Independent publishing venture Livelihood Music Company has added JKash and Michael Pollack to its team as principals. The hit-makers will serve as owners and participate in the growing publisher. The company has also tapped Wendy Christiansen as the new President, handling day-to-day operations.
Helmed by founder/CEO Liz Newmark, a longstanding advisor and attorney, Livelihood also sees A&R support services from Jamie Zeluck Hindlin's Nonstop Management.
Since Livelihood began adding songwriters to its roster in 2020, its signees have played a role in the creation of Top 40 #1’s like Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control,” Rema & Selena Gomez’s “Calm Down” and Tate McRae’s “You Broke Me First.”
Its writers have also penned for the likes of Maroon 5, Charlie Puth, Jason Derulo, Marshmello, Charli XCX, Thomas Rhett, The Chainsmokers, Ava Max, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Nick Jonas.
“I couldn’t be more excited to help build Livelihood into the next great independent music publishing company. Our leadership is uniquely comprised of both seasoned executives and active songwriter-producers, giving our clients the opportunity to both benefit from our services, and collaborate with and learn from experienced hit-makers,” said Pollack.
“Stepping into the role of President at Livelihood was a natural fit for me. I was drawn to the company's unwavering commitment to hands-on development and its dedication to supporting songwriters at every stage of their careers. Joining forces with hit songwriters like JKash and Michael Pollack further solidified my belief in Livelihood's mission to prioritize the songwriter’s journey,” added Christiansen.
The company is headquartered in L.A. and Miami, with a strong presence in Nashville, NY, London and Stockholm.
Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has signed a global publishing deal with Bronx-bred rapper/producer Cash Cobain, who released his breakout hit, “Fisherrr,” earlier this year.
The deal follows Cobain’s recent link-up with Ice Spice for the “Fisherrr” remix f/Bay Swag, which has amassed more than 26m streams. Other collabs include J. Cole on “Grippy,” an appearance on Don Toliver's “ATTITUDE” single and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie’s “Body.” The anointed “sexy drill pioneer” also produced Lancey Foux’s "Daylight" f/Teezo Touchdown.
“Cash Cobain is a pioneering culture-mover as an artist and producer with his 'Slizzy' movement,” WCM SVP, A&R Wallace Joseph and WCM SVP, A&R and Venture Partners Rich Christina said in a joint statement. “He’s reshaped the sound of New York and beyond. His production talent is unique and undeniable. Combined with his artistry, he's unstoppable.”
WCM President, North America Ryan Press added, “Cash is one of the best up-and-comers out there. As the original creator behind this entirely new drill style, he’s introduced a sound using some of music’s most classic hits, and his delivery is spot on every single time.”
Cobain’s next EP, Play Cash Cobain, is expected to arrive in the coming months. Pictured wondering how long it will take before someone from HITS tries to weasel their way into the photo are (l-r) Christina, manager Will Foster, Cash Cobain, manager Makeda Tewodros, Joseph and (front row) manager Glyn Brown.
Sony Music Publishing won Pop/Latin Rhythm Publisher of the Year at SESAC's Latina Music Awards, earning its ninth consecutive POTY trophy. The event took place on 6/26 at The Beverly Hills Hotel.
SMP songwriters were among the evening’s top winners, with Manuel Turizo and Julian Turizo both crowned as Pop/Latin Rhythm Songwriters of the Year in recognition of their work on hits including “El Merengue” by Manuel Turizo and Marshmello, which was awarded Pop/Latin Rhythm Song of the Year award.
Edén Muñoz, who won multiple awards for top performing tracks like “Como Quieras Quiero,” as well as Nicky Jam and Lenny Tavárez, who were honored for songs including “Calor” and Maluma’s “Coco Loco,” were also among SMP honorees on Wednesday evening.
Pictured above celebrating Sony's wins are: (L-R) SESAC's Celeste Zendejas, SMP's Monica Jordan, Fred Vilchez and Amy Roland, SESAC's Sam Kling, SMP CEO, Latin America & U.S. Latin Jorge Mejia, SMP's Yendi Rodriguez and Aireen Hevia, SESAC's Scott Jungmichael and SMP's Margit Klein and Veronica Vaccarezza.
