Music Industry Moves: Concord Acquires Ed Sheeran Collaborator Johnny McDaid’s Catalog; Jamie Kinelski Joins UMPG
Concord has acquired a portion of songwriter, musician, and producer Johnny McDaid’s song catalog. As a part of this worldwide publishing agreement, Concord will also represent McDaid’s future works.
Known widely as a member of the band Snow Patrol, where he plays piano, guitar, and backing vocals, McDaid has also written for artists including Ed Sheeran, Pink, Lewis Capaldi, Keith Urban, Shawn Mendes, Zara Larsson, Alicia Keys, Jung Kook, Rag ’n’ Bone Man, Kelly Clarkson, Sam Smith, Faith Hill, and Tim McGraw, among others.
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In 2017, McDaid co-wrote eight songs on Sheeran’s “÷ ” album and also co-wrote the hit “Shape Of You,” which went to No. 1 in the U.S. and in the UK. McDaid also co-wrote “The Joker and The Queen,” from “÷,” which features Taylor Swift. McDaid went on to co-write 10 songs on Sheeran’s 2021 album “=,” including hits “Shivers” and “Bad Habits.”
McDaid said, “These songs that I am honored to have been a part of creating, are some of the most important things in the world to me. I am very glad that they have found a home at Concord Music Publishing, and I am excited to work with the team there, now and in the future.”
The agreement was negotiated on behalf of Concord by Reed Smith LLP. McDaid was represented by Michael Poster and Claire Hoffman of Michelman & Robinson, LLP, along with his business manager, Kevin McCullough and his lawyer, Willie Ryan.
+ Universal Music Publishing Group has appointed Jamie Kinelski to the position of senior vice president of A&R.
Kinelski, working out of the company’s New York offices, will sign, develop and guide emerging and established songwriters, artists and producers. Kinelski will also work closely with UMPG Executive Vice President and Head of U.S. A&R, Jennifer Knoepfle, to whom Kinelski reports.
Knoepfle said, “We are so fortunate to welcome someone as seasoned and well respected as Jamie to UMPG. She is a tremendous asset to the dynamic and fresh executive team we are building, and her vast publishing and leadership experience will be extremely valuable to our company’s continued growth and innovation. Jamie is a fierce advocate for songwriters, and I look forward to working with her to provide an incredible experience and nurturing environment for the talented creators we work with today, and those we’ll be welcoming in the future.”
Kinelski added, “I am so fortunate to work with some of the most revered songwriters and musical creators in the world, each and every day. I am also deeply grateful for the opportunity to expand my role at UMPG, where I have the honor of working with two of the very best executives in the business: Jody Gerson and Jennifer Knoepfle. I couldn’t be more excited to begin this new chapter and take on the important goal of growing our incredible A&R team and working with them to pursue my greatest passion: discovering and mentoring new talent, who remain the lifeblood of our industry.”
Kinelski joins UMPG from Kobalt, where she has served as that company’s senior VP and head of west coast creative since 2022. While there, Kinelski signed and developed an impressive roster of creative talent, including Rogét Chahayed, Cuco, Dijon, Father John Misty, Saya Gray, Julia Lewis, Michael Pollack, Moses Sumney, Jake Torrey, Kali Uchis and Pop Wansel.
+ Peermusic has signed Peruvian rapper-songwriter Jaze to exclusive, worldwide publishing deal.
The deal was signed in collaboration by peermusic U.S. Latin and peermusic Argentina and encompasses Jaze’s existing song catalog and future works.
Mariana Grassi, managing director of Argentina, peermusic commented, “With the opportunity to leverage peermusic’s global network, Yvonne and I have been wanting to join forces on a signing and we found the perfect set of circumstances to team up and sign Jaze—a super talented and unique composer, musician, producer and performer. The sensitivity and view Jaze has of the world never ceases to amaze me, and I feel honored that he has chosen peermusic. I want to thank DGE management, especially Mariana Markowiecki and Lara Flores Agüero, for their trust and support.”
+ Music publicist Ross Anderson has launched Dept. of Connection, a new PR agency.
Based in New York City, Dept. of Connection’s client roster includes Deafheaven and Superheaven with additional projects to be announced in the coming weeks.
Anderson has over 15 years of experience, most recently serving as VP of public relations at Elektra Entertainment where he led press campaigns for Turnstile, Slipknot, Gojira, White Reaper, Code Orange and more. He began his career in the public relations department of Atlantic Records in 2007 as an assistant before rising to VP.
+ Registration for the The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA)‘s annual gathering is now open. Taking place June 22 through 25 in Milwaukee, the event brings together the nation’s independent live concert, comedy, promoter, venue, and festival industry for immersive programming, educational panels, networking opportunities, live performances, and notable speakers from Meta, Snapchat, YouTube Music, Eventbrite, Wasserman, Riot Fest, BandsinTown, Billboard and more.
“Each year of this conference, I am inspired by the vision, resilience, and talent within our community,” said Andre Perry, NIVA board president and executive director of the University of Iowa’s Hancher Auditorium. “We gather under one roof to share our best ideas, embrace each other, and drive the industry forward. Bringing NIVA ’25 to Milwaukee is a dream. This city is independent, it’s vibrant, and it’s real. That’s what NIVA is about.”
NIVA ‘25 is presented by Eventbrite, a global events marketplace committed to championing the interests of the independent live entertainment industry. More details on conference programming, exciting panels, and speakers to be announced soon.
+ Save The Music, formerly VH1 Save the Music, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports music education in 285 school districts nationwide, has announced that it will begin a new chapter as a fully independent nonprofit separate from Paramount Global.
As part of this transition, Save The Music has launched a $10 million endowment fund, with nearly $4 million already raised. The new endowment will ensure the cultural institution’s sustainability and long-term support for music education, empowering future generations of students with access to the transformative power of making music.
While the formal partnership with Paramount is ending, the relationship will remain, as the company has pledged an initial six-figure donation to the endowment. An independent Save The Music will continue providing schools with instruments and technology, training and supporting teachers, and funding and convening community-based music organizations.
“Going independent is a huge step forward for us – and the culmination of a five-year effort from our team, partners, and boards,” said Executive Director Henry Donahue. “In every school I visit – from the Bronx to Miami, Philadelphia to Los Angeles, Detroit to Columbus, Memphis to New Orleans – I find that the music room is a special place. The students are excited to be there, and they are creative, thoughtful, and optimistic in a way that should give us all hope for the future.”
+ Becky G has inked a new deal as an ambassador for athletic brand Fabletics.
“The product assortment and campaign capture the energy and uniqueness of Los Angeles – particularly in the city’s Hispanic community and showcases Becky G’s workout to everyday looks,” the brand said in a press release.
The collection will be available for purchase on Fabletics.com and in stores on Feb. 11.
+ River House Artists, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, has signed singer-songwriter Hudson Westbrook to a global publishing agreement.
A Texas native, Westbrook notched a viral track last year with “Take It Slow,” and continuing his ascent with his first Texas radio No. 1, “Two Way Drive.” In November, he released a self-titled EP featuring songs like “5 to 9,” “House Again,” and “Take Your Time.”
Westbrook will head out on his “Take Your Time Tour” throughout the spring, and will open shows for Parker McCollum, Midland, Eli Young Band, Cole Swindell, and Ian Munsick later this year.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston said, “Hudson’s authenticity as a storyteller is going to take him a long way. We’re excited to welcome him to the SMP family, and we are absolutely honored to be a part of his journey.”
+ Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed Dalton Davis to an exclusive, global publishing agreement.
Born and raised in Gastonia, North Carolina, Davis is a country artist whose journey to Nashville is as unique as his sound. Ahead of his debut album, slated for release in 2025, Davis has released “Sit Crooked” and “Blue Ridge Sky.”
Roxy King, senior director, A&R, UMPG Nashville said: “Dalton’s authenticity, life experience, and charisma come together and create an undeniable star presence that is felt from the moment he steps into a room. He is a rare artist that knows exactly who he is and what he wants to say, and he has the talent to bring that to life through his songwriting.”
Dalton is represented by WME for touring and managed by Alex Lunt (Type A Management).
+ Independent distributor Idol, which provides artist and label services to its curated roster, has agreed global partnerships with Brooklyn-based Mexican Summer, and Dom Recs, the new label from industry veterans Dan Petruzzi and Roxy Summers.
Both labels will receive worldwide digital distribution, marketing and audience development services under their respective deals.
Idol will service Mexican Summer’s frontline and catalog releases, with its roster spanning household independent artists Cate Le Bon, Hayden Pedigo, Sessa, Jessica Pratt, Connan Mockasin, L’Rain, Photay and Zsela, among others.
Idol will also handle releases from Dom Recs, the new label co-founded by Dan Petruzzi (Okay Player, Tonal Agency) and Roxy Summers (Roxy Cottontail).
+ Wasserman Music has made five executive hires to further expand its client service offerings worldwide: Vince Amoroso joins Wasserman Music as senior VP, artist services; Sharmaine Akhigbe joins as VP, brand partnerships; Karina Gonzalez joins as VP, festivals; Georgia McGurk joins as VP, event strategy and hospitality; and Yasi Agahnia joins as director, corporate and special events.
+ Live Nation Urban has partnered with Black on the Block, a platform dedicating to championing Black-owned businesses, creatives, and professionals, to expand the one-of-a-kind vendor festival to seven cities throughout 2025. The expansive run will officially kick off on March 23 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Founded in June 2021 in Los Angeles by sisters Lanie and Char Edwards, Black on the Block joins with vendors, attendees, and the broader community to help shape the future of Black culture, entrepreneurship, and wellness. Each market offers a unique shopping experience, showcasing over 100 Black-owned businesses across a diverse range of industries, including apparel, jewelry, skincare, technology, and art.
“Part of the ethos of Live Nation Urban has always been identifying and empowering Black founders and their brands, as evidenced by our many partnerships with brands like Broccoli City Festival, ONE Music Fest, and others,” said Shawn Gee, president of Live Nation Urban. “Lanie and Char have built a phenomenal purpose driven brand that holds a unique place in the live event ecosystem. They’ve been able to use live events to build true economic opportunity for so many small businesses, while at the same time providing a fun and uplifting environment for their community. Our goal is to pour into them and allow the world to benefit from their vision.”
+ French hip-hop artist Doria has signed a label deal with Empire. As her debut on the label, Doria has released a new single dubbed “Vendetta.”
Early on, Doria started posting covers of freestyles from her car which went viral, including “Million,” which amassed over 600k views on Instagram. She has collabed artists like UZI, Nahir, Hatik, Kofs and Mac Tyler for her sophomore EP, “MDP 2.” In 2024, she surpassed 130 million audio and video career streams and saw success from her album “Petite Fille.”
Wednesday, Jan. 29
BMI‘s Alison Smith, executive vice president, chief distribution and publisher relations officer, has announced her move to retire from the company at the end of March.
Smith leaves the company after nearly 40 years at the job. In a company memo, she writes, “This has by far been the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my career. I love BMI, I love my BMI family, and in some ways can’t imagine not being here. That said, after many months of contemplating what my future may hold, I concluded that it is time to spend more time with my family and friends while I am still relatively young and can enjoy life away from BMI.”
In his own memo to the company about Smith, BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill said, “I have known Alison since I began working at BMI 30 years ago, and she has been a colleague, partner, advisor and friend to me every day that I have been here. Alison is part of the fabric of BMI, and she has helped us become the company we are today. She has touched so many lives in an indelible way, not just internally at BMI but also within the larger music community. She will be missed.”
O’Neill also shared that Smith has agreed to serve as a strategic advisor to BMI for the next two years.
In addition, O’Neill announced that Shouvik Das, senior VP of distribution, publisher relations and administration services, will assume oversight of that department, reporting directly to him.
+ Save The Music, formerly VH1 Save the Music, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports music education in over 285 school districts nationwide, announced that it will begin a new chapter as a fully independent nonprofit separate from Paramount Global.
An independent Save The Music will remain dedicated to its vision of every student in every school making music — by providing schools with instruments and technology, training and supporting teachers, and funding and convening community-based music organizations.
As part of this transition, Save The Music has launched a $10 million endowment fund, with nearly $4 million already raised. The new endowment will ensure the cultural institutions sustainability and long-term support for music education, empowering future generations of students with access to the transformative power of making music.
While the formal partnership with Paramount is ending, the relationship will remain, as the company has pledged an initial six-figure donation to the endowment. This milestone marks the completion of a process that began in 2019 when the organization rebranded, removing the VH1 name.
+ BMI will honor Peso Pluma with the BMI Champion Award at the 2025 BMI Latin Awards on March 6. The award celebrates his “meteoric rise to international stardom and the massive influence he’s had on bringing música mexicana to the mainstream,” per a Wednesday announcement.
In addition, he paved the way for other performing songwriters like Tito Double P, who will receive the BMI impact award for his contributions to Peso Pluma’s success and forging his own path in Latin music. The private event will take place at the Fontainebleau Coastal Convention Center in Miami Beach and will be hosted by BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Latin, Jesus Gonzalez.
“Peso Pluma’s extraordinary success has not only reshaped the landscape of Música Mexicana but also propelled it onto the global stage,” said Gonzalez. “His innovative sound and undeniable influence have opened new doors for Latin music, and we are excited to celebrate his success alongside Tito Double P, whose dedication and talent have played a key role in Peso Pluma’s journey, while also marking the beginning of his own impressive career. We also look forward to honoring our BMI Familia of exceptional songwriters, producers and publishers behind the most-performed Latin songs of the past year during the ceremony.”
Throughout the evening, BMI will also recognize the songwriters and publishers of the past year’s most-performed Latin songs in the United States. The BMI Regional Mexican song, songwriter, and publisher of the year and the BMI contemporary Latin song, songwriter and publisher of the year will be named during the ceremony.
Tuesday, Jan. 28
UTA has signed Mexican singer-songwriter Jasiel Nuñez, one of the several rising artists signed to George Prajin and Peso Pluma’s Double P Records.
A long-time friend and collaborator of Peso Pluma, Nuñez was one of the first artists signed to Double P Records in 2023. He contributed to Peso Pluma’s Grammy-winning “Génesis” album, performing and songwriting on the tracks “Lagunas” and “Rosa Pastel.”
“I’m excited and thankful to become part of the United Talent Agency family” said Nuñez. “This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and I’m ready to push música mexicana to new heights. Thank you to everyone who’s been supportive on this journey, and I’m looking forward to an incredible year ahead with this amazing team.”
+ Brigitte Alanis and Harold Papineau have been promoted to partner at King, Holmes, Paterno and Soriano, LLP, one of the country’s top music-law firms. With this promotion, Alanis, becomes the youngest woman to be promoted partner at the firm.
Alanis stated, “I am so honored to step into this role as a partner at KHPS and to continue to advocate for our clients and help them build and maintain successful and rewarding careers. I am excited about the future of our firm and for the continued privilege of representing such a diverse group of artists and creators.”
Added Laurie Soriano, partner at King, Holmes, Paterno and Soriano, LLP: “Brigitte is a smart, hardworking, strategic lawyer who is passionate about music and about musical talent and does outstanding work for her own and the firm’s clients. We could see early in her time with the firm that she is a superstar, and that’s been borne out since, making it an easy choice for us to promote her to partner.”
+ Roc Nation has partnered with South Korean fintech company Musicow, a music equity service provider (MESP) that enables music rights owners to buy, sell, and trade shares in music royalty revenue with public investors.
In addition to enabling distribution of Musicow’s assets through Roc Nation, this partnership will allow Roc Nation’s roster to securely fractionalize royalty revenue from their songs and sell shares, enabling fans to earn alongside them.
“The music industry is evolving into a shared ecosystem where fans and creators can earn together,” remarked Roc Nation vice chairman Jay Brown. “Our mission is not only to support and empower artists by providing the tools and services they need to build a better music ecosystem but also to give everyone access to the financial opportunities the music industry offers.”
Woo Rhee, CEO of Musicow U.S. commented, “Partnering with Roc Nation is an incredible opportunity to drive innovation and redefine the future of our industry. I’m confident that together, we have the vision, expertise, and enthusiasm to create transformative progress and unlock limitless potential.”
+ Firebird has inked a new deal with Yungblud. Working together with the English artist’s management team at Special Projects Music, Firebird will give Yungblud access to data and analytics, and consumer brand management tools.
“As artists continue to expand beyond recorded music into other endeavors, we’ve created an ecosystem to empower all their creative passions along every stage of their career that both deepens fan engagement and drives significant collective revenue growth,” said Nathan Hubbard, co-founder and CEO of Firebird.
“Yungblud is a model example of the modern artist-entrepreneur who has thoughtfully and intentionally grown his fan communities across multiple sectors. This partnership infrastructure will allow Yungblud and other like-minded artists of the future to be their best creative and business selves as they unify their projects in service of one holistic brand that maintains the core fanbase connection.”
“From day one, Yungblud has always been about the deep connection with people,” Yungblud explains. “Before I even had a fanbase I wanted to find people who believed in a mutual idea. As things beautifully got bigger, I never deviated from that the fundamental concept. Everything I do will always be about an authentic communication with myself and others: to keep building a global community through love, a shared vision and by always putting the art and the message before the business. The Firebird team totally understand that and they have supported me in creating a tailor-made model specific to me as an artist.”
+ Prescription Songs has signed Drazzi, a Dominican-born producer and songwriter. Drazzi was signed to the company via a joint partnership between producer-songwriter Alex “AC” Castillo Vásquez and Prescription Songs A&R Siara Behar.
“From the beginning, we shared the vision of me joining Prescription, and today, being part of it feels like a dream come true,” Drazzi shared. “I’m incredibly excited to officially be part of the Prescription Songs family and deeply grateful to AC and Prescription for making this possible. This is just the beginning.”
Behar added, “I am thrilled to welcome Drazzi to our Prescription Songs family! His dedication to his craft and versatility as a songwriter, producer, vocalist are truly inspiring. As a partnership with our veteran producer AC, I’m excited to see the work we’ll create together. Here’s to an amazing partnership and the future ahead!”
+ Concord has promoted Jonathan Eby to executive VP of information systems and technology. As executive VP, Eby will oversee Concord’s global technology, including infrastructure, development, and strategy across all the company’s business areas.
Before joining Concord, Eby spent over 15 years at the classical music distributor and label Naxos, where, in his role as COO, he managed technology and distribution operations (including both physical and digital), as well as serving on the board of directors.
“As we continue to grow and expand worldwide, it is critically important that we have the right systems in place to support that growth,” said Concord’s chief operating officer Vic Zaraya. “Jonathan has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to identify and understand our business needs and effectively develop and deploy technology in support of those needs. This ability, combined with his extensive experience in the music industry, makes him distinctively qualified for this role.”
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