UK songwriter James Essien has secured three cuts on the new album from global superstars BTS.
Essien has co-writing credits on comeback single Swim, alongside additional tracks titled Alien and Please. The returning K-pop group’s new album, Arirang, was released today (March 20).
“The placements mark a major moment for Essien as he continues to establish himself as one of the emerging UK songwriters working at the highest level of global pop,” said a statement from Pick Pockets Music.
Essien is co-owner of Pick Pockets Music alongside his manager Blak London, with the pair continuing to build their creative platform while Essien’s catalogue expands internationally.
Pick Pockets Music has partnerships with Ryan Tedder’s Runner Music and Funfair Publishing, which has a global agreement with Kobalt.
James has always had the ability to operate at the highest level creatively
Blak London
Blak London said: “James has always had the ability to operate at the highest level creatively. The BTS records are a reflection of the work he has been putting in behind the scenes for years. It is incredible to see him land records on a project of this scale.”
The BTS placements mark Essien’s latest step in a growing catalogue of international collaborations as his profile continues to rise across the global songwriting community.
I’ve been fortunate in my career to have worked with some of the most talented songwriters in the world… James is up there with the very best in my opinion!
Tyler Brown
Funfair Publishing founder Tyler Brown said: “There was never a doubt in my mind when we signed James in 2023 that he would go on to write some of the biggest pop songs of our generation. I’ve been fortunate in my career to have worked with some of the most talented songwriters in the world including Savan Kotecha, Julian Bunetta and John Ryan. James is up there with the very best in my opinion!’
Amanda Hill, CCO and president of A&R, Runner Music, said: “Working with James over the last few years has been a publisher’s dream. His natural instinct and raw talent is so rare. I am so proud of the way he has grown and all the incredible music that is making its way out into the world. So much more to come from him.”
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‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.musicweek.com ’














