Charlotte Churchman has built a career that spans songwriting, performing on some of the world’s biggest stages, and championing the rights of creators through music publishing. As CEO of Ocelot Publishing, she works with more than 50 writers worldwide, helping place songs with artists and secure sync opportunities across global markets.
Alongside publishing, Charlotte is developing a remote songwriting education programme designed to help songwriters better understand the business side of the industry.
We caught up with Charlotte to learn more about her journey, the challenges facing songwriters today, and the advice she believes every creative professional should hear.
“Many songwriters seem to shy away from difficult conversations, particularly when it comes to the business side of our industry and I want them to have the confidence and knowledge to be able to advocate for themselves.”
Tell us about yourself and what you do
My name is Charlotte Churchman and I am the CEO of a UK-based publishing company called Ocelot Publishing. We have over 50 writers that we work with globally, primarily in the East Asian territories. Essentially we find homes for our songwriters’ songs, whether that be with artists or in sync. I am also Managing Director of a remote songwriting education programme that will be launching later this year. On a personal level I have performed as a backing vocalist for artists like Ariana Grande, Diana Ross, Katy Perry and Alicia Keys.
What drew you to your role and what keeps you interested in this work?
I worked as a songwriter (and still do when I can get a break from emails) prior to setting up Ocelot Publishing. I found that I was working with a lot of publishers that didn’t seem to cater to what I needed as a songwriter. Whether that be organising sessions, creating more opportunities or purely checking in to see how I needed to be supported.
Ocelot Publishing was created to be a music publisher created by songwriters for songwriters. I also found that so many songwriters didn’t understand how to monetise their songs and copyright or what they were legally entitled to. This is something I’m trying to tackle both via Ocelot Publishing and the educational programme.
Many songwriters seem to shy away from difficult conversations, particularly when it comes to the business side of our industry and I want them to have the confidence and knowledge to be able to advocate for themselves.
If you could change one thing about your sector what would it be?
I would like to see a songwriter or session fee become common practise. So many songwriters are travelling to sessions (often internationally) to create amazing songs for artists. Their income is purely in the hands of how well that artist does and how much a label prioritises that release. This can be a really tricky financial situation to be in. Dare I even mention cutting the songwriter in on the master? One can hope!
If you could give one piece of advice what would it be?
Approach every working relationship with kindness. We work with people from all walks of life with lots of different opinions and values (both personally and in a business setting). Most situations can be resolved purely by assuming that whoever you are speaking to is coming from a good place. This includes your relationship with yourself, allow yourself to be wrong, fighting to be right is a very quick way to blow up working relationships and stifle creativity.
How can readers keep up to date with what you have happening?
You can follow our publishing company on Instagram and my personal account (which will have the very exciting educational course announcement coming soon) @charlottechurchman.
A publishing company built by songwriters, for songwriters. That philosophy sits at the heart of everything Charlotte Churchman does, from securing opportunities for writers around the world to helping the next generation better understand the business behind their creativity.
As the industry continues to evolve, Charlotte’s focus remains clear: empowering songwriters with the knowledge, support and opportunities they need to build sustainable careers. Whether through Ocelot Publishing or her upcoming education programme, she’s helping ensure creators are not only heard, but properly valued.
Find out more about Ocelot Publishing:
