Partisan Music Expands Publishing With OTM Acquisition
Partisan Music announced the acquisition of OTM Music, combining it with its existing publishing company Left Music. The move expands the label’s publishing reach with a roster that includes Sub Focus, Gianluca Buccellanti, Sudan Archives and Leon Michels, and establishes offices in London, Paris,…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Partisan Music has announced a significant expansion of its publishing division by acquiring OTM Music. The deal brings OTM’s roster and staff into the fold of Partisan’s 2022‑launched publishing arm, Left Music, creating a unified independent publishing operation with offices in London, Paris, New York and Los Angeles.
What Happened
The acquisition was finalized on September 23, 2026, when Partisan Music purchased Firebird’s shares of OTM Music. Alex Sheridan, founder and CEO of OTM, will remain in his role, while Graig Michie will serve as president and head of North America, and Kate Sweetsur will take on the position of head of A&R. Together, the trio will oversee the combined catalog and talent roster.
Background and Context
Partisan Records, known for its roster of indie and alternative artists, launched its publishing arm, Left Music, in 2022. The partnership with Sony Music Publishing UK provided administrative services, allowing Partisan to focus on creative development for songwriters and publishers. OTM Music, founded by Alex Sheridan, had built a reputation for securing high‑profile sync placements and nurturing a diverse range of artists. The merger of OTM with Left Music marks Partisan’s second publishing acquisition, following the earlier purchase of Left Music itself.
The combined roster now includes notable names such as Sub Focus, a UK electronic music producer; Gianluca Buccellanti, a singer‑songwriter; Sudan Archives, a genre‑blending musician; and Leon Michels, a veteran producer and songwriter. This blend of talent spans electronic, folk, soul and hip‑hop, giving the new entity a broad creative palette.
Strategic Implications
By integrating OTM’s sync expertise with Left Music’s publishing infrastructure, Partisan aims to offer “Boutique at Scale” services to writers. This model promises personalized support while leveraging the scale of a global independent operation. The partnership also strengthens Partisan’s position in key music markets, with dedicated teams in four major cities.
Partisan’s COO, Zena White, highlighted the benefits of the collaboration, noting that the re‑union of Michie and Sweetsur in A&R will bring fresh energy to the roster. She also emphasized the company’s commitment to high‑level creative services for writers, mirroring the support it already provides to recording artists.
Future Outlook
While the full scope of the merger’s impact remains to be seen, the immediate next steps include integrating administrative systems, aligning marketing strategies, and expanding the publishing catalog. The leadership team has expressed enthusiasm about the potential for increased sync opportunities and broader global reach.
Partisan’s co‑founder Tim Putnam, alongside Zena White, was recently named Billboard’s 2026 Indie Power Players executive of the year, underscoring the industry’s recognition of the company’s growth trajectory. The acquisition is expected to further cement Partisan’s reputation as a forward‑thinking independent music business that prioritizes creativity and long‑term relationships.
Key facts
- Partisan Music acquires OTM Music, merging it with Left Music
- Combined roster includes Sub Focus, Gianluca Buccellanti, Sudan Archives, Leon Michels
- Leadership: Alex Sheridan, Graig Michie, Kate Sweetsur
- New offices in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles
- Goal: Boutique at Scale publishing model
- Industry recognition for Partisan’s leadership
Why it matters
The merger consolidates two influential independent publishing entities, creating a global platform that can better support artists and writers while expanding opportunities for sync placements and creative collaboration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of the OTM acquisition?
The acquisition expands Partisan’s publishing capabilities and brings together two independent operations to offer broader services to songwriters.
Will the artists from OTM retain their original contracts?
Yes, existing contracts will be honored and integrated into the new structure.
How does the “Boutique at Scale” model work?
It combines personalized, boutique-level support with the resources and reach of a large independent publishing operation.
What markets will the new entity focus on?
The company will operate in key music hubs: London, Paris, New York and Los Angeles.
Sources
- [1] billboard.com — originally reported as “Partisan Music Expands Publishing Arm With OTM Acquisition”
