Diplo and Former Downtown Music CEO Andrew Bergman Launch Bison Music

GRAMMY Award-winning artist and producer Diplo has teamed with former Downtown Music CEO Andrew Bergman to launch Bison Music. The Los Angeles and New York-based independent music publisher will focus on investing in songwriters early in their careers and developing them over the long term.

Why it matters:

• While acquiring existing intellectual property is a significant part of today’s publishing business, Bison says it’s dedicated to making fresh, original music written by real people to connect with a global audience.

• Initially formed by Diplo before joining forces with Bergman, the company aims to nurture writers, create new songs and grow its roster, with a focus on development and partnership.

Leadership:

• Bergman will serve as CEO.

• He will be joined by COO Tom Lee, who’s worked in A&R at Columbia Records, Island Def Jam Music Group and Arcade Songs, signing The Gaslight Anthem and Neon Trees and helping sign and develop John Legend.

• Juba Lee, the former SVP of A&R at Columbia Records, will serve as CCO.

• Lee has collaborated with Diplo for over 16 years, including running Mad Decent Publishing.

• General Manager is Jenny Ilibassi, who has shepherded and facilitated sales, acquisitions, and integrations for the likes of Downtown Music Holdings, Tipico Sportsbook, and Condé Nast.

The roster:

• GRAMMY Award-winning duo Picard Bros., whose production credits include Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Diplo, Burna Boy, and Madonna.

• Los Angeles-based producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Leclair, who co-wrote and co-produced BTS’s hit “Swim,” co-produced JENNIE’s hit “like JENNIE,” and has crafted tracks for Diplo, Anyma, and Anitta.

• Also signed are DJ MAESIC (Major Lazer, Jung Kook); GRAMMY-nominated producer, DJ and vocalist Nitti (BTS, Bad Bunny, Diplo); Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and artist Kaien Cruz (BTS, Diplo); Latin GRAMMY-nominated Costa Rican producer and DJ BomboCat (Major Lazer, Ty Dolla $ign); producer and DJ Akira Evans; and artist and producer Groupthink.

What they said:

• Diplo: “At a moment when it feels like music needs an injection of originality, our writers are in a position to shape where music goes next. Andrew and I are creating a home for those writers, with a team that knows how to develop them and a company built to back them for the long term.”

• Andrew Bergman: “We’re designed to identify and sign writers early, nurture them through the harsh realities of the music business and allow them to reap the benefits of their creative endeavors. Writers and the music publishers that serve them are at their best when they are in a collaborative mode and we intend to operate that way internally and externally.”