Ultra International Music Publishing (UIMP) has acquired the catalog of Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Zaytoven. In addition, the hitmaker — whose catalog includes tracks by Migos, Drake, 21 Savage and more — has signed a co-publishing agreement with Ultra to further foster his career moving forward.
Yonatan Watts has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Position Music and Tommy “TB Hits” Brown‘s Champagne Therapy Music Group (CTMG). A Grammy-nominated hitmater, Watts has already penned hits for Chris Brown, Ariana Grande, Ari Lennox, Coi Leray and more, including “main thing” by Grande which he co-wrote alongside Brown for the singer’s album Positions.
SOFI TUKKER has extended their publishing deal with Third Side Music. The independent publisher will continue to act as the administrator of the electronic pop group’s catalog, as they have since 2017. “Signing with [Third Side] has been one of the best decisions we’ve made in our career,” says SOFI TUKKER about extending their deal.
Warner Chappell Production Music has expanded its operations into São Paulo, Brazil. Helmed by Renato Moraes, the WCPM team in Brazil will focus on building out a local repertoire of music and service Brazil’s film, tv, radio and advertising clients with custom music services and a wide-reaching catalog of songs and sound design. Moraes will report to Sinéad Hartmann, vp of licensing and music creative.
Ocha Media Inc. has launched its new publishing administration and music synchronization service, Ocha Publishing. The new company will focus on aiding underground house music — including afro house, deep house, soulful house, techno and other subgenres — makers and will help the genre reach music supervisors, producers and creative directors. Its first signing is Osunlade’s Yoruba Records.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Droptine have jointly signed country hitmakers Russell Sutton and Tommy Karlas to global publishing deals. Sutton got his start as part of Grassroots Revival, and as a songwriter he has made cuts with Elvie Shane, Drew Green and Nate Smith. Karlas has written songs for Blake Shelton, Warren Zeiders, Old Dominion, Randy Travis and Montgomery Gentry.
Shirin David, one of Germany’s most popular female hip-hop artists, has signed a deal with Warner Chappell Music. Natascha Augustin, vp of A&R, Warner Chappell Music Germany, adds, “Warner Chappell Music is known for its diverse roster, and we’re delighted to welcome Shirin who has been pushing boundaries as a female hip-hop artist.”
Peermusic U.K. has signed The Reytons to an exclusive global publishing deal via their joint venture with Max Music Publishing. The British indie rock outfit comprises of Jonny Yerrell, Lee Holland, Joe O’Brien, and Jamie Todd, and their new deal arrives on the heels of their record What’s Rock and Roll, reaching a new U.K. chart high.
Warner Chappell and Truth or Dare Publishing have signed country singer-songwriter Abbey Cone to a joint publishing deal. A CMT Next Women of Country inductee, Cone released her debut EP, Hate Me, last year. In 2023, she will perform at Stagecoach.
On Jan. 29, the Brooklyn Variety Ramble debuted in New York City as the city’s first ongoing music variety concert showcasing country, bluegrass, Americana, American Roots and more. The Brooklyn Variety Ramble series, hosted by comedian Ali Clayton, will also hold shows on Feb. 26, March 26, April 30, May 28 and June 25. Tickets are available for purchase online.