Fred Ball, the London-based songwriter and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Madonna and more, has signed a publishing deal with Reservoir. The deal covers his future works, with Reservoir representing them.
Ball’s credits include co-writing and co-producing “Love On The Brain,” “713” and “Heard About Us.” He has also worked with artists such as RAYE, Zara Larsson, Olivia Dean, Eminem and Madison Beer.
“I’m so excited to be joining the Reservoir family,” Ball said in a statement. “Their belief in my music and commitment to artistry made this an easy decision, and I can’t wait to see what we can build together.”
The deal lands after a busy stretch for Ball. In 2017, “Love On The Brain” hit No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was named the most influential pop single of that year. That same year, Ball appeared on Billboard’s Hot 100 Top 10 Producers list. He also contributed to Mariah Carey’s album Caution and Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s Everything Is Love.
What Reservoir Said
Russell Hunt, senior creative manager at Reservoir, praised Ball’s range. “Fred is a world class songwriter and producer whose talent, craft and dedication have gained him commercial and critical success across several genres and markets,” he said. “He has contributed to some of the most globally influential records of the past decade and more, and he continues to work with top-tier artists worldwide. We are thrilled and honored to support him as he adds to his ever-growing success.”
Other Deals in the Brief
The publishing brief also covered other signings:
| Artist | Deal |
|---|---|
| Midland | Renewed global publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music Nashville |
| Halo Boy | Signed global publishing deal with VAMP in partnership with Sony Music Publishing |
| Hellhills | Signed global label and publishing deal with Position Music |
| Jay Starr | Signed to Electric Feel publishing and label |
| Jeremy Lister | Signed with Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell Music |
Midland, the Grammy-nominated country trio known for “Drinkin Problem,” “Burn Out,” “Cheatin Songs” and “Make A Little,” renewed its global publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music Nashville. The group said Warner Chappell has “always understood how important the songs are to us and have given us the support and freedom to keep making music that feels true to who we are.”
Hyperpop artist Halo Boy signed a global publishing deal with VAMP in partnership with Sony Music Publishing. He is set to release a new album early next year combining “hyyperpop, phonk, and rock with flashes of Y2K nostalgia” for an “immersive” sonic and visual world.
Hellhills, the alternative rock artist from Vilnius, Lithuania, signed a global label and publishing deal with Position Music. Alex Ziabko, A&R at Position Music, brought in the deal.
Jay Starr, the 22-year-old R&B artist born and raised in Athens, Greece, signed to Electric Feel publishing and label. “Partnering with Electric Feel felt right from the start,” Starr said. “The energy, chemistry and support from the team have been real, and I’m grateful to build with people who understand the vision.”
The Deal’s Context
Fred Ball’s resume is the reason this deal is news. His placements across pop, hip-hop and R&B show a songwriter who moves between genres without losing a signature sound.
This is a good week for people who write songs.
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