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London, 22 March 2011 - EMI Music Publishing, the world's leading publisher of popular music, today announced that it has agreed a worldwide co-publishing deal with American songwriter and producer Dave Bassett.

Bassett is one of the most in-demand rock writers of the moment, whose recent collaborations include songs for Saliva, Halestorm, Sevendust, 10 Years, and Skillet. Bassett co-wrote the majority of Shinedown's platinum album 'The Sounds of Madness' including the single 'Second Chance' which went number one at four formats and all five singles went to number one at active in the United States. 'Second Chance’ was also named an ASCAP Song of the Year. Dave is currently is currently co-writing Shinedown's upcoming LP.

In addition to being an accomplished rock writer, Bassett's cross-genre appeal has seen him pen songs with Josh Groban, Lisa Loeb, Orianthi and American Idol star Kris Allen.

Bassett's production credits span major label artists including Sparta, Versa Emerge and Adelitas Way, as well soundtracks for Grey's Anatomy and Smallville. Other TV and film credits include CSI Miami, American Idol, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and The OC and films including Sweet Home Alabama, Runaway Bride and Kingpin.

Dave Bassett commented, “I am beyond excited to become part of the EMI family. It is no secret that EMI's worldwide creative staff is second to none, and partnering up with these great individuals is an amazing opportunity for me to take my writing to the next level. I am so grateful to be given the chance to be part of this incredible team of writers and artists.”

EMI Music Publishing President of North American Creative Jon Platt said, "Dave has incredible range as a writer across all forms of music. His rock credentials are impeccable, but he's just as accomplished in pop or as a writer for television and movies.

With that kind of ability, and his track record of success, Dave's music crosses all formats, genres and audiences. We're really looking forward to working with him, and helping him to connect his music with even more people across the world."

Amanda Berman, Senior Director Creative, added, “It's an honor to have the opportunity to work with Dave and the whole team is excited about welcoming him into the EMI family. Dave is an extremely versatile writer and continues to deliver across multiple formats. We look forward to a long relationship and sharing in his ongoing success.”

Having played the guitar from the age of twelve, the 21 year old Bassett was plucked from the audience at a U2 concert by Bono to join the band on stage for a rendition of Neil Young's 'Southern Man'. Demonstrating his considerable skill as a guitarist and cheekily throwing out a solo he caught the attention of Jimmy Iovine who was in the audience and gave Bassett his first break in the music business. Bassett went on to form several bands including the alt-pop Three Day Wheely before focusing on writing and production.

EMI Music Publishing is the world's leading publisher of popular music, representing more than one million copyrights including some of the best known songs ever written. Iconic songs in the EMI Music Publishing catalog include "New York New York", "You've Got A Friend", "The James Bond Theme","Lady Marmalade", "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "Always On My Mind", "Over The Rainbow", "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" and "Singin' In the Rain". Its current hit-making writers and producers include Beyoncé, James Blunt, Lady Antebellum, Jay-Z, Norah Jones, Pink, Stargate, Kanye West and Amy Winehouse.