Coco Jones, composer Amanda Jones and Grammy-winning songwriter/advocate Autumn Rowe were honored at the 16th annual ASCAP Women Behind the Music ceremony for their leadership, art and contributions to the music industry.
The even took place on Tuesday (11/12) at The Fleur Room in West Hollywood, where ASCAP SVP of Membership Nicole George-Middleton presented each honoree with a personalized plaque and custom handbag from designer Maya Winston.
Past ASCAP Women Behind the Music honorees include Kelly Rowland, Victoria Monét, Salt-n-Pepa, Summer Walker and Sheila E., among many others. Pictured wondering who's behind our pathetic existence are Amanda Jones, Coco Jones and Rowe.
Sony Music Publishing MENA has signed Egyptian composer/songwriter Aziz El Shafei to a global publishing deal covering his extensive back catalog and all future releases.
Over the course of his two-decade career, El Shafei has scored successes with Arabic hitmakers such as Amr Diab, Mohamed Hamaki, Tamer Honsy, Sherine Abdel Wahab and Elissa. He’s also received more than 20 awards for his work in television and on commercial campaigns in the region.
Aziz El Shafei said, "I am looking forward to this new stage and the broader horizons in my artistic journey, and I’m excited that a respected company such as Sony Music Publishing will be a partner for these next important steps.”
Dounia Chabaan, managing director, SMP MENA, added "We are thrilled to welcome Aziz to our extensive family of creative composers. Aziz is renowned for his prominent role in developing Arabic music in Egypt and the region, and we are excited to work with him.”
Canadian-born songwriter Brock Phillips has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Big Loud Publishing /Local Hay.
Phillips, a Berklee School of Music grad, relocated to Nashville from Vancouver earlier this year to ply his trade in Music City’s competitive writing pool, working with peers like Wyatt, Regan Stewart and others.
Big Loud Records A & R SVP Sara Knabe said, “Brock’s first writing trip to Nashville was such a success we knew we wanted him to move here ASAP. He is a perfect addition to our writing roster. You’ll be hearing his songs soon and for years to come.”
Local Hay president Scott Cooke added, “The first time I heard Brock’s songs I knew there was something special and unique about him. We are so proud to have him on the roster and can't wait for everyone to hear what he’s working on.”
Pictured (l-to-r): Michael Giangreco (VP of A&R, Big Loud Publishing), Kimberly Gleason (SVP, Big Loud Publishing), Brock Phillips, Scott Cooke (President, Local Hay Records), Sydney Burdette (Creative Manager, Big Loud Publishing), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records)
