Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leading global music publisher, today announced the signing of American synth-pop icons Future Islands to an exclusive global music publishing agreement encompassing their full catalogue and future works. Managed by Bertie Gibbon, Brian Message, Clarisse Quinn and Jackson Perry of ATC Management, the band’s enduring catalogue and global impact position them as one of the most significant and critically-acclaimed alternative bands of the past two decades.
Formed in Greenville, North Carolina in 2006 and later based in Baltimore, Maryland, Future Islands have built a singular career defined by emotional intensity, innovative electronic textures and a commanding live presence. Fronted by Samuel T. Herring alongside William Cashion and Gerrit Welmers - with Michael Lowry joining as a full-time member in 2019- the band evolved from DIY house-party beginnings into an internationally celebrated act through relentless touring and a deeply resonant songwriting voice.
Shirin Foroutan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, UMPG Europe, said, “It’s a privilege to become the caretakers of the remarkable body of work that Sam, Mike, Gerrit, and William have created together as Future Islands. As the band celebrates its 20th anniversary, partnering with Future Islands at this moment in their journey is especially meaningful - celebrating their immense catalogue, while becoming committed creative partners for their future. We’re sincerely grateful for the trust that Sam, Mike, Gerrit, William, and their managers Brian Message and Bertie Gibbon have placed in us.”
Future Islands’ bass player William Cashion said "We’ve always viewed our songs as living things - records of where we’ve been and where we’re going, pieces that keep evolving as time passes. Having a partner like UMPG that respects that journey and values the longevity of our catalogue is incredibly meaningful. As we celebrate 20 years of Future Islands, we feel energized to have such a dedicated team behind us, helping our music find new ears while we focus on the work ahead.”
Bertie Gibbon, Senior Manager at ATC Management in London, said ‘We’re proud to bring Future Islands’ singular catalogue into the care of UMPG in the year they celebrate 20 years as a band. Together with ATC’s transatlantic team, we look forward to carrying the songs of Sam, Gerrit, William and Michael to new audiences around the world for many years to come.’
The band’s 2014 breakthrough album Singles propelled them onto the global stage, anchored by the era-defining single “Seasons (Waiting on You),” which was named Best Song of the Year by both Pitchfork and NME. Their now-iconic performance of the track on The Late Show with David Letterman became the most-viewed music clip in the program’s history and marked a pivotal moment in their ascent. More than a decade later, “Seasons” remains a modern classic, continuing to drive global streaming and sync placements while serving as a cornerstone of the band’s enduring cultural reach.
Future Islands have since become a formidable live force, headlining and selling out major venues around the world, including Radio City Music Hall in New York, The Greek Theatre and The Shrine in Los Angeles, Alexandra Palace and Brixton Academy in London, and appearing at festivals such as Coachella and Glastonbury. Their catalogue continues to resonate globally, with Singles achieving Gold certification in the U.K. and “Seasons (Waiting on You)” certified Gold in the U.S. Most recently, their 2024 album People Who Aren’t There Anymore marked their first U.K. Top 10 album and was widely hailed as some of the strongest work of their career.
Under the new agreement, UMPG will represent Future Islands’ catalogue and future compositions globally, partnering closely with the band and their management to further expand creative and commercial opportunities worldwide.