Publishing Briefs: Teddy Swims Signs to WCM; Position Pairs With Zach Skelton

28 March, 2024

Warner Chappell has signed Teddy Swims to a global publishing deal. Signed to Warner Records for his recorded music, the new deal unites his entire catalog under the WMG umbrella. News of the deal arrives the same week that his breakthrough hit “Lose Control” reached No. 1 on the Hot 100.

Position Music has signed Zach Skelton, co-writer for Shawn Mendes, OneRepublic, Paul McCartney, Lil Nas X, and more, to a worldwide publishing deal.

Avex USA Publishing has signed DJ Smallz 732 to a global publishing deal. One of the most sought-after Jersey club producers, Smallz signs his deal on the heels of co-creating “Everybody” by Nick Minaj and Lil Uzi Vert from Minaj’s hit album Pink Friday 2.

Red Bull‘s publishing division has signed producer Charlie Shuffler to a global deal. Best known for his records with Lil Yachty, Trippie Redd, Rico Nasty and Lil Peep, Shuffler has been a tastemaker since the early days of SoundCloud rap.

Big Machine Music has signed artist/writer George Birge to an exclusive co-publishing deal. News of the agreement arrives as Birge heads out on the road as the opener for Parker McCollum’s tour and just before the singer opens for Luke Bryan’s tour.

Concord Music Publishing has signed soul singer-songwriter William Bell to a publishing administration deal, including a selection of his back catalog and all future works. A legendary signee of Stax Records and inductee in the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, Bell has been making timeless soul records since his first album The Soul of a Bell, released in 1967.

BeatStars has announced the launch of Creator Rights Agency, its new division designed to help make clearing intellectual property rights more streamlined and affordable. It is described in the company’s press release as an “end-to-end service that allows creators to get data-driven recommendations from experts for licensing, protecting, and getting paid for their intellectual property. The CRA consolidates management, legal, and accounting services needed by creators in today’s music industry, charging a 10% commission only on the deals that are successfully negotiated by the CRA.”

BMG has acquired Eurodance pioneer Dr. Alban‘s recorded music interest in his catalog, including defining records like “It’s My Life” and “Sing Hallelujah.” The acquisition further bolsters BMG’s interests in 90s Eurodance. Recently, the company also holds a stake in “Planet of the Bass” by Kyle Gordon, which went viral on TikTok for its parody of the genre.

Bella Figura Music has acquired the writer’s share of The Human League-founder Adrian Wright‘s catalog. Wright’s current publisher will now work with Bella Figura’s sync and creative team to maximize commercial opportunities for his catalog.

Park Ave West Songs, founded by songwriter KT Mack, has signed Chris Canterbury to a global publishing deal.

Wise Music Group has signed Portico Quartet to its publishing roster through Campbell Connelly & Co. The influential composers and producers have been a mainstay in UK music their debut album Knee-Deep in the North Sea, was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2008.