Yahoo Lifestyle Music Industry Moves: T-Pain Sells Publishing Catalog and Select Masters to HarbourView (EXCLUSIVE)
HarbourView Equity Partners has purchased the publishing catalog and select master rights of T-Pain.
“I’m excited for this next chapter and to partner with HarbourView Equity as they help preserve the legacy of my music,” said T-Pain. “This catalog represents years of hard work, creativity, and unforgettable moments, and I’m grateful to see it continue to reach new heights. I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
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Throughout his career, T-Pain has sold over 50 million singles, accumulated billions of streams, and landed over 10 Billboard Hot 100-charting singles. This year marks 20-years of the six-time Grammy winner’s biggest hits, including “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’),” “Bartender (feat. Akon),” “I’m N Luv (Wit a Stripper) (feat. Mike Jones),” Flo Rida’s “Low,” “I’m Sprung,” and more.
T-Pain is also popular on the streaming platform Twitch, and is head of his own Nappy Boy Entertainment, Nappy Boy Automotive, Nappy Boy Gaming and Nappy Boy Dranks.
“We are excited to welcome T-Pain, a true trailblazer in the music industry, to the HarbourView family” said HarbourView Founder and CEO Sherrese Clarke. “His visionary artistry and innovative spirit have left an indelible mark on modern music, and we can’t wait to collaborate and amplify his incredible legacy even further.”
HarbourView’s portfolio of music catalog currently boasts assets from James Fauntleroy, George Benson, Noel Zancanella, Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie, Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo, Nelly, Jeremih, Wiz Khalifa, Kane Brown, Full Force and more.
Fox Rothschild served as legal counsel to HarbourView in this transaction. T-Pain was represented by Joey Halbardier of Halbardier A.P.C. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
+ Atlantic Music Group have formed a partnership with Abou “Bu” Thiam to bring his BuVision label to the company. Under the new deal, BuVision artist projects will be marketed and released through Atlantic.
“Bu’s commitment to signing cutting edge artists and supporting their development is core to our values at Atlantic,” said Elliot Grainge, CEO of Atlantic Music Group. “Bu has a unique vision and a track record of both signing and developing newcomers as well as guiding the careers of some of the biggest artists in our business. We are thrilled to welcome him into the Atlantic family.”
After holding pivotal positions at labels like Def Jam and Columbia Records, Bu founded BuVision in 2018. “Elliot has assembled the kind of forward thinking team that is critical to helping artists succeed in today’s landscape, his team is the best in the business,” said Thiam. “We have a strong slate of BuVision artist releases planned for 2025 starting with 4Batz and Sailorr. We can’t wait to get started.”
+ Primary Wave Music have entered into a marketing and administration agreement with Jimmy Webb. As part of the agreement, Primary Wave will now represent a major portion of his music publishing catalog which includes some of his most well-known and iconic hits including “Wichita Lineman,” “MacArthur Park,” and Up, Up and Away.” In addition, Primary Wave will work closely with Webb to not only market his catalog of music, but also his name, image, and likeness.
Included in the agreement is a catalog of music that encompasses some of Webb’s most notable songs across his career such as the platinum selling “Wichita Lineman,” “The Worst That Could Happen,” “Galveston,” “By the Time I Get To Phoenix,” as well as the Grammy winning songs “MacArthur Park” and “Up, Up and Away.”
“I am looking forward to partnering with Primary Wave,” said Webb. He continues, “They have a youthful enthusiasm and creative approach to publishing that will expose my music to new audiences.”
Wednesday, Feb. 19
Songwriter Savan Kotecha has teamed up with Universal Music India, Republic Records, and Represent to launch a nationwide talent hunt to discover and develop India’s first globally positioned boy band.
Savan Kotecha, a 17-time Grammy nominee, Oscar and Golden Globe nominee, is known for crafting chart-topping hits for Ariana Grande, the Weeknd, One Direction, Justin Bieber and more. To document the curation of India’s first contemporary boy band, Kotecha and his team have partnered with Jugaad Motion Pictures.
Reflecting on his mission, Kotecha shared, “For too long, Indian youth have looked outside for their pop and teen idols. Boy bands from around the world have shaped entire generations, and now, it’s India’s turn. We want to create a group that represents India’s diversity, dreams, and aspirations while igniting an unprecedented wave of fandom and paving the way for the Indian Teen Pop economy.”
Adding to this, Sanujeet Bhujabal, managing director, Universal Music Group India and South Asia, said, “Our i-Pop strategy has been laser-focused on fostering a younger, Gen Z and Gen Alpha-driven soundscape in India. Now, with Savan, we’re taking this vision global by creating India’s first true pop boy band. This will be the biggest, most ambitious pop project and talent hunt India has ever seen, and we are beyond excited to bring this to life. At the same time, we’re committed to introducing and building a long-term teen pop economy in India.”
Applicants can submit video answering select questions and showcasing their talent. After a month-long selection process, shortlisted candidates will advance to the next round, with the final five undergoing an intensive training bootcamp before making their debut.
+ Reach Music Publishing Inc. has entered into a publishing agreement with Fitz, songwriter and lead vocalist of the band Fitz and The Tantrums. Reach Music acquired the copyright interest in Fitz’s entire back-catalog — approximately 100 songs released by Fitz and The Tantrums, including the hits “Handclap,” “Out of My League,” “The Walker” and “Moneygrabber.” Reach Music also controls the global administration rights to the shares it has acquired.
In addition, Reach Music has entered into a new go-forward administration deal that covers Fitz’s shares in his current solo album “Summer of Us,” as well as the upcoming Fitz and The Tantrums album slated for release later in 2025.
Prior to this publishing deal with Fitz, Reach Music was already the administrator for a large portion of his catalog via Dangerbird Records, beginning with Fitz and The Tantrum’s first album “Pickin’ Up the Pieces” released in 2010.
Michael Closter, president/founder and owner of Reach Music, said, “It’s very exciting to be able to enter into this publishing deal with Fitz, and to represent copyright interests in songs that we had already been administering for many years and know so well. We are also looking forward to building on this relationship with Fitz for his new releases and future venture possibilities.”
Fitz said, “I’m thrilled to team up with Reach Music! Their passion for my music and hustle is real. I couldn’t be more excited about this deal and to make the future happen.”
+ Big Machine Label Group, a subsidiary of HYBE America, has announced the appointment of Jodi Dawes as VP of publicity and communications. Dawes will oversee the label group’s PR department and lead media strategy across the imprints of Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co., and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment.
“What Scott and his team at Big Machine Label Group have built across the last two decades is remarkable, and their enthusiasm for the future of the company is contagious,” said Dawes. “I am thrilled to join them and work with this roster of talented artists, encompassing burgeoning new voices, road-tested hitmakers, and bonafide stars. It’s an honor to lead publicity efforts at BMLG at such an exciting time for this label, and for Country music as a whole.”
Dawes joins BMLG from Universal Music Group Nashville, where she spent more than three years spearheading label publicity campaigns for artists including Brothers Osborne, Parker McCollum, Maddie and Tae, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Anne Wilson, Tucker Wetmore, Josh Ross and more.
Prior to her time at UMGN, Dawes gained experience at several boutique PR firms in Nashville, including four years at Sweet Talk Publicity where she handled day-to-day publicity needs for Ernest, Chris Lane, Breland, and RaeLynn, among others.
“Jodi is joining us at a very important time in the evolution of the Big Machine Label Group,” said BMLG Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta. “Her laser-sharp acumen in the media world will not only enhance, but add a multiple to supercharging all things Big Machine. I am thrilled to have her on the team.”
+ Sony Music Publishing Nashville and RED Creative Group today announced the signing of songwriter Kelly Archer to a global publishing agreement. The deal reflects SMP Nashville’s continued partnership with RED Creative Group, which includes signings Jeremy Stover, Cole Taylor, Matt Mulhare, and more.
Archer has penned songs for Brett Young, Justin Moore, Corey Kent and Travis Denning. Her most recent hit is Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood’s “I’m Gonna Love You.”
Rusty Gaston, CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville said, “We are thrilled to welcome Kelly to the SMP Nashville family in partnership with our friends at Red Creative. Kelly is a seasoned craftsman who always brings her best into every writing situation. Her track record speaks for itself, and we believe her brightest and most impactful songs are still ahead.”
+ Anthem Entertainment has signed Canadian singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk to a new exclusive co-publishing agreement. This partnership follows Anthem’s acquisition of a portion of Kreviazuk’s hit catalog, which includes collaborations recorded by Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson and more.
“In addition to her remarkable artist career, Chantal is a world-class songwriter with an outstanding catalog of cuts to her credit, along with boundless drive and creative vision,” said Jason Klein, CEO of Anthem Entertainment. “I am thrilled to welcome Chantal into the Anthem Music Publishing family, and support the next era of her exceptional career.”
“Working with Anthem Entertainment this past year has been an incredible experience,” added Kreviazuk. “I’m thrilled to expand our partnership and explore new creative opportunities together.”
+ Celine Hollenbeck and Jenna Akemi Kon have been named partners at the music and entertainment law firm, Carroll Guido Groffman Cohen Bar and Karalian LLP. Hollenbeck, based out of the firm’s Los Angeles office, and Kon, based out of the firm’s New York office, have been with the firm since 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Michael Guido, founding partner at the firm, and Renee Karalian, managing partner of the Los Angeles office, said jointly: “We are thrilled to elevate Celine and Jenna to partners at Carroll Guido Groffman Cohen Bar & Karalian, LLP. Their exceptional dedication, vast experience across all areas of the entertainment industry, and enthusiasm and passion for music and artistry continue to impress the firm’s clients and partners alike. We are incredibly proud to continue the firm’s long-standing tradition of promoting women to leadership positions and are excited to have Celine and Jenna join the next generation of superstar partners at the firm.”
+ Big Feat PR has named Taylor Vaughn its new VP, as announced by Doug Hall, founder, and Julia Casey, VP. In her new role, Vaughn will be heading up the West Coast office and working across their roster of entertainment clients.
In talking about the new position, Hall commented, “Taylor is one of the most dynamic, impactful and beloved publicists in the business and we are honored to have her on team Big Feat. Her tenacity, strategic mind and contact book are second to none and I believe with her in our corner, we will be an unstoppable PR force.”
Vaughn added, “I am so happy to be working with Doug and the entire Big Feat PR team. They are not only experts in their field but they have a passion for artists that goes beyond the status quo. They are leaders in the industry that work tirelessly to succeed. I’m honored to be part of the team and work together in this next chapter.
+ Sony Music Nashville has upped Mallory Michaels to VP of radio marketing and promotion. Michaels previously held the title of senior director, promotion, RCA Nashville.
She will develop and implement strategic and tactical national radio promotion plans for all rostered artists at Sony Music Nashville, in support of both the Columbia Nashville and RCA Nashville imprints. In addition, Michaels will support the regional promotion staff and report to Dennis Reese, senior VP of radio marketing and promotion.
“I’m thrilled to announce this well-deserved promotion,” said Reese. “Mallory is a force and her ability to execute the radio plans for our artists has helped lead the label to significant history breaking No. 1 records. I’m excited to see her continue her growth here with us and bring more success to the label.”
Michaels joined Sony Music Nashville in May 2018 where she was responsible for promotion efforts in the Midwest and Southwest regions for the RCA Nashville roster.
+ Sony Music Publishing has promoted Taryn Miller to VP of IT global copyright and royalties, effective immediately. Miller will continue to be based out the company’s Nashville office, reporting to Sony Music Publishing’s Chief Information Officer Bill Starke.
Taryn will now be responsible for overseeing the development and management of the company’s royalty and copyright systems including Tempo, as well as its client portal SCORE. She will also be responsible for liaising across departments in support of the company’s enterprise applications.
Miller said, “I am honored to be stepping into this new role and to further expand our technological support for our business and clients. It is a privilege to be a part of such an amazing team who truly puts songwriters first, and I am excited for what’s to come.”
Starke added, “Taryn has been an invaluable member of our team and her contributions have continued to elevate our services for songwriters. I am thrilled to celebrate Taryn’s well-deserved promotion, and I look forward to working together as we continue to advance our capabilities across the business.”
+ Reservoir Media, Inc. announced the acquisition of U.K. dance and electronic label New State. The deal includes New State’s entire recorded music catalog of over 13,000 tracks by artists, such as Zero 7, The Beloved, Paul Oakenfold, Dirty Vegas, D:Ream, Double Trouble, Rebel MC and Congo Natty. The acquisition will also see Reservoir continue to market and release new music by New State artists via Reservoir-owned Chrysalis Records.
Reservoir President and Chief Operating Officer Rell Lafargue commented, “Acquiring New State is an exciting opportunity to expand our recorded music business with yet another long-standing, high-quality independent label and showcase our ongoing commitment to championing independent music. With the global reach of our Chrysalis Records team now supporting New State’s legacy artists, we are well-positioned to elevate this incredible catalog, while also continuing to release new music through New State to push the brand forward.”
+ Indie-pop artist Your Smith has signed with Nettwerk Music Group. The Minnesota-born singer returns to music after a four-year hiatus with her debut on the label, “Peaches.”
“I wrote that song in a moment when my older brother was going through a very difficult time
and I was dealing with a lot of change in my own life,” said Your Smith. “It’s about wishing I could just scoop us up and drive us away, but also wishing I could have done that in our childhood.”
Tuesday, Feb. 18
AEG Presents has upped Andrew Klein, who previously held the title of senior vice president of global partnerships, to president of global partnerships.
Klein has been tasked with spearheading all sales and activation business for AEG Presents’ global partnerships division, reporting to Shawn Trell, executive VP and chief operating officer.
Klein has spent two decades with AEG Presents and is responsible for the sponsorship sales efforts across the company’s tours, festivals and music venues. These assets include marquee properties such as Stagecoach Festival, Camp Flog Gnaw, the New Orleans Jazz Fest and Heritage Festival, and over 55 of the company’s owned and operated venues.
Klein, who will continue to be based in New York, commented, “The opportunities in our company have never been more exciting or abundant for driving meaningful results for our partners,” said Klein. “I look forward to continuing to develop and implement innovative programs that amplify our world-class brand partners and industry-leading music assets.
Klein is credited for the development of such partnerships as H&M’s global licensing deal with Coachella, tour sponsorship deals between Justin Bieber, Xbox, Ubisoft and Motorola, as well as Katy Perry’s sponsorship deal with Staples. Klein was named on Variety’s 2016 edition of the Dealmakers Impact Report.
+ Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has promoted Gabz Landman to senior VP of A&R. Based in Los Angeles, and reporting to Ryan Press, president of North America at WCM, Landman will continue to sign and develop top talent as well as lead high-profile sessions.
In the past few years, Landman has curated a diverse roster, including Laufey, the Chainsmokers, John Ryan, Kenya Grace, and Amy Allen — who recently won songwriter of the year at the 2025 Grammys.
Landman shared, “I have so much gratitude for Warner Chappell. Ryan, Guy, Carianne, and the entire team have continuously supported and empowered me, and I’ve had the privilege of working with the best colleagues and creators in the business, who have become like family. The songwriter and producer community have always had my heart and being in a position to advocate for them every day and elevate their careers is a dream come true. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to continue to do what I love.”
Press added, “Gabz is one of the most talented, passionate, and driven A&R leaders out there. Her relentless ambition, combined with her thoughtful and intentional approach to nurturing and developing songwriters, truly sets her apart.”
+ Rolling Stone Presents has unveiled “Amplified, The Immersive Rock Experience,” a 360-degree immersive experience opening March 12 at Illuminarium Las Vegas at AREA15. This exhibition will celebrate the history, imagery and culture of rock and roll, encompassing over 1,000 photographs, 200 videos, 1,300 Rolling Stone covers, and featuring over 300 iconic artists whose music changed the world.
Narrated by actor-musician Kevin Bacon, this visual, historical, and sonic tour spans genres and generations, offering insights into rock’s influential past and living present.
“We are proud to partner with Illuminarium and a top-tier creative team to present Amplified, a powerful story of rock ‘n’ roll – one that echoes our own legacy and the deep cultural impact this music has made,” said Gus Wenner, chief executive officer of Rolling Stone. “Amplified is a uniquely immersive experience and transports you through the history of rock and roll – past and present – through sight, sound, and motion.”
“Music imagery is about experiences,” says Jodi Peckman, executive producer and former creative director of Rolling Stone. “It’s about the unbridled joy of concerts and our connection to our favorite artists. Every picture tells a story and Rolling Stone Presents: Amplified has hundreds of stories to tell.”
+ Dick Clark Productions (DCP) has appointed Nick Terranova as senior VP of brand partnerships. Based in New York, Terranova, will be responsible for developing innovative and strategic brand alliances across all media platforms for top-rated programming including Golden Globes, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and Academy of Country Music Awards.
Terranova brings over 15 years of experience in media, advertising, and partnerships to the role with a proven track record driving revenue growth and building lasting, high-impact brand relationships. Prior to joining DCP, Terranova held senior leadership roles at Fox and Warner Bros.
As senior VP of ad sales and brand partnerships at Fox, Terranova oversaw the national sales team and led the transition of TMZ’s advertising business following its acquisition from WarnerMedia. Prior to Fox, Terranova held key sales leadership roles during his 12-year tenure at Warner Bros., managing numerous multimillion-dollar advertising portfolios for premium entertainment properties such as Rotten Tomatoes, Flixster, TMZ, Ellen DeGeneres, Extra, and DC Comics — brands that together formed Warner Bros. Digital Media.
+ WK Entertainment has signed Xavi.
The música mexicana artist will be represented by WK Entertainment in partnership with Xavi’s father and manager, Fabio Gutierrez, along with Latin Lifestyle Entertainment. Xavi’s booking agency, WME, will continue overseeing all touring, brand partnerships, and film projects alongside WK and Latin Lifestyle.
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