Music Publishing News Roundup 1.16.15: ASCAP, Downtown Music, SESAC & More
ASCAP has announced a new CEO, Elizabeth Matthews, former Executive Vice President and General Counsel. She has replaced John LoFrumento, who retired after 17 years as ASCAP CEO. Given her previous work at ASCAP, her pick was a unanimous choice between 12 writer and 12 publisher members. ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams says “her enthusiasm for taking on the new challenges of the digital era is unparalleled”. ASCAP currently stands as the 2nd largest US based Performing Rights Organization with over 520,000 writer and publisher members.
Downtown Music Publishing Group has signed film composer Atticus Ross. Most well known for his collaborations with Trent Reznor in the films Gone Girl and The Social Network, Atticus Ross joins Downtown’s roster of composers such as Hans Zimmer, Randy Newman, and Trevor Horn. With these recent signings, the NYC based independent music publisher is leading the way in the growing market while offering artist-friendly deals that take limited rights away from the composers.
SESAC has signed Anna Wilson for US representation. As a songwriter, Wilson has had her songs recorded by many top artists including Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Lee Ann Womack. Her most recent album Jazzbird/Songbird was released in late 2014 and debuted in the Top 10 of the Itunes Jazz Chart.
Spotify has announced 60 million active users and 15 million subscribers worldwide.
