U.K. PUBCOS SPLASH OUT

On the subject of renewed interest in publishing assets: UMPG and Warner/Chappell in London have bolstered their respective catalogues with signings this week, with the former agreeing a worldwide admin deal (excluding Nordic region and Baltic states) with Per Gessle for the entire Roxette catalogue, and the latter signing pop producer Josh Record.

Scandi songwriter Gessle (above center, with manager Marie Demberg at left) has sold over 75m records as part of pop rock duo Roxette, whose catalogue includes four U.S. #1 singles, six U.K. Top 10s and mult-platinum certifications worldwide. Said UMPG U.K. MD Mike McCormack (above right), "Roxette’s phenomenal song collection has a place in the hearts of music lovers across generations, with a longevity that has few comparisons. Per wrote all of his and Roxette’s massive worldwide hits almost exclusively on his own, which is extremely rare in the pop marketplace where multiple writers are usually involved in each song. This gives the songs real personality and a sense of fun – and always with a killer chorus. We’re incredibly honoured and excited to have been selected to represent the catalogue.”

At Mike Smith's WCM U.K., Sr. International Creative Manager Paul Smith has secured a worldwide publishing deal with producer and artist Josh Record, who has written for artists including Anne-Marie, Ella Henderson, Jorja Smith, LP, Matrix & Futurebound and Wilkinson. Fellow songwriters and producers he’s worked with include Adam Argyle, Fred Ball, Katy B, MNEK and SG Lewis. Said P Smith: “Josh is an incredible songwriter who has worked with some of the best in the business. We’re so delighted to support him on the next stage of his journey, building his career as a leading international songwriter.”

For the Record (l-r): Mike Smith, Daniel Tuffin, Josh Record and Paul Smith