Spirit Music Group inks global publishing deal with songwriter & producer Gregg Wattenberg

Spirit Music Group has signed multi-platinum songwriter and producer Gregg Wattenberg (pictured) to a global publishing deal.

As part of the deal, Spirit will acquire global rights to Wattenberg’s complete songwriting catalog, sign him to a co-publishing agreement for all future works.

Spirit will also form a partnership with Wattenberg, which will see him bring new artists, producers, and writers to the company under his Arcade joint venture.

The announcement follows a $350 million recapitalization of Spirit Music Group led by Jon Singer and business partner Ross Cameron in January of this year.

Gregg Wattenberg has co-written and/or produced eight Billboard No.1 hit songs, including Easy Tonight by Five For Fighting (No.1 on the Billboard Adult Alternative chart); Superman (It’s Not Easy) by Five For Fighting (Platinum, No.1 on the Billboard US Adult Top 40); 100 Years by Five For Fighting (Platinum, No.1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart) among others.

Wattenberg has also co-written and produced numerous other singles that reached the Top 10 on a variety of Billboard charts including Chances by Five For Fighting, Let Love In by the Goo Goo Dolls, Living in a Dream by Finger Eleven, Raging Fire by Phillip Phillips, and Fire Escape by Andrew McMahon.

Among Wattenberg’s many awards and recognitions include a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Song (It’s Not Over by Daughtry), ASCAP Song of the Year (Hey, Soul Sister by Train, 2010), and multiple ASCAP Pop Awards (It’s Not Over by Daughtry, If It’s Love by Train, Shattered (Turn the Car Around) by O.A.R.).

“This is a multi-faceted deal that not only allows Spirit to represent Gregg as a songwriter, but a partnership to identify and nurture new talent together.”

Jon Singer, Spirit Music Group

Jon Singer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group said: “I have known Gregg for twenty years, dating back to our days at Island Records — we always knew that we would be working together again one day.

“The timing is right and the team at Spirit is honored to represent and partner with such an accomplished songwriter and producer.

“This is a multi-faceted deal that not only allows Spirit to represent Gregg as a songwriter, but a partnership to identify and nurture new talent together. This is an exciting time for Spirit Music Group – we’re just getting started.”

“I am thrilled to partner with Spirit Music Group as they understand how important it is to invest in and develop the next generation of songwriters.”

Gregg Wattenberg

Gregg Wattenberg added: “I’ve been a long-time fan of both Spirit and of Jon Singer. Jon was a good friend back when we worked together at Island Records and has become an even closer friend and supporter over the years.

“I am thrilled to partner with Spirit Music Group as they understand how important it is to invest in and develop the next generation of songwriters.

“They fully support me in doing that and I couldn’t ask for a better home for my catalog.”Music Business Worldwide

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