Bucks signs Zand to exclusive worldwide publishing deal

10 July 2019 - Press release

Bucks Music Group has signed ‘ugly pop’ artist Zand to an exclusive, worldwide publishing deal.

The Blackpool-born artist (real name Zander Sweeney, pronouns they/them) coined the term ‘ugly pop’ as they seek to redefine the pop label and tackle subjects such as feminism, gender, rape culture, transphobia, homophobia, sex work and mental illness in their songwriting.

They were included in British Vogue’s ‘I Feel Pride When…’ video, for LGBTQIA+ Pride’s 50th anniversary.

Zand has also received support from Kerrang! Magazine, featuring in Alex Baker’s New Noise, as well as Dork and Line Of Best Fit.

They have 10,000 followers on Instagram and 13,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, with almost a million streams across three singles: Chess (434,444), Boys Like You (204,852) and Fiends (255,815).

Bucks Music Group’s Director Creative A&R Sarah Liversedge Platz said: “Zand is one of those rare people that simply embodies art and creativity. Everything they do is a natural expression of who they are. When you find someone like that, all they really need is freedom and support in equal measure to allow them to create irresistible, important music. We're proud to call Zand part of the Bucks family.”

Bucks A&R Assistant Hannah Vincent said: “Zand encapsulates the unique and diverse vision that we all need. I’m thrilled to have brought them into our team and be a part of the project.”

Starwood Management’s Gary Murphy said: “Very pleased to be working with Bucks Music Group. Hannah, Sarah and the team have shown great passion from day one and have worked hard to get this across the line. With Zand’s fiercely independent nature, Bucks feels like the perfect home to help nurture and develop their talent. We are looking forward to exciting times ahead.”

Bucks Music Group is one of the UK’s leading and longest running international, independent music publishers. It has a rich musical heritage, having been responsible for launching and developing the careers of music legends including David Bowie, T-Rex, The Move, Black Sabbath and Procol Harum. Its active A&R department continues to discover and develop new songwriting talent.

Bucks’ catalogue includes works written by David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, Procul Harum, DJ Fresh, Run The Jewels, Brian Eno, James Blunt, Professor Green, Rudimental, Beyonce, Joe Strummer, CAN, Pete Doherty, Roni Size & Reprazent, David Arnold, Honeyblood, One Bit, The Heavytrackerz , Dusky Grey, Sick Joy, Life, Brooke Bentham and more. Label publishing partners include: Floor Sixx, Heavenly, Nude, Fulltime Hobby, Brownswood, Rekids, Arts & Crafts, VIVa and No Hats No Hoods.