Hit producer Vinylz, who's worked with stars like Drake, J. Cole, Cardi B, Jay-Z and Travis Scott, has signed a global publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music.
Most recently, Vinylz co-produced two songs on Justin Bieber’s surprise EP Freedom (“Freedom” ft. Beam and “All She Wrote” ft. Brandon Love and Chandler Moore), in addition to working on pop singer/songwriter Starrah’s debut album, The Longest Interlude.
WCM SVP of A&R, Rich Christina, said: “I couldn’t be happier to be reunited with Vinylz. We’ve had a great, longstanding successful relationship spanning many years. His production is truly special and standout. He expertly blends old and new styles, marrying ‘90s rap beats with contemporary R&B. We’re really looking forward to working with him across all genres in this next chapter at Warner Chappell.”
WCM President of A&R, U.S., Ryan Press, added: “Vinylz has become one of the most in-demand producers to come out of the New York rap scene. His beats are everywhere and have helped to define the sound of many of today’s biggest stars. I’m so impressed with his work ethic and couldn’t be prouder to welcome him to Warner Chappell.”
Inspired by his love of sampling and his father's record collection, New York-bred Anderson Hernandez chose Vinylz as his producer name. Early in his career, Vinylz joined Quad Studios and started working with breakout acts like Drag-On and Cassidy, where he met his mentor Boi-1da and eventually went on to produce for Drake and the OVO crew.
In 2013, Vinylz co-produced Jay-Z’s “FuckWithMeYouKnowIGotIt” ft. Rick Ross, along with DJ Khaled’s RIAA-certified gold hit “No New Friends” ft. Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne.
Throughout his career, Vinylz has been part of a number of Grammy-Award nominated albums, including Beyoncé & Jay-Z's Everything is Love, Cardi B's Invasion of Privacy, J. Cole's Forest Hills Drive, Rihanna's Anti and Justin Bieber's Changes. He also produced Chris Brown & Drake's 2019 multi-platinum smash, "No Guidance."
Producer/songwriter Greg Kurstin opened the 2021 ASCAP Experience today (5/12) with a virtual conversation with friend, collaborator and Foo Fighters’ frontman, Dave Grohl, after accepting the Golden Note Award.
In the nearly one-hour interview, Grohl and eight-time Grammy-winner Kurstin discussed his songwriting, inspiration, his big break and more. Diving into Kurstin’s history as a musician, Kurstin shared how he started music at the age of five playing piano and diving into rock music by eleven, and pursuing a Jazz career.
Kurstin recalls his transition from Jazz gigs to becoming a touring musician for Beck, signing his first publishing deal as well as meeting Inara George and forming their duo, the Bird and the Bee.
Having spent years playing different genres, Kurstin notes that his big break in pop came with Lily Allen, and how his background in Jazz helped the improvisational aspect of creating music, including working in rock. Grohl and Kurstin first worked together on the Foo Fighters’ Concrete and Gold record.
Kurstin also talked about the visual elements in music, his love for collaboration and advice for songwriters trying to break through, among other things. Watch the entire interview below.
Prior to the conversation, Kurstin accepted the ASCAP Golden Note Award, which was presented by Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams and Beck—whose 2017’s album Colors was produced and co-written by Kurstin.
Congratulations were shared via video messages were shared from the likes of Halsey, SIA, Maren Morris, Nick Jonas, Maggie Rogers, P!nk, Sony Music Publishing Chairman/CEO Jon Platt, Stevie Nicks, Greta Van Fleet and Inara George. Previous Golden Note Award recipients include Blondie, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Trent Reznor, Alicia Keys, Tom Petty and more.
The ASCAP Experience is set to continue twice a month on Wednesdays through the end of 2021. The free virtual sessions will take place on platforms including YouTube, Instagram and on the ASCAP Experience website. Additional programming will be announced in the coming weeks for dates from 5/26-12/15.
Sony Music Publishing U.K. has inked songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Ben Jackson-Cook to an exclusive global pub deal.
The South London native is known for his work with Rag’n’Bone Man as his musical director and primary collaborator, having co-written and co-produced his album, Life By Misadventure, including his latest single, “Crossfire.”
Released on 5/7, the album has outsold the rest of the Top 5 combined on the U.K. Official Album Charts dated 5/10, with approximately 30k units over the weekend.
Jackson-Cook has also collaborated with various artists, such as Mike Elizondo, Natalie Hemby, Allen Shamblin & Mike Reid, Wendy Melvoin, Daru Jones, Jamie Lidell, Simon Aldred, Wayne Hector, Tom Grennan, JP Cooper and more.
“Ben is an exceptional talent. I love that he is instinctive, taking time with artists to dig deeper. I am thrilled that we are a part of this creative journey with him,” said Sarah Lockhart, Head of A&R, SMP U.K.
“With songwriting credits on every single track on Life By Misadventure, Ben has launched his career with a bang. I am excited to work closely with Ben, Chris Woo and Jill Hollywood as Ben continues to take his creative genius to new heights,” shared SMP Senior Director, A&R Research & Analytics, U.K. & International, Felix Canetty-Clarke.
“Felix, David, Tim and Sarah have been overwhelmingly welcoming and praising of my work. I can tell they share the same love of songs that I do and we’re definitely going to make some great things happen together. Felix is a force to be reckoned with and I’m honoured to be on the journey with him and Sony,” said Jackson-Cook.
Prior to his time as a musical director at Disney, Jackson-Cook began his music career at Olympic Studios. He’s previously played for acts like OMI, Little Mix and Ella Eyre, as well as performing with Rag’n’Bone Man with Jools Holland and his orchestra on multiple late-night shows.
