Publishing Briefs: Toto Member Sells to Primary Wave, WCM Signs ‘Telepatía’ Hitmaker

Primary Wave Music has acquired the catalog of Toto keyboardist, songwriter and composer Steve Porcaro. The multi-million dollar deal includes the ownership of Porcaro’s publishing catalog, artist royalties and neighboring rights, including some of his hits with Toto and all of his film/TV compositions, including his score for the FX show Justified.

Warner Chappell Music has signed Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Cris Chil and her publishing company Chil Room. One of the top songwriters in the Latin music market, Chil contributed to hits like “Telepatía” by Kali Uchis; “Contra La Pared” by J Balvin and Sean Paul; “Lento by Lauren Jauregui and Tainy; “Fuego” by DJ Snake, Anitta and Sean Paul; and “I Can’t Get Enough” by Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco and J Balvin.

NEON16 and UNRESTRICTED have jointly signed Mexican-American producer Frank Rio to a publishing deal. Known best as a producer for Ivan Cornejo, Becky G, A.Chal and Peso Pluma, Rio now hopes to expand his credits beyond the Latin charts.

BMG Nashville has signed an administration deal with the publishing company Triple Play Music. Owned by Jason Aldean and his bandmates Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy, the Triple Play roster includes John Edwards, John Morgan and Neil Thrasher.

Tim & Danny Music and Warner Chappell Music UK have signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Elmiene, a 22-year-old emerging British R&B/soul star. Along with his own artist project, Elmiene has also written with Stormzy, Timbaland and Justin Timberlake. Recently, he was named one of BBC Radio 1’s “Sound Of 2024” artists and was also nominated for the Rising Star Award at the 2024 Ivor Novello Awards.

Concord Music Publishing has signed Grammy-nominated and Juno award-winning artist Daymé Arocena to a worldwide publishing deal. The agreement also includes a selection of the neo-soul fusion singer’s back catalog.

Good Company, an independent songwriter/producer management firm, has brought in two new clients: Jim Reed, the co-executive producer on Rex Orange County’s next album, and Mona Khoshoi, a Swedish-born songwriter/producer who draws sonic inspiration from Persian psych rock, American soul, and classic Swedish pop.

Warner Chappell Music has signed a publishing deal with Schmitty, a rising singer-songwriter who combines the sounds of ’90s-era country hits with rock and roll influences.

Wise Music Group has signed a new publishing deal with English folk duo The Staves. Comprised of sisters Jessica and Camilla Staveley-Taylor, the duo’s new publishing agreement comes on the heels of its fourth studio LP All Now, released in March.