Publishing Briefs: Primary Wave Buys Matt Redman Catalog Stake, Kobalt Re-Ups Roddy Ricch Deal

Primary Wave has acquired a stake in the income stream from Matt Redman‘s publishing catalog as well as the entirety of his master royalties and other unspecified rights. The legendary Christian singer-songwriter’s discography includes modern worship classics like “Build My Life,” “Do It Again” and “Our God.” The deal also includes his Grammy-winning single “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord),” a song frequently re-created by worship bands in churches across the world.

Related

Primary Wave Acquires Neil Sedaka Catalog

01/13/2022

The Redman deal is part of Primary Wave’s push into the somewhat overlooked Christian music market and comes just a few years after the publisher began partnering with Gaither Music Group in 2019.

“I’m so grateful for this new partnership with Primary Wave, and their passion to get behind these songs in a new way,” said Redman. “They have such a standout reputation across so many genres, so I’m excited to see what lies ahead.”

“Matt Redman’s songs mean so much to so many people and are truly timeless,” said Dominic Pandiscia, chief strategy officer of Gaither Music Group & Primary Wave Business Development. “It’s truly an honor to partner with him and his catalog.”

Nicholas Brown of London & Co and Jeremy Rosen of Roxwell negotiated the deal on Redman’s behalf.

Kobalt has extended its global publishing deal with Grammy-winner Roddy Ricch. The company, which began its partnership with the rapper in 2019, will continue to handle administration for his publishing catalog, including sync and creative services for his back catalog and future releases.

Jill Tschogl, vp of creative for Kobalt, said, “It’s been an honor to work with Roddy and his team and we are humbled to continue representing his incredible work. With Live Life Fast coming out this week and ‘The Box’ just recently hitting diamond certification, we couldn’t be more excited to support and see him reach new heights.”

Anthem Entertainment has added songs from songwriter Michael Pollack to its publishing catalog, including “Memories” by Maroon 5; “Ghost,” “Holy” (feat. Chance the Rapper) and “Anyone” by Justin Bieber; “Daisies” by Katy Perry; “Let Me Down Slowly” by Alec Benjamin; and “Prisoner” by Miley Cyrus and Dua Lipa.

“Michael Pollack is one of the most prolific young songwriters of our time and we are honored to add his works to our growing catalog,” said Helen Murphy, CEO at Anthem Entertainment. “He is also a very talented producer and artist. This deal increases our growing presence in pop and R&B copyrights and complements our diversified catalog of music publishing rights. I am thrilled to add these songs to Anthem Music Publishing’s body of works.”

Independent publisher Prescription Songs has signed two new writers, Kola and JT Daly, to co-publishing agreements. The Kola deal includes all works created prior to the agreement, while the Daly deal includes all past works, with the exception of those penned during past publishing deals.

Texas-based Kola is known for penning both rap and pop hooks. His back catalog includes songs with Eminem, G Herbo, Jennifer Lopez and Tyla Yahweh. His work will be shepherded by Andrea Doman, a member of Prescription’s Los Angeles-based A&R team.

“I’m excited to get working with Andrea, d.a. and the team at RX,” Kola said of the deal. “I’m passionate about my craft and skills and I know that’s reflected in the music. Let’s go!”

Regarding the Kola signing, Doman added, “Kola’s an incredibly versatile and skilled rap writer and vocalist, and rhythmic and pop songwriter, who’s particularly strong with lyrics and concepts. Having the opportunity to represent someone as talented and driven as Kola while having d.a.’s support and guidance along the way is exactly the type of situation I was looking to establish since starting at Prescription.”

Daly, a signee out of the company’s Nashville office, is best known for his work with K. Flay‘s Grammy-nominated “Blood in the Cut” as well as tracks for Quinn XCII, Grandson, Benson Boone and PVRIS.  Daly will be looked after by Katie Fagan, who serves as head of A&R, Nashville alongside Rachel Wein and Chris Martingnago. 

“It is with an abundance of joy that I have found a team this hands-on and talented. After a few conversations with Katie Fagan I felt more at home than I ever have before,” shared Daly.  “She puts in the time needed to know her writers. Something I will never take for granted.”

Fagan added, “JT is an extremely innovative songwriter, producer and artist. We feel incredibly honored and lucky to have such a talent as a part of our roster, especially here in Nashville. There’s a reason that artists continually want him to be a part of their journeys. I can’t wait to see what we will be able to accomplish together.”

Tempo Music announced a deal with Danish producer/songwriters Stefan Forrest, Morten Ristorp and Morten Pilegaard for a “significant percentage” of their publishing royalties in a Dec. 21 press release.

As a trio, the producers are best known for their work on the songs “Mama Said,” “7 Years” and Love Someone” by Lukas Graham. Individually, Forrest has had success with his own artist project Future Animals; Ristorp has credits with Julia Michaels, Kygo, One Republic, Little Mix and JoJo; and Pilegaard has credits with Kygo, Patrick Dorgan and Billy Raffoul.

Founder & CEO of Tempo Music, Josh Empson, said, “Stefan, Morten and Morten are all globally admired producers and songwriters who have demonstrable track records of working with hugely successful artists both in their native Denmark and further afield. All have been pivotal in the international success of Lukas Graham and are recognized by both artists and their peers as being at the very top of their game.”

Concord Music Publishing has launched a new creative joint venture with chart-topping country songwriter Tofer Brown called Chromatic Music. Along with the announcement of its formation, the JV also named its first signing, Nashville-based pop, soul and Christian songwriter Lauren Hungate.

This deal encompasses Hungate’s full back catalog — which includes cuts with Ashland Craft, Gray Robinson and more — as well as works made during the deal’s duration. The publisher will represent Hungate in all territories.

“Lauren is without a doubt one of the best writers in Nashville,” said Brown. “She writes well beyond her years and quickly becomes fast friends with every collaborator she works with in town. I can think of no one else I’d rather have as the first writer signed to Chromatic Music and I’m grateful for Concord’s belief in Lauren and me in this next chapter of both of our careers.”

“I’m so excited to be the first signing to Chromatic,” said Hungate. “Tofer is such a champion, and it was evident upon meeting him that he is the kind of person and writes the kind of songs I want to be associated with. I am also so grateful to be joining the Concord team. They have felt like fast family, and their staff has been such a godsend in making me feel taken care of in my first deal.”