Singer, songwriter and award-winning actress Dove Cameron has inked a worldwide deal with Sony Music Publishing (SMP). News of the deal arrives just after Cameron won the best new artist prize at the MTV VMAs and went viral with her queer pop anthem “Boyfriend.”
In conversation with Billboard, Cameron admitted she did not expect the song to go viral. In fact, she “never thought it would end up on the EP if I’m being honest.” She casually posted a video of the unfinished demo version of “Boyfriend,” and to her surprise, it immediately took off, peaking at No. 16 on the Hot 100, No. 2 on Pop Airplay and No. 4 on the all-genre Radio Songs chart. For Cameron, who got her start on Disney’s Liv and Maddie, the success of the Disruptor Records/Columbia Records-released single cemented her adult music career and, most importantly, was a validation of her queer identity.
“That means the most to me of anything,” she shares. “It’s healing for me to be having this experience.”
Due to her VMAs win, there is now speculation the rising star could be a contender for a Grammy nomination in the same category. In conversation about the singer/actress, Disruptor Records label boss Adam Alpert said of her work ethic, “[Dove’s] been in the studio every day and has written so many amazing songs,” Alpert says, “So stay tuned.”
Cameron says of the Sony Music Publishing deal, “I’m so excited to be joining the Sony Music Publishing family where they continue to grow and support me as an artist and a songwriter. With this partnership, I look forward to bringing my fans music that can become the soundtrack to their lives.”
SMP’s vp of creative Thomas Krottinger adds, “Dove is a brilliant songwriter — her creative authenticity has not only led to chart success, but it has enabled her to become an important voice representing the LGBTQ+ community. We’re thrilled to welcome Dove to SMP, and we look forward to supporting her in this next chapter.”
