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.

The Drums have released their third full-length album entitled ‘Encyclopedia’, through Minor Records this week. Including the single ‘Magic Mountain’, this new LP sees the band’s two founding members namely Jonny Pierce and Jacob Graham, embrace a darker sound, exploring the themes of loss, nostalgia, redemption, vulnerability, and love.

The Pierces release their new album ‘Creation’ through Polydor Records this week. Featuring the mesmeric single ‘Kings’, ‘Creation’ is the follow-up to sisters Allison and Catherine Pierce’s 2011 album, ‘You & I’.

Basement Jaxx are back with their new album ‘Junto’, released through Atlantic Jaxx / PIAS this week. ‘Junto’ will be the seventh album from Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe - aka Basement Jaxx - and has been two years in the making.  With a title translating from Spanish to mean ‘together’, ‘Junto’ embodies the duo’s ongoing desire to unify people through music. Featuring the lead single ‘Never Say Never’ this release is both ambitious and inventive, resulting in 13 new explosive dance floor fusion tracks.

Alex Clare, who sold of 5 million copies of his hit single ‘Too Close’, releases his sophomore album ‘Three Hearts’ though Island Records this week. ‘Three Hearts’, featuring the powerful single ‘War Rages On’, was recorded in London and Los Angeles with Alex collaborating with Dan Wilson (Adele, Paloma Faith), Antony Genn and Martin Slattery of The Hours, Steve Booker (John Newman) and Ben Hudson (Kanye West).

After an astonishing year which saw her described as “The voice of 2013” by The Evening Standard, nominated for two BRIT Awards (British Female Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act), shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and receiving a nomination in the Album Award category at the recent Ivor Novello Awards, Laura Mvula returns with a new recording of her Top Ten debut album ‘Sing To The Moon’, released through RCA Victor (Sony) today.