Domestic and global hitmaker James co-penned record-breaking “Komet,” longest running #1 German-language song to top German charts in 16 years

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leading, global music publisher, today announced that Berlin-based artist and chart-topping songwriter Chris James has been signed to an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement. UMPG is recognized globally as a true music publisher and the home to the industry’s leading songwriters.

Having achieved #1 chart successes both domestically and globally, James has rapidly gained recognition as a hit songwriter and earned major industry attention. He co-wrote Jimin’s recent smash “Like Crazy” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 on the Official UK Top 40. James also co-penned “Komet” (Apache 207 and Udo Lindenberg), the longest running #1 German-language song in 16 years. The hit was No. 1 for 11 weeks on the German Singles Chart, making it Germany’s most successful song of the year, to-date.

Beyond his songwriting achievements – which total more than 1 billion streams on Spotify -- James has released several tracks under his own artist name and has 1.5MM monthly listeners on Spotify. On April 14th he released latest single “Oracle,” which was accompanied by new EP “Why Should We Turn Around?” via Nettwerk Music Group.

James said: "I'm thrilled to be joining the UMPG family and working alongside their talented team. Having worked with both the German and the international teams, I have no doubt that this partnership is the perfect fit for my musical journey. Their belief in my abilities as a writer, producer, and artist truly means the world to me and I am really looking forward to this next chapter."

Patrick Pitz, UMPG Director of A&R, said: “I’ve known Chris and his manager Pablo for years and I am very happy to finally have the chance to work together as a team. Chris is an exceptional writer, producer and artist with a great versatility. There are no boundaries in music for him and there is no better way of proving his talent than by having two simultaneous #1’s in different genres and countries.”

James frequently partners with UMPG songwriter Alina Paulsen, aka BLVSH, with whom he co-authored top songs for BTS and Jimin.

Photo: (L-R) Patrick Pitz (Director A&R, UMPG), Pablo Max (Manager, Chris James), Chris James, Anne Mahlendorf (Senior A&R Manager, UMPG), Kristina Dietsch (Director of Business & Legal Affairs, UMPG)