Universal Music Publishing has only gone and signed itself Niall Horan to one of those big fuck off global publishing deals that all the cool kids keep talking about. Endlessly talking about them they are. TikTok is full of cool kids talking about global publishing deals. Maybe not in this reality, but in at least one reality. I know, I checked.
So yes, Horan has signed with Universal’s publishing division. And why the hell not? After all, Universal Music Publishing “is recognised globally as a true music publisher and home to the industry’s leading songwriters”. Says the press release.
Yeah, maybe. I mean, I think we can all agree that Universal Music Publishing is definitely recognised globally as the true music publisher of Niall Horan’s songs and home to the industry’s leading Niall Horans.
And as for the former 1D-er himself, Horan is, of course, and we all know this, “a lifelong songwriter and self-taught guitarist”. Says that press release. Not only that, it adds, he’s “sold over 80 million records and toured the globe multiple times”.
And yes, a decent chunk of that success may have been with the machine that was One Direction. But you’re not forgetting that Horan’s third solo album is currently at number one in the UK albums chart are you? Imagine forgetting that!
And now for some quotes. Harry Magee and Richard Griffiths run management firm Modest. Jody Gerson is CEO of Universal Music Publishing. Meaningless bits of music business trivia I agree, but it’ll help you fully enjoy the quotes ahead. And for that, you are welcome.
Universal Music Publishing UK Managing Director Mike McCormack says: “I’ve known Niall for years and he has always shown a deep commitment to the art of songwriting. I’m THRILLED Universal Music Publishing has the privilege to represent his past, present and future solo works and support his artistry alongside Harry and Richard from Modest Management”.
“We are especially excited to be celebrating Niall’s fantastic new LP”, he then muses, “and know he has a bright future ahead”.
Horan himself adds: “It’s my absolute pleasure to sign with Universal Music Publishing. I have known Mike personally for many years and I’m so happy that I get to work with a man who firstly genuinely cares about artistry and the art of writing a song, and secondly knows the world of publishing like no other”.
“To have met the great Jody Gerson”, he goes on, “who I’ve known of throughout my career as being a badass publisher, and when I felt the love from her and Mike, I wasn’t going anywhere else to be honest”.