“Aren’t we ironic?” say the folks involved in DnB Allstars’ deal with UMPG. “It’s all strings with nary a drum or bass to be found.”
Having a chuckle are, from left, DnB Allstars attorney Pete Bott, UMPG’s Dougie Bruce,
DnB Allstars founder Joshua Williams and UMPG’s Erin Ruxton.

Universal Music Publishing Group has signed a JV with London drum-and-bass label and events company DnB Allstars to aid its expansion into publishing.

Artists joining the DnB Allstars-UMPG combine include emerging alt-R&B singer and songwriter Grace Barton, New Zealand vocalist and producer Elipsa and musician Tsuki.

The deal follows DnB Allstars’ success on the U.K. charts with “Strangers,” by Kenya Grace, which hit #1 in October. The company also had a #11 hit with a Hedex feature on “Liquor & Cigarettes,” alongside Chase & Status and Arrdee, and reached #18 with a Bou feature on “Baddadan,” with Chase & Status and Flowdan.

UMPG Senior A&R Director Dougie Bruce called DnBA founder Joshua Williams “a pioneer on the new-wave DnB scene," opining further, "What Josh has achieved in such a short space of time across the label and his events sets a truly entrepreneurial standard in the genre. Adding publishing to his already successful business was a logical step for him and we are delighted that he chose UMPG to partner and grow with. His infectious personality and belief in the brand will ensure that there will be many signings to DnB Allstars Publishing.”