Innovation in the music publishing landscape took center stage as Grammy-winning producer Mark Ronson‘s Zelig Music announced a strategic joint venture with PULSE Music Group, establishing a collaborative powerhouse based in Los Angeles. The partnership aims to discover, develop, and publish emerging music talent on a global scale, combining Ronson’s creative expertise with PULSE’s extensive industry infrastructure.
This venture represents a significant expansion of Ronson’s publishing influence, building upon his earlier success with Zelig Records, which he formed with Sony Music in 2018. The collaboration is built on a foundation of longstanding professional relationships, particularly between Ronson and PULSE co-CEO Josh Abraham, whose connection dates back to the 1990s New York club scene. Artists developed through this partnership will benefit from comprehensive guidance on distribution strategies across major streaming platforms to maximize their reach and earnings potential.
The partnership wasted no time in securing its first signing, Swedish artist-producer Thea Gustafsson, professionally known as Becky and the Birds. A classically trained violinist and graduate of Musikmakarna Songwriters Academy, Gustafsson brings impressive credentials, including four nominations at the 2023 Swedish Grammis Awards where she claimed the Producer of the Year title.
Founded in 2008 by Scott Cutler and Josh Abraham, PULSE Music Group has established itself as a formidable force in the industry, with its catalog boasting more than 150 million record sales and over 10 billion streams. This collaboration comes after PULSE’s majority stake sale to Concord Music Publishing in 2020 for over $100 million. Their roster has contributed to global hits like “Despacito,” “Girls Like You,” and “Havana,” making them an ideal partner for Ronson’s ambitious vision.
PULSE’s powerhouse catalog has shaped modern music with 150 million records sold and chart-toppers that define an era.
The strategic intent of this collaboration extends beyond traditional publishing models, focusing on generating frontline content across multiple creative domains. The joint venture will be managed by teams from both companies with Rachel Helman overseeing A&R as General Manager of Zelig Music. This partnership is expected to deliver lucrative sync deals for artists, opening pathways to film, television, and commercial placements. This approach aligns with industry shifts away from passive catalog acquisitions toward dynamic content creation.
For Ronson, whose accolades include Grammy wins for the “A Star Is Born” soundtrack, this venture diversifies his revenue streams while affirming his commitment to nurturing emerging talent in an ever-evolving music landscape.
