London, 21st July 2026 Global creative sync agency Nothing Standard has announced the launch of a new publishing company, in collaboration with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) and record label with distribution via Virgin Music Group (VMG).
A leader in the global sync business, Nothing Standard represents the interests of high-profile independent labels including Sub Pop, Stones Throw, Moshi Moshi Records, co:brand, DAP, gamma. and Artist Theory; and music management companies such as Various Artists Management, September and Method Music. It also represents the iconic catalogues of Seeker Music Group, Bella Figura Music, Rezonate and more.
Both Nothing Standard Publishing and Nothing Standard Recordings have been built with sync at their core, drawing on the company’s proven track record and relationships across the global creative industries.
The first signing to Nothing Standard Publishing via their UMPG collaboration is Morgan Harper-Jones, who has earned a reputation for emotionally precise songwriting and understated performance evident on her debut album, Up To The Glass. Her version of Coldplay’s “Yellow”, recorded with composer Tom Howe, features prominently in the 2026 film Reminders Of Him. Morgan’s forthcoming EP, Water Under The Bridge, will be released on July 29th via co:brand.
Nothing Standard Recordings launches with distribution via Virgin Music Group. Its first releases dropped in June in parallel with syncs in Amazon Prime Video’s film Your Fault: London.
“Over the past five years, we’ve been trusted to represent exceptional catalogues and connect their music with audiences around the world,” said Nothing Standard founder and MD Tristan Wilson. “These new ventures allow us to bring that same philosophy to music we’re developing ourselves, working alongside artists and songwriters from the earliest stages of the creative process.”
UMPG Head of A&R, Pete Simmons, said: “Nothing Standard are good people, doing brilliant work. They’re true collaborators, permanently curious and leading by example. After several writing camps and successful projects together, it’s only right we formalise our collaborative relationship.”
UMPG Senior Vice President – Film & TV Europe, Tom Foster, said: “Nothing Standard have built an incredible reputation for themselves and I’m delighted about their new signing Morgan Harper-Jones. We love working with them, in particular, the sync writing retreats we have run together have been a huge success.”
Virgin Music Group’s President of Europe, Nick Roden said: “Nothing Standard is at the vanguard of companies whose mission is to expand opportunities for artists around the world. We are excited to welcome them into the Virgin Music Group family and look forward to working alongside them to launch and build their new label.”
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About Universal Music Publishing Group
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) is a leading global music publisher representing many of the world’s most acclaimed songwriters, composers and catalogs across every genre of music. With operations in more than 40 countries, UMPG identifies and develops songwriters and producers, and works to maximize the value and reach of its songs around the world. www.umpg.com
About Virgin Music Group
Virgin Music Group is the world’s leading partner to independent music companies and artists who require a standalone team with global infrastructure and local expertise in every major music market around the world. Virgin Music Group offers compelling, efficient, and highly flexible global solutions with the most advanced marketing technology available for independent record labels, artists, and entrepreneurs who want to succeed. www.virginmusic.com
About Nothing Standard
Nothing Standard comprises a global creative sync agency, record label and music publishing company. It represents the interests of high-profile independent labels including Sub Pop, Stones Throw, Moshi Moshi Records, co:brand, DAP, gamma. and Artist Theory; music management companies such as Various Artists Management, September and Method Music; and the catalogues of Seeker Music Group, Bella Figura Music, Rezonate and more. It sits alongside sister agency From Nothing, which represents award-winning composers for advertising and short form media. nothingstandard.co
