UMPG INKS DEMI, SIGNS JV WITH SAFEHOUSE

UMPG ruler Jody Gerson celebrates inking a pub deal with pop siren Demi Lovato and a JV with the pub wing of Phil McIntyre's Safehouse, which is also the label (via Island) of Lovato and Nick Jonas.

The JV will enable UMPG and Safehouse to find and develop songwriting talent together; the initial signing under the pact is Glee star Chord Overstreet.

Gerson praised Lovato as a "songwriter who I truly believe in" and McIntyre as "a great manager with vision."

Seen just before harmonizing on the sultriest Christmas carol ever sung are (l-r) McIntyre, Gerson, Jonas, Lovato and UMPG's David Gray.