Publishing Showbiz and Celebrity Breaking News

Kanye West‘s ‘808s & Heartbreak’ has stated their intention to donate their cut of publishing royalties to Black Lives Matter.Esthero, the Canadian singer-songwriter who co-wrote the songs ‘Love Lockdown’, ‘Street Lights’ and ‘RoboCop’ on the hit 2008 album, made the offer as the backlash to Kanye wearing a “White Lives Matter” shirt this week continues.After making his catwalk debut at Balenciaga’s Paris Fashion Week show over the weekend, Kanye introduced his latest Yeezy line with his Yzy Season 9 event on Monday (October 3).During the live-streamed presentation, the rapper wore a longsleeve shirt with the words “White Lives Matter” emblazoned on the back. As Rolling Stone points out, the phrase – an appropriation of the Black Lives Matter slogan used to protest racial injustice, discrimination and police brutality – has been adopted by white supremacist organisations in recent years, and is categorised by the Anti-Defamation League as a hate slogan.In response to the criticism, Kanye declared: “Everyone knows that Black Lives Matter was a scam.”In a tweet shared yesterday (October 4), Esthero shared her support for Black Lives Matter following the controversy, offering to donate her royalties from her work with Kanye to the organisation.“I would like to donate my portion of the publishing from the 808s and Heartbreak album to [Black Lives Matter Los Angeles,” she wrote.

It's been announced that Phil Collins and his fellow members of the rock band Genesis have sold a portion of the group's songs - including their publishing rights and master recordings - in a deal valued at more than $300 million. 

Phil Collins and his Genesis bandmates have sold a portion of their songs’ assets to Concord Music Group, including the publishing rights and master recordings for much of Genesis’ music.According to the Wall Street Journal, the deal was valued at more than $300million and will also include master recordings of songs from throughout Collins’ solo career, such as ‘In the Air Tonight’, ‘You’ll Be In My Heart’ and ‘Against All Odds’, and his popular covers of Diane & Annita’s ‘A Groovy Kind Of Love’ and ‘You Can’t Hurry Love’ by the Supremes.Genesis recordings within the package will likely include hits such as ‘Invisible Touch’, ‘That’s All’, ‘Land Of Confusion’ and ‘Follow You, Follow Me’. The deal also includes material that Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford released with his group, Mike & the Mechanics.Speaking to WSJ, Concord president Bob Valentine said they were aiming to bring Collins and Genesis’ back catalogue to a younger generation of listeners.

Alcon Publishing, the book unit of the production entity behind films and series like Blade Runner: 2049 and The Expanse, is expanding its relationship with Titan Books.

Avicii have announced that they have sold 75 per cent of the late musician’s recording and publishing rights to the Swedish company Pophouse.Avicii, real name Tim Bergling, died by suicide in 2018. Subsequently, his parents Klas Bergling and Anki Lidén have overseen his estate as well as a charitable foundation set up in his name.Klas Bergling said in a statement today (September 28): “My wife and I feel that as we are getting older, we do not have the right energy level or required skills to fully keep ahead of the new streaming and digital developments vital for such a big, international artist as Tim.”“Through this deal, we are also securing the Tim Bergling Foundation’s long-term finances, creating opportunity to act decisively on the foundation’s commitments to supporting such important issues as mental health and well-being of young people.”He went on to argue that the deal would bring Avicii’s music “to the widest possible audience” and “take care” of his international fanbase.“Since Tim took his life, as a family, we have not had sufficient time for his fans that they so deserve, and have lacked the ability to follow up on their correspondence and other contact with us.”“We leave neither Tim nor his contribution to the world.

Thania Garcia Sony Music Publishing has signed a global deal with singer-songwriter and actress Dove Cameron, who has seen major success this year following her gold-certified queer anthem, “Boyfriend.” The 26-year-old singer-actress — who won a Daytime Emmy Award for her dual role as the eponymous characters in the Disney Channel series “Liv and Maddie” — recently released her follow-up single and video, “Breakfast.”  “Dove is a brilliant songwriter – her creative authenticity has not only led to chart success, but it has enabled her to become an important voice representing the LGBTQ+ community,” said Thomas Krottinger, Sony Music Publishing VP of creative. “We’re thrilled to welcome Dove to SMP, and we look forward to supporting her in this next chapter.”

Future has sold the publishing rights to his recorded output from 2004 to 2020 to the investment firm Influence Media Partners.Variety reports that the catalogue contains 612 titles including collaborations with Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna and The Weeknd. The deal is reportedly in the “high eight figures”.Based on the cited time period, Influence Media likely now owns the publishing rights to all of Future’s nine studio albums, ranging from his 2012 debut ‘Pluto’ through to 2020’s ‘High Off Life’.

Influence Media Partners has acquired Future’s publishing catalogue. The company announced its acquisition deal via PR Newswire on Tuesday, specifying that it now represents all the songs in the rapper's back catalogue from 2004-2020. This includes 612 titles.

Future has sold his publishing catalog to Influence Media Partners, the company announced in a press release Tuesday afternoon. A source told Variety that the deal was finalized in the “high eight figures.” “I put everything into my music, and I wanted to make sure these were in good hands as I thought about the next chapter of these songs,” Future is quoted as saying in the release.

Kanye West has come out with claims that his publishing catalogue is “being put up for sale” without his approval, involvement or even awareness – contesting reports that his team had pitched the sale to prospective buyers.Earlier this week, Billboard reported that West was “quietly and intermittently shopping his publishing catalog”, and that representatives for the rapper had met privately with prospective buyers to “explore what kind of valuation” his extensive discography could net.It’s said that West is eying a valuation as high as 35 times that of the net publisher’s share – around $175million (£153.9million), based on the estimation that West’s catalogue earns him $5million (£4.4million) of annual revenue.West has now denied his reported involvement in the potential sale, taking to his Instagram Story overnight to declare that his catalogue is “not for sale”, noting that “just like Taylor Swift, my publishing is being put up for sale without my knowledge”.The situation West is referring to is the 2019 sale of Swift’s material released between 2006 to 2017, which was acquired by Scooter Braun (with whom Swift had long feuded) when he purchased her former label, Big Machine Records, for $330million (£290million). That sale was enormously controversial, with Swift herself describing it as her “worst case scenario” and leading her to re-record two of the albums she no longer owns the original masters to – 2008’s ‘Fearless’ and 2012’s ‘Red’ – with the suffix of ‘Taylor’s Version’.The rights to West’s catalogue currently lie with Sony Music Publishing.

Kanye West is getting protective over his music.

Ellise Shafer Kanye West took to Instagram on Tuesday to question a Billboard report that his “camp” has been quietly shopping his song catalog, writing via Stories: “Just like Taylor Swift… my publishing is being put up for my sale without my knowledge.” Billboard reported on Monday that members of the rapper’s team “have met selectively with prospective buyers to explore what kind of valuation his song catalog could fetch,” estimating that they are seeking $175 million. In another Instagram Story, West posted a screenshot of a text message with an unnamed person, with West asking, “Can you ask Gee who is selling my publishing,” likely referring to his manager Gee Roberson. “Fake news,” the person replies. “Of course every publisher wants to pitch there [sic] hardest to buy. Smh.”

Kanye West is bringing up Taylor Swift once again.

Jem Aswad Senior Music Editor Influence Media Partners has acquired Grammy-winning Future’s publishing catalog from 2004 to 2020, the company announced. The prolific rapper’s work from those years spans 612 titles, including titles with frequent collaborator Drake (“Life Is Good,” “Jumpman”), Kendrick Lamar (“King’s Dead”), Rihanna (“Selfish”), and the Weeknd (“Low Life”) and his own solo hits like “Mask Off.” A source close to the situation tells Variety the deal was in the “high eight figures.” Rene McLean, Influence Media partner and founding advisor, said, “Future is a cultural icon. He continues to be a blueprint for impact and success in the music industry and has reinvented music in ways that no one has ever expected. It is rare to find someone who moves music and culture at the same speed with his distinct vocal and melodic style. His prolific career and continued popularity more than 15 years into the game is a testament to his undeniable influence on the contemporary music and culture landscape. We’re honored to be partnered with him.”

Jem Aswad Senior Music Editor Universal Music Publishing Group has named Jennifer Knoepfle executive vice president and co-head of US A&R, effective immediately, the company announced on Wednesday. Based in Los Angeles, Knoepfle will report to UMPG chairman-CEO Jody Gerson. According to the announcement, Knoepfle — who joins after 13 years at Sony Music Publishing, where she worked with Gerson — will work closely with David Gray, her fellow co-head of U.S. A&R, and the company’s team. Knoepfle was most recently senior VP of creative at Sony Music Publishing, where she had worked since 2009. During her tenure, she signed and/or developed such major writers as Jack Antonoff, Aaron Dessner, Dan Nigro, Ariel Rechtshaid, Bloodpop, Joel Little and artists including Willow, Tate McRae, King Princess, Remi Wolf, Maggie Rogers, Leon Bridges, Wallows, Salem Ilese, Noah Kahan and Lord Huron. She also has worked extensively with

Public Enemy rapper Chuck D has sold a huge stake of his back catalogue to his longtime publisher.Reach Music has acquired 100 percent of the rapper’s writer royalties along with half of his copyright interest as a publisher.The sale doesn’t cover the entirety of Chuck D’s output, but it includes over 300 songs including Public Enemy’s most formative work released between 1987 and 2012.During that period, Chuck D and Public Enemy released several classic albums, including ‘It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back’, ‘Fear Of A Black Planet’ and ‘Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Back’.Chuck D co-wrote most of Public Enemy’s songs during this period, including the likes of ‘Bring The Noise’, ‘Fight The Power’, and ‘Welcome To The Terrordome’.“[D]oing this deal was the right timing for a forward and logical evolution of our business together in an ever changing industry,” Chuck D said in a statement via Rolling Stone.

Jem Aswad Senior Music Editor Reach Music Publishing has acquired a 50% copyright interest — together with 100% of the writer’s share, including global administration rights — in the song catalog of Public Enemy’s Chuck D, one of the most influential rappers and lyricists in hip-hop history. Further terms of the deal were not disclosed. As a founding member and chief songwriter of Public Enemy, Chuck D co-wrote nearly all of the group’s songs, including such classics as “Fight the Power” (theme song to Spike Lee’s 1989 film “Do the Right Thing”), “Bring the Noise,” “Welcome to the Terrordome,” “Shut ‘Em Down,” and “He Got Game,” all of which are included in the Reach Music acquisition. In total, over 300 songs are included in the deal. 

Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley has sold his publishing and recorded music catalogue in a new deal with equity fund, HarbourView Equity Partners.Whibley has served as the Canadian pop-punk outfit’s lead singer and primary songwriter since their inception in 1996. Their 2001 breakout album ‘All Killer No Filler’ boasted the hit single ‘Fat Lip’, which landed at Number 66 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Thania Garcia Frankie Bash, Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar’s “Family Ties” co-producer and co-writer, has signed a global administration agreement with Sony Music Publishing.In the past six months, Bash, who won a Grammy for his work on “Family Ties,” has contributed to various projects including Jack Harlow’s “Come Home the Kids Miss You” and Yeat’s “2 Alivë.” He also has production credits on Nav and Wheezy’s “Emergency Tsunami,” Future & Juice WRLD’s “Realer N Realer,” Gunna’s “Argentina,” Future’s “Krazy But True,” Offset’s “Big Rocks” and more.+ Monti Olson has joined Litmus Music as president and will lead music rights acquisitions for the company. Prior to joining Litmus, Olson served as executive vice president/head of BMG music rights music publishing North America, where he led the division in the domestic music market and was responsible for frontline/catalog acquisition strategy and execution.

Phageborn by developer Games Revolted.Phageborn is a free card game that’s set to re-launch in Steam Early Access on August 23, as part of Gamescom.Phageborn‘s twist on standard card games is that players must choose one of four factions with “a unique set of innovative mechanics and exciting play-styles,” along with a variety of Avatars that can be assigned to each deck.Within matches, Phageborn follows a two-lane system that means players will need to choose which part of the playing field they summon their units onto. Players will also be able to upgrade their Avatar each turn, which can unlock powerful abilities to use.There are currently 16 Avatars listed on Phageborn‘s website, along with four factions.

Thania Garcia The 100 Percenters, a musicians and creatives advocacy nonprofit, has opened the first round of its Songwriter Stimulus Program applications in partnership with Sony Music Publishing.With support from Sony, the 100 Percenters will offer $2,500 stimulus grants in its first round of applications for U.S. songwriters. To qualify for the grant, applicants must have experience as a professional songwriter for two or more years, have three or more songwriting credits on allmusic.com, be a U.S.

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Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorDespite some “headwinds” including an unusually strong dollar, a lighter-than-usual release schedule and several short-term expenses, Warner Music posted a solid third quarter of 2022, with a strong showing from its publishing division and 12% revenue growth that the company stressed would have been closer to 15% if not for the above factors. The company also announced a new deal with Meta (formerly Facebook) and several upcoming legal settlements that it says will bring in $25 million in OBITDA, both of which will have a strong impact on Q4.“We delivered solid double-digit growth on a constant-currency basis, even against the backdrop of a slowdown in the advertising market and some one-time items affecting year-over-year comparisons,” said Steve Cooper, CEO, Warner Music Group.

Thania Garcia Columbia Records has signed Eurovision star Rosa Linn (pictured), who represented Armenia in the 2022 global song competition. Linn joins a roster that includes global acts like BTS, Harry Styles, Lil Nas X and Adele, among many others.A sped-up version of her breakout single “Snap” recently enjoyed a viral moment on TikTok and led to the original track (co-produced by Hallwood’s Ethan Schneiderman) being added to Spotify’s Today’s Top Hits playlist.

Attorneys for the Justice Department and Penguin Random House squared off on Monday in the first day of an antitrust trial, as the government challenges the publishing giant’s proposed $2.2 billion acquisition of Simon & Schuster.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorSony Music Publishing has signed rising singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Em Beihold to a worldwide publishing agreement. Her gold-certified single “Numb Little Bug” has been on the Billboard Hot 100 for 24 weeks, and she released her debut EP “Egg in the Backseat: last week.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorBMG announced early Thursday that it has acquired the entire music publishing back catalog of French electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre.The deal brings the rights in such groundbreaking albums as “Oxygene” and “Equinoxe” together with Jarre’s writer’s income stream. The company previously acquired the sound recordings of Jarre’s first three albums when it bought noted independent record label Francis Dreyfus Music in 2012.Terms of the deal were not disclosed, although for context, according to the announcement, Jarre has racked up 85 million-plus album sales over his career.Jarre said of his deal with the German-based company, “This partnership with BMG means a lot to me.

BMG has acquired the song rights of Jean-Michel Jarre. The company already controls the electronic musician’s recordings, having acquired the Francis Dreyfus Music record label a decade ago.“Jean-Michel Jarre is not only a ground-breaking pioneer in electronic music, he is a polymath and a shining ambassador for culture and internationalism”, says BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch.

Jean Paul Gaultier was glad to be in London for his Fashion Freak Show in Camden last night, telling us his native Paris is “more snobbish”. The designer, pictured with colleague Marion Motin, reassured us on style choices, saying: “I don’t hate anything in fashion, anything is possible”. Also there were Dua Lipa and Grace Jones, who snuck off early.

Sony Music Publishing has signed Danger Mouse – real name Brian Burton – to a new worldwide publishing agreement.Burton himself was not on hand to comment on the deal, but three people from Sony have. And in many ways that’s better, isn’t it? Yeah? Good.“Danger Mouse is not only a brilliant songwriter, but a true innovator who pushes creative boundaries and challenges listeners to think outside the box”, says SMP CEO Jon Platt.

Thania Garcia Sony Music Publishing U.K. has signed Brian Burton, aka Danger Mouse, to a worldwide publishing agreement.

Thania Garcia Sony Music Publishing has renewed its worldwide publishing agreement with Tainy, extending the deal which began in 2005.In a press release, Tainy said, “I am grateful that my career has allowed me to reach new heights not only on the artistic and creative side, but also on the business side – and I appreciate having such great partners on the publishing end. Excited for the next chapter with the SMP family.”Most recently, Tainy produced nine songs on Bad Bunny’s “Un Verano Sin Ti,” including chart-toppers “Ojitos Lindos” and “Party.” He is currently working on Myke Towers’ upcoming record.“Tainy is one of the leading songwriters, artists, and producers in music today.

Angelique Jackson New Regency has partnered with independent publisher Insight Editions to form a new company division focused on publishing titles based on the studio’s library of film and television projects as well as upcoming productions.The first books from the partnership will include high-end, large-format art, gift books and collectibles, with an in-depth look at Robert Eggers’ epic Viking revenge thriller “The Northman” among the first titles. With the aim to “immerse fans deeper into the movies and content they love,” these books will present never-before-seen images and behind-the-scenes stories from New Regency’s classic films, including “Fight Club,” “Heat” and “The Revenant,” as well as the company’s upcoming releases, like David O.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorPink, Sony Music Publishing Chairman/CEO Jon Platt and the late songwriter/producer Busbee will be honored at the Songwriters of North America’s second annual SONA Warrior Awards, taking place as a hybrid celebration comprised of an in-person gala on July 23 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles and a virtual livestream via mandolin.com on July 24. SONA is one of the only advocacy organizations for songwriters, formed by professional songwriters to advocate for fair pay, safety, equality and a collective voice.The announcement notes that each of the honorees is known for their accomplishments within the industry, the Warrior Awards provide an opportunity to amplify their advocacy.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorFast-rising 18-year-old Canadian singer-songwriter Lauren Spencer-Smith has inked with both Warner Chappell Music publishing and longtime Shawn Mendes manager Andrew Gertler’s AG Artists in partnership with Ziggy Chareton, Variety has confirmed. The news was first published in Hits.A native of Vancouver Island, the singer’s confessional, intimate songs like “Fingers Crossed” and her latest single “Flowers” have effectively set her on a track to be this year’s Olivia Rodrigo.

Slowthai has signed a new publishing deal with BMG for his future works, including an upcoming third album.“We are big fans of Slowthai here at BMG and have been watching him closely since his first LP”, says Tom Cater, BMG Senior Manager A&R Publishing UK. “We can’t wait for what he does next”.BMG SVP Publishing UK Hugo Turquet adds: “It’s an honour to welcome Slowthai to BMG.