To mark Warner Chappell’s new alliance with Limited Edition Music, LLC—which will find SVP of A&R and Catalog Greg Sowders leading LEM with former WCM A&R exec Marc Wilson and signing songwriters specializing in rock, pop and alternative country—the team posed for this dynamic pic just before heading out to get some rad matching tattoos. Seen thinking nothing is more limited than us are (l-r) Wilson, President, North America Ryan Press, Co-Chair/COO Carianne Marshall, Co-Chair/CEO Guy Moot and Sowders.
The first signings under the new partnership are Emmyn Calleiro (from the band Games We Play) and country artist Bailey Callahan. In addition to co-leading LEM, Sowders will continue in his current role at WCM.
OK, get comfortable, people, because it’s time for the quotes.
“Greg has been a key fixture at Warner Chappell for more than three decades and has dedicated his career to building out a star-studded alternative and rock roster,” reads a statement from Moot. “This is the perfect opportunity for him to continue to lead those efforts while also working with more emerging writers alongside Marc. It’s just a pity people have to read about it in HITS.”
Press praised Sowders as “one of the best creatives in the business [who] serves as a true partner to his songwriters. I’m super proud to be able to support him and Marc, who I’ve also worked with for a long time, and continue to nurture the next generation of hitmakers together.”
“Working with Guy, Carianne, and Ryan is a total joy,” Sowders said. “I’ve been a part of the Warner Chappell family for over 30 years, and I’m ready to continue this amazing journey by re-uniting with my longtime friend and creative partner Marc Wilson.
“I can’t imagine a better place to launch Limited Edition Music, while staying fully dedicated to Warner Chappell,” he added. “Our band just got even better!”
“Greg is an absolute legend in the music business and his vast wealth of knowledge is invaluable,” Wilson chimed in. “I can’t thank Guy, Carianne, and Ryan enough for this opportunity.”
In unrelated publishing news, a guy whose song was on the radio briefly in 1987 is prepared to sell his catalog for $100 million in uncut diamonds.
Warner Chappell Music Colombia has tapped Catalina Santa Peña as managing director.
Leading the company’s operations for the territory, Peña will report to Gustavo Menéndez, President, U.S. Latin & Latin America, WCM. She replaces Daniel Mora, who was recently named managing director of Warner Music Andes.
In her new role, Peña will be key in helping expand the team while overseeing a growing roster that includes Latin Grammy winner Juan Pablo Vega, Santiago Cruz, Lalo Ebratt, Piso 21, Vicente García, Yera and TIMØ.
“Catalina knows the artistic side of the business and her heart is always in the right place, defending songwriters and the creative community,” said Menéndez. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have her joining us and continuing our work and expanding our growth.”
“The amount of talent and creativity coming out of Colombia is truly remarkable, and we’re delighted to see Catalina take the reins and oversee this market at such a pivotal moment for Latin music,” added WCM Co-Chair/CEO, Guy Moot, and Co-Chair/COO, Carianne Marshall.
“I am very excited for this new opportunity and to continue my journey of empowering musicians and composers, who are the backbone of this wonderful industry of ours,” shared Peña.
Prior to WCM, Peña held roles at the Colombian Copyright office, Sony Music (Andean region), SAYCO and the Ministry of Culture in Public Performances Law in Colombia. She also founded The Artist’s Attorney in 2019, where she worked with the likes of Karol G, Sky Rompiendo and J Balvin, among others.
Photo credit: David Micolta
SMP U.K. has partnered with Chosen Music to ink breakthrough singer-songwriter Caity Baser to a global pub deal.
The 20-year-old recently earned her first U.K. Top 40 single with “Pretty Boys” from her debut EP, Thanks for Nothing, See You Never, which dropped on 2/17 via EMI/Chosen Music. The track has risen to #26 on the U.K. Officials Singles Chart.
With over 50m global streams, Baser also sold 10k+ tickets on her sold-out debut U.K. tour, which kicks off on 4/7 with ten dates across the U.K. and Ireland, including a show at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town.
“I'm really starting to feel like I’m finding my feet in the music industry and I’m so happy to have Chosen & Sony by my side to help me as I grow,” said Baser.
“Caity has a clear vision for her music and I am delighted to partner with David, Tim, Felix, Lily and the rest of the Sony Music Publishing family around the world to help take her songs to as wide an audience as possible,” added Chosen Music President, Alistair Goldsmith.
“Through her abundance of personality, charisma and drive, Caity is without a doubt an ambassador of her generation,” shared David Ventura, President & Co-Managing Director, U.K., SVP International, SMP.
Photo credit: Lily Craigen
