Beabadoobee Signs With Universal Music Publishing & More Deals

Concord Music Publishing signed artist, songwriter and producer Adrian Quesada to a global publishing deal that covers future works and his catalog, including his work as one-half of the Grammy-nominated band Black Pumas. In addition to the Pumas, Quesada has performed in a variety of different projects, including as a member of the bands Grupo Fantasma, Brownout and Ocote Soul Sounds. He’s also collaborated with artists including Prince, Los Lobos, Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA and released the solo albums Boleros Psicodélicos, Jaguar Sound and Boleros Psicodélicos II. He also runs the Austin recording studio Electric Deluxe Recorders.

“Excited is an understatement to describe how I feel about joining the Concord publishing team,” said Quesada in a statement. “From my first talks and interactions with Jeremy and Pablo I could tell that they are as passionate as I am about putting good music into the world. Concord has an unmatched ability to cast a big enough net to reach all the worlds I like to incorporate into my music–from soul to Latin to Hip Hop, and beyond. I’m thrilled about the next chapter with this amazing crew.”

Jeremy Yohai and Pablo Ahogado, senior vp of A&R and vp of A&R at Concord Music Publishing, respectively, said in a joint statement: “Adrian is exactly the type of writer we aspire to work with. He’s talented and successful across multiple genres, always willing to take risks to keep creating great art. We’re thrilled to be a part of his team.”

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) signed synth-pop group Future Islands to an exclusive global publishing agreement covering their entire catalog and future works. The band is managed by Bertie Gibbon, Brian Message, Clarisse Quinn and Jackson Perry of ATC Management.

Shirin Foroutan, senior vp and general manager at UMPG Europe, said in a statement, “It’s a privilege to become the caretakers of the remarkable body of work that Sam, Mike, Gerrit, and William have created together as Future Islands. As the band celebrates its 20th anniversary, partnering with Future Islands at this moment in their journey is especially meaningful — celebrating their immense catalogue, while becoming committed creative partners for their future. We’re sincerely grateful for the trust that Sam, Mike, Gerrit, William, and their managers Brian Message and Bertie Gibbon have placed in us.”

Future Islands’ bass player William Cashion added, “We’ve always viewed our songs as living things — records of where we’ve been and where we’re going, pieces that keep evolving as time passes. Having a partner like UMPG that respects that journey and values the longevity of our catalogue is incredibly meaningful. As we celebrate 20 years of Future Islands, we feel energized to have such a dedicated team behind us, helping our music find new ears while we focus on the work ahead.”

Spirit Music Group signed country songwriter Jamie Moore, whose songs have been recorded by artists including Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw and Morgan Wallen.

“I love writing songs and being a part of the Nashville songwriter community; what I truly believe is the greatest songwriting community in the world,” said Moore in a statement. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Spirit family and look forward to celebrating many successes together.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Jamie to the Spirit family,” added Spirit Music Group creative director Kennedy Murphy. “I have had the privilege of getting to know Jamie as the incredible human and friend he is and am now looking forwarding to championing him as a creative. We’re grateful for his trust and partnership in this next chapter of his songwriting career.”

Reservoir Media signed a publishing deal with U.K.-based indie-folk singer-songwriter Benjamin Francis Leftwich for his future works. Leftwich has released five albums under his own name and co-written with artists including The 1975 (“Oh Caroline”), Holly Humberstone, CMAT and Kodaline.

Leftwich said of the deal, “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know some of the Reservoir family internationally over the past few years through many different relationships and, in particular, through my brother Jon Green in Nashville. …Our multiple different conversations over the years have always centered around the depth and weight in music as opposed to the noise from the game and have continued over and through holidays, weekends and evenings. Having a group of people on this journey who get and see inside the few minutes of a song with me is a wonderful thing, and I’m grateful for their trust and belief in me.”

Reservoir U.K. head of creative Charlie Pinder added, “We’re so excited to be working with Ben and his fantastic manager Mark Hayton. Ben is that rare and powerful combination of talent, ambition, and fearlessness, not only in his own work as an artist but as a collaborator too. We feel that Ben is really hitting his stride, and we’re excited to be joining him on the next stage of his career.”

Sony Music Publishing Nashville, in partnership with country hitmaker Dan Isbell, signed singer-songwriter Scout Speer to a global publishing deal. Speer’s self-titled EP includes the singles “Strangers,” “Against Me” and “That’d Be Crazy.” She’s currently working on a full-length album for release later this year.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be partnering with Sony Music Publishing and Dan Isbell as I take this next step in my career. It’s an honor to work with people who believe so deeply in my music and my future as a writer,” said Speer in a statement. “I also want to thank my manager Jeff Peterson and the team at Interstate Music for supporting me from the very beginning and helping me get to this moment. I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”

Isbell added, “I’m thrilled to work with Scout. She’s a killer vocalist with a sound that balances heartfelt melancholy and an upbeat spirit that really comes alive on stage. I can’t wait for Nashville and the rest of the world to hear her voice and experience all she has to say.”

In his own statement, Sony Music Publishing Nashville vp of creative A&R Tom Luteran said, “When Dan introduced me to Scout, I immediately saw in her what he did: an unmistakable voice and a natural storytelling ability that captures audiences. Shaped by her collegiate soccer background, Scout has discipline, a team-first mindset and a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed, and we’re proud to partner with Dan to support her career.”

Bucks Music Group signed an exclusive global publishing deal with pianist, composer, artist and producer Belle Chen. In her work as a composer, Chen has been commissioned by and written works for the BBC Concert Orchestra and BBC Philharmonic, among others. She has a label deal with Platoon and has a “key release” coming in 2027, according to a press release. She’s slated to tour the U.K., European Union and APAC later this year.

Chen said in a statement, “I’m extremely excited to partner with Bucks Music Group for this next phase of my artistic journey, working closely with a team who deeply understands my creative approach to music-making and collaboration. I look forward to seeing how the future unfolds.”

Added Rhiannon Bramley, senior A&R at Bucks: “Belle is an extraordinary talent with a plethora of incredible work behind her. She offers a unique approach to the neo-classical genre and we are honoured and extremely excited to work alongside her and her team to create new and forward-thinking opportunities both for the catalogue and for her career.”