Julio Reyes Copello Signs Multiyear Worldwide Deal with Sony Music Publishing

Julio Reyes Copello has a new worldwide deal…

The 53-year-old Colombian producer, songwriter and record engineer has inked a multiyear worldwide deal with Sony Music Publishing.

Julio Reyes Copello I am thrilled to be starting this new phase of my creative life as part of the great Sony Music Publishing family,” says Copello, who won producer of the year honors at the 2022 Latin Grammys. “I am very grateful for the belief, respect and enthusiasm that [Sony Music Publishing president/CEO for Latin America & U.S. Latin] Jorge Mejia and his team have shown, which will be essential in order to find new outlets and homes for my music.”

“I have known and admired Julio for many years,” adds Mejia. “He is widely respected as a musician’s musician, with a deft touch at the piano and a sensitivity as a producer and songwriter, that makes all manner of artists and writers feel right at home whenever they work with him. It is a dream come true, therefore, to finally be able to work directly with Julio, as well as the artists and songwriters he’s developing. I can’t wait for what comes next.”

Reyes is currently working on upcoming releases with Spanish pop star Pablo Alborán, Marc AnthonyAlejandro Sanz, among many others.

The four-time Grammy and seven-time Latin Grammy winner is widely considered one of Latin pop’s most important songwriters, producers and musicians.

Since launching his career in 2001, the Cúcuta alchemist has also penned hits for the likes of superstars Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Thalía, Chayanne, Laura Pausini, Kany García and more.

In total, he has earned 48 Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations; he also has more than 10 ASCAP awards under his belt.

Aside from his songwriting career, Reyes founded Art House Records, a talent incubator where he continues to discover and develop emerging artists, which includes Joaquina, Riza, Ela Taubert and more.

Additionally, he partnered with Abbey Road Institute — the first U.S. music production school, and an extension of the music production education program held at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London.

Together, both parties established the Art House Academy & Abbey Road Institute Miami, where they specialize in music performance, music production and sound engineering to develop and educate “the next generation of singer/songwriters, music producers and sound engineers.”

Rels B. Agrees to Co-Management Deal with Federico Lauria & Pepo Ferradas

Rels B. has new representation…

The 29-year-old Spanish rapper, songwriter and music producer has signed with managers Federico Lauria and Pepo Ferradas, whose client list includes Nicki Nicole, Duki and Bizarrap (Lauria) and Camilo, Evaluna Montaner and Lali Esposito (Ferradas).

Rels B.Lauria and Ferradas will co-manage the rising Spanish artist.

Longtime friends, Lauria (CEO of DalePlay) and Ferradas (CEO of FPM Entertainment) have collaborated in multiple tours and projects, but this marks the first time the two executives team up to jointly to work in developing an artist’s career.

Rels B, also known as Skinny Flakk, began recording as a rapper but has evolved into more R&B and urban/pop territory with highly relatable lyrics and memorable melodies.

To date, he has amassed 4.5 million subscribers on his YouTube channel and has 15.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

After scoring multiple hits in his native Spain, Lauria and Ferradas are making a concerted effort to focus on the U.S. Latin and Latin American markets. This summer, Rels B finished playing a 27-date tour of the U.S. and Latin America, and in August, he put out his first single, “Cómo dormiste?,” under Lauria and Ferradas’ management.

The track garnered Rels B his first top 10 on the Billboard Argentina charts and the music video has over 38 million YouTube views. He recently released the alt/pop-leaning “pa quererte.”

Lauria and Ferradas have long worked together in different projects, most recently in Esposito’s sold-out Argentina tour, which Lauria promoted, and includes a grand finale at Velez Stadium, with 45,000 tickets sold. Both men have also scored big management wins in the past 12 months, Lauria with Duki and Bizarrap, and Ferradas with Camilo and, prior to that, Nathy Peluso.

But this is the first time they formalize a management alliance. Rels B releases music under his own Flakk Records and Dale Play, Lauria’s label. He is signed for publishing with Sony Music Publishing.

Tainy Renews Worldwide Publishing Agreement with Sony Music Publishing

Tainy is staying with Sony…

Sony Music Publishing has renewed its worldwide publishing agreement with the 32-year-old Puerto Rican chart-topping songwriter and producer.

TainyThe deal extends the company’s longstanding relationship with the hitmaker, which began in 2005 when he launched his career in Puerto Rico.

“I am grateful that my career has allowed me to reach new heights not only on the artistic and creative side, but also on the business side,” Tainy (real name Marco Masis) said in a statement. “And I appreciate having such great partners on the publishing end. Excited for the next chapter with the SMP family.”

Since kicking off his career, Tainy has become a go-to collaborator for artists such as Bad BunnyJ BalvinZion & Lennox and Wisin & Yandel. Most recently, Tainy produced nine songs on Bad Bunny’s record-breaking album, Un Verano Sin Ti, including “Ojitos Lindos” with Bomba Estéreo and the Rauw Alejandro-assisted “Party.”

In October, Tainy made history by becoming the first person to spend 100 weeks at No. 1 on any of Billboard‘s producers charts thanks to tracks like Bad Bunny’s “Yonaguni,” Bad Bunny and JhayCo‘s “Dákiti” and Kali Uchis‘ “Telepatía.”

“Tainy is one of the leading songwriters, artists, and producers in music today. He also happens to be a fantastic human being – as humble as he is talented. I have seen firsthand how he works with other artists and brings out the best in them, while at the same time adding just the right touch to the production or song to make it a lasting global hit,” added Jorge Mejia, Sony Music Publishing president & CEO, Latin America and U.S. Latin. “As an artist, he continues to rack up success after success. We are truly honored to have Tainy be part of our family and can’t wait to see what’s next in his stellar career.”

Currently, Tainy is working on Myke Towers’ upcoming record, according to SMP.

Yahritza y Su Esencia Among the Latinx Acts Named to Billboard’s 21 Under 21 List

Yahritza Martinez has proven she is one to watch…

The 15-year-old Mexican American singer and her brothers, who make up the act Yahritza y Su Esencia, have been named to Billboard’s 21 Under 21 list, Billboard’s annual celebration of some of the most exciting and successful young artists in the music industry including Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish and more.

Last month, Yahritza became the youngest Latin performer to enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Soy El Unico.”

To date, Yahritza and her brothers have notched 52.9 million streams.

But Yahritza y Su Esencia aren’t the only Latinx act to make this year’s list.

Eslabon Armado, consisting of Brian Tovar, Pedro Tovar, Ulises Gonzalez and Damian Fidel Pacheco, have released four consecutive chart-topping albums over the past two years — all of which hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart.

The band took a longer-than-usual break before releasing its latest album, Nostalgia, on May 5. During that time, the group added new members Gonzalez and Pacheco.

“Releasing back-to-back albums was good for our career, but we decided to take a break writing new music so that we could come back stronger,” the Mexican-American sierreño group says. “Our biggest challenge as young artists is staying relevant and creating music that connects with our fans.”

Ángela Aguilar is being heralded for logging 240.1 million streams in her young career.

The 18-year-old Mexican American singer, the daughter of Pepe Aguilar, says she “had been working with my parents’ record label all my life,” having signed to Machín Récords herself in 2012.

Nearly a decade later, in 2020, she scored her first No. 1 on Billboard’Regional Mexican Airplay chart with the Christian Nodal-assisted single “Dime Cómo Quieres.”

Aguilar says the biggest benefit of being a young artist is “the ability to DM someone about a collaboration.”

Earlier this year, she scored her second No. 1 on the chart with “Ahí Donde Me Ven.”

The Latin Grammy nominee is eager to explore acting, like her father has, and says some of his best career advice includes being “respectful of your craft and the public — to keep your roots well-embedded in your heart.”

Tiago PZK has notched 7.1 million streams.

The 20-year-old Argentine singer and rapper was only 6 years old when he discovered his passion for music, thanks to Daddy Yankee’s 2007 song “Impacto (Remix)” (featuring Fergie).

Tiago PZK (who also cites Justin Bieber as inspiration) has since created his own fusion of R&B, reggaetón and alternative rock, best heard on his five Billboard Global 200 hits: “Además de Mi,” “No Me Conocen,” “Entre Nosotros,” “Salimo de Noche” and “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 48.

In 2021, the artist born Tiago Uriel Pacheco signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing U.S. Latin and, this year, a record deal with Warner Music Latina (through a partnership with indie Grand Move Records). Looking ahead, he says he’s most excited to tour: “It will make me travel the world and strengthen me mentally.”

DannyLux has garnered 4.8 million streams.

The 18-year-old Chicano alt-rocker is a self-taught musician who hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Songwriters chart at just 17 years old thanks to his work on Eslabon Armado’s “Jugaste y Sufrí” (off the band’s third album, Corta Venas).

The sierreño artist has since signed a record deal with Warner Music Latina (in partnership with his indie label, VSP Music) and released his ultra-melancholic album, Perdido Sin Ti. He’s already working on new music because, as he says, consistency is key. “Since I’m young, I have so much time to grow up to be the best artist I can be,” he says, citing Bad Bunny’s career as an inspiration because “he never gave up.”

The Linda Lindas, comprised of Mila de la Garza, Eloise Wong, Lucia de la Garza and Bela Salazar, have logged 6.9 million streams.

The all-girl group broke out onto the scene with their viral hit “Racist, Sexist Boy,” which they performed live from the L.A. Public Library.

Anitta Signs Global Deal With Sony Music Publishing

Anitta is going global…

The 28-year-old Brazilian singer, whose full name is Larissa de Macedo Machado, has inked a worldwide deal with Sony Music Publishing after a breakthrough year on the Billboard charts.

Anitta

Sony Music Publishing, the current leading publisher for the Top Radio Airplay and the Billboard Hot 100 charts, has announced the signing of pop sensation Anitta.

Known across the world for her fusion of latin, radio pop, and Brazilian bale funk, Anitta’s new agreement will see her represented by the publisher across all territories.\

The new deal arrives after a breakthrough year in the U.S. market for the singer, whose songs “Girl From Rio,” featuring DaBaby, and “Faking Love,” featuring Saweetie, both cracked the top 40 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart in 2021.

In her native Brazil, Anitta reigns as the nation’s highest streamed artist, and she made history this year as the country’s first musical export to perform at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).

 

She is also a six-time Latin Grammy nominee and nine time MTV EMA winner.

Cardi B Signs Publishing Deal with Warner Chappell Music

Cardi B is celebrating a new deal…

The 28-year-old half-Dominican American rap superstar has signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM), moving her catalog over from Sony Music Publishing.

Cardi B

The news, first reported by Variety, brings Cardi B’s recording and publishing under the Warner Music Group umbrella, as Cardi B has been signed to Warner Music Group’s Atlantic Records since 2017.

A representative for WCM declined to comment, and representatives for Sony Music Publishing could not be reached at press time.

Cardi B’s move to WCM comes in advance of her highly-anticipated sophomore album, the follow up to Invasion of Privacy, her Grammy-winning debut album released in 2018.

She has released a bevy of successful singles since then, including the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1s “Up” and “WAP” with Megan Thee Stallion, and notches her latest feature, appearing on Lizzo‘s brand-new single “Rumors.”

WCM co-chairs Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall, alongside president of U.S. A&R Ryan Press, have signed a string of hit artists and songwriters recently, including Anderson .Paak, Bruno Mars, Saweetie, 42 Dugg, Belly, Quincy Jones and Cab Calloway.

Edén Muñoz & Manuel Turizo Named Songwriters of the Year at SESAC Latin Music Awards

Edén Muñoz and Manuel Turizo are sharing a special honor…

The 30-year-old Mexican singer, the charismatic lead singer of regional Mexican group Calibre 50, and the 21-year-old Colombian singer/songwriter have both been recognized as Songwriter of the Year at the annual SESAC Latin Music Awards 2021.

Eden Munoz & Manuel Turizo

It’s the first time in awards history that the top award was presented in two categories — Regional Mexican and Pop/Latin Rhythm — and it underscores how both urban and regional Mexican music have taken a front seat in Latin music in the past year.

Muñoz won songwriter of the year in the regional Mexican category for the second time for songs penned both for Calibre 50 (“Barquillero,” “Solo Tú”) and for other groups, including Banda MS (“Cerrando Ciclos”) and Banda Carnaval (“Esta Vez Soy Yo”). All were recognized with SESAC Latina Performance Awards.

Muñoz’s publisher, Dulce María Music, won publisher of the year, Regional Mexican.

Turizo, who often writes with brother Julián and is known for his deep, velvety voice, won songwriter of the year, Pop/Latin Rhythm for the first time with his songs “TBT,” “Quiéreme Mientras Se Pueda,” “Te Quemaste,” “Pegao,” “La Nota” and “No Encuentro Palabras,” which were all recognized with SESAC Latina Performance Awards.

His publisher, Sony Sounds (Sony Music Publishing) won publisher of the year for the sixth consecutive year.

The song of the year award in regional Mexican went to Christian Nodal for “Se Me Olvidó.” The track peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart and spent 23 weeks on the chart.

In the Pop / Latin Rhythm category, song of the year went to Ñengo Flow for “Safaera,” the hit he wrote and performed with Jowell & Randy and Bad Bunny for Bunny’s hit album YHLQMDLG.

The track peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart.

Although these year’s winners will be announced on SESAC’s social media channels and website due to the pandemic, the organization has honored the best in Latin music every year for nearly three decades.

“There is no doubt that music makes our world a better place to enjoy life, helping us overcome any difficult situation like the one we are facing now,” said Celeste Zendejas, vice president of SESAC Latina. “Thanks to all our songwriters for capturing all their experiences and feelings in each song.”

“It has been an exciting year in Latin music, and we are proud to celebrate and honor SESAC Latina’s songwriters’ and publishers’ most performed songs,” said Sam Kling, senior vice president of creative operations, SESAC Rights Management in an official statement. “Their songs have blended genres, transcended eras, and made their way to non-Spanish speaking audiences in unprecedented ways.”

Manuel Turizo Signs Multi-Year Worldwide Publishing Agreement with Sony Music Publishing’s Latin Division

Manuel Turizo is widening his musical reach…

The 20-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer has entered into exclusive multi-year worldwide publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing’s Latin division.

Manuel Turizo

Turizo’s brother Julian Turizo has also signed an agreement.

Manuel Turizo, signed to Sony US Latin, broke out with 2017’s “Una Lady Como Tu” and has released a string of hits since, co-written with brother Julián. Most recently, “La Nota,” featuring Myke Towers and Rauw Alejandro, peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart, and Mala Costumbre,” with Wisin and Yandel, peaked at No. 4 on the Global Ex US chart.

They’re the latest in a string of high-profile Latin signings for Sony since the beginning of the pandemic.

In the past nine months, the publisher also scooped up Myke Towers, who is dominating global charts; Argentine rising stars Nicki Nicole and Cazzu;

Spanish star C. Tangana; Colombian producer Sky; Puerto Rican rapper Jay Wheeler; and multi-Latin Grammy winner Kany García.

“It’s been a hugely prolific time,” says Jorge Mejía, president & CEO of Sony Music Publishing for Latin America and US Latin. “There are many possibilities to sign and discover.”

Those possibilities have considerable broadened since streaming has opened up the platforms available to Latin music. Acts that once would have been considered niche or regional, for example, are now finding broad audiences that translate into millions of views.

“It’s different in that what we consider Latin music today has evolved quite a bit,” says Mejía. “Manuel and his brother Julián have an urban bent, and Nicki and Bizarrap come from Argentina with a trap bent. But they’re not different in that we believe in them at the end of the day.”