Concord Acquires Portion of Johnny McDaid's Song Catalog
Concord Music Publishing has acquired a portion of Johnny McDaid's song catalog, including his future works. The agreement includes hit songs like "Shape Of You" and "Bad Habits," written with Ed Sheeran.
Key Points:
* McDaid, a member of Snow Patrol, has written for artists including Sheeran, Pink, and Keith Urban.
* As a co-writer on Sheeran's "÷" album, McDaid helped create the global hit "Shape Of You."
* McDaid's contributions to Sheeran's 2021 album "=" include "Shivers" and "Bad Habits."
Quotes:
* Johnny McDaid: "These songs... are some of the most important things in the world to me. I am very glad that they have found a home at Concord Music Publishing."
* Reed Smith LLP represented Concord in the negotiation.
* McDaid was represented by Michelman & Robinson, LLP.
Universal Music Publishing Group Hires Jamie Kinelski
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has appointed Jamie Kinelski to Senior Vice President of A&R.
Key Points:
* Kinelski will lead a team that develops and guides songwriters, artists, and producers.
* She has signed and worked with artists such as Rogét Chahayed, Cuco, and Michael Pollack.
* Kinelski joins UMPG from Kobalt, where she was Senior VP and Head of West Coast Creative.
Quotes:
* Jennifer Knoepfle, Executive Vice President and Head of U.S. A&R at UMPG: "We are so fortunate to welcome someone as seasoned and well respected as Jamie to UMPG."
* Jamie Kinelski: "I am so fortunate to work with some of the most revered songwriters and musical creators in the world... I am incredibly excited to begin this new chapter."
peermusic Signs Jaze
peermusic has secured an exclusive, worldwide publishing deal with Peruvian rapper-songwriter Jaze.
Key Points:
* The deal covers Jaze's existing and future works.
* Jaze is known for his unique vocals and introspective lyrics.
* peermusic executives Mariana Grassi and Yvonne Drazan worked together on the signing.
Quotes:
* Mariana Grassi, Managing Director of Argentina for peermusic: "With the opportunity to leverage peermusic's global network, Yvonne and I have been wanting to join forces on a signing and we found the perfect set of circumstances to team up."
Dept. of Connection Launches by Ross Anderson
Music publicist Ross Anderson has founded Dept. of Connection, a new PR agency based in New York City.
Key Points:
* Anderson brings over 15 years of experience to the agency.
* Dept. of Connection's current roster includes Deafheaven and Superheaven.
* Anderson previously worked at Elektra Entertainment and Atlantic Records.
NIVA's Annual Gathering Registration Opens
Registration is now open for the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) annual gathering in Milwaukee.
Key Points:
* The event takes place from June 22-25, showcasing independent live music, comedy, and venue industries.
* Speakers include representatives from Meta, YouTube Music, and Riot Fest.
* Andre Perry, NIVA board president and executive director of the University of Iowa's Hancher Auditorium, emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation within the industry.
Save The Music Becomes Independent
Save The Music, formerly VH1 Save the Music, has announced its independence as a non-profit, separating from Paramount Global.
Key Points:
* Save The Music will continue its mission of supporting music education in schools nationwide.
* The organization has launched a $10 million endowment fund, with $4 million already raised.
* While the formal partnership with Paramount has ended, the company has pledged an initial six-figure donation to the endowment.
Becky G Inks Deal with Fabletics
Singer and songwriter Becky G has signed a new deal as an ambassador for Fabletics, an athletic brand.
Key Points:
* Fabletics will release a collection featuring Becky G's workout and everyday looks on February 11.
* The deal aligns with Becky G's Hispanic heritage and Los Angeles roots.
River House Artists Signs Hudson Westbrook
River House Artists has partnered with Sony Music Publishing Nashville to sign singer-songwriter Hudson Westbrook to a global publishing agreement.
Key Points:
* Westbrook's viral track "Take It Slow" and his debut EP have garnered attention.
* He is set to tour and open for artists like Parker McCollum and Eli Young Band.
* Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston praises Westbrook's authenticity and talent.
Universal Music Publishing Nashville Signs Dalton Davis
Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed country artist Dalton Davis to an exclusive, global publishing agreement.
Key Points:
* Davis brings a unique sound and life experience to his music.
* His debut album is slated for release in 2025.
* Roxy King, Senior Director of A&R at UMPG Nashville, highlights Davis's star presence and songwriting ability.
Idol Partners with Mexican Summer and Dom Recs
Independent distributor Idol has agreed on global partnerships with Mexican Summer and Dom Recs, two Brooklyn-based labels.
Key Points:
* Idol will provide worldwide digital distribution, marketing, and audience development services to both labels.
* Mexican Summer's roster includes artists like Cate Le Bon and Sessa.
* Dom Recs, founded by Dan Petruzzi and Roxy Summers, represents emerging artists.
Wasserman Music Expands Executive Team
Wasserman Music has made several executive hires to enhance its client service offerings worldwide.
Key Points:
* Five executives have joined the team, responsible for artist services, brand partnerships, festivals, event strategy, and corporate events.
* The hires demonstrate Wasserman Music's commitment to providing tailored solutions for clients.
Live Nation Urban and Black on the Block Expand Partnership
Live Nation Urban has partnered with Black on the Block to expand its one-of-a-kind vendor festival to seven cities in 2025.
Key Points:
* The festival showcases over 100 Black-owned businesses, promoting entrepreneurship and culture.
* Shawn Gee, president of Live Nation Urban, believes the partnership will empower Black founders and their brands.
Doria Signs with Empire
French hip-hop artist Doria has signed a label deal with Empire.
Key Points:
* Doria's viral covers have gained attention on social media.
* Her debut single on the label is "Vendetta."
* She has collaborated with artists like UZI and Hatik.
BMI's Alison Smith Announces Retirement
Alison Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Distribution and Publisher Relations Officer at BMI, has announced her retirement effective at the end of March.
Key Points:
* Smith has spent nearly 40 years at BMI.
* BMI President and CEO Mike O'Neill praised her contributions to the company and the music industry.
* Shouvik Das will assume oversight of Smith's department.
Save The Music Transitions to Independence
Save The Music, formerly VH1 Save the Music, has completed its transition to a fully independent non-profit.
Key Points:
* The organization remains dedicated to providing music education resources to students.
* A $10 million endowment fund has been established to ensure sustainability.
* While the formal partnership with Paramount has ended, the company has made an initial six-figure donation to the endowment.
BMI to Honor Peso Pluma
BMI will present Peso Pluma with the BMI Champion Award at the 2025 BMI Latin Awards on March 6.
Key Points:
* The award recognizes Peso Pluma's influence on bringing música mexicana to the mainstream.
* Tito Double P will also receive the BMI Impact Award for his contributions to Peso Pluma's success.
* The event will feature performances by Peso Pluma and other award-winning songwriters.
UTA Signs Jasiel Nuñez
UTA has signed Mexican singer-songwriter Jasiel Nuñez, one of the artists signed to Double P Records.
Key Points:
* Nuñez collaborated on Peso Pluma's Grammy-winning album "Génesis."
* He is excited to promote música mexicana to new heights.
Promotions at KHPS
Brigitte Alanis and Harold Papineau have been promoted to partner at King, Holmes, Paterno and Soriano, LLP, a top music-law firm.
Key Points:
* Alanis becomes the youngest woman to be promoted to partner at the firm.
* The promotions reflect the firm's commitment to supporting rising legal talent.
Roc Nation Partners with Musicow
Roc Nation has partnered with Musicow, a South Korean fintech company that enables music rights owners to fractionalize and sell shares in music royalty revenue.
Key Points:
* The partnership will allow Roc Nation artists to access new revenue streams.
* Musicow's CEO believes the collaboration will drive innovation in the industry.
Firebird Inks Deal with Yungblud
Firebird has signed a deal with English artist Yungblud.
Key Points:
* Firebird will provide Yungblud with data analytics and consumer brand management tools.
* The partnership supports Yungblud's entrepreneurial approach to his career.
Prescription Songs Signs Drazzi
Prescription Songs has signed Dominican-born producer and songwriter Drazzi.
Key Points:
* Drazzi's