California-headquartered independent music publishing and neighbouring rights company Peermusic has appointed James Cerreta as President for its US and Canada operations.
Based out of Peermusic’s Los Angeles office, Cerreta will report directly to CEO Mary Megan Peer and oversee artist signings and repertoire development across both US and Canada.
Cerreta brings over two decades of experience to the role. He began his career in the music industry in A&R at Mercury, Island Def Jam and Hollywood Records before transitioning to music publishing in 2002, working at Chrysalis Music Publishing, where he later became Head of West Coast A&R. There, he signed Ray LaMontagne, My Morning Jacket, The Bravery, Manchester Orchestra, Mastodon, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and more.
Then in 2012, Cerreta became a founding Partner of Big Deal Music Group, acting as Co-President. Notably, Peermusic and Big Deal Music signed a sub-publishing agreement in 2017 to represent the copyrights controlled by Big Deal Music. That partnership continued until Sony acquired Big Deal Music in June.
“Working so closely with Peermusic over the past decade has fostered my appreciation for the history, integrity and performance of the company all around the world.”
James Cerreta, Peermusic
In 2020, he was named Executive Vice President of Hipgnosis Songs Group, where he continued working with artists Ray Lamontagne, My Morning Jacket, and Manchester Orchestra. While at Hipgnosis, he also signed new artist/writers Blake Mills, Ethan Gruska, Weyes Blood, Beach House, FIDLAR, Phoelix, and Lucy Dacus.
Cerreta also helped develop venture partnerships with Big Family (Julian Bunetta and John Ryan), Nice Life (Ricky Reed), NOID and STMPDWN.
Cerreta’s latest appointment comes as Peermusic continues to expand its presence. The company, founded in 1928, operates 39 offices across 32 countries and manages “over a million titles” spanning multiple genres including country, blues, jazz and pop to Latin, concert and rock‘n’roll.
“Jamie brings deep indie publishing experience to Peermusic, coupled with proven creative and deal-making instincts.”
Mary Megan Peer, Peermusic
Commenting on the appointment, Mary Megan Peer, CEO of Peermusic, said: “Jamie brings deep indie publishing experience to Peermusic, coupled with proven creative and deal-making instincts. His strong relationships with songwriters and producers are built upon his history of supporting their creative development as they grow their careers. I know that Peermusic’s US and Canadian writers, as well as new signings, will enjoy Jamie’s support as he drives our companies forward in his new position.”
Cerreta added: “Working so closely with Peermusic over the past decade has fostered my appreciation for the history, integrity and performance of the company all around the world. It’s a real honor to be stepping into this role in the US and Canada. I’m grateful to Mary Megan for this opportunity to contribute to the tradition established by the Peer family nearly 100 years ago, advocating for the enduring work of great writers, regardless of genre.”
Music Business Worldwide
