Concord has acquired the assets of Mothership Music Publishing, a Los Angeles-based independent publisher with a catalog of more than 5,000 copyrights across pop, indie pop, rock, alternative, indie folk, Latin, and singer-songwriter genres.
The acquisition includes the continuation of deals with Mothership’s roster of active songwriters.
Mothership was founded in 2013 as a partnership between Brett Gurewitz (owner of indie record label Epitaph Records) and Lionel Conway, Doug Mark, and Hein van der Ree.
Over 13 years, the company’s roster has grown to include The Marías (Best New Artist nominee at the 2026 Grammys), Falling In Reverse, Architects, Pam Sheyne (co-writer of Genie in a Bottle), The Tallest Man On Earth, Andy Shauf, Son Little, Hunny, Robert DeLong, David Cowell, Sean Rowe, Nascar Aloe, The Menzingers, Matt Malpass, Andrew Wade, Bright Lights, Jesca Hoop, Charles Massabo, Finish Ticket, Wargirl, and more.
“Having known and worked with the Mothership team over the years, I have watched them build a company dedicated to elevating great artistry. They have assembled a fantastic catalog and great roster of songwriters.”
Jim Selby, Concord
The press release on Monday (April 27) noted that the acquisition builds on Mothership’s longstanding sub-publishing partnership with Concord outside the US and that the company’s roster of songwriters previously benefited from Concord’s global administration teams. The release added that Mothership songwriters will now have access to Concord’s A&R, Sync, Marketing, and Licensing teams around the world.
Jim Selby, Chief Publishing Executive, Concord, said: “Having known and worked with the Mothership team over the years, I have watched them build a company dedicated to elevating great artistry. They have assembled a fantastic catalog and great roster of songwriters.
“Thanks to Brett, Lionel, Doug, and Hein for entrusting Concord to carry on supporting great songwriting.”
Lionel Conway, Co-President, Mothership Music Publishing, added on behalf of his partners Brett Gurewitz, Doug Mark, and Hein van der Ree: “It has been a wonderful 13-year ride. Mothership was built on a simple belief: great songwriters deserve real, long-term support and a publisher who truly understands their vision.”
“We’re fortunate to have built something very special together, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. Concord has been part of that journey since the beginning, and there is no better home for our songwriters as they continue to grow globally.”
Lionel Conway, Mothership Music Publishing
Conway continued: “We’re fortunate to have built something very special together, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. Concord has been part of that journey since the beginning, and there is no better home for our songwriters as they continue to grow globally. I also want to thank our incredible team at Mothership for giving our writers so much care and attention over the years.”
Concord was advised on the deal by Cynthia Katz of Fox Rothschild, while Mothership was advised by Doug Mark and Eric Morris of Mark Music & Media Law, and Steven Barlevi of Citrin Cooperman.
Headquartered in Nashville, Concord operates recorded music labels, a music publishing division, and a theatrical licensing business. The company says it supports more than 125,000 artists and songwriters globally and manages a catalog of 1.3 million songs, compositions, sound recordings, films, plays, and musicals.
The deal follows Concord’s acquisition of prominent London-based independent label Ninja Tune in March, bringing Ninja Tune’s recorded music operations and its publishing arm, Just Isn’t Music, under Concord’s umbrella. The catalog includes releases from artists including The Prodigy, Soulwax and Nova Twins.
In January, Concord invested in Giant Music, the independent record label launched by The Azoff Company.
In March 2025, Concord fully acquired Los Angeles-based music distribution platform Stem.
Concord closed its latest asset-backed securities transaction in July 2025, issuing $1.765 billion in bonds via a series of new five-year, seven-year, and ten-year senior notes.
In January, it was reported that BMG Rights Management was in discussions to acquire Concord.
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