We catch up on this week’s music publishing headlines, from key deals and signings to new hires, legislation and more.
Deals and Signings
Alicia Keys Moves Catalog to Universal Music Publishing Group (Billboard)
Universal Music Publishing Group has signed Alicia Keys to an exclusive administration deal, covering the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and producer’s iconic catalog of both existing and future works.
Warner Chappell and Artist Publishing Group partner on Ava Max deal (Music Week)
“Ava’s show-stopping vocals and sensational songwriting prove she is a true pop icon in the making, and we look forward to contributing to her growing success,” said WCM co-chair and CEO, Guy Moot.
peermusic UK Signs The Prodigy’s Maxim Reality To Exclusive Global Publishing Deal (MBW)
The news was announced by Nigel Elderton, President, Europe & Managing Director, peermusic UK and Richard Martin, Synchronisation Manager, peermusic. The agreement encompasses future works as well as Maxim’s entire back catalog, including his work as part of the Prodigy.
Kevin Ortiz Joins SESAC Latina For Worldwide Representation (Billboard)
Regional Mexican rising star, Kevin Ortiz has joined SESAC Latina roster for worldwide representation, excluding Mexico, Billboard has learned. “He is an outstanding addition to our roster of Regional Mexican creative talent, and we’re thrilled he has joined the SESAC Latina family” says Celeste Zendejas, SESAC Latina Director of Creative Services.
‘They have a phenomenal roster’: Bucks partners with Gaga Music (Music Week)
Bucks Music Group has entered into an administration agreement with Gaga Music for the UK & Ireland. The Australian music company administers independent music copyrights via a network of partners.
John Paul White Signs With Warner Chappell Music (Billboard)
John Paul White, formerly of the Grammy Award-winning Americana duo The Civil Wars, has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music. “JPW is in a league of his own,” said Ben Vaughn, President and CEO of WCM Nashville.
Hirings and Promotions
UMPG Appoints Stephen J. Dallas As SVP, Business & Legal Affairs and Digital Business Development (MBW)
In his new role, Dallas is responsible for the negotiation of high-level digital deals both domestically and internationally, including creating and exploring new digital business opportunities globally on behalf of UMPG’s songwriters and rights holders.
‘He embodies the Kobalt spirit’: Publisher ups Dominique Keegan to VP of creative (Music Week)
Keegan joined Kobalt Music Publishing in 2012, initially serving as a creative director where he focused on artist signings and song pitching. Recent signings include Marshmello, Duke Dumont, Tuff City Records, and Loud Luxury.
Sony/ATV Promotes Kristina Hedrick To VP, US Business Development (MBW)
In her new role, she will oversee the analysis of US songwriter deals and will be the initial point of contact for the A&R and Business & Legal Affairs departments when evaluating US business development opportunities.
BMG Kicks Off Global Expansion, Adding Andreas Katsambas as Executive VP, Latin America and Canada (Billboard)
Based in New York and reporting to CEO Hartwig Masuch, Katsambas is tasked with setting up recordings and publishing infrastructure in Latin America and Canada. The goal is to further drive scale in the Americas, where around 50% of BMG’s revenues currently come from the U.S.
Empire Launches Nashville Division, Hires Eric Hurt as VP A&R (Billboard)
Independent music label, distributor and publisher Empire has started a Nashville division and hired Eric Hurt as its vp A&R, the company announced Tuesday (Sept. 3).
Interesting Reads
The Man Machine: How Can Humans and Artificial Intelligence Collaborate to Manage The Explosion of Music Data? (Synchblog)
Ben Gilbert takes a deep dive into the subject of AI to explore the increasingly central role technology has to play in the influx of information surrounding digital music.
Everything You Need to Know About Music Publishing Royalty Audits (Synchblog)
CC Young‘s Royalty Audit Manager Gary Groutage breaks down music publishing royalty audits – why you should consider them, what they entail and the costs involved.
The Secret of Verdi’s ‘Otello’ and ‘Falstaff’? His Publisher (New York Times)
A new exhibition at the Morgan Library & Museum reveals the crucial role Ricordi played in creating these late masterpieces.
‘A phenomenal partner’: Primary Wave’s Seth Faber on teaming with Whitney Houston’s estate (Music Week)
In May, Primary Wave announced it had taken a stake in her publishing, master recording income stream, name, likeness and brand. Seth Faber works with estate CEO/president Pat Houston, the late singer’s former manager and sister-in-law.
How Much Does Song Length Matter for Artists’ Revenue? (Billboard)
Financial wonks might wonder if recording contracts, licensing agreements and copyright law treat songs differently according to their length. Yes and no.
Jobs
Copyright Assistant (German speaking) – Kobalt Music Group (London)
The primary role of the Copyright Assistant will be to assist in correctly registering works and agreements in Germany, Austria and Switzerland at the local collection societies and carrying out all related tasks to maintain and manage our catalogue to highest standards.
Work Entry Assistant – Kobalt Music Group (London)
The primary roles of a copyright department are registering claims to songs at the relevant collection societies globally and processing the royalties which result from the exploitation of those songs.
Copyright Assistant – Hospital Records (London)
Hospital Records Are Hiring A Full-time Copyright Assistant To Assist In The Day To Day Running Of Both The Publishing, Legal And Finance Departments.
For more music publishing positions check out our music industry jobs board. To post a listing for free get in touch at jobsboard@synchtank.com.
