Music Industry Moves: Snoop Dogg and Death Row Records Sign With Reservoir; Edgar Barrera Re-Ups With Sony Latin Publishing

Jem Aswad
·10-min read

Reservoir Media this week announced new publishing deals with rapper Snoop Dogg and his Death Row Records. The deals include domestic publishing for Snoop’s entire catalog of hits and future works, as well as the publishing catalog of Snoop’s Death Row Records. His catalog includes songs like “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Gin and Juice” and “What’s My Name?” and many collaborations; the Death Row catalog includes albums released by Snoop, Dr. Dre and 2Pac.

Snoop commented, “I’m so honored to have them as a partner and excited for all the great things to come with the catalogue as well as new music ventures. 2024 and beyond 🔥🙏🏾🐾”

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Reservoir EVP and global creative director Donna Caseine said, “Legendary artists only need one name. Snoop is part of that echelon. From music, to brands, television, and film, his acumen represents excellence,” said Donna Caseine, Reservoir Executive Vice President, Global Creative Director. “For the last three decades he has been a pillar of hip-hop music and popular culture. He helped write Death Row Records into music’s history books. It is an honor to support Snoop’s vision as an artist and work with the Death Row family alongside Jaslin Levy, Sabriya Dublin, Sara Ramaker, and their entire team.”

Reservoir founder-CEO Golnar Khosrowshahi added, “Being in business with Snoop is an exciting opportunity to support his legendary catalog, leveraging his massive stardom to further embed his music across mainstream media.” She added, “This deal also marks a unique moment to help further the legacy of an important and valuable brand like Death Row. Snoop has come full circle with Death Row, showcasing his ongoing dedication to upholding its rich history – something Reservoir has proven as a core value and area of expertise across our business.”

+ Sony Music Publishing Latin has announced the renewal of its global publishing deal with multi-Latin Grammy and Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, recording engineer and musician Edgar Barrera. The agreement extends the company’s longstanding partnership with Barrera, which began in 2014. Barrera has written songs for or with Maluma, Camila Cabello, Becky G, Ariana Grande, Yandel, Marc Anthony, Shakira, Camilo, Karol G, Peso Pluma and many others.

The news coincides with Barrera’s latest achievement as the leading nominee for the 2024 Latin Grammy awards for the second year in a row, with a total of nine nominations in top categories including Songwriter of the Year and Producer of the Year.  “I am very grateful and excited to extend my relationship with Sony Music Publishing, to start a new chapter on a journey that started 10 years ago. Jorge and Jon have always supported all of my crazy ideas and given me a safe space to continue growing as a writer and music executive,” said Edgar Barrera.

Sony Music Publishing President & CEO, Latin America and U.S. Latin Jorge Mejia said, “Edgar is one of the most hardworking, versatile, talented, and smart songwriters I’ve had the pleasure to work with, period. Most importantly, over the years I’ve learned that for Edgar it’s not about the accolades or the records or barriers that he breaks time and again – it is about the music. With that mindset, I know Edgar is possibly just getting started. We are beyond honored to be part of his team and can’t wait to see what’s next.”

+ Dickon Stainer has been named chairman & CEO of Universal Music U.K., following David Joseph’s announcement that he is stepping down from the post after 17 years.

In his new role, Stainer is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of Universal Music UK.  The following divisions, including Island EMI Label Group, Polydor Label Group, Decca Records, the recently formed Audience and Media Division, as well as Abbey Road Studios, will report to him. For the last 10 years, Stainer served as President & CEO of Universal Music Group’s (UMG) Global Classics and Jazz division splitting his time between London and New York. He will also continue in the capacity of Chairman of Global Classics & Jazz.  Announcements regarding new leadership roles and internal promotions in these businesses will be made shortly.

“Dickon has embraced an expansive musical worldview throughout his career, taking artists from a wide variety of genres and bringing them to audiences globally,” said UMG chairman-CEO Lucian Grainge.  “He not only has deep experience in leveraging our worldwide organization on behalf of our artists, but a track record that includes global commercial and creative artist successes and countless awards in many countries. I would also like to thank David Joseph for his many contributions.  He leaves with our gratitude.”

+ Ali Tamposi has become a principal at Livelihood Music Company, joining fellow hitmakers JKash and Michael Pollack at the helm of the independent publishing venture. Tamposi brings her expertise as one of the most successful female songwriters of her generation to nurture and mentor Livelihood’s roster of young songwriters. Tamposi’s active participation in the company will serve to further Livelihood’s foundational mission of “songwriters supporting songwriters.”

Tamposi’s hits include “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson, “Havana” by Camila Cabello, “Senorita” by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, “Let Me Love You” by Justin Bieber and DJ Snake, “It Ain’t Me” by Selena Gomez and Kygo, “Youngblood” by 5 Seconds of Summer, and “Break My Heart” by Dua Lipa. Tamposi has been nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Justin Bieber’s “Justice” (2021), Song of the Year for Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” (2012), and Best Rock song for Ozzy Osbourne’s “Patient Number 9” (2022).

“I’m thrilled to be joining Livelihood Music Company, and expanding my sphere into the role of publisher,” says Tamposi. “Stepping into this new role creates a perfect blend of my two greatest passions – songwriting and motherhood – both requiring continuous nurturing and selfless devotion. I hope to empower and impart my knowledge to Livelihood’s up-and-coming songwriters, while keeping the shared experiences of female songwriters genuine in the music.”

+ New York’s City Parks Foundation’s 2024 benefit Dinner & Concert in Central Park raised $1.3 million in donations on Thursday.  All funds raised will support City Parks Foundation’s free arts, sports, environmental education and community building programs produced each year in New York City public parks across all five boroughs. This year’s event honored Hall of Fame tennis legend, NYC icon, and philanthropist John McEnroe, and tennis commentator/star and philanthropist Patrick McEnroe jointly with the City Parks Foundation Icon Award and Nadir Settles, Global Head of Real Estate Impact at Nuveen Real Estate, with the City Parks Foundation People & Parks Award.  Guests enjoyed special performances by 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and legendary artist Peter Frampton and Grammy and Academy Award-nominated singer/songwriter Patty Smyth.

+ Grammy Award-winning artist Laufey performed at an event in Los Angeles launching Syracuse University’s Bandier Program’s new music business masters program, called the Laufey Scholarship for Graduate Students, which will provide $100,000 over the next 10 years to the Bandier program. The scholarship supports international students or those in need of financial aid in the prestigious Bandier music business master’s program.

“I’m incredibly proud to support this scholarship and be part of such an important moment for the Bandier program. The talent, knowledge and passion that my team brings to our work every day are a direct result of the incredible education they received at Syracuse University,” Laufey said. “I hope this scholarship will help future students find the same success and fulfillment in the music industry.”

+ Range Music Publishing has inked an exclusive global administration deal with Universal Music Publishing Group. The new publishing agreement expands on Range Media Partners’ existing relationships with Universal Music Group’s Capitol Music Group and Virgin Music Group.

Range Publishing’s roster includes Sean Cook, Warburton, Luke Grimes, Dylan Gossett, Grant Averill, Tyler Dopps, Two Fresh, Luke Niccoli, and others.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with our friends at UMPG as we build Range Music Publishing and grow our global footprint,” says Range publishing chief Casey Robison. “UMPG’s impressive team will help us maximize creative opportunities while providing first class administration for our growing roster of artists and songwriters. We couldn’t be more proud to call UMPG our partners.”

Jennifer Knoepfle, UMPG EVP and Co-Head of A&R, said: “In the short time Range has focused on publishing, they have already made a strong impact in the marketplace. Casey, Sam, Matt and team have a great ethos and vision and we are happy to be their admin partner on current and future endeavors.”

+ The Core Records has named Jon Borris as General Manager. Borris joins the label following a successful six-year tenure at Republic Records, where he worked with Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, Drake, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Post Malone and others. Prior to Republic, Borris spent nearly two decades at Sony Music Entertainment.

“We are beyond excited to have Jon join The Core Records,” said Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, co-founders and CEOs of The Core Entertainment. “His unparalleled expertise in artist development, combined with his track record of success, makes him the perfect fit as we continue building the future of music.”

+ ADA, the independent label and artist services arm of Warner Music Group, has named former TikTok exec Corey Sheridan as Global Head of Commerce & Revenue. In this post, Sheridan will oversee the company’s commercial relationships & strategy, helping drive revenue and maximize the potential of music releases. Based in Los Angeles, he reports to ADA President Cat Kreidich.

Kreidich said: “I’ve had the privilege of knowing Corey for years, and he’s always stood out as a visionary leader with an ability to anticipate industry shifts and trends. His deep-seated passion for indie music, combined with his unique digital and social experience and influential relationships across labels, artists, and platforms, make him an invaluable force on our team. As we continue to take ADA into the future, his leadership will be instrumental in driving commercial success and generating new revenue opportunities for our partners.”

+ Top independent publishing company Prescription Songs has re-signed Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Rocco Valdes, professionally known as Rocco Did It Again! The announcement was made by Rhea Pasricha, Head of A&R West Coast. His hits include Lil Durk’s Grammy-winning “All My Life (feat J.Cole)” and “Stand by Me (feat. Morgan Wallen),” Katy Perry’s “I’m His, He’s Mine” (ft. Doechii) and “Lifetimes,” and “Best Friend” by Saweetie feat. Doja Cat.

“Extending my deal with Prescription Songs is a testament to how amazing this team is,” says Rocco. “I’m super excited for what’s next! A huge thank you to Luke, Rhea and Shari for their continued belief in me and my music.”

+ Warner Chappell Music publishing has promoted Spencer Nohe to Vice President, A&R. Throughout his time in the industry, Nohe has worked with Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Parker Welling, Casey Brown, Josh Kerr, Matt Jenkins, Alana Springsteen, Brittney Spencer, and Conner Smith, among others. He will continue reporting to Ben Vaughn, President and CEO, WCM Nashville.

Vaughn said, “Spencer is a true, thoughtful music professional that balances the creativity expected when working daily with songwriters with the business mind needed to ensure their career paths are served and protected. Happy to announce this well-deserved promotion today.”

+ Mary Megan Peer/Peermusic have named Samantha Schilling Robinson as Vice President, peermusic Neighbouring Rights. Samantha was previously Vice President of Neighbouring Rights at Songtradr, INC. and brings over 17 years of experience in creative & rights management. In this new role at peermusic Neighbouring Rights, Samantha will collaborate closely with record labels, artists, composers, and collecting societies to ensure precise collection and distribution of royalties to neighbouring rights clients, with a particular focus in the Audio-Visual sector.

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