We catch up on this week’s music publishing headlines, from key deals and signings to new hires, legislation and more.
Deals and Signings
‘Extraordinary artists’: The xx renew Universal Music Publishing deal (Music Week)
The xx have renewed their worldwide publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG). The London trio, formed in 2005 and signed to Young Turks for records, have been with to UMPG for a decade. They released their Mercury Prize-winning debut album, xx, 10 years ago.
Bucks signs Seton Daunt in Exclusive Publishing Deal (MBW)
Daunt began his career playing guitar as part of the band Fiction Plane, during which time he toured with artists including Snoop Dogg, The Police and Paul Weller, and played multiple headline tours across Europe and the US.
‘It’s a joy to have him on our roster’: Manners McDade signs composer Neil Cowley (Music Week)
Music publisher Manners McDade has signed composer, artist and musical collaborator Neil Cowley, who’s recorded with artists including Adele, Rihanna and Emeli Sande. Cowley’s musical output draws on a variety of styles, including soul, contemporary classical, orchestral, pop and jazz.
Big Deal Music Group Signs Joint Venture With Ricky Reed’s Nice Life Copyright Company (Billboard)
Indie publisher Big Deal Music Group has entered a joint venture deal with Nice Life Copyright Company, the music publishing company founded by producer-writer-artist Ricky Reed.
‘New adventures’: Reservoir and CTM reveal Thom Bridges deal (Music Week)
The new joint venture will see Reservoir and Benelux sub-publishing partner CTM collaborate on aspects of Bridges’ songwriting career, including the support of his upcoming artist project with Universal Music Germany.
Sony/ATV Music Publishing UK Signs Jonas Blue (MBW)
Sony/ATV Music Publishing UK has signed multi-BRIT-nominated DJ, songwriter, artist and record producer Jonas Blue to a worldwide futures deal. The London-based star’s hits include Fast Car, Perfect Strangers, Mama and Rise.
Spirit Music Group acquires catalogue of songwriter David Garcia (Music Week)
The Grammy-winning contemporary Christian music songwriter has written and produced for artists including Toby Mac, Mercy Me and Mandisa. Garcia has also co-written and produced hits for Bebe Rexha, Carrie Underwood, Florida Georgia Line, Kip Moore and Chris Lane.
Concord Inks New Deal With Grammy Winning Songwriter & Producer DJ Swivel (CelebrityAccess)
Concord Music Publishing has announced a global publishing deal with Jordan Young, aka DJ Swivel, and his publishing company, Waves With Words. The new deal is effective immediately and covers DJ Swivel’s full catalog and future works, as well as the works of songwriters signed to Waves With Words.
Raleigh Music inks deal for Hugo Peretti catalog (HITS Daily Double)
Raleigh Music Group has inked a deal for the catalog of Hugo Peretti, which notably boasts the timeless smash “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” as well as the Elvis Presley giant “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
SESAC Completes Capital Structure Refinancing, Raising $560 Million (Billboard)
SESAC successfully completed a refinancing of its capital structure last month, selling $530 million in bonds and gaining commitments for a $30 million revolving credit facility in a deal that was so well received by investors that it was oversubscribed by double, according to sources familiar with the deal.
Hirings and Promotions
Fourward Taps Shannan Hatch as President of Music Publishing Company Fourward Music (Variety)
Will Ward’s management company Fourward has announced the formation of new music publishing company, Fourward Music, LLC. and has tapped industry leader Shannan Hatch to serve as president. The new company will have offices in Los Angeles and Nashville.
Legal
Kanye West Settles Lawsuit With EMI Publishing (Rolling Stone)
Kanye West has settled a lawsuit with his publisher, EMI, for an undisclosed amount. According to court documents West and EMI Publishing “have reached an agreement in principle to settle the above-captioned action in its entirety. The Parties expect to draft and finalize a settlement agreement within 90 days.”
CASE Act Supporters Eye Passage By Year’s End, But Some Senators Have Reservations (Billboard)
Two months after it passed the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement (CASE) Act passed the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee earlier in September — clearing it to come to a vote this year. The bill, which has bipartisan support, would create a copyright claims board within the U.S. Copyright Office that could rule on cases of copyright infringement that are too impractical to bring to federal court.
Spotify are trying to get Eminem streaming lawsuit thrown out of court (NME)
Earlier this year, Eminem’s publisher Eight Mile Style accused them of copyright infringements in a substantial lawsuit. They allege that Spotify made Eminem’s hits available on their service, despite failing to obtain not a license for the rapper’s work.
Judge Lets NMPA Double Damages to $300M in Peloton Copyright Suit (Billboard)
A Manhattan federal judge has approved the National Music Publishers’ Association’s (NMPA) request to double damages to $300 million in a lawsuit against Peloton, for the exercise startup’s alleged use of more than 2,000 songs in its workout videos without the proper licenses.
Interesting Reads
Billy Joel Anthology TV Series in the Works (THR)
MGM Television is teaming with Universal Music Publishing Group to bring the New York singer-songwriter’s music to life as a scripted “arc-thology.”
ASCAP Launches Tech-Focused Innovation Initiative With Speaker Series, Summits & More (Billboard)
ASCAP is launching a new initiative to explore how its music creator members and music users, can benefit from advanced technologies, new business models and creative collaboration.
Ivors Academy looks to next generation with new Youth Network (Music Ally)
British songwriting body The Ivors Academy (formerly BASCA) is looking to the next generation, with a new ‘Youth Network’ initiative.
Apple Music’s New Lyrics Landing Page Celebrates Songwriters Like Halsey, YBN Cordae & More (Billboard)
On the heels of Apple Music unveiling its new real-time lyrics feature, on Monday (Sept. 23) the streaming service debuted a Lyrics landing page that tips a hat to songwriters.
12 Music Industry Scams: Everything You Need to Know (DJ Booth)
Mark Tavern catalogs the 12 insidious ways music business grifters are coming for your money (and sometimes your rights).
Billboard’s 40 Under 40 2019 (Billboard)
Billboard reveals its 2019 roster of young executives shaking up the music business.
Jobs
Legal & Business Affairs Assistant – AMRA (London)
Reporting to the Head of Legal & Global Digital Licensing in London, the Legal & Business Affairs Assistant will be an essential part of a small legal team, and will be heavily involved in the day to day administrative issues of the legal department and AMRA in general.
Sync and Licensing Coordinator – Cooking Vinyl (London)
Leading independent record label and publishing company Cooking Vinyl is seeking a Sync and Licensing Coordinator to join their team in West London and play a key role in continued global growth.
Bookkeeper – Riptide Music Group (Los Angeles)
LA-based Riptide Music Group is seeking a full-time, full charge bookkeeper for long term employment.
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.
