More in publishing news: Lykke Li signed with Warner Chappell Music Scandinavia and The Wavys signed with Kobalt.
Bastian Langebaek
Courtesy of Sony Music Publishing UK/Second Songs
Sony Music Publishing UK, in partnership with its JV partner Second Songs, signed a global publishing agreement with Copenhagen-based songwriter Bastian Langebaek, which includes future works. Notably, Langebaek boasts six co-writes on Olivia Dean’s breakthrough album The Art of Loving, including “Let Alone The One You Love” and “Baby Steps.” He also has credits on songs performed by Anderson.Paak, AURORA, Jessie Ware, Jess Glynne, Nilufer Yanya, Anna Of The North and more.
“I’m incredibly excited and grateful to sign a new publishing deal with Second Songs & Sony Music Publishing, getting to work once more with [Second Songs co-founder] Mark Gale, who I first signed with 11 years ago, a moment that changed everything,” said Langebaek in a statement. “As I step into this next chapter, I want to give a big shout out to Caroline Elleray and Tim Major, as well as my friend and manager, the hardest-working person I know, Vaz Pilikian. Thank you for believing in me.”
Tim Major, president and co-managing director of Sony Music Publishing UK, added, “Bastian is an undeniably exceptional songwriter as well as a wonderful human and we are very proud that he has chosen to work with us. Our partnership with Second Songs is the perfect set up for him, reuniting with Mark and utilising our global SMP forces to build on all of his immense success. We are grateful to Bastian and Vaz for the trust they have placed in us all.”
In his own statement, Gale said, “We are immensely proud and humbled that Bastian has chosen Second Songs and SMP as his publishing home for the next chapter of his career. Bastian is one of the most talented and nurturing people you’re ever likely to meet so fits into the ethos of our company perfectly. It’s a joy to see the songs he’s helped create as they travel all over the world and become the soundtrack to people’s lives.” — Chris Eggertsen
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Lykke Li (Warner Chappell Music Scandinavia)
Image Credit: Chloé Le Drezen Lykke Li signed with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Scandinavia, with the deal focused on her sixth studio album, The Afterparty, set for release on May 8. The album was recorded with a 17-piece string orchestra, with its lead single, “Lucky Again,” released on Feb. 13.
“Lykke Li is a generational talent who has consistently pushed the boundaries of pop music, not just in the Nordics but on the global stage,” Lars Karlsson, managing director of Warner Chappell Music Scandinavia, said in a statement. “We are thrilled to be working with her during this pivotal chapter of her career. The Afterparty is a bold, uncompromising, and deeply cinematic body of work, and we look forward to providing the creative and administrative support to ensure it reaches its full potential worldwide.”
The deal is focused on Li’s new album cycle, and does not include her back catalog. However, the WMC team shared they intend to work alongside Lykke Li’s management to help maximize opportunities for the new album across sync, digital and international markets.
Li’s new album explores themes of mortality and hedonism. She’s collaborated with artists including Drake, Mark Ronson and U2 on previous records.
In February, it was announced Li signed with Neon Gold Records/Futures for the release of The Afterparty. The album was written in Los Angeles and recorded in Stockholm.
Li is scheduled to perform at Coachella and a string of live dates throughout the summer. Her previous albums include Youth Novels, Wounded Rhymes, I Never Learn, So Sad So Sexy and EYEEYE. — Ariel King
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The Wavys (Kobalt)
Image Credit: Dom Fleming Los Angeles-based songwriting and production duo The Wavys have signed with Kobalt. Made up of Jack Brady and Jordan Roman, The Wavys have worked with artists including JISOO, IVE, ILLIT, Ambar Lucid, Gus Dapperton, G-Eazy, Shay Lia and NMIXX.
Most recently, The Wavys served as executive producers and co-writers on JISOO’s solo debut EP, Amortage. The EP’s lead single, “Earthquake,” debuted at No. 47 on the Billboard Global 200.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jack and Jordan to Kobalt,” Desi O’Meara, director of creative at Kobalt, said in a statement. “The Wavys have proven themselves as innovative and globally minded creators whose music resonates across cultures and genres. Their track record of hitmaking and artist collaboration makes them an exciting addition to the Kolbalt community.”
Danielle Engen of The Wavys’ management added, “We are incredibly proud of what Jack and Jordan have built. Watching them grow from talented young artist into the producers and songwriters they are today has been truly special. Throughout that time, they’ve established themselves as genuine creative forces within the music space, and this moment represents a meaningful milestone in their journey. Their partnership with Kobalt marks a pivotal new chapter, and we’re excited to continue building alongside them as they step into this next phase of their careers.”
Manager Michael Mellon also added, “Jordan and Jack have been creatively disrupting the music industry for over a decade. I’m blessed to have been there at the start and extremely privileged to still be managing them today with my amazing partner, Danielle. It’s been the greatest, most rewarding feeling in the world to watch them live out their dreams and the crazy part is that we are just getting started.” — A.K.
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Lauro (Roc Nation)
Lauro has signed a deal with Roc Nation Latin Publishing for an exclusive global administration agreement. With this deal, he will collaborate closely with Roc Nation’s global creative network to expand his reach and solidify his position as one of the industry’s leading Latin producers and composers. “Whenever Lauro first gets in with an artist, he ends up producing across the album because he always delivers,” said president of Roc Nation Publishing, Andrew Gould, in a statement. “His track record as a producer and composer speaks for itself.”
Born Laureano Pardo in Uruguay and based in Miami, the Grammy and Latin Grammy-nominated creator has already had some standout collaborations such as Arcángel’s Los Favoritos 2, which landed at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums, and Kenia Os’ K23, which achieved notable Billboard success, largely driven by the hit single “Malas Decisiones,” which entered the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. and Billboard Global 200 charts in 2023.
Managed by Matthew Limones and Nicolás González, co-founders of Prediction Enterprises, Lauro’s credits also include tracks for Myke Towers, Kidd Voodoo, and Katteyes.
“We are thrilled that Lauro has found a home that truly understands his talents to work with us, collectively guiding him in this next phase,” said Limones. González added, “We know he will continue to have a major impact in the industry with a world-class team behind him.” — Isabela Raygoza
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Primary Wave Partners + POPS Music
Primary Wave partnered with Vietnam’s POPS Music, with the investment allowing for POPS Music to continue sourcing catalogs across the Vietnamese and regional repertoire, while Primary Wave can continue growth for its artists and songwriters across the globe.
Primary Wave will invest capital in the company, providing resources for POPS Music to continue growing within the region. POPS formed as an arm of the digital media and entertainment network, POPS K.K. The company has offices and operations in Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.
“We’re thrilled to partner with POPS Music and Esther Nguyen,” Agnes Kacicki, head of corporate development at Primary Wave, said in a statement. “Their deep understanding of the Southeast Asian market and strong local relationships make them an ideal partner as we continue to grow our catalog investments globally.”
“Our partnership with Primary Wave marks a transformative milestone in the evolution of the Southeast Asian music economy,” Esther Nguyen, POPS CEO, said in a statement. “By aligning POPS Music’s unrivaled digital footprint and regional expertise with Primary Wave’s world-class catalog and legendary creative resources, we are building a two-way bridge for global stardom.” — A.K.
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Austin Bianco (Concord Music Publishing)
Image Credit: Credit: Audrey Spillman Austin Bianco has signed with Concord Music Publishing. The Nashville-based artist has written and produced for a variety of genres, including hip-hop, country and EDM.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the team at Concord,” Bianco said in a statement. “It felt like the right creative home from the start. There’s such a strong vision and support here and being surrounded by those who truly believe in what I do means everything. I’m looking forward to building something special together.”
Melisa Spillman, vp of A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville, said, “Austin fills a variety of roles in the writer room with such excellence and creativity. He’s quickly becoming a favorite among our roster and in Nashville writing circles. We’re excited to add him to the Concord family!” — A.K.
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Julianna Rankin (Big Loud Texas Publishing/Sony Music Publishing)
Image Credit: Natalie Rhea / Courtesy Singer-songwriter Julianna Rankin has signed a publishing deal with Big Loud Texas/Sony Music Publishing. Rankin, who is also signed to a label deal with Big Loud Texas, has released her second song, “Little Miss Behavin’,” produced by Big Loud Texas co-founders Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Julianna to the Big Loud Texas Publishing family,” Lizzy Rector, publishing director, Big Loud Publishing, said in a statement. “She has a voice and storytelling perspective that is rooted and real and we couldn’t be more excited to be a part of what’s ahead.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Julianna Rankin into the Sony Music Publishing family alongside Big Loud Texas,” added Anna Weisband, senior vp, creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “She’s the definition of heart and soul. Her songwriting is full of true storytelling, personality, and grit. We can’t wait to help share that with the world!” — Jessica Nicholson -
Aya Nakamura (Warner Chappell Music)
Image Credit: Courtesy French-Malian singer-songwriter Aya Nakamura renewed her publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music, continuing the contract they began in 2017.
“Aya is a remarkable artist of rare sensitivity whose music has resonated around the world for nearly 10 years, reaching several generations,” Matthieu Tessier, managing director of Warner Chappell Music France, said in a statement. “It is an honor for the teams at Warner Chappell Music France and myself to represent her repertoire and work with her on a daily basis. I thank her for trusting us with her music.”
“Warner Chappell Music has been a partner and a source of support for me since my beginnings, and I’m very happy to continue this collaboration with Matthieu and his team,” Nakamura said in a statement. — A.K.