The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) is hosting an upcoming panel in honor of Black Music Month dubbed “The MLC Presents: The Writer Behind the Song (Black Music Month Edition)” as well as a workshop, “From Beat to Bank: Dissecting the Flow of Digital Music Royalties.”
The former is moderated by Janishia Jones, CEO of Fresh ‘N Sassy Productions, and boasts several speakers, including recording artist Latashá, singer-songwriter Stephanie Jacques and Grammy-nominated songwriter/CEO of The Mezzo Agency, Tami LaTrell. The panel will take place on 6/7 at 4pm CT. Register here.
The latter is specifically designed for aspiring hip-hop and R&B music creators. Led by The MLC’s Dae Bogan and produced by Not Just Country Music and The MLC, the workshop will take creators through a crash course demystifying the intricate world of music rights, income entitlements, publishing administration and the distribution of U.S. digital music royalties. The workshop will be held at The MLC’s office in Nashville on 6/22 from 4pm to 6pm CT. Register here.
Both events are intended to serve as platforms for education and empowerment by magnifying Black voices and providing invaluable resources to creators. As always, the MLC is continuing its mission of fostering an environment where Black artists and creators can achieve recognition and rightful compensation for their contributions to the music industry.
Seen in the photos wishing anybody but HITS was making this announcement are Jones (in pink) and Bogan.
Sony Music Publishing U.K. has upped Andrew Spence to general counsel.
In his new role, Spence will oversee business and legal affairs strategies and initiatives on behalf of SMP U.K. and its roster, as well as provide guidance and counsel on its legal and operational matters.
Based in London, he will continue to report to President, Co-Managing Director, U.K., & SVP International, David Ventura and U.K. Co-Managing Director Tim Major.
“I’m also delighted to continue my journey at Sony Music Publishing and be surrounded by so many talented people; from my colleagues to the amazing writers and catalogues we represent,” said Spence.
“It has been a pleasure to watch Andrew continue to grow as an executive over the past few years. This role is a natural progression, positioning him as even more involved in the business and senior management structure,” added Major.
Having first joined the company in 2014, Spence most recently served as head of legal and business affairs since 2019. Prior to joining SMP U.K., Spence—who began his music industry career as a drummer and musician—spent several years in private practice as a music lawyer.
Warner Chappell Music U.K.’s Head of A&R Amber Davis has been promoted to SVP. In addition to continuing to oversee the A&R department, Davis is now tasked with shaping the publisher’s overall U.K. strategy.
“Amber is one of the industry’s most important executives, and her success and passion has helped Warner Chappell Music U.K. become a leading player in the music business,” U.K. MD Shani Gonzales said. “Her care, dedication and ability to read the market will make her an invaluable asset in her new role.”
Davis joined WCM U.K. in 2014 as creative director and was named head of A&R in 2019. During her time at the publisher, she has been pivotal in the signing and development of songwriters such as CeeBeats, Celeste, Dave, Fraser T. Smith, J Hus, Legendury Beatz, Skepta, Stormzy and Willow Kayne.
One of her earliest signings was Raye, who this year landed her first solo U.K. #1 single with “Escapism” and hit #2 with her debut album My 21st Century Blues. Davis has also signed buzzy new artist Nia Archives.
