MNEK & Neil Medley Sign With Sony Music Publishing

The global music publishing landscape is undergoing a significant realignment as major industry players secure partnerships with a diverse array of generational talents. From Academy Award-winning composers to chart-topping pop and country songwriters, these strategic moves signal a focused effort to consolidate creative influence across multiple genres.

Pop and Global Influence: The MNEK Era

MNEK has entered into a worldwide publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing UK. Known for his versatility as a singer, songwriter, and producer, MNEK has contributed to the catalogs of global stars including Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, BTS, Stormzy, Demi Lovato, and Jax Jones.

The partnership follows a string of high-profile achievements, including two Grammy Awards, two Ivor Novello Awards, and a BRIT nomination. His solo success is further highlighted by the track “Head & Heart,” which has garnered 1.3 billion streams on Spotify.

This new chapter may facilitate the release of the follow-up to his 2018 debut album, Language, which is expected later this year. The collaboration between MNEK and Sony Music Publishing’s London and L.A. Teams could further expand his global impact as a creative force.

Did You Know? MNEK’s song “Head & Heart,” recorded with Joel Corry, has reached 1.3 billion streams on Spotify to date.

Nashville’s Creative Stability: Medley and Robbins

In the country music sector, established songwriters are reinforcing their ties to major publishing houses. Neil Medley has renewed his global deal with River House Artists and Sony Music Publishing, continuing a partnership that has produced hits for Luke Bryan, Jake Owen, and Hudson Westbrook.

Similarly, Jimmy Robbins has signed a worldwide administration deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville. This agreement includes expanded creative services for Robbins, who co-produced “half of my hometown” and worked on the Grammy-nominated hit “The Bones” for Maren Morris.

These renewals suggest a trend of prioritizing long-term stability for songwriters who consistently shape the sound of modern country music. Such partnerships may lead to further chart-topping collaborations within the Nashville circuit.

Expanding Horizons: From Aotearoa to the Academy

The industry is also looking toward emerging international talent and cinematic excellence. New Zealand indie-pop band Borderline has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Concord Music Publishing ANZ.

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Following a 2024 signing with EMPIRE and debuts at SXSW 2025 and The Great Escape, the band is positioning itself for a wider global audience. Their recent output includes the Chrysalis EP and singles such as “Tainted” and “Watching It Burn.”

In the realm of film scoring, Universal Music Publishing Group and 45RPM have signed Daniel Blumberg. The London-based composer recently won an Academy Award and a BAFTA for his work on The Brutalist, and has also composed for The Testament of Ann Lee and Sotto le Nuvole/Pompei: Below The Clouds.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the simultaneous signing of a “generational” pop talent like MNEK and a high-art composer like Daniel Blumberg underscores a strategic shift. Publishing houses are no longer just seeking hits; they are investing in “all-rounders” and visionary artists who can influence culture across different media, from streaming playlists to cinema screens.

Strategic Infrastructure: Material Music’s New Venture

Material Music Group has expanded its business model by launching a publishing arm in partnership with Downtown Music Publishing. This new division will offer services in A&R, sync, songwriting sessions, and long-term career development, with Downtown managing global administration and royalties.

The launch is paired with the signing of Richard Atkins, a producer and writer for artists such as Rudimental, Becky Hill, and Jax Jones. Material Music already holds a strong track record in sync placements with entities like Netflix, Amazon, the BBC, and Sony Games.

This move could allow Material Music to provide a more comprehensive ecosystem for its artists, potentially attracting more writers who seek a blend of branding, management, and publishing under one roof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which artists has MNEK written songs for?
MNEK has written for Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Jax Jones, Stormzy, Demi Lovato, and BTS.

What are Daniel Blumberg’s most recent accolades?
Blumberg won an Academy Award and a BAFTA for his work on the film The Brutalist.

What is the role of Downtown Music Publishing in Material Music’s new arm?
Downtown Music Publishing will handle global administration, including royalty collections and registrations.

Which of these new publishing partnerships do you think will have the biggest impact on the music you hear this year?