MNEK has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing UK. He’s written songs for artists including Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Jax Jones, Stormzy, Demi Lovato and BTS.
“I’m excited to have a new home for my songwriting and be joining the Sony Music Publishing family,” MNEK said in a statement. “I look forward to partnering with them through this next phase of my career as a singer, songwriter and producer. SMP both in London and L.A. are really focused on helping me build on all that’s great about what I do and that’s the environment I want surrounding my music.”
MNEK has also achieved success as a solo artist, with his song “Head & Heart” with Joel Corry having 1.3 billion Spotify streams to date. Later this year, he will release the follow-up to his 2018 debut album, Language. MNEK has won two Grammy Awards, a BRIT nomination and two Ivor Novello Awards.
“Working with MNEK on this new chapter feels really special,” Ollie Audouin, senior A&R manager at Sony Music Publishing, said in a statement. “A rare, generational talent, MNEK is one of the most versatile and important creatives today, who has helped shape so much of modern pop music. His impact speaks for itself, but what’s coming next feels especially exciting — a bold new era!”
Sarah Gabrielli, head of A&R at Sony Music Publishing, said in a statement, “We are incredibly proud to welcome MNEK to Sony Music Publishing. Uzo is a truly visionary songwriter, producer and artist whose influence on U.K. pop music and culture is undeniable. His ability to consistently craft forward-thinking, globally resonant records sets him apart as one of the most important voices of his generation. We’re excited to partner with him as he enters the next chapter of his career and look forward to supporting his continued impact on a global scale.”
David Ventura, president and co-managing director, UK, and senior vp, international, at Sony Music Publishing, added, “I have known MNEK since he was first signed to EMI Music Publishing 15 years ago and it is with great joy that we welcome him back to SMP. During these years, MNEK has contributed to the world’s best music and artists, leading and influencing culture. A force of nature with unique artistry, his power is that he does everything and that makes him one of the most successful all-rounders on the planet, and this new chapter with his own artist project on the horizon is especially exciting. We are all very fortunate to be part of this journey and are welcoming him with open arms.”
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Neil Medley (River House Artists/Sony Music Publishing)
Image Credit: Courtesy Neil Medley has renewed his global deal with River House Artists and Sony Music Publishing. Medley has been behind country hits including Luke Bryan’s “Country Song Came On,” Hudson Westbrook’s “House Again” and Jake Owen’s “Made For You.”
“Ever since I signed, Zebb, Kayla and Lauren have worked tirelessly to put me in the best situations to write my best songs,” Medley said in a statement. “I couldn’t be happier with what we achieved over the past four years and I’m excited about what we’re going to accomplish in the future.”
Zebb Luster, executive vp of River House Artists, said, “Neil is like family to our staff and our writers. He brings a level of experience to the writing room that always improves the song they are crafting. We couldn’t be prouder to continue our partnership with Neil. He is a major asset to what we have built at River House.”
Rusty Gaston, CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville, added, “Neil is an exceptional songwriter and a trusted collaborator who consistently elevates the creative process. His continued success is a testament to his incredible work ethic and love of great songs, and we’re excited to champion his next chapter.”
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Borderline (Concord Music Publishing ANZ)
Image Credit: Tom Grut New Zealand indie-pop band Borderline has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Concord Music Publishing ANZ. The group was signed to EMPIRE in 2024 and debuted in the U.S. at SXSW 2025. They then made their U.K. debut at The Great Escape.
Also in 2025, Borderline released their Chrysalis EP, which featured their breakout single, “New Romance.”
This year, they released the singles “Tainted” and “Watching It Burn,” as well as embarked on a North American tour in April.
“Borderline are one of those rare bands who combine undeniable pop instinct with a genuine creative chemistry,” Jaime Gough, managing director of Concord Australia and New Zealand, said in a statement. “Their songwriting is fearless and intuitive, and it’s exciting to see such a young group stepping confidently onto the global stage with a sound that resonates well beyond their local scene. We’re proud to support them through a worldwide publishing partnership as their story continues to unfold.”
Pennie Black, director of Concord New Zealand, said, “I’m excited to have Borderline join the Concord whānau and proud to see a band from Aotearoa stepping onto the global stage. Ben, Jackson, Matthew and Max are an incredible songwriting team, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they continue to grow and build on their success.”
Borderline added, “Everything starts with the songs for us. From day one, we’ve focused on writing music that makes people feel something and captures real emotion. To partner with Concord, a team with such a strong global track record and belief in songwriters, is a huge step for us. We’ve learned how important the right team is, and with Concord behind us, we feel set up to take our songwriting to a new level and reach audiences around the world.”
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Daniel Blumberg (Universal Music Publishing Group)
Image Credit: Courtesy UMPG Universal Music Publishing Group and 45RPM announced the signing of Academy Award-winning composer Daniel Blumberg. Based in London, Blumberg has composed music for The Brutalist, Sotto le Nuvole/Pompei: Below The Clouds and The Testament of Ann Lee — winning the Academy Award and BAFTA for his work with The Brutalist.
Blumberg has also released four solo albums via Mute, including Minus, Liv, On&On and Gut.
“Daniel is an incredible composer and artist with a unique musical voice,” Natasha Baldwin, president of global classics, jazz and screen at UMPG and UMP, said in a statement. “We are excited and privileged to be welcoming him and his manager Mark Slater to the UMPG family with our friends and partners 45RPM.
Alya Owen, managing director and co-founder of 45RPM Music Publishing, said, “Daniel is a rare and extraordinary talent with a singular vision. Having the opportunity to work with him again after signing him at Warner Chappell feels truly full circle. Through our partnership with Universal Music Publishing Group, he will be supported by a world-class team of creatives. I’m thrilled to be working together again and excited for what’s ahead!”
Blumberg said, “I’m happy to be working with Ayla Owen again and to be signing to 45RPM and look forward to collaborating with them and the broader team at Universal Music Publishing on my upcoming creative projects.”
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Material Music Launches Publishing Arm in Partnership With Downtown Music Publishing
Material Music Group launched a publishing arm, expanding the company’s services which also includes record labels, artist management and branding. The new arm was created in partnership with Downtown Music Publishing, and the new arm will support writers in songwriting sessions, collaboration, sync, A&R and long-term career development. Downtown will handle global administration, including registrations and royalty collections.
Material Music Group has previously had sync placements across Netflix, Amazon, BBC, ITV, EA, INEOS and Sony Games.
“Material’s approach comes from a very similar place to how we think about publishing,” Jedd Katrancha, chief creative officer at Downtown Music Publishing, said in a statement. “There’s a real alignment in how we think about creativity, collaboration and long-term value, and that makes this a very natural partnership. We’re excited to support them and help them grow what they’re building.”
Sean Brosnan, managing director at Material Music, added, “As a music company we always have the artist front and center of what we do, enhancing their creative ambition and global vision is what we do. Launching our Material Music publishing division allows us to offer and extend those relationships and creative opportunities with an unrivalled global infrastructure through our partner Downtown Music Publishing. I’m looking forward to building a family of world class writers starting with the extremely talented Richard Atkins.”
Along with the launch, Material Music Group announced their first signing — Richard Atkins, who has written and produced for Becky Hill, Rudimental, Jax Jones and more.
“I’m excited to be joining Material Music and to start building something sustainable together,” Richard Atkins said in a statement. “I’ve always had a lot of respect for the team and their hands on, pro-active approach, so this felt like a very natural move. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”
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Jimmy Robbins (Warner Chappell Music)
Image Credit: Courtesy Warner Chappell Music Jimmy Robins has inked a worldwide administration deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville, the company announced. The deal also includes expanded creative services.
“I couldn’t be more excited about this partnership with Warner Chappell,” Robins said in a statement. “They are an amazing team that I am lucky to be a part of.”
Robbins worked with Maren Morris on “The Bones,” which spent 19 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and was nominated for Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards. The song was also recognized on Billboard’s Top Hot Country Songs of the 21st Century list. Robins also co-produced Kelsea Ballerini and Kenny Chesney’s “half of my hometown.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to be part of this next chapter with Jimmy,” Warner Chappell Music Nashville’s BJ Hill said in a statement. “He is a mainstay in country music and beyond. We are honored to continue championing his songs around the world and can’t wait to hear what he writes next.”
Robins is managed by Mailbox Money Music.
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