We catch up on this week’s music publishing news, from key deals and signings to new hires, legislation and more.
Deals and Signings
Concord Music Publishing partners with Ron André Elvis Telford and his Creative Titans business (MBW)
The partnership will see Ron Telford work with Concord’s A&R team, led by EVP Worldwide A&R, Kim Frankiewicz. Colombian songwriter and producer, Sebastian “Bassto” Zapata, is the first signing under this new venture.
Michael Jackson Estate and BMI Extend 41-Year Publishing Pact (Variety)
Michael Jackson’s estate and BMI have renewed their pact for the publishing rights organization to represent the late singer’s songwriting catalog, as it has since 1979. The length of the new deal was not announced, but it was last reupped in 2014.
Acquisitions and Investments
Wyclef Jean Raises $25M To Finance Music Publishing Services In Africa And Developing Countries (Forbes)
His newest venture Carnival World Music Group, which has just raised an impressive $25M in capital funding, seeks to democratize the global music marketplace for songwriters and producers in developing regions.
Primary Wave Acquires Majority Stake in Music Publishing Catalog Of The Cranberries’ Noel Hogan (MBW)
Primary Wave Music Publishing has acquired a majority stake in the music publishing catalog of Noel Hogan, co-songwriter and lead guitarist for the Grammy-nominated group The Cranberries.
Hipgnosis acquires Brian Higgins catalogue (Music Week)
The founder of record label and publishing company Xenomania, Higgins has produced and co-written more than 35 Top 10 hits including songs by Kylie Minogue, Girls Aloud and Sugababes, and co-wrote Cher’s 1998 worldwide hit Believe.
Hirings and Promotions
Tom Coulson-Smith named Sirector of A&R at Concord Music Publishing (MBW)
Based at Concord’s London office, the former Warner Chappell Music executive sees himself reunited with Kim Frankiewicz, EVP Worldwide A&R at Concord Music Publishing.
Legal
UK government won’t implement the European Copyright Directive (Music Ally)
“This lack of clarity will stifle the UK’s creative sector. If our creator community is not going to benefit from the same level of protection as those in Europe, we urge the government to set out clearly and quickly how it will ensure the UK remains an attractive home for creative businesses and their rights,” said PRS for Music CEO Andrea Martin.
How Songwriters Got Thrown Into a Minefield (Synchblog)
Michael Donaldson highlights some recent informative articles about the state of infringement litigation in the wake of the “Blurred Lines” decision.
Interesting Reads
The 2020 Billboard Power List Revealed (Billboard)
Billboard recognises individuals who are not only excelling at their jobs, but going beyond them to elevate the entire music business.
Following Outrage, Discovery Networks Backs Down on Composer Ultimatum (Variety)
Discovery Networks, which last month unveiled a new business model that would have all but assured series composers a drastic income drop, has scuttled that plan in response to outrage expressed by the media music community.
“The Songs are Just so Durable”: BMG’s Jonathan Palmer Talks Aerosmith Sync Success (Synchblog)
With Aerosmith set to be honoured today as MusiCares ‘Person of the Year’, we take a look at their recent synch history, from epic Super Bowl spots to video game trailers.
A Royal(ty) Pain: Setting Streaming Pay Rates For Songwriters Is No Easy Task (American Songwriter)
The National Music Publishers Association and Nashville Songwriters Association International, two organizations involved in the Copyright Royalty Board’s rate-setting review process, are trying to fix that dent. But they’ve been facing resistance from a formidable force.
Jody Gerson of Universal Music Publishing Group: Executive of the Year (Billboard)
UMPG chairman/CEO Jody Gerson has raised revenue to record levels while navigating a fast-changing market — and lifting up women along the way.
Still a boys’ club: don’t fall for the hype that the music industry has changed (Guardian)
Women dominate this year’s Grammy nominations, but industry gender parity is still a world away. Here’s how progress might look.
Why Rodgers & Hammerstein Are This Year’s Unlikely Grammy Power Duo (Billboard)
Amid the younger acts celebrated at the Grammy Awards will be a much older duo: Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.
Music Publishing Jobs
Music Licensing Manager, Advertising and Brands – West One Music Group (Los Angeles)
In this role you will be reporting to the VP of Partnerships & Operations, driving new and existing business on the West Coast of the US and Canada.
Synchronisation Manager, Australian Artists – BMG (Sydney)
Reporting to the Director of Synchronisation, the successful candidate will be responsible for creating licensing and brand partnership opportunities primarily for a local roster.
Publishing Royalties Onboarding and Data Specialist – Synchtank (London/Los Angeles)
The ideal candidate should have significant publishing and label royalties experience on a global basis. Good financial/accounting knowledge is also essential.
For more positions check out our music industry jobs board. To post a listing for free get in touch at jobsboard@synchtank.com.
