Reservoir Media has signed Dan Nakamura, aka Dan the Automator, to a worldwide publishing deal covering the producer-songwriter’s catalog and future works. The pact is an expansion of a decade-long relationship between the two parties. As an artist, Nakamura has released several solo albums and EPs and is half of the hip-hop duo Handsome Boy Modeling School (with Prince Paul), which released two albums on Tommy Boy Records (now part of Reservoir). He also produced and co-wrote Kool Keith’s influential Dr. Octagonecologyst album and other notable production credits include the Gorillaz’ debut LP and Cornershop’s When I Was Born for the 7th Time, among others. As a film and TV composer, Nakamura has written songs for Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Money Monster, Booksmart, Dash & Lily and more.
Sony Music Publishing U.K. has signed Irish singer-songwriter Kal Lavelle to a worldwide publishing agreement. One of the most prominent new hitmakers across the pond, Lavelle is a writer on Ed Sheeran‘s hit “Shivers,” which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart earlier this year. She has also worked with artists like KOLIDESCOPES, Izzy Bizu, RHODES, Naughty Boy, Harry Stone, Eddie Serafica, Cian Ducrot, James TW, DJ Zinc, Alex Hosking, and more.
Pulse Music Group has announced a new creative JV with Tommy Brown, best known as his production monicker TBHits. After years of writing hits with Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Travis Scott, John Legend, The Weeknd, and more, TBHits is ready “to build something special” at Pulse. His first signee, Taylor Hill, already boasts a long list of famous collaborators, including Justin Bieber, Summer Walker, Drake, and more, and has plans to release a debut EP later this year.
Grammy-winning songwriter and producer David Malloy has sold a stake of his publishing catalog to Primary Wave. This includes many of his biggest songs like “I Love A Rainy Night,” “Step By Step,” “Love Will Turn You Around,” “Drivin’ My Life Away,” and more country and pop hits. The deal will allow Malloy to use Primary Wave’s marketing, digital, and branding teams as well as licensing opportunities.
Kobalt has signed British act CRAWLERS to a global publishing administration deal, including their back catalog and future works. The deal will also include sync licensing and creative services. Best known for their song “Come Over (Again),” the song has proven to be a breakthrough for the band after charting on the Official U.K. Singles Chart.
CCS Rights Management has signed a worldwide neighboring rights deal with alt-rock band Arrested Youth. The company will now liaise with neighboring rights societies around the world for the act’s entire catalog.
Muserk, an AI-driven music rights administrator, has extended its partnership with SACEM/SDRM to include all U.S.-based digital mechanical rights. The partners have been working together since Jan. 2018, but now Muserk will manage their works with the MLC and in YouTube’s system in particular to ensure correct metadata and proper renumeration of royalties.
Warner Chappell Music has inked a deal with Sherry Martin, the songwriter and mother of another WCM signee Aaron Raitiere. The mother-son duo often collaborate as a songwriting team, penning notable country cuts like “Love, Light and Healing” by The Oak Ridge Boys. She also has written songs for children’s music, like “I Am No Zebra I’m a Bumblebee” from the compilation record At home with kids.
