The 19th annual SESAC Pop Awards took place at The New York Public Library on Monday (May 4), honouring songwriters and publishers alike.
James Napier (aka Jimmy Napes) took home the coveted Songwriter of the Year award.
Napier and songwriter William Phillips (aka Tourist) were honored with the Song of the Year for their massive hit, “Stay With Me,” as recorded by Sam Smith.
Universal Tunes was named Publisher of the Year.
The Visionary Award was handed to Jon Platt, President, North America, for Warner/Chappell Music, by legendary hip-hop artist and Public Enemy founder, Chuck D.
Since joining Warner/Chappell, Platt (pictured) has been instrumental in attracting a wide range of talent including Jay Z, Beyoncé, Roc Nation’s publishing roster, Mike WiLL Made It, and Aloe Blacc, while continuing to build relationships with songwriters such as Katy Perry, Nate Ruess, Michael Bublé, Barry Gibb and George Michael.
While at EMI, Platt personally signed Drake, Kanye West, Young Jeezy, Mary Mary and Snoop Dogg among others at the onset of their careers.
See below for all the winners on the night.
Songwriter of the Year: James Napier (PRS)
Song of the Year: “Stay With Me”
Written by James Napier (PRS) & William Phillips (PRS)
Published by: Salli Isaak Music Publishing (PRS)
Method Paperwork LTD (PRS)
Universal Tunes
Publisher of the Year: Universal Tunes
Visionary Award: Jon Platt
SESAC Sync Music Award: “Best Day of My Life”
Recorded by: American Authors
Written by Zac Barnett & James Shelley
Published by Zac Barnett Publishing, James Shelley Publishing, Round Hill Copyrights
“Fancy”
Recorded by: Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX
Songwriter: Charli XCX (PRS)
Publisher: Stellar Songs Ltd. (PRS), Sony ATV Sounds
“Boom Clap”
Recorded by: Charli XCX
Songwriter: Charli XCX (PRS)
Publisher(s): Stellar Songs Ltd. (PRS), Sony ATV Sounds
“I Love It”
Recorded by Icona Pop feat. Charli XCX
Songwriter: Charli XCX (PRS)
Publisher(s): Stellar Songs Ltd. (PRS), Sony ATV Sounds
“Stay With Me”
Recorded by Sam Smith
Written by James Napier (PRS) & William Phillips (PRS)
Publisher(s): Salli Isaak Music Publishing (PRS)
Method Paperwork LTD (PRS)
Universal Tunes
“Latch”
Recorded by: Disclosure feat. Sam Smith
Songwriters: James Napier (PRS), Howard Lawrence (PRS), Guy Lawrence (PRS)
Publisher(s): Universal Music Publishing Limited (PRS), Salli Isaak Music Publishing (PRS), Universal Tunes
“Rather Be”
Recorded by: Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne
Songwriter: James Napier (PRS)
Publisher(s): Salli Isaak Music Publishing (PRS), Universal Tunes
“I’m Not The Only One”
Recorded by: Sam Smith
Songwriter: James Napier (PRS)
Publisher: Salli Isaak Music Publishing (PRS), Universal Tunes
“La La La”
Recorded by: Naughty Boy feat. Sam Smith
Songwriter: James Napier (PRS)
Publisher: Salli Isaak Music Publishing (PRS), Universal Tunes
“Show Me”
Recorded by: Kid Ink feat. Chris Brown
Songwriter(s): Mikely “Mike Free” Adam
Publisher: Mike Free Productions, Songs Music Publishing
“Na Na”
Recorded by: Trey Songz
Songwriter(s): Mikely “Mike Free” Adam
Publisher(s): Mike Free Productions, Songs Music Publishing
“My Hitta (Nigga)”
Recorded by: YG feat. Jeezy & Rich Homie Quan
Songwriter: Mikely “Mike Free” Adam
Publisher: Mike Free Productions, Songs Music Publishing
“No Mediocre”
Recorded by: T.I. feat. Iggy Azalea
Songwriter: Mikely “Mike Free” Adam
Publisher(s): Mike Free Productions, Songs Music Publishing
“Up Down (Do This All Day)”
Recorded by: T-Pain feat. B.O.B.
Songwriter: Mikely “Mike Free” Adam
Publisher(s): Mike Free Productions, Songs Music Publishing
“24 Hours”
Recorded by: TeeFLii feat. 2 Chainz
Songwriter(s): Mikely “Mike Free” Adam
Publisher(s): Mike Free Productions, Songs Music Publishing
“Best Day of My Life”
Recorded by American Authors
Written by Zac Barnett & James Shelley
Published by Zac Barnett Publishing, James Shelley Publishing, Round Hill Copyrights
“Believer”
Recorded by American Authors
Written by Zac Barnett & James Shelley
Published by Zac Barnett Publishing, James Shelley Publishing, Round Hill Copyrights
“2 On”
Recorded by: Tinashe feat. Schoolboy Q
Songwriter: DJ Marley Waters
Publisher(s): The Write Mindz, Sony ATV Sonata
“Lifestyle”
Recorded by: Rich Gang feat. Rich Homie Quan & Young Thug
Songwriter: London On Da Track
Publisher: London on Da Track Publishing, Universal Tunes
“About The Money”
Recorded by: T.I. feat. Young Thug
Songwriter: London On Da Track
Publisher: London on Da Track Publishing, Universal Tunes
“They Don’t Know”
Recorded by: Rico Love
Songwriter(s): Rico Love, Earl Hood, Eric D. Goudy II aka Ell, Thurston McCrea
Publisher(s): Rico Love Is The Best Rapper Alive, E Hood 66 Music, Grandmas Boy, Thurst McGurst Publishing, W B M Music Corp, Sony ATV Sounds
“Fall In Love”
Recorded by: Phantogram
Songwriter(s): Sarah Barthel, Joshua Carter
Publisher(s): Demarest Barthel Music, Charlie Everywhere Music, RMM 416 Publishing
“It’s About Time”
Recorded by: Young The Giant
Songwriter(s): Sameer Gadhia, Jacob Tilley, Eric Cannata, François Comtois. Payam Doostzadeh
Publisher(s): Mi Fiammetta, Jacob Tilley, EricC Publishing, The Jakes, The Doostzadeh Group, Nettwerk Arias
“Left Hand Free”
Recorded by: Alt-J
Songwriter(s): Joe Newman (PRS), Augustus Unger-Hamilton (PRS), Thomas Green (PRS)
Publisher(s): Kobalt Music Publishing Limited (PRS), Kobalt Group Publishing
“Love More”
Recorded by: Chris Brown feat. Nicki Minaj
Songwriter(s): Darrell “Keyz” Eversley, Howard “Haydock” Eversley, Shaun “SJ” Spearman
Publisher(s): Underclassmen Music, Lost On Campus, No OrientationMusic Business Worldwide
