Publishing Briefs: Sofi Tukker Launches Animal Talk Publishing With Third Side Music

Skip to main content In this week's Publishing Briefs, Sony Music Publishing has signed Deltona and Adam James, Alta Music Group launches Alta Publishing and more. Sofi Tukker Courtesy Third Side Music Electronic duo Sofi Tukker has entered a joint venture with Third Side Music to launch Animal Talk Publishing. Along with venture, Third Side Music has administered an exclusive worldwide publishing administration deal with the duo, which is made up by Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern. “Sophie and Tucker have been at the heart of TSM for a decade now and truly feel like family,” Brontë Jane, executive vp of A&R at Third Side Music, said in a statement. Jane had first signed Sofi Tukker 10 years ago, working with the electronic duo ever since. “They consistently define what it means to be a career artist by valuing longevity and uncompromising creative expression. Establishing Animal Talk Publishing together and simultaneously extending our global deal is both the start and continuation of an extremely special relationship that will only continue to build.” Sofi Tukker said, “It is rare in the music industry to work with the same team for 10+ years, but it’s undeniable when a team is consistently as amazing as Third Side has been for us. Synch has been such a huge part of our story. We are so grateful for how far our music has traveled around the world because of all the work Third Side has done. We are very proud to pay it forward by bringing other artists into the Third Side family, with our new joint venture Animal Talk.” Sofi Tukker signed with Third Side Music in 2017, and the publishing company has helped the duo land more than 450 synch placements since then. — Ariel King Jack Russell Music and Believe Music Publishing Believe Music Publishing and Jack Russell Music have entered a long-term partnership in which Believe will administer the Jack Russell Music catalog, synch services and creative development for the company’s writers. “This partnership strengthens our company’s ability to ensure its catalog is accurately represented and efficiently administered worldwide while we continue to expand our roster, grow our catalog and uncover more opportunities for our songwriters through creative development,” Clare Ram at Jack Russell Music said in a statement. Peter McCamley, vp of publishing at Believe Music Publishing, added, “Reggae and dancehall have always punched above their weight culturally, and what we’re seeing right now is a real moment for the genre on the global stage. The sampling culture around these catalogs is as vibrant as ever, and we’re genuinely excited about what we can unlock in that space — bringing Believe Music Publishing’s global synch expertise and creative reach to a catalog that has already proven its power to resonate across generations and genres. Clare has spent nearly two decades building something truly special with Jack Russell Music, and we can’t wait to see what we achieve together.” — Ariel King Alta Music Group Launches Alta Publishing Alta Music Group has launched a publishing division, Alta Publishing, with Zeb Berg joining as the head of publishing. Sony Music Publishing will help with administering the new division. — Ariel King Kruse Brothers (Sony Music Publishing) The Kruse Brothers, made up of Miles and Chandler Kruse, have signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing. They recently released their debut album, Heartbreak & Honky Tonk, in January and toured with Dylan Gossett and Larry Fleet. “It is rare when you meet artists for the first time and their incredible talent moves you to the point where you know you want to work together, and that’s what happened when we met Chandler and Miles,” Tom Luteran, vp of creative A&R at Sony Music Publishing Nashville, said in a statement. “We couldn’t be more excited to join these amazing brothers for the next chapter of their musical journey.” The Kruse Brothers said, “We’re extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue to chase great songs with such a great team at Sony Music Publishing. We started writing songs together in high school, and it has become one of the most important parts of Kruse Brothers. We can’t wait to get to work.” — Ariel King Jayo (Spirit Music) Jayo has signed a global publishing deal with Spirit Music as part of a joint venture with Electric 88. Jayo released his album antidepressants on June 19 and is set to head out on tour next month. “Everything about Jayo is infectious — his music, his personality, his energy, his passion and his drive,” Frank Rogers, CEO of Spirit Music, said in a statement. “We are thrilled to partner with Electric 88 to help let the world know about Jayo and his music.” Jayo added, “I’m excited to do some big things with Spirit Music and Electric 88. As an independent artist, the team around me matters just as much as my songs. It was a no brainer when it came to this team. Spirit Music’s writers and artists are constantly showing up on charts and making waves in music. I can’t wait to dive in and continue growing in my career with this team at my side.” — Ariel King Deltona (Sony Music Publishing) Sony Music Publishing, in partnership with Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Simon Tikham’s The Core Entertainment, have signed Deltona to publishing deal. The country rock band consists of vocalist Ned Abernathy, guitarist Caleb Miller and drummer Chris Deaton. “We are ecstatic to be joining the Sony Music Publishing Nashville family in partnership with The Core,” Deltona said in a statement. “We clicked with Kenley and Rusty right away, and Chief and Simon have believed our vision from the beginning. Both teams understand who we are as writers and the nostalgic country-band energy we’re working to bring back. Having Sony Music Publishing and The Core behind us gives us the confidence to lean further into our songwriting, keep developing creatively and build something that feels true to us. We’re beyond excited for the journey ahead.” Tickhman and Zaruk said, “Deltona are a true band with a clear point of view and songs built to hit just as hard live as they do on the record. This partnership will give them an even broader creative network as they continue sharpening their sound and building a catalog that feels unmistakably their own.” — Ariel King Eliot “El Mago D Oz” and Raúl Ponce “Erre” (Peermusic) Eliot “El Mago D Oz” and and Erre have both signed a worldwide publishing deal with Peermusic. El Mago D Oz has collaborated with artist including Karol G, Ricky Martin and Wisin & Yandel. Erre has worked with Christian Nodal, Lasso, Banda MS and more. The deals encompass future works for both artists as well as their back catalogs. “Both El Mago D Oz and Erre embody exactly what we look for in the songwriters and producers we partner with: exceptional talent, an unwavering work ethic, and a genuine passion for creating music that connects with audiences around the world,” Elizabeth Rodda, president of US Latin, Latin America and global society relations at Peermusic, said in a statement. “El Mago D Oz has built an extraordinary career over many years, earning the trust and respect of artists across the Latin music industry through his consistency, creativity and just pure brilliancy. Erre represents an exciting new generation of hitmakers whose artistry and versatility continue to make an impact. The energy they bring into any writing room they are in is undeniable. We are thrilled to welcome them both to the Peermusic family and look forward to supporting the next chapter of music in their careers.” Julio Bagué, vp of the Latin division, east coast and Puerto Rico at Peermusic, added, “What I love about Erre and Eliot is the focus they have on their craft. Eliot has that magic touch in the studio that he conjures in any genre and Erre has an instinct for melody and lyric that you can’t teach. As a producer myself, I get excited when I hear songwriters like this.” — Ariel King Adam James (Sony Music Publishing) Adam James has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing. James has written for Cody Johnson, Luke Combs, Dierks Bentley and more. Amongs songs James has worked on include Cody Johnson’s “Whiskey Bent” featuring Jelly Roll and Kenny Chesney’s “Knowing You.” “I’m so grateful for this opportunity to be at to be at Sony Music Publishing,” James said in a statement. “The energy I feel from the team when I walk through the door every day is truly inspiring. I’m sincerely fired up to work with all y’all. It also makes me super happy to know my songs will be hanging out with Roger Miller’s and Dennis Linde’s on a massive cloud storage database somewhere. Dreams do come true!” Aubrey Landon, senior director of creative A&R at Sony Music Publishing Nashville added, “Adam is one of the most exceptional songwriters in this town. He is carrying the torch for country music and is the kind of writer that can make you laugh, cry and feel emotion in his writing. I’m incredibly grateful and excited to start this creative journey with him!” — Ariel King Jackson Wendell (Warner Chappell Music/ Perfect Game Creative) Image Credit: Grace Hartrick / Courtesy Warner Chappell Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Perfect Game Creative have signed singer-songwriter Jackson Wendell to a global publishing deal. Wendell said in a statement, “Songwriting has always been the foundation of my passion and getting to call it a career is such a blessing. I am beyond grateful to be starting this next chapter with Perfect Game and Warner Chappell. Having a team that not only is passionate but also pushes me creatively means more than I can put into words.”Austen Adams, president, WCM Nashville, added, “Jackson is a rare talent who captivates listeners with his sharp songwriting and authentic storytelling. His ability to blend traditional country roots with a fresh, contemporary edge is exactly what makes him stand out, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Warner Chappell alongside our partners at Perfect Game Creative.”Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, founder, Perfect Game Creative, added, “I am so thrilled to be working with Jackson. I love the raw emotion, honesty, and vulnerability he brings to his songwriting and artistry. Those authentic qualities have helped him build a rapidly growing fan base that deeply connects with him and his music. I can’t wait to champion his career and build something meaningful together alongside our incredible partners at Warner Chappell.” — Jessica Nicholson Jerry Salley (Tall Oaks Music) Image Credit: Rebekah Speer / Courtesy IVPR Veteran songwriter and bluegrass artist Jerry Salley has inked a publishing deal with Tall Oaks Music. Tall Oaks Music was founded by bluegrass legend Doyle Lawson and bluegrass artist-writer Donna Ulisse, and teamed with Keith Barnacastle, owner/founder of Turnberry Records, Get It Played and publisher of The Bluegrass Standard. The company’s all-genre roster also includes Kevin Denney, Paul Williams, Darren Nicholson and more. Salley also serves as creative/A&R director for Billy Blue Records, the label he founded in 2018 with Ed Leonard and Dottie Leonard Miller. “I’ve known Jerry Salley for at least 30 years, and once when I was needing a vocalist, I tried to hire him, but wouldn’t you know, as a songwriter, he was very much in demand and travel was not in the picture for him at the time,” Lawson said in a statement. “So goes the passing of time, and I finally have him on board as a part of the Tall Oaks Music team. Keith, Donna, and I are extremely happy to have the talents of all of our writers.” Ulisse added, “Jerry Salley is family to me! In fact, we call each other brother and sister. He was instrumental in several of my biggest records as a co-writer and producer. What a natural and blessed thing to have him on board as a writer for Tall Oaks Music. I speak for Keith, Doyle, and myself when I say we are proud as punch and honored to have Jerry become part of our publishing family. — Jessica Nicholson Nothing Standard Inks JVs with UMPG and Virgin for New Publishing and Record Imprints London-based synch agency Nothing Standard has announced the launch of a new publishing company and record label. The publishing company will operate in collaboration with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), and the record label distributed via Virgin Music Group (VMG). Nothing Standard currently represents the interests of a number of indie labels including Sub Pop, Stones Throw, Moshi Moshi Records, co:brand, DAP, gamma. and Artist Theory; and music management companies such as Various Artists Management, September and Method Music. They also represent the catalogues of Seeker Music Group, Bella Figura Music, Rezonate and more. Morgan Harper-Jones is the first signing to Nothing Standard Publishing, via their collaboration with UMPG. Harper-Jones’ version of Coldplay’s “Yellow” appears in the 2026 film Reminders of Him, with her forthcoming EP Water Under The Bridge released on July 29 via co:brand. “Over the past five years, we’ve been trusted to represent exceptional catalogues and connect their music with audiences around the world,” said Nothing Standard founder and managing director Tristan Wilson. “These new ventures allow us to bring that same philosophy to music we’re developing ourselves, working alongside artists and songwriters from the earliest stages of the creative process.” — Thomas Smith Daily newsletters straight to your inbox Sign Up More From Pro