News

Creative music publishing executive David Gray promoted to UMPG Managing Director U.K. and Head of Global A&R

David Gray has been promoted to Managing Director, U.K. and Head of Global A&R for Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leader in global music publishing, it was announced today by UMPG Chairman & CEO Jody Gerson, to whom Gray reports. Gray will relocate to London from New York in January. Passing the reins to Gray is longtime UMPG U.K. Managing Director Mike McCormack, who has established a consultancy and formed a joint venture with the company.

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UMPG signs Jack Leonard - talented writer, producer and co-founder of big beat project Cheapcuts

Welcome to the UMPG family Jack Leonard! Co-founder of big beat project Cheapcuts, writer and producer Jack got his break as James Lavelle’s right-hand man in UNKLE, writing and producing two studio albums (The Road I & ii) and collaborating with artists such as Queens Of The Stoneage, A$AP Rocky, Mick Jones (The Clash) and Mark Lanegan.

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UMPG signs producer and songwriter James Ford to exclusive, global administration agreement

Universal Music Publishing (UMPG), a leading global music publishing company, today announced that producer and songwriter James Ford has been signed to an exclusive, global administration agreement. Throughout his 20-year career, Ford - a multi-instrumentalist producer, songwriter and composer - has worked with some of the biggest names in music, from Arctic Monkeys to Depeche Mode via Foals, Florence and The Machine, Haim, Gorillaz and Jessie Ware. He has toured globally as Simian Mobile Disco and with The Last Shadow Puppets, amongst others.

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The Other Songs and Universal Music Publishing Group Announce New Publishing Collaboration

Today, the independent entertainment company, The Other Songs and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leading, global music publisher, announced their new publishing collaboration.  
 
The announcement comes alongside the signing of the acclaimed British singer/songwriter Bruno Major to The Other Songs, marking a milestone as the first marquee signing via the new arrangement with UMPG.
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Meta and Universal Music Group announce expanded global agreement

Meta and Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced an expanded global, multi-year agreement that will further evolve the creative and commercial opportunities for UMG artists and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) songwriters across Meta’s global network of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Horizon, Threads and, for the first time, WhatsApp.

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UMPG appoints established brand executive Alix Kram as Head of Marketing

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), Universal Music Group’s leading global publishing division, today announced that accomplished branding executive Alix Kram has been appointed to Head of Marketing, a newly-created global role. Based in New York, she will report to UMPG Chairman and CEO Jody Gerson, and UMPG COO Marc Cimino. Additionally, Kram will provide marketing support for Bravado, UMG’s global merchandise and brand management company, reporting to President Matt Young. In her new role at UMPG, Kram will oversee the company’s marketing efforts with a focus on creative storytelling and cultural relevancy. She will work to amplify initiatives across business units, and maximizing awareness and opportunities for UMPG-owned catalogs. Additionally, Kram will work with Bravado to drive strategy and create revenue-generating opportunities for UMPG/Bravado catalog IP.

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UMP Classics & Screen signs famed ‘Poor Things’ composer Jerskin Fendrix

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leading, global publisher, today announced that award-winning composer and musician Jerskin Fendrix has been signed to an exclusive, global publishing agreement through the company’s Classics & Screen division. Fendrix’s critically acclaimed score for Poor Things earned him a multitude of awards, including Best Film Score at the 2024 Ivor Novello Awards and Best Original Score nominations at the BAFTAs and the 96th Academy Awards, making him the youngest composer to ever be nominated.

 
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UMPG secures agreement with TikTok

We are pleased to inform you that our negotiations with TikTok have resulted in a new agreement. Music from UMPG songwriters and administered catalogs will be available on the platform shortly. We are happy to say that this is a multi-dimensional licensing deal that will deliver significant industry-leading benefits for UMPG’s global family of songwriters, artists and rightsholders.

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