Universal Music Publishing Group signed Grammy-winning songwriter, producer and musician Joel Little to an exclusive global publishing administration deal. Renowned for a minimalist art-pop style, Little has shaped the sound of major artists like Lorde, Taylor Swift, Khalid, Noah Kahan and Imagine Dragons, with his work generating over 25 billion streams worldwide. He co-wrote and produced Lorde’s “Royals,” which won song of the year at the Grammys in 2014. Little’s work also includes co-writing and producing Taylor Swift’s Lover hits like “ME!” and “You Need to Calm Down,” as well as producing Khalid’s “Young Dumb & Broke.” In 2023, he served as executive producer on Niall Horan’s The Show, which debuted at No. 1 in eight countries. Managed by Page 1 Management, Little continues to work with artists like Maren Morris and Tove Lo. “From 12 years ago when we first crossed paths, it’s been a wonderful and fruitful creative partnership that only continues to grow,” said UMPG executive vp and head of U.S. A&R Jennifer Knoepfle. “Joel’s works have touched so many people’s lives, including mine, and I am beyond excited to explore this new chapter with our UMPG team.”
Chester Music Limited, part of the Wise Music Group, signed an agreement with the members of Icelandic band Sigur Rós to create and publish new arrangements, adaptations and classical editions of their songs, as well as new classical works. The deal includes a separate agreement with Kjartan Sveinsson, the band’s composer and multi-instrumentalist, for his future classical compositions, including his opera Der Klang der Offenbarung des Göttlichen. “Sigur Rós are one of the rare, completely original bands of our time and there is enormous potential for what we can do with their music in partnership with our creative team,” said Wise CEO Marcus Wise. “We will be attempting some groundbreaking work together to bring their music to entirely new markets.”
Steve Solomon inked a global publishing deal with Position Music. A versatile pop and alternative songwriter/producer, Solomon co-wrote James Arthur’s “Say You Won’t Let Go,” earning two Brit Award nominations and producing much of Arthur’s UK No. 1 album Bitter Sweet Love. Solomon co-wrote Forest Blakk’s “If You Love Her” and Perrie’s chart-topping “Forget About Us” with Ed Sheeran and David Hodges, and most recently contributed to Benson Boone’s “Love Of Mine.” “Steve is a legend, and I don’t say that lightly,” said Joe Brooks, A&R at Position Music.
Adrien Nunez inked a global publishing administration deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville. A Brooklyn native and former NCAA basketball player, Nunez has quickly gained recognition for his genre-blending sound that fuses country, pop and hip-hop. His breakout 2024 single, “Low Road” with Avery Anna, and follow-up tracks like “Don’t Wanna Go Home” have earned over 100 million streams. Currently touring as an opener for Luke Bryan, Nunez has a new single on tap for this week. “Adrien’s music is absolutely infectious,” said Synnovea Halsel, manager of creative A&R at SMPN. “He has been captivating listeners since day one and has built an amazing fanbase.”
Wixen Music Publishing signed Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter Hector Delgado to an exclusive publishing deal. Known for shaping A$AP Rocky’s signature sound, Delgado has contributed to hits like “L$D,” “Praise the Lord” and “Fashion Killa.” His genre-blending style has attracted collabs with artists such as Tyler, The Creator, Lana Del Rey, Frank Ocean, Selena Gomez and FKA Twigs. Managed by Jeff Antebi of Waxploitation, Delgado co-produced hits like “Good for You” and “Groupie Love,” and recently contributed the track “Flacko Locko” to the Cyberpunk 2077 soundtrack. He’s currently a lead creative behind Rocky’s upcoming album Don’t Be Dumb.
Restless Road members Garrett Nichols and Zach Beeken have each signed new publishing deals. Nichols has signed with Curb/Word Music Publishing, while Beeken has inked a global deal with Spirit Music Nashville and Fluid Music Revolution. In 2015, Nichols and Beeken teamed up with Colton Pack to form Restless Road, and together they have co-written songs for the group as well as Sacha’s “Shooting Star” featuring Restless Road. –Jessica Nicholson
Wise Music Group and WME announced new signings that highlight their commitment to supporting innovative and genre-defying artists. Acclaimed singer-songwriter, film composer and producer David Longstreth, founder of the influential indie band Dirty Projectors, joins the roster. Known for his work on landmark albums Bitte Orca and Swing Lo Magellan, Longstreth has also collaborated with artists like Solange, Rihanna, Björk, and David Byrne. Meanwhile, Wise Music Group also signed British indie band The Clientele to a global publishing deal under The Sparta Florida Music Group catalogue. With a dreamy, poetic sound and a cult following, The Clientele’s catalog includes eight albums and five EPs, including their 2023 release I Am Not There Anymore. Both signings underscore Wise’s dedication to timeless, boundary-pushing music.
Electric Feel Publishing signed French artist and producer Jules Apollinaire to its roster. Known for his genre-smooshing style rooted in alt-rock and electronic music, Apollinaire recently co-produced Suki Waterhouse’s Memoir of a Sparklemuffin, including the hit “Good Looking,” and is developing projects for Remy Bond and Declan McKenna. Apollinaire also founded the band TTRRUUCES and released a critically acclaimed debut album. Managed by Key Partners Group, his collabs span artists like The Kid Laroi, Carly Rae Jepsen and The National.
The Song Factory, sister company to Riser House, signed Aaron Armstrong to an exclusive publishing agreement, in partnership with songwriter-producer Jake Mitchell (known for writing songs recorded by HARDY and Jameson Rodgers). Armstrong has written songs recorded by Vincent Mason (“Speak of the Devil”) and Eli Winders (“Beers From Now”). The signing also marks the official re-launch of The Song Factory, a legacy publishing brand with a past roster that has included Jon Pardi, Ashley McBryde and Dustin Lynch. Since launching Riser House in 2017, CEO Jennifer Johnson brought The Song Factory under the Riser House umbrella. –J.N.
Maison Arts signed UK-based psych-pop duo The Flints to its publishing division, expanding its artist-first roster. Known for their layered harmonies and genre-blending songwriting, The Flints have already landed placements in global fashion campaigns and major television networks, with credits including Justice and Jean Dawson. Maison Arts, a Los Angeles-based boutique label and publishing company, aims to amplify bold creative voices like The Flints through strategic support and global reach. The Flints join a growing roster that includes Nils Hoffmann, Mindchatter, and DJibouti.
Silent Addy, the acclaimed DJ and producer known for championing Caribbean music, signed an exclusive global publishing deal with Platinum Grammar Publishing. The partnership comes as his breakout hit “Shake It To The Max (FLY)” — featuring Moliy, Skillibeng and Shenseea — approaches the 500 million stream mark. Based in Miami and raised between South Florida and Jamaica, Addy — who is managed by Super Music Group — has shaped the dancehall scene through events, collaborations and his label Bashment Records. His work includes tracks with Vybz Kartel and Chi Ching Ching.
Story House Collective and Essential Music Publishing signed artist-writer Harrison Hackett to the roster. The California native has written a string of songs recorded by Cory Asbury, including “Good For Nothing” and “Climb My Way to Heaven.” Story House Collective, founded by five-time Grammy nominee and CCM artist-writer Matthew West, announced its joint venture with Essential Music Publishing last year. Story House Collective manages creative artists spanning media including music, books and film. –J.N.
Concord Music Publishing’s unit covering Australia and New Zealand signed Thai artist, songwriter and producer WIM to a global publishing deal — the company’s first in Thailand and Southeast Asia. WIM, known for his work with pop-soul duo HYBS, launched a solo career in 2024, blending R&B, pop and retro sounds that have caught on across Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Korea. The agreement includes WIM’s upcoming album HONEYMOOD, out Aug. 13.
