Bella Figura Music has acquired the publishing catalog of Jonny Pierce, the songwriter and vocalist behind New York indie pop band/project The Drums, marking the company’s first major deal since entering the US market.
The deal encompasses Pierce’s publishing interests in songs released up to and including the band’s Encyclopedia album. That includes tracks from early records such as Summertime!, The Drums, and Portamento.
Songs in the acquisition include Money, Let’s Go Surfing, Days, Down By The Water, Forever and Ever, Amen and more. The Drums has accumulated over 4 million monthly listeners on Spotify, with Money generating over 471 million streams.
Originally formed as a band in Brooklyn around 2008, The Drums has turned into a solo project by Pierce. The Drums’ songs balance melancholy and pop sensibilities through surf-tinged guitars, reverb and synths, said Bella Figura.
Alexi Cory-Smith, CEO & Founder of Bella Figura Music, said: “Jonny Pierce has created some of the most enduring and influential songs in modern indie pop.”
“[Jonny Pierce’s] ability to craft melodies that feel both immediate and timeless, combined with his distinctive lyrical voice, has made The Drums’ catalogue a cornerstone of the genre.”
Alexi Cory-Smith, Bella Figura Music
“His ability to craft melodies that feel both immediate and timeless, combined with his distinctive lyrical voice, has made The Drums’ catalogue a cornerstone of the genre. At Bella Figura, we’re committed to a partnership-first approach, working collaboratively with all existing partners to ensure these songs continue to thrive for years to come. We’re honored to be stewards of this remarkable body of work.”
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
For London-headquartered Bella Figura, the deal follows its expansion into the US market last year, when it appointed Gary Gersh as Chairman. Gersh previously held senior positions at Capitol Records and Geffen Records, where he signed Nirvana, Sonic Youth, and Counting Crows.
Bella Figura was founded in 2022 by Cory-Smith, former president of BMG UK, and partner Neelesh Prabhu. The company says it has deployed about $160 million to acquire music publishing and recording rights.
Three weeks ago, the company acquired a “significant portion” of the catalog belonging to London-based indie label, Jeepster Recordings.
The Pierce catalog will join assets that include the RAK Music Publishing repertoire (acquired in April 2024) and individual songs such as Joan Jett’s I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll, The Human League’s Don’t You Want Me, Robbie Williams‘ Angels, David Gray’s White Ladder, Aloe Blacc’s I Need A Dollar, Hot Chocolate’s You Sexy Thing, and songs written with and performed by Adele, Amy Winehouse, Kylie Minogue, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban and more.
Bella Figura described The Drums’ catalog as “a natural fit for the company’s artist-first, quality-focused approach.”
In April 2024, the company closed “a significant equity funding round” to fund its acquisitions. It secured investments from private equity firm Freshstream, Canadian pension fund OPTrust, a strategic family office and a Dutch private equity investor.
Music Business Worldwide
