Killing Joke, Adéla Collaborator & More Publishing Signings

Riley Aki has signed a publishing deal to Prescription Songs, joining the company’s roster. He co-produced Adéla’s debut single, “Homewrecked,” and has collaborated with Slush Puppy, Wes Patrick, aespa and more.

“I’m excited to be signed to Prescription and to be working with the most wonderful A&Rs Brooke Webster and Caitlin LoPilato,” Aki said in a statement. “I would also like to extend my appreciation to my close friend and collaborator, Slush Puppy who introduced me to the amazing team at Rx.”

Webster and LoPilato said in a joint statement, “When Slush Puppy introduced us to Riley, we quickly realized how hardworking, driven and talented he is. It’s clear that he has so much potential and an incredibly bright future ahead. We’re excited to support him as he continues to develop his craft, and even more excited about everything that’s still to come.” — Ariel King

Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed country singer-songwriter Tyla Rodrigues to a global publishing deal.

Rodrigues is known for her single “Can’t Keep Doing This,” and her EP Hold On Tight. She’s also performed at festivals including C2C Berlin & London, and CMA Fest in Nashville. Rodrigues has also teamed up for collaborations with Braxton Keith (“Do I Ever Cross Your Mind”) and The Kruse Brothers (“What’s Left To Hold Onto”).

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Sony Music Publishing family and to be surrounded by such an incredible community,” Rodrigues said in a statement. There are so many artists and writers at Sony whose work I’ve admired for years, and to now be a part of that is really special. I’m so grateful for the team believing in me and my songwriting, and I can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes me.”

Aubrey Landon, senior eirector, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville, added, “The first time I heard Tyla sing it stopped me in my tracks. I knew right away that she was special and was eager to be a part of her songwriting journey. She is pure country gold, and I’m so excited to work alongside her in this next chapter!”

Back Blocks Music has signed songwriter and producer Will Bundy to its publishing roster and acquired select songs from his catalog, marking the company’s first catalog acquisition. Bundy produced Ella Langley’s album hungover, including “Weren’t For The Wind” and “You Look Like You Love Me.” He is also a writer on songs including Thomas Rhett and Riley Green’s “Half of Me,” John Morgan’s “Friends Like That” and Justin Moore’s “Time’s Ticking.”

“I’ve known Rakiyah for a long time and I’ve always admired what all she has accomplished. When it came time to figure out my next move, she was at the top of the list,” Bundy said in a statement. “I’ve since gotten to know the incredible team she’s built and the way they approach developing careers and I’m really excited to be a part of it. I’m looking forward to writing, producing and creating with a team that believes in the long game.”

“Will is the kind of songwriter and producer we built Back Blocks for,” said Rakiyah Marshall, founder of Back Blocks Music. “He has an incredible instinct for songs, he understands records from the ground up and he has already built an impressive career by simply following his curiosity and love for making music. I’m thrilled that we now get to be part of what comes next. I know this is just the beginning for Will and we’re excited to help him continue to grow as a writer, producer and creative.”

Founded by Marshall in 2020, Back Blocks Music’s roster also includes Ashley Cooke, Ethan Burdick and Blake Pendergrass. — Jessica Nicholson

Bucks Music Group has signed Piotre Wiese to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal. He is gearing up to record his next album, Kosmos, using a restored Bechstein Grand Piano from 1985, with the album recorded at his Llocnou Studio in Valencia.

“Piotr is a fantastic multi-lingual character driven by challenge and music possibilities,” Howard Price, head of media at Bucks Music Group, said in a statement. “We’re extremely excited about Piotr’s upcoming album Kosmos, working with his catalog, and the opportunity to develop his career and recognition.”

Wiese added, “I’m truly honored to sign with Bucks Music, a publisher whose legacy spans decades and includes collaborations with some of the most iconic artists in music history. From my first conversations with Howard Price and the team, I felt genuinely welcomed and excited about what we can build together, beginning with my upcoming album, Kosmos. The album is shaped by awe — a personal attempt to understand my place within something infinitely larger. Using a 130-year-old piano as a lens on infinity, alongside modern-day electronics, I create new spaces for music I’ve always dreamed of making.”  — Ariel King

George Fenton has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Peermusic Accor that will see the publishing company administering his works. Fenton has scored films including Cry Freedom and The Madness of King George.

“I am really excited to be starting this new chapter at Peermusic — and looked forward so much to working with Ralph, Anne and the gang and exploring opportunities both for the catalog and for new projects. My thanks to all at Peermusic and to Mandy [Oates, consultant for Peermusic] for the intro — it feels like a great place to call home — and thanks also to Paul Crockford [management] for making it real.”

Ralph W. Peer, managing director, U.K. and Australasia and vp of African and Middle East operations, said, “George Fenton is one of today’s most highly sought-after composers. We are incredibly excited to champion his great many catalog works and to also create global opportunities going forward. We are honored to welcome George and his company Shogun Music to the Peermusic Family.”

Anne Miller, director of TV and film at Peermusic Accorder said, “I have admired George’s work for a long time, both on a personal level and through my work, so this feels genuinely special. His music has a way of staying with you long after you have heard it, and there is such a depth and sensitivity in everything he creates. It is a real pleasure to now be working more closely with him and to be part of the journey across both his extraordinary back catalog and everything still to come. What excites me most is not just the scale of what he has already achieved, but the sense that there is still so much more ahead. There is a real warmth in his storytelling through music, and being able to support and help shape that going forward feels like a privilege.” — Ariel King