Distiller Music Group Announces Publishing Agreement with Downtown Music Services 11 May 2022
Claire Bianchi Joins Distiller Publishing as Head of A&R
Major European Hit ‘In The Dark’ Provides Great Start to New Relationship
London based independent music company Distiller Music Group has announced a new agreement for its music publishing division with Downtown Music Services, which offers bespoke distribution, publishing administration, creative marketing and finance solutions to entrepreneurial creators and their partners.
This new, global deal will see Downtown Music Services providing music publishing administration for Distiller Music Publishing’s growing roster of songwriters and producers which includes, among others: Dimitri Tikovoi (Purple Disco Machine, Charli XCX, MNEK, Becky Hill, Blondie, Sophie and the Giants), Danny LaFrombe (John legend), Danny Goffey (Supergrass) & The Ramona Flowers (Nile Rodgers).
In addition, Claire Bianchi has joined Distiller Publishing as Head of A&R.
Reporting to Distiller Music Group CEO Sam Dyson, Claire will be based in London and her appointment is effective immediately.
Claire joins Distiller Music Publishing from her previous position as A&R Manager at Stellar Songs where she worked with a wide range of songwriters and artists including: Mike Kintish, TYLR Rydr, Cassyette, Sad Night Dynamite, GIRLI & The Libertines among others.
Claire was also instrumental in the success of last year’s European hit ‘Hypnotized’ by Purple Disco Machine & Sophie & the Giants, which has so far received over half a billion streams while achieving platinum status across Europe.
The two artists recently followed up ‘Hypnotized’ with ‘In The Dark’, which was co-written with Distiller Music Publishing’s Dimitri Tikovoi at the Distiller’s 2021 writing camp.
The track is a major hit in multiple countries and has been #1 in the Europe APC charts for 7 weeks running, #1 in the German charts for 7 weeks running, #12 in the Global Shazam charts and has 34 million streams on Spotify with 11 million views on YouTube.
Claire Bianchi said, “I’m delighted to be working with Distiller Publishing alongside the Downtown team & look forward to helping to continue to grow a fantastic independent publisher. Having a major hit with ‘In The Dark’ right at the start of our relationship is a great way to start things off!”
Sam Dyson, Founder of Distiller Music Group said, “This new agreement with Downtown Music Services is a key move for Distiller Music Publishing, as it allows us to join forces with their incredible team who are immensely experienced and motivated towards getting the most from our roster. Their advice, support and introduction to a global network will be invaluable as we explore new opportunities for the songwriters and producers we represent. We are also excited to welcome Claire Bianchi who is a brilliant, creative A&R executive bringing expertise and experience to our team.”
Mike Smith, Global President of Downtown Music Services said, ““I am thrilled to be getting into business with Distiller as they celebrate a massive hit across Europe with “In The Dark”. Claire is one of the best music creatives out there and alongside Sam with his rich understanding of the music space, they are building an amazing business and we hope to maximise their presence around the world.”
NEWS & PRESS
UK music tech sector faces critical
MTUK's first-ever state of the nation report on the UK music tech sector urges the Government to ensure music tech remains a cornerstone of the UK's creative economy A comprehensive new report from Music Technology UK (MTUK), the UK trade association dedicated to...more
Northampton's Billy Lockett signs gargantuan publishing deal with independent Notting Hill Music
Critically acclaimed British singer-songwriter Billy Lockett has inked an immense global publishing deal with Notting Hill Music, one of the UK's most respected independent music publishers. The deal marks a pivotal moment in Lockett's flourishing career, following a breakout few years that have seen him...more
Concord Music Publishing Signs Global Deal with Grammy-Nominated Producer Duo Tropkillaz
Marking Concord’s First Signing Out of Brazil Concord Music Publishing is thrilled to announce the signing of Tropkillaz, the dynamic GRAMMY-nominated Brazilian production duo of Zegon and Laudz, to a global publishing agreement covering all new copyrights. This landmark deal, orchestrated...more
Symphonic Distribution Partners with Third Chair to Monitor Music on Social Media for Proper Sync Usage, Maximizing Revenue
Symphonic Distribution, a leading music technology and services company for independent labels, managers, and artists, has partnered with Third Chair (previously Watchdog) to utilize their IP enforcement services to monitor social media music usages and protect all of the music under Symphonic's...more
FUGA Partners With Arketyp Group, the New Venture From YEAR0001 Co-Founder Oskar Ekman
Deal expands FUGA’s footprint in the Nordic region and follows new signings from Arketyp Group and YEAR0001Downtown-owned, B2B distributor FUGA has today announced a new global partnership with Arketyp Group, the newly launched independent label group founded by Swedish music...more
Levellr Unveils AI Tool to Decode Real-Time Fan Sentiment on Discord
New feature gives artists, labels, and brands instant insight into what fans really think, feel, and care about View demo dashboard here Levellr, the fan community platform powering next-gen artist-to-fan connections, has launched a cutting-edge AI social listening tool designed to unlock...more
The UK's Official biggest songs and albums on vinyl of 2025 so far revealed
Sam Fender scoops the biggest vinyl album of 2025 so far Oasis secure best-selling vinyl single of the year so far with 'Whatever' anniversary reissue Sam Fender's People Watching claims the best-selling vinyl album of 2025 so far! Congratulations are in order for Sam...more
Rebecca Lucy Taylor a.k.a Self Esteem to curate at this year's Southbank Centre's London Literature Festival
The festival also features Adam Buxton, Alexis Wright, Bora Chung, Charlie Macksey, Chris Kraus, Claire-Louise Bennett, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Funmi Fetto, Jackie Kay, Jimi Famurewa, Kelly Frost, Lisa Smith, Malala Yousafzai, Michael Rosen, Nikita Gill, Neoprene Genie, Nesrine Malik, Olga Ravn, Pankaj Mishra,...more
'Don't Look Back In Anger' takes title of most played Oasis song of 21st Century
‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ has been revealed as Oasis’s most played track on UK radio and TV in the 21st century, according to new data from music licensing company PPL. Following the band’s euphoric live return to universally glowing...more
Tom Walker signs global publishing deal with BMG
Platinum-selling British singer-songwriter Tom Walker has signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with BMG. The deal brings together Walker’s deeply personal songwriting and unmistakable voice with BMG’s industry-leading publishing capabilities. Known for his breakthrough hits “Leave a Light On” and “Just You and...more
Statement on UK Government Decision to ban Employer NDAs
A statement from Gaby Cartwright, Head of Partnerships, LIVE in response to the UK Government's decision to make amendments to The Employment Rights Bill that will ban employers from using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that silence workplace harassment and abuse. Changes set to be introduced to...more
BBC Radio 2 listeners to vote for Your Ultimate 80s Duet
The 1980s saw some of the world's best loved popstars unite to create some of the most magical and much-loved duets ever made. Today (7th July), Scott Mills on the Radio 2 Breakfast show and BBC Sounds announced voting has opened for Your...more
AIF calls for Competition and Markets Authority to investigate Live Nation
Live Nation could be held responsible for engaging in anti-competitive behaviour, according to AIF analysis. The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has called for an investigation into Live Nation from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority. The trade body recently provided evidence...more
LIVE Awards 2025
Category Nominations Now Open Tom Ward is the new host of the LIVE Awards 2025 The annual LIVE Awards, which will take place on Wednesday December 10th at Troxy in East London, has announced a new host for 2025. Tom Ward is an...more
Green Man Festival 2025
14th - 17th August 2025 Announce full line up and day splits for SOLD OUT 2025 edition Cymande, Heartworms, Been Stellar, Cass McCombs, Factory Floor, Gurriers, Hannah Frances, Jamz Supernova, Keo, KOKOROKO, Shale, Lucy Gooch, Iraina Mancini, Molina, MORN, Ella Ion, Natalie...more
Brazilian music superstar Alok signs global publishing deal with BMG
GRAMMY-nominated Brazilian music superstar and philanthropist ALOK has signed a global publishing agreement with BMG.A leading figure in dance music, ALOK is best known for his hit singles "Hear Me Now," "Deep Down," "Lua," and chart-topping collaborations with John Legend,...more
Independent music company CEOs around the world call for end to further anti-competitive, consolidation attempts in the music industry
Hundreds of independent record labels and trade associations have raised significant concerns about Universal Music Group's acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings. Deal is the latest in a line of serial acquisitions from UMG in the independent sector Together they have signed an...more
Tickets For Good announces launch of Belgian business at Wallifornia, opens £3m funding round
The Wallifornia Conference Startups alumni returns to reveal latest expansion news. TfG recipients include some 500k registered healthcare workers, teachers, and charity workers across UK, EU and U.S. It's distributed 1million+ free and discounted tickets from 1,000+ live event partners, including Dua...more
Lewis Capaldi surprises fans in London's Covent Garden to launch 'Room to Reflect' meditation booth with TikTok
SCOTTISH SUPERSTAR PARTNERS WITH TIKTOK TO ENCOURAGE THE NATION TO TAKE A MOMENT TO RESET FROM EVERYDAY LIFE The ‘Room to Reflect’ experience was narrated by Lewis Capaldi, offering a sanctuary from the London daily grind to meditate and escape the...more
Beatport Live Launches 'The Block'
A Touring Container Stage Spotlighting Emerging DJs at Junction 2, Creamfields, and The Prospect Building Over the last five years, more than 400 nightclubs have closed in Britain and Beatport recognises the urgent need to offer more than just a digital...more
BDi Music signs exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Paige Bea
Bea is a sought after musician, songwriter, DJ and emerging producer. BDi Music has signed artist and songwriter Paige Bea to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal. Paige Bea is a London-born musician, songwriter, DJ and emerging producer. Originally trained as an opera...more
Bandcamp Daily's Summer 2025 Hotlist Spotlights Its Most Anticipated New Releases
Open Mike Eagle, Wet Leg, Kokoroko, Alex G, Susumu Yokota and more are all featured in the Summer 2025 Hotlist Bandcamp Daily, the editorial arm of the world’s largest online music marketplace and community, has released its 2025 Summer Hotlist, a curated collection...more
Universal Music Greater China announces strategic global alliance with "Godfather of Mandarin R&B" David Tao and his company Great Entertainment
Universal Music Group to Release David Tao’s New Studio Album STUPID POP SONGS, with Physical Pre-Orders Opening Soon Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced a strategic global...more
David Bowie Centre - V&A Announces More Detail, plus The Last Dinner Party and Nile Rodgers
From guest-curated displays to unrealised projects, the V&A announces new details on the David Bowie Centre - opening at the V&A East Storehouse on 13 September 2025 A new home for David Bowie's archive – V&A East Storehouse's David Bowie Centre – gets...more
WMA announces expansion of UK & European Publicity, Social and Marketing Divisions
Andy Saiker appointed as Head of PR, Social & Marketing (UK & Europe) Global digital marketing and creative agency, WMA are delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Saiker as Head of PR, Social and Marketing (UK & Europe), effective immediately....more
Tems Launches The Leading Vibe Initiative, Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Music
APPLICATION DEADLINE THIS JULY 13TH Two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, Tems announces today the launch of the Leading Vibe Initiative, a groundbreaking platform designed to support, connect and amplify young women in music across Africa, with a vision to...more
WeAre8 Announces 8fest: The World's First Social Media Music Festival, curated by industry insiders
The next generation of music talent is about to transform your social feed experience. WeAre8, the social media bringing social and economic freedom to artists worldwide, today unveils 8fest - a global, three-day virtual festival running next week from11-13 July 2025,...more
The Money Trench - The Music Industry Podcast celebrates its first anniversary with two new headline sponsors
The podcast curated by Mark Sutherland and executive producer Mike Walsh will launch its 50th episode with the support of SoundOn and Tixel The Money Trench – The Music Industry Podcast with Mark Sutherland (‘TMT’), is celebrating its first anniversary with...more
Cyanite and ON AIR strengthen partnership to deliver AI-driven insights for playlist curation in MusicMaster Scheduling
To redefine music programming for broadcasters and audio platforms, ON AIR has integrated Cyanite's industry-leading AI music tagging into the familiar MusicMaster Scheduling environment. This collaboration unlocks entirely new, data-driven pathways for playlist curation, helping radio stations and content creators...more
Warner Music buys Skorpioni Music's catalogue
Independent label's strong legacy in Finnish music will endure Warner Music Finland has bought the catalog of renowned independent record company Skorpioni, which had announced earlier this year that it would be ceasing operations. This is a significant transition in the local...more
THE HEADLINES
Can TikTok revive classic songs? A statistical analysis (see Analysis)
UMG’s Michael Nash: ‘AI can be instrumental to the future of music’ (see Digital)
In the post-music streaming era, do artists and labels give too much away? (see Comment)
Songwriters ‘missing millions in royalties from more than 100,000 UK gigs’ (see News)
Merck Mercuriadis plots comeback with Hipgnosis remix (see Business)
V&A East Storehouse to open the David Bowie Centre (see News)
ESCA calls on the EU to block Universal Music’s deal to buy Downtown (see News)
Virgin Music CEOs push back against critics of Downtown Music deal (see News)
Record labels are running on empty (see Opinion)
AI music is going viral, but it’s not what fans want (see Comment)
The Velvet Sundown may be the first breakout AI band from Suno (see Digital)
Amid cuts, WMG to "continue to supercharge our capabilities in long-term artist, songwriter, and catalog development" (see Business)
WIN CEO writes to European Commission Vice-President over Universal's acquisition of Downtown (see Comment)
If Spotify truly champions discovery, it should champion fair compensation from the first stream (see Comment)
Selected Glastonbury coverage (see News, Features, Showbiz, Reviews)
Streaming is both retail and radio – it shouldn’t be (see Comment)
Impala’s Helen Smith on UMG's planned Downtown acquisition (see Comment)