Sony Music Publishing UK has launched a new venture in tandem with two renowned creative music executives: Caroline Elleray and Mark Gale.

Elleray and Gale were previously senior figures within Universal Music Publishing UK’s A&R team.

The new publishing venture, Second Songs, will sign and develop both emerging and established songwriters alongside Sony Music Publishing.

In addition, Second Songs will run a talent management arm, with songwriter/producer Steph Marziano its first signing.

Marziano has co-written songs for a variety of artists including Hayley Williams, Matilda Mann, Denai Moore and recently produced an album for Fatherson.

Marziano was also nominated for UK Writer-Producer of the Year at the Music Producer Guild (MPG) awards last year.

“Caroline and Mark’s reputations speak for themselves, but what is most exciting and inspiring about Second Songs is the prospect of them bringing all of their experience, energy, know-how and talent into a venture of their own design,” said Tim Major, Co-Managing Director, Sony Music Publishing UK.

“They are passionate and caring executives who live and breathe music and relentlessly support the careers of the people that they work with.

“Their ethos for the Second Songs publishing venture chimes beautifully with our own – from creating an environment where the songwriter is always put first to helping to nurture young talent into the industry – and we are thrilled to be partnering with them.”

Caroline Elleray commented, “We are incredibly excited to be launching this partnership and have been immensely impressed by the people we have met at Sony Music Publishing. Their approach under the leadership of Jon, Tim and David is inspiring.

“Mark and I have always advocated for and championed the songwriters and artists we have signed with passion and unwavering belief. We hope to continue to foster this culture with Second Songs and are humbled by the support SMP has shown us.”

Said Gale: “Steph is a wonderful person and hugely talented. We share similar music taste and the same ethics and ethos, which is essential to us as we grow our business into a modern, forward thinking music company.”

As A&R experts with two decades of publishing experience from their time at UMPG, Elleray and Gale have previously signed artists and songwriters including Coldplay, The XX, Keane, Mumford & Sons, Rex Orange County, Little Simz, Bastille, Chvrches, Jin Jin, Sigala, Tom Misch, Laura Mvula and Matt Hales.

Elleray is also a previous recipient of the prestigious MBW Sir George Martin Award which recognizes excellence in UK A&R.

In addition to supporting songwriters and producers, Elleray and Gale’s Second Songs is involved with ‘In The Loop’.

Working with Zeon Richards at Renowned and Maia Drummond, ‘In the Loop’ helps to create career pipelines for aspiring young music industry professionals.Music Business Worldwide