Publishing Briefs: Universal Music Publishing Group Signs Logic, Sony/ATV Inks Global Deal With Gismart & More
A list of the latest moves in publishing, including new deals for Logic with Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV with Gismart and more.
Logic has signed an exclusive worldwide administration deal with Universal Music Publishing Group, the company announced Tuesday (May 21). The rapper’s latest album, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 last week.
“Logic is a supremely creative artist and songwriter with a tremendous work ethic,” said David Gray, Universal Music Publishing Group executive vp and head of West Coast A&R. “From his earliest days creating mixtapes, he’s grown into a superstar who has conquered writing, rapping, singing, producing and beyond. Logic is at the top of his game and only going up. The UMPG team looks forward to delivering outstanding opportunities in support of his incredible music.”
“I’m truly excited to begin my new creative partnership with UMPG,” Logic added. “My conversations with Jody Gerson, David Gray, and those who I have met thus far have been inspiring and I know they will be a fantastic help to bringing my creative visions to life.”
Third Side Music announced a partial catalog purchase of The Clyde Otis Music Group on Thursday (May 23), building upon a partnership which began as an admin deal in 2016.
The catalog — overseen directly by Clyde Otis’ son Isidro Otis — includes notable hits like “Take Care” by Drake featuring Rihanna, “Baby, You’ve Got What It Takes” by Michael Bublé, “Ain’t No Other Man” by Christina Aguilera and “Looking Back” performed by Nat King Cole, among others.
“Third Side Music is the only publisher who understands the importance of being intimately aware of the songs in their control,” said Isidro Otis. “The whole team is dedicated to the concept of building value within the TCOMG catalog, and it’s not just about the endgame. I couldn’t think of anyone else I’d rather move forward with.”
“After having spent the last few years working closely with the family of the late/great Clyde Otis, we are so honored to deepen our partnership with long-term strategy in mind,” said Third Side Music co-founder Patrick Curley. “It’s safe to say that we can now listen to some of our all-time favorite songs in a totally different way.”
Gismart has struck a new content licensing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing, the app-making company announced Monday (May 20). The global deal will allow Gismart apps like Karaoke Face to access Sony/ATV’s music catalogue which includes artists like Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Queen, Lady Gaga.
“Gismart is committed to developing its ‘A-team’ of global music partners,” said Lana Meisak, Gismart’s vp of business development and marketing. “Our new strategic deal with Sony/ATV supercharges the content available in Karaoke Face, which is the world’s first karaoke app featuring AR masks and filters. With over three million tracks and songs the Sony/ATV catalogue covers every era and genre of popular music.”
On May 14, Kobalt announced it signed a worldwide agreement with British music company The Other Songs. The partnership includes publishing administration, creative services and synch for The Other Songs’ entire catalogue and future works.
“Whenever our creative team at Kobalt looks at partnering with outside A&R sources, it has to be with people who bring something unique to what we already have,” said Alison Donald, Kobalt’s U.K. head of creative. “Billy, Alastair and Sophia have a great passion for song craft and songwriters that is reflected in the diverse talent that is associated with The Other Songs — both as a live showcase and label and now as a publisher.”
“When Billy, Soph and I started The Other Songs, we made a promise to only partner with people who really understand our vision and our values within the songwriting community,” said Alastair Webber, one of The Other Songs’ co-founders. “We are passionate, if not slightly obsessed with great songs, wherever they may come from, and we are incredibly excited to partner with Alison, Sas and the Kobalt team who share the same beliefs.”
Entertainment One announced a worldwide publishing deal with Oregon-based music producer Samuel Troxel, known as Trox, on May 9. The deal includes Troxel’s entire catalog and future works.
“We are thrilled to welcome Trox to the eOne music publishing family,” said Chris Taylor, eOne’s global president, music. “We’ve already hit the ground running — let the race begin!”
“I’m proud to announce that I will be joining a team with such a rich musical history,” Troxel added about the deal. “Big thank you to my manager Soko, Joe Jenkins and the good folks at eOne for helping make this possible. I am excited to get to work and show the world what we can do together!”
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