Pulse Music Group forms publishing partnership with Mark Ronson’s Zelig Music

08 October 2025 - Press release

First Collaborative Signing to the JV is Becky and the Birds 

 

PULSE Music Group has formed a music publishing joint venture with artist/songwriter/producer/composer Mark Ronson as announced today by PULSE Music Group co-CEOs Josh Abrahamand Scott Cutler; PULSE Music Group President, Ashley Calhoun; and Senior Vice President/Head of Creative, for the publishing division of PULSE Music Group, Annie Aberle; and Zelig Music General Manager, Rachel Helman. Through the joint venture, PULSE Music Group and Mark Ronson’s publishing company, Zelig Music, have signed Thea Gustafsson (professionally known as Becky and the Birds) to a worldwide, go-forward publishing deal. 

Thea Gustafsson writes, records, and produces under the moniker Becky and the Birds. She received her formal musical education at Musikmakarna Songwriters Academy of Sweden and was an avid violin-player as a child. In 2025, she was nominated in four categories at the Swedish Grammis for Album of the Year (Only Music Makes Me Cry Now); Alternative Pop Record of the Year (Only Music Makes Me Cry Now); Newcomer of the Year (Becky and The Birds), and Producer of the Year, of which she won the distinguished Producer of the Year category. 

Founded by Mark Ronson in 2018, Zelig Records is a Sony Music joint venture with clients that include King Princess, Eli, Tiberius b, Raissa, and Issy Wood. 

Josh Abraham commented: “I have known Mark since the early 90’s in the New York club scene and Brandon [Brandon Creed, Good World Management] back since his A&R days. Recently, I was talking to Brandon and we knew the timing was right for this joint venture. Mark is an exceptional partner that knows how to cultivate culture-defining moments for songwriters, producers, and artists. He has a lot of integrity, creativity, and is effective in the way that he works to build the careers for others. Working together to help launch the next generation of talent, our JV platform provides a creative community that these songwriters/producers will thrive in. We’re thrilled to be in partnership with Zelig and to welcome Becky and the Birds to the PULSE Music Group / Zelig Music family.”  

Mark Ronson commented: “I’m so in admiration of what PULSE has built. And I’ve been a fan of Josh as a producer since I was a teen. I’m so excited to discover and develop some incredible talent together. Becky and the Birds couldn’t be a better artist/producer example to start with.”

Mark Ronson is a globally celebrated DJ and a 9-time Grammy, Academy Award, and Golden Globe-winning producer and songwriter. He began his career DJing in 1990s New York before rising to fame with standout collaborations, including Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black, which earned him multiple Grammys including Producer of the Year, and the global smash “Uptown Funk” with Bruno Mars. He co-wrote the Oscar, Golden Globe, and Grammy-winning hit “Shallow” for A Star Is Born and has worked with artists like Lady Gaga, Adele, Paul McCartney, Miley Cyrus, and Dua Lipa. In 2023, he served as executive producer and composer for Barbie The Album and its score, earning another Grammy, and in early 2025, executive produced “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” with Lorne Michaels. His memoir, Night People: How to Be a DJ in '90s New York City, was released in September and earned him a spot on the New York Times Bestseller’s list and the Sunday Times Top 10 Bestseller’s list.  The memoir was quickly snapped up by Brad Pitt’s Plan B for a film adaption.

Becky and the Birds is managed by Alyssa DeBonis of Moth Management. Becky and the Bird’s A&R team at PULSE Music Group includes: Josh Abraham, Scott Cutler; Ashley Calhoun; Annie Aberle; and Quinn Slattery [Senior Director of Creative, PULSE Music Group]. Becky and the Bird’s A&R team at Zelig includes Rachel Helman [General Manager of Zelig Music].