Publishing Showbiz and Celebrity Breaking News

Attorneys for the Justice Department and Penguin Random House squared off on Monday in the first day of an antitrust trial, as the government challenges the publishing giant’s proposed $2.2 billion acquisition of Simon & Schuster.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorSony Music Publishing has signed rising singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Em Beihold to a worldwide publishing agreement. Her gold-certified single “Numb Little Bug” has been on the Billboard Hot 100 for 24 weeks, and she released her debut EP “Egg in the Backseat: last week.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorBMG announced early Thursday that it has acquired the entire music publishing back catalog of French electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre.The deal brings the rights in such groundbreaking albums as “Oxygene” and “Equinoxe” together with Jarre’s writer’s income stream. The company previously acquired the sound recordings of Jarre’s first three albums when it bought noted independent record label Francis Dreyfus Music in 2012.Terms of the deal were not disclosed, although for context, according to the announcement, Jarre has racked up 85 million-plus album sales over his career.Jarre said of his deal with the German-based company, “This partnership with BMG means a lot to me.

BMG has acquired the song rights of Jean-Michel Jarre. The company already controls the electronic musician’s recordings, having acquired the Francis Dreyfus Music record label a decade ago.“Jean-Michel Jarre is not only a ground-breaking pioneer in electronic music, he is a polymath and a shining ambassador for culture and internationalism”, says BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch.

Jean Paul Gaultier was glad to be in London for his Fashion Freak Show in Camden last night, telling us his native Paris is “more snobbish”. The designer, pictured with colleague Marion Motin, reassured us on style choices, saying: “I don’t hate anything in fashion, anything is possible”. Also there were Dua Lipa and Grace Jones, who snuck off early.

Sony Music Publishing has signed Danger Mouse – real name Brian Burton – to a new worldwide publishing agreement.Burton himself was not on hand to comment on the deal, but three people from Sony have. And in many ways that’s better, isn’t it? Yeah? Good.“Danger Mouse is not only a brilliant songwriter, but a true innovator who pushes creative boundaries and challenges listeners to think outside the box”, says SMP CEO Jon Platt.

Thania Garcia Sony Music Publishing U.K. has signed Brian Burton, aka Danger Mouse, to a worldwide publishing agreement.

Thania Garcia Sony Music Publishing has renewed its worldwide publishing agreement with Tainy, extending the deal which began in 2005.In a press release, Tainy said, “I am grateful that my career has allowed me to reach new heights not only on the artistic and creative side, but also on the business side – and I appreciate having such great partners on the publishing end. Excited for the next chapter with the SMP family.”Most recently, Tainy produced nine songs on Bad Bunny’s “Un Verano Sin Ti,” including chart-toppers “Ojitos Lindos” and “Party.” He is currently working on Myke Towers’ upcoming record.“Tainy is one of the leading songwriters, artists, and producers in music today.

Angelique Jackson New Regency has partnered with independent publisher Insight Editions to form a new company division focused on publishing titles based on the studio’s library of film and television projects as well as upcoming productions.The first books from the partnership will include high-end, large-format art, gift books and collectibles, with an in-depth look at Robert Eggers’ epic Viking revenge thriller “The Northman” among the first titles. With the aim to “immerse fans deeper into the movies and content they love,” these books will present never-before-seen images and behind-the-scenes stories from New Regency’s classic films, including “Fight Club,” “Heat” and “The Revenant,” as well as the company’s upcoming releases, like David O.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorPink, Sony Music Publishing Chairman/CEO Jon Platt and the late songwriter/producer Busbee will be honored at the Songwriters of North America’s second annual SONA Warrior Awards, taking place as a hybrid celebration comprised of an in-person gala on July 23 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles and a virtual livestream via mandolin.com on July 24. SONA is one of the only advocacy organizations for songwriters, formed by professional songwriters to advocate for fair pay, safety, equality and a collective voice.The announcement notes that each of the honorees is known for their accomplishments within the industry, the Warrior Awards provide an opportunity to amplify their advocacy.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorFast-rising 18-year-old Canadian singer-songwriter Lauren Spencer-Smith has inked with both Warner Chappell Music publishing and longtime Shawn Mendes manager Andrew Gertler’s AG Artists in partnership with Ziggy Chareton, Variety has confirmed. The news was first published in Hits.A native of Vancouver Island, the singer’s confessional, intimate songs like “Fingers Crossed” and her latest single “Flowers” have effectively set her on a track to be this year’s Olivia Rodrigo.

Slowthai has signed a new publishing deal with BMG for his future works, including an upcoming third album.“We are big fans of Slowthai here at BMG and have been watching him closely since his first LP”, says Tom Cater, BMG Senior Manager A&R Publishing UK. “We can’t wait for what he does next”.BMG SVP Publishing UK Hugo Turquet adds: “It’s an honour to welcome Slowthai to BMG.

Thania Garcia Sony Music Publishing Latin has entered a global partnership with Tainy and Lex Borrero’s Neon 16, alongside veteran music executive Tommy Mottola, to launch its new publishing company called 22 Publishing.The new agreement will work to create opportunities for the company’s roster across music, film, and television. 22 Publishing’s team of songwriters and producers include Albert Hype (“Telepatia” by Kali Uchis, Shakira’s “Te Felicito”), Jota Rosa (Bad Bunny’s “Un Verano Sin Ti,” “Baila Conmigo” by Selena Gomez), Gaby Morales (Dalex’s “Hola” and Yandel’s “Deja Vu”), Ivanni Rodriguez (J Balvin and Tainy’s “Un Dia” and “Agua”), as well as emerging talent such as Rozo, Jodosky and Dylan Fuentes.

As the production designer of Minx, Jefferson Sage was able to pull from his own past to create an old-school magazine. The process of publishing has changed a lot since the ’70s, but Sage knew he could find the research materials in his own archives.

Mike Wass From the moment Justin Tranter took the stage as the lead singer of ‘00s rock band Semi Precious Weapons in six-inch heels and a full face of makeup, they had their eye on the bigger picture. “My goal was always to be on the cover of Forbes, not the cover of Rolling Stone,” says Tranter, “and I am just getting started.”As the founder and CEO of Facet Records and Publishing, Tranter is revolutionizing the music industry from within and racking up massive hits in the process.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorWarner Chappell Music and Kevin Hart’s global multi-platform media company, Hartbeat, have announced an exclusive music publishing partnership. Under the deal – a first of its kind for Hartbeat – WCM will administer all of Hartbeat’s music composition copyrights, covering future programming as well as past works from shows like “Die Hart” and “Hart to Heart.”WCM will also help build the company’s music catalog across Hartbeat Studios, Hartbeat Media and Pulse, in addition to providing creative support for a variety of music projects, and access to its songwriting talent and award-winning production music library.WCM senior VP of creative services Ashley Winton said: “This deal was made possible with the support of our Co-Chairs Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall, and we’re all very proud that Hartbeat is entrusting us as their first publishing partner.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterParadigm Talent Agency has hired industry veteran Ian Kleinert as a book publishing agent, Variety has learned exclusively. In his new role, Kleinert will be based out of Paradigm’s New York office.“Joining Paradigm during this unique and exciting time at the company opens up a world of exciting new avenues across all media for the wonderful clients joining me at the agency, and provides me the chance to foster dynamic publishing opportunities for the stellar talents of Paradigm’s roster,” said Kleinert.Kleinert was most recently the CEO and founding partner of Projector Media, which focused on literary management and investor-backed digital platforms for groups like SALT Events, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Propagate Content, and sports legends Joe Namath and Cal Ripken Jr. “Ian’s extensive experience, unparalleled knowledge of the publishing industry and wide-ranging client relationships make him an incredible addition to our team,” said Paradigm managing partner Andrew Ruf.

EXCLUSIVE: Blackstone Publishing has acquired worldwide publishing rights to Sean Scott Hicks’ autobiography, The Devil To Pay: A Mobster’s Road To Perdition. The company’s Director of Media, TV and Film, Brendan Deneen brokered the deal and will now edit the book, while shopping film and TV rights to studios and streamers.

Sony Music Publishing has signed a global deal with songwriter Ashley Gorley, in partnership with Domain Capital Group. The agreement encompasses Gorley’s complete catalog of songs, as well as future compositions.Gorley has written 59 Country No.

Strange Scaffold – creator of El Paso, Everywhere and Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator – has announced that it will begin publishing games, starting with a roguelite RPG called Purgatory Dungeoneer.Created by indie developer Damien Crawford, Strange Scaffold says that Purgatory Dungeoneer‘s full title – My Grandpa Died And All He Left Me Was This 1 Dungeon In Purgatory Filled With Nihilistic Adventurers – will continue the studio’s “monopoly on dangerously long game names.”Purgatory Dungeoneer is a town-building roguelite RPG which tasks the player with “plundering a psychic hellmaw for personal closure”. Set to launch on Steam and itch.io in the third quarter of 2022, players will take control of a supernatural medieval village and form parties of retired adventurers to raid the “hellmaw” for resources.The game will feature over 400 possible residents that players can recruit, as well as more than 100 classes and over 1000 skills for adventurers to utilise.You can watch a trailer for Purgatory Dungeoneer below:On the decision to move into publishing, Strange Scaffold director Xalavier Nelson Jr.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorR&B star and former Fifth Harmony member Normani has inked a global publishing deal with Hipgnosis Songs Group — but the most eye-grabbing news in the announcement comes toward the end: “Normani has confirmed new music and a larger body of work is on the way.”Fans have been impatiently awaiting new material from the singer for years, and the announcement of a publishing deal often means (although does not guarantee) that its release is relatively imminent. She was named Collaborator of the Year at Variety‘s Hitmakers event in December.The deal includes all of the future works by Normani, a six-time BMI Award winning songwriter.

Universal Music Publishing has signed Dave Bayley of Glass Animals to a global publishing deal.“There’s so much I want to learn and so much music I want to make in so many different areas – from Glass Animals records, to pop songwriting, to experimental sound design, to scoring”, says Bayley.“When it came time to re-sign my publishing, there were so many wonderful people, ideas and opportunities around that I began to feel a bit lost”, he adds, “but Universal Music Publishing and the incredible team of people there had drawn a long and clear path for me through those ideas… it just felt like a journey I wanted to take. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!”Universal Music Publishing CEO Jody Gerson says: “I am a Glass Animals fan and I am especially delighted to work closely with UMPG’s global creative teams to amplify Dave Bayley’s talents as a writer and producer, not only for his band but also for other artists who inspire and excite him”.Meanwhile, Mike McCormack, Managing Director of UMPG UK, also comments: “Best part of this job is when you get the opportunity to work with a world-class original talent like Dave Bayley.

Thania Garcia Universal Music Publishing Group has signed Dave Bayley of Glass Animals to an exclusive, global publishing agreement. Glass Animals, who are signed to UMG’s Republic label in the U.S., were  named Group of the Year for Variety’s Hitmakers.Jody Gerson, chairman and CEO of UMPG, said: “I am a Glass Animals fan and I am especially delighted to work closely with UMPG’s global creative teams to amplify Dave Bayley’s talents as a writer and producer, not only for his band but also for other artists who inspire and excite him.”Glass Animals manager, Amy Morgan of September Management, added, “After the success of ‘Heat Waves’ and ‘Dreamland,’ the next chapter for Dave is going to be a really important one.

BMG has acquired a 50% stake in the song catalogues and, on the recordings side, a stake in the so called neighbouring rights income of Bobby Gillespie, Andrew Innes and the estate of Robert Young for their work with Primal Scream. The deal covers all eleven of the band’s albums.“Primal Scream are one of the most influential bands of the past 30 years with a cultural resonance which continues today”, says Alistair Norbury, BMG President Repertoire & Marketing UK.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorJust two days after Record Store Day, the company Vinyl Me, Please has announced that it is building an audiophile-grade vinyl pressing plant in Denver that is scheduled to open by the end of 2022 for production, tours and special events. The news also comes after years of a vinyl-manufacturing backlog that has caused the delay of vinyl copies of many releases.“Quality control and availability are critical to maintaining and expanding our leadership position in the vinyl industry,” said VMP CEO Cameron Schaefer.

Elvis Presley‘s back catalogue.Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) and Authentic Brands Group (ABG), a global brand owner, marketing and entertainment company and owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, have today (April 12) announced a deal over the late icon’s worldwide hits.Excluding the UK, it will cover the likes of classic hits such as ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’, ‘It’s Now Or Never’, ‘Memories’, ‘A Little Less Conversation’, ‘Don’t Be Cruel’, ‘Jailhouse Rock’, ‘Love Me Tender’, ‘Viva Las Vegas’, ‘Teddy Bar’, ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘All Shook Up’ and ‘Tears On My Pillow’.Marc Cimino, Chief Operating Officer at UMPG, said: “Elvis Presley has had an unprecedented and lasting global impact on music and pop culture. Jody Gerson and I, along with UMPG’s teams around the world, couldn’t be more excited and honoured to work with ABG in making sure that Elvis’ iconic legacy endures for generations to come.”“2022 is shaping up to be a banner year for Elvis, highlighted by the highly-anticipated theatrical release this June of Elvis directed by Baz Luhrmann, as well as the debut of Netflix’s upcoming animated action series Agent King,” said Marc Rosen, President, Entertainment at ABG.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorThe 100 Percenters, a music-creatives advocacy nonprofit, has announced a partnership with Sony Music Publishing designed to provide financial relief and support to U.S. songwriters, composers, and producers.With support from SMP, the 100 Percenters will offer relief funding to songwriters who the ongoing pandemic has impacted through its Songwriter Stimulus Program, according to the announcement.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorElvis Presley’s catalog will be administered by Universal Music Publishing and represented by Authentic Brands Group, the companies announced Tuesday.As part of the expanded relationship, UMPG and ABG will represent Presley’s catalog of hits worldwide (excluding the U.K.), which includes such classics as “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “It’s Now or Never,” “Memories,” “A Little Less Conversation,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Love Me Tender,” “Viva Las Vegas,” “Amazing Grace,” “All Shook Up,” “Tears on My Pillow” and countless more.The deal, terms of which were not disclosed, comes at an auspicious time, as Baz Luhrmann’s biopic “Elvis,” starring Tom Hanks and Austin Butler, arrives in theaters June 24 and premieres next month at the Cannes Film Festival. ABG’s formidable portfolio includes such iconic celebrity brands such as Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorThe estate of the late Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel has signed an exclusive, worldwide agreement with Virgin Music US Latin and extended its agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group. Under the new deal, Virgin Music US Latin will now represent Juan Gabriel’s post-2008 catalog and future recordings, while UMPG will represent his entire catalog through an extended, exclusive global publishing agreement, bringing Gabriel’s music under the Universal Music roof.New music will be released “in the coming months,” the announcement continues, including the highly anticipated “Los Duo 3, including duets with Mon LaFerte and Gloria Trevi as well as posthumously recorded duets. Billboard notes that Gabriel, who died in 2016, left behind dozens of unreleased recordings, including new songs and re-recordings of older ones.

EXCLUSIVE: Random House, a division of Penguin Random House, has partnered with the management and creative content platform Sugar23 to establish the co-branded publishing imprint, Sugar23 Books.