Doc Brown signs exclusive songwriting agreement with Sentric Music

Also a successful comedian and actor, Doc Brown (real name Ben Bailey Smith), most recently starred in David Brent: Life On The Road alongside Ricky Gervais, as well as contributing to the film's soundtrack as both co-writer and performer.

2017 will see Doc Brown return to music fully for the first time in a decade, with new album Stemma set for release this summer, featuring big names such as Mikill Pane, Example, Matt Wills, Andy Burrows, Luc Skyz and Poisonous Poets.

The deal with Sentric encompasses all of Doc Brown's previous works including his Life On The Road co-writes, film and TV titles, and the new album.

Since 2006, Sentric has built a strong reputation on its core service, which offers a non-exclusive 28-day rolling contract. It's a model that has benefitted more than 90,000 songwriters, many at an emerging level who are now able to treat music as a business rather than a hobby.

After bringing Peter McCamley on board as Creative Director at the start of 2016, Sentric has been offering a creative A&R element under more traditional publishing deals.

Doc Brown is the latest in a number of exclusive songwriter agreements at Sentric over the past year.

Other artists signed to similar deals over the last 12 months include Victoria Horn (AKA Lady V), Corey Johnson, Nick Waterhouse, Sarah P, Pariis Opera House as well as ongoing support for 2012 signings Tall Ships and Cattle & Cane.

Sentric Music CEO, Chris Meehan, said: "After 10 years in business, Sentric is now at a point where it can offer real creative A&R to the right kind of act. We've done a handful of exclusive agreements with carefully selected artists, and Doc Brown is a really exciting addition to that roster. He's already made a name for himself with his unique blend of music and comedy, and we look forward to helping nurture his musical career."

Doc Brown said: "Sentric are such a young, forward-thinking outfit and the whole team is down to earth and properly about the music. For me, that is a perfect fit. No doubt I'm a joker, but I'm serious about my music and so are Sentric. I'm the type of guy who is also looking to push the envelope and I had the feeling from day one these were the right guys to come on this journey with me. I'm fully gassed!"

Doc Brown's manager, Alex Kennedy, said: "You don't often get to do deals with your favourite people in the music industry - this is one of those times. Chris, Simon and the gang at Sentric are phenomenal people and have quietly and confidently built a formidable outfit over the last 10 years and are now ready to sit at the top table. They are without doubt the best team to partner with for Doc's long-awaited return to music and we couldn't be more excited about the ride ahead."