Music Deals -- Week 4 of 2021

British company Blue Raincoat Music Publishing, in conjunction with Reservoir, have signed a global publishing deal with the estate of Nick Drake to represent the artist's entire catalogue of songs, including the albums 'Five Leaves Left', 'Bryter Later' and 'Pink Moon'. "Working with Nick's songs has always demanded and rewarded close attention and focus so it was a relief to find that there are still a clutch of song publishers who have the time and dedication to concentrate on the subtleties and details that these songs deserve. Blue Raincoat is one such, along with their American partners, Reservoir," said Cally Callomon, manager of Bryter Music, The Estate Of Nick Drake.

Universal Music Group's division Interscope Geffen A&M has signed a joint venture with Adam Mersel’s Immersive Records label. The first release under the new deal is the debut single from LILHUDDY (aka Chase Hudson). Through Immersive Management, Mersel is the manager of Ben Platt, and he has worked in the past with Bebe Rexha, Sara Bareillesand Robin Thicke. “[Mersel's] entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to artist development make him and his Immersive Records label a perfect fit with us at Interscope Geffen A&M,” said IGA Chairman John Janick.

Hipgnosis Songs Fund has acquired the producer's share of a 43 song-strong catalogue from record producer and mixer Bob Rock, which includes such recordings as Metallica’s ‘Metallica’ and Michael Bublé’s ‘Call Me Irresponsible’, ‘Crazy Love’, ‘Christmas’ and ‘To Be Loved’.  

US songwriter Lydia Vaughan has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Cornman Music and Warner Chappell Nashville. Vaughan has been based since 2015 in Nashville where she has developed her songwriting career. 

British producer FRED has signed an international neighbouring rights agreement with Kobalt in a deal covering global administration and royalty maximisation services. FRED has produced songs for Ed Sheeran, Burna Boy, FKA Twigs, Khalid, Roots Manuva, among others.

Sony/ATV Music Publishing UK has renewed its worldwide administration deal with CamelPhat, and also launched a joint publishing venture with the production duo (Mike Di Scala and Dave Whelan). CamelPhat said they would "find and nurture the new, fresh and emerging talent" for their own publishing imprint.

Singer-songwriter Peytan Porter has signed her first publishing deal with Jody Williams Songs, in partnership with Warner Chappell Music. In addition to Porter, Jody Williams Songs represents Ashley McBryde, Driver Williams, Nathan Chapman, Jeremy Spillman, Greg Bates and Jason Nix.