Music Industry Moves: T.I. Strikes Publishing Deal With Reservoir, Primary Wave Partners With Foreigner’s Mick Jones

Reservoir has finalized a landmark deal with veteran Atlanta rapper T.I., acquiring the complete ownership of his music publishing catalog. The agreement encompasses both his extensive back catalog and all future creative works, including his latest album "Kill the King," which debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums charts. Over a career spanning decades, T.I.—born Clifford Joseph Harris Jr.—has secured three Grammy Awards and sold approximately 14 million albums worldwide. His list of collaborators reads like a who's who of music royalty, featuring partnerships with Jay-Z, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Eminem, Nelly, and Mariah Carey, among many others. The deal was commemorated in a photograph featuring Golnar Khosrowshahi (CEO of Reservoir), T.I., Faith Newman (Executive Vice President of A&R and Catalog Development at Reservoir), and Rell Lafargue (President of Reservoir). This acquisition underscores Reservoir's ongoing strategy of investing in high-profile catalogs that have demonstrated long-term cultural and commercial value, a trend that has accelerated as streaming platforms continue to generate revenue from established hits. Industry analysts note that such moves reflect a broader shift toward treating music catalogs as stable, income-generating assets, similar to real estate or bonds, in an era of fluctuating financial markets.

In a separate but equally significant development, Primary Wave Music has announced a partnership with Mick Jones, the primary songwriter and sole remaining founding member of the rock band Foreigner. The deal involves Primary Wave acquiring an undisclosed stake in Jones' publishing and recording catalogs, along with rights to his name, image, likeness, and touring activities for Foreigner. Primary Wave plans to market these assets in its characteristically thorough yet tasteful manner, working in close collaboration with Jones. While specific financial terms were not disclosed, the agreement includes iconic hits such as "Waiting for a Girl Like You," "I Want To Know What Love Is," "Cold as Ice," "Feels Like The First Time," and "Juke Box Hero." Reflecting on the partnership, Jones remarked, "Larry Mestel has created a unique company that focuses on heritage artists and develops them with incredible success. I am personally thrilled that he and his team of professionals will be working alongside my long-term friends and managers, Phil Carson and Stewart Young, to build upon the awareness of Foreigner and our songs." He added, "Over twenty years ago, I reformed the band with the finest musicians I could find. This year, we will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the 1977 New York founding with a live album and movie that features original members Lou Gramm and Al Greenwood joining Foreigner for a magnificent concert on Ellis Island. I can’t think of a better home for this and Foreigner’s future than Primary Wave." This partnership highlights the growing trend of music companies investing in legacy artists' catalogs, a strategy that has gained momentum in recent years as streaming continues to drive revenue from classic songs. Foreigner, known for their arena-rock anthems, have sold over 80 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time. The band's enduring popularity is evidenced by their continued radio play and inclusion in film soundtracks, ensuring a steady revenue stream for years to come.

Morris Higham Management has strengthened its executive leadership by appointing Clark Mims Tedesco as vice president of marketing. Tedesco brings over a decade of experience from Warner Records Nashville, where she played a key role in driving marketing and strategy for the firm's flagship client, Kenny Chesney. During her 13-year tenure at Warner Records Nashville, she also led campaigns for prominent artists like Blake Shelton, Cody Johnson, Dan + Shay, Hudson Westbrook, and Ingrid Andress. Before her time in Nashville, Tedesco spent nearly a decade working within New York City's Broadway community, giving her a unique cross-industry perspective. Kyle Quigley, General Manager of Morris Higham Management, praised the appointment, stating, "Clark is a strategist who understands the nuance of building authentic, lasting connections between artists and their global audiences. Her leadership and relentless drive for innovation make her a vital addition as we continue to evolve at MHM." This move reflects the management company's commitment to expanding its capabilities in an increasingly competitive landscape, where data-driven marketing and fan engagement are becoming critical differentiators. Tedesco's Broadway background, for instance, provides insight into live event promotion and audience loyalty, skills directly transferable to the music industry's focus on touring and fan experiences.

Warner Chappell Nashville, in collaboration with Core Entertainment, has signed a global publishing deal with hit songwriter and producer Dallas Wilson. Wilson has penned four major country radio hits, including Dylan Scott's "Can’t Have Mine" and "Nobody," and contributed five tracks to Lainey Wilson's Grammy-winning "Bell Bottom Country" album, such as "Somewhere Over Laredo" and "Heart Like a Truck." He also worked on her new single, "Phone, Keys, Wallet," featuring John Mayer. This signing underscores Warner Chappell's commitment to nurturing talent that drives contemporary country music. Meanwhile, Raffaella Braun has been promoted to co-president of Triple Tigers Records, where she will work alongside co-president Annie Ortmeier. Braun, who previously served as the label's VP of radio promotion, will maintain a focus on radio while overseeing the full Triple Tigers roster. She reports to founder and managing partner George Couri and replaces Kevin Herring, who stepped down earlier this week but will continue to serve as an advisor. Braun's background includes stints as a booking agent at CAA and as an event producer, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the music industry. Triple Tigers Records, a label known for its roster of emerging country acts, has been expanding its footprint in Nashville's competitive market. This expansion is part of a larger trend where independent labels are challenging major players by leveraging niche genres and direct-to-fan marketing.

Sony Music Publishing has promoted Luis Pinilla to senior VP and global head of strategy. Pinilla will report to chairman-CEO Jon Platt and remain based in the company's New York office. Platt praised Pinilla, saying, "Luis brings deep insight and a forward-looking perspective to everything he does, and I am confident he will excel in this role. I am pleased to be continuing our work together as we invest in the growth of SMP’s songwriters and composers around the world." In other industry moves, Luminate, the data partner for Variety and Billboard, has named Brian Czarny as its new chief marketing officer. Czarny joins from Jupiter Intelligence and has previously advised multiple brands, bringing a data-driven approach to his new role. Additionally, United Artists of Power (UNAP) is preparing for its official launch, introducing a platform designed to help creators grow their audiences through collaboration. Founded by artist Charve the Don, UNAP creates opportunities for artists to amplify one another's content across multiple platforms. "If there’s 10 people on UNAP or 10 million, everyone on UNAP will see your post," said Charve the Don. "The vision behind UNAP is simple: creators are stronger together. When artists support one another, their collective influence becomes far more powerful than any algorithm." The platform is designed for musicians, comedians, producers, DJs, influencers, dancers, filmmakers, athletes, entrepreneurs, and content creators. This initiative reflects a broader shift toward creator-owned platforms that prioritize community over algorithmic reach. UNAP's model echoes the collaborative spirit of early social media platforms but with a focus on mutual promotion rather than individual metrics.

Finally, A2IM (the American Association of Independent Music) has announced its 2026-2027 Board of Directors, along with its new Executive Committee and Advisory Board Members. The Executive Committee is led by Glen Barros, Managing Partner of Exceleration Music, as chair; Louis Posen, Founder & President of Hopeless Records, as treasurer; and David Barnes, COO of Rhymesayers Entertainment, as secretary. Newly elected board members include Katie Garcia, Owner & Founder of Bayonet Records; Tony Kiewel, President of Sub Pop; Steve Kline, President & COO of Better Noise Music; and Elliott Peters, Chief Legal Officer of EMPIRE. Returning board members include Jason Peterson, Chairman & CEO of GoDigital Media Group; Victor Zaraya, Chief Operating Officer of Concord; Steven Hill, Head of North America & Global Marketing at Warp Records; and Terry McBride, CEO of Nettwerk Music Group. A2IM has also welcomed back Oscar Guitian, CEO of Serving Sounds, as an Advisory Board Member, alongside new members Sue Lucarelli, President of Epitaph Records, and Benson Curb, SVP of Revenue & Marketing at Curb. Ian Harrison, CEO of A2IM, expressed enthusiasm: "We are honored to welcome an incredibly talented, diverse, and dedicated group of individuals to serve on the 2026-27 Board of Directors for A2IM. Their expertise and passion for independent music will be instrumental in shaping the future of our organization and the industry at this critical time." Glen Barros added, "A2IM continues to grow and excel in its efforts to protect and promote the indie community. I’m honored to serve alongside my colleagues on the Board, the Executive Committee, and the excellent A2IM team in our work to collectively further the organization’s mission." The Board of Directors plays a vital role in governance, advocating for members and setting strategic priorities, with members serving three-year terms. Advisory Board members serve one-year terms to broaden perspectives and ensure diverse input. This leadership structure reflects A2IM's ongoing efforts to represent the interests of independent labels, which account for a growing share of the global music market. According to recent data, independent labels now hold over 30% of the global recorded music market share, underscoring their increasing influence in an industry dominated by major corporations.