Photo Credit: Johnny McDaid by Bradley Quinn for Concord
Concord announces the acquisition of songwriter, musician, and producer Johnny McDaid’s song catalog.
Concord has announced the acquisition of a portion of former Snow Patrol member, songwriter, musician, and producer Johnny McDaid’s song catalog. In addition to playing piano, guitar, and providing backing vocals for Snow Patrol, McDaid has written for artists like Ed Sheeran, P!nk, Lewis Capaldi, Keith Urban, Shawn Mendes, Zara Larsson, Alicia Keys, Jungkook, Rag n’ Bone Man, Kelly Clarkson, Sam Smith, Faith Hill, and Tim McGraw.
Hits from the acquisition include “Photograph,” “Shivers,” and “Bad Habits” from Ed Sheeran, as well as BTS’ “Permission to Dance.” Concord will also represent McDaid’s future works as part of this worldwide publishing deal.
A native of Derry, Northern Ireland, McDaid moved to London in his late teens and learned to write songs busking to crowds of passersby. “The craft of songwriting started when I was in the streets of London and I would play covers,” said McDaid. “I’d throw in my own songs and get a very quick reaction. I could feel whether or not people connected with what I was writing. It was an honest schooling.”
McDaid spent the next decade leading his band Vega4. When the band split, Snow Patrol’s Polar Patrol Publishing made McDaid their first signing. McDaid eventually began touring with the band and officially joined in 2011.
The multi-hyphenate songwriter has established himself as a writing partner for a wide range of artists. His catalog includes co-writes with pop stars like Robbie Williams and BTS, as well as bands like Thirty Seconds to Mars, Biffy Clyro, and Kodaline. He also has writing credits for David Guetta and singer-songwriters like Birdy, Maisie Peters, and superstar Ed Sheeran.
“Johnny is a true artist. His songwriting, whether with his band or for other artists, is both personal and universal,” said Jim Selby, Chief Publishing Officer at Concord. “His catalog to this point has reached incredible heights, culturally resonating around the world. We’re thrilled to represent some of his iconic works and honored to partner with Johnny for the future.”
The agreement was negotiated on behalf of Concord by Reed Smith, LLP. McDaid was represented by Michael Poster and Claire Hoffman of Michelman & Robinson, LLP, along with his business manager, Kevin McCullough, and his lawyer, Willie Ryan.