Warner Chappell Music has renewed its joint venture with Lilly Raye Music, the management and publishing company founded by Edward Matthew and A&R Manager Justin Martinez. The partnership, first launched in 2020 and expanded in 2023, focuses on cross-border creative collaborations across Asia, Europe, and the U.S.
With the renewal, the joint venture is increasing activity in Germany and the Netherlands, particularly within dance and electronic music. WCM is also building up its A&R presence in the UK to support leading talent in that region. In Asia, the venture’s footprint reportedly grew by 40% thanks to targeted projects, including No.1 chart success for LESSERAFIM’s “Unforgiven” and IVE’s “Wave.”
The partnership has contributed to notable Grammy nominations for work on Summer Walker’s CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE and Janelle Monáe’s The Age of Pleasure. It also delivered ten No.1 singles in Sweden from artists such as Asme, Molly Sandén, and Saretti, with recent A&R hires aimed at further expanding that roster.
Other achievements include sync placements like BLACKPINK’s Jennie in a Beats by Dre campaign and ILLIT in a fashion campaign for Acne Studios. The JV has also supported collaborations for BANKS, Doechii, GloRilla, and FLO, and fostered cross-continental projects linking creatives in Atlanta and Stockholm, featuring artists like Mike WiLL Made-It, Dababy, and Swae Lee.
The venture’s songwriter Emelie Walcott earned a Rookie Songwriter of the Year nomination at Sweden’s Denniz Pop Awards. Meanwhile, Lilly Raye’s management arm has helped drive success for artists like Ayra Starr, Cian Ducrot, RAYE, and Renee Rapp.
Edward Matthew and Justin Martinez expressed enthusiasm about the renewed deal, citing Warner Chappell’s global reach and cultural awareness. WCM executives Lars Karlsson and Guy Moot also praised the duo’s A&R instincts and international vision, pointing to the collaboration’s track record of linking global talent and generating standout results.
