Warner Chappell Music Mexico has inked Danna Paola to an exclusive global publishing deal.
Earlier this year, the 4x multi-platinum singer-songwriter dropped her viral hit “XT4S1S” and amassed 1.5m+ Spotify streams in less than 24 hours. The track also topped multiple Mexico charts in its debut week, including Spotify Mexico’s Top 200.
With more than 11m monthly Spotify listeners, Paola is one of the most-streamed Mexican female artists on the platform in 2022.
Since launching her career at just six years old, she’s released six albums, starred in the Netflix series Élite, collaborated with artists like Mika, Sebastián Yatra, Mau & Ricky, David Bisbal, Morat and Cali y El Dandee, plus more.
Most recently, Paola was named one of the three female artists to perform this year’s anthem (Queen’s “A Kind of Magic”) for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
On the signing, Paola says, “I am thrilled to be part of Warner Chappell. I’ve been waiting for a music partner like this for a while now and couldn’t be happier!”
“Danna is an artist in every sense of the word,” adds Carlos Ruíz, WCM Mexico Managing Director. “She provokes a unique connection with her fans through her music, and we are delighted that she has entrusted us to accompany her in all the successes that are to come.”
Paola is currently on her XT4S1S Tour across Mexico.
Photo credit: Sergio Valenzuela
Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has inked a deal with web3 incubator Defient to empower WCM’s songwriters and producers to leverage blockchain technology.
Under the new deal, their first project will be the launch of Archives, "a multi-dimensional digital museum." Backed by the blockchain, Archives focuses on spotlighting the art and stories of songs through a curated selection of digital collectibles, memorabilia and events for fans. Archives is categorized into three areas: a gallery, exhibits, and collections selected by WCM songwriters and their estates called "spotlights."
“By embracing the power of blockchain technology, we can create impactful new revenue streams and creative opportunities for our songwriters while giving music fans access to unique experiences,” WCM Senior Vice President of Creative Services Ashley Winton said. “Not only are [Defient founder/CEO] Sidney [Swift] and his whole team at Defient experts in this space, but they also have deeps roots in music and know how to champion the voices of creators.”
Archives will launch in early 2023 with an Archives Mint Pass, a collection of 2k NFTs. Each NFT will grant the holder access to participate in curated drops, auctions and virtual experiences from WCM songwriters.
WCM Co-Chair and CEO Guy Moot and Co-Chair and COO Carianne Marshall added: “This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of music publishing. With Defient’s support, we’ll be able to unlock new avenues in web3 on behalf of our songwriters and find different ways for them to grow their legacies and engage with fans.”
In related news, most of the HITS staff thinks "blockchain" refers to one of those exercise gizmos that build up your inner thighs.
Warner Chappell Music has renewed its contract with Grammy-winning songwriter Liz Rose, one of the first two songwriters to be inducted into the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) and a recent Songwriters Hall of Fame nominee.
The Dallas native, who moved to Nashville in the '90s at the age of 37 to begin writing songs, was an early collaborator of Taylor Swift's. More recently, she co-wrote the 10-minute version of “All Too Well" from the Red (Taylor’s Version) album, which is nominated for Song of the Year at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.
Other credits include “Hummingbird” by Maren Morris, “No Choice” by Ingrid Andress, “Three Whiskeys And The Truth” & “Something Strong” by Little Big Town, “Better Strangers” by Karley Scott Collins and the theme song for the FOX series Monarch, “The Card You Gamble."
“I hope everyone understands that Liz is a modern-day legend in our business," President & CEO, WCM, Nashville Ben Vaughn said. "She’s a world-renowned lyricist, successful business owner, noted advocate for songwriter rights at the highest level of government, engaged board member, and a fiercely loyal friend to all in her world. I’ve been fortunate enough to partner with her for over a decade and I cannot understate how passionate and dedicated she is to her craft. Our entire Warner Chappell team is so proud to be a part of the next chapter in her historic body of work.”
Rose is also an accomplished publisher. In 2010, she launched Liz Rose Music with her son, Scott Ponce, as a home for aspiring songwriters. Their roster now boasts 13 of them, including Phil Barton, Joe Fox and Cameron Bedell.
"I can’t think of a better partner and champion than Warner Chappell to continue this crazy songwriter journey with," Rose said. "I look forward to the future with Ben Vaughn and the entire team.”
In a related story, a HITS scribe's 10-minute version of "taking a nap" has been revised to a four-hour version.
