Introducing “15 for 2015” - our snapshot of 15 talented songwriters we’re expecting great things from in 2015.

UMPG’s Film & TV team have placed songs from our catalogue in a wide range of Christmas commercials this year – our writers are taking over your TV.

Friday’s Grammy nominations announcement saw the achievements of Bastille and Haim recognised in the Best New Artist category.  The two bands recently collaborated on the hard rocking ‘Bite Down’, the second track on Bastille’s new album 'Vs. (Other People's Heartache, Pt. III)'.

Five UMPG signed artists feature on BBC Music’s prestigious Sound Of 2015 longlist, revealed today through the BBC website. Female solo artists Rae Morris, Shura, Soak and Låpsley are joined by dance-pop practitioners Years & Years in a bid to secure the converted winning spot.

Years & Years continue to gain tastemaker support going into 2015, featuring on the BRITs Critics’ Choice shortlist, the 2015: Observer Critics’ Tips list and the MTV Brand New 2015 shortlist.

Global superstar and undisputed Queen of contemporary soul music Mary J Blige returns with her new album ‘The London Sessions’, released today through Island/Capitol Records. Described by the Observer as “the most innovative album of her 22 year career”, ‘The London Sessions’ features collaborations with some of the UK's finest musical talent, including UMPG signed Disclosure and Jimmy Napes.

Today Fryars releases his long-awaited debut album ‘Power’ through Fiction Records. Featuring the singles ‘Prettiest Ones Fly Highest’ and ‘The Power’, this ambitious debut was produced alongside long-term collaborator Luke Smith (once of Clor but know better known for his studio work with Foals and Depeche Mode), with additional production and mixing from Rodaidh McDonald (The xx, Savages, King Krule).

Beardyman’s has released his new album ‘Distractions’ through Tummy Touch Records. Three years in the making, ‘Distractions’ perfectly showcases what Beardyman is capable of. It’s an album a world away from comedy, a multi-faceted collection that takes in blissed-out declarations of love, glitchy electronica and great big pop songs.

Deptford Goth - aka Daniel Woolhouse - returns with his sophomore album ‘Songs’, released through 37 Adventures this week.

Whilst his debut album ‘Life After Defo’ was more affiliated with a blend of dreamy synth-pop, R&B and soul, ‘Songs’ adds an element of singer-songwriter tradition to Deptford Goth’s trademark yearning electronica.

Two artists signed to Universal Music Publishing took home awards at last night’s 19th MOBO Awards ceremony.

Fuse ODG won the category for Best African Act, whilst Stylo G picked up the award for Best Reggae act.

In addition, UMPG writer Jimmy Napes co-wrote Sam Smith’s single ‘Stay With Me’, which triumphed in the Best Song category.

Jimmy also co-wrote 5 tracks from Sam Smith’s album ‘In The Lonely Hour’ which won the award for Best Album.