Sony/ATV Signs Rod Wave to Worldwide Publishing Deal 18 May 2020
Today, Sony/ATV Music Publishing announced it has signed singer, songwriter, and rapper Rod Wave to a worldwide publishing agreement. Rod Wave quickly rose to prominence with his breakout single “Heart on Ice” and is known for songs including “Popular Loner” and “Cuban Links” ft. Kevin Gates.
Sony/ATV Chairman and CEO Jon Platt stated, “Rod Wave has unlimited musical potential and a poetic intensity that connects with fans. We are proud to support his rising career.”
“Rod Wave is a star – his ability to convey unique metaphors about life and love through his songs attracts listeners from all walks of life. We’re beyond thrilled to have Rod join the Sony/ATV family,” said Sony/ATV Manager, Creative A&R, Brittany Perry.
"I’m hyped to be working with Jon, Brittany and everyone at Sony/ATV – I believe this can take everything to the next level," said Rod Wave.
At just 21 years old, the St. Petersburg native gained viral success with his song “Heart on Ice” on social platforms such as TikTok, which earned him millions of streams, a #25 spot on the Billboard 100, and an RIAA platinum certification. After “Heart on Ice”, Rod kept the momentum going with his mixtape Ghetto Gospel, which was released on November 1, 2019 and peaked at #10 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart.
Recently, Rod released his first studio album Pray 4 Love on April 3, which debuted #1 on Billboard’s Top Rap Albums chart and #2 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart. The album, with no outside guest features, showcases Rod's talents as both a singer and rapper, and earned over 100 million on-demand streams in just the first week.
NEWS & PRESS
Downtown Neighboring Rights Expands Global Footprint with New International Deals for Don Toliver, Zerb, and Innerground Music
Follows recent signing of multi-platinum artist and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, Jason MrazDowntown Neighboring Rights (DNR) today announced a new slate of international signings with globally recognized recording artists and labels, including American rapper and singer-songwriter Don Toliver, Brazilian DJ and producer...more
Acclaimed composer Emily Howard joins The Ivors Academy Board
Emily Howard, current Chair of The Ivors Academy’s Classical Council, has been appointed to the Academy’s Board as a Director. Born in Liverpool and now based in Manchester, Emily is one of the UK’s leading contemporary composers, celebrated for her innovative...more
Protecting the rights of creators and artists in the development of generative AI
Joint letter to the European Parliament’s JURI Committee on the upcoming own-initiative report on copyright and generative AI Dear Member of the Legal Affairs (JURI) Committee, We are writing to you on behalf of a coalition of professional organisations representing...more
PRS Foundation expands its Talent Development Network for 2025-2026
7 new organisations join Year 2 cohort including Hotbox Ent, Latino Life and Oram Awards Year 2 of the programme will involve 78 organisations working at the frontline of talent development, strengthening the music ecosystem from the grassroots up At a time...more
Frontiers Music announces the return of legendary supergroup Asia
Frontiers Music Srl proudly announces the signing of legendary English rock supergroup Asia, for an exciting new chapter in their celebrated history. 2024 was the Year of the Dragon - and with it came a powerful rebirth: a new Asia lineup...more
Citizens of the World releases first ever Yoruba and Welsh composition for Refugee Day 2025
The choir is dedicating the release of ‘Lullabies’ to the memory of Annabel Rook, co-founder of MamaSuze and whose life was dedicated to supporting women and children fleeing violence and human trafficking. ‘Lullabies’ is available for pre-save and download here. This World...more
Nature beats world’s top brands to win Cannes Lions Grand Prix for innovation
The Sounds Right initiative made NATURE an official artist - using music to raise funds for conservation In a world-first, NATURE has been recognised as a creative force of innovation, earning the Grand Prix for Innovation at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The...more
Raquel GarcÃa Tomas signs to Wise Music Group
Wise Music Group has signed a long-term publishing agreement with Spanish composer, Raquel García Tomás. García Tomás joins the roster of Union Musical Ediciones alongside some of Spain’s greatest classical composers including Albéniz, Granados, Vives, Turina, Mompou, Toldrá, Esplá and Guridi, and most...more
Radio Ready for connected cars: Bauer Media Group joins united radio industry in Europe and Australia to secure in-car listening
Landmark moment marks a new era of collaboration across broadcast leaders in Europe and Australia on a new vision to secure listener access to radio in connected cars Bauer Media Group today joined the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) on stage in...more
Official Oasis Live '25 Fan Store Launches in Manchester
Manchester flagship store opens, with a nationwide roll out revealed Official Oasis Live '25 merchandise collection unveiled Exclusive brand collaborations Ahead of the sold-out Oasis world tour, the official Oasis Live '25 Fan Stores are set to launch nationwide, with the first one opening Friday 20th June in Manchester....more
Coldplay to re-release albums on EcoRecords made from plastic bottles
Continuing their sustainability mission, Coldplay are re-releasing all of their albums as clear 140g EcoRecords made from recycled plastic bottles, produced using injection-moulding technology which reduces carbon emissions during manufacture by an impressive 85% compared with traditional vinyl production. An EcoRecord...more
The UK's Independent Music Awards Return for 15th Year, Submissions Open
AIM’s 2025 Awards to explore the meaning of Independence in music Fifth edition at London’s Roundhouse to take place Tuesday 23rd September Celebrating 15 years championing the UK’s independent music sector Submissions now open here — deadline Wednesday 9th July Follows AIM Connected –...more
Last Night A DJ Saved My Life Appoints 13 New Trustees to Drive Global Impact
Last Night A DJ Saved My Life (LNADJ) is not just a charity—it’s a movement. Powered by electronic music and grassroots action, the organisation channels the unifying power of the dancefloor to deliver life-changing support to children and young people...more
Concord Music Publishing signs producer-songwriter Ryan Kohn
Today, Concord Music Publishing announced the signing of producer/songwriter Ryan Kohn in his first publishing deal and will be in partnership with InDent Music, the publishing entity of Dennis Entertainment founded by industry executive John Dennis. The worldwide publishing deal, effective immediately, includes Kohn’s full...more
OpenPlay and Trolley sign partnership to streamline royalty payments for the global music industry
OpenPlay, the music industry’s leading catalog management platform and business engine powering thousands of label catalogs, has announced a new collaboration with Trolley, the end-to-end payouts platform for the internet economy. The partnership will see Trolley integrated into OpenPlay Reach, the...more
Official Oasis Live '25 Fan Stores To Launch
Manchester flagship store opens this week, with a nationwide roll out revealed Ahead of the sold-out Oasis world tour, the official Oasis Live '25 Fan Stores are set to launch nationwide, with the first one opening Friday 20th June in Manchester. Featuring the range of...more
Eventbrite Launches Lineup Tool to Help Independent Music Venues Differentiate Their Listings and Reach More Fans
Eventbrite today announced new product features designed to help music organisers better showcase their events and reach fans where they discover music online. The updates directly address challenges facing independent music venues including competition for fan attention and the need...more
"ASCAP London Celebrates Creators" toasts global success of UK songwriters including Cian Ducrot, Kenya Grace, Jungle and more
ASCAP GOLDEN NOTE AWARD FOR MICK HUCKNALL MARKS SIMPLY RED'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY LOLA YOUNG NAMED ASCAP VANGUARD ARTIST DARIO MARIANELLI RECOGNISED FOR THE TOP BOX OFFICE FILM OF THE YEAR FOR GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, today announces its top...more
Impala welcomes news that EC is formally starting the investigation into UMG's acquisition of Downtown, urges EC to block outright
The European commission has today started its formal investigation into UMG's acquisition of Downtown, with a provisional deadline of 22nd July to reach an initial conclusion.This marks the beginning of its assessment of the case, following the EC's decision last month to investigate the...more
The White Label Auction in aid of The BRIT Trust returns
World's only known auction of "white label" test pressings to take place 7th October 2025 The WLA hosted by Omega Auctions has raised over £160,000 for The BRIT Trust to support causes that draw on the power of music to promote education...more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
THE HEADLINES
What 20 years of YouTube reveals about creativity’s future (see Features)
Welcome to entertainment’s ‘Mad Max’ era. Here’s where it leads (see Comment)
Did Sony’s Rob Stringer just hand regulators the case to tank Universal’s Downtown dreams? (see Comment)
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)
Data (Use and Access) Bill passes without amendment (see News)
Has the time finally come for metered music experiences? (see Opinion)
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)
Billboard names its Independent Power Players (see Features)
New report highlights emergence of a two-tier music streaming market favouring scale over diversity and flags need for urgent action (see Reports)
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)
Elliot Grainge has breathed new life into Atlantic Records (see Features)
BPI CEO addressed the SXSW London conference (see News)