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Sony Music Publishing announced the signing of multi-platinum singer-songwriter, actress, and 2021 breakout artist Olivia Rodrigo to a global agreement.

Rodrigo made history with her No. 1, critically-acclaimed debut album SOUR. Released on May 21, 2021, the LP scored the biggest debut of the year, earning the most U.S. audio streams from a female debut album ever, and breaking the record for the most-streamed album in a week by a female artist in Spotify history with over 385M global streams. In addition to becoming RIAA Certified Gold in its first week, all 11 tracks from the album have landed in the top 30 of Billboard’s Hot 100, making Rodrigo the first female artist, and the fourth act overall, to simultaneously chart 11 or more songs in the top 30. The 18-year-old musician also earned her second No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with her smash single, “good 4 u,” not to mention hitting No. 1 on the Hot Rock & Alternative Chart with the album’s opening track, “brutal.” On June 2, she secured her first No. 1 on Rolling Stone’s Artists 500 Chart with an impressive 283.7M streams, becoming the third female artist to top all three of Rolling Stone’s charts in one week.

Rodrigo instantly captured audiences around the world on January 8 with her monumental debut single from SOUR, “drivers license,” which became one of the biggest songs of 2021 and achieved record-breaking success. The cinematic, alt-pop anthem garnered over 76 million U.S. streams in its first week and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for eight weeks. The song also earned the largest global weekly streaming debut on Spotify and became the first track to surpass 1 billion global streams in 2021.

Olivia Rodrigo said, “There’s nothing I love more than songwriting; it’s my favorite thing in the world, and I’m excited to be working with the team at Sony Music Publishing.”

Sony Music Publishing Chairman & CEO Jon Platt said, “Olivia is a once-in-a-generation talent with the heart of a true songwriter – there is no limit to what she can accomplish. Along with the entire Sony Music Publishing team, we look forward to supporting Olivia’s incredible artistry and creating the best opportunities for her songs as she begins this exciting new chapter.”


Sony Music Publishing Director, A&R Thomas Krottinger said, “It has been a great privilege to work with Olivia over the last year – she constantly pushes her creative boundaries, allowing her to craft genuine, emotive songs that transcend genres and bring people together. We are honored to partner with Olivia and her incredible team, and we are beyond excited to champion her as she continues inspiring the world!” 

Sony Music Publishing SVP, Creative Jennifer Knoepfle said, “What strikes me most about Olivia is her incredible storytelling ability. Every song on SOUR spins a narrative that is both unique to her and relatable to so many. She has a gift with words, and we are so lucky to support her from the beginning of what will surely be a long and fruitful career.”

Throughout her career, Rodrigo has demonstrated her songwriting prowess and knack at creating immediately powerful pop music – cementing her status as the most promising young artist to emerge this year. In 2020, she also wrote and released the powerful RIAA Gold Certified single, “All I Want,” for the show she stars on: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.

17 Jun 2025 | Press release

Tuned Global Expands Social Radio With Real-Time Tipping, Ushering in the Fan-Driven DSP Era

Latest feature mints superfans and supports artists while saving music streaming services years of development time and providing more nuanced usage data.   Tuned Global is expanding its innovative Social Radio platform (an interactive, fan-driven broadcasting layer for DSPs) with the launch...more

17 Jun 2025 | Press release

Global Underground: FreshTunes Connects the World With Long-Standing, Truly Free Artist Services

FreshTunes is an artist services platform that has encouraged a community many music companies forget: The vibrant world of artists from less income-rich markets who deserve the same premium level of service as their wealthier counterparts. With large and growing...more

16 Jun 2025 | Press release

UMG / Downtown acquisition - former CMA Chief Economist calls on EC to conduct in-depth investigation

Executive Vice-President Teresa RiberaEuropean CommissionRue de la Loi / Wetstraat 2001049 BrusselsBelgium 12 June 2025   Dear Executive Vice-President Ribera, I am writing to urge DG Competition to conduct an in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings LLC (Downtown) by Universal...more

16 Jun 2025 | Press release

David Lewis, Founder of Young Voices, Awarded OBE in King's Birthday Honours

Young Voices is proud to announce that its founder, David Lewis, has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List for his notable contributions and services to music in Britain. David’s journey began in...more

14 Jun 2025 | Press release

UD's Pamela McCormick awarded MBE for services to music education

Belfast-born founder of UD honoured for 25 years of work supporting young people and underrepresented talent   Pamela McCormick, founder and director of UD (formerly Urban Development), has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the...more

14 Jun 2025 | Press release

Roger Daltrey & BPI Statements On Being Awarded A Knighthood

Roger Daltrey said: "It is a wonderful honour for me and especially for Teenage Cancer Trust. I accept this award not only for myself but on behalf of all the unsung heroes who have given their energy towards making the Teenage...more

13 Jun 2025 | Press release

dBs Institute of Sound & Digital Technologies announces Educator discount for music production postgraduate degrees

dBs Institute is offering a £1,000 discount on postgraduate degree programmes for educators who want to invest in their development. dBs Institute is pleased to announce that it is now offering a £1,000 discount to any currently practising music or music...more

13 Jun 2025 | Press release

Bandzoogle launches Merch Table Lite: a customizable commission-free online merch storefront for musicians

Musicians can now effortlessly set up a customized, commission-free online storefront using Bandzoogle’s new Merch Table Lite plan—without building a full website. Bandzoogle, the leading all-in-one website platform for musicians, is proud to announce the launch of Merch Table Lite—a new entry-level...more

13 Jun 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group and WTSL Launch Joint Venture to Accelerate Commercial Opportunities for Artist-Led IP

Partnership led by Patrick Whitesell will develop new commercial pathways for UMG’s peerless roster and iconic catalog.   Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s leading music-based entertainment company, and WTSL, the Silver Lake-backed investment firm founded by longtime entertainment leader Patrick Whitesell,...more

13 Jun 2025 | Press release

Alanis Morissette, The B-52's, and Stone Temple Pilots Release Iconic Albums as KiTalbums

KiTbetter and Rhino Records have partnered to release special edition KiTalbums for three landmark titles: Stone Temple Pilots’ Purple, Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill, and The B-52’s’ Cosmic Thing. Each reissue is presented in a collectible keepsake box that combines tangible physical elements...more

13 Jun 2025 | Press release

EXIT Festival Announces Final Edition in Serbia Due to Undemocratic Pressures

  Twenty-five years ago, EXIT Festival was born as a student movement for peace and freedom in Serbia and the Balkans. Since then, it has grown into one of the world’s leading festivals and a global symbol of unity, positive social...more

13 Jun 2025 | Press release

Ninja Tune publishing company Just Isn't Music announce new deals with Jasmine.4.T, Marie Davisdon & Andreya Triana

PLUS, NINJA TUNE / JIM WIN 'SYNC OF THE YEAR' AWARD | KELLY BURKE JOINS PPL BOARD   Ninja Tune publishing company Just Isn't Music have announced a new deal with Jasmine.4.t, the first UK signee to Phoebe Bridgers label Saddest Factory...more

13 Jun 2025 | Press release

Brit School principal, Stuart Worden receives an OBE for his services to education leading the UK's iconic free arts school in Croydon

Stuart Worden, Principal of The BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology has been awarded an OBE for services to education in the King's Birthday Honours list 2025.  Stuart grew up in Chichester and joined The BRIT School from a career...more

12 Jun 2025 | Press release

Major new study of 18-25 year olds provides valuable insights into Gen Z's music listening and discovery habits

  New report from Blackstar, lemontank and BPI is thought to be one of the largest qualitative studies of its kind around Gen Z's attitudes towards music 500 18-25 year-olds across the UK provided unfiltered insights into their music listening, consumption and...more

12 Jun 2025 | Press release

Sony Music and LuxuryKSA Partner to Launch Saudi Talent on Global Stage

Partnership will build talent incubator in Saudi Arabia, designed to nurture and develop the next generation of stars    Sony Music Middle East today announced a new strategic partnership with Saudi-based entertainment company LuxuryKSA to develop and promote homegrown music talent from...more

12 Jun 2025 | Press release

Global appoints Jack Morlen as Director of Artist & Entertainment Relations

Global, the Media & Entertainment group, has today announced the promotion of Jack Morlen to Director of Artist & Entertainment Relations.   Morlen will lead Global’s artist and entertainment relations strategy across its portfolio of radio brands - including Capital, Heart and...more

12 Jun 2025 | Press release

UD reveals 2025 incubator class in partnership with PPL

UD’s Incubator programme returns for a third year, while the organisation launches a new Emerging Artist Residency at the Talent House National youth music organisation, UD, has revealed the nine talented young artists selected for its 2025 Incubator programme. Now in...more

12 Jun 2025 | Press release

The premier global celebration of music video creativity calls for submissions for 2025 edition

The UK Music Video Awards launches its call for submissions from today, June 11 2025, as it commences its search for this year’s standout creative and innovative work in music videos and music visual projects in 38 separate categories. The...more

12 Jun 2025 | Press release

NTIA Calls for Clarity as Spending Review Brings Mixed Signals Amid Autumn Budget Tax Increase Fears

  The UK’s night-time economy stands at a critical juncture following the Chancellor’s recent Spending Review, which announced unprecedented capital expenditure during this Parliament. While elements of the review offer cautious optimism, including long-term commitments to infrastructure and energy investment, many...more

12 Jun 2025 | Press release

UK Spending Review – Comment from Association of Independent Music

Following on from the UK music industry’s recent open letter to the government calling for £10m for music export, Gee Davy’s comment re-stresses the sector's need for long-term targeted investment:Gee Davy, Chief Executive of AIM, says: “The UK's music is a key...more

12 Jun 2025 | Press release

Statements on Brian Wilson's death

Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Group"Brian Wilson was one of the most talented singer-songwriters in the history of recorded music. Not only did his songs capture the spirit of youth, joy and longing in ways that still...more

12 Jun 2025 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing Nashville Launches New Podcast 'Thank a Songwriter' Featuring Award-Winning Hitmaker Ashley Gorley

First episode launches June 12 in celebration of Gorley's Songwriters Hall of Fame induction    Sony Music Publishing Nashville today announced the launch of Thank A Songwriter, a new podcast that celebrates the artistry and impact of songwriters shaping country music and...more

12 Jun 2025 | Press release

The Coca-Cola Company Launches real thing records., A New Record Label Empowering Rising Artists, in Partnership with Universal Music Group

French-New Zealand Singer-Songwriter Max Allais and Indian Singer-Songwriter and Producer Aksomaniac Among real thing records.' First Signees    The Coca-Cola Company is partnering with Universal Music Group (UMG) to launch real thing records. (rtr), a new record label dedicated to uplifting burgeoning artistry from around the world,...more

12 Jun 2025 | Press release

Haribo and Linkin Park are hitting the road together this summer with a limited edition fruit gummy mix

  +++ For music and candy lovers: HARIBO is launching an exclusive special edition for the global rock band LINKIN PARK. +++ The product features the band logo and personalized candy pieces for each band member. The six musicians, who are also HARIBO fans...more

11 Jun 2025 | Press release

O2 Silver Clef Awards 2025: Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Mika, The Last Dinner Party and Aurora announced as final wave of recipients

COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR ONE OF MUSIC’S BIGGEST NIGHTS IN SUPPORT OF NORDOFF AND ROBBINS MUSIC THERAPY   Recipients join previously announced 2025 honourees David Gilmour, Rick Astley, Noah Kahan, Chase & Status, The Corrs and more Ceremony to be held on the evening...more

11 Jun 2025 | Press release

MITC announce new Online Tour Health and Welfare Coaching services

Flexible, Confidential Mental Health Support for Performers and Touring Professionals    The Music Industry Therapist Collective (MITC) has announced a new Online Tour Health and Welfare Coaching platform for artists, performers and touring professionals. The confidential new service offers short-notice expert-led coaching sessions designed to...more

10 Jun 2025 | Press release

Inaugural SXSW London Welcomed Attendees From 77 Countries and 800 Global Leaders

  Former Olympic community head likens SXSW London to 2012 Olympics in terms of long-term impact  Festival closed with premiere of LIFE OF CHUCK and Cactus Pears winning Grand Jury Prize in film category, and with final music performances from Idris Elba,...more

10 Jun 2025 | Press release

TikTok UK Song of the Summer Predictions

  Skye Newman – “Family Matters” What Skye Newman has achieved in such a short span is genuinely rare. This debut artist is rewriting the rules. Following viral success with her breakout “Hairdresser,” Skye Newman’s second single “Family Matters” has already broken...more

10 Jun 2025 | Press release

New report highlights emergence of a two-tier music streaming market favouring scale over diversity and flags need for urgent action

A new report “Combating the Emergence of a Two-Tier Music Streaming Market” has been published today. Analysing recent evolutions in the music streaming market, the report warns that a two-tier industry is emerging which requires “immediate attention”.The analysis has been carried...more

10 Jun 2025 | Press release

Forward Slash Founder Keturah Cummings Wins 'Music Entrepreneur of the Year' at 2025 Young Music Boss Awards

To be awarded in partnership with AIM on Thursday 12th June Keturah Cummings, founder of social media agency and content production studio Forward Slash, will be named Music Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2025 Young Music Boss (YMB) Awards, which...more

16 Jun 2025

  • Is the Sabrina Carpenter album art really that offensive? (see Features)

  • Mid-year analysis of the live business (see Analysis)

  • Sony Music's Rob Stringer talks catalogues, free streaming, AI and more (see News)

  • Calls on the EC to conduct an investigation into proposed acquisition of Downtown by Universal (see Opinion)

13 Jun 2025

  • Data (Use and Access) Bill passes without amendment (see News)

  • Has the time finally come for metered music experiences? (see Opinion)

12 Jun 2025

  • What moves the needle for artists in 2025? (see Features)

  • Tributes pour in for Brian Wilson (see News, Features, Showbiz&News)

  • These touts made millions - and claimed staff at big ticketing firms helped (see Features)

11 Jun 2025

  • Billboard names its Independent Power Players (see Features)

10 Jun 2025

  • New report highlights emergence of a two-tier music streaming market favouring scale over diversity and flags need for urgent action (see Reports)

09 Jun 2025

  • Ministers’ silence on threats to our creatives is bewildering (see News)

  • Sony Music Publishing set to acquire Hipgnosis Songs Group (see Business)

  • Manchester's Co-op Live to host the BRIT Awards (see News)

06 Jun 2025

  • Elliot Grainge has breathed new life into Atlantic Records (see Features)

  • BPI CEO addressed the SXSW London conference (see News)

05 Jun 2025

  • Elton John slams Labour over the AI act (see Opinion)

04 Jun 2025

  • Jim King's 30-year reign (see Features)

  • TikTok launches TikTok for Artists (see Digital)

  • Culture secretary Lisa Nandy talks AI policies and regulation (see News)

03 Jun 2025

  • A study from ICMP on music publishing revenues shows that digital now dominates (see Reports)