Universal Music Publishing Group chairman and CEO Jody Gerson announces a pair of deals today (Dec. 15). The company has signed Demi Lovato for global publishing and has entered into a joint venture with Safehouse Publishing, a division of Safehouse Records, which is co-owned by Lovato, Nick Jonas and their manager, music exec Phil McIntyre.
Safehouse Publishing’s first signing is Chord Overstreet, an alum of the Fox series, Glee and the son of country artist Paul Overstreet.
“I am thrilled to be in business with Universal Music Publishing Group for both my music and our label, Safehouse Records,” says Lovato. “This new relationship is allowing me to grow as a musician and an entrepreneur and, most importantly, it is allowing me to create an inspiring environment for other artists.”
Added Jonas: “Safehouse Records has been a passion project for Phil, Demi and myself for years. We are happy we found the perfect home at Universal Music Publishing Group.”
Gerson, who was named Billboard‘s Women in Music executive of the year on Dec. 11, calls Lovato an “authentic role model and a compelling artist and songwriter.” She also praises McIntyre, the CEO and founder of Philymack, for being “a great manager with vision.”
In May, Safehouse Records announced a joint venture with Island Records. In November, McIntyre partnered with Roc Nation management. Of this latest alliance, McIntyre says, “Having a trusted, powerful partner to help us turn our dream into a reality is incredibly exciting. We believe in our vision to build a safe community for artists and writers to work together and to help each other to make amazing art.”
