Universal Signs Jonti Danilewitz To Global Publishing Deal

Universal Music Publishing has today announced that they've signed South African-born, Sydney-raised, Los Angeles-frequenting Jonti Danilewitz to an exclusive global deal.

Originally working under the band moniker of Danimals, then Djanimals when a US yogurt company of the same name kicked up a stink, Danilewitz is now best known under the tag Jonti.

Dnaimals – and particularly Jonti – got their international break after winning corporate artist initiative The Lab, which was set up and paid for by an Australian beer label. As part of the initiative the band were flown to American to co-write with Mark Ronson, Santigold and Duran Duran's John Taylor.

From there Jonti became the first Aussie signing to the Stones Throw label and has racked up collaborations with The Avalanches and Odd Future's Hodgy Beats.

Today's UMPG's Director Of A&R Heath Johns said that Jonti has, “Established a global reputation as one of Australia's most innovative and adventurous songwriters. His CV to date is as diverse as it is impressive and I believe that it is just the beginning for Jonti.”

He added that they would be lining up “new projects” for the artist.

Danilewitz said that the opportunity was one he “could not turn down”. He continued, “There are so many opportunities that will open up and allow me to explore a different side of my songwriting and production. I'm really excited to wrap up my touring for the year [he's been a guest of Gotye], get in the studio again and start working on these new projects and can't wait to see what comes of it.”

He is managed by Astral People's Lee Dan and signed to the Mistletone label in Australia.

In Australia the UMPG roster has 360, Powderfinger, The Living End, Jessica Mauboy, The Aston Shuffle amongst others. They recently re-launched their website.