(Raul Chirinos, Faraon, Lex Borrero, Samira Parrilla)
NEON16 Publishing, led by CEO Lex Borrero, has signed Faraon—producer of Myke Towers' global #1 "LALA"—and Chilean producer and beatmaker Distobal to co-publishing deals.
The signings follow the Miami hitmaking hub's strong Q1, which included nine BMI Awards and two ASCAP Latin Awards for songwriter-producers Tainy, Jota Rosa, MVSIS and Albert Hype. Borrero, alongside Chief Creative Officer Ivan Rodriguez continue to foster NEON16's commitment to next-gen talent.
Faraon has been contributing to the music scene in Puerto Rico for over 10 years. His production credits include chart-topping tracks for global stars like Bad Bunny, Arcángel, Natti Natasha and Anuel AA. Faraon's work with Towers ("LALA," "Diosa," "Pareja del Año" f/Sebastián Yatra) has played a pivotal role in the reggaeton sensation's rise.
Distobal has produced multiple cuts that have charted in Chile and on Spotify's global viral chart.
"Fara and Distobal embody the spirit of the new generation, merging authentic sound with global appeal," said NEON16 Head of Publishing Raul Chirinos. "Our mission at NEON16 is to discover and nurture such unique talents, ensuring their artistry resonates worldwide. This partnership symbolizes our commitment to shaping the future of music, and I am thrilled to embark on this journey with them.”
(Henry Martinez, Ivan Rodriguez, Distobal, Carlos Villena and Raul Chirinos)
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed West Texas native Randall King to a global publishing agreement. The emerging country star has collected more than 300m streams with singles such as “You In A Honky Tonk,” “Hey Cowgirl” and “Mirror, Mirror.” He released his major label debut, Shot Glass (Warner), in 2022 and followed up with Into The Neon earlier this year.
Director, Creative A&R, SMPN Director, Creative A&R Aubrey Landon said she’s looking forward to championing King’s “fresh take on traditional country music,” which she believes “resonates with authenticity.”
Into The Neon arrived in January and was co-written by SMP songwriters Trannie Anderson, Jordan Walker and Michael Carter and Ben Hayslip, as well as artists Mitchell Tenpenny, Will Jones and Nate Smith, among others.
King is currently headlining shows across the U.S. and will be heading to Europe before 2024 is up. Pictured about to get their two-step on are (l-r) Durango Management's Scott Gunter, Landon, King, SMP Nashville's Rusty Gaston and Durango's Clayton Toney.
On the heels of signing with RCA, buzzy roots group the Red Clay Strays has inked a global publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music.
The group, which has been propelled into the mainstream thanks to its streaming smash "Wondering Why," will work with producer Dave Cobb on its next album. The Strays have also developed a loyal fan base on the road and will tour heavily this year with headlining dates and appearances at such festivals as Boston Calling (5/25), Railbird (6/2) and Country Calling (10/4).
“The Red Clay Strays are owning their moment in what’s sure to be their biggest year yet," said WCM President, North America, Ryan Press. "Their music is pure power and precision, with a sound unlike anything we've heard before. They’ve been consistently locked in with their fans and now they have the whole world tuned into their unique style."
Added WCM VP of A&R David Goldsen, "Every once in a while a band comes along that knocks you off your feet. The Red Clay Strays is one of the most exciting live bands right now, and their songs are both fresh and timeless. I’m beyond excited to watch their takeover and grateful they’ve chosen us as their publishing partner."
RCA's Peter Edge, John Fleckenstein and Dan Chertoff emerged victorious over multiple majors to bring the Strays into the fold; their ties to the band's former label partner, Thirty Tigers, were said to be a key factor in the decision.
