Publishing Briefs: Sleep Token’s II Joins Kobalt; PinkPantheress Producer Picks Concord

Aksel Arvid (Concord Music Publishing)

Concord Music Publishing has signed Norwegian artist, songwriter and producer Aksel Arvid to his first publishing deal, in partnership with hit producer Lido. Best known for executive producing PinkPantheress’ Grammy-nominated Fancy That project and its hit single “Illegal,” he also co‑produced Jack Harlow’s 2024 single “Hello Miss Johnson” and has several new projects on the way this year. “Illegal” not only marked PinkPantheress’ first solo entry on the Hot 100 (No. 96), but also earned the artist and her producer a nomination for best dance pop recording at next month’s Grammy Awards. “Aksel is a brilliant young man with vast musical knowledge combined with an incredible work ethic and care for his collaborators,” said Lido, who has worked with Halsey and Chance the Rapper. “At such a young age he’s already showing signs that he will foster great music and inspire the next wave of producers.”

Andre “Dre” Harris (Warner Chappell Music)

Britten Newbill (Reservoir Media)

Reservoir Media has signed songwriter‑producer Britten Newbill to a new publishing deal covering part of his catalog and future works. Nashville‑born and London‑based, Newbill has built a multi‑genre career spanning pop, R&B and film/TV. In 2025, he co‑wrote two tracks on Cat Burns’ Top 10 U.K. album How To Be Human and contributed to Olivia Dean’s Mercury Prize‑shortlisted debut Messy. His credits also include Giveon’s “At Least We Tried” and early breakout hits with Daya, including the twice‑platinum “Hide Away” and “Sit Still, Look Pretty.” Donna Caseine, global creative director at Reservoir, said: “The entire Reservoir creative team really came together to sign Britten. We all recognize in him both an established craft and a promising opportunity to help him continue collaborating with fantastic artists and creating meaningful, successful music.”

Jon Buscema (Sony Music Publishing)

Sony Music Publishing is partnering with Daniel Nigro’s publishing venture Amusement to sign producer and songwriter Jon Buscema to a global deal. A fast‑rising collaborator across pop, alternative and indie, Buscema has worked with Conan Gray, Devon Again, Noah Rinker and Grace VanderWaal. He co‑wrote and produced Devon Again’s entire EP and helped shape Noah Rinker’s breakout tracks “Wherever I Go” and “The Pines,” while also co‑producing “Caramel” on Gray’s recent album Wishbone. Originally from New Jersey, Buscema built his career in New York before relocating to Los Angeles, where he has also landed major sync placements with Apple, Google, Netflix, HBO and Ford. “Jon immediately impressed us with his high level of taste and decisive nature,” said Nick Bral, svp of creative A&R at SMP. “As soon as we began working together, it was evident that he is a world builder who has an incredibly bright future.”

Adam Doleac (Peermusic Nashville)

Dan Lancaster (Peermusic)

Peermusic has signed producer, mixer, songwriter and artist Dan Lancaster to a worldwide publishing deal. The UK‑based Lancaster is known for a forward-thinking approach to rock and has collaborated with top global acts including Muse, Bring Me the Horizon, Blink‑182, 5 Seconds of Summer, One OK Rock, Three Days Grace and The Warning. The three‑time Grammy nominee began his music life as the frontman of post‑hardcore band Proceed before breaking through as a producer and mixer with charting projects for Don Broco, Lower Than Atlantis and 5 Seconds of Summer. His work has since led to multiple global No. 1 albums, major collaborations, solo projects and recent rock radio chart‑toppers for Three Days Grace and Muse. “Signing Dan Lancaster is a defining moment for us,” said Harry Knyt, head of A&R for the UK. “Some of the world’s biggest & most influential pop producers have a creative DNA shaped by rock, and Dan is cut from the same cloth.”

Atlantic Screen Group + Corrum Capital

Atlantic Screen Group has secured up to $30 million in funding from Corrum Capital to support its continued expansion in film and television music rights. The investment will fuel ASG’s strategic acquisition of screen scores and provide additional capital for purchasing new music publishing catalogues. In 2025, the company acquired score rights for more than 25 feature films, including Christy, the upcoming Shelter and Mutiny, and Fuze. ASG also administers global publishing rights through its Copyright Administration Services division, serving dozens of clients. “Corrum has allowed ASG to fund its continued year-on-year growth, not only across its film and television music catalogue but also its ever-growing song catalogue,” said Simon Fawcett, CEO of Atlantic Screen Group (pictured).

1900Rugrat (Electric Feel Publishing)

Electric Feel Publishing has signed Florida rapper-songwriter 1900Rugrat, also known as Miles Spiel. The West Palm Beach artist gained attention with his 2024 breakout “One Take Freestyle” and released his debut studio album Big Ah Kidz last November, featuring collabs with Quavo, Kyle Richh and Hunxho. Songs from the project earned critical attention, with XXL highlighting “Where Da Fine Shyt” among its Best New Hip-Hop Songs and Billboard spotlighting “Hard” in its Fresh Picks playlist. Earlier in 2025, 1900Rugrat dropped his mixtape Porch 2 the Pent, featuring Kodak Black and Lil Yachty. Electric Feel CEO Austin Rosen praised the signing, saying Rugrat “brings a distinct voice to hip-hop and a sound that’s entirely his own.”

Kobalt + Madverse Music

Kobalt has entered a new publishing partnership with Madverse Music, a tech-driven distribution, publishing and marketing company supporting over 150,000 independent artists and labels across India and South Asia. The deal aims to expand the global reach of South Asian music by providing Madverse’s songwriters, composers and producers with Kobalt’s worldwide publishing administration, including royalty collection and sync opportunities in more than 180 territories. The collab looks to strengthen Madverse’s “Independent, Not Alone” mission by offering creators greater transparency, rights protection and operational support while retaining full ownership. Madverse CEO Rohan Nesho Jain called the partnership a “pivotal” step toward ensuring Indian artists can finally access global royalties, while Kobalt’s Simon Moor praised Madverse’s “impressive ecosystem.”

Zach Kale (Sea Gayle Music)

Songwriter/producer Zach Kale has joined Nashville-based music publisher Sea Gayle Music‘s roster. Kale is known for co-writing and producing songs including Gabby Barrett’s Billboard Hot 100-charting hits “I Hope” and “The Good Ones.” He has also had songs recorded by artists including Ella Langley, Florida Georgia Line, Charlie Puth and Keith Urban. “Whether he’s in the writing room or behind the console,Zachbrings a rare combination of creative instinct, commercial awareness, and an undeniable ability to make music that truly connects,” Chris DuBois, president of Sea Gayle Music, said in a statement. “It’s a privilege to partner with him on his journey and look forward to helping create new opportunities for him and his music.” –Jessica Nicholson