‣ Hudson Mohawke Signs With SONGS
Highly sought-after producer and songwriter Hudson Mohawke has inked a global co-publishing deal with SONGS Music Publishing, the company announced today (Aug. 17). Mohawke, aka Ross Birchard, has been a prominent figure in both the hip-hop and dance worlds over the past decade, and came to prominence as one-half of the Scottish artist/production duo TNGHT alongside Lunice.
As a solo producer, Mohawke gained notoriety with his contributions to 2012's GOOD Music compilation Cruel Summer, co-producing "Mercy," "To the World," "The One" and "Bliss," the latter of which he produced on his own. He also worked on Kanye West's albums Yeezus ("I Am a God," "Blood On the Leaves") and Life of Pablo ("Famous," "Waves," "FML"), as well as Pusha T's My Name Is My Name("Hold On," "No Regrets"), Drake's Nothing Was the Same ("Connect") and A$AP Rocky's At.Long.Last.A$AP ("Everyday"), and was heavily involved in Anohni's 2016 LP Hopelessness.
“Hudson is one of the most important hit-making forces on the rise in contemporary music and we are thrilled to be working with him at SONGS,” company vp A&R Greg Johnson said in a statement. "He’s also now based here in the U.S. which will put him in the mix for an even wider array of collaborations about which the creative community is already excited."
‣ Sony/ATV Signs Up Joey Purp
Chicago artist and SaveMoney collective member Joey Purp has signed a worldwide publishing deal with marketshare leader Sony/ATV. The Vic Mensa- and Chance the Rapper-affiliated MC, who also performs in the duo Leather Corduroys with fellow MC Kami, has become another leading voice in his hometown's burgeoning young music scene, particularly after releasing his 2016 mixtape iiiDrops.
“Joey Purp is one of the most dynamic new songwriters and artists to have emerged in recent years and we are thrilled to get involved with this major talent so early on," Sony/ATV co-president U.S. Rick Krim said in a statement announcing the deal. "We can only begin to imagine what he has the potential to achieve and cannot wait to start working with him.” In the same release, Sony/ATV vp creative Tyler Childs called Purp "one of the most exciting young artists of his generation."
"I’m excited to join the Sony/ATV family and I’m looking forward to a fruitful partnership," Purp said in his own statement. The MC is set to kick off on a North American headlining tour in September.
‣ Sony/ATV Re-Ups With Ilsey Juber
The company also has more news, having announced on Aug. 15 that it had extended its worldwide publishing deal with singer/songwriter Ilsey Juber. Juber most recently contributed to Drake's chart-topping release More Life with the song "Glow" feat. Kanye West and scored a top 20 Hot 100 hit by co-writing Shawn Mendes' "Mercy," while also writing for the likes of Beyoncé ("All Night"), Major Lazer ("Powerful") and Pitbull ("Fireball"), among a slew of other credits.
"Ilsey is an incredible songwriter who has already worked with so many great artists and we are proud to have been part of that success," Krim said in a statement. "I am excited that we will continue our relationship with her and to see where her writing takes her next." Added Childs, "Ilsey is family to us at Sony/ATV. We've watched her grow into one of the most sought-after songwriters in the world today."
Juber has been with the publisher since 2010. "I’m so happy to be staying at home with my Sony/ATV family," she said in a statement. "Everyone here has always encouraged my work and I can’t wait to see what else we can accomplish together."
‣ Reservoir Inks Rap Producer XL
Rising hip-hop producer Trevon Campbell, professionally known as XL, has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Reservoir, the company announced Aug. 14. Campbell, still just 21 years old, is best known for his work as a co-producer on Migos' single "T-Shirt" alongside Nard and B, which peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 earlier this year.
"XL has such a fresh and unique sound and I knew I wanted to work with him when I first heard 'T-Shirt,'" Reservoir svp A&R and catalog development Faith Newman said in a statement. “He’s another great talent to come out of the Atlanta music scene, alongside Reservoir writers 2 Chainz and Migos’ Offset and Takeoff. I foresee big things happening for him and I can’t wait to hear what he comes up with next."
As Newman noted, XL joins fellow "T-Shirt" collaborators Offset and Takeoff of the Migos, who signed their own deals with Reservoir in February. The group's third member, Quavo, has a separate publishing deal.
"One of the main reasons I chose to partner with Reservoir is their professionalism and hands-on support from experienced music industry vets including Faith Newman and [Reservoir svp A&R and creative] Donna Caseine,” XL said in a statement. “I'm excited, ready for what the future holds, and happy to be a part of the Reservoir family."
‣ UMPG Signs Tom Misch
Singer, songwriter and producer Tom Misch has signed a worldwide deal with Universal Music Publishing Group, according to UMP UK managing director Mike McCormack. Misch, a native of London, has picked up a following based off remixes of songs by Busta Rhymes, Mos Def, Lianne La Havas and more, as well as his own 5 Day Mischon release this year.
"We’re hugely excited to be working with Tom -- he is an exceptionally talented songwriter and producer," McCormack said in a statement. "Everything he puts out is refreshing, original and beautifully produced. Currently hard at work on his debut album, expect much more magic to come. I’d also like to thank Mark Gale and Pete Simmons here at UMPG who have been fans and supporters of Tom from day one and worked tirelessly to convince him and his management that Universal was the right home for his music."
