MUMBAI: EMI Music Publishing has extended its contract with Grammy Award winning songwriter and performer Ben Harper. The new worldwide agreement will see the company represent both his existing catalogue of songs as well as future compositions. Harper first signed to EMI Music Publishing in August 1993.

Talking about the extended contract, Ben Harper says, EMI Music Publishing have always been truly supportive of my work throughout my time with them, and Im looking forward to working with everyone there for many years to come.

EMI Music Publishing executive vice president of East Coast Creative Dan McCarroll commented, Ben is one of the most multi-talented songwriters working today, who can turn his hand to anything from jazz to alternative. Were proud to have been associated with him for almost fifteen years now, and are looking forward to continuing to connect his incredible songs with music users everywhere.The California-born artists most recent studio album Lifeline, which is included in the new agreement, was released last year. The album, recorded with his support band the Innocent Criminals, became his second successive top ten hit on the Billboard album chart, following 2006s Both Sides Of The Gun.

Harper won two Grammy Awards in 2005 for his work with the Blind Boys of Alabama on the album There Will Be A Light and his packed touring schedule has seen him play live in front of millions of people at events including Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Glastonbury, Rock-am-Ring and the Fuji Rock Festival.