UK-based independent music company Material Music Group has launched a publishing arm in partnership with Downtown Music Publishing.
Under the arrangement, Material will support writers across songwriting sessions, collaboration, sync, A&R and long-term career development, while Downtown will handle global administration, including registrations and royalty collection.
Material, which was established in London in 2008 and combines record labels, artist management and branding, says the new division forms a key part of its publishing strategy, which "will focus on building a selective, agile and sync-ready roster of talented songwriters and producers".
It also builds on Material’s previous work in sync, which has seen placements across Netflix, Amazon, BBC and ITV, as well as global brands and games companies including EA, INEOS and Sony Games, among others.
“Material’s approach comes from a very similar place to how we think about publishing," said Jedd Katrancha, chief creative officer at Downtown Music Publishing. "There’s a real alignment in how we think about creativity, collaboration, and long-term value, and that makes this a very natural partnership. We’re excited to support them and help them grow what they’re building."
I’m looking forward to building a family of world class writers starting with the extremely talented Richard Atkins
Sean Brosnan, Material Music
The launch is accompanied by the arm’s first signing, songwriter and producer Richard Atkins, who has written and produced for Girls Don’t Sync, Becky Hill, Rudimental, Jax Jones, Jess Bays and more.
“As a music company we always have the artist front and centre of what we do, enhancing their creative ambition and global vision is what we do," said Material Music MD Sean Brosnan. "Launching our Material Music publishing division allows us to offer and extend those relationships and creative opportunities with an unrivalled global infrastructure through our partner Downtown Music Publishing. I’m looking forward to building a family of world class writers starting with the extremely talented Richard Atkins.”
Atkins added: “I’m excited to be joining Material Music and to start building something sustainable together. I’ve always had a lot of respect for the team and their hands-on, pro-active approach, so this felt like a very natural move. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”
Material Music plans to continue to grow its publishing roster over the coming months.
