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Warner Chappell Music, in partnership with Dr. Dre’s Hard Workin’ Black Folks, has entered into a worldwide administration agreement with four-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter, rapper, singer, producer, director and multi-instrumentalist Anderson .Paak. His latest project brings .Paak together with fellow Warner Chappell songwriter and superstar Bruno Mars in the dynamic new duo, Silk Sonic. Their debut single, “Leave The Door Open” – which they performed live for the first time last month at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards – instantly lit up the charts and recently hit the top spot on Billboard’s Hot 100. It has also seen more than 350 million global streams and peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs and R&B Streaming Songs charts. Silk Sonic’s debut project, an Aftermath Entertainment / Atlantic Records release, is coming out later this year. Anderson .Paak is signed to Aftermath Entertainment.

Warner Chappell Music Co-Chair and CEO, Guy Moot, and Co-Chair and COO, Carianne Marshall, said: “Anderson .Paak is a true music man who’s bringing back funk and soul with style and originality, earning him a massive global following. He’s been wildly successful as a songwriter, producer, and performer, and his incredible versatility has landed him collaborations with a diverse range of top artists as well as a raft of awards for his solo work. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Warner Chappell family and proud to represent him and his phenomenal repertoire of songs.”

Warner Chappell Music President of A&R, U.S., Ryan Press, noted: “Anderson .Paak is already at the top of his game, and yet he continues to reach higher and higher. He effortlessly brings an optimistic and feel-good vibe to every song he releases, and his latest hit with Bruno Mars is well on its way to becoming one of the top songs of the summer. He truly exemplifies everything a great songwriter can be, and it’s an absolute honor to get to be a part of his journey.”  

Born Brandon Paak Anderson in Oxnard, California, the four-time Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, and producer played drums as a teen in his church band and later famously worked at a marijuana farm, all while honing his musical chops pursuing his dreams. His extraordinary talent was evident in his first incarnation as Breezy Lovejoy and it was fully realized in his transformation into Anderson .Paak, with his debut album Venice and a stellar six-song run on Dr. Dre's certified gold COMPTON album, that stoked anticipation for what would be the perfect storm of his sophomore release. 

With insurmountable features and first-class production, 2016’s Malibu, was a sonic wonder met with universal rave reviews. This was the year .Paak received Grammy nods for Best New Artist and Best Urban Contemporary Album, in addition to recognition and wins from The Soul Train Music Awards, NME Awards, and more.

In 2017, he established the nonprofit organization, .Paak House, committed to creating safe havens for the next generation and cultivating alliances with like-minded nonprofits for a greater united impact. (www.paakhouse.org)

.Paak has also acquired an impressive list of collaborations including acts such as Mac Miller, J. Cole, Snoop Dogg, Chance the Rapper, and made his SNL debut with Kendrick Lamar in 2018. 2018 saw the release of his monster single in "Bubblin" which won him his first GRAMMY for Best Rap Performance in 2019. Two more Grammy Awards followed in 2020 with Best R&B Album for Venturaand Best R&B Performance for his song “Come Home (featuring Andre 3000)”. 

In October 2020, .Paak was named as Vans’ first ever Global Music Ambassador. The partnership includes exclusive footwear and accessory collections inspired by .Paak’s Southern California roots that dropped in November and December respectively, along with the release of his song “JEWELZ”, co-produced by Timbaland and featuring glimpses of his Vans collection throughout its accompanying music video. Rolling Stone hailed the song a “no-nonsense blast of funk-pop that’s centered around a crisp guitar lick, peppered with delicate synths and anchored, of course, by an irresistible rhythm section.” .Paak also served as one of the global judges for the brand’s Vans Musician Wanted competition, which aims to provide a platform for aspiring artists all around the world.

Earlier in the year, .Paak released his highly regarded single “Lockdown” on Juneteenth. Inspiration for the song came from .Paak’s participation in a Los Angeles Black Lives Matter protest where peaceful protestors were being shot with rubber bullets by the police. A video directed by Dave Meyers featuring Andra Day, Jay Rock, Syd, SiR, Dumbfoundead & Dominic Fike followed in addition to a bundle including the remix with JID, Noname, and Jay Rock – the latter of whom he performed the track with at the 2020 BET Awards. The song was featured in a multitude of “Best Of” 2020 lists from NPRThe FADERComplex and President Barack Obama’s annual “Favorite Music” list. .Paak garnered two Grammy Award nominations for the song – Best Music Video and Best Melodic Rap Performance, winning Best Melodic Rap Performance.

17 Dec 2025 | Press release

BPI opens nominations for election of Independent Representatives on its Council

  The BPI is holding elections for two independent representative places on its Council BPI Council plays a key role in determining the trade association’s strategy and policy goals Deadline for nominations is 1pm Thursday 15 January 2026, with voting opening in early...more

17 Dec 2025 | Press release

PRS for Music pays out record £274.9 million in final royalty distributions of 2025

Nearly 400 music creators receive a royalty payment for the first time    PRS for Music has announced its largest-ever royalty payout, distributing £274.9 million to rightsholders worldwide. The December distributions mark a 4% increase on last year, cementing its role as...more

17 Dec 2025 | Press release

Music Venue Trust Announces New Co-Chairs and Expanded Board Governance as Sector Faces Critical Year Ahead

Music Venue Trust (MVT), the charity which represents hundreds of UK grassroots music venues (GMVs), has announced key changes to its Board of Trustees as the organisation prepares for the challenges of 2026. Chris Prosser and Jane Beese have been...more

17 Dec 2025 | Press release

Beatchain deepens emerging market presence with West African launch of WAVVI in partnership with Tom Russell & Y’akoto, Founders of AFROSON1C X

New platform will connect talent from one of the world’s fastest growing music regions with global opportunities Beatchain, the AI-driven A&R, artist and label services platform for the independent music sector, is expanding into West Africa through a collaboration with British...more

17 Dec 2025 | Press release

Eric Wong promoted to EVP, Recorded Music at Warner Music Group

Esteemed Exec Takes On New Post Alongside His Role As President, East West Records US & President, Warner Music Canada    Warner Music Group (WMG) today announced that Eric Wong has been promoted to EVP, Recorded Music at WMG alongside his post as President,...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

Alain Lanceron named Chairman Emeritus of Warner Classics & Erato

NONESUCH RECORDS PRESIDENT DAVID BITHER TO OVERSEE WMG'S CLASSICAL DIVISION MARKUS PETERSEN APPOINTED EVP & GENERAL MANAGER, WARNER CLASSICS    Veteran music executive Alain Lanceron has been named Chairman Emeritus of Warner Classics & Erato, effective January 1, 2026. The widely admired leader has worked...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

Boomtown appoints new Managing Director

Boomtown Festival has announced the promotion of Toby Gwazdacz to the newly created role of Managing Director, marking an evolution in the festival’s leadership structure. In his new position, Gwazdacz will work strategically alongside Boomtown co-founders Luke Mitchell and Chris...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

The BRIT Trust announces its beneficiary charities for 2026

Grants totalling more than £30 million have been awarded by the BRIT Trust since its foundation in 1989, supporting causes that share its mission to improve lives through the power of music and the creative arts    The BRIT Trust – the principal charity of...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

Cherry Red Records acquires Gull Records, State Records, and Uproar Entertainment

Cherry Red Records is proud to announce the acquisition and representation of three significant and culturally influential catalogues: Gull Records, State Records, and Uproar Entertainment. Each brings a unique catalogue to the Cherry Red roster, expanding the label’s repertoire in...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

New Study Warns Spotify’s 1,000-Stream Rule Is Silencing Southeast Europe’s Music Scene

Read the study here     A comprehensive new report entitled Impact Analysis of Spotify’s 1,000-Stream Rule, conducted by ANMIP-BG - IMPALA member and national association representing Bulgarian independent labels - in association with SoAlive Music Conference and Flat Line Collective, has uncovered...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

UK Music Chief Executive response to Government AI & Copyright Statement of Progress

In response to the Government’s Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Statement of Progress published today, UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said: “UK Music welcomes the findings from the Government’s AI consultation, which vindicates the position taken by UK Music and the...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

Divo appoints Ashok Parwani as Head Of Music

Strategic Hire Will Accelerate Regional Catalogue Expansion and Strengthen Artist Partnerships in Key South Indian Markets   Divo, one of South India's leading digital media and music companies, which is majority owned by Warner Music India, today announced the appointment of Ashok...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

RoEx Announces Studio Pro

Hits 5 Million Track Milestone  Audio technology company RoEx has introduced Studio Pro, a premium subscription tier for its Mix Check Studioplatform, marking the release alongside a significant milestone: 5 million tracks enhanced across its suite of AI-driven audio production tools. Studio Pro offers unlimited access to Mastering+...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

[PIAS] Announces Retirement of Nick Hartley, Group Chief Operating Officer & Group Chief Financial Officer

Longstanding Board Director to Step Down after 26 Years   [PIAS], one of the world’s leading music groups, has announced the retirement of Nick Hartley, the company’s Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO). After a distinguished career spanning...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

Nile Rodgers honoured with Outstanding Achievement Award at 65th MPA Christmas lunch

Iconic CHIC co-founder and global hitmaker recognised for five decades of musical innovation as the MPA celebrates a Disco-themed 2025 Christmas Lunch   The Music Publishers Association (MPA) today presented the legendary Nile Rodgers with its prestigious Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting &...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

FAC & Amazon Music offer a step up boost to five more UK artists

  Gigi Moss, lleo, Maya Lane, Nia Wyn and Richard Carter will all receive three days of studio time at The Breakthrough Lab - the bespoke, state-of-the-art production facility operated by Amazon Music and Metropolis Studios This expansion of Step Up Fund...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

‘You could go for years without knowing you can earn a penny’: Kojey Radical on songwriter royalties

Exclusive recording of 101 Part Time Jobs podcast with BRIT, Ivor Novello and Mercury Prize-nominated Kojey Radical out now.   The launch of the Livelihood campaign from PRS for Music highlights the crucial need for greater education  around live performance royalties. An...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

Over 137,000 Hate Crimes in England and Wales Last Year - Ask For Clive Leads the Charge Against Hate and Builds Inclusive Nightlife Spaces

  Hate crime isn’t just a statistic, it’s a harsh reality affecting thousands daily. Over 137,000 hate crimes were recorded in England and Wales last year, though the true figure is closer to 176,000. Marginalised communities, including LGBTQ+ people and disabled...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

rekordbox for iOS/Android now supports SpotifyDJ on mobile devices – rekordbox for Mac/Windows supported

AlphaTheta announces that its DJ application rekordbox for iOS/Android is now compatible with Spotify. Spotify is the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service, offering over 100 million tracks and billions of playlists. With this update, in addition to rekordbox for...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

Rebecca Allen promoted to Chief Artist and Strategy Officer at Universal Music Group UK

 ALLEN TAKES ON BRAND NEW LEADERSHIP ROLE FOLLOWING SUCCESS AT THE HELM OF EMI, DECCA, AND UMG UK’S AUDIENCE, MEDIA & STRATEGY DIVISION   Universal Music Group UK (UMG UK), the UK’s leading music company, has today announced the promotion of Rebecca...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

Ticket Fairy announces deal to provide millions in funding for promoters worldwide

Ticket Fairy expands global financing, unlocking funding of up to £5M in the UK, €3M across Europe and $3M in the US, for venues, festivals and events promoters   Ticket Fairy has announced a significant expansion of its global financing capabilities that...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

Warner Chappell unifies music publishing and production music sync teams under Rich Robinson

Well respected creative leader also adds Audio Asset team to remit   Warner Chappell Music (WCM) today announced it has unified its global sync operations, bringing its frontline, catalog, and now Production Music sync teams together under Rich Robinson, EVP, Global Synchronization and...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

MIT Climate Machine with support from Coldplay, Warner Music Group, Live Nation, and Hope Solutions release first ever total emissions of live music in US and UK

Findings from over 80,000 shows across the U.K. and U.S. provide a foundation to decarbonize the future of live entertainment Click HERE for the full report The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Climate Machine (formerly part of the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative) with support from Coldplay,...more

11 Dec 2025 | Press release

2025 Through Music Video: Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” Was the Biggest U.K. Premiere on Vevo

  Skye Newman and Olivia Dean were also among the chart newcomers in the UK on Vevo  A first for K-Pop, JENNIE’s “like JENNIE” was the most watched premiere on Vevo globally UK fans rewatch “Die With a Smile”, “BIRDS OF A FEATHER”,...more

11 Dec 2025 | Press release

It's Beginning to Sound A Lot Like Last Year - new analysis finds Christmas music is on repeat

New study finds 63% of the songs in the 2024 Christmas Top 40 were exactly the same as the year before  In contrast no songs were repeated in any of the Christmas Top 40s between 2000 and 2005 Fairytale of New York has...more

11 Dec 2025 | Press release

Music Studios Business Rates

The Rt Hon Rachel Reeves 11 Downing Street London SW1A 2AA Dear Chancellor, 7 December 2025 As you are doubtless aware, the United Kingdom is famous for its music industry, and part of that is being home to the finest recording studios in the...more

11 Dec 2025 | Press release

Chancellor's budget sparks alarm as nightlife businesses say Treasury modelling fails reality, new flash poll shows

  The lights are dimming on Britain’s night-time economy. From buzzing pubs to packed music venues, local businesses are sounding the alarm after a new flash survey of 345 night-time economy businesses revealed that the Chancellor’s latest Budget will hit them...more

11 Dec 2025 | Press release

Producer/musician/multi-instrumentalist Terrace Martin signs worldwide publishing deal with Peermusic

  Global independent music publishing company, Peermusic, has signed producer, musician, and multi-instrumentalist Terrace Martin to a worldwide publishing administration deal as announced today by Jamie Cerreta, President U.S. and Canada, Peermusic and Tuff Morgan, Vice President of A&R, Peermusic. Through the deal, Peermusic will also represent Terrace Martin...more

11 Dec 2025 | Press release

Drowned in Sound Announces Partnership with Qobuz

25 year old music publication and ethical streaming platform partner to support mission-driven journalism and music discovery   Drowned in Sound, the independent music publication, podcast and online community, has today announced a new partnership with Qobuz, the independently-owned high-quality music streaming...more

11 Dec 2025 | Press release

Saudi Arabia’s EIF and Legends Global score big joint venture announcement

  Saudi Arabia’s Event Investment Fund (EIF) and Legends Global have announced a joint venture to support the Kingdom’s vision and investment in its fast-growing venue industry.   This partnership will become the venue operator for venue projects within the Kingdom of Saudi...more

17 Dec 2025

  • The 'metamorphosis' of Atlantic Records (see Features)

16 Dec 2025

  • Looking ahead to 2026 (see Opinion)

  • Boost for artists in AI copyright battle as only 3% back UK active opt-out plan (see News)

15 Dec 2025

  • Music discovery: More channels, more problems (see Reports)

12 Dec 2025

  • The 10 biggest AI music stories of 2025 (see Features)

11 Dec 2025

  • Do pop stars write their own hits—and if not, who does? (see Analysis)

10 Dec 2025

  • TikTok unveils its Year in Music Report (see Digital)

09 Dec 2025

  • Coldplay, U2, Ed Sheeran named most popular touring artists of the millennium (see News)

  • King Gizzard, having pulled music from Spotify in protest, find genAI clones on the platform (see Digital)

08 Dec 2025

  • UK parliamentarians join call to regulate most powerful AI systems (see News)

  • Martin Mills is trying to thwart a record industry takeover by Universal (see Features)

05 Dec 2025

  • IMPF says members should reject AI deals that do not value songs properly (see News)

  • Which songs do we replay the most? (see Analysis)

04 Dec 2025

  • Spotify Wrapped 2025 goes live (see Digital)