Entertainment

Publishing Briefs: El DeBarge Signs With Reservoir, Plus a Pop-Punk Hitmaker Moves to Artist House

Published

5 months ago

March 21, 2025

Vicky

Welcome to Publishing Briefs, our semimonthly bulletin of recent signings, deals and doings in the wide world of music publishing. Since we last spoke, Primary Wave bought a stake in a Notorious catalog, Eslabon Armado frontman Pedro Tovar inked a deal with Kobalt, reggaetón star Ryan Castro signed with Warner Chappell, BMI said it will no longer charge an application fee when new songwriters seek to join, Sevdaliza signed her first-ever publishing pact with Sony Music Publishing, Word Collections launched a royalty collection service, and Joaquina signed a global deal with WCM.

Caught up? Here’s what else is going on:

Reservoir Media signed a new publishing deal with five-time Grammy-nominated R&B artist El DeBarge. The agreement covers his solo catalog and hits from his time with the family group DeBarge, along with future projects. El DeBarge’s career began in the 1980s when Berry Gordy signed him and his siblings to Motown Records, leading to hits like “You Wear It Well,” “Time Will Reveal,” “Love Me in a Special Way” and “All This Love.” His solo career took off in 1986 with the hit “Who’s Johnny,” which reached No. 3 on the Hot 100, and he continued to release successful albums, including 1994’s Babyface-assisted Heart, Mind and Soul. Over the years he has collaborated with legends like Dionne Warwick, Quincy Jones, Al Green and the Isley Brothers. “I’ve been a fan of DeBarge and El in particular since I was 16 years old, so I’m incredibly humbled to welcome him and his evergreen hits to the Reservoir family,” said Reservoir evp of A&R and catalog development Faith Newman. “His music has touched generations, and we are excited to work with him to further amplify his incredible catalog.”

Billy Steinberg and his son Ezra Steinberg signed new global publishing deals with Sony Music Publishing. This expands SMP’s partnership with Billy, which began in 1992, and introduces Ezra to SMP’s roster. Their works will be under Steinberg Music, their newly formed company. The elder Steinberg’s latest deal with SMP covers his newer catalog, including hits like “I’ll Stand by You” by The Pretenders and “Give Your Heart a Break” by Demi Lovato. This move consolidates his newer catalog with his original SMP catalog, featuring Hot 100 No. 1s like Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” and The Bangles’ “Eternal Flame,” among others. Billy was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011. Brian Monaco, president and global chief marketing officer of SMP, expressed excitement about expanding their partnership with Billy — “an extraordinary songwriter whose music speaks to all generation” — and welcoming Ezra. “Representing Billy’s catalog continues to be one of our greatest privileges and we are honored that he’s entrusted us to champion these treasured songs,” he said.

Katie Welle, Ezra Steinberg, Billy Steinberg and Jon Platt SMP president and head of US A&R Katie Welle, Ezra and Billy Steinberg, and chairman/CEO Jon Platt

Artist House signed award-winning songwriter and producer Sam Hollander to an exclusive global administration deal. Known for hits with Panic! At The Disco, Weezer, Katy Perry, Fitz and the Tantrums, Cobra Starship, One Direction and more, Hollander is “one of the best topliners of the last 20 years and one of the highest-quality people you’ll ever meet,” said Artist House co-founder Gregg Wattenberg. In the early 2000s, Hollander gained recognition as one-half of the production duo S*A*M and Sluggo, alongside Dave Katz. Together, they played a key role in shaping the pop-punk sound of Fueled By Ramen’s golden era. His work has also appeared in films and TV, and he notably held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Rock Songwriters Chart for nine weeks. In 2022, Hollander released his memoir, 21 Hit Wonder, providing an insider’s look at his journey through the industry. Hollander, with 23 U.S. Top 40 hits to his name, said joining Artist House “feels like coming home,” adding that “their vision for the future of the music business and their dedication to revitalizing the New York songwriter community align perfectly with my passion for this city’s rich musical legacy.”

Raleigh Music Publishing and the ICM Crescendo Music Royalty Fund have partnered to acquire a majority interest in the Cal Mann publishing catalog, which includes such songs as Chubby Checker’s “Let’s Twist Again,” The Dovells’ “Bristol Stomp” and House of Pain’s “Jump Around.” The latter song is in the Mann catalog through sampling Mann’s co-written song, “Popeye the Hitchhiker,” also by Checker. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquired catalog includes over 200 songs in all, according to the announcement. Besides the above songs, Mann also was involved in writing songs for Elvis Presley Bobby Rydell, Pat Boone and Charlie Grace, among others. Raleigh Music Group co-president Peter Raleigh expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the potential for new opportunities through sync placements and creative initiatives to “introduce these classics to new audiences.” –Ed Christman

Sony Music Publishing UK signed singer-songwriter Freya Ridings to an exclusive global publishing deal, covering her future works, including her upcoming third studio album. Ridings rose to fame in 2018 with “Lost Without You,” earning a BRIT nomination and leading to her debut album. Her sophomore release, Blood Orange, featured hits like “Castles” and “Weekends” and helped her accumulate nearly 4 million monthly Spotify listeners. Sony Music Publishing UK president David Ventura lavished praise upon Ridings’ songwriting and voice, calling it a long-awaited partnership. “For almost a decade, I have been trying to work with Freya, simply because her songwriting and voice are hypnotizing,” he said. “After all this time, it is exciting to have the opportunity to finally be in her team. Freya’s songwriting is inspired – she has many things to write about and her work ethic is incredible.” For her part, Ridings said “it’s been a dream of mine since 19 to sign” with Sony.

Concord Music Publishing has signed Nashville-based singer-songwriter Zachary Knowles, with the deal including all Knowles’ future works. In 2021, Knowles released his debut album, tendency to be a loner, and this past July issued his latest EP Look Mom, No Hands. “When I first met Zachary, I felt an instant creative connection,” said Melissa Spillman, vp of A&R at CMP. “He is a multi-faceted songwriter and artist who can create great music in so many different genres, and I am thrilled to have him join the Concord family.” –Jessica Nicholson

Melody Place signed singer-songwriter Melody Federer as the first standalone writer under its publishing arm, Melody Place Publications. Melody Place president Sandy McGraw, who has long admired Federer’s work, highlighted her innovative songwriting and said he’s thrilled to have her on board. Federer will play a key role in artist development, collaborating with artists like Katharine McPhee. Federer has worked with major artists such as Pink, Michael Bublé, and Kelly Rowland, and co-written with legends like Burt Bacharach. Federer has also released solo material, including “This Town” and “The Wonder Years,” featured on “Elton John’s Rocket Hour” radio show. Her latest release is the indie-pop track “Knocked Up.”

Centricity Music, an indie Christian music company, signed indie-rock/alt-pop artist and California native John Allan to a recording and publishing contract. Allan’s music is inspired by artists including The National, Gang of Youths and The Killers, and he’s set to release his debut single via Centricity later this month. “People are going to believe something about God based on what the song is saying,” said Allan, who released a pair of EPs in 2022. “I really believe it’s about stewarding what He’s planted and chasing the idea until it’s healthy enough to thrive in someone else’s life.”

Last Publishing Briefs: Reservoir Makes a ‘Key’ Move in Egypt

Vicky

Entertainment

Michael Tait Accuser Claims Christian Singer Has More Than 1,000 Sexual Assault Victims: ‘The Goal Is to See Him Go to Prison’

Published

14 hours ago

August 9, 2025

Vicky

Two months after reports alleging Michael Tait sexually assaulted several people over the course of decades rattled the Contemporary Christian Music community, some of the singer’s accusers are speaking out again — and one of them says he believes there could be more than 1,000 other people who share their experiences.

In a vulnerable interview with People published Friday (Aug. 8), Shawn Davis — who alleges that Tait drugged and raped him in 2003 — said that he is involved in building a legal case against the disgraced CCM star, whom Davis believes has more than 1,000 total victims, according to the publication. He also said that the Brentwood Police Department in Tennessee is currently carrying out an active investigation into Tait.

“We’re trying to head this and do everything we can in our power to take him down,” Davis told People. “Ultimately, in the end, the goal is to see him go to prison. We need every single victim possible to come forward. They deserve to know that they’re not the only ones, and they deserve to tell their story.”

Billboard has reached out to the Brentwood Police Department for comment. A rep for Tait could not immediately be reached.

Davis was one of a handful of men who detailed allegations of sexual assault against Tait in a June report from The Guardian, which followed on the heels of a similar investigation into the singer by The Roys Report. Despite Tait building his career on releasing music that encouraged abstinence and sobriety, both reports were filled with accusations that he had groomed, drugged and molested multiple people while partaking in drug and alcohol use for many years.

Soon after they were published, Tait responded to the allegations in a lengthy statement posted to Instagram. “Recent reports of my reckless and destructive behavior, including drug and alcohol abuse and sexual activity are sadly, largely true,” he wrote at the time. “For some two decades, I used and abused cocaine, consumed far too much alcohol and, at times, touched men in an unwanted sensual way. I am ashamed of my life choices and actions, and make no excuses for them. I will simply call it what God calls it — sin.”

Tait also noted that he had been seeking treatment since stepping down from his former band, the Newsboys, in January, adding that he’s now living a “clean and sober” life. (Following the reports, the remaining Newsboys members issued a statement saying they were “horrified, heartbroken and angry” to learn of Tait’s alleged behavior.)

His accusers, however, indicated to People that they won’t be satisfied until the singer is fully brought to justice.

“Why does Michael do what he does? Because Michael thought he was invincible,” said Randall Crawford, who alleges that Tait invited him over, roofied his drink and assaulted him while he was blacked out one night in 2000. “It was so traumatic. It did something to me spiritually, mentally and physically.”

“Look at the trail of destruction that he’s left behind,” Crawford added. “I have to speak up. I have kids that are the age of some of these victims. This is for the future generation. This is for those that are scared to speak up. I want more victims to come forward. I want Michael to find true repentance and remorse and feel terrible and not deny what he’s done to me.”

Another accuser, Jason Jones, told People that he thinks Tait’s statement following the Guardian and Roys Report investigations was “hogwash.” “I saw nothing but protection for himself,” added the music manager, who claims he was “blacklisted” by his industry after claiming that Tait had drugged and assaulted him in 1999.

As the men continue to band together and speak out about their experiences, Crawford said he hopes other artists in particular will rise up to condemn the star’s behavior. One of them, Hayley Williams, already has; in June, the Paramore frontwoman said that she believes the CCM industry at large is at fault for enabling predators, adding that she hopes the genre “crumbles” after hearing about Tait’s alleged crimes.

Crawford expressed something similar. “This is a problem,” he told People. “I want justice. I don’t want this to happen to another kid. I’ve seen what it does. It destroyed my career. I didn’t deserve this, what he did to me. I’ve held this shame for many years, [but] I have nothing to be ashamed of.”

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Vicky

Entertainment

MGK Reveals What Taylor Swift Said to Him While Watching the Chiefs Lose the 2025 Super Bowl

Published

14 hours ago

August 9, 2025

Vicky

The Kansas City Chiefs’ disappointing loss at the 2025 Super Bowl is one that fans of the team — including Taylor Swift and MGK — will remember all too well.

Both musicians were present at the big game against the Philadelphia Eagles in February, with the pop star there to support boyfriend Travis Kelce and the former rapper on site to cheer on Kansas City before performing at the team’s afterparty later that night. But while hopes that the Chiefs could snag a “three-peat” Super Bowl win were high at the beginning of the game, they quickly faltered as the Eagles kept scoring to win 40-22 — something MGK reflected on talking to Swift about that day in an interview with ABC News on Wednesday (Aug. 6).

“I was in Travis’ suite, and at the beginning of it, Taylor was like, ‘Hell yeah, we’re gonna come watch you perform, it’s gonna be crazy tonight,'” the musician began. “Internally, I was stoked. I was like, ‘Oh what a legendary night this is gonna be.'”

“By the third quarter, dude, I was looking at that score,” he continued, laughing at the memory. “I went up to Taylor, I was like, ‘Y’all aren’t coming tonight, huh?’ She was like, ‘I don’t think so, man. I’ll see if I can get [Travis] to get out, but I don’t think [so].'”

MGK still had to perform at the losing team’s post-game party in New Orleans that night — a gig he does not recommend to other artists. “Don’t ever sign yourself up for that,” he said before joking, “Wait to sign the paper ’til third quarter or something, ’til it looks like it’s going one way or the other.”

But while the afterparty was a little bit grim, MGK will always support Kelce — a fellow Ohioan — and the rest of the Chiefs. “That’s my dawg,” the artist added of the athlete. “He’s from Cleveland. He’s from right next to where I’m from.”

Shortly after the interview, MGK went on to release his new album, Lost Americana, on Friday (Aug. 8). With none other than Bob Dylan in his corner during the rollout, his rootsy new project marks a shift away from the hip-hop and pop-punk genres he previously experimented with.

As for the Chiefs, Kelce and his teammates have been hard at work training for the upcoming season, which kicks off in early September. And after becoming a mainstay at Arrowhead Stadium throughout the past two NFL seasons after beginning her romance with the tight end in 2023, Swift is expected to appear at even more games this year now that she’s finished her global Eras Tour.

Watch MGK recall his conversation with Swift at the Super Bowl below.

Vicky

Entertainment

Here’s How to Get the Best Nike Back-to-School Deals — Save Up to 60% Off

Published

2 days ago

August 8, 2025

Vicky

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

With summer almost ending, we’re looking ahead to the back-to-school season for high schoolers, undergrads, music academy students and post-graduates in late August and early September. Luckily, Nike has a bunch of deals on all sorts of sneakers and apparel, so you can go back-to-school comfortable and in style.

We rounded up some of the best deals going on during Nike’s back-to-school sale on items, like sneakers, hoodies, backpacks, slides and more. In fact, even if what you’re looking for isn’t on sale, you can still take 20% off items with promo code SPORT at checkout.

Shop Back-to-School Deals at Nike.com

However, this the product you want is marked down, you can get an extra 20% off with the same code. We like deeper discounts, especially when they’re up to a whopping 60% off list prices.

Scroll down and shop our recommendations for the best items from Nike’s back-to-school sale.

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