Warner Chappell Music announces the renewal of its global partnership with multi-BRIT Award nominee Dave

11 February 2020 - Press release

Warner Chappell Music, the publishing arm of Warner Music Group (WMG), today announced the renewal of its global partnership with multi-BRIT Award nominee Dave. 

The deal was inked for the second time by the uniquely talented Ivor Novello songwriter Dave after he performed at the Roxy in LA at the end of last year. Dave signed the deal at the Warner Chappell Headquarters in Downtown Los Angeles. It was of paramount importance that this second chapter was a global team effort with both sides of the Atlantic flying in and being present at the signing. 

Amber Davis, Head of A&R, Warner Chappell Music UK, comments: “We are incredibly honoured that Dave and his exceptional managers, Ben & Jack, have put their faith in us once again to continue this fruitful relationship! The US is a market that Dave is close to conquering. He and his team have created a hugely significant project on both of sides of the pond and I firmly believe the innovative ideas from our International team will add value to it. We are excited to support and celebrate each and every step of Dave’s career and artistic progression.” 

Benny Scarrs and Jack Foster say: “Amber is an absolute pleasure to work with, a real force in the publishing game and someone who’s shown serious passion and belief in Dave from the very start. We look forward to building with the global Chappell team as Dave continues his journey as a songwriter, producer and an artist.” 

Dave adds: “Big respect to Amber from day one, I’m happy we’re able to carry on working together, with Guy, and the rest of the team!" 

Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO, Warner Chappell Music, concludes: “As a company our goal and cultural ethos is to deliver for our writers globally and in the US – we have firmly cemented this mantra with the recent addition of Shani Gonzales to our team.  Dave is one of the most important voices in the UK right now. He has created a phenomenal body of work at such a young age, which is unique and progressive in how it represents a generation. At Chappell, we pride ourselves on delivering international value to our artists so I’m delighted that he has chosen to continue to put his trust in us as we embark on the next stage of his journey.” 

Dave enjoyed an incredible 2019, with his debut album Psychodrama topping the UK albums chart, whilst also landing four top 10 singles. His achievements have been recognised by the industry as he is currently tied as the most nominated artist at this year’s BRITs, with nominations for ‘Male Solo Artist’, ‘Song of the Year’, ‘Best New Artist’ and the much coveted ‘Album of the Year’ award. 

Born and raised in South London, Dave began penning lyrics in his early teens. He released his first EP, Six Paths, in 2016 which caught the attention of the industry and tastemakers including Drake, who remixed the song ‘Wanna Know’. His second EP, Game Over, charted at number 13 earning Dave his first top 20. The EP featured the politically charged ‘Question Time’, a scathing seven minute track which took aim at UK Prime Minister Theresa May, the mistreatment of the NHS and the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The song earned Dave an Ivor Novello for Best Contemporary Song. 

In October 2018, Dave landed his first number one single with ‘Funky Friday’. The result served as a significant moment for British rap as it became the first song by a rapper to top the charts since Tine Tempah and Jess Glynne’s ‘Not Letting Go’ in 2015. 

Dave released his debut album Psychodrama in March 2019. The album received wide critical acclaim, getting five stars from critics with many praising Dave’s ability to convey tough subjects such as mental health, relationships and harsh social conditions. The record shot to the top of the albums chart, breaking the record for the most week one streams of a British rap album. Album tracks ‘Streatham’, ‘Location’ and ‘Disaster’ all made it into the top 10 singles chart. 

In September, Psychodrama was awarded the prestigious Mercury Prize. He also won Best Independent Album and Best Independent Track at the AIM Awards on the same night he picked up the Breakthrough Music Act trophy at the GQ Men of the Year Awards. 

Dave was recently in LA meeting with Warner Chappell Music Co-Chairs Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall. This year he is currently booked to play Coachella and The Governors Ball with more live dates across the US to be announced soon.