Sony Music Publishing has promoted Racheal Conte to VP, Sample Clearance, Legal & Business Affairs. She'll report to SMP EVP, Business and Legal Affairs & General Counsel Peter Brodsky from the NYC offices.

In her new role, Conte will be responsible for leading the company’s US sample clearance team as they aim to increase sampling opportunities for SMP’s songwriters and catalogs. She'll also act as a liaison for the company’s global offices to advance sample clearances for US originating works around the world.

"I am delighted to recognize Racheal with this promotion. Racheal’s contributions have been key to the success of SMP’s songwriters and catalogs, and it has been rewarding to see her growth as a leader throughout her time at the company," Brodsky said. "I look forward to seeing what Racheal will accomplish next in this new role.”

Conte began her career at EMI Music Publishing in 2006 as part of the A&R department before moving over to business affairs department. In 2012 she joined the sampling team, where she most recently served as the assistant director of sampling clearance. The only samples we're concerned about are the ones at the grocery store.

Sony Music Publishing has signed veteran producer Mike Dean along with Sean Solymar, Tommy Rush and Sage Skolfield, members of his producer collective, M.W.A. The deal includes a strategic partnership with M.W.A. to foster the creative development of its latest talent.

As a producer, engineer, mixer and multi-instrumentalist, Dean has a body of work spanning across multiple genres, including hip-hop, pop, experimental rock and soul. His career began in the early ‘90s with Rap-A-Lot Records, Geto Boys' Scarface, UGK and Devin the Dude. He rose to prominence working with Travis Scott, Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, Kanye West, The Weeknd, Lana Del Rey and Madonna, among many others.

"I am a longtime fan of Mike and his music," SMP Chairman/CEO Jon Platt said. "Not only has he consistently transformed hip-hop, but his creative influence extends across modern music, inspiring new talent through his work with M.W.A. We are pleased to partner with Mike and M.W.A.’s Sean Solymar, Tommy Rush and Sage Skolfield as they continue to shape music’s future.”

Pictured toasting to our much-appreciated absence are (l-r) Skolfield, Loeb & Loeb attorney Devon Spencer, Rush, Solymar, Dean, Platt and Loeb & Loeb attorney Willie Jones.

PULSE Music Group has formed a music publishing creative joint venture with songwriter/producer Gabe Simon’s Abide By The Vibe. Simon, who most recently co-wrote and co-produced Noah Kahan's 2x-platinum album Stick Season and the Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever) deluxe follow-up, has worked with Dua Lipa, Lana Del Rey, Halsey, Maroon 5, Anderson .Paak, Rag N Bone Man and many others.

The first two signings under the new deal are Kahan collaborator/producer Noah Levine and singer-songwriter/producer Sam Westhoff. In addition to Levine and Westhoff, Simon and Abide By The Vibe publish writer/producer Carrie K alongside Warner Chappell.

"Our partnership with Gabe Simon has been strong for nearly a decade now and throughout that journey Gabe has experienced tremendous success as a songwriter/producer," PULSE's Scott Cutler, Steven Gringer and Ashley Calhoun said in a joint statement. "We’re very excited about this partnership. Gabe has proven to be an exceptional partner who knows how to cultivate and champion other songwriters and producers. We created this platform to give writers/producers like Noah and Sam a creative home with a publishing community that keeps creativity at the forefront."

Pictured wishing we'd abide by the vibe are (l-r) Cutler, Gringer, Simon, PULSE SVP/Head of Creative Annie Aberle and Foundations Artist Management's Drew Simmons.