Warner Chappell partners with ReverbNation for publishing support

The new arrangement means that WCM will assume responsibility for administering the music rights of all ReverbNation creators who enrol in the new ReverbNation Publishing Administration programme.

In addition, the two companies will collaborate to recognise and enlist top-performing singers and songwriters from the ReverbNation platform under a new joint endeavour.

Songwriters signed with both WCM and ReverbNation – which is home to African musicians like CKay and Joeboy – will gain access to WCM’s complete range of services, enabling them to collaborate with its A&R, sync and creative services teams. According to a statement, this will allow creatives to leverage new opportunities for their music and professional growth.

“By joining forces with Warner Chappell Music, we’ll open new doors for the ReverbNation community, creating even more opportunities for artistic growth,” BandLab co-founder and CEO Meng Ru Kuok said. “This partnership not only unlocks additional potential avenues for artistic development and innovation, it also bridges the gap between emerging talents and established industry platforms, allowing a new generation of artists to find their voice and place in a continuously adapting and expanding landscape.”

“Songwriters and artists are now being discovered through a multitude of different digital platforms, in what I call the ‘new songwriter economy,’” WCM CEO and co-chair Guy Moot said. “Joining forces with BandLab Technologies allows us to tap into the incredible creator community that they’ve built and help support and amplify the voices of promising, up-and-coming talent. Meng is an exceptional entrepreneur with a vision for the future of music that aligns well with ours, and we’re looking forward to a long and successful partnership together.”

WCM head of business development Michael LoBiondo added: “BandLab Technologies is at the forefront of the ever-evolving music creator ecosystem. We are pleased to partner with such a future-focused company and provide the tools for ReverbNation songwriters to monetise their works globally.”

The move arrives on the heels of the announcement of WCM’s deal with videogame company Electronic Arts for music administration across its gaming titles.

In January, BandLab launched a licensing arm to facilitate synchronisation for film, TV, games and advertising, as well as streaming licencses for over 60 million music creators worldwide. It aims to build on the impact of ReverbNation’s Sync Licensing programme, which has secured licensing placements for its artists and attracted brands like Toyota, Starbucks, SiriusXM, and CBS. It has also secured onscreen placements on Disney+’s The Santa Clauses, WWE Raw, and others.