MUSEXPO 2024 TO HOST EXCLUSIVE PANEL
WITH NBCUNIVERSAL & UNIVERSAL PICTURES
PRESIDENT OF MUSIC & PUBLISHING AND ITS TEAM
NBCUniversal and Universal Pictures, two of the most respected and influential motion picture film and multi-media studios in the world have confirmed a special exclusive keynote at next year’s MUSEXPO “United Nations of Media,” which takes place March 17 – 20, 2024 in Burbank, California – “The Media Capital of The World.”
This influential lineup of executives from NBCUniversal and Universal Pictures will be a globally exclusive sync forum giving MUSEXPO delegates a front-row seat on the focus, responsibilities and framework of the team’s day-to-day focus at the studios.
The team is led by the highly regarded, respected and capable Mike Knobloch, President, Music & Publishing, NBCUniversal. In his role as a prominent figure within the music business landscape, Knobloch takes the helm in supervising all facets of the studio’s music and soundtracks. Adding to his impressive responsibilities, he adeptly manages the administration of one of the industry’s most expansive film and television music publishing collections.
As a Grammy-nominated music supervisor and producer, he holds the distinction of contributing to four of the highest-grossing films globally—Jurassic World, Furious 7, Titanic, and Avatar—each securing a spot in the illustrious Top 10 list.
Over the past decade, the songs and soundtracks under Knobloch’s supervision and team’s support have achieved an astounding feat, amassing over 42 billion streams. Within the realms of Universal, he has demonstrated his musical prowess by skillfully overseeing the sonic landscape of some of the studio’s most successful franchises. These encompass but are not confined to Fast & Furious, Pitch Perfect, Despicable Me, and Fifty Shades of Grey. His accomplished touch extends to a wide array of musical projects, ranging from captivating musicals to projects that have garnered critical acclaim. Noteworthy endeavors include his contribution to Illuminatio’s Sing franchise, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, The Secret Life of Pets films, Les Misérables, Straight Outta Compton, Tár, Praise This, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Marry Me, DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls World Tour, and the Grammy-nominated soundtrack for Dear Evan Hansen.
Among his standout accomplishments are the anthemic “See You Again” from Furious 7, the global sensation “Happy” featured in Despicable Me 2, and the evocative “Earned It” from Fifty Shades of Grey—each of these tracks earning the prestigious RIAA Diamond certification. Moreover, his repertoire is enriched by the multi-platinum hit “Love Me Like You Do” and the iconic “Cups” from Pitch Perfect.
Beyond his musical prowess, Mike Knobloch is a fervent advocate for representation within the realm of music for visual media. Collaborating with Universal’s Global Talent Development & Inclusion group, he spearheaded the groundbreaking Composer Diversity Initiative in 2018. This pioneering program stands as the first of its kind, dedicated to identifying and nurturing talent from underrepresented groups in the industry.
Joining Mike is his esteemed, highly respected, and extremely talented team which includes Rachel Levy, Executive Vice President, Motion Picture Music, Universal Pictures; Angela Leus – Sr. Vice President, Film Music, Universal Pictures; Natalie Hayden – Sr. Vice President Film Music, Universal Pictures; Nikki Walsh – Vice President, Soundtrack & Marketing, Universal Pictures and Vikki Jacobs – Vice President, Film Music Licensing, Universal Pictures. Full biographies of these esteemed executives will be available HERE.
Sat Bisla, President & Founder, A&R Worldwide & MUSEXPO stated, “I’d like to thank my longtime friend Rachel Levy whom I had the pleasure of knowing for over two decades. We first met when Rachel was at Miramax Films, and I was managing composer/producer Rob Dougan [aka Clubbed To Death – the theme song for the Matrix]. Rachel was pivotal in helping support the idea of this unique and incredibly inspiring panel with Mike Knobloch and their esteemed team of Angela Leus, Natalie Hayden, Nikki Walsh, and Vikki Jacobs who are some of the best sync and music executives in the world. MUSEXPO 2024 delegates will be in for a real treat!”
To save on early bird registration for MUSEXPO, sign-up HERE.
To contact MUSEXPO regarding sponsorship, artists showcasing, media partnership, panelists, and more contact info@anrworldwide.com.
SIMON COWELL LAUNCHES SYCO MUSIC
WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP
Simon Cowell recently announced that he is teaming up with Universal Music Group to introduce a new music publishing enterprise. Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) are co-launching Syco Publishing.
This newly unveiled venture will curate songwriters and catalogs that will be exclusively managed through UMPG, presenting avenues for collaboration across Cowell’s expansive media domain. Syco Publishing commences its journey with songwriters Lucy Spraggan and John Samuel Gerhart, along with a trove of hit catalog rights including Fifth Harmony, James Arthur, Camila Cabello, and Pharrell Williams collaborations.
The company boasts ownership of compositions by artists like Ed Sheeran, Machine Gun Kelly, Shawn Mendes, and more. In 2021, Syco Entertainment collaborated with UMG, RESHET 13, and Fremantle Media to grant the victor of The X Factor Israel’s fourth season a global recording contract with UMG Israel.
In 2022, acknowledging the changing landscape of music discovery through platforms like TikTok, Cowell’s Syco Entertainment collaborated with Republic Records, TikTok, and Samsung to unveil StemDrop, a creative avenue for musicians to share their compositions.
With a career rooted in music publishing, Cowell expressed his excitement about the deal and building this new music publishing company alongside Universal. Cowell also highlighted his vision and passion for working with songwriters and reiterated his objectives to elevate the success of the new partnership with UMPG.
WARNER RECORDS LAUNCHES DEFIANT RECORDS
Warner Records has officially announced the launch of Defiant Records, a joint venture led by Steve “Steve-O” Carless, President of A&R, Warner Records. To help mark the occasion, the influential record executive and 2023 Billboard “R&B/Hip Hop Power Player” has announced the release of Defiant Presents: Jiggy In Jersey (ft. MCVERTT), which pairs emerging producer and artist MCVERTT with rappers Bandmanrill and Sha EK, making for a project on the cutting edge of Jersey Club music, New York Drill—and Hip-Hop dance. The news also arrives with a new video for MCVERTT’s “Face Down” ft. A$AP Ferg and Sexyy Red. Listen HERE and watch the new video HERE.
Steven “Steve-O” Carless has held senior leadership roles and delivered commercial A&R success across the Major Label business – including Atlantic Records, Def Jam Recordings, Republic Records, and Uptown Records – before accepting the President of A&R role at Warner Records in September 2021. Across his career, he has guided the careers of culturally significant and iconic artists including Pusha T, Big Sean, YG, 2 Chainz, Nipsey Hussle and Polo G. Steven and Nipsey Hussle co-founded The Marathon Agency together and he continues to play a role in safeguarding the legacy and estate of Nipsey Hussle.
“Defiant will be filled with individuals who are always challenging the status quo, always going to be in an innovation phase of their career,” says Carless.
The Defiant Presents: Jiggy In Jersey ft. MCVERTT project arrives on the heels of the recent “Face Down” single which features signature MCVERTT production with Sexyy Red and A$AP Ferg. MCVERTT has excelled this year, most notably co-producing Lil Uzi Vert’s RIAA Triple Platinum smash “I Just Wanna Rock.” The new Defiant Presents: Jiggy In Jersey project was also preceded by the lead single “Pistons.” Read the full story HERE.
CONCORD LABEL GROUP NAMES NEW TOM BECCI
AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Concord has announced that veteran music executive Tom Becci has been appointed to a newly created role leading Concord Label Group as its Chief Executive, effective today. He will oversee Concord’s entire recorded music division, inclusive of global frontline label and catalog operations. Becci will be based in Concord’s Los Angeles office, home to most of Concord’s labels, and will report to Bob Valentine, Bob Valentine.
“Having admired the work of Concord for years, I am thrilled to join this incredible company,” says Becci. “It is abundantly clear that the Label Group’s passionate, dedicated team works day in and day out in service of its artists and has built something truly unique. With the help of the label presidents, the entire Concord staff, and inimitable artists like Pierce the Veil, Killer Mike, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Allison Russell, and so, so many more, I can’t wait to continue building on what has been established and usher Concord Label Group into a new era.”
A New Jersey native, Tom Becci got his start in the music business as the manager of special projects for EMI North America and comes to Concord with over 30 years of industry experience, most recently a seven-and-a-half-year tenure at the world’s largest independent music management agency Red Light Management. While at Red Light, he worked directly with founder Coran Capshaw on organizational structure and planning, vetted and advised on new business opportunities, and negotiated and advised on artist contracts as well as the development of the artist roster, which included Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Lady A, Sam Hunt, Chris Stapleton, and others.
Becci also monitored investments made by Red Light Management, involving the development of yearly business plans, cash funding requirements, and strategic and financial reviews. He was instrumental in the company’s label development and investments with the launch of LEO33 in Nashville as well as Chess Club Records and AMF Music in the UK.
Prior to Red Light, Becci was the COO of Universal Music Group Nashville, home to artists including Keith Urban, Little Big Town, George Strait, Eric Church, Darius Rucker, Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, and was responsible for the signing of The Brothers Osborne.
POSITION MUSIC SIGNS KEITH VARON
TO A WORLDWIDE PUBLISHING DEAL
Producer, writer, and multi-instrumentalist Keith Varon has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Position Music as announced by Tyler Bacon President & CEO recently. Varon works across the alternative and pop genres and has recent credits with artists like Joji, Jxdn, Kenny Hoopla, Lexi Jayde, Lauren Sanderson, and Chloe Moriondo. Varon has been on songs with Machine Gun Kelly, Travis Barker, Lindsey Sterling, and others, during his successful career.
“I could tell immediately when I walked into the Position Music offices for the first time that they are a company that pays attention to detail and has a sense of focus that matches mine,” says Varon. “I’ve known Mark [Chipello] for many years and have always admired his passion. I’m grateful for the amazing energy I’ve received from the whole Position Music team, and I’m extremely excited to begin this journey together.”
Varon recently went RIAA-certified Gold twice for his work on jxdn’s single “Angels and Demons” and joji’s “Feeling Like the End,” in addition to going Platinum for his work on Machine Gun Kelly’s “Banyan Tree” off Machine Gun Kelly’s chart-topping and multi award-winning album Tickets to my Downfall. Varon was also the executive producer for The Aces most recent full-length album I’ve Loved You For So Long. The Los Angeles-based writer has upcoming releases planned with Taela, Rouri404, Braden Bales, Brynn Cartelli, and The Strumbellas.
“I have been a big fan of Keith for a while and have tremendous respect for his writing and production skills and his ability to help an artist land on a compelling concept and hook. I am excited to get to work and build this next chapter of Keith’s career together,” says Position Music, Partner, Head of A&R Mark Chipello.
Varon joins a growing Position Music publishing roster that includes John “Feldy” Feldmann, Dru “Falconry” DeCaro, Jack LaFrantz, Krupa, No Love for the Middle Child, ¿Téo?, Kyle Reynolds, Kid Bloom, Brandyn Burnette, JV, Sam Tinnesz, KANNER, and more.
Each week, A&R Worldwide shares a snapshot of creatives and executives that we have collaborated or worked with in various music markets around the world, albeit in recent or previous times!
A&R Worldwide recently connected with numerous executives in the UK A&R community from both the label and music publishing arenas, as well as within the major and independent sectors. Enjoying a robust A&R conversation (L-R) are Dougie Bruce, Sr. Director A&R, Universal Music Publishing; David Laub, Managing Director / A&R, Half Time/Virgin Music; Julian Palmer, VP A&R, Columbia Records, and Korda Marshall, Founder, Infectious Records& Board Member, Mushroom Music Group.
BELLZZZ
Eighteen-year-old BELLZZZ, a luminary of the dark cinematic pop genre, skillfully fuses sublime soundscapes with evocative scenes that veer from the darkly comic to the downright macabre. Possessing a vocal clarity and lyrical maturity that has become increasingly characteristic of the post-internet singer-songwriters, she graciously ushers us into dream-pop vistas. Having graced notable line-ups alongside esteemed ensembles such as Picture Parlour, her unreleased compositions are swiftly gathering substantial attention within the industry. Exhibiting a knack for interweaving tales of local misfits and provincial mindsets with broader tapestries of pop culture and societal allusions, BELLZZZ ingeniously reimagined the lyrics of her opus, “No Shoes Girl,” to harmonize with the apocalyptic essence of the acclaimed television series, Succession (HBO). This feat of musical adaptation garnered admiration from none other than the show’s original composer, Emmy Award-winner Nicholas Britell, who, so deeply impressed, shared her creation across his personal social media canvas. Her lyrical gaze turns inward and captures us all there, under the irrepressible gaze of a childhood basked in the unending blue-light of the internets doomscape utopia, her stripped back and raw vocals cut directly into the interrupted trance of our post-pandemic, post-capitalism wasteland and demand of us that we dream bigger, weirder and better than we ever did before. Discover “No Shoes Girl (Succession)” HERE, and contact Marco Ferraro at marco@manajamma.com for available opportunities with BELLZZZ.
GRACE CARTER
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, August 13th, 2023: The weekly import show. Heard on more than 50 radio stations on six continents weekly including: Flux FM Berlin, Germany; NINETYSIX Radio (Indonesia); JioSaavn (India); Radio Doble Nueve, Lima, Peru; WZRH–FM New Orleans, LA; KWSS “93.9FM”; Phoenix, AZ; KRML “102.1FM”; Carmel, CA; KFRR “New Rock 104.1FM”; Fresno, CA; Radio 1, Mumbai, India; WCNR Charlottesville, VA; KIWR “The River”; Council Bluffs, IA; 2XM Ireland (national radio); 96.2 ZFM The Netherlands; WAPS–FM “The Summit.FM”; Akron–Canton, OH; WKTL–FM Youngstown, OH; 105.5FM XFM Nairobi, Kenya; PUK–FM Johannesburg, South Africa; Rock 96.5FM Zambia; 897 FM Bratislava, Slovakia; WITH “90.1FM”; Ithaca, NY; UCFM 87.8FM Australian Capital Territory, Australia; WRUR 88.5FM Rochester, NY; WCRU–FM Hamilton, NY; KZND Anchorage, AK; KQCJ Quad Cities, IL; Allgauhit–FM Bavaria Germany; Indie Xfm Los Angeles and on The Independent FM (iHeartRadio) in the United States, as well as many others internationally.
Listen to this two hour show by clicking HERE:
THE MOVING STILLS – “Westside” (Sureshaker, Australia)
GIANT ROOKS – “Bedroom Exile” (UMG, Germany)
PICTURE THIS – “Red Lights” (RCA Records, Ireland)
ONLY THE POETS – “Crash” (EMI, UK)
MATTHEW MOLE – “See Me Again” (Universal Music, South Africa)
RUEN BROTHERS – “Don’t Know What’s Come Over You” (Yep Roc, N. America)
BELLZZZ – “No Shoes Girl (Succession)” (Unsigned, UK)
NOTHING BUT THIEVES – “Keeping You Around” (AWAL, UK)
JOHNOSSI – “Adore” (AngelFarm, Sweden)
BLAIRE DAVIE – “Lovely” (Watercolour Heart, UK)
LIME CORDIALE – “Imposter Syndrome” (Chugg Music, Australia)
THE VALMONTS – “Love Overdose” (Unsigned, Ireland)
JAMIE HANNAH – “Surrender To You” (Unsigned, UK)
TOM A. SMITH – “Weirdo” (Unsigned, UK)
LAUREN WALLER – “City Lights” (Unsigned, N. America)
NEW BEAT FUND – “What It’s All For” (Unsigned, N. America)
VELLA – “Happiness” (L3V3L Music, N. America)
BAKER GRACE – “American Dream Girl” (Riveting Music, N. America)
THE ROYSTON CLUB – “The Deep End” (Run On Records, UK)
RHETT REPKO – “Don’t Throw Our Love Way” (Unsigned, N. America)
TMRV – “Gone” (Unsigned, Belgium)
IAMJJ – “King Size” (Unsigned, Denmark)
REMME – “Boy From The Pictures” (UMG, Germany)
ALEX SPENCER – “A Night To Waste” (Modern Sky, UK)
GENGAHR – “Red Sun Titans” (Virgin Music, UK)
CRAWLERS – “Messiah” (Polydor, UK)
MASI MASI – “We Don’t Care” (Unsigned, UK)
CAESARIA – “Smalltown Boy” (Universal Music, France)
CASSIA – “High Tones” (Republic of Music, Australia)
GIRL SCOUT – “Boy In Blue” (MADE Records, UK)
PAUL PARTOHAP – “BESTFRiEND” (Warner Music, Indonesia)
ALEX LAHEY – “On The Way Down” (Liberation Music, Australia)
KARIM – “Don’t Tell Your Friends” (Unsigned, Germany)
THE PIGEON DETECTIVES – “Summer Girl” (Unsigned, UK)
IVAN CORNEJO SIGNS TO INTERSCOPE: Ivan Cornejo has inked a significant new deal with Interscope Records. At just 19, Cornejo has achieved a multi-Platinum career, initiated by his 2021 debut album Alma Vacia. Praised by the New York Times as one of the year’s finest albums, it surged to number two on the Billboard Regional Mexican charts. Cornejo’s prolificacy shone through two 2022 releases: Triste and the seven-track album Dañado, which topped the Regional Mexican album charts and broke into Billboard’s Top 200 albums chart. John Janick, Chairman & CEO, Interscope Geffen A&M praised Cornejo’s cultural impact and artistry, expressing anticipation for the next phase of his exceptional career. Nir Seroussi, Interscope’s Executive VP overseeing Latin music, echoed this sentiment, heralding Cornejo’s songwriting prowess and live brilliance. His recent single “Aquí Te Espero” has further fortified his reputation, followed by a sold-out Chicago show and a fervent Lollapalooza Festival appearance. Having surpassed 1.1 billion streams, Cornejo’s presence continues to surge, marked by six nominations at the 2023 Premio Lo Nuestro Awards and wins at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards.
SONY MUSIC STRIKES GLOBAL DEAL WITH INDIA’S BIG BANG MUSIC: Indian record label Big Bang Music has struck a significant global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing (SMP). Through this partnership, SMP will handle the administration and promotion of Big Bang’s songs on a global scale. Big Bang Music is known as a modern music platform focused on discovering new independent music stars. This collaboration highlights the growing influence of India’s indie music scene and the increasing demand for its talent worldwide. The deal is expected to boost artists’ and songwriters’ publishing and royalty earnings while opening up opportunities for sync placements and global collaborations. The agreement encompasses administration, synchronization, and catalog promotion for Big Bang Music’s repertoire. Established in 2019 as a joint venture between Sony Music and management company KWAN, Big Bang Music was founded by its CEO Gaurav Wadhwa.
WARNER MUSIC CENTRAL EUROPE NAMES NEW SWISS GM: Warner Music Central Europe has announced that Hansjürg Stämpfli has been appointed General Manager of Warner Music Switzerland, with immediate effect. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the company’s business in Switzerland and will report directly to Marcus Friedheim, Managing Director of Warner Music Central Europe. Hansjürg Stämpfli joined Warner Music as Brand Manager in October 2015 and was promoted to Senior Marketing Manager in April 2019. Before Warner Music, he worked for PwC in Switzerland for four years and studied Business Administration at the University of Bern. Hansjürg Stämpfli succeeds Stefania Lorenzetto, who was previously General Manager for Warner Music Switzerland.
CMG/MOTOWN RECORDS ANNOUNCE GLASS WINDOW DEAL: Capitol Music Group (CMG) / Motown Records and Glass Window Entertainment (founded by rapper Lil Baby) have announced a partnership. Rylo Rodriguez, the inaugural signee under Glass Window Entertainment/Motown Records, recently raced up the charts with the single, “Been One,” reaching into the Billboard 200’s top 10. Michelle Jubelirer, Chair & CEO, Capitol Music Group highlighted the success of Glass Window and Virgin Records in introducing Rylo and helping develop this new partnership which is one of many the company has secured in recent times.
SIDE STAGE VENTURES LAUNCHES EARLY-STAGE FUND: Highly respected Australian entrepreneur, business executive, and artist manager Jaddan Comerford, along with his Side Stage Ventures partners, has unveiled a new fund that will champion Australia’s early-stage entrepreneurial innovators. The fund has secured an initial close of $15 million (USD), led by Ben Grabiner and Markus Kahlbetzer, in collaboration with Linktree founders Alex and Anthony Zaccaria, Tractor Ventures co-founder Matt Allen, and Comerford himself. The fund addresses a gap in the market, focusing on seed-stage investments, providing $500,000 investments to promising Australian founders, and cultivating a supportive community for growth and scaling. Side Stage Ventures, established amidst the pandemic in 2020, has already invested substantially in startups worldwide. Comerford, who is a driving force behind Side Stage Ventures, has underscored his passion for nurturing talent, both in music and entrepreneurship.
ROUND HILL MUSIC ACQUIRES REMAINDER OF BIG LOUD SHIRT CATALOG: Round Hill Music has solidified its ownership of Big Loud Shirt‘s music publishing rights by acquiring the remaining share, bringing its ownership to 100%. This move follows Round Hill’s previous acquisition of a share in Big Loud Shirt’s catalog in 2014. Additionally, Round Hill has obtained 50% of songwriter/producer Craig Wiseman’s writer’s income streams – Wiseman is the Founder & Owner of Big Loud Shirt. The extensive Big Loud Shirt catalog boasts over 1,200 songs, including hits by artists like Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, and Tim McGraw. This acquisition expands Round Hill’s portfolio, aligning with their existing interests in iconic tracks such as McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying,” Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” and “Blown Away,” and George Strait’s “I Saw God Today.” This deal also increases Round Hill’s presence in the country music market, which accounted for 11% of its portfolio by the end of 2022.
INFLUENCER AGENGY NAMES EXECUTIVE PROMOTIONS: VRTCL, an influencer and viral marketing agency that drives content-first narratives for brands, music, and celebrity clients, has promoted Imani “Mango” Lewis to Director of Music and Jenn Rilloraza to Director of Brands & Content. Together, Lewis and Rilloraza will work closely with influencers and artists to create collaborative content. In her new role, Imani will lead the overall strategy and operations of the music and social teams, interacting with artist management teams, label A&R’s and social media directors. Lewis’ promotion comes on the heels of the successful Lil Durk “All My Life” influencer campaign, which she spearheaded. As a result, the song landed on TikTok’s Top Track charts for three weeks in a row. Rilloraza will continue to focus on developing the company’s overall strategy, operations, and brand for the content team, developing authentic content on behalf of some of the world’s biggest brands. Prior to her current role, Jenn, who is a former Create Music intern, quarterbacked VRTCL TikTok brand campaigns for MrBeast Burger, Insomniac Events, (RED) x Beats by Dre, Nectar Hard Seltzers, Sanzo Sparkling Water, Cardi B’s Whipshots, Samsung, Dr. Pepper, JuneShine Hard Kombucha and Roblox. Rilloraza previously served as a marketing coordinator at Prodigy Artists working in dance music and artist marketing.
MEXICAN STAR BELINDA SIGNS WITH WARNER MUSIC: Mexican star Belinda who boasts a diverse career in television, platforms, fashion, and music with over 17 million followers on Instagram has partnered with Warner Music Latina (WML). Alejandro Duque, President of Warner Music Latina, stated “We are honored to welcome Belinda, one of the most important artists in Latin pop music, to our WML family. Her undeniable talent, versatility, and dedication to her art make her a unique and exceptional artist. We are excited to accompany her on this new stage of her career, confident that, together, we will reach new horizons and make history in her return to music.” Belinda’s successes, including songs such as “Dopamina,” “Luz sin Gravedad,” “Egoísta,” “Bella Traición,” and “En la Obscuridad,” showcase the eclectic style that she has honed over the years. With four studio albums released, and numerous collaborations with artists such as Pitbull, Los Ángeles Azules, Ana Mena, Abraham Mateo, and Steve Aoki, Belinda has confidently positioned herself across various musical genres. In the coming months, Belinda will focus on recording new music and pursuing more creative projects, which she will soon unveil.
THE HOOSIERS INK PUBLISHING AND DISTRO DEAL: Downtown Music has unveiled a partnership with The Hoosiers, which is comprised of a publishing deal with Downtown Music Publishing (DMP) and a distribution agreement with Downtown-owned Fuga via Crab Race Ltd. As the band marks their 20th anniversary, the celebration is amplified by their upcoming fifth album Confidence, which is poised for a September release. Rising to prominence with chart-topping debut The Trick To Life, featuring hits like “Worried About Ray” and “Goodbye Mr. A,” The Hoosiers’ return is anticipated by fans locally in the UK and internationally.
BUCKS MUSIC GROUP UNVEILS DEAL WITH MURDO MITCHELL: Bucks Music Group has announced a partnership with Glasgow, Scotland’s rising star Murdo Mitchell. Having recently released his debut album Aztec Jewel, Mitchell has garnered attention across the UK and beyond. The singer/songwriter is represented by Pick & Mix Management and X-ray Touring. A new beginning has begun for Mitchell as he joins forces with Sony Music Norway/Drabant, with upcoming new music releases and live performances later this year. Sarah Liversedge Platz, Director A&R, Bucks Music stated, “We’re excited about Mitchell’s addition to our roster, and we’re amazed by his undeniable talent. Bucks A&R Rhiannon Bramley also echoed the singing and Platz’s sentiment.
YOTO PARTNERS WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP: Yoto, the innovative audio platform for kids, has partnered with Universal Music Group (UMG). The collaboration marks an industry first, ushering iconic music titles and artists from UMG’s extensive catalog into the realm of children’s audio experiences. Yoto’s focus on fostering independence and exploration in young minds allows children as young as three to curate their musical journey. Founded in 2020 by digital music pioneers Ben Drury and Filip Denker, Yoto champions Montessori education principles and delivers a screen-free solution for children’s audio content. With a library boasting over 1,000 audiobooks, activities, and music, Yoto enhances children’s development and curiosity. The recent launch of Yoto’s 3rd Generation Player in June 2023, with enhanced immersive stereo sound, further amplifies its appeal. The partnership with UMG commences with Queen’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1, followed by releases from revered artists like Bob Marley & The Wailers, along with labels like Motown Records and Disney Music Group. These Yoto Cards will be accessible through various platforms, making quality music education accessible globally.
FRENCH MONTANA PARTNERS WITH GAMMA: French Montana has announced a collaboration with Gamma, a company known for its multi-disciplinary approach to entertainment. French Montana’s latest single, “Good Summer,” marks the beginning of this partnership. Gamma’s executive leadership has a longstanding connection with the Moroccan/American rapper. With a remarkable track record of 40 billion streams, French Montana’s career has spanned both major labels like Epic and Interscope and independent endeavors such as working with Empire. The recent announcement stated that French Montana declined a $20 million major label offer to remain independent, instead opting to partner with Gamma and its distribution arm Vydia. The recent deal was brokered with the support of Larry Jackson, Co-Founder & CEO, Gamma.
LEE SUGAR LANDS DEAL WITH [PIAS]: Sydney, Australian-based alt-pop artist Lee Sugar has joined [PIAS], signing a global deal with the independent music powerhouse. The announcement coincides with the release of his new single “Sunshine” and its self-directed music video. Sophie Brown, A&R, and Marketing Manager at [PIAS] Australia, helped with facilitating the deal. Having debuted a year ago with the chill-out R&B track “Cuckoo,” Sugar has since garnered attention from triple j Unearthed and secured triple j airplay. With a growing discography, Sugar has shared the stage with artists like Milan Ring and Daste and showcased at Bigsound 2022. [PIAS], founded in Belgium in 1982, has been a prominent indie presence for over four decades, and its Australian branch was established through the acquisition of Inertia Music in 2017.
REEL MUZIK WERKS SIGNS DEAL WITH JENNIFER ADAN: Songwriter Jennifer Adan has inked an administrative and publishing agreement with Reel Muzik Werks. The deal not only encompasses her future songs but also extends to her existing catalog. Adan’s track record includes the Platinum-certified, two-week No.1 sensation “She Wouldn’t Be Gone” by Blake Shelton, as well as the track “Don’t Come Home,” featured on MTV’s The Real World: San Diego. Notably, her collaborative abilities shined on “Metamorphosis,” a composition showcased on Grey’s Anatomy.
NEED TO MAKE CONTACT, SEND NEWS AND NEW MUSIC RELEASES?: If you have any A&R, publishing, technology, agent/promoter, international radio, management, new media or film/TV music supervisor news you’d like to share with A&R Worldwide, or need to respond to information published in the weekly newsletter please E–mail it to the attention of Sat Bisla at sat@anrworldwide.com. Also, all demos and new music releases should be sent as STREAMING LINKS ONLY to info@anrworldwide.com.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Mathew Daniel, Jon Pleeter, Mike Daly, Livy Rodriguez-Bahar, John McGrew, Colin Lester, Emi Horikawa, Andrew Kronfeld, Sue Drew, Andrea von Foerster, Mike Jbara, Prashan Agarwal, Satya Hinduja, and Richard Gottehrer.
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