Sony/ATV has signed a long-term worldwide publishing deal with Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and recording artist Tori Kelly ahead of the release of her second album.
Kelly, who is managed by Scooter Braun, first gained recognition with a self-recorded online cover of Frank Ocean’s Thinkin Bout You, which attracted over 24 million views.
She then self-released her first EP of original songs called Handmade Songs By Tori Kelly, which reached the iTunes pop Top 10 and No.9 on Billboard’s Heatseekers albums chart.
After signing to Capitol Records in 2013, Kelly’s debut EP on the major label, Foreword, reached Top 20 on the Billboard 200.
In 2014, she featured on UK Top 5 hit Lullaby by Professor Green, and was named by MTV as one of its Artists To Watch.
Kelly’s debut album Unbreakable Smile was released in June 2013 and included co-writes with Max Martin and a collaboration with Ed Sheeran.
The album debuted at No.2 on the Billboard 200 chart, and reached Top 40 in the UK.
Following that, Kelly was shortlisted in the Best New Artist category at the 2016 Grammy Awards and performed at the ceremony with James Bay.
She secured a series of nominations at other events, including the MTV Europe Music Awards, VH1’s Big Music in 2015: You Oughta Know and Billboard Women in Music, where she was named Breakthrough Artist.
Alongside her work as a solo artist, Kelly starred as the voice of Meena the elephant in the 2016 animated musical Sing.
She also featured in a tribute to the Bee Gees at the 2017 Grammy Awards to mark the 40th anniversary of Saturday Night Fever.
“Tori is a smart, self-driven and extremely talented artist with one of the most stunning voices in music.”
rick krim, sony/atv
Discussing the deal, Sony/ATV Co-President US, Rick Krim said: “Tori is a smart, self-driven and extremely talented artist with one of the most stunning voices in music.
“As she showed on her debut album, she is also a versatile and extraordinary writer and we are excited that she has put her faith in Sony/ATV as she further develops her songwriting.”
“I’m delighted to welcome Tori into the Sony/ATV family. Tori is an incredibly gifted songwriter and arguably one of the best singers around.” Lou Al-chamaa, sony/atv
Sony/ATV Senior Director, Creative of A&R Lou Al-chamaa added: “I’m delighted to welcome Tori into the Sony/ATV family. Tori is an incredibly gifted songwriter and arguably one of the best singers around.
“She has so many projects that we’re excited about and is currently in the studio working on her second album, which will be a huge success.”
Braun added: “Tori is an incredible talent that needs to be shown to the world.
“That is the way I have always felt and this partnership is just another step in continuing her incredible journey. I can’t tell you how excited I am for her next album.”
Pictured L-R:Ava Coleman (SB Projects), Scooter Braun (manager and SB Projects founder), Jennifer Knoepfle (Sony/ATV SVP and Head of West Coast A&R), Tori Kelly, Rick Krim (Sony/ATV Co-President, U.S.), Chelsea Avery (SB Projects), Jim Vellutato (Sony/ATV VP, Creative) , Jennifer Drake (Sony/ATV Senior Director, A&R)
