Rocket Entertainment and Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced a significant new agreement to provide Elton John, one of music’s most iconic artists and the most successful male solo artist in US Billboard chart history, the industry’s best resources and expertise across recorded music, music publishing and licensing rights. This partnership not only means that UMG represents the entirety of Elton John’s legendary creative output throughout his extraordinary five-decade career, but also will see UMG’s labels globally release all of Elton John’s new music for the rest of his career going forward.

Universal Music Publishing Group today announced that global music icon and Top Dawg Entertainment recording artist SZA will be named as the first-ever “She Is The Music” honoree, recognizing female songwriters for their contributions to music and impact on culture. UMPG Global Chairman and CEO Jody Gerson will present the award at Songs of Hope XIV, the event benefitting world-renowned independent cancer research and treatment center City of Hope.

Global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leading music publisher, today announced an exclusive long-term agreement under which UMPG will represent Lionsgate’s music publishing properties worldwide, including musical compositions and scores.

Universal Music Publishing Group announced today that Mark Coltman has been promoted to EVP, Information Technology. Coltman will continue to be based out of London and will report to UMPG’s CFO, Worldwide JW Beekman and EVP, Global Administration John Reston.

Universal Music Publishing Group today announced David Kokakis has been elevated to the newly-created role of Chief Counsel where he will continue leading UMPG’s Business and Legal Affairs team and the company’s digital rights management. He will remain based in UMPG’s global headquarters in Santa Monica and report to Marc Cimino, Chief Operating Officer of UMPG.  

In his new role, Kokakis will also work closely with labels at parent company Universal Music Group (UMG) to maximize synergies between, and digital revenues for, publishing and recorded music assets. As part of this position, he will additionally report to Jeff Harleston, General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs for Universal Music Group worldwide. 

Fans can take a chance on the musical sequel “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” which is out 20th July. The film soundtrack includes some of ABBA's most iconic songs performed by the cast including newest member Cher.

Universal Music Publishing Group today announced the signing of multiplatinum-selling songwriter-record producer Nija Charles to an exclusive publishing deal.  Nija has quickly become one of the most in-demand and prolific writers in the industry.  Since signing to UMPG, Nija has written songs recorded by a wide variety of superstars including Beyonce and Jay-Z (“Heard About Us” and “LoveHappy”); Cardi B ft. SZA ("I Do); Cardi B ft. Kehlani ("Ring"); Jason Derulo for the 2018 Official World Cup and Coca-Cola anthem ("Colors”); and Chris Brown ("Pull Up").

Billboard has released it’s 2018 International Power Players list which includes four Universal Music Publishing Group executives. Andrew Jenkins (President of Australia and Asia Pacific, UMPG), Alexandra Lioutikoff (Executive VP Latin America and US Latin, UMPG) and Mike McCormack (Managing Director UK, UMPG) are all recognized in the Publishing category, whilst Jackie Alway, (SVP International Legal & Industry Affairs, UMPG) is included in the Trade Groups category. 

Universal Music Publishing Group was named Publisher of the Year at the 35th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards in Los Angeles. The company’s songwriters contributed to 22 of ASCAP’s Most Performed Pop Songs of 2017. Special honors were given to Steve Mac who was awarded Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year for “Shape Of You.” Justin Bieber’s “Despacito” was awarded Most Streamed Song of the Year.

SANTA MONICA, April 25, 2017 – Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leading global music publishing company, today announced the signing of songwriter-producer-composer Asa Taccone to an exclusive global administration agreement, excluding France and Benelux. In addition to being lead singer and the main songwriter for his band Electric Guest, Taccone is an award-winning and versatile musician whose experience extends into theater and television.