Savan Kotecha, a multiple Grammy and Golden Globe-nominated songwriter and producer, has teamed up with Sonny Takhar – CEO and Founder of KYN Entertainment and former Global President of Syco Music – to launch a new boutique publishing company.
S2 Songs will be administered worldwide by Universal Music Publishing Group.
The startup “aims to draw upon the unique skillsets of both Savan and Sonny in attracting and developing the next generation of superstar songwriters and producers”, according to a media release.
S2 Songs says that it aims to ensure that each of its writers “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.”
“We know our songwriters and producers will benefit from having Universal Music Publishing’s global muscle behind them.”
Savan Kotecha and Sonny Takhar
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.
Following his tenure at Syco, Takhar launched Los Angeles-based Kyn Entertainment in 2017.
The firm, a joint venture with Live Nation, is billed as an ‘entertainment rights and management company’.
[Pictured L-R: David Gray (UMPG EVP, Head of A&R); Sonny Takhar (co-principal, S2 Songs); Jody Gerson (UMPG Chairman and CEO); Savan Kotecha (co-principal, S2 Songs); Lillia Parsa (UMPG, Director of A&R)]Music Business Worldwide
