This week’s roundup of Publishing Briefs includes a rebrand for Sheer Publishing Africa, a pair of big deals for Warner Chappell Music and a renewal of Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s pact with Kane Brown’s creative company.
Warner Chappell Music signed a global administration and sub-publishing deal with veteran French DJ and producer Bob Sinclar, covering over 350 works from his catalog, including iconic tracks like “World Hold On,” “Love Generation,” and “The Beat Goes On.” The agreement also includes music from the influential Africanism label. Known for pioneering the French House (or French Touch) movement since 1998, Sinclar has built a successful mainstream and underground career through his label Yellow Productions, and over the years has collaborated with global stars such as Kylie Minogue, Sean Paul and Robbie Williams, and remixed tracks by Madonna, Rihanna, and Moby. “Bob Sinclar is a fervent representative of the French Touch, a true tastemaker who has always made a point of crossing borders,” said Valentin Zucca, senior A&R at WCM France. “His music, and what he did for the dance culture, had a major influence on a whole generation of listeners and artists.”
WCM also extended its joint venture with Lilly Raye Music, the publishing and management company led by Edward Matthew and Justin Martinez. Since its 2020 launch and 2023 expansion, the partnership has driven international collaborations across Asia, Europe and the United States. The venture is ramping up efforts in Germany and the Netherlands, particularly in dance and electronic music, while strengthening A&R in the UK. Achievements include Grammy recognition for work on albums by Summer Walker and Janelle Monáe, ten No. 1 hits in Sweden, and syncs with Apple and Acne Studios. They’ve also contributed to K-pop hits for LESSERAFIM and IVE, and support rising stars like Ayra Starr and RAYE. “We’ve built a really solid relationship with Edward and Justin over the past few years,” mentioned Guy Moot, co-chair and CEO of WCM. “They have an infectious enthusiasm for forging cultural connections between writers and producers from different parts of the world. The amazing results speak for themselves.”
Sheer Publishing Africa officially rebranded as Downtown Music Publishing Africa (DMP Africa), marking a major milestone in its nearly 30-year history as a leading inie music publisher on the continent. Effective May 27, the rebrand aligns the company with Downtown Music Publishing’s global infrastructure, offering African creators enhanced access to royalty administration, tech and global services across 145 countries. DMP Africa will also introduce Neighbouring Rights Administration and Downtown’s royalty system to improve transparency and earnings access. With partnerships including Warner Chappell, Concord, and Saregama, DMP Africa is positioning itself as a global rights management leader. “This is a transformational moment,” said Managing Director Thando Makhunga. Downtown executives Emily Stephenson and Pieter van Rijn emphasized the strategic importance of Africa as a dynamic creative hub, with the latter calling it “a region rich in creativity, culture and talent.” Stephenson added that “through DMP Africa, we are investing not just in infrastructure, but in long-term relationships that will shape the future of the music industry.”
Sony Music Publishing Nashville renewed its partnership with Verse 2 Music, the joint venture founded in 2021 by Kane Brown and Kent Earls. V2 has quickly become a rising force in country music, representing top songwriters like Josh Hoge, Rivers Rutherford, and Dylan Schneider. Over four years, the venture has delivered more than 200 major label releases, 11 country airplay singles, and four No. 1 hits — including the award-winning “Thank God” by Kane and Katelyn Brown. Brown and Earls said they were “excited” and “thrilled” to renew the deal. SMPN chief Rusty Gaston added, “Kent and Kane are a creative and business dynamic duo. Just within a few years, they’ve gone from zero songs to celebrating four No. 1 singles, with multiple singles on the chart currently. Their success is just getting started, and we are so excited to continue this journey with them.”
PUB BRIEFS BRIEFS: Nick Autry inked a global publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville. A former touring drummer, he’s now a Grammy-nominated engineer and producer who has worked with Carrie Underwood and Sam Hunt, and co-produced a chart-topping comedy album for Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots … Sheltered Music formed a creative partnership with Crystal Pony Publishing and songwriter Roger Springer (“It’s a Little Too Late”). Their first signee is artist-writer Will Banister … Big Machine Music signed South African artist-writer Will Linley to an exclusive co-publishing deal. Known for viral hit “Last Call,” Linley’s catalog includes “Miss Me (When You’re Gone)” and EPs Kill All My Feelings and Magic. His new single “Cinematic” dropped May 16, launching a European pop-up tour.
Sony Music Publishing signed electronic artist and remixer Purple Disco Machine (Tino Piontek) to an exclusive worldwide songwriting deal. This joint venture between SMP’s German and UK offices aims to expand PDM’s international creative reach. Since his 2012 breakthrough “My House,” Purple Disco Machine has earned 37 platinum and 14 gold certifications, with over 1.5 billion streams. His hits “Hypnotized” and “In The Dark” with Sophie and the Giants, from the Exotica album, have surpassed a billion streams. His latest album Paradise features the hit “Substitution” with Kungs and Julian Perretta, and the 2024 chart-topper “Honey Boy” with Nile Rodgers, Benjamin Ingrosso and Shenseea. He’s also known for crafting remixes for The Rolling Stones, Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga and Lizzo. “I began working with Tino a decade ago, just after his ‘Street Life’ releases, when he was flipping samples, making club bangers and experimenting with his sound,” said SMPUK director of A&R Adrienne Bookbinder. “It’s been a pleasure witnessing Tino’s defining moments to-date, and it’s an honor to continue the story together alongside his manager Matt Jagger as we welcome him to SMP.”
