Killphonic Rights has signed Rough Trade Publishing, Symphonic Distribution and Mad Decent’s Half Tone for worldwide publishing administration.
The move brings three respected independent music companies to Killphonic's growing roster of partners.
The Los Angeles-based indie publishing and administration company says a global network of direct collection relationships is at the centre of its model, designed to eliminate the need for traditional sub-publishers across individual territories.
"For decades, international publishing administration has relied on networks of sub-publishers in individual territories, with each additional layer creating another handoff between the songwriter and their royalties," said Killphonic CEO Caleb Shreve. "We've built Killphonic around direct collections so our partners don't need that traditional network of sub-publishers. We can collect as close to the source as possible, giving publishers and songwriters greater transparency into where their money is coming from and getting it to them more efficiently."
Killphonic is an artist-run company, and that has a real impact on how we work
Syd Butler, Killphonic
According to Killphonic, the company is built specifically for scale with large catalogues and B2B services while continuing to support their direct roster of clients with creative services in A&R and sync licensing. Its leadership includes working musicians and creators including head of creative Syd Butler, who continues to tour and record as an artist while working directly with Killphonic’s roster.
"Killphonic is an artist-run company, and that has a real impact on how we work," said Butler. "I'm still making records and touring, so I experience many of the same challenges our artists and songwriters do. We understand that these aren't just assets or catalogue numbers; they represent someone's work and livelihood. That perspective informs everything from how we communicate with artists to the opportunities we pursue for them."
The publishing expansion follows several milestones for the company in 2026, including the acquisition of a distribution platform early this year and the continued growth of its label division, Killphonic Records.
This year, the label division expanded its partnership with Cinema Music Group and The Bridge School with the announcement of Heart Of Gold: The Songs Of Neil Young, Volumes 2 & 3 due out this autumn, featuring more than 20 contemporary artists interpreting Young's catalogue.
Contributors include LP, King Princess, MJ Lenderman, Modest Mouse, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Lucinda Williams, Peter Frampton, Los Lobos and Ann Wilson, among others.
