Sony Music Publishing has appointed Francisco Granados to VP of Creative, U.S. Latin. Based in the company’s Miami office, Granados will report to President/CEO of Latin America and U.S. Latin, Jorge Mejia.
In his new role, Granados’ responsibilities include providing strategic direction for U.S. Latin A&R efforts, signing and discovering new talent, as well as working closely with SMP’s songwriters to further develop their careers and create new, global opportunities for their work.
“Francisco is an A&R executive who possesses that rare mix of talent for discovering and nurturing artists and songwriters, matched with an impeccable business acumen. I have admired Francisco since I first started working with him early on in his career, and am beyond excited about what we will do together in this new phase,” said Mejia.
“Sony Music Publishing gave me my first opportunity to be part of the ever-evolving music industry, and I'm grateful to reunite with a family that shares my passion for music. I look forward to further developing our songwriters creatively and bringing the Latin culture to fans across the globe,” added Granados.
Granados previously served as A&R Director at Warner Music Mexico, Colombia, Peru and the Andean Region since 2019, where he oversaw the creative process for artists like Piso 21, Danny Ocean, Ximena Sariñana, Llane, Juan Pablo Vega, Mario Bautista, LAGOS, Beto Cuevas and Latin Grammy-winner Mike Bahia.
Prior to joining Warner, Granados spent four years as A&R Director at SMP Mexico, playing a key role in signing acts like Reik’s Julio Ramírez, Mario Bautista as well as the renewals of José Luis Roma, Carlos Rivera, Noel Schajris and Zoé. He also spent time as a journalist and radio host before pursuing his A&R career.
Warner Chappell Music has inked R&B singer/songwriter/producer Sean Garrett to a global publishing deal.
Dubbed "The Pen" by Jay-Z, Garrett is best known for writing and producing hits like Usher’s Grammy-nominated “Yeah!,” Ciara’s RIAA 3x platinum-certified single “Goodies” and Destiny Child’s “Solider,” among others.
“Sean is one-of-a-kind, with a remarkable dedication to his craft and ability to tell a story through his music," said WCM Co-Chair/CEO, Guy Moot. "We’re so thrilled to welcome him to our Warner Chappell family."
“Sean has changed the face of music and redefined boundaries throughout every step of his career. He continues to deliver hit after hit and has become the go-to producer for A-list talent, from Usher and Chris Brown, to Kanye West and Beyoncé,” added WCM President of A&R, U.S., Ryan Press.
“My career has been unbelievable, and now working with this amazing team I know that this will be bigger than the last! I want to say thank you…and let’s goooo!” Shared Garrett.
A 4X Grammy-nominee, Garrett got his start in the early 2000s before inking with Ariola/BMG at 17. He then signed as a songwriter with LA Reid in 2003 prior to launching his solo career and releasing his debut album, Turbo 919.
Throughout his career, Garrett also penned hits like Fergie’s “London Bridge,” Pussycat Dolls’ “Buttons” f/Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown's “Run It” and Enrique Iglesias’ “Dimelo.” He was also in a production duo with Swiss Beatz, helping create numerous Beyoncé tracks, including “Ring the Alarm,” “Get Me Bodied,” “Upgrade U,” “Check on It,” “Diva,” and “Video Phone” from the Grammy-nominated album I Am…Sasha Fierce.
The 5x BMI award-winner is currently working on new music with Jermaine Dupri and R&B duo dvsn, as well as Summer Walker, 6LACK and more.
Pictured above are (l-r) Garrett's Manager/Artistry Group & Artistry Records’ CEO Max Gousse, WCM VP of A&R Wallace Joseph, Garrett, Moot and Press.
Press Photo credit: Manila Nine Three
Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Clairo has signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Jody Gerson's UMPG.
A viral success story, 22-year-old Claire Cottrill burst onto the scene in 2017 with the lo-fi favorite, “Pretty Girl” which exploded into a platinum-certified hit and generated over 74m YouTube views. Clairo's 2019 debut full-length, Immunity, featured hits “Bags” and "Sofia,” the latter of which became her first single to chart on the Hot 100 and one of TikTok’s most popular songs.
Clairo's sophomore album, Sling, co-produced by Jack Antonoff, will be released on 7/16 via FADER/Republic.
Jody Gerson, Chairman and CEO of UMPG, said: “I remember the first time I heard Carole King’s Tapestry. I also remember the first time I heard Carly Simon’s No Secrets and Joni Mitchell’s Blue. I get the same feeling today when I listen to Clairo’s music. I am so personally proud to represent her and to give her all the support she needs from our global UMPG family.”
Clairo said: “Thank you so much to Jody for believing in me, but also believing in this record. I’m so grateful for her honesty, care, and ability to make everyone feel comfortable while they develop as artists. Her attention to detail and to her craft is what makes her an unstoppable force - and someone that I know will be there for me for years to come.”
