Santa Monica, CA - Criterion Music Corporation has signed an exclusive worldwide music publishing agreement with songwriter and artist James Michael, as announced today by Bo Goldsen, President, Criterion Music Corporation, and Lance Freed, President, Rondor Music International. Michael is the lead singer, songwriter and co-founder of the rock group Sixx: A.M., which he formed with Nikki Sixx. He’s also worked with popular artists like Papa Roach, Kelly Clarkson, and Mötley Crüe, among others. Criterion’s deal with Michael marks the company’s first new signing since it was acquired by Universal Music Publishing Group last year.
“The opportunity to work with James as our (Criterion/Rondor/UMPG) first signing together, is incredible for me. A multi-talent like James will thrive in the Rondor/Universal System, and I’m proud to bring him into the Universal Family,” said Bo Goldsen.
“James Michael can write effectively in any genre. Most important, he writes songs that are competitive on any landscape. His continued success over the years is a testament to his commitment to excellence that few writers ever achieve,” said Lance Freed.
“I’m thrilled to be joining forces with UMPG and Criterion/Rondor. It’s an honor to have such a creative and energetic team of people so deeply committed to creating opportunities for me and my catalog,” said James Michael.
Michael recently co-wrote Kelly Clarkson’s single “People Like Us,” a Top 10 Hot AC track and a No. 1 Billboard Dance track off of her gold-certified album Greatest Hits: Chapter One. He also co-wrote and produced Papa Roach’s latest album, The Connection, which debuted inside the Top 20 on the Billboard Top 200 and includes the No. 1 Active Rock track “Where Did The Angels Go” as well as the Top 10 hit “Leader of the Broken Hearts.” Rock legends Mötley Crüe also recruited him to co-write and produce their latest album Saints of Los Angeles, which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. In addition to his work with other artists, Michael has also co-written and produced multiple albums by his own group Sixx: A.M., including The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack, which delivered the gold single and No. 2 Active Rock track “Life is Beautiful,” and This Is Gonna Hurt, which debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and launched the No. 1 Active Rock track “Lies of the Beautiful People.” The band's latest album Modern Vintage is set to be released on October 7th and has already launched the successful single "Gotta Get It Right," which became the #2 Most Added at Active Rock upon its release.
