Sony/ATV Music Publishing has entered into a publishing partnership with Heard Well, the first-ever music label powered entirely by social media tastemakers and their communities.
Launched by Connor Franta, Andrew Graham and Jeremy Wineberg in 2015, Los Angeles-based Heard Well has created a network of social media influencers to curate playlists of their favourite new artists.
Under the new partnership, Sony/ATV will work with Heard Well’s influencers and curators with a view to signing emerging artists they have discovered, while Heard Well will provide a platform for Sony/ATV’s own new songwriting talent via compilation albums the label releases.
“We’re excited to be working with Heard Well whose ground-breaking approach to music discovery in the world of social media is uncovering and promoting great new artists even before the usual research stage," said Sony/ATV co-president, US, Danny Strick. "With the launch of this A&R partnership we are looking forward to discovering some amazing new talent with them.”
Heard Well co-founder, Connor Franta said: “I am absolutely beside myself with how far Heard Well has come in just two years. From the compilations to the radio station to publishing, I’m thrilled to see what Heard Well will tackle next. For now, we’re diving deep into the search for our first artist project and can’t wait to shed that spotlight sooner than you think.”
“This partnership is an exciting new weapon in our arsenal to add even more value to the emerging musicians we regularly partner with across our compilation releases,” said co-founder of Heard Well, Jeremy Wineberg. “We have been working seamlessly with Sony’s The Orchard for the last year as a distributor so this was a natural progression as Heard Well continues to grow. We’re excited to continue our partnership within the Sony family and eager to combine our strengths to break new artists.”
“When we first introduced Heard Well to Sony/ATV last year, we knew right away we had something big,” said executive Adam Friedman of CAA, which served as a strategic advisor to Heard Well on the deal. “Connor and Jeremy, in less than two years, have built Heard Well into a serious player, helping launch the careers of some major artists. The duo’s deep relationships with the world’s leading social and digital influencers, coupled with Sony/ATV’s expertise and roster of talent, immediately positions Heard Well Publishing as a market leader.”
Last March, Heard Well announced a deal with Sony Music's Red Distribution, which has since released more than 15 compilation albums featuring acts discovered by Heard Well. Artists who have been supported include Odesza, Gallant, Anderson .Paak, Daya, Duke Dumont, Betty Who and many more. Earlier this year, Heard Well partnered with TuneIn to create the first 24/7 radio station powered by influencers.
