Sony Music Publishing has inked a global pub deal with Swedish singer/songwriter, Zara Larsson.
The multi-platinum artist is known for her dance-pop hits like “Ruin My Life,” “All the Time,” “Lush Life” and “Never Forget You,” as well as her 2017 debut album, So Good, which became the second most-streamed debut by a female artist on Spotify. Other notable releases include collaborations like “A Brand New Day” with BTS and "Like It Is” with Kygo and Tyga, among others.
“I’m so excited to start working with Johnny, Katie and everyone at Sony Music Publishing. They have such an incredible team and roster and I can’t wait to be a part of it,” shared Larsson.
“Ola Håkansson and the Ten team together with the Epic team have done an amazing job building her career into becoming a global superstar,” added Johnny Tennander, Sony Music Publishing MD, Scandinavia, and SVP A&R, Europe.
“Zara has already achieved an incredible global legacy yet has so much future ahead of her. We are thrilled to partner with Zara, London15 and the rest of her incredible team,” said Katie Welle, Sony Music Publishing SVP, Creative.
Having won four Swedish Grammy awards, Larsson has also been recognized with four MTV EMA Awards, eight Rockbjörnen Awards and four BRIT nominations, among many others.
Recently, Larsson dropped “Look What You’ve Done” from her highly anticipated new album, Poster Girl. Set for release on 3/5, it includes “Wow,” “Love Me Land” and “Talk About Love” f/Young Thug. She’ll also be performing songs from the album during an exclusive online concert on her YouTube channel for International Women’s Day on 3/8.
Pictured above before sharing a celebratory bag of Swedish Fish are (l-r) Larsson and Tennander.
Photo credit: Anton Vretander
Rising singer/songwriter Holly Humberstone has inked an exclusive global publishing deal with UMPG.
Since releasing her 2020 debut EP, Falling Asleep at the Wheel—which has accumulated 50m+ streams—the 21-year-old has been recognized on the BBC Sound of 2021 poll (#2), included on BBC Radio 1’s 2021 Brit List and was featured on artist to watch lists from Amazon Music U.K and VEVO DSCVR.
"I’m really excited to join the UMPG family! They’ve been so supportive since the beginning of my journey and I couldn’t ask for a better team,” shared Humberstone.
“From day one, the team have welcomed us with open arms, great ideas and, most importantly, a true understanding of who Holly is as a songwriter and artist,” said Josh Sanger, Manager, Closer Artists.
UMPG A&R Manager Dani Sawyerr adds, “We’re extremely excited to be working together with Holly and her manager Josh Sanger as she enters the next phase of her creative journey.”
“We are thrilled to be part of Holly’s musical journey and look forward to bringing her music to the world,” noted Mike McCormack, UMPG U.K. Managing Director.
Humberstone is set to embark on a U.K. tour in September, including four sold-out Omeara London shows.
Sonoton Music has appointed Alex Black to the newly created post of CEO.
Effective immediately, Black will oversee the day-to-day operations at Sonoton Music, which owns exclusive rights to more than 130k works and represents a roster of more than 2.4k composers, and will be based in Munich.
Additionally, the appointment of Black coincides with Sonoton Music’s expansion, adding new forms of music publishing to its production music business. It will also roll out a major rebrand and redesign of its website on 3/24.
Sonoton Music was founded in 1965 by composer, arranger and conductor Gerhard Narholz and his wife Rotheide The independent production music company has seen catalog placements in films and TV shows like Fantastic Four, Finding Dory, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Mad Men, Game of Thrones, Stranger Things and more, including global ad campaigns.
“We have spent the last 50 years building Sonoton with much love and care,” said Rotheide and Gerhard Narholz. “We are absolutely ecstatic that Alex Black will be the one to take on this role. He continually impressed us with his excellent business acumen, creativity and passion for music.”
“I am honored that the founders have entrusted me to take the business forward. I first worked with Sonoton as a sub publisher 15 years ago and Mr & Mrs Narholz made a huge impression on me,” shared Black. “Sonoton’s rebrand and new studio complex are also testament to their progressive leadership.”
Prior to Sonoton, Black was the Global Director of EMI Production Music. He also served as the managing director of Imagem Production Music (now Concord) and ran his own PR company, Rocketscience Media, working with acts such as Basement Jaxx, Carl Cox and Radiohead.
