Avex Music Group extended its global publishing deal with Grant Boutin, in partnership with Ryan Tedder’s Runner Music. Boutin is perhaps best known for working on Tate McRae’s “Greedy” and “Sports Car” (2.4 billion Spotify streams between ’em) and for co-writing McRae’s “Revolving Door,” currently climbing Top 40 radio. Since signing with Avex in 2021 and partnering with Runner in 2023, Boutin has worked with BLACKPINK’s LISA, Meghan Trainor and on the F1 soundtrack with Don Toliver and Doja Cat. Trained at USC, Boutin began as electronic artist under the moniker Grant Bowtie and now blends pop, electronic and global sounds.
Concord Music Publishing signed acclaimed producer and songwriter Fraser T. Smith to a global publishing deal covering future works and select catalog titles. Smith, a Grammy, Brit and Ivor Novello Award winner, is known for hits like Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain,” Stormzy’s “Crown” and Dave’s “Question Time.” Next month, he’ll receive the BMI President’s Award at the 2025 BMI London Awards. His recent work includes Snow Patrol’s 2024 album The Forest Is The Path and Kae Tempest’s Self Titled. “Fraser T. Smith is a true master of his craft and a trailblazer in music,” said Kim Frankiewicz, evp of worldwide A&R at CMP. “His track record speaks for itself, and his ability to innovate and elevate artists is unmatched.”
CJ Baran linked up with Sony Music Publishing for a new global publishing deal. CJ Baran has collaborated with artists such as Melanie Martinez, Marina, Panic! at the Disco, Nessa Barrett and COIN, with standout hits including “Pity Party,” “Victorious” and “Talk Too Much.” He executive produced Martinez’s Portals, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in 2023, and worked on Marina’s Princess of Power and Nessa Barrett’s Aftercare — plus he’s developing rising artist Valencia Grace. “CJ is someone I’ve always admired and hoped to collaborate with,” said SMP manager of creative A&R Georgia Wolf. “He has a rare gift for creating safe, inspiring spaces where artists can fully express themselves.
Phil Plested signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music, covering the English singer-songwriter’s future works. Known for writing hits for artists like Lewis Capaldi, Little Mix and Kygo, Plested’s catalog has amassed over nine billion streams, by the publisher’s account. His breakout came in 2016 with Little Mix’s “Touch,” followed by chart-toppers “Before You Go” and “Forget Me” for Capaldi. Warner executives praised Plested’s longstanding creative relationship with the company, with WCM UK managing director Shani Gonzales saying “it has felt like he has been a part of the WCM extended family” for years, given his involvement in their various songwriting camps.
Jonas Group Publishing signed songwriter/artist/producer Aaron Gillespie to a publishing deal. Gillespie is known for his work as drummer and clean vocalist for metalcore band Underoath. He has also co-written songs with Mitchell Tenpenny (“Demon or Ghost”), and had songs recorded by Cassadee Pope and RaeLynn. –Jessica Nicholson
Prescription Songs welcomed British singer-songwriter Hamzaa with a global publishing deal, brought in by vp of A&R Eddie Fourcell. Known for blend of R&B and pop, Hamzaa has released several EPs, collaborated with artists like Rudimental and Mahalia, and clocked nearly 19 million Spotify streams with her 2019 track “Sunday Morning.” Hamzaa’s songwriting and production have earned placements with artists like The Bonfyre and TA Thomas; beyond music, she advocates for diversity and mentors emerging artists. “One word that best describes Hamzaa is ‘Special!’” shared Fourcell. “Her voice, words and spirit are like an instrument and I can’t wait to see the whole world fall in love with her.”
Pop songwriter Jack Samson signed a global publishing deal with 1916 Enterprises, in collaboration with Dream Room Publishing, founded by Melanie Fontana, Lindgren Schulz and Justin Garza. LA-based Samson has contributed to NCT 127’s WALK and Keshi’s Requiem, with more drops expected this fall. The deal marks a flagship signing for the pact between 1916 and Dream Room, both known for championing next-gen global talent like BTS, BLACKPINK, Dua Lipa and John Legend.
Relative Music Group signed Jeb Gipson to a global publishing deal in partnership with Sony Music Publishing. Originally from Georgia, Gipson moved to Nashville in 2016 and has spent nearly a decade building relationships with artists and songwriters. Gipson’s recent writing credits include HARDY’s “Buck On The Wall,” Dylan Scott’s “Easy Does It” and Brandon Wisham’s “Growin’ Up,” which gained traction on SiriusXM’s The Highway, along with previous work for artists like Megan Moroney and Chris Lane.
Position Music signed Swiss-born producer Freedo and rising electronic trio Levity to global publishing deals, expanding its roster of genre-defining talent. Freedo, known for hits with Zara Larsson, The Chainsmokers and Ava Max, as well as remixes for Dua Lipa and Coldplay, was praised by A&R exec Mike Torres for his “rare ability to make any song feel both global and unforgettable.” Levity — John Hauldren, PJ Carberry and Joshua Tarum — has quickly gained nearly 100 million streams since their 2023 debut, with breakouts at Electric Forest, EDC and Lollapalooza. “An explosive start,” Torres said of the trio.
International Bluegrass Music Association-nominated artist Wyatt Ellis signed a publishing administration deal with Los Angeles-based Limited Edition Music Publishing, in partnership with Warner Chappell Music. The new deal covers Ellis’ complete catalog, including both recent releases and forthcoming original music. –J.N.