Universal Publishing Sign Hilltop Hoods, Sia Collaborator

Universal Music Publishing Australia have added to their roster today with prominent local hip hop producer and songwriter One Above joining the company on a global deal.

One Above, whose real name is Andrew Burford, is perhaps best known for his work with Aussie rap legends Hilltop Hoods, in particular their 2012 LP Drinking From The Sun and its hit single I Love It, which featured Sia on vocals. Burford also co-wrote three tracks from the Hoods' most recent album, 2014's Walking Under Stars.

Burford's list of collaborators reads like a bit of a who's who of the local urban music scene, having written tracks for rappers Illy, Allday and Chance Waters, contributed to the latest albums from Mantra and Mind Over Matter and is currently working with soul singer Kylie Auldist and MCs Drapht and Pez on new material. He will continue to write and produce work for other artists via the new deal.

UMPA Director Of A&R Heath Johns said they were excited to get Burford's work out to a wider audience than ever before.

"We are excited to welcome such an ambitious, hardworking and creative writer to our roster and look forward to helping him expose his work to a global audience over the coming years."

UMPA's roster includes artists such as 360, M-Phazes, The Veronicas, The Aston Shuffle, Horrorshow, The Bamboos, Dead Letter Circus.