Warner Chappell Music (WCM) and Limited Edition Music have teamed up for a new publishing partnership, with a mission to sign and develop emerging songwriters in a range of genres.
Emmyn Calleiro, singer and songwriter with Fueled by Ramen / DCD2 Record-signed pop-punk band Games We Play, along with rising country artist Bailey Callahan, are the first signings through the new alliance — Limited Edition Music.
Greg Sowders, WCM’s senior vp of A&R and catalog will continue in his current position while also leading Limited Edition Music, which will sign acts in the alternative, rock, pop and alternative country spaces. Sowders is joined in the leadership role by former WCM A&R executive Marc Wilson.
“Greg has been a key fixture at Warner Chappell for more than three decades and has dedicated his career to building out a star-studded alternative and rock roster,” comments Guy Moot, WCM co-chair and CEO. “This is the perfect opportunity for him to continue to lead those efforts while also working with more emerging writers alongside Marc.”
During his time with the major music publisher, Sowders has signed and worked with such artists and writers as Twenty One Pilots, Greta Van Fleet, Travis Barker, Paramore, Tyler Childers, Billy Corgan, Portugal. The Man, Deftones, All Time Low, Orville Peck and Nickelback, and others.
His career in music began in 1981 on the other side of the table, as the drummer for Los Angeles alternative country pioneers The Long Ryders, with whom he continues to perform.
“I’ve been a part of the Warner Chappell family for over 30 years, and I’m ready to continue this amazing journey by reuniting with my long-time friend and creative partner Marc Wilson,” commented Sowders. “Limited Edition Music will be a home for emerging artists and writers, within the incredible WCM ecosystem.”
Wilson, meanwhile, boasts almost 20 years’ experience developing songwriters and artists. During his stint with WCM, he worked with the likes of Lizzo, Steve Aoki, Ian Kirkpatrick, Sean Douglas, Sam DeRosa, Alec Benjamin and others. In 2020, he launched United Songs Entertainment, which exclusively manages songwriters and producers, and currently represents Cate Downey and Zoë Moss.
Adds Ryan Press, WCM president of North America: “Greg is one of the best creatives in the business and serves as a true partner to his songwriters. I’m super proud to be able to support him and Marc, who I’ve also worked with for a long time, and continue to nurture the next generation of hitmakers together.”
The partnership, announced today, closely follows a SXSW discussion on the future of music publishing and the new songwriter economy, entitled “Music Publishing in the New Songwriter Economy.” The session featured Moot and Billboard editorial director Hannah Karp as guest speakers.
