Music Deals -- Week 10 - 2021

Digital distributor Vydia has picked Royalty Exchange’s online marketplace to fund advances for independent labels and artists via the platform by using their catalogue as a colateral. The partnership will allow labels and artists using Vydia to distribute their music to request an advance on their future royalties, which will be fulfilled by Royalty Exchange’s community of investors. Vydia said artists would have "complete control over how much of an advance they can request, exactly how much they’ll repay in return, and unlike traditional advances… retain full rights to their music." Vydia said the better the catalogue performs, "the faster the advance is paid off," but if the catalog struggles, "artists are not required to pay a fixed monthly sum they don’t have." Once the repayment is complete, the artist resumes collecting royalties. “This partnership allows us to offer independent labels and artists an alternative to signing a major label deal once they experience success with a viral hit,” says Roy LaManna, CEO of Vydia.

American singer and songwriter David Crosby has sold his music catalogue to Irving Azoff’s new venture, Iconic Artists Group. The deal, the terms of which have not been disclosed, includes his publishing and recorded music rights, including his solo work, as well as his work with The Byrds; Crosby & Nash; Crosby, Stills & Nash; and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The deal will allow Crosby "to monetise his life work and preserve and expand his legacy in a digital era," according to a statement. “Given our current inability to work live, this deal is a blessing for me and my family and I do believe these are the best people to do it with,” said Crosby. Azoff, Chairman and CEO of The Azoff Company, said: “I’ve known David as a friend and have admired him as a great artist since our earliest days at Geffen Roberts Management shortly after I moved to Los Angeles. This is an incredible time to be involved with David and his tremendous catalogue of music. He’s truly one of music’s most prolific songwriters and artists and I’m honored he has made Iconic the steward of his timeless musical legacy.” Iconic Artists Group's mission is to acquire and "actively" manage "a portfolio of select artists’ assets and preserving the important legacy of these music icons." In February, Iconic acquired a controlling stake in the catalogue of the Beach Boys.

Global talent, entertainment, and sports agency UTA has acquired British company Echo Location Talent Agency, founded and led by Obi Asika, specialised in representing electronic and hip hop artists. UTA said the acquisition "further enhances UTA’s global music footprint and will provide Echo’s clients with access to the company’s full-service resources and capabilities." Asika will serve as Co-Head of UTA’s UK office alongside Neil Warnock, and is responsible for "driving UTA’s growing music business as well as expanding existing practice areas including comedy, sports, marketing, and other verticals." Asika will report to Co-Heads of Worldwide Music Samantha Kirby Yoh and David Zedeck. Echo agents joining Asika at UTA include Belinda Law, Myles Jessop, Tom Jones, Jack Clark, Hannah Shogbola, Kazia Davy and Ishsha Bourguet. Artists represented by Echo include Alesso, Bugzy Malone, Chase & Status, Davido, Diplo, Galantis, Gorgon City, Giggs, Hannah Wants, Major Lazer, and Wizkid, among others. 

Tommy Merrill, former talent buyer at Rockwood Music Hall, has launched Merrill Artists, a global music company that includes a recorded-music division and a concert promotion business. Based in Los Angeles with offices in Nashville, New York, London, Merrill Artists has inked a partnership with Marshall Arts and Marshall Arts USA. 

Sony Music Middle East has signed an exclusive recording, licensing and distribution agreement with Egyptian singer, producer and TV personality Hamaki. Sony Music also announced a multi-year, multi-artist production agreement with Arabic music producer Hamdy Badr and his Cairo-based production company, Craft Media. The partnership with Badr, who is also Hamaki's music producer, will help "grow and scale Egyptian Pop music through multiple projects with hit recording artists and developing talent over the coming years." "We are delighted to welcome Hamaki and Craft Media to the Sony Music family," said Shridhar Subramaniam, President, Strategy and Market Development Asia and Middle East at Sony Music. "Hamaki and Hamdy are superstars and trailblazers whose music resonates across the world. The Middle East is one of the fastest growing music markets in the world and this new partnership signals our continued commitment to Arabic music and artists across the region."

Sony Music Publishing has extended its worldwide deal with singer-songwriter Ilsey Juber, known for penning songs for artists such as Beyoncé, Shawn Mendes, Mark Ronson, Miley Cyrus, Major Lazer, Drake, Panic! At the Disco, and Martin Garrix. “I’ve been with Sony Music Publishing since day one and I’m so happy to be moving into this new chapter with a team and a company who are passionate and committed, not just to the songs I write, but to using the platform for social change and the greater good,” said Juber.

Sony Music Publishing has signed American indie-pop singer, songwriter, producer and artist Dayglow to a global deal. Dayglow's 'Can I Call You Tonight?' has been streamed over 190 million times. 

Downtown Music Holdings-owned digital distributor FUGA has signed to a global distribution deal Strap Originals, the new label set up by former Libertines frontman Peter Doherty to serve as a home for his own music and artists that he wants to support. The deal was closed by FUGA Senior Director of Business Development UK Charlie Dilks and label Director Jai Stanley. "Peter and I want to help artists who are not getting chances, deals and more importantly exposure in the current climate," said Stanley. "To offer hope in what feel like pretty dark days right now. Artists we work with must fit the profile in terms of spirit, words, melody." Strap Originals’ first release will be the single 'Oh Lover' by Trampolene, out 12 March.

Concord Music Publishing has signed up-and-coming British producer and songwriter Wesley Joseph to a global multi-year publishing agreement. Joseph's debut recording is scheduled for release this summer.

Universal Music Publishing Group has signed British singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone to an exclusive, global publishing agreement. The 21-year-old artist’s debut EP, 'Falling Asleep At The Wheel', has accumulated over 50 million streams.  

The members of British band Blossoms have moved to British neighbouring rights society PPLfor the administration of their global neighbouring rights. The band have released three albums to date. 

Sony Music Publishing has signed renowned songwriter, DJ and producer J. White Did It, aka Anthony Jermaine White, to a worldwide deal. The US rap producer is known for his collaborations with Cardi B, Bad Bunny and Megan Thee Stallion.