Warner Music Group (WMG) announced today that it has acquired, from edel music AG, a 50% interest in music publisher Deston Songs LLC. Deston Songs, founded in 2000 by world-renowned songwriter/producer Desmond Child and music industry veterans Winston Simone and David Simone, has quickly established itself as one of the industry’s leading independent music publishers. Under the agreement, WMG’s Warner/Chappell Music Inc. will acquire 50% of Deston with the remaining 50% continuing to be held by Deston’s founders.
Desmond Child, who has been an exclusive songwriter for the company since its formation, has written songs that have sold more than 200 million records worldwide. His credits include hits for Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Cher, Sisqo, Christina Aguilera, Robbie Williams, Trisha Yearwood & Garth Brooks, and Ricky Martin. Child is currently working on forthcoming albums from LeAnn Rimes and Bon Jovi as both a writer and producer.
Deston recently signed exclusive long-term publishing agreements with multi-platinum recording artist Aldo Nova, who co-wrote and co-produced Celine Dion’s current worldwide hit “A New Day Has Come,” as well as with Grammy- nominated writer/producer Mark Hudson who most recently co-wrote and co- produced Aerosmith’s multi-million selling album Just Push Play.
Deston’s roster also includes the Baha Men, whose worldwide smash “Who Let The Dogs Out” reached No. 1 on charts around the world and was featured in several television commercials and feature films.
In making the announcement, Les Bider, chairman and CEO of Warner/Chappell Music, Inc. said, “In just two years, Desmond, Winston and David have created a music publishing powerhouse responsible for numerous worldwide hits. Their artist driven philosophy and aggressive approach to gaining exposure for their songwriters’ music make them an ideal fit for Warner/Chappell.”
“Our mission is to always put the songwriter first,” said Desmond Child. “Thanks to edel, we were able to establish Deston songs. We are thrilled that now with our new partner, Warner/Chappell, led by Les Bider, we believe we will be able to achieve our goal of being the best publishing company for songwriters.”
Winston Simone and David Simone, Desmond Child’s partners in Deston Songs, have been prominent figures in the music industry for more than twenty years. Winston Simone has served as a manager to Desmond Child, Carly Simon, Joe Jackson, Michael Beinhorn, and Curtis Stigers. David Simone was president of PolyGram Music Publishing and head of A&R for Geffen Records.
