James Fauntleroy Sells Publishing Assets to HarbourView Equity

HarbourView Equity Partners (HarbourView) has purchased the publishing catalog of Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and producer James Fauntleroy.

Fauntleroy has collaborated with global artists including Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Drake and Mariah Carey, among many others. Only a select number of Fauntleroy’s credits as a songwriter were purchased, while the complete terms of the transaction were not disclosed. He most recently co-wrote the newly released single from Lady Gaga and Mars, “Die with a Smile.”

“My catalog sale to HarbourView is the culmination of years of work and dedication invested into the creative community and the craft of songwriting,” said Fauntleroy. “This partnership has already opened up more doors for growth and opportunity for me, and I’m incredibly excited and thankful to enter into this next chapter together.”

“James Fauntleroy has made an incredible impact with his contributions across several genres, including Pop, Hip-Hop and R&B,” said HarbourView Founder and CEO Sherrese Clarke Soares. “With a keen ear for creating global hits, he has solidified his position as one of the best singer/songwriters and producers of this generation. We are excited to welcome him to the HarbourView family.”

In 2018, Fauntleroy won the song of the year and R&B song of the year Grammy awards for his contributions to Mars’ “That’s What I Like.” Following the Recording Academy’s rule change, he also made history as the first songwriter ever to receive the Grammy for “Album of the Year” for co-writing eight of the nine tracks on Mars’ “24K Magic” album. Along with his work as a songwriter and producer, Fauntleroy co-founded the 1500 Sound Academy – a music school based in his hometown of Inglewood, striving to “produce young artists, songwriters and producers with mentorship, positive mindset and professional development,” per a press release.

+ Sony Music has promoted Christoph Behm to CEO of the Germany, Switzerland and Austria (GSA) companies beginning Sept. 1. He replaces Patrick Mushatsi-Kareba who is departing the company at the end of August.

Reporting to Daniel Lieberberg, president of Sony Music Continental Europe and Africa, Behm will work out of Berlin to oversee the GSA region’s strategy and operations. He most recently held the title of senior vice president of the commercial division for the GSA company.

In making the announcement, Lieberberg said, “Christoph has played an important role in building and expanding our business across this region during the streaming era. He has worked closely with our artists to bring their music to new fans innovatively and has embraced continuous industry change to create opportunity despite rapidly shifting paradigms and business models. Christoph’s deep understanding of our DSP partners and creativity as a leader for nearly 10 years will serve him well in his new role as we always work to adapt for the future.”

Behm added, “It fills me with pride to now lead the company that I have served in various roles for so many years. I can’t wait to start with the excellent team at Sony Music GSA and bring out the best in our artists daily. We are at another exciting time for our industry, and I look forward with great confidence to this next chapter for Sony Music GSA.”

+ ADA, the independent label and artist services arm of Warner Music Group, has partnered with FTS Global Management, which will see the company covering global distribution for FTS’ network of artists. The label’s roster includes the Game, Eric Bellinger, and Konshens.

“We’re excited to welcome a label led by a visionary committed to artist empowerment,” said Cat Kreidich, president of ADA. “This partnership perfectly aligns with ADA’s mission to not only distribute exceptional music, but also to foster the growth of enduring catalogs and cultivate new audiences.”

Powered by Simran A. Singh, Singh & Trauben, LLP, FTS Global Management specializes in financial literacy for artists and building long-term careers, rather than focusing solely on short-term gains.

+ MUSEXPO, in collaboration with A&R Worldwide, has announced Michael Goldstone, founder/co-owner of Mom+Pop Music, as the recipient of the second annual Seymour Stein “Global A&R Award.” T

The award will be presented during the International Music Industry Awards gala on March 19 at the conclusion, of the 25th global edition of MUSEXPO taking place in Burbank, Calif. from March 16 – 19, 2025.