The National Music Publishers’ Association and the wildly popular gaming company Roblox today (9/27) announced an agreement that settles any previous claims against Roblox and sets the foundation for future partnerships with global publishers.
It also settles claims filed by NMPA members and offers an industry-wide opt-in open to all eligible NMPA publishers. The agreement also allows members to pursue their own licensing deals. Roblox boasts 48 million daily active users, second only to TikTok’s 50 million DAU.
“Roblox understands that music has the potential to play a more integral role on its platform," said NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. “I appreciate Roblox’s willingness to work with us in pursuit of advancing the interests of publishers and songwriters and look forward to seeing how they expand virtual experiences through music. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a date with Bee Swarm Simulator.”
“We strive to offer experiences that bring millions of fans together with the songwriters and artists they love,” said Roblox Vice President, Global Head of Music Jon Vlassopulos. "Roblox currently enables labels and publishers to reach millions of fans at once in hyper social, immersive environments such as launch parties and virtual concerts. We are committed to partnering with the music industry, as a whole, to create an exciting new social era of the music business.”
With Roblox’s NMPA agreement and label deals with TikTok, Twitch and Triller, the biz appears to have monetized most of the major social apps. How might music be further "gamified" to expand its reach and revenue? We'll let you know after the next round of Super Power Fighting.
Sony Music Publishing has partnered with RareSpark Media Group to ink country singer/songwriter Emma-Lee to a global pub deal.
Best known for her work with Ross Ellis, Brett Kissel, Tim Hicks, The Washboard Union, Shawn Hook, Melanie Dyer and more, the Toronto native most recently co-wrote “What Are You Gonna Tell Her,” “Bridges” and several other tracks from Micky Guyton’s debut album, Remember Her Name, slated for release on 9/24.
“Our entire team has been fans of Emma-Lee’s songwriting for quite some time. It is an honor and a privilege to partner with RareSpark to wave her flag,” said SMP Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston.
“We are honored to work with her at RareSpark and we’re excited to partner with Rusty and the entire family at Sony Music Publishing to represent her!” Added RareSpark’s Owner Suzanne Strickland and VP/GM Scot Sherrod.
"I'm ecstatic to be part of a team that supports the vision for my career and champions my songs,” said Emma-Lee. “I have a great deal of admiration and respect for everyone involved in this venture.”
Additionally, Emma-Lee has released three full-length albums since her debut in 2009, including Never Just a Dream, Backseat Heroine and Fantasies, and secured multiple syncs on shows and films like Beauty & The Beast, Saving Hope, Teen Wolf, Degrassi: The Next Generation, Dance Moms and more.
Seen before toasting to their success with Nashville’s finest hot chicken is (L-R) Sherrod, Emma-Lee, Strickland and Rusty Gaston.
BMI has named Kobalt as its R&B/Hip Hop Publisher of the Year Award, honoring the pub for its 19 hits in the genre.
Among the songs that drove Kobalt’s success are Doja Cat’s “Like That” and 24kGoldn’s “Mood” plus Roddy Ricch’s “High Fashion” and “The Box” and his contributions to DJ Mustard’s “Ballin',” DaBaby’s “Rockstar” and Pop Smoke’s “The Woo.”
Kobalt VP, Creative, Jill Tschogl and Cee Barrett, Director, Creative, said, “What is incredibly rewarding is that many of these songs were born during the pandemic, which speaks to our writers’ ability to adapt and make great music in tumultuous times. Congratulations to each of our wonderfully gifted songwriters as well as to our relentlessly hard-working Kobalt staff around the world.”
