Song writing and production duo Matthew Holmes and Phil Leigh, aka Mac & Phil have announced signing a worldwide publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music (WCM), the global music publishing arm of Warner Music Group.

The two have composed songs for such renowned artists as The Chainsmokers, Ella Henderson, James Arthur and Naughty Boy, among others. The Watford Observer interview the pair in September last year, after they co-wrote Emeli Sandé's single Hurts.

The pair have said: “We started making music because of our undying desire to connect with everyone, and to one day have a big impact on the world, spreading love, peace and partying. So it's an honour and a privilege to start our next chapter with such like-minded souls at Warner/Chappell. They are a company that truly value how important songwriters are."

Mike Smith, managing director of WCM UK, adds: “There is a new wave of young songwriters transforming music around the world right now and Mac & Phil are at the forefront of that. They have written world class songs with Emile Sandé and The Chainsmokers and their ambition going forward knows no boundaries. They are an inspiration to work with."

Mac & Phil met while at Rickmansworth School in Hertfordshire. Supported by their manager Hannan Malik, who also attended the school, they subsequently came to the attention of leading artist and producer Naughty Boy. He signed them to his own record label and the pair also became part of the team at F Block, the music production studio based in Ealing Film Studios.

Mac & Phil’s credits include co-writing and producing much of Emeli Sandé’s album Long Live The Angels, which went to Number Two in the UK charts.  The pair also co-wrote and co-produced Bloodstream, a track on The Chainsmokers’ album Memories…Do Not Open, which has topped the charts in the US.

As well as continuing their songwriting partnership with The Chainsmokers for their new record, they are also working with a number of developing artists, including Emily Warren, the vocalist who featured on The Chainsmokers’ track Paris.

Mac & Phil will work day-to-day with Tom Overbury, WCM UK’s senior artist and repertoire (A&R) manager.