Specialist music publisher Dynamite Songs has acquired certain rights and royalty streams from singer-songwriter Eric Turner, R&B producer and songwriter John “$K” McGee and electronic music creators TIEKS and Dan Harkna.
The three deals add nearly 150 tracks to Dynamite’s portfolio, including Tinie Tempah’s multi-platinum hit “Written In The Stars,” Avicii’s “Broken Arrows,” TIEKS’s summer anthem “Sunshine” (feat. Dan Harkna), and Trey Songz’s standout “Neighbors Know My Name” from his Grammy-nominated album Ready.
Specifically, Dynamite has acquired the publishing and songwriting rights, along with global publishing and performance royalties, for selected works from the Turner and McGee catalogs, while its deal with TIEKS and Harkna is understood to be limited to the track “Sunshine.”
Turner is best known for co-writing and performing on “Written In The Stars” (see below) and collaborating with Avicii on “Dancing in My Head” and “Broken Arrows.” McGee helped shape modern R&B with tracks like “Neighbors Know My Name” and cuts for Jacquees. TIEKS and Harkna created “Sunshine”, a global dance hit boosted by Fiat’s 500 campaign and BBC Radio 1 support.
These acquisitions mark the latest phase of Dynamite’s expansion since its May launch, bringing its actively managed catalogue to around 1,200 works. The deals follow Dynamite’s earlier acquisitions of works tied to Ed Sheeran and Kendrick Lamar.
“What excites me most about these latest deals is how clearly they embody what Dynamite stands for – selective, high-quality acquisitions of music that truly matters,””” said Alan Wallis, CEO of Dynamite Songs. “With around 1 billion total streams between them, these catalogues have consistently demonstrated their commercial strength. We’re deeply grateful to John, Eric, Mark and Dan for entrusting us with these incredible works. As our robust pipeline of potential deals continues to expand, we look forward to partnering with even more creators who share our passion for timeless music and value our artist-first approach to dealmaking.””
Check out the rest of this week’s publishing news below, including Mushroom Music’s sub-publishing partnership with peermusic, 1916 Enterprises signing Chance Emerson, Karma Artists and Payday Music Publishing signing Benji, and Reservoir Media linking up with reggae publisher Abood Music.
Mushroom + Peermusic
Image Credit: Mary Megan Peer (credit: Melody Rae)
Mushroom Music has announced a new sub-publishing partnership with peermusic, granting peermusic representation of Mushroom’s catalog across the U.S., Canada and Latin America (not so fast, Brazil). This collaboration connects Mushroom’s stable of Australian and New Zealand songwriters with peermusic’s global network. Under the agreement, peermusic will manage copyright registration, royalty collection, sync and creative opportunities for Mushroom’s contemporary and legacy works, including music by Kylie Minogue, Amy Shark, Budjerah, Bliss n Eso and Archie Roach. “This deal allows us to work with partners we greatly respect by leveraging our local creative, synch and administrative teams for the benefit of Mushroom Music’s roster,” said Mary Megan Peer, CEO of peermusic. “We plan to increase opportunities and earnings for their music creators.”
Chance Emerson (1916 Enterprises)
Image Credit: Caity Krone @caitytakesphotos
1916 Enterprises has signed singer-songwriter and producer Chance Emerson to a publishing deal. Emerson, an emerging voice in folk and country music, is managed by Martin Kierzenbaum of Cherrytree Music Company, known for launching Lady Gaga’s The Fame and working with icons like Sting and Robyn. Emerson has collaborated with artists such as Tommy Genesis and Yoke Lore, and opened for Sting and Jonah Kagen. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Chance since we were 14 and have admired his work from a distance since then,” said 1916 partner Ruchir Mohan. “Getting the opportunity to now work together not only marks a full circle moment for us, but an incredible step for 1916 in supporting talent like Chance who are forces across the artist/songwriter sides simultaneously.”
Benji (Karma Artists + Payday Music Publishing)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Karma Artists and Payday Music Publishing
Karma Artists and Payday Music Publishing have signed a publishing agreement with Benji, a rising DJ, producer and songwriter known for Afro-House, Indie House and Melodic House. The Swiss-raised Englishman has already earned global recognition with tracks like “Gabriel” and “Shine Like Stars,” and now PMP — an independent publisher behind artists such as Post Malone, Ed Sheeran and Drake — will partner with Karma to expand Benji’s creative opportunities. “Benji is an exceptional talent,” said Patrick Moxey, founder and CEO of Payday. “A versatile and highly creative artist, DJ and songwriter who has a unique ability to connect with global audiences and fellow creatives.”
(L-R) Yuliya Hushcha, Tilo Hall, Tracey Fox, Patrick Moxey, Benji, Paul Arnold, Jordan Jay & Jess Miller.
Reservoir Media + Abood Music
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo
Reservoir Media announced a joint venture with Jamaican star Cordell “Skatta” Burrell (pictured) and Abood Music, a reggae and dancehall publisher. The partnership aims to acquire catalogs and sign Jamaican artists and songwriters, strengthening Reservoir’s publishing footprint. Abood Music, founded in 2001, brings decades of catalog success and industry relationships, with over 220 million albums sold. Skatta, creator of the iconic “Coolie Dance Rhythm,” published by Reservoir via Abood since 2020, has seen renewed global demand, generating 15 singles and 45 major sync licenses, according to the companies. Reservoir president Rell Lafargue emphasized expanding Jamaican music’s reach, adding, “We look forward to supporting the voices of established and developing Jamaican creators alike, as we work to amplify their artistry, expand their global reach, and continue to elevate Jamaican music on the world stage.”
Bertie Higgins (Reservoir Media)
Image Credit: Tom Hill/Getty Images
Reservoir Media has acquired the catalog of yacht rock singer-songwriter Bertie Higgins, including his publishing and master recording rights. Higgins rose to fame with his 1981 hit “Key Largo,” which reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Adult Contemporary chart for two weeks. His debut album, Just Another Day in Paradise (1983), featured “Casablanca” and broke into the Billboard Top 200, also finding success internationally. Over his career, Higgins released more than 20 albums and was inducted into the Florida Music Hall of Fame.
The Molotovs (Notting Hill Music)
Image Credit: Ben Ellis at Marshall Group
British rock band The Molotovs has signed a global publishing agreement with Notting Hill Music ahead of the Jan. 30 release of their debut album, Wasted on Youth. The teenage sibling duo, made up of Mathew and Issey Cartlidge, have hit the UK’s gig circuit hard in recent years and recently landed a support slot with Yungblud. A co-sign from their hero, The Jam leader Paul Weller, also furthered their reputation. Their debut LP will be released via Marshall Records in January, and follows No. 1 placings on the U.K.’s Official Charts Company’s Physical Singles Chart for “More More More” and “Today’s Gonna Be Our Day” Speaking on the signing, Issey said: “We’re delighted to be with a company that has worked with the likes of Buzzcocks and Paul Weller. We’re so proud of the album, Wasted On Youth, but we have lots of songs already racked up and this is just the start for The Molotovs.” John Saunderson, head of creative at Notting Hill Music said: “I first met Matt and Issey from The Molotovs almost a year ago, when their amazing manager, Ant Andrews, introduced us at their fantastic gig at Dingwalls. They asked who I was and I told them: ‘I’m your future publisher.’” –Thomas Smith
Jeff Garrison (Electric Feel Publishing + TurnTable Music)
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo
Electric Feel Publishing and TurnTable Music have signed Jeff Garrison, a Nashville-based singer, songwriter and producer. Known for his versatility, Garrison has collaborated with top artists including Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Teddy Swims, Quavo, and RaeLynn, and his work has appeared in major campaigns for Taco Bell, a Super Bowl promo, and the TV series Black-ish. “This team is pushing boundaries and fueling creativity,” said Garrison. TurnTable founder Ben Johnson added, “Jeff is one of my longest-running collaborators and a brilliant creative who elevates everyone around him.”
Photo L-R: John Bradley, Ben Johnson, Jeff Garrison, Austin Rosen, Chandler Nicole Sherrill
ICYMI: Publishers Quarterly
Image Credit: Alex Warren, sombr (credits: Jack Dytrych; Bryce Glenn)
Sony Music Publishing maintained its No. 1 position on both Top Radio Airplay and Hot 100 Songs charts for the third consecutive quarter in 2025, driven by Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” and sombr’s “undressed.” Sony placed 75 songs on Radio Airplay and 69 on Hot 100, though its market share dipped slightly to 30.76% and 30.10%, respectively. Warner Chappell held No. 2 on both charts, improving its shares to 23.67% and 22.32%, and topped Country Radio Airplay. Universal Music Publishing ranked third, with shares falling to 14.79% and 16.62%. Kobalt and BMG alternated at Nos. 4 and 5, with BMG surging on Hot 100 to 12.75%. Spirit Music, Big Machine, and Me Gusta entered the top 10, while Position Music and Concord remained steady in mid-tier rankings. Read Ed Christman’s full report here.
