Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), the global publishing division of Universal Music Group, today announced that chart-topping Scottish production duo LF SYSTEM have been signed to an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement. UMPG is recognized globally as a true music publisher and the home to the industry’s leading songwriters.
Comprised of Conor Larkman and Sean Finnigan, LF SYSTEM has made huge waves on the international dance scene. Most recently, their hit song “Afraid to Feel” topped the UK Singles Chart spending eight consecutive weeks at #1. With nearly 183 million Spotify streams and millions of TikTok plays, the song was named to Clara Amfo’s Hottest Record on Radio 1’s Future Sounds, Radio 1’s Tune of the Week and Radio 1’s A-list. “Afraid to Feel” was also the most played track at Radio 1, Kiss FM and Capital, and is the first UK dance chart-topper since Joel Corry’s “Head & Heart” in 2020. It also saw them nominated for Song of the Year at the 2023 BRIT Awards, like Lewis Capaldi, Ed Sheeran, and Sam Smith.
LF System said: "We're so excited to work with the legends at UMPG. The synergy we had with Dougie and Pete from the get-go was so strong and their level of belief & ambition towards us - and where we want to take this project - was unmatched. We can't wait to get going!"
LF SYSTEM got their start by dropping tracks on SoundCloud with five ‘People Want Music’ demo EPs. Their first single, “Dancing Cliché,” was released through Warner Records and spent six weeks on the Radio 1 playlist. Along their fast rise, LF SYSTEM played a sold-out show at Sneaky Pete’s in Edinburgh and was named as The Blessed Madonna’s One To Watch for 2022. The duo have also been tapped for official remixes for Fatboy Slim and Carl Cox (“Speed Trials On Acid”) and Jodie Harsh (“No Sleep”).
Dougie Bruce, Senior A&R Director, UMPG said “Right from the start of our relationship we had a real connection together and the ambition of LF System and Fergus was clear to see. “Afraid to Feel” was such a monumental hit but the boys were very clear that one song was not going to define them, but the forthcoming years of releases will. We were so delighted they decided to join UMPG and we look forward to a long and lasting friendship.”
Recently in touring, LF SYSTEM are just back from debut performances in Australia, New Zealand and North America, where they played a number of sold-out headline shows and key plays at the likes of Lost Sundays, Roam Festival, Art of The Wild, Red Rocks and Factory Town for Miami Music Week. Looking ahead, they have a packed summer with major performances at festivals including Glastonbury, Tomorrowland, Reading & Leeds and Radio 1 Big Weekend.
(L-R) Pete Simmons, Sean Finnigan, Conor Larkman, Dougie Bruce, Fergus Myer (management), Mike McCormack / photo courtesy UMPG
