Music Industry Moves: Liz Phair Signs With Warner Chappell Music

Warner Chappell Music has signed a global administration deal with singer-songwriter and indie-rock icon Liz Phair that includes her full music catalog, the company announced Monday. Her catalog includes such songs as “Why Can’t I?,” “Supernova,” and “Never Said,” as well as her galvanizing 1993 debut album “Exile in Guyville.” The Grammy-nominated artist has released seven studio albums over the years, with the most recent being 2021’s “Soberish.” Phair has also written for TV as well as authored the 2021 memoir “Horror Stories.”

Phair said, “My songs represent my life’s work, and I am excited to take a fresh look at my catalog with the support of such a unique and maverick team at Warner Chappell, co-headed by the charismatic Carianne Marshall.” 

Carianne Marshall, Warner Chappell co-chair and COO, shared: “Liz has always embraced her true self, releasing songs that were ahead of her time. She opened doors for women in music in the ‘90s, ushering in a new era of rock and roll with her bold, empowering lyrics and trailblazing sound. She continues to influence music today, and we’re proud to be working together to introduce even more audiences to her incredible songs.”

Greg Sowders, the company’s senior VP of A&R and catalog, added: “Liz’s songs and records changed the way songwriters and artists wrote and recorded in the 90s. She single handedly helped forge the alternative music genre, and her work is more relevant today than it was when she first changed all the rules. There are many more great things in store for Liz and her career as she takes on this next chapter.” 

+ AEG Presents and developer Jacobs Entertainment have announced a new venue in Cleveland: Globe Iron.

Located on the West Bank of Cleveland’s Flats nightlife district, Globe Iron features a 1,200-capacity indoor concert hall space accompanied by a courtyard for year-round entertainment.

Located in the former home of the 1850s-era Globe Iron Works Foundry, AEG Presents has rehabilitated the building while preserving many of its original elements. AEG Presents will operate and exclusively book the venue’s programming, which will also include corporate functions, weddings, conferences, award shows, fundraisers and more, bringing an additional 150 events to the city.

“Cleveland has been a focus for AEG Presents since renovating the iconic Agora six years ago. With a design focused on the best live experience, Globe Iron will be a must-play venue in the region,” commented Jason Rogalewski, Senior Vice President of AEG Presents Great Lakes. “It will check all the boxes with state-of-the-art sound and lighting, perfect sight lines, and world-class amenities for both fans and artists, all within a unique setting that ensures a truly great experience and supports our goal of bringing more tours to Cleveland.”

Executive Vice President of Jacobs Entertainment Inc. Patrick McKinley added, “We are thrilled to continue our strong relationship with AEG Presents. Jacobs Pavilion has been a great success, and we look forward to the same with Globe Iron for years to come.”

+ Republic Records: Kids & Family and DreamWorks Animation have announced a partnership to release new original music from the popular mixed-media children’s series, “Gabby’s Dollhouse.” The partnership launched Monday with the release of the song “Better Together.” The song arrives on the heels of “Marty Party” featuring Darren Criss — the voice of Marty The Party Cat in Season 10.

Regarding this partnership, Republic Records: Kids & Family SVP Bree Bowles commented, “The DreamWorks team are world-class, and I couldn’t be more excited to be announcing this new partnership. The music in ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’ is the epitome of fun, and we have a lot in store for the little fans in coming months.”

DreamWorks SVP of TV Music Alexandra Nickson added, “At DreamWorks Animation, our motto is ‘no kids music, just great music,’ and from the beginning our series songwriter/composer PT Walkley has delivered on that promise with infectious hooks for Gabby’s fans of all ages.  We are thrilled to bring ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’ and our remarkable catalog of original music to the Republic Records: Kids & Family music family, expanding our reach globally.”