News

Sought after producer and songwriter joins leading publisher

Ellie Goulding collaborator currently writing and recording his highly anticipated solo album

Warner/Chappell UK today announced a worldwide publishing agreement with Starsmith, the renowned producer, composer, songwriter, performer and re-mixer, whose real name is Finlay Dow-Smith. The deal covers Starsmith’s acclaimed collaborations with other artists, as well as his much anticipated solo material.

Starsmith came to prominence in the last eighteen months with critically lauded remixes for a diverse range of established and up-and-coming artists such as Timbaland, Lady Gaga, Mika, Marina & The Diamonds, The Twang, Animal Kingdom and Paloma Faith. He is closely associated with Ellie Goulding, winner of the BBC’s Sound Of 2010 poll and BRITs 2010 Critics’ Choice Award. Her debut album, “Lights”, which went straight to number one yesterday, contains five songs co-written by Starsmith, who also produced eight tracks, including the first two singles “Under The Sheets” and “Starry Eyed”. Starsmith has also performed production duties on Diana Vickers' debut album, due later this year. An artist in his own right, Starsmith is currently writing and recording his debut solo album.

Fin Dow-Smith said “I'm so proud to now be a part of the Warner/Chappell family. Richard Manners and Mike Sault are exactly the kind of people that I'd hoped I'd be working with at some point in my career, and I'm extremely happy to have them behind me at this early stage in it. It's an amazing feeling to be on the same roster as some of the artists and writers that have been so influential to me, and I look forward to working with Warner/Chappell for a long time to come.”

Richard Manners, Managing Director, Warner/Chappell Music UK said “Fin’s career has had a spectacular start and he’s already amongst the hottest writer/producers in the country, even the world. Combining his remarkable talent and work ethic with Warner/Chappell’s global expertise and vision, this partnership will help him build on his achievements and develop the long-term creative and commercial success he deserves.”

Mike Sault, Creative Director, Warner/Chappell Music UK said ”Fin’s extraordinary mix of skills gives him a comprehensive understanding of the entire musical process. He creates thoroughly modern pop, with traditional song-writing strengths at their core. This versatile electronic sound has attracted a lot of attention, not least from the sync community, with whom we are particularly looking forward to finding exciting ways to bring this stunning music to new audiences.”

About Warner/Chappell Music

Warner/Chappell Music is WMG's award-winning global music publishing company. The Warner/Chappell Music catalog includes standards such as "Happy Birthday to You," "Rhapsody in Blue," "Winter Wonderland," the songs of Cole Porter and George and Ira Gershwin, as well as the music of Eric Clapton, Green Day, Katy  Perry, Led Zeppelin, Lil Wayne, Madonna, Nickelback, Paramore, Red Hot Chili Peppers, T.I., Timbaland, and others. Warner/Chappell Music is a leader in creating innovative strategies for marketing and promoting its songwriters and their music. The company's extensive catalog makes it a natural first stop for A&R executives and record producers, feature film and television production companies, and others looking to record or license some of the world's greatest music.

Source: Warner/Chappell Music