This week’s roundup of music publishing headlines includes several signings, with big names like FKA twigs, Eric Paslay and James Arthur, plus a bevy of news from Wise Music Group, Ninja Tune and Liz Rose Music.
Kobalt signed a global publishing deal with FKA twigs, the artfully multidisciplinary artist known for genre-defying songs like “Two Weeks” and “tears in the club,” Billboard can announce. The deal covers her catalog and future work, and follows the release of twigs’ critically acclaimed album EUSEXUA, which topped Billboard’s Top Dance Albums chart and has landed on several mid-year best-ofs. Currently on her EUSEXUA world tour, the artist is performing across Europe and the U.S. (visa issues have been resolved). Beyond music, she recently starred in The Crow reboot alongside Bill Skarsgård and was honored by the Music Producers Guild for her contributions to UK music. “FKA twigs stands as a truly singular talent – a prolific songwriter and artist whose work consistently pushes boundaries,” said Jeannette Perez, president and chief commercial officer of Kobalt. “It’s a privilege to welcome her to the Kobalt family, and we are absolutely thrilled she has placed her trust in us as her publishing partner.” Twigs’ manager Jon Lieberberg praised Kobalt as having “some of the most clear and transparent administrative services in the industry.”
BMG signed multi-platinum singer-songwriter James Arthur to an exclusive global publishing deal. The agreement includes Arthur’s latest album, PISCES, which recently reached No. 3 on the Official UK Albums Chart, and future work. This also marks a major addition to BMG’s growing UK roster, which includes artists like Mick Jagger, Lenny Kravitz and George Ezra. “James Arthur is an exceptional talent whose songwriting resonates deeply with audiences worldwide,” said Lisa Cullington, vp of creative publishing. “We’re thrilled to be working closely together on James’ creative journey moving forward and we are very proud to welcome him to the BMG roster.”
Wise Music Group got busy with three new signings, expanding its global and stylistically diverse roster. Berlin’s Bosworth Music GmbH and Random Musick Publishing signed an exclusive publishing deal with Gloria de Oliveira, a multidisciplinary artist known for her experimental soundscapes. Her catalog includes Fascination and an upcoming third album with producer Randall Dunn. In Spain, contemporary classical composer Raquel García Tomás joined Unión Musical Ediciones. A recipient of the “Premio Nacional de Cultura,” she is known for works like Ceci n’est pas une valse and Vols brisés and aims to broaden her international appeal. Meanwhile, Edition Peters signed genre-blending composer/percussionist Lukas Ligeti, whose works span classical and electronic traditions. WMG manages nearly 500,000 copyrights and represents over 100 living composers through its global network of publishing houses, which in addition to the mentioned companies includes Chester Music, Associated Music Publishers and Novello & Co.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville, in partnership with Brooks & Dunn’s Kix Brooks, signed singer-songwriter Briana Calhoun to a global publishing agreement. Calhoun is also the executive director and founder of the organization Hope on the Inside, alongside the organization’s partner/president Brooks. Calhoun is set to release two new songs this year: “Hope on the Inside” and “Bustin’ Out” (the latter written with Brooks and Chancie Neal). –Jessica Nicholson
Anthem Music Publishing inked an exclusive songwriting deal with multi-platinum Canadian pop artist Shawn Desman, marking a major step in its partnership with Wax Records. This follows their November 2024 alliance aimed at redefining artist development. The first release under the deal, Desman’s dance-pop single “BODY” featuring 2025 JUNO nominee Jamie Fine, quickly became the most added track on Canadian radio. Building on the momentum of his Top 10 hit “Maniac” and a string of sold-out tours, Desman is preparing for another national tour this fall. Anthem CEO Jason Klein praised Desman as “a force in Canadian pop music,” adding, “his creative resurgence has set the stage for an exciting new chapter.”
Liz Rose Music and Sheltered Music Publishing partnered in a joint venture to sign award-winning singer-songwriter Eric Paslay. Known for penning country hits like “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Angel Eyes,” and “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” Paslay also gained recognition as an artist with songs such as “Friday Night” and “She Don’t Love You.” This collaboration brings together two respected Nashville publishing companies with one of country music’s most enduring creative talents. Liz Rose Music co-founder Scott Ponce praised Paslay’s storytelling and vocal artistry as “the kind of talent we’ve always believed in,” while Sheltered Music’s Darrell Franklin highlighted the “integrity, depth and diversity of his songwriting.”
Meanwhile… Liz Rose Music also added singer-songwriter Adam Sanders to its publishing roster. Sanders has written hits for Cole Swindell (“Ain’t Worth the Whiskey”), Dustin Lynch (“Hell of a Night”) and Drew Baldridge (“Tough People”). LRM was founded in 2010 in Nashville by the Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Liz Rose, known for writing hits for Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Little Big Town and more. –J.N.
Ninja Tune’s publishing arm, Just Isn’t Music, announced a wave of developments. Rising UK artist jasmine.4.t, the first British signee to Phoebe Bridgers’ Saddest Factory Records, joined the roster following her acclaimed debut album You Are The Morning, produced by Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus — aka, the indie supergroup Boygenius. Meanwhile, longtime signees Marie Davidson and Andreya Triana renewed their deals. Davidson’s City of Clowns was released earlier this year via Soulwax’s DEEWEE, and Triana is working on her first album since 2019. Just Isn’t Music also won AIM’s “Sync of the Year” for a Rexona ad featuring Davidson’s “Work It.” Lastly, Ninja Tune’s Kelly Burke was elected to the PPL board, further strengthening the label’s industry influence through its involvement in one of the world’s largest recording databases.
Concord Music Publishing signed Nashville-based producer and songwriter Ryan Kohn to his first global publishing deal, in partnership with InDent Music, the publishing division of Dennis Entertainment. The agreement covers Kohn’s entire catalog and future compositions. A Belmont University graduate, Kohn has worked with Concord artists Erin Kirby and Cole Goodwin, as well as emerging acts like Callista Clark and Ashley Anne. His notable releases include the single “The Man She Used to Know” and his 2021 EP November Skies. Kohn recently performed at the 29th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival. “Ryan is already so well-connected in our music community, it was easy to see the path of success in front of him,” said Melissa Spillman, vp of A&R. “To find someone who is so loved and respected among writers, artists and executives alike is a rare thing!”
