The management team behind One Direction and 5 Seconds of Summer is expanding into the publishing sector with the launch of its own rights management business AMLOR.
Led by Modest Management's Richard Griffiths, Harry Magee and Will Bloomfield in partnership with veteran industry executive Blair McDonald, AMLOR Music Publishing will be based out of Modest's London and Los Angeles offices and will provide creative services and support for songwriters, producers and artists through publishing and neighboring rights agreements.
At launch, the company's sole client is British singer-songwriter Murphykid, although the company tells Billboard that it is in discussions with "a number of writers and artists" about joining its roster.
McDonald, who left his long standing role as managing director. U.K. and Europe of Nettwerk Music Group earlier this year, will head AMLOR as managing director.
"The music publishing business is rapidly evolving, along with every other area of our business, and the insight into that changing world through the Modest team is second to none," says McDonald -- who has also held senior posts with Sony Music Publishing and Columbia Records U.K. -- in a statement announcing the new venture.
He goes on to say that AMLOR will offer a diverse range of services, "from working with writers and producers to access the best possible projects, providing financial support to help developing artists take the first steps on the road, pursuing brand partnerships, creative guidance, access to industry expertise, and everything in-between."
"Over the years we've had countless offers to start a publishing business alongside our other businesses, but never felt we had right team to add value. Blair brings that last important piece of the puzzle," adds Griffiths, who formed Modest Management alongside Magee in 2003, going on to achieve global success in the pop market with One Direction and 5 Seconds of Summer.
When One Direction embarked on an indefinite hiatus at the end of 2015, many of its members joined other management companies as they embarked on solo careers, although Niall Horan remains one of Modest's biggest clients. The London-based company's client roster also includes U.K. girl group Little Mix andBritish singer, songwriter and producer MNEK, who has worked with Beyonce, Diplo and Madonna.
"This is a natural extension of our business which will allow us to develop even more talent in so many ways," says Magee of Modest's move into the publishing sector.