Publishing Briefs: Peermusic U.K. Signs With Under The Apple Tree, Universal Music Publishing Nashville Nabs Justin Ebach and More
Originally published on Billboard.com
Peermusic U.K. has signed a joint venture with music platform Under The Apple Tree, it was announced Friday (Oct. 25). The deal establishes a publishing division for UTAT.
“Whispering Bob” Harris, founder of Under The Apple Tree, has been a part of the UK music scene for 50 years. He's established himself as one of the most influential broadcasters of his generation with his Under The Apple Tree sessions that highlight the best emerging talent. He received an OBE for his services to music broadcasting in 2011.
“Bob Harris is a consummate music man who has championed many iconic artists and songwriters throughout his career," said president, Europe & managing director of peer music U.K. Nigel Elderton. "He continues to be a trusted guide to millions who have music at the center of their lives. We could not be more thrilled to be working with Bob, Trudie [Myerscough-Harris, director UTAT publishing] and Miles [Myerscough-Harris, creative director, UTAT publishing] on their Under The Apple Tree project by launching this new joint venture music publishing initiative. Judging by some of the music I have been hearing we can look forward to big things ahead.”
When Bob gives his support to an artist, people listen,” added Dylan Myerscough-Harris. “With over 1 million online fans of the Under the Apple Tree platform and a presence at many major venues and festivals across the UK and beyond, Under The Apple Tree is quickly becoming the place to find your next favorite artist. The reputation UTAT has built for itself within the industry is second to none, and we are very excited to be working with team UTAT to take their platform to the next level.”
“We have been filming and recording Under The Apple Tree sessions for the past few years and have discovered a catalogue of wonderful new talent,” said Harris. “I am massively proud that UTAT has now signed a joint venture with peermusic, the biggest independent music publishing company on the planet. It will give all of us the opportunity to get behind the new talent that comes into our studio and really help the artists we love and believe in to get their music out to audiences across the world."
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Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed Justin Ebach to a global publishing agreement, it was announced Monday (Oct. 28).
Ebach, an award-winning songwriter, has written four No. 1 songs and worked with stars like Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, and Dan + Shay.
“Ebach has quickly become one of Nashville’s premiere multi-genre writer-producers,” said senior creative director Missy Roberts. “His work ethic and drive are second to none. We could not be more honored that he chose to bring his immense talents to UMPG.”
“I am extremely excited about this new partnership with UMPG,” added Ebach. “Missy Roberts has been someone I’ve admired as a publisher for many years. Troy Tomlinson [chairman/CEO] taking over leadership really confirmed that UMPG is where I want to be in this new creative season.”
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Blackbird Music Publishing Group named Suzanne Moss vice president, head of creative licensing, the company announced Monday (Nov. 4).
Moss previously served as vice president of creative for film/tv ads at Universal Music Publishing. Prior to that, she worked at Kobalt Music as senior vice president and Rondor Music as vice president of creative licensing and head of sync.
“I am thrilled Suzanne has joined us as Head of Creative Licensing,” said president Lance Freed. “She is the best sync executive for film, TV and advertising that I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”
"I’m so happy to join Blackbird Music Publishing Group and am excited about the opportunity to build a company based in the root of creativity,” added Moss. “I am especially grateful to work for Lance Freed once again and thrilled to join forces with Keith Wortman [founder] and his hugely successful live event company, Blackbird Presents.”
Blackbird Music Publishing Group previously announced the exclusive representation of the music catalog of Burt Bacharach.
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British hip-hop artist and YouTube personality KSI and music manager Mams Taylor, president of Premier League Entertainment, signed a global recordings and publishing partnership with RBC Records/BMG, it was announced Monday (Nov. 4).
KSI is credited with three UK No. 1 releases. In addition to all upcoming new songs, BMG will be both administering and reissuing his catalog recordings.
“This is an exciting new innovative partnership that allows us to expand, diversify, and amplify KSI’s brand marketing and monetization across all platforms," said Thomas Scherer, EVP Repertoire & Marketing, BMG Los Angeles. "Through our resources and infrastructure, we’re leveraging everything he has accomplished to elevate his career to a whole new level.”
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Music data management platform Reprtoir announced the launch of Works Manager, a musical works management software for music publishers, the company announced Thursday (Nov. 7).
Works Manager allows music publishers to store and manage the metadata, catalogs and rights of the musical works they control. Additionally, it allows for the identification and mass assignment of rights holders, royalty splits and territorial restrictions on hundreds of music works.
The software integrates itself with Audio Manager, Reprtoir’s 2018 music catalog software.
