Slap on those neon-pink leg warmers, people, and let’s get physical, physical! Not that we ever did; aerobics always sorta smacked of effort.
In any case, Primary Wave has snapped up the publishing catalog of Steve Kipner, writer of Olivia Newton-John’s '80s workout mega-anthem “Let’s Get Physical” as well as the Aussie superstar's “Twist of Fate,” which was introduced to a new generation via the 2017 soundtrack to Netflix’s Stranger Things. “Physical” has also found new, erm, legs as the melody in Doja Cat and SZA's smash 2021 collab, “Kiss Me More.”
Kipner's catalog also includes compositions that were hits for Christina Aguilera (“Genie in a Bottle”), Chicago (“Hard Habit to Break”) and Camilo Cabello (“Crying in the Club”), among many others.
“Steve’s great catalog has proven that hit songs will continue to be heard for generations to come,” said PW prexy/co-founder Justin Shukat, while changing into his unitard. “‘Physical’ was the biggest song of the '80’s, and the evergreen copyright is a hit again this year.”
On his way to find a wheelbarrow of sufficient size for his cash haul, Kipner said: "I have always had the utmost respect for what Larry [Mestel] and Justin have been building there. Their catalogue of writers and songs speaks for itself.”
Can you hear your body talking, to paraphrase a key lyric? These days, ours is mostly saying "ow."
Drum roll, please! Travis Barker has parked his compositions at Warner Chappell Music, signing an exclusive worldwide administration deal for his songs written over the last three decades.
The Kevin Wolff-managed drummer/composer for Blink-182, Transplants, The Aquabats and +44 has also co-written and produced songs for Machine Gun Kelly, Bebe Rexha, Dirty Heads, Swae Lee and others. He recently worked with Warner Chappell songwriter jxdn on his debut album, Tell Me About Tomorrow, through DTA Records, Barker’s joint venture with Elektra Music Group.
“Travis's authenticity has paved the way for him to continue to grow and endure as one of punk rock’s most charismatic and influential figures,” said Warner Chappell Music SVPs of A&R, Greg Sowders and Katy Wolaver. “Not only did his music define an entire era, but his innovative, ongoing contributions to the contemporary musical landscape continue to shape culture. Travis has always found a way to infuse the DIY spirit of punk into every possible genre with amazing results.”
Warner Chappell Music President of A&R, U.S., Ryan Press, noted: “His music popularized pop-punk in the early 2000s, and as his career has continued to evolve, his influence has only gotten stronger. And think of how many tattoo parlors he keeps in business.”
Travis Barker gives a lesson on proper sign of the horn technique to Warner Chappell A&R SVP Greg Sowders, left, and President of U.S. A&R Ryan Press.
Photo credit: Thrasher
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has renewed its global pub deal with Grammy-winning country artist Chris DeStefano. His longstanding relationship with the company began in 2008 when he inked with EMI Music Publishing.
A 3x CMA Triple Play award-winner, DeStefano is best known for penning hits for the likes of Jason Aldean, Brett Eldredge, Dan + Shay, Chris Young, Morgan Evans and more, including chart toppers like Luke Bryan “Kick the Dust Up” and “That’s My Kind of Night” as well as Carrie Underwood’s “Smoke Break,” “Good Girl,” “Little Toy Guns,” her Grammy-winning single “Something in the Water” and “Somethin’ Bad” with Miranda Lambert.
His recent credits include working on Chris Young’s forthcoming eighth studio album, Famous Friends, and his new single “One of them Nights,” as well as Chase Rice’s latest pair of tracks, “Best Night Ever” and “Belong,” from his new project The Album.
“I’m very excited to be continuing my partnership with the amazing team at Sony Music Publishing. I’m grateful for their fervent support, love for songs, and I look forward to future successes together,” said DeStefano.
“As a songwriter, producer, performer, philanthropist, and songwriting advocate, there are few people in the Nashville creative community that have had as significant of an impact as Chris. We are honored to remain as his publishing family, and we are proud to celebrate his past, present and future success alongside him,” added SMP Nashville EVP, Creative, Josh Van Valkenburg.
A songwriter advocate, DeStefano is also a board member for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and recently participated in ASCAP’s virtual Stand with Songwriters advocacy month to help create awareness around issues facing American music creators.
