Founders & Team

Standard Songs launched in 2021 to provide catalogue sales services to established musical artists and songwriters. It now works with renowned names in the creative fields of music, art, literature and photography, in the both the musical asset space and the digital asset space.


  • Founder - Head of Investor Relations

    John is successful entrepreneur having taken several companies from start up to listings on the stock exchange. One of his driving passions has been the music industry and he has staged several high- profile concerts including at the O2 and recently a series of Rock for Ukraine concerts. John heads up Standard Songs investor relations and oversees business strategy. In 2023 he was appointed as CBE for services to charity and philanthropy.


  • Manager, Sales & Logistics

    DeeDee has been immersed in the music industry for most of her life, being the daughter of John Illsley, founder of Dire Straits. Having been educated at Bryanston School, DeeDee went on to obtain a degree in English Language and Literature at Northeastern University London and a diploma at the Pointblank Music School. For the last three years DeeDee has worked in artist management and development. In January 2025 she joined Standard Songs full time to manage Sales and Logistics.


  • Founder - Head of Business and Legal

    James is a successful international music industry lawyer and has represented many famous artists, songwriters, record companies and publishers. He was Director of International Operations at IFPI; is Legal Adviser to the Music Publishers Association of Ireland and has substantial experience in catalogue acquisitions and due diligence. James is responsible for all contractual negotiations with writers and artists and liaises with collecting societies, publishers and record companies.