LONDON (CelebrityAccess) – Amber Davis has been named Head of A&R at Warner Chappell Music UK, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group.
Since joining Warner Chappell Music UK as Creative Director in 2014, Davis has signed songwriters including Dave, J Hus, Raye, Skepta and Stormzy. She has also supported the publisher’s wider roster of songwriters including B Young, Celeste, DJ Spinall, Dyo, Katy B, Odunsi (The Engine), Ssega, Steel Banglez, Swifta and Tom Zanetti.
In her new role, effective from October 1, Davis will report to Mike Smith, Managing Director of Warner Chappell Music UK.
Commenting on the appointment, Smith said: “Amber’s one of the standout A&Rs of her generation and yet one of the most modest people you’ll ever meet. Her role in the UK urban scene cannot be underestimated, but she’s also proved adept at working with writers from Girls Aloud to Celeste. It’s been fantastic to work with her over the years and I can’t wait to see what she achieves in this new role.”
Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music, added: “I first worked with Amber when we hired her as an A&R assistant at EMI Music Publishing more than 10 years ago. I knew then that she had the drive, determination and diligence to go far, as well as a real feel for how to help songwriters fulfill their potential. I’m so pleased to be working with her again and supporting her as she grows and leads her talented team.”
Davis said: “It’s a real honour to be asked to take on this role working with our amazing A&R team and I’d like to thank Carianne, Guy and Mike for this incredible opportunity. I’ve been working in publishing for more than 15 years and I’m genuinely excited for what the future holds for Warner Chappell Music. The songwriters we have are what make our business thrive and to work with some of the most talented writers and managers in the business and represent their songs is a real privilege.”
Davis began her career at EMI Music Publishing as an A&R Assistant, before progressing to become VP, A&R, Producer Management. During her time there, under Guy Moot’s tenure, she signed Girls Aloud, James Arthur, Katy B, Tinie Tempah and Two Inch Punch. She also signed a publishing deal for DJ Paleface’s song “Do You Mind?,” which was sampled last year on Drake’s “One Dance,” one of the most successful No. 1 singles of all time.
