Music Deals -- Week 8 of 2021

The Beach Boys have entered into a partnership with Irving Azoff’s new venture, Iconic Artists Group, which has purchased a controlling interest in the band's intellectual property, including their sound recordings, brand, select musical compositions, and memorabilia. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The members of The Beach Boys and their heirs will retain an interest in their assets "to participate in the upside Iconic expects to create by actively marketing and promoting The Beach Boys," said the company. The deal involves Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, and the CarlWilson estate. "As we look towards the upcoming 60th anniversary of The Beach Boys, we wanted a partner to help expand opportunities for our brand, while continuing to preserve our tradition as a band whose music transcends the test of time," said the band. "We are confident that Irving and Iconic are the ideal partners and are confident that The Beach Boys’ ongoing legacy is in the best possible hands." Azoff, Chairman and CEO of The Azoff Company, commented: “I am honoured that the Beach Boys have entrusted Iconic to preserve and grow their legacy. And I’m thrilled that the Beach Boys want to stay invested in the growth of the incredible cultural brand they created.”

South Korea's independent music company Big Hit Entertainment and Universal Music Group have sealed an expanded their strategic partnership that will see the two companies work closely together "to increase opportunities for artists through innovation and technology, whilst expanding the global reach of K-pop music and culture around the world." The agreement will allow UMG artists to explore enhanced "direct to fan" communications through Big Hit's community-based platform Weverse, which is already used by UMG artists Gracie Abrams, New Hope Club and Alexander 23. In addition, the two companies plan to "to assemble and debut a new global K-pop boy group together in the US for the first time." The new artist project will be released under a new JV label to be created between Big Hit and UMG's Geffen Records. "Our two companies indeed share values and visions in that we both pursue constant innovations and are committed to providing our fans with genuine music and content of the highest and uncompromising level of quality," said Bang Si-Hyuk, Chairman & CEO of Big Hit Entertainment. "In this sense, I strongly believe that UMG and Big Hit will create a synergy that will rewrite the global music history."

Warner Chappell Music has signed a publishing partnership with Atlanta-based independent music company Love Renaissance. The partnership includes new signings with Atlanta rapper BRS Kash, Cruel Santino, GMK and Genio Bambino. Warner Chappell has also extended its deal with LVRN R&B artist and songwriter Summer Walker. “Our main focus since the label’s founding has been the development of artists.  “We are now committing the same focus and approach with publishing to develop the best songwriters, producers, and artists," said LVRN Co-founder and President, Tunde Balogun, and Co-founder and Head of A&R, Justice Baide.

British company Sentric Music Group has signed a music publishing deal with singer and songwriter Danny Dearden, through its Black Rock division. He has worked recently with the likes of Mark Villa, Going Deeper, Aexcit, Erlandsson, Dario G and Bobby Harvey. 

British independent music publisher Blue Raincoat Music Publishing, in conjunction with Reservoir, have acquired the catalogue of D:Ream founder, vocalist and principal songwriter Peter Cunnah. The deal includes the UK's No.1 song 'Things Can Only Get Better' and the albums 'D:Ream On Volume 1' and 'World'. 

Sony Music Publishing has signed Australian artist, songwriter, and producer TheKid LAROI (a.k.a. Jeffrey Howard) to a worldwide publishing deal. “The signing of The Kid LAROI signals an important new era for Sony Music Publishing. LAROI is an international talent that represents the next generation of iconic superstars, and we’re excited to support his future as a songwriter,” said Sony Music Publishing VP, Creative, Adrian Nunez.