On the heels of signing with RCA, buzzy roots group the Red Clay Strays has inked a global publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music.
The group, which has been propelled into the mainstream thanks to its streaming smash "Wondering Why," will work with producer Dave Cobb on its next album. The Strays have also developed a loyal fan base on the road and will tour heavily this year with headlining dates and appearances at such festivals as Boston Calling (5/25), Railbird (6/2) and Country Calling (10/4).
“The Red Clay Strays are owning their moment in what’s sure to be their biggest year yet," said WCM President, North America, Ryan Press. "Their music is pure power and precision, with a sound unlike anything we've heard before. They’ve been consistently locked in with their fans and now they have the whole world tuned into their unique style."
Added WCM VP of A&R David Goldsen, "Every once in a while a band comes along that knocks you off your feet. The Red Clay Strays is one of the most exciting live bands right now, and their songs are both fresh and timeless. I’m beyond excited to watch their takeover and grateful they’ve chosen us as their publishing partner."
RCA's Peter Edge, John Fleckenstein and Dan Chertoff emerged victorious over multiple majors to bring the Strays into the fold; their ties to the band's former label partner, Thirty Tigers, were said to be a key factor in the decision.
Tega Ethan from Nigeria and Taylor Zickfoose from Washington state are the inaugural recipients of the Bob Dylan Center Songwriter Fellowships.
Ethan, a pop artist, and Zickfoose, a jazz-influenced singer-songwriter studying at the University of Kansas, were selected by Universal Music Publishing Group executives, the Dylan Center and a panel of artists that included Patty Griffin, John Mellencamp and Nas.
“Songwriters trying to make a go of it in the modern music business need the kind of encouragement and support that this fellowship provides,” Mellencamp said. “I congratulate Tega and Taylor on being the first two recipients, and hope they write some great songs during their time in Tulsa.”
Each fellowship encompasses a $40k project stipend, public engagement and presentation opportunities, dedicated time in BDC’s Bob Dylan Archive to study Dylan’s creative process, roundtrip airfare to Tulsa and accommodations in the city, mentorship from UMPG songwriters and executives, and recording time in Tulsa’s historic The Church Studio, the famous studio of Leon Russell.
The center hopes more songwriters will want to walk into a room with a pencil in their hand and will open the application window for the 2025-2026 fellowship in the fall.
Warner Chappell Music and digital licensing company ICE have expanded their existing partnership, which will see WCM utilize ICE as its exclusive administration partner. The deal will provide WCM "more autonomy in the way it licenses digital services across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and beyond," per a statement.
"In today's digital music market, there are vast volumes of data to process, and we need to work with a reliable partner to ensure we're delivering best-in-class service," said WCM Co-Chair/CEO Guy Moot. "ICE has always proved to be an innovative and flexible partner, so we're delighted to expand our relationship with them."
Added ICE Chief Commercial Officer Ben McEwen, "we're delighted that Warner Chappell has selected ICE as its sole [pan-European digital licensing partner], and the recognition that represents the superior service levels and innovation ICE offers. We are focused on ensuring the greatest songwriter returns on the market in everything we do."
