Music industry move: Signs of my chemical romance with Warner Chappelle

Warner Chapel Music, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has signed an exclusive worldwide management deal with New Jersey veteran rock band My Chemical Romance. The partnership covers global publishing management of the band's entire catalog, including their albums "Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge," "The Black Rade" and more, along with upcoming releases. […]

Under the new global agreement, WCM will oversee global rights management, copyright protection, custom sync licensing in film, television and video games, while pursuing creative opportunities. The new publishing deal extends My Chemical Romance's long-standing relationship with Warner Records that began in 2003 and their global commercial partnership through WMG. RELATED STORIES Sherry Redstone-backed Sipur Studios opens London office, sets international strategy including boarding Olivier Dahan's 'Nana' (Exclusive).

+ Payday Music Publishing has expanded its relationship to represent Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Hayla, who has been represented by the company since 2023 and has been featured on songs by John Summit, Illenium and others. Popular in Variety

Hayla's manager Jon Vick of Restless Minds Music said, “Patrick and the entire Payday team have been nothing but supportive of Hayla over the past few years. "They have created an incredible environment for Hayla to write and perform extraordinary songs."

+ Belgian-born producer and songwriter Caliver Simmons is signed to label Maison Arts and has released his debut collaboration 'Wake Up' and is planning a 'busy' release in the coming months. He first made his name as a main producer and member of the band Benelux Bazarette, before working with Alessandro Boccellati (Lily Allen, SZA), Gianluca Boccellati (Lana Del Rey, Arlo Parks) and most recently Nathan Boddy (James Blake, Olivia Deans, Pinkpea).

+ Sony Nashville Music Publishing has signed a worldwide publishing deal with singer-songwriter Peyton Sullivan.

"Any team that gives you bikini t-shirts is a ride or die team!" Sullivan said. "I've been writing songs since I was five years old and dreaming about this life in my bedroom, so joining Rusty, Tom and everyone at Sony Music Publishing means the world," he said. "None of this would be possible without the songs, and I can't wait to write the next chapter with them."

Mohnish Sunny has joined Hybe Americas in the newly created role of head of strategy and growth, the company announced on Wednesday. In this role, he will focus on long-term growth in the US markets and collaborate with Hybe Korea's strategy team. He will be based in New York and report to Isaac Lee, CEO of Hybe Americas.

Prior to joining Hybe, Sunny served as Head of Strategy and Operations for Creator Services at Amazon Entertainment. Prior to this role, he managed global digital licensing and content acquisition at YouTube Music, along with roles at Amazon Music, Cobalt Music Group and Sony Music.

+ UK band Adult Leisure have signed to Big Loud Rock as the band's single 'Kiss Me You Miss' hits alternative radio.

The Bristol-based band said in a statement: "We are finally delighted to say that we have signed with Big Loud Rock." "Over the past few months, we've enjoyed getting to know everyone, talking about our future together. It seems like we've found the right people at the right time, and we can't wait to get started."

Big Loud co-founder and Big Loud Rock boss Joey Moy added: "It's rare to see a UK alt-indie band catch on so quickly, right out of the gate, but the early radio support behind 'Kiss Me Like A Friend' just says it all. We're excited to officially welcome Adult Loud Leisure."

+ Revolution Music Group has appointed Alan Vollard as head of its newly established recorded music division. In this role, he will oversee all aspects of the record label's operations, including artist and portfolio, marketing and business strategy. Previously, Velard held leadership roles at Sunshine Entertainment, Wright Group, Silver Wave Records and Garden City Music.

"Mr. Wellard is exactly the kind of leader we need for Revolution Records at this time," said Raymond Davis, RMG's Chief Executive Officer. He is a rare combination of the creative instinct of a business minister, combined with a track record of building projects that not only work but also last.

Chrome Hearts singer, songwriter, actor and co-director Jesse Jo Stark has signed with WME for worldwide representation in all areas.

Stark's new album, Muse, will be released on November 6, followed by opening dates or performances with Post Malone, Guns N' Roses and Jane's Addiction, as well as numerous festival appearances. In addition to his work at Chrome Hearts, Stark also runs the Deadly Doll clothing line.

+ According to Musicweek, veteran music director Rebecca Allen is leaving Universal Music UK after 27 years. He will continue as a consultant at UMG.

Following the merger of EMI and Island in July 2024, Alan was appointed Head of the new Audience & Media division and was subsequently promoted to lead the newly created and "first of its kind" Chief Artist and Strategy Officer in December 2025. Previously, he was president and later chairman of EMI. As head of Decca from 2017 to 2020 - becoming the first female head of a Universal Music label in the UK.

"I am so proud of the friendships, the adventures, the lessons and the laughs, and the 27 years that have shaped me in more ways than I can possibly even imagine," Allen wrote in a farewell letter to the staff at MW. "It's been quite the ride. I can't thank you enough for being on this journey with me. Love to you all."

+ Sony Music Publishing in Colombia has signed a global catalog management deal with the estate of renowned Colombian singer, songwriter and accordionist Omar Glass, one of the most influential artists working in Vallenato music. The deal includes more than three hundred famous works written by the Latin Grammy Award-nominated songwriter, including the vallenato anthem "Cuatro Rosas" as well as classics such as "A Blanco y Negro", "Tu Hombre Soy Yo" and "Tarde lo Conocí".

"On behalf of my family and the state of Omar Glass, we want to express our sincerest gratitude for opening your doors and allowing us to be a part of the Sony Music Publishing family," said Maren Garcia. We hope to build a relationship based on trust, respect and commitment to continue passing on the legacy of Omar Glass to new generations. Thank you for making us feel at home from the first moment and for continuing to write the history of the legacy of my eternal love, a legacy that will live on in each of his songs."

"Omar Jales was not only a defining voice in Vallenato music, but one of the great songwriters of his generation," said Jorge Mejia, president and CEO of Latin America and Latin America, Sony Music Publishing. Partnering with his family to preserve, promote and expand his legacy is a true honor and ensures that his songs continue to inspire audiences around the world for generations to come.

+The Music Publishers Association, the UK trade body representing music publishers, has appointed Faber Music CEO Richard King as its new chairman for a three-year term following a board vote. He succeeds Paulette Long OBE, who will remain a director of the MPA board after her term as chairman ends.

King, who has served as CEO of independent music publisher Faber Music since 1999, brings to the role more than 25 years of publishing leadership with experience in classical music, film and television, pop and print. He previously served as MPA director from 2002 to 2019 before rejoining the board in 2022. He was director of PRS for 18 years until 2022, director of PRS Foundation for 9 years until 2024, and director of PML since its inception in 2012. King will serve as Jack's director of the MPA in July.

"I look forward to building on the excellent work of Paulette and the MPA executive team, particularly by using my experience as a music publisher to further strengthen our chapter's voice on issues that matter to members," said King. There are many things that can be worked on. The Government's recently announced Plan for Music and the new National Music Education Program are welcome steps, but we need to ensure that these initiatives lead to meaningful and long-term change. "In a time of massive change, it's more important than ever that music publishers have a strong, unified voice."

MPA Group CEO Paul Clements added: "Richard has been an important voice at MPA for many years and I know he will bring fresh thinking, challenge and real ambition to the role of Chairman. Peter has already made a huge impact since joining us, bringing new energy and ideas to the team and a clear vision for how we can do even more for our members."

I would also like to thank Paulette for her outstanding leadership and contribution as Chairman. With Richard leading the board and Peter driving MPA forward every day, we have a brilliant team for next season.