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Today, Sony/ATV Music Publishing UK announced it has signed powerhouse duo KOLIDESCOPES to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal. KOLIDESCOPES, consisting of Dan Dare and John Courtidis, is an accomplished songwriting and producing team known for co-writing the hit single “Head & Heart” by Joel Corry and MNEK. 

“Head & Heart” has become the biggest UK song of 2020 thus far, peaking at No.1 on the Official UK charts and remaining at the top spot for six weeks. The song is also earning massive success globally – it reached the Top 20 on Billboard’s Global 200 chart and debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 earlier this month. The single has also reached top charting spots in Australia, Holland, Germany, Ireland, Belgium and Croatia.

Johnny and Dan are some of the most multi-talented songwriters I have met. I remember our first meeting when they played us some incredible songs, and it was evident that they have the absolute ‘full set’ as writers, topliners, producers and singers,” Sony/ATV UK President, Co-Managing Director David Ventura said. “Collaborations and opportunities for them are limitless and they have incredible music coming as both artists and songwriters. We couldn’t be happier and there is a true feeling of euphoria to welcome them at Sony/ATV!”

Sony/ATV UK Head of A&R, Sarah Lockhart stated, “Dan and Johnny have an endless supply of creative energy and their hard work and versatility has deservedly paid off with ‘Head & Heart.’ This is just the beginning and I am excited we are a part of their next chapter and beyond.”

“KOLIDESCOPES are among the most talented songwriter and producer duos working in the UK today,”Sony/ATV UK A&R Manager Daniel Seal said. “They are so versatile in their abilities and I'm looking forward to helping build upon the success of ‘Head & Heart.’ It is a pleasure to welcome them to Sony/ATV.”

Jono Ball, Manager, PROGRAM Management, said, “I am delighted to be working with Sony/ATV on KOLIDESCOPES and for the huge opportunity that it brings. David’s experience and passion for dance music is unrivalled, and together with his incredibly talented team in the UK and internationally, the belief in the talent of KOLIDESCOPES ensures exciting times ahead.”

KOLIDESCOPES said, “We are beyond excited to begin this new chapter with David, Daniel, Sarah and the entire team at Sony/ATV. They are the kind of music publisher every songwriter would be proud to have in their corner and we can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.”

Recently, KOLIDESCOPES also launched their career as artists – Dan and John signed to APG/Atlantic in Los Angeles earlier this year. They are currently working on their own upcoming project and recently released their new single entitled “Torn.” They have also been collaborating on exciting new cuts with some of the UK’s most successful songwriters, producers and artists including Sigala, Raye and MNEK.

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

Universal Music Group launches UK pilot of global education initiative ‘Sound Generation’

Sound Generation kicks off with UK pilot featuring a set of tailored music education resources for primary school The free, online programme will be piloted across all Camden primary schools before rolling out nationwide later this year This builds on UMG UK’s...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

2026 MOBO Awards: Nominations announced for Manchester ceremony

EUROPE’S BIGGEST CELEBRATION OF BLACK MUSIC AND CULTURE COMES TO CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER ON 26 MARCH   TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW - VISIT MOBO.COM/TICKETS  2026 MARKS 30 YEARS OF THE MOBO ORGANISATION, THREE DECADES OF SHIFTING CULTURE, CHAMPIONING TALENT AND CREATING ICONIC MOMENTS SHOW HOSTS, SUPERSTAR PERFORMERS AND SPECIAL HONOUREES...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

AYO Music Group Grows Roster and Catalog, Expands Gapfinder Tool, and Releases Reissue of Rare Joe Washington Vinyl

  Since its official launch in 2024, AYO Music Group, an active copyright administrator offering global administration of publishing, neighboring rights, and recordings, continued to grow throughout 2025 with new additions to their roster, further development of their Gapfinder tool, and upcoming...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

BMG launches SYNC+ 

A Unified Global Music-for-Media Powerhouse      BMG announced today the launch of SYNC+, a new global service uniting Commercial Sync, Production Music, and Media Services under one integrated brand.  SYNC+ combines BMG’s world-class repertoire, creative expertise, and strategic music services to deliver a seamless,...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

Youth Music reveals the next generation of diverse music talent in ‘Ones to Watch 2026’

  Youth Music unveils 20 emerging artists tipped to shape the future of the UK music industry  Alumni from Youth Music’s Ones to Watch lists, including ALT BLK ERA, JayaHadADream and Mali Hâf, have gone on to win MOBO awards and perform at Glastonbury  Youth Music’s Ones to Watch list is powered by Wingstop for...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

Open letter from WIN to European Commissioner Dombrovskis: “Europe as a beacon of fair competition”

With just a few weeks until the European Commission’s final decision on the Universal/Downtown deal, WIN wrote to Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis to warn that the proposed remedies will not mitigate the grave risk that the merger poses to fair competition...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Modern Women have signed to One Little Independent Records

Modern Woman, the London art-rock outfit fronted by primary songwriter Sophie Harris, are set to release their anticipated debut album ‘Johnny’s Dreamworld’ on May 1st 2026 via their new label One Little Independent Records. ‘Johnny’s Dreamworld’ represents the culmination of...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

TMRW Music Group Joins LabelWorx for Global Distribution and Label Services

LabelWorx, the leading global distribution and label services provider for independent electronic music, today announced a new partnership with TMRW Music Group, one of Australia’s most respected and influential electronic music companies. Under the new agreement, LabelWorx will provide full...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Atlantic Screen Group Secures $30m from Corrum Capital to Accelerate Film, TV Score and Music Catalogue Acquisitions

  Atlantic Screen Group (ASG) is pleased to announce that it has secured up to $30m in funding from Corrum Capital. The investment will enable ASG to continue its strategic acquisition of film and television scores, while also providing additional capital...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Amazon Music Unveils Global 2026 Artists to Watch Campaign

The initiative spotlights breakout artists poised to shape music in 2026, including Destin Conrad, Seyi Vibez, EJAE, Max Styler, PRESIDENT, NewDad, MEOVV, and Adam Klobi across 28 key playlists worldwide The program also includes seven new Amazon Music Originals from VENGAYO,...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

First details revealed for BRITs Fringe with Brighter Sound

BRING ON THE BRITs WITH MASTERCARD: THE 2026 NOMINATIONSWATCH ON WEDNESDAY 21ST JANUARY FROM 5PM ON THE BRITs’ INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK WHATSAPP ANNOUNCED AS 2026 OFFICIAL VOTING PARTNER THE BRIT AWARDS 2026 WITH MASTERCARDSATURDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2026 AT CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER ON ITV   In a...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Mercury Prize shines global spotlight on Newcastle and the North East

New figures have shown the region's economy received a boost of more than £1.4 million by hosting the 2025 Mercury Prize.  A new report commissioned and published by Newcastle City Council has highlighted the huge impact the awards ceremony and fringe activity had...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Winners of the 2025 European Festival Awards

  Congratulations to all the winners of the 2025 European Festival Awards. For this year, festivals from over 30 countries participated and 300,000 single votes have been cast by the public. This resulted in 104 shortlisted nominees in 13 distinct categories,...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

PRS Foundation and Amazon MGM Studios reveal 4 talented composers receiving targeted Prelude support in 2026

  Carrie Penn, Fernando Gimeno, Jolene Khor and Rebekah Fitch selected to receive up to £3,750 each in grant support and mentoring Grantees were announced at a special event at BAFTA PRS Foundation, the UK's leading charitable funder of new music and talent...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Cutting Edge Group acquires music catalog of award-winning composer John Paesano

Deal includes scores from billion-dollar franchises including Maze Runner trilogy,Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Invincible, and Marvel’s Daredevil, adding over 80 premium film, TV and video game scores to Cutting Edge’s portfolio.   Cutting Edge Group (“CEG”), the leading specialist investor in and manager...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

10 UK music creators receive support to attend Eurosonic Noorderslag 2026 through PRS Foundation’s International Showcase Fund

  Supported artists across the UK include EV, Mount Palomar, Plantoid and SOAPBOX 2026 marks the 20th year of International Showcase Fund enabling UK artists to break into new overseas territories   PRS Foundation, the UK’s leading charitable funder of new music and talent development,...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

A Greener Future Honours the Greenest Global Events & Festivals

Although last year was characterised by instability and geopolitical tensions, 25 festivals and events spanning 12 countries and 4 continents demonstrated their commitment to a better, greener future, successfully achieving AGF Certification in 2025. A Greener Future (AGF)’s mission is to...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Merlin Announces its Board for 2026-27, Welcoming Five New Board Members

Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world's leading independent labels and distributors, kicks off 2026 by announcing its new Board, bringing together leaders from the independent music industry in 12 different countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America,...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Musical AI Raises $4.5M US to Expand its Proprietary AI Attribution Technology

Already in use, Musical AI’s attribution tech can immediately ensure a fully licensed future for AI companies. Musical AI, the pioneering attribution and rights management platform for generative AI, has closed a $4.5M US round led by Heavybit and supported by BDC and Build...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

BBC Radio 2 presents a stellar line-up for Piano Room month

  Radio 2’s Piano Room makes a triumphant return next month on Vernon Kay’s mid-morning show (9:30-12pm weekdays) with 16 incredible live performances from a star-studded line-up including Tori Amos, Melanie C, Mumford and Sons, Pulp, Darius Rucker, Labi Siffre and...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Fender unveils connected music ecosystem with Fender Studio Pro, audio interfaces and controllers

A New Era Of Music Creation Begins With The Next Generation Of Studio One Pro As Fender Studio Pro, Quantum LT, Quantum HD, AudioBox Go™ and Motion™ Production Controllers   Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announced a significant milestone in its evolution...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Zo Lief announced as Record Store Day Unsigned winner

  Record Store Day and Breed Media are delighted to announce Zo Lief as the winner of RSD Unsigned 2025, the nationwide competition celebrating the UK’s most exciting unsigned talent. Selected from hundreds of entries across the country, Zo Lief impressed the judging...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Merlin: Dan Waite, Better Noise Music CEO – Joins as Board Observer

Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world's leading independent labels and distributors, kicks off 2026 by announcing its new Board, bringing together leaders from the independent music industry in 12 different countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America,...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Frontiers Label Group launches Blkiiblk Records and appoints Mike Gitter Global Head Of A&R

FRONTIERS LABEL GROUP is proud to announce the launch of its metal, hard rock and extreme music label, BLKIIBLK RECORDS.  Having released tentpole signings, BIOHAZARD in 2025; with thrash titans, MEGADETH unleashing their much anticipated, self-titled final album on January 23, Frontiers is taking...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Watch A$AP Rocky Perform New Music from Don't Be Dumb in Upcoming Episode of Amazon Music’s “Songline” Series

Premiering on Yams Day—January 18—at 9 p.m. ET, this special episode of “Songline” will showcase the hip-hop icon as he brings his new album to life, with special guests and unexpected moments filmed in New York City   Watch exclusively on Amazon...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Eternal Research Opens New Hollywood Studio, the Demon Lair

2026 will mark a series of firsts for Eternal Research, the creative studio building a new multimodal, synesthetic orchestra. One of the biggest developments is that the company will open its first physical location: a studio dubbed the Demon Lair, after...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Globally renowned independent music retailer Rough Trade announces 50th anniversary plans for 2026

INCLUDING: LIMITED EDITION VINYL RELEASESROUGH TRADE CLUB: ESSENTIAL, A NEW YEAR-LONG VINYL SUBSCRIPTIONEXCLUSIVE LIVE EVENTS+ MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED   Throughout 2026, Rough Trade marks its 50th anniversary with a year-long programme of releases and events, reflecting both its history and its...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing Acquires Renowned Nashville Publisher Big Yellow Dog Music

Sony Music Publishing Nashville today announced the acquisition of legendary independent publishing and artist development company Big Yellow Dog Music (BYD), effective immediately. With the agreement, the company now owns and administers Big Yellow Dog’s renowned catalog of songs and serves...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Peermusic signs producer/songwriter/recording artist Dan Lancaster

Peermusic, the global independent music publishing company with 39 offices in 33 countries, has signed songwriter/producer and recording artist Dan Lancaster to a go-forward worldwide publishing deal as announced today by Ralph W. Peer, Managing Director, U.K., Australasia and Vice President of peermusic's...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Universal Music Group appoints Hannah Poferl as Chief Data Officer

  Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, announced today the appointment of Hannah Poferl as its Chief Data Officer, effective immediately. She will be based in Santa Monica and report to UMG's Chief Operating Officer, Boyd Muir. A...more

16 Jan 2026

  • Do most artists peak with their first album? (see Analysis)

15 Jan 2026

  • Court battle over unpaid royalties could have implications for the industry in the streaming era (see News)

  • Luminate released its 2025 year-end music report (see Reports)

14 Jan 2026

  • Impala sets out crucial questions on UMG/Downtown, AI, sovereignty and more for EU & music sector (see Comment)

13 Jan 2026

  • Spotify’s new co-CEOs highlight what’s ahead for the company (see Digital)

12 Jan 2026

  • Music publishers sued by X in growing licensing battle (see News)

  • Call on EU to clamp down on unauthorised ticket reselling (see News)

09 Jan 2026

  • Lucian Grainge outlines UMG's 2026 plans in staff memo (see News)

  • Skye Newman wins Radio 1's Sound of 2026 (see News)

08 Jan 2026

  • Spotify now lets you share what you’re streaming in real time with friends (see Digital)

07 Jan 2026

  • Streamed and retail entertainment sales grew four times faster than UK economy in 2025 (see News)

  • UMG announces collaboration with NVIDIA to pioneer responsible AI for music discovery, creation, and engagement (see News)

06 Jan 2026

  • 2026 music industry predictions (see Features)

05 Jan 2026

  • New wave of global British breakthrough talent helps UK recorded music grow for 11th consecutive year (see News)