Timmy Haehl
Courtesy of Big Machine MusicMusic publishing company Big Machine Music has opened a West Coast office in Santa Monica, Calif., with Timmy Haehl joining as senior director of publishing.
Haehl will assist with Big Machine Music’s pop songwriter signings, and will represent the entire roster for multi-genre opportunities. Haehl will report to Big Machine Music’s general manager Mike Molinar and vice president of publishing Alex Heddle.
“Between Big Machine Music’s crossover hits, the growth of our roster to include LA-based songwriters and our inter-company collaborations with SB Projects, it is a natural move for us to formally open a West Coast office, and Timmy is the perfect creative publishing executive with which to start,” Molinar said. “Timmy exhibits every bit of Big Machine Music’s values and vision for the future,” Heddle said. “His passion for developing and promoting creatives is palpable. We are very excited to have him join our team.”
Haehl launched his career in A&R at Geffen Records and most recently served as director of A&R and management at Hallwood Media, servicing a roster of songwriters and producers including David Stewart, Brendan O’Brien and King Henry. Haehl will continue representing King Henry via an agreement separate from Haehl’s role with Big Machine Music.
Haehl added, “I couldn’t be more excited to join Big Machine Music and help bring Nashville’s top independent publisher into a new era of success within the LA creative community. As Big Machine Music’s personalized, writer-focused strategy and hit song sensibilities align with my own, I am looking forward to success with this team and the current roster of songwriters as well as future signings.”
Most recently, Big Machine Music’s successes have included Gayle’s “abcdefu,” co-written by Big Machine Music writer Sara Davis. Maren Morris’s song “The Bones,” co-written by Big Machine Music writer Laura Veltz, earned BMI 2021 pop song of the year honors, while the Dan+Shay and Justin Bieber collaboration “10,000 Hours” was co-written by Big Machine Music writer Jessie Jo Dillon. Diplo’s “Heartless” was co-written by Big Machine Music writer Ryan Hurd, while the Alicia Keys/Brandi Carlile collaboration “A Beautiful Noise” (a current Grammy Awards song of the year contender) was co-written by Big Machine Music writer Brandy Clark. Big Machine Music’s current roster includes Veltz, Brett Young, Hurd, Clark, Dillon, Matt Dragstrem, Eric Paslay, Justin Moore, Maddie & Tae, Ayron Jones, Callista Clark, Davis, Tyler Rich, Laci Kaye Booth, Daniel Ross, Lauren Weintraub, Reid Isbell, and Drew Polovick, while the company’s catalog writers include Luke Combs, Jonathan Singleton and Josh Thompson.
Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.
The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.
A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.
She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.
The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”
Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”
