Sony Music Publishing has promoted Jeff Smarr to the position of Senior Vice President, Global Copyright, effective immediately. Based in Nashville, he will continue to report to EVP, Worldwide Administration, Dale Esworthy.
In this elevated position, Smarr will take on "a greater role across strategic initiatives and high-profile deal and acquisition integrations" while continuing to oversee SMP’s Global and North American Copyright Administration teams. Smarr has been for 31 years with the co...

Manchester-based trio GoGo Penguin have signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Campbell Connelly & Co, a company part of Wise Music Group. The deal includes past and future works.
The band — comprised of pianist Chris Illingworth, double bassist Nick Blacka, and drummer Jon Scott — formed in 2012 and, as of 2025, have released seven studio albums, two EPs, and three live albums. Their music is influenced by trip-hop, jazz, rock, and classical genres.
“It really means a lot to ...

The European Composer and Songwriter Alliance (ECSA) has expressed "concern" over the lack of transparency of the multiple recent licensing deals between the three major companies and AI platforms Udio, Suno and KLAY and called for a remuneration model that would involve "parity between publishing and master rights."
Sony Music Group (SMG), Universal Music Group (UMG) and Warner Music Group (WMG), alongside the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), sued Suno and Udio in November 2024...