MUMBAI: Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) today announced the signing of an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with acclaimed singer/songwriter, Jason Castro.
The Texas-based tunesmith – best known as the third runner-up on the 2008 season of Fox’s American Idol – parlayed his Idol success into a major-label deal with Atlantic Records, who signed the artist in April 2009 and will release his untitled debut album later this year. Among his creative collaborators are platinum producer/songwriter, Eric Rosse (Sara Bareilles, Tori Amos, Anna Nalick), Grammy Award-winning producer/songwriter, John Fields (Lifehouse, Switchfoot, Soul Asylum), and a number of acclaimed songwriters, including Kara DioGuardi (Kelly Clarkson, Jewel, Santana), Martin Terefe (Jason Mraz, KT Tunstall, James Morrison), Sacha Skarbek (James Blunt, Jason Mraz), Guy Chambers (Robbie Williams), and Jason Reeves (Colbie Caillat).
The multi-talented singer and guitarist, Jason Castro was among the most popular and talented artists in American Idol history, entering the record books as the first contestant ever to play an instrument on the show. His performance of the Leonard Cohen-penned classic “Hallelujah” proved such an audience favorite that Jeff Buckley’s rendition of the song hit No.1 on the iTunes chart the following week, selling 178,000 digital singles, and propelling the song to Gold and Platinum status. Castro gained a chart-topping single of his own with his ukulele accompanied interpretation of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” which also hit No. 1 on iTunes after the performance of the song on American Idol.
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“Jason is an original and compelling artist that I have wanted to work with ever since first seeing him perform on American Idol,” said Monti Olson, Senior Vice President, A&R, UMPG. “We’re delighted to be able to collaborate with him in connection with his future work.”
“From starting as a drummer and realizing that I have a passion and conviction for singing and writing songs, I am very excited to work with UMPG given their reputation and global presence,” said Castro. “David Renzer, Monti Olson and everyone at UMPG have been so supportive and helpful as I embark on recording my debut album.”
Castro joins the skillful hit makers on UMPG’s roster which includes fellow Idol alum, Chris Daughtry, Adele, Coldplay, Feist, Jack Johnson, Paul Simon, Robbie Williams, The Killers, U2, Van Morrison, MGMT, Lilly Allen, Jon McLaughlin, and Franz Ferdinand among many others.
