Together with Spotify, the 100 Percenters, who have long rallied for more equitable treatment for songwriters in the industry, will offer career grants of $2,500 each to ten professional songwriters and producers.
The partnership is supported by Spotify’s Creator Equity Fund as the latest part of its ongoing commitment to fostering equity in the audio space. Applications for these grants will be open starting March 15 and will close April 15.
To qualify for consideration, applicants must be members of the 100 Percenters community and have a minimum of two years of professional experience. Additionally, applicants should have three or more commercial songwriting or producer credits, be a U.S. citizen earning an annual income of less than $100,000, and be able to provide verifiable proof of income.
“We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Spotify, contributing to the success of talented professionals in the music community. These career grants symbolize our commitment to nurturing and supporting the careers of songwriters and producers who are the backbone of our industry,” said Tiffany Red, founder and executive director of the 100 Percenters.
“Songwriters and producers are the heart and soul of the music industry. We’re excited to partner with the 100 Percenters to help elevate and empower both established and emerging songwriters & producers,” added Jacqueline Ankner, songwriter and publishing relations manager at Spotify.
+ Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has signed Yusuf Islam, also known as Cat Stevens, to an exclusive, global administration agreement.
Inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Stevens’ biggest hits include “Father and Son,” “Wild World,” “The Wind” and “Morning Has Broken.” He has sold over 100 million records and amassed more than 2 billion streams to date.
Jody Gerson, chairman and CEO of UMPG, said, “For me personally, ‘Tea for the Tillerman’ and ‘Teaser and the Firecat’ stand the test of time. Songs from both albums do what great music is supposed to do – they make us feel deeply. It’s a privilege to be able to work with Yusuf and Yoriyos and the entire UMPG global team to introduce these incredible songs to new generations.”
Yoriyos Adamos, son and manager of Stevens, added, “This is the first time the publishing catalog has been united under one roof with the master catalog since Chris Blackwell’s Island Records years. I was really excited about teaming up with Jody and Mike after our initial discussions. We share a dynamic vision and are all committed to supporting Yusuf’s music and his timeless message of peace.”
Stevens’ music has been featured in numerous movies, most famously in Hal Ashby’s “Harold and Maude,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” “The Wind” and “The Holdovers.”
Pictured above (L-R): Yoriyos Adamos, Yusuf Islam and UMPG UK MD Mike McCormack.
+ Reservoir Media, Inc., an independent music company, has entered a new publishing deal with Kings of Leon. The deal includes the band’s upcoming album, “Can We Please Have Fun.”
Since their debut in 2003, Kings of Leon (Caleb (guitar/vocals), Nathan (drums), Jared (bass) and Matthew Followill (guitar)) have released eight albums and sold over 20 million albums and nearly 40 million singles worldwide.
In February, Kings of Leon released their new album’s lead single, “Mustang,” and also announced their 2024 world tour produced by Live Nation in North America. The tour will hit 26 cities across the U.S. and Canada starting August 14.
John Ozier, Reservoir’s executive VP of creative, commented, “It is an honor to bring my fellow Nashvillians Caleb, Nathan, Jared, and Matthew to Reservoir. As incredible musicians and forward thinkers, Kings of Leon have cemented themselves as one of this generation’s greatest rock groups, and we’re excited to support the next chapter of their legacy: Can We Please Have Fun.”
Reservoir President and Chief Operating Officer Rell Lafargue added, “Expanding our catalog with new music from Kings of Leon is a golden opportunity for Reservoir to work alongside one of the greatest rock bands of recent times. We look forward to working with the band through the rollout of Can We Please Have Fun and as they embark on their international tour to bring this excellent rock record to their fanbase worldwide.”
+ Katy Perry’s Unsub Publishing has signed an exclusive co-publishing deal with Debbii Dawson. In 2023, she released her debut EP “Learning,” including the song “Eulogy For Nobody.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to have Unsub partner with the incredibly gifted songwriting talent that is Debbii Dawson,” said Perry in a statement. “My team and I have fallen in love with Debbii’s ability to fill her songs with a perspective that feels so uniquely her. She’s the type of artist that gives voice to your subconscious. She’s a rare find and someone I believe has the brightest of futures ahead of her as an artist, songwriter, and creative force.”
Maura Duval, senior director of A&R for Warner Chappel Music (WCM) and Jacob Koransky, manager of A&R for WCM said, “Debbii is a rare treasure. Ever since we first heard her demos from fellow WCM songwriter, Gabe Reali, we were sold. Her voice is undeniably unique and her storytelling is both authentic and distinct. We’re excited to help develop such a promising star.”
+ Live Nation’s music discovery platform OnesToWatch and Mastercard are launching the second season of an artist accelerator program tailored to meet the surging demand for live music.
The program selects five emerging artists to support by providing them with resources including live performances, mentorship from artists and industry experts, educational boot camps to hone their skills for using emerging technology, merchandising, marketing and more, alongside touring and content opportunities throughout the year.
+ Prescription Songs has added the Miami-based songwriter and producer JayM to their roster of artists. In a special partnership with DallasK, JayM was signed into the company by Prescription Songs A&Rs Siara Behar and Shari Fitch.
Originally from Venezuela, JayM (real name Juan Romero) has roots in Latin music expanding into pop and rock. JayM frequently collaborated with artists such as Gale, DallasK, Aloisio and G40. More recently he’s expanded his network into the English market working alongside Nate Campany, Elijah Noll, Tele, John Feldman and Kat Dahlia. Recent and upcoming credits include tracks with Marshmello, Lunay, Beéle, LiL CaKe, Brray, Corina Smith and Aloisio, among others.
