Publishing Briefs: Seeker Enters Global Distribution Partnership With Virgin Music Group

Universal Music Publishing Group has rebranded with a new logo (seen above).

“Everything in music starts with a songwriter,” Jody Gerson, chairman and CEO of UMPG, said in a statement. “Great songs transcend generations, geographies and formats long after trends fade. Our new brand is about celebrating the enduring power of songwriting and giving it a clear voice, a lasting home, and a stronger future. It’s an open, evolving identity dedicated to songs, songwriters, and the people behind them; taking on new meaning wherever music goes.”

Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Cornman Music have signed Luke Stevens to a global publishing deal. The Oklahoma-born singer-songwriter relocated to Nashville in 2021, playing venues including the Bluebird Cafe. He’s since collaborated with songwriters including Lee Thomas Miller, Adam James and Mark Irwin.

Stevens said in a statement, “I couldn’t be more excited to have such a great team with true champions of songwriters around me at Cornman and Warner Chappell. Cornman felt like home and Chris and Nate felt like family the minute I met them. Let’s get to work!” 

Christina Wiltshire, VP, A&R, WCM Nashville, added, “Luke is a special talent. He’s a wise, hard working, genuine, and passionate student of country music. I feel grateful to be a part of his first publishing deal because I just know he’s going to do big things in our community.” 

Chris Owen, Creative Director, Cornman Music, added, “When I first heard Luke’s songs, I immediately took notice. His concepts and melodies are incredibly special and he’s such a student of the game. Nate Lowery and I are thrilled to work with him!” — Jessica Nicholson

Kyle Fishman has signed with ERN’s Cadillac Music via Big Loud Publishing. ERNEST launched Cadillac Music in partnership with Big Loud Music in 2023, and its roster includes Chandler Walters, Cody Lohden, Jacob Durrett and Mark Holman.

“I’ve always feltlike Big Loud was home base since moving to Nashville,” Fishman said in a statement. “It’s where ERN and I first met and wrote songs together. Feels full circle to join Cadillac/Big Loud and I’m stoked to be a part of it.”

ERNEST, who also serves as ERN’s Cadillac Music’s CEO, said, “I love Kyle. He was one of my first writes in this town… It’s full circle to get to work with him in this capacity! He is so musical and one of the hardest workers I know. ALWAYS turning out songs. He has hit power, and I’m stoked he’s part of the Cadillac crew.

Downtown Music Publishing announced a deal to represent the catalog of Biz Markie, which includes representation of the late artist’s name, image and likeness (NIL) rights.

“Biz Markie was a truly original producer, performer and cultural force,” Jedd Katrancha, Chief Creative Officer at Downtown Music Publishing, said in a statement. “We’re honored to be entrusted with preserving and amplifying his legacy.”

Biz Markie’s catalog and associated rights are managed under Tara Hall. Revilo Records manages recorded music assets, while Rhino Entertainment and Warner Music Group provide distribution and catalog services in partnership with each other.

“There’s a longer story behind this, but one day I asked Biz, ‘Who do you think I am to you?’ His reply runs through my head every day. Biz answered, ‘You are my future.’ Going through his music, photographs and videos from the beginning of his career has been incredibly meaningful,” Tara Hall, widow of Marcel Hall (Biz Markie) and executor of Biz Markie’s estate, said in a statement. “As we approach the 40^th anniversary of Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz, I’m excited to share these pieces of his story and celebrate the creativity and spirit that made Biz who he was. In many ways, I’m creating a blueprint for how to honor a legend while finding new ways for his work to live on for future generations. Biz preserved his legacy, and now it’s my job to protect it.”

Sony Music Publishing was named pop/Latin publisher of the year and regional Mexican publisher of the year at the 2026 SESAC Latina Music Awards, marking the company’s 11^th consecutive win.

“Thank you to SESAC for this honor — and more importantly, thank you to the people it truly belongs to; our songwriters,” Jorge Mejia, Sony Music Publishing president and CEO, Latin America, said upon accepting the award. “Day in and day out, I’m left speechless by your commitment to your craft. This isn’t about today or yesterday — it is years of work, discipline and belief. That’s why the trust you place in us means so much to us. And to our entire Sony Music Publishing team — thank you for being the best team in this business.”

Colin Stetson has extended his publishing deal with Third Side Music. Stetson has served as the composer for more than 15 films and series, including Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, Mayday, Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Menu.

“Alex Kelman, and everyone at Third Side Music have been avid and active advocates of my music, in both my work in film and my solo recording career,” Stetson said in a statement. “They are, and always have been, truly familial in their care, consideration and support. I am enormously grateful for all their dedication and counsel over the years.”

“Colin is a dream to work with — truly a once-in-a-lifetime talent,” Alex Kelman, executive vp of creative services and A&R at Third Side Music, said in a statement. “He brings a singular, progressive creative vision to everything he does, paired with a genuine sense of care, compassion and thoughtfulness. Every project he’s involved with is elevated by these qualities.”

BMG has acquired the publishing rights of Luca Anzilotti, co-founder of Eurodance group Snap!

“Having seen firsthand how BMG has successfully managed the Snap! catalog, I feel incredibly confident that my legacy is in the best possible hands,” Anzilotti said in a statement. “Bringing all these pieces together under BMG’s roof is the logical next step, ensuring our music continues to be actively cared for and reaches its full potential globally. I’m excited to see what comes next for Snap! with BMG.”

Jasper Niebuhr, managing director, GSA, BMG, added, “Snap!’s music is a global phenomenon, and BMG has been dedicated to preserving its cultural impact and maximizing its potential for over a decade. This latest acquisition of Luca’s publishing interests marks an important milestone for us, bringing us closer to a fully aligned vision for this exceptional catalog. With greater synergy, we can more effectively optimize both recorded and publishing revenues worldwide, including unlocking new synch opportunities. It’s about ensuring Snap!’s music continues to thrive and reach both existing fans and new audiences for years to come.”

Julian Hamilton, one half of electronic duo The Presets, has entered a publishing agreement with Concord Music Publishing ANZ. The company has acquired an interest in Hamilton’s catalog and Hamilton has signed with Concord Music Publishing ANZ for future works and titles.

Among Hamilton’s acquired works are songs across his four albums with the Presets, including “My People,” “Talk Like That,” “This Boy’s In Love,” “Are You The One?” “Girl and Sea” and “Martini.”

“Partnering with Concord Music Publishing through the sale of a portion of my catalog is a significant milestone for me,” Hamilton said in a statement. “I love these songs. They are the fruit of over three decades of creativity, collaborations and a whole lot of partying. I know Concord are going to take great care of them, and I’m proud knowing that these tunes will continue to reach listeners in new ways for years to come.”

Jaime Gough, managing director of Concord ANZ, added, “I’ve been a fan of The Presets since I first heard the song ‘Let’s Go!’ in 2003. Their early material represented everything that was cool about the early ‘00s electro/clash scene, and over the following 20 plus years they have soundtracked Australia’s electro dance scene and consistently been the best live electronic act in the country. Julian has amassed an amazing songwriting catalog which I have been in awe of from afar, so it is a special moment to finally be working together, and exciting for our team to be collaborating on new opportunities.”

ORiGiN Music Group has expanded its roster with a series of publishing and record deals. Vacations’ Nate Delizzotti, Jake Johnson and Joey van Lier; Ruby Fields; Electric Fields; Richard Clapton and Benji Lewis are among those who signed a deal.

“This significant milestone reinforces ORiGiN Music Group’s unwavering commitment to supporting homegrown talent and building on the legacy established with ORiGiN over 30+ years,” the company’s COO, Graig Redfearn, said in a statement.

Carson Peters has signed to Sony Music Publishing Nashville for a worldwide publishing agreement. The 22-year-old artist has had songs with Braxton Keith, Cole Goodwin and Kenny Whitmore.

“I want to thank God for this wonderful opportunity in my career, my wife and my entire family for supporting and encouraging me through the ups and downs of the music industry, as well as Emily Carignan, Aubrey Landon and the whole team at Sony for believing in my and my songs. Long live country music!”

Emily Carignan, manager, creative A&R at Sony Music Publishing Nashville, said, “Carson Peters immediately impressed me with his undeniable talent and work ethic. Watching his early success unfold has been incredibly rewarding, and I know this is only the beginning for him.”

Aubrey Landon, senior director, creative A&R at Sony Music Publishing Nashville, added, “Getting the chance to work with someone as promising as Carson doesn’t come around often. He’s so authentic and brings a fresh young perspective to the more classic country sound in his music. We are beyond thrilled to be in his corner!”