Seeker Music has acquired the publishing catalog of British recording artist and songwriter Phil Plested, or Plested.
Plested’s songwriting catalog includes some of the biggest pop songs of today, such as Lewis Capaldi’s Before You Go, Marshmello and Jonas Brothers’ hit single Leave Before You Love Me, Little Mix’s Touch, Lose Somebody by Kygo and OneRepublic, and a number of other hits with Niall Horan, The Chainsmokers, Anne-Marie, James Arthur, and more.
The songwriter is among the finalists in the Songwriter of the Year category at next month’s UK-focused A&R Awards in London.
Plested’s career trajectory began in the early 2010s while still in university, forming the band Chasing Grace in 2012. He transitioned to professional songwriting and solo recording in 2016 and his output has earned him accolades, including multiple BRIT Awards nominations and the ASCAP Award for Most Performed Pop Song in 2020 for Before You Go.
In 2020, Plested renewed his worldwide publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing UK. He is also signed with Atlantic Records as a solo artist.
Seeker says its acquisition of Plested’s catalog is in line with its investment strategy of securing contemporary catalogs “with strong and powerful songwriting” to complement its existing legacy acquisitions including the catalogs of Mozella (Miley Cyrus’ Wrecking Ball), John Ryan (40+ One Direction songs, Maroon 5, John Legend), Jon Bellion (Rihanna’s The Monster, Maroon 5’s Memories, Miley Cyrus’ Midnight Sky), Sam Watters (Jordin Sparks’ Battlefield), and a portion of Teddy Geiger’s catalog, among others.
“Phil Plested is an extraordinarily talented songwriter who has helped shape and define pop music today. He is a true songsmith and, being a recording artist himself, is masterful in helping other artists create and convey with honesty, authenticity and emotion.”
Evan Bogart, Seeker Music
Founded in 2020, Seeker is led by another hitmaker, Evan Bogart (aka Evan Kidd Bogart), who is behind Rihanna’s 2006 No. 1 hit SOS, Beyoncé’s Halo, Pussycat Dolls’ Jai Ho, Jason Derulo’s It Girl, Sean Kingston’s Take You There and many more.
The Los Angeles-headquartered company added that its acquisition of Plested’s catalog complements its international strategy, particularly in the UK market, led by Global Head of Creative, Steven Melrose. Earlier this year, Seeker secured the publishing catalog of UK-based songwriter duo Future Cut.
“Phil Plested is an extraordinarily talented songwriter who has helped shape and define pop music today. He is a true songsmith and, being a recording artist himself, is masterful in helping other artists create and convey with honesty, authenticity and emotion,” said Seeker Music CEO Evan Bogart.
“That’s his superpower. He’s also an absolutely amazing person, pillar of our community and a songwriter that other songwriters always root for. Those are the kinds of music creators that Seeker looks to align with, celebrate and support. It’s an honor to bring his legacy and catalog of songs into the Seeker family!”
Seeker’s Global Head of Creative, Steven Melrose, also commented on the acquisition, saying: “I’m personally so happy to be reunited with Phil again, and his great management team, after having so much success working together when I was at Sony and heading Epic in London. I’ve always been a big fan of his songwriting and our whole team is excited about the opportunity to celebrate his songs, and collaborate on future projects.”
Plested, reflecting on the partnership, said: “Together with my best friend, and manager, Hannan Malik, I’ve built this catalog of songs since 2012 with my heart and soul and passing it on was a decision I didn’t take lightly.”
“I’ve looked up to Evan as a writer throughout my career. He understands the emotional attachment we make with our songs, and the fact that I was able to retain my songs as an artist is a testament to that. I’m confident that Seeker has the best intentions for my songs and I look forward to working with them into the future and throughout my next chapter as a songwriter. I couldn’t be happier with this partnership.”
“I’m confident that Seeker has the best intentions for my songs and I look forward to working with them into the future and throughout my next chapter as a songwriter. I couldn’t be happier with this partnership.”
Plested
Plested’s manager, Hannan Malik, added: “Seeker have been fantastic throughout. Phil & I were exploring a catalog deal and finding the right home was the most important thing. It really feels like these songs are in good hands for years to come. Phil still writes a song a day and is only just getting started! I’m excited for his future, as the prolific songwriter that he is, and to see where Seeker takes his wonderful body of work.”
Plested’s catalog also joins a roster of acquisitions by Seeker, including works by Charlotte Caffey, Christopher Cross, Run the Jewels, Future Cut, RuthAnne, Sam Watters, Shawn Mendes co-writer Teddy Geiger, and classic copyrights from other renowned artists.
Seeker Music’s catalog now encompasses over 14,000 curated copyrights and recordings. Led by an executive team including CFO Jennifer Scher, COO Rob Guthrie, CRO Jennifer Blakeman, Global Head of Creative Steven Melrose, and General Counsel Dan Stuart, Seeker works with a board chaired by John Smith, representing key investors M&G.
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