Donny Benet inks global publishing deal with Embassy Music

Sydney-based songwriter and producer Donny Benét is thinking global.

The multi-instrumentalist’s latest move is a worldwide publishing deal with global independent Embassy Music, part of the Wise Music Group.

It follows extensive roadwork which saw him open for Mac DeMarco on his 2019 US tour, perform to 20,000 at European festivals like the Pohoda Festival in Slovakia, and selling out headliners in Brooklyn, LA, Washington, Seattle, Vancouver and Toronto in March of this year.

His latest album Mr Experience – envisioned as a soundtrack to a dinner party set in the late 1980s and which debuted at #26 on the ARIA Albums Chart – also scored a world release in May on Dot Dash/Remote Control.

Single ‘Konichiwa’ was also included on The Weeknd’s Handpicked Playlist which featured 24 songs that inspired the R&B superstar’s After Hours album.

Embassy’s A&R manager Larry Heath discovered Benet while playing bass for Jack Ladder’s Dreamlanders, and followed him through solo works Don’t Hold Back and The Don in 2018.

“It’s fair to say I come to the table as a long-time fan,” Heath said. “Donny has long been one of the most exciting and innovative musicians in Australia, both as a solo artist and collaborator.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of his journey moving forward as he continues his growth as an artist both locally and abroad.”

Jane English, managing director for Wise Music Australia, said when she first heard his music she fell in love with the smooth post-80s-disco music and “laughed my socks off” at his videos.

“I saw a blend of Tom Jones and Har Mar Superstar,” English said. “Then I listened more intently to his songs and realised what a hugely unique and talented songwriter he is too.”

Benet is currently touring through Australia before returning to the UK and Europe in May.

Of his latest move, he says, “I’m very excited to begin working with the team at Embassy.

“Their vision and international presence make a very fitting match given the extensive international touring I’ve undergone over the last two years.

“I look forward to building and reaching new audiences for my music alongside Embassy.”