Song Biz, February 2026: What's Going On This MonthSMP Signs Spiro

Sienna Spiro signs to global publishing with SMP. With 6.6+ M Spotify listeners/1.5 M TikTok followers, EP SINK NOW, SWIM LATER hit 122+ M streams, “MAYBE,” hit 600+ M TikTok views alone. U.K./E.U. headline tour sold out; supported Sam Smith in NYC/Teddy Swims’ U.S. tour.

Marc Anthony/GoDigital

Marc Anthony’s publishing sells with Latin collection ($115 million including Los Socios del Ritmo, Marisela, 3BallMTY, Tierra Cali, LDNE), adding 30,000+ assets to GoDigitial Music. Including “Vivir Mi Vida,” “Rain Over Me,” “Ahora Quien,” Anthony’s catalog is rumored to have sold for eight figures.

Wesli Releases Makaya

Haitian-Canadian singer-guitarist Wesli releases a tribute to the musical traditions, strength and beauty of the Haitian people in his latest 24-track release, Makaya (“leaf” in Kikongo). Rhythms of solidarity and resilience blend tradition and modernity, celebrating hope for the future of Haiti.

Listening Room Retreats

With over 2000 songwriter participants from over 30 countries since it launched in 2002 (from total beginners to seasoned professionals), attendees have gone on to record, co-write, tour outside their home countries, and release commercially, from relationships that began at the retreat. The week of inspiration and enthusiasm remains unmatched in the industry.

Upcoming retreats include Ireland, Greenland, California, and Denmark, with early registration discounts, paid referral programs, and interest-free monthly payment plans making it easier than ever to attend. Details and registration at listeningroomretreats.com.

SXSW Austin Returns

South By Southwest (SXSW) returns to Austin, Texas, March 12–18. What is it? SXSW 2026 includes 850+ conference sessions, 600+ mentor and networking events, 4,400 musicians performing over 300 live showcases, 460 film and TV screenings, four nights of comedy, and 450 brand activations over seven days. Leaning into its 40th anniversary, this year’s event follows a walkable downtown footprint with designated clubhouses instead of using the convention center. “Connect. Discover. Create What’s Next.” Details and registration at sxsw.com.

SongsAlive! Songwriter Events

With workshops, showcases, camps, webinars, and song critique opportunities, the SongsAlive! community has the power to transform lives. Connecting songwriters, composers, and lyricists from various backgrounds, members get inspired by and connected to like-minded songwriters from around the world. Develop your songwriting skills through virtual and live events inside a supportive creative community. Details and membership at songsalive.org.

Kassner Signs Sutherland 

Glaswegian topliner Katie Sutherland signs global publishing with Kassner Music. Syncs include Vodafone, Orange, Google, Victoria’s Secret; Credit: 100 (The Hunna’s), Sigala, Sub Focus, Dan Smith, DYLAN, Becky Hill, MEEK, A. Van Buuren, Poppy Bascombe, Gabry Ponte, Roger Sanchez.

SESAC Latina Conexiones

SESAC Latina launches “Creando Conexiones,” a matchmaker portal for songwriters to foster songwriter collaboration with virtual or in-person creative opportunities. Leveraging existing relationships and resources, SESAC Latina aims to strengthen the songwriting community through an organic ecosystem (including hitmakers and rising creatives) to connect, experiment, and grow with intentional spaces for collaboration to foster ideas and nurture partnerships. With distinct phases, it began with Regional Mexican, then Pop/Latin Rhythm, then a full combination, and integrates songwriting camps, showcases, events, and special projects. More at sesac.com/sesac-latina-lanza-creando-conexiones.

BMI Awards Neda

2025’s Charlie Feldman Award goes to Miami-born Carlos Neda. Raised in El Salvador, Neda wrote poetry to process his uncertain surroundings, before returning to Miami as a teen and finding his voice through music. Busking around the world in over 90 cities, he survived by singing and playing his guitar. Hitting No. 4 on Spotify’s Viral Mexico chart, “Sin complejos de Disney” launched his career. Debut EP, PARA CAÍDAS, out soon.

Established in 2021 to honor and celebrate retired BMI Vice President, Creative, Charlie Feldman, whose tireless advocacy supported artists for 31 years (including the Neville Brothers, James Brown, the Holland Brothers, Carole King, Chip Taylor, Greg Allman, Rihanna, and Nile Rogers), the annual Charlie Feldman Award grants $2,000 to an emerging BMI songwriter in any genre. More at bmifoundation.org.

Lyric Capital’s Weeknd

Closing a publishing and master recording rights deal with New York’s Lyric Capital Group, ASCAP artist The Weeknd (Abel Makkonen Tesfaye) and his team remain shareholders with ‘creative control’ in a joint venture deal rumored to be worth $1 billion. With over 120 million monthly Spotify listeners, and creating Spotify’s most-streamed track with “Blinding Lights” (bumping Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You”), The Weeknd’s agreement includes work through 2025 (future releases excluded). Chord Music Partners (XO/Republic/Universal Music Group (UMG))’s 50 percent publishing partnership remains. Universal Music Publishing Group continues administration.

DSE Ventura Returns

The Durango Songwriting Expo returns to Ventura, California February 19-21. For 30 years, Durango has been the industry’s best-kept secret: a twice-yearly event for songwriters to access publishers, A&R executives, and music supervisors who can change their career. What makes DSE different? Personalized connections, honest feedback, curated showcases, and career-empowering knowledge. With open mics, industry panels, song listening sessions, workshops and networking events, it is the perfect opportunity to accelerate your songwriting career. Details and registration at durangosong.com.

Eclipse Scoops Shackleton

ASCAP’s Emily Shackleton has sold her catalog to Eclipse Music Group, in a deal that includes songs recorded by Carly Pearce, Reba McEntire, Runaway June, David Nail, Sara Evans, and Mickey Guyton. Best known for multi-platinum / CMA-winning “Every Little Thing” (Carly Pearce), Shackleton’s writing joins Eclipse’s portfolio of songs that includes “Tennessee Whiskey,” “Chasin’ You,” “Getting’ You Home,” “May We All,” and others. 

Since 2017, Eclipse has been committed to empowering artists, songwriters, and helping them make the most of their catalogs, bringing decades of experience to support publishing, acquisitions, masters, and strategic partnerships. The Eclipse ecosystem is designed for creative and commercial success as it signs rising hitmakers, nurtures business collaborations, and adds catalogs to their roster.

KISS on the Hill

2025 Kennedy Center Honoree and legendary bassist, co-founder and co-lead singer of KISS, Gene Simmons joined SoundExchange President/CEO Michael Huppe in testifying before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the bipartisan American Music Fairness Act bill (AMFA) (S.326/H.R.861). Big radio corporations—who made $13.6 billion in ad revenue in 2024—are being taken to task to start paying artists performance royalties for their music. Marking the first time in over ten years the Senate has held a hearing on AMFA, Simmons’ support joins over 300 artists who sent a letter to congress encouraging leaders to pass the bill. 

The National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) has also encouraged Senate support for the Bill, with over 60 NITO members companies writing in to lend support. A rival measure presented by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the Local Radio Freedom Act (endorsed by over 200 members of the U.S. House of Representatives) opposes any type of new charge on local radio (perhaps stemming from historic pay-to-plug radio protocols in the early days of music). NITO emphasizes that AMFA protects independent stations with minimal ($1.37/day) cost, and indirectly benefits independent managers, agents, and more. More at recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/american-music-fairness-act-gene-simmons-senate-hearing.

Yellow Days’ Album

Out this month, Yellow Days’ new album Rock And A Hard Place follows debut EP Harmless Melodies. George van den Broek’s latest project draws Otis Redding, Bootsy Collins, James Brown, George Clinton vibes with fresh soul atop a backdrop of Newcastle jazz fusion band, Knats.

TikTok’s Non Blondes

ASCAP’s 4 Non Blondes’ resurgence from TikTok viral user videos (“What’s Up/Beez in the Trap”), Spotify Billions Club, two billion YouTube views, has Linda Perry launching Kill Rockstars imprint, 670 Records. Solo album (Let It Die Here) and 4 Non Blondes album (33 years later) coming soon.

Moreland’s Songwriting Win

Oklahoma’s John Moreland Wins Top Honors at 30th annual USA Songwriting Competition with “Visitor.” He was No. 83 on 2024’s Billboard Hot 100 for “Memphis, The Blues” (Zach Bryan) and opened for Jason Isbell, Dawes, Patty Griffin. 2026 contest on now. See songwriting.net/winners.

Franco’s Sweet Petunia

Indie-folk duo Sweet Petunia (Madison Simpson/Mairead Guy)—with unapologetic identity, political beliefs and moral compass— sign to Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Records, a dedication to community and social activism shines through ‘DIY grit-meets-Appalachian soul.’ Listen at youtube.com/watch?v=9AYHE4RNOdA.The post Song Biz, February 2026: What's Going On This Month first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.