Christian Johnson has been promoted to Senior Director of A&R at Hipgnosis Songs Group, the US entity previously known as Big Deal Group before Hipgnosis Songs Fund acquired it last year.
Based in Los Angeles, Johnson joined the Big Deal Music Group in 2018 as the assistant to Co-President Casey Robison.
In his new role as Senior Director of A&R, Johnson will work across the company’s growing domestic and international roster of songwriters & producers.
This includes John Ryan (Maroon 5, One Direction, Niall Horan), Julian Bunetta (Thomas Rhett, Clean Bandit, Niall Horan, One Direction), Dan Wilson (Adele, The Chicks, Leon Bridges), Steph Jones (Selena Gomez, Kelsea Ballerini, P!nk, John K), SGT J (Erica Banks), Matt Zara (Diplo, Julia Michaels, Jason Derulo), Chelcee Grimes (Dua Lipa) and Phil Scully (ZAYN, Diplo, Octavian).
Johnson is also the longtime day-to-day manager for songwriters & producers Jordan Johnson & Stefan Johnson of The Monsters & Strangerz (Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Dua Lipa, Zedd).
“I couldn’t be more excited to step into this new role.”
Christian Johnson
“I couldn’t be more excited to step into this new role and continue on to the next chapter with Hipgnosis Songs Group.
“To be able to work with such an amazing crew of writers on a daily basis is such a privilege.
“From the moment I joined the team, it felt like I was joining a family. I’m so thankful to have mentors like Casey, Kenny MacPherson, and Jamie Cerreta to learn from.”
“[Christian’s] passion for songs and songwriters, work ethic and drive are second to none.”
Casey Robison, Hipgnosis
Casey Robison added: “I’m tremendously proud of Christian.
“His passion for songs and songwriters, work ethic and drive are second to none.
“He’s become an impressive executive and asset to our team. I consider myself lucky to be part of his professional journey.”
June has been a busy month for Hipgnosis. On June 4th, the company announced it had acquired 178 song rights from Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, and musician Joel Little.
Those songs include hits recorded by the likes of Taylor Swift (Me!), Khalid (Young Dumb & Broke), Imagine Dragons (Whatever It Takes) and Lorde (Royals).
Later on in June, Hipgnosis revealed it was targeting a new raise of £150 million ($210m) via a fresh share issue on the stock market.
The money will be used to “to acquire a substantial pipeline of songs”, said Hipgnosis, including “some of the most influential and successful songs of all time”.Music Business Worldwide
