Warner Chappell Music, the global publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has signed an exclusive worldwide administration deal with acclaimed musician, record producer, songwriter, and pop-punk icon Travis Barker. Named punk’s first superstar drummer by Rolling Stone, Barker’s impressive career spans more than three decades.
Famously known as the drummer for the hugely influential, multi-platinum band Blink-182, Barker has also enjoyed major success with his outfits Transplants and +44, alongside a prolific solo career. Crossing multiple musical genres, he’s co-written and produced songs for Machine Gun Kelly, KennyHoopla, Bebe Rexha, Sueco, Willow, Jasiah, Dirty Heads, Swae Lee, Frank Carter, James Arthur, Poorstacy and many more. He recently worked with rising alternative/punk rock star and Warner Chappell songwriter jxdn on his debut album, Tell Me About Tomorrow, through DTA Records, Barker’s joint venture with Elektra Music Group.
Warner Chappell Music SVPs of A&R, Greg Sowders and Katy Wolaver, said: “Travis’s authenticity has paved the way for him to continue to grow and endure as one of punk rock’s most charismatic and influential figures. Not only did his music define an entire era, but his innovative, ongoing contributions to the contemporary musical landscape continue to shape culture. Travis has always found a way to infuse the DIY spirit of punk into every possible genre with amazing results. We’re so proud to welcome him into the fold at Warner Chappell and support his incredible work.”
Warner Chappell Music President of A&R, U.S., Ryan Press, added: “Travis is not only a global superstar, but also one of the greatest drummers of all time and a highly sought-after producer. His music popularized pop-punk in the early 2000s, and as his career has continued to evolve, his influence has only gotten stronger. All of us at Warner Chappell are looking forward to his next chapter and sharing many more successes with him.”
Travis Barker added: “Stoked to be working with everyone from Warner Chappell. Looking forward to a long and successful relationship.”
Travis Barker was born in Fontana, California, and played with local rock bands before joining the ska punk group, the Aquabats, in 1996. After the release of The Fury of the Aquabats! in 1997, the group went on tour with Blink-182, which led to Barker officially joining the band in 1998. With Barker as the drummer, Blink-182 went on to become one of the most successful multi-platinum bands of the past two decades. After releasing four acclaimed studio albums, Blink-182’s chart-topping No. 1 hit, California, received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album in 2016, which was coupled with a sold-out headlining North American tour.
Outside of his work with Blink-182, Barker started releasing his own rap and hip-hop remixes, which resulted in popular renditions of hit songs like Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” Soulja Boy’s “Crank Dat,” Flo Rida’s “Low,” and Eminem’s “3 a.m.” In 2011, Barker dropped his highly anticipated solo debut, Give the Drummer Some, which featured appearances from Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Rick Ross, Kid Cudi, Snoop Dogg, and more. 2015 saw the publication of Barker’s critically acclaimed memoir and New York Times bestseller, Can I Say.
Among Barker’s countless other credits are Ghostemane’s “D(R)EAD”; XXXTentacion’s posthumous album, Skins; Machine Gun Kelly’s Tickets to My Downfall – including the movie adaptation, Downfalls High; and Willow Smith’s “Transparent Soul.”
