Sony Music Publishing UK and Second Songs Sign Olivia Dean Co-Writer Bastian Langebaek to Global Deal

Why It Matters

The signing strengthens Sony’s foothold in the UK songwriting market and gives Langebaek a global platform to monetize his growing hit‑making portfolio, especially as Olivia Dean’s music continues to dominate charts and award circuits.

Key Takeaways

• Bastian Langebaek signs global deal with Sony Music Publishing UK
• Deal reunites him with Second Songs and A&R Mark Gale
• Langebaek co‑wrote six tracks on Olivia Dean’s No.1 album
• Album earned Ivor Novello nod; Dean won 2026 Grammy
• Second Songs, launched 2022, has signed multiple high‑profile UK writers

Pulse Analysis

Sony Music Publishing UK’s latest signing underscores the label’s aggressive push to secure top‑tier songwriters in a competitive publishing landscape. By partnering with Second Songs—a joint venture that blends Sony’s global infrastructure with boutique A&R expertise—the deal offers Langebaek access to worldwide sync opportunities, royalty collection, and strategic collaborations. The arrangement also reflects a broader industry trend where major publishers are courting talent with flexible, artist‑centric contracts that prioritize creative freedom while leveraging scale.

Langebaek’s résumé is tightly linked to Olivia Dean’s meteoric rise. He co‑wrote six songs on *The Art of Loving*, the album that debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and secured an Ivor Novello nomination for Best Album. Dean’s Grammy win for Best New Artist in 2026 amplified the commercial value of the catalog, turning each track into a lucrative asset for streaming, radio, and licensing. With the new publishing home, Langebaek can further capitalize on the momentum, ensuring his contributions are monetized across territories and media formats.

The partnership also highlights the strategic importance of Second Songs, founded by former UMPG A&R leaders Mark Gale and Caroline Elleray. Since its 2022 launch, the venture has attracted high‑profile writers, demonstrating that boutique firms can thrive when paired with a major publisher’s resources. For Sony, the move not only expands its UK songwriter roster but also reinforces its ability to retain talent that could otherwise drift to competing houses, ultimately strengthening its position in the global music publishing ecosystem.