(L-R) David Gray (UMPG EVP, Head of A&R); Sonny Takhar (coprincipal, S2 Songs); Jody Gerson (UMPG Chairman and CEO); Savan Kotecha (coprincipal, S2 Songs); Lillia Parsa (UMPG, Director of A&R)
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leading global music publisher, today announced a worldwide administration agreement with S2 Songs, a new, independent publishing company.
The boutique organization is led by coprincipals Savan Kotecha, a multiple Grammy and Golden Globe-nominated songwriter and producer, and leading global music executive Sonny Takhar, CEO and Founder of KYN Entertainment (a joint venture music entertainment company with Live Nation) and former Global President of Syco Music.
S2 Songs aims to draw upon the unique skillsets of both Savan and Sonny in attracting and developing the next generation of superstar songwriters and producers. The company will focus on quality over quantity, ensuring each writer is provided with a focused and bespoke approach to becoming a world class talent with world class opportunities.
In a joint statement, Kotecha and Takhar said: “It’s really great to be working again with Jody Gerson and David Gray who we have both known for most of our careers. We know our songwriters and producers will benefit from having Universal Music Publishing’s global muscle behind them.”
Throughout their 20-year relationship, Kotecha and Takhar have worked together on numerous global hits. Kotecha’s credits include Ariana Grande’s “God Is A Woman”, “No Tears Left To Cry” and “Breathing”; The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face”; One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful”; Ellie Goulding’s “Love Me Like You Do”; and Maroon 5’s “One More Night”. Savan has also developed talented writers James Alan (Troye Sivan’s “My My My”) and Kristoffer and Ablin (One Direction, Avicci, DNCE, MO).
Takhar boasts a strong A&R background and proven success in developing global artists. In his leadership position at Syco Music, Takhar worked with Simon Cowell in developing major artists including One Direction, Leona Lewis, Labrinth, Fifth Harmony, Susan Boyle, Little Mix and Il Divo. During his tenure, the company’s artists achieved No. 1 Albums in the US on eight separate occasions and sold over 400 millions records, including 244 No. 1 albums and 169 No. 1 singles worldwide. Takhar is also the Co-Creator and Co-Chair of UNICEF’s World Children’s Day initiative.
