As part of their joint venture, Transgressive Publishing and Warner Chappell Music have signed a worldwide publishing deal, for the catalogue and future works of multi BRIT Award nominee and Mercury Prize nominated hip-hop artist and songwriter Loyle Carner.

Carner broke onto the scene with his critically acclaimed debut album Yesterday’s Gone and became renowned for his poetic and emotive lyrics and enduring hooks. His second album Not Waving, But Drowning was released in April last year and charted at number three in the UK charts.

Toby L, Co-Founder of Transgressive, and Mike Harounoff, A&R Manager, jointly said:

“This feels like a beautiful homecoming. Transgressive had the great pleasure of releasing Loyle Carner’s first single five years ago and we have watched on with pride as he’s gone on to take over the country and further afield with his deeply affecting and powerful songs. With a landmark third album in the works, our reunion feels like perfect timing. Alongside our wonderful team and partners at Warner Chappell, we’re honoured to take forward the stunning catalogue he’s amassed thus far alongside our, as well as collaborate closely on all his vital new work. Loyle is a once-in-a-generation talent, and he’s just at the beginning.”

Amber Davis, Head of A&R, Warner Chappell Music UK, said:

“Loyle Carner is an incredible songwriter, artist and performer. His songs take you on a journey and his words offer emotional openness which make him one of the most interesting artists in Britain today. He really is a special talent and I’m delighted that George Baker and our fantastic partners at Transgressive have brought him into us so we can support and work with him as he continues his budding career.”

Loyle Carner commented:

“Feels like I’ve come home. Transgressive has always had a special place in my heart, and with the added power of Warner Chappell it feels like the right move at the right time.”

Loyle Carner, whose birth name is Benjamin Gerard Coyle-Larner, was born in South East London in 1994. Carner attended the Brit School to study for an acting degree before leaving to pursue a career in music.

Following a self-released EP, A Little Late, in 2014, Loyle unveiled his debut single proper ‘Tierney Terrace’/’Florence’ on Transgressive singles imprint paradYse, and started to create industry and media buzz. He supported Joey Badass on the UK leg of his tour before playing the 2015 festival circuit which included a slot at Glastonbury. He carried on honing his live performance skills with support slots for Kate Tempest and Nas and at the end of the year was named in the BBC’s Sound of 2016.

In January 2017, Carner released his debut album Yesterday’s Gone which received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. The record was nominated for the 2017 Mercury Prize and was ranked number one on The Independent’s list of best albums of the year, having also appeared in the lists of NME, Evening Standard, RIOT and Wonderland.

At the 2018 BRIT Awards, Carner was nominated for British Breakthrough Act and British Male Solo Act, while at the NME Awards he won the Best British Solo Artist award.

Carner’s second album, Not Waving, But Drowning, was released in April 2019 and again was met with high praise and landed Carner with his highest chart position as the record debuted at number three. He was later nominated for Best Solo Act at the 2019 Q Awards. The year culminated in a sell-out tour, including Carner’s first headline arena appearance at London’s Alexandra Palace.

Carner is also known as a keen philanthropist and has used his voice to champion key causes. He has founded a cookery school for children with ADHD and often speaks out about gender equality and mental health. Last year he put together an art exhibition, which featured work by the Connor Brothers and Damien Hirst, with all proceeds going to the suicide prevention charity CALM.