Jonathan Tester has launched a new independent publishing company, Groove Bound Songs, in a joint venture with Bucks Music Group.
Groove Bound Songs will benefit from Bucks’ backend management, creative A&R, synchronization services and general expertise under the joint venture.
Tester is head of sync at Bucks Music and has led the division since joining the company in 2002.
During Tester’s time at Bucks, the company’s Sync team was named Independent Publisher of the Year at the Music Week Sync Awards twice (in 2015 and 2017) and won Sync of the Year in 2014. did. He is also a four-time award winner in music and music. Sound award winner.
The department has recently worked on key syncs for brands such as New Balance, Pepsi, LNER, Nike, Ver, and Mobil 1. Television shows include “One Day,” “Bad Sisters,” “Alma’s Not Normal,” “Top Boy,” and “Boat Story.”
Prior to joining Bucks, Tester was Creative Licensing Director at SoundLounge, where he was responsible for negotiating music rights for numerous major brand campaigns, including Go! Airlines, Adidas, Hugo Boss, KFC, Guinness, Ford.
He is also a director and director of the Music Publishers Association.
Elaina Mancini is the first addition to the Groove Bound Songs roster. Mancini is a singer-songwriter and DJ from London. Her debut album, Undo The Blue, was released in 2023 on Needle Mythology.
Jonathan Tester said: “I am very grateful to Simon (Platts – Bucks MD) and Sarah (River’s Edge Platts – Bucks Director A&R) for believing in and supporting my new company. They have been invaluable in the launch of Groove Bound. Working with them at Bucks was an inspiration and education on how to be a good publisher, so hopefully Groove Bound will follow in that footsteps. .
“The name Groove Bound was inspired by the classic Wonder Stuff T-shirt I bought at my first gig when I was 15 years old. It’s not just songs, it’s moments and memories. Sync gave me the opportunity and experience to listen to songs as a soundtrack. And I’m looking for songs to be the soundtrack of someone’s life: songs for a night out, songs for dancing with friends, songs for love songs, songs that really connect with feelings and emotions.I follow the algorithm’s playlist. You’re not listening, you’re following someone’s playlist. If you put it back on a t-shirt, it’s a great song!”
His expertise and instincts have served the Bucks incredibly well over the years.
sarah riversedge platz
Regarding the signing of Elaina Mancini, Tester added: I have been a fan of her music ever since I heard her music on 6 Music and was then introduced to her through her manager Martin Kelly. Elaina is a great songwriter whose melodies are timeless and instantly memorable, with the effortless cool and grace of artists like Francosy Hardy, Margot Gulyan, and Caterina Caselli. We are currently working together on her second album, and it’s so exciting to be able to contain our imagination and magic and work on new songs. ”
Elaina Mancini said: “I’m truly honored to be signed to Groove Bound Songs for the first time. My songwriting is the most valuable part of my career, and Jonathan Tester and Bucks Music Group will be responsible for my songs.” I can’t think of anyone better suited for this role. I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
Sarah Riversedge Platts, A&R Director, Bucks Music Group, said: His expertise and instincts have served the Bucs incredibly well over the years, and we are confident that he will be just as successful with his new publishing company, Groove Bound Songs. We are happy to partner with him on this new venture. ”
Photo: (LR) Jonathan Tester, Elaina Mancini, Martin Kelly
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