
Mike Smith, Global President of Downtown Music Services said, “Ibeyi are a wholly unique band. Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi created this amazing music bound up in stunning harmonies fusing Spanish, Cuban and English together with a fearless political stance. This fractured world has never needed to hear their blend of spirituality and righteousness more. It is a joy to work with them and Richard Russell and the team at XL to bring their music to a broader audience.”
Ibeyi added, “We’re very excited to start this new partnership with Downtown Music Services. Let’s spread Magic everywhere.”
Freddie McGregor has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group. The administration deal covers the full catalogue of the reggae musician and entrepreneur whose career spans almost six decades, with more than 40 albums to his name.
Freddie McGregor says: “I’m excited to be working with Guy and his team. With a new album in the works and the live scene coming out of hibernation, it seems like the right time to start writing a new chapter in my career. I want to connect with other writers and producers from around the world to keep inspiring me to make music that moves people.”
Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO, Warner Chappell Music, adds: “Freddie is known as the ‘Captain of the Big Ship’ and with good reason. He’s been a pioneer in reggae for decades, writing songs that have moved fans around the world, and is well known for being generous with his time and efforts for younger up and coming artists. We’re delighted that he’s signed with us and can’t wait to get to work on his incredible catalogue and new music.”
Shani Gonzales, Head of International A&R and UK Managing Director, Warner Chappell Music, adds: “With my Jamaican heritage, I grew up listening to Freddie’s music, so getting to publish him is literally a dream come true. It’s mind-blowing that his career spans almost his whole life, starting to perform at seven years old, and today he’s still adding to his amazing songbook. Freddie is a true legend in the reggae scene, helping pioneer the sound, spreading reggae music worldwide and inspiring and supporting generations of artists. It’s a true privilege to work with him.”
Academy Award-winning songwriter, musician and activist Buffy Sainte-Marie has signed with Cameron Strang’s Howe Sound Music Publishing to represent her catalog.
“Our goal is to support Buffy, take care of her songs and find new ways to bring her music to people,” says Strang, the former Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Records and Warner Chappell Music Publishing. “I have so much admiration for Buffy. She’s an amazing person, an incredible artist and activist who is dedicated to creativity. She really lives it, and it’s a beautiful thing.”
Adds Buffy’s long-time manager, Gilles Paquin, CEO and President of Paquin Entertainment Group, “Buffy had been resistant to making a publishing deal until Cameron. She wanted someone who would help protect her music and legacy who also understands and connects with her music and lyrics. Cameron understands that Buffy’s messaging has continued to develop over the years. He also understands the importance of her work in the indigenous movement and the relevance of her music to the contemporary world.”
Concord Music Publishing has garnered the catalog and signed Nashville-based singer-songwriter Andy Albert. The worldwide publishing deal, effective immediately, will cover Albert’s full acquired catalog and future works.
Albert is coming to Concord from Downtown Music, where he signed his first publishing deal in 2014. During his time at Downtown, he landed cuts with artists such as Blake Shelton, Granger Smith, and Dustin Lynch.
“I couldn’t be more excited to begin this next chapter of my career with Concord,” says Andy Albert. “Brad has assembled one of the best teams in Nashville and I’m grateful to be part of the family.”
Andy Albert has written for and has had numerous cuts with top artists including Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, HARDY, Chris Lane, Ryan Hurd, LANY and more.
Brad Kennard, SVP of A&R in Nashville states: “We’re incredibly honored that we are able to continue to represent the great works that Andy has created, as well as those to come. He’s an undisputed rising star who’s on a path to becoming one of the best in the business. We couldn’t be prouder to work alongside such a brilliant songwriter, who also happens to be one of the best human beings around.”
“I am thrilled that Andy has entrusted Concord with his catalog of songs. He is a gifted songwriter and storyteller. We are committed to supporting songwriters like Andy, recognizing the hits he’s made and investing in the ones to come. I know the combination of Concord’s seasoned Creative team and Andy’s sheer talent will be a force in Nashville,” says Jim Selby, Chief Publishing Executive at Concord.
The twofold agreement was negotiated on behalf of Concord by Duff Berschback, EVP of Legal and Business Affairs. Albert was represented by Chip Petree of Ritholz, Levy, & Fields LLP. in Nashville.
Sarah Allison Turner has signed an exclusive administrative publishing deal with Ebach Entertainment and Kobalt Nashville
Turner has had songs recorded by Alan Jackson, Randall King, Tyler Farr, Walker County and others including a Grey’s Anatomy Placement with her song ‘Hope.’ Turner’s deal with Ebach and Kobalt Nashville will be a go-forward exclusive songwriter’s deal.
“I am thrilled about this partnership with Kobalt and Sarah Allison Turner” says Janine Ebach, GM-Owner of Ebach Entertainment. “Her songwriting talent, work ethic and hustle along with her unique artistry set her apart from so many in this industry. I’m excited to see what we’re able to do together.”
“I have wanted to work with Sarah for a very long time. When the opportunity arose as a partnership with Janine, I could not have imagined a better team!” stated Stephanie Cox, GM/SVP Creative of Kobalt Nashville.
Mojo Music & Media has acquired the complete publishing catalog of famed Irish songwriter and producer Garret “Jacknife” Lee.
The deal, which totals more than 200 songs, features multiple pop, rock and dance chart hits including Juliet’s “Ride The Pain,” Snow Patrol’s “Just Say Yes,” Bonnie McKee’s “American Girl,” Kodaline’s “The One,” The Killer’s “The Man” and Taylor Swift and Gary Lightbody’s “The Last Time.”
According to Mojo Co-Founder and CEO, Mark Fried, “It’s hard to imagine what contemporary rock music would sound like without Jacknife Lee. For the last two decades, he’s helped some of our favorite bands perfect their sound and put a shine on many of their best loved songs. We’re chuffed to be able to care take and promote so rich a legacy of work.”
According to Jill Hollywood of Echo Beach Management, “Mojo Music is the perfect home for Jacknife’s catalogue. The creative team at Mojo were quick to recognize the evergreen quality of Jacknife’s 20 years of collaborations with some of the biggest names in contemporary Pop and have built a marketing plan which treats his work with the respect and sensitivity it deserves. We look forward to working with them as guardians of his legacy in the years to come.”
The Nashville Songwriters Association International’s 27-member songwriter board of directors unanimously adopted a special resolution this week to recognize BMG publishing’s CEO Hartwig Masuch for both his philosophy and actions to value songwriters.
Such board resolutions are very rare, in fact this is the first time NSAI has recognized a publishing company CEO in this way. His philosophy stating “BMG works for songwriters and artists. They don’t work for us,” is accompanied by a BMG mission statement that also speaks to transparency when it comes to paying their songwriter partners.
The all-songwriter NSAI Board of Directors (unanimously voted) recognizes Masuch for his many contributions, but specifically for his demonstrations of being a creator-friendly industry leader. Under his guidance the company’s stated vision is:
“A world in which every songwriter and artist gets to achieve their potential and receives a fair reward for doing so. Music isn’t just another business. Music is created by individuals, each of them on their own creative journey taking huge risks. The fruits of that creativity need to be paid for, fairly and efficiently. BMG aligns itself with the interests of the creative community of music.”
NSAI points to Masuch eliminating the so-called Controlled Composition clause, a practice where songwriters are asked to take a reduce royalty rate to have a song placed on an album. BMG also undertook an unprecedented review of its historic recording contracts and accelerated royalty payouts, which NSAI applauds.
