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.

The legendary Neil Diamond returns with his brand new studio album ‘Melody Road’, released through Capitol Records this week. Described by Neil as a "homecoming", ‘Melody Road’ brings us back to the start of his musical journey reflecting Neil’s lifelong love of folk music and the early influences of artists such as The Weavers and Woody Guthrie.

Neil Diamond, one of the world’s premiere recording artists, has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing administration agreement with Universal Music Publishing. Through the deal UMPG will represent Neil Diamond’s songs for synchronization in film, TV, advertising, games and other media, as well as providing global copyright administration of his entire back catalog and future works during the term, including his highly anticipated new studio album ‘Melody Road’, released on 21st October via Capitol Records.

BMI has honoured Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) writer and internationally-celebrated lyricist Sir Tim Rice as a BMI Icon at the 2014 BMI London Awards. Rice was named BMI Icon because of his “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers” and joins a list of past honourees including John Lydon, Queen, Ray Davies, Don Black, Donovan and Bryan Ferry, among others. BMI also honored many UMPG British songwriters and co-writers of the most-performed songs on U.S. radio and television including:

True Love – Lily Allen

Friday Night – Eric Paslay

Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison

Gimme Some Lovin’ – Steve Winwood

Rocket Man – Elton John

If I Can’t Have You – Bee Gees

Tiny Dancer – Elton John

Numb – Axwell

Universal Music Publishing has been named ‘Publisher of the Year’ at the 34th annual ASCAP Awards for its most performed winning songs 'Downton Abbey' (Theme), 'Together' (The xx), 'Over The Love' (Florence and The Machine), 'Let Me Love You' (Ne-Yo), 'Paradise' and 'Viva La Vida' (Coldplay), 'Sweet Nothing' (Calvin Harris feat. Florence Welch) , 'Take Care' (Drake), 'Too Close' (Alex Clare) and 'Troublemaker' (Olly Murs).

Jessie Ware returns with her sophomore album ‘Tough Love’, released through Island Records this week. Featuring the title track ‘Tough Love’ - written last May, “after a really gruelling period of shows” - the record draws on the suave, svelte palette of synths and bass heard on Jessie’s debut LP ‘Devotion’, combining this with elevated choruses and lush arrangements.

Five artists signed to Universal Music Publishing have received nominations for the 19th MOBO Awards. Fuse ODG has been nominated in three categories namely Best Male Act, Best Act and Best African Act, Stylo G is nominated for Best Reggea Act whilst Rayleigh Ritchie and M.O have been nominated for Best Newcomer. Jessie Ware also picked up a nomination in the Best R&B / Soul category.