PUNK ICONS SEX PISTOLS SIGN
WORLDWIDE AGREEMENT WITH BMG
Sex Pistols‘ Steve Jones, Paul Cook, and the estate of Sid Vicious have signed a new global publishing administration agreement with BMG. The deal includes their portion of the legendary rock band’s songwriting catalog.
Sex Pistols are among the most important and recognizable rock bands in history, and their legacy is felt across fashion, art, and society.
Sex Pistols left the British establishment shaking when they exploded onto the music scene, kickstarting what later became known as punk. Young people ripped up not just their musical forebears but their social ones too, and Sex Pistols were the snarling, ferocious figureheads of the revolution.
The band arrived in the U.S. in 1978 for one of the most raucous and notorious tours of all time, leaving an indelible impression on American music and culture.
Sex Pistols wrote and recorded the eponymous, 40-minute album for the ages in 1977’s Never Mind The Bollocks, and from its artwork to the individual players, the attitude, and music – every bit of it influenced the world we live in today.
The album is frequently listed as one of the most influential of all time, with musicians from Joy Division, New Order to Kurt Cobain, Noel Gallagher, Green Day, to YUNGBLUD all citing them as key inspiration. This was not just musically, they showed that anyone could create and many took the hint across fashion, art, design, and more.
Their artwork, created by the late artist Jamie Reid, are modern design classics and the image for God Save The Queen is one of the most instantly recognizable images of the late 20th century. Their fashion and style, whether their own creations or those associated with iconic designer Vivienne Westwood, continues to resonate through the generations.
Their 1977 single, “God Save the Queen,” was banned by the BBC in the UK and appeared at No.2 on the Official Singles Chart, leading to accusations that the song was purposely kept off the top spot. For the only time in chart history, the track was listed as a blank, to avoid offence to the establishment.
The agreement with BMG includes key singles from the album including “Anarchy In The UK,” “God Save The Queen,” “Pretty Vacant,” and “Holidays In The Sun,” plus further originals and covers from The Great Rock & Roll Swindlesoundtrack album and some essential B- sides in “I Wanna Be Me” (the “flipside” of “Anarchy In The UK”), “Satellite” (the b-side of “Holidays In The Sun”) and “Did You No Wrong” (the B-side of “God Save The Queen”).
Sex Pistols have been recognized as one of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time” by Rolling Stone, recipients of the Mojo Icon Award from Mojo Magazine, and in 2006, all four original members plus Vicious were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They refused to attend the ceremony.
Michael Howe, VP Music Publishing, BMG said, “Steve, Paul, and Sid’s works with Sex Pistols are among the most important cultural and creative music of the last half-century. Their impact on society and the performing arts is orders of magnitude greater than the group’s incredibly brief lifespan and recorded output would suggest. The band’s influence resonates as deeply today as it did in 1977.”
In 2022, the band was the subject of the acclaimed FX miniseries on Hulu, Pistol, which is based on guitarist Steve Jones’s autobiography Lonely Boy and follows the band’s rise to prominence and notoriety.
LEADING INTERNATIONAL DANCE LABEL
SPINNIN’ RECORDS ANNOUNCES CO-PRESIDENTS
Roger De Graaf and Ewout Swart have been tapped as Co-Presidents of Spinnin’ Records, the world’s leading dance music company. The move will enable De Graaf to focus on artist relations and creative projects, while Swart will concentrate on global operational acceleration.
De Graaf is one of the co-founders of Spinnin’ Records and has served as its CEO since 2017, when it was acquired by Warner Music Group. Swart has worked at Spinnin’ for more than 14 years and was appointed Chief Operational Officer in 2016.
In their new roles, both De Graaf and Swart will report to both Simon Robson, President, International, Recorded Music, Warner Music, and Bart Cools, Warner Music’s Executive VP, Global A&R and Marketing, Dance Music.
Spinnin’ has helped launch and nurture the careers of many of the biggest names in dance, including Afrojack, Bingo Players, Cheat Codes, Don Diablo, Fedde Le Grand, Kriss Kross Amsterdam, KSHMR, Martin Garrix, Martin Solveig, Nicky Romero, Oliver Heldens, Sam Feldt, Sander van Doorn and Timmy Trumpet.
The company reaches huge numbers of dance fans through its online channels, with more than 30 million subscribers on YouTube and almost four million followers on Instagram.
Spinnin’ is also home to a number of artist-led sub-labels, such as Alok‘s Controversia, Bingoplayer‘s Hysteria, KSHMR’s Dharma, Sander van Doorn’s DOORN Records, Tiësto‘s Musical Freedom, Timmy Trumpet’s Sinphony, Ummet Ozcan‘s OZ records and many more. It also owns brands such as Spinnin’s Talent Pool, an online platform where artists and producers can submit demos; and Spinnin’ Sessions, an online radio show and live experience at events across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Roger De Graaf stated, “This is a great move for Spinnin’ as it enables both Ewout and me to play to our strengths. I want to spend more time with artists and really get involved in shaping the campaigns that’ll take their music to new audiences. There’s a new wave of Dance music coming, and I want to be a hands-on part of it.”
Ewout Swart said, “I’m excited to be Co-President of Spinnin’ with Roger. Dance is enjoying a global moment and we’re geared to make the difference and create impact for our artists as they navigate the ever-changing music industry. We recently moved into our new offices in Amsterdam and I’m so proud to see the creative energy of our company at its best here. We’ve also got an exciting program for this year’s Amsterdam Dance Event and I can’t wait for people from around the world to come and enjoy it.”
De Graaf started out in the 1990s working for Rhythm Import, a Dutch record store that imported R&B, hip-hop, and house music LPs. He became an A&R manager for the company as it moved into releasing music, before meeting Eelko van Kooten and setting up Spinnin’ in 1999.
Swart began his music career at Universal Music in 2002, joining the company’s Global Royalties team. He went on to work at EMI Music Benelux and as a global sales manager at Motolux, before joining Spinnin’ Records in 2009.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP TEAMS-UP WITH
DESI TRILL MUSIC TO FOCUS ON SOUTH ASIA
Universal Music Group (UMG) recently announced the launch of DESI TRILL MUSIC, a new label venture led by Ty-Ty Smith and Shabz Naqvi. The label will be dedicated to Desi Trill, a new genre of music that combines the musical style of South Asian artists with modern genres, representing a new global sound.
In making this announcement Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO, UMG Sir Lucian said, “As the home for artistry, innovation, and entrepreneurship in music, we’re so pleased that Ty-Ty and Shabz have chosen UMG as the global partner for DESI TRILL MUSIC. Having worked with Ty-Ty for many years, I know we share a passion for discovery and artist development, and I’m excited to watch how he and Shabz influence culture around the world with this exciting new sound.”
Naqvi stated, “We envision a future where South Asian artists gain widespread recognition on grand stages, embracing cultural heritage while pushing musical boundaries. DESI TRILL MUSIC puts South Asian artists at the vanguard of a global music movement for the first time and we’re honored to forge a path for this new generation of incredible artists.”
Smith added, “Music knows no borders. It’s an incredible time for South Asian culture and hip-hop to come together to create a new and exciting genre of music. It gives us great pleasure to bring our vision to the world with DESI TRILL MUSIC. UMG Is a great partner for us and I’d like to thank Sir Lucian, Jeff Harleston, and Michael Seltzer for their continued support.”
Smith is a co-founder of Roc Nation, the global entertainment company that has cultivated many of today’s biggest acts such as DJ Khaled, JAY-Z, J Balvin, J. Cole, Rihanna, and Shakira among others. He has fostered strategic partnerships with several heavy-hitting production teams, including Grammy award-winning duo, Stargate, and played a pivotal role in Roc Nation’s presence and expansion into the UK creative and music sectors.
Naqvi is an artist, producer, and music executive from South London. He was a key member of So Solid Crew, an influential, award-winning music collective comprised of his childhood friends.
DESI TRILL MUSIC’s first music offering will be available in October.
HIT SONGWRITER STEPH JONES
SIGNS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH RESERVOIR MEDIA
Reservoir Media, Inc. has unveiled the signing of a new publishing deal for the future works of multi-genre and Platinum-selling songwriter Steph Jones.
Based in Los Angeles, CA, Jones has co-written tracks for some of the music industry’s biggest names, collectively garnering billions of streams. She contributed to several No.1 albums, including “People You Know” off Selena Gomez‘s Rare, “Look At Us Now” from Celine Dion‘s Courage, “Happy” on P!nk‘s Hurts 2B Human, “Polaroid” off Keith Urban‘s The Speed of Now Part 1, and “Roaring 20s” from the 2x-Platinum Pray for the Wicked by Panic! At The Disco. Jones has also collaborated with BLACKPINK, Maisie Peters, Little Big Town, Mickey Guyton, and more.
Most recently, Jones co-wrote several singles for popstar Sabrina Carpenter, including Platinum-certified “Nonsense” on Carpenter’s acclaimed Emails I Can’t Send, which was included in Rolling Stone‘s list of the 100 Best Albums of 2022. Jones also co-wrote “Lottery” by rapper-singer Latto feat. LU KALA, as well as country star Kelsea Ballerini‘s Platinum-certified, 2021 ASCAP Country Award-winning song “Hole in the Bottle.”
On signing with Reservoir, Jones said, “I’m so excited to partner with Donna and the Reservoir team for this next chapter of my career. The work that they do truly honors the songwriting craft and community, and I’m looking forward to accomplishing a lot of great things together.”
Donna Caseine, Executive Vice President, Global Creative Director, Reservoir added, “Among the industry’s circles, ‘Steph Jones’ is the name on everybody’s lips. Having success across multiple genres, her star burns brighter every day, and her writing continues to impress artists, listeners, and industry experts, alike. We are so happy to be supporting her career and helping her leverage opportunities to create more incredible songs.”
U.S. RADIO & MUSIC INDUSTRY LEGEND
JONATHAN L. ROSEN PASSES AWAY
In the ever-evolving symphony of music, there are those rare individuals who serve as maestros, guiding the melodies and rhythms of an entire generation. Jonathan L. Rosen, known to the world as Jonathan L, was undoubtedly one such maestro. With his passing on September 9, 2023, in Berlin, Germany, the world lost not just a DJ, but a true visionary whose influence stretched far beyond the confines of the radio booth.
Jonathan L’s journey to radio and musical stardom was unconventional, to say the least. From a troubled youth on the streets of New York to a brief stint as a parts man for Mack Trucks, he found his true calling in the underground newspaper scene. It was here that his passion for music began to take root.
In 1982, Jonathan L’s radio career took flight in Tucson, Arizona, with “Virgin Vinyl.” This show, a five-hour Sunday evening extravaganza, hosted luminaries like Henry Rollins, Frank Black (Pixies), Joey Ramone, and countless others showcasing the eclectic range of Jonathan L’s musical palette, from Metallica to Leon Russell.
The Arizona airwaves were forever changed when he joined forces with John “Johnny D” Dixon to launch KEYX 100.3FM, “the key to your musical future.” Although ahead of its time, KEYX made its mark as an alternative radio pioneer.
However, it was in 1989 that Jonathan L etched his name into music history as the “father of all radio festivals.” Q Fest, organized for KUKQ in Phoenix, featured artists like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Camper Van Beethoven, setting the stage for future iconic festivals like Lollapalooza.
Beyond radio, Jonathan L’s tenure at the Album Network showcased his prowess as a senior editor of the influential Alternative music and radio publication, VIRTUALLY ALTERNATIVE, and the tongue-in-cheek columnist behind “Pleasantly Annoying.” His work with bands like The Cranberries, Social Distortion, Kula Shaker, and Oasis cemented his status as a go-to guy in alternative music.
Then, the man who constantly evolved decided to make Berlin his home in 2010, following his heart to be with his one true love, Gaby. The move wasn’t without its challenges, but Jonathan L’s unwavering dedication saw him master German and continue “Lopsided World of L” from Berlin, broadcasting to the world. Jonathan L’s show was a testament to his commitment to music, featuring both new and established artists from around the globe. It was a platform for the undiscovered, the unconventional, and the unheard.
As the years rolled on, his show morphed into a progressive free-form entity, transcending traditional labels, and reflecting the ever-changing soundscape of the world.
In paying tribute to Jonathan L, Sat Bisla, President & Founder, A&R Worldwide, whose first job in Los Angeles was working for Jonathan stated, “We celebrate a man whose life was a testament to the power of music to transform, to heal, and to unite. Jonathan L’s legacy will forever echo through the airwaves, a reminder that music has the power to connect us all, no matter where we are in the world. I’m forever grateful to Jonathan for believing in me when few others did, back when I first moved to Southern California back in 1995. He was a torchbearer of passion, authenticity, and musical independence and left an indelible mark on myself and so many others including A&R Worldwide’s Monte Malone, and Joe Arnold, who also had the pleasure of working with Jonathan for a number of years. Jonathan will be sorely missed by us and so many others around the world he touched in his own unique way.”
Rest in peace, Jonathan L. Your melodies will live on, as timeless and boundless as your spirit.
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 has been a catalyst for global musical impact, decades before it became cool to jump on this current bandwagon. From artists, and executives to companies, we’ve endeavored to build bridges to make the planet a better music community. A number of years ago, A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO teamed-up to recognize the contributions of one of Australia’s most influential music voices and forces Michael Chugg, Founder & CEO, Chugg Entertainment. Pictured (L-R) are former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti (now the U.S. Ambassador to The Republic of India), Michael Chugg, and Sat Bisla (President & Founder, A&R Worldwide / MUSEXPO).
CAESARIA
Classic rock, known for its memorable guitar solos, heavy riffs, and flashy themes, once enjoyed great popularity. Caesaria, however, has managed to preserve the essence of classic rock while infusing it with a unifying energy. Théo, Thomas, and Louis began a unique musical journey during their high school years. They developed their distinctive live sound by drawing inspiration from bands like The Doors, The Strokes, Foals, and Oasis. In March of the previous year, they released their debut album, All We Have Is Now, which featured lyrics reflecting the thoughts, reactions, and emotions of three young men, resonating with an entire generation. After collaborating with well-known figures like Grammy award-winner Brett Shaw (Foals, Florence + The Machine), who has been nominated for the Mercury Prize twice and the Ivor Novello award three times, they captured their club-rock essence in an electrifying EP titled Connection Loss. Their work caught the attention of esteemed producers Mark Needham (The Killers, Imagine Dragons), Stephen Marcussen (Red Hot Chili Peppers, R.E.M.), and Christophe Pulo (1984, Electric Suicide Club) for their debut album. The French trio further showcased their talent by reinterpreting the 1984 hit single “Smalltown Boy” by Bronski Beat. The original song achieved high positions in various countries, including the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, and West Germany. Caesaria is currently working on their second album, teaming up again with Brett Shaw, which is inspired by the British music legacy and is scheduled for release in spring 2024. New singles from the album are expected this fall and winter. You can listen to Caesaria’s modern take on “Smalltown Boy” HERE, and for all inquiries about the band, you can contact Adrien Crupel at a.crupel@gmail.com.
TELEMAN
In early April, Teleman released their fourth album, Good Time/Hard Time (Moshi Moshi), and embarked on a UK tour to support the record. This album marked their return after a four-year hiatus. The ten-song album features universally relatable tracks, infused with synth-layered pop and indie elements. The London-based trio consists of members Thomas Sanders (vocals, guitar), Pete Cattermoul (bass), and Hiro Ama (drums). They recently announced a deluxe version of the album, set to be released last Friday, featuring five additional songs, including their brand new single, “String Theory.” This new track offers a cosmic-leaning electronic sound that seems to find solace in the vastness of space, and you can watch the accompanying visual directed by prehuman HERE. For more information about Teleman and any available opportunities, please contact Stephen at Moshi Moshi via email at. hello@moshimoshimusic.com.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, September 17th, 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:
NOTHING BUT THIEVES – “Tomorrow Is Closed” (AWAL, UK)
MATTHEW MOLE – “See Me Again” (Universal Music, South Africa)
BELLZZZ – “No Shoes Girl (Succession)” (Unsigned, UK)
GIANT ROOKS – “Bedroom Exile” (UMG, Germany)
RUM JUNGLE – “Dash of Speed” (Sureshaker, Australia)
ONLY THE POETS – “Crash” (EMI, UK)
TRIBE FRIDAY – “Salt Clouds” (ICEA, Sweden)
ST. LUNDI – “Fall” (Propeller Recordings, UK)
COYLE GIRELLI – “Jane Tells A Lie” (Unsigned, UK)
THE SHERLOCKS – “Remember All The Girls” (Unsigned, UK)
PICTURE THIS – “Red Lights” (RCA Records, Ireland)
AMSER – “Don’t Let Go” (SO Recordings, UK)
PAUL PARTOHAP – “BESTFRiEND” (Warner Music, Indonesia)
CAESARIA – “Smalltown Boy” (Universal Music, France)
IAMJJ – “On My Way” (Unsigned, Denmark)
RHETT REPKO – “I’ve Been Feeling Down Lately” (Unsigned, N. America)
ASHLEY ESPER – “It’s Called Art” (Unsigned, N. America)
YARD ACT – “The Trench Coat Museum” (Island Records, UK)
BLAIRE DAVIE – “Lovely” (Watercolour Heart, Scotland)
SCHOOL OF X – “Feel Of It” (Tambourhinoceros, Denmark)
JAMIE HANNAH – “Surrender To You” (Unsigned, UK)
THE VALMONTS – “Love Overdose” (Unsigned, Ireland)
TALISCO – “Keep ur head up” (Talisco Music, France)
THE ROYSTON CLUB – “Blisters” (Run On Records, UK)
LIME CORDIALE – “Imposter Syndrome” (Chugg Music, Australia)
CRAWLERS – “Messiah” (Polydor, UK)
DECLAN MCKENNA – “Sympathy” (Believe, UK)
MACKENZIE – “Ordinary” (Unsigned, UK)
CASSIA – “High Tones” (Republic of Music, Australia)
THE MOVING STILLS – “Westside” (Sureshaker, Australia)
BARBERA MARI – “Torn” (Unsigned, Czech Republic)
BLOXX – “Runaway” (Unsigned, UK)
LAUREN WALLER – “Green Eyed Jealousy” (Unsigned, N. America)
CRYSTAL FIGHTERS – “Manifest” ([PIAS], UK)
PULSE MUSIC GROUP & WIDE EYED ENT’T EXTEND DEAL WITH SOLLY: PULSE Music Group has renewed its partnership with songwriter and producer Sarah Solovay, professionally known as Solly. Through a creative joint venture with Beka Tischker‘s Wide Eyed Entertainment, this partnership is set to continue its journey. The announcement was made by Scott Cutler and Josh Abraham, co-CEOs of PULSE Music Group, along with Ashley Calhoun, President & Head of Creative at PULSE Music Group. Solly is the creative genius behind hits like “Heart Wants What It Wants” (Bebe Rexha), “Take You Dancing” (Jason Derulo), and “Summer of Love” (Shawn Mendes & Tainy). Solly’s extensive portfolio includes co-writing Marshmello & Dove Cameron‘s latest single “Other Boys” and David Guetta & Bebe Rexha’s recent release “One in a Million.” She has played a pivotal role in Bebe Rexha’s album, working on tracks like “Heart Wants What It Wants,” “Seasons feat. Dolly Parton,” and “Miracle Man.” Her substantial list of co-writing credits includes collaborations with Nessa Barrett, Tainy, GAYLE, Alana Springsteen, Jimmy Fallon, and others.
UMPG SIGNS DAVID KUSHNER: Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has signed a global publishing agreement with emerging singer-songwriter David Kushner. Hailing from Los Angeles, Kushner received significant attention with his Hoozier-inspired track “Daylight,” which has garnered over 515 million streams on Spotify and became a sensation on TikTok with 2.4 million videos. It also reached No.1 on Shazam‘s charts. The song received certifications, including Gold in Canada, Gold from the British Phonographic Industry, Platinum in Australia, and Double Platinum in Poland. Kushner’s musical journey started when his song “Miserable Man” went viral on TikTok, making waves on international charts in countries like Norway, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. UMPG’s Jennifer Knoepfle, Executive VP & Co-Head of A&R, UMPG helped initiate the signing with Kushner.
AMR SONG SIGNS GRAMMY NOMINATED CREATIVE: AMR Songs, a global independent publishing company founded by music industry veteran Tamara Conniff, has concluded an exclusive, worldwide administration deal with Jeremy Ruzumna, whose a Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, and keyboardist of Fitz and the Tantrums. AMR Songs has also acquired his songwriting interests in his entire back catalog. Ruzumna contributed to Fitz and the Tantrums’ most notable hits, including their debut single “Out of My League,” which reached No.1 on the BillboardAlternative Songs chart in 2013 and has over half a billion streams on Spotify. He also contributed to “HandClap,” the band’s highest-charting single which topped Billboard and the Clio‘s Top TV Commercials Chart multiple times in 2016, and “The Walker,” a popular song featured in numerous films and TV series, commercials for the Academy Awards and major brands like Sprite, Supercuts, Reebok, and Walmart, as well as featured in video games including The Sims 4and NBA 2K18. Ruzumna began his career as keyboardist and co-writer for Macy Gray, helping her write her first three critically acclaimed albums, including the hit single “I Try.” He’s also co-written and/or produced songs for Bruno Mars, Da Baby, Chris Brown, BROCKHAMPTON, Cee Lo Green, and Rod Stewart, among many others. Ruzumna currently lives and works in Los Angeles and continues his work in the studio and on the road with Fitz and the Tantrums – as well as other bands including Left Field Messiah and Queen Sixties.
WARNER MUSIC GROUP OPENS CREATIVE HUB IN GERMANY: Warner Music Group (WMG), which includes Warner Music Central Europe and Warner Chappell Music Germany, is making a significant stride in its commitment to nurturing talent and fostering creativity with the inauguration of its new creative hub in Berlin. Situated on the top floor of the Schicklerhaus, a historically rich building constructed in the late 19th century, this hub symbolizes not only the enduring legacy of luminaries like Albert Einstein but also Berlin’s continued role as a global hub of innovation. The facility boasts an interior performance space, four rooftop terraces, and state-of-the-art collaboration rooms featuring Dolby Atmos immersive sound technology. The architectural firm Graef executed the design, aptly named “The Wave,” and integrates music into its surroundings, incorporating wave-like elements throughout the structure, floor coverings, and special features like the soundstage and bar area. The grand opening ceremony drew over 700 distinguished guests, including renowned artists, songwriters, and Robert Kyncl, CEO, Warner Music Group, alongside representatives from the realms of music, entertainment, and politics. Notable attendees included Katja Krasavice, Bennett, Marten Lou, and many others. Warner Music Central Europe and Warner Chappell Music Germany have been setting records in the German music industry, with Udo Lindenberg and Apache 207‘s “Komet” spending an impressive 21 weeks at No.1 in the official German Singles Charts. Ayliva, a Warner Chappell Music songwriter, also soared as the biggest artist on Spotify Germany in August 2023. The new creative hub underscores WMG’s commitment to supporting local artists and songwriters in Germany but also highlights Berlin’s significance as a cultural and technological capital. While Warner Music Central Europe’s headquarters will remain in Hamburg, the Berlin team will collaborate closely with colleagues worldwide, establishing global bridges for local talent.
CHRYSALIS RECORDS ANNOUNCE RAFT OF KEY SIGNINGS: Chrysalis Records has unveiled several artist signings. Liz Lawrence, known for her work as one half of electro-pop duo Cash+David, has inked a worldwide deal with Chrysalis Records. Lawrence, an English singer/songwriter with three acclaimed albums to her name, will release her first EP, I Was There, featuring Steve Mason on September 29, 2023. Her forthcoming album, produced and mixed by Ali Chant (Yard Act and Perfume Genius), is scheduled for 2024. Joining Lawrence are a roster of talents, including New York-based art-punk band Bodega, who will release a new album in early 2024. British vocal harmony group The Wandering Hearts, two-time toppers of the UK Official Americana Charts, are embarking on a US tour and plan to release a new album in 2024. Gia Ford, a rising pop visionary, recently released her debut track “Alligator,” with her first album for Chrysalis Records slated for 2024. Additionally, British multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Marika Hackman announced her new single “No Caffeine” and will release her first album under the label next year, accompanied by UK and US tour dates. Jeremy Lascelles, CEO of Blue Raincoat Music and Chrysalis Records, expressed excitement about these signings, emphasizing each artist’s contributions to the label.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS STEPHEN SCHWARTZ: Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has signed a global publishing agreement with Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz. This deal covers the majority of Schwartz’s catalog, which includes some of the most well-known songs in theater and film history. Schwartz’s career boasts a multitude of works, including the Broadway hit Wicked, featuring classics like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular.” His contributions extend to other legendary productions like Godspell, Pippin, The Magic Show, The Bakers Wife, and more. Schwartz has also made a mark in the world of animated film, co-writing Academy Award-winning songs for Disney classics such as Pocahontas and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The deal with Schwartz was spearheaded by Evan Lamberg, President of North America, UMPG.
FRESH TRACKS MUSIC EXPANDS U.K. DIVISION: FreshTracks Music UK, an MCPS production music publisher, is expanding its UK division with key appointments. Tayo Kazzim, formerly with PRS for Music, Imagem, and Extreme Music, has been named Head of Sales. Josie Kiely, previously associated with Warner Chappell Production Music, Viacom, and PPL, joins as Senior Client Account Manager, while Charley Dunlop, with experience at Sky, KPM/EMI, and BAM, assumes the role of Client Account Manager. The company is also introducing Smart Search, an innovative music search technology powered by AI prompts. Instead of traditional keyword searches, clients can describe their media projects in natural language, enabling more precise music matching. Smart Search uses advanced AI techniques to deliver relevant tracks, accommodating multiple languages for European clients. It eliminates common search challenges like keyword abuse and metadata reliance, simplifying music discovery. FreshTracks Music UK aims to streamline the process of finding the perfect music accompaniment with this new solution.
ALESSO SIGNS WITH CAA: Alesso has signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA). The Swedish DJ and producer, who has been a prominent figure in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene since the early 2010s, will now be represented by CAA for booking in North and South America. While Alesso joins forces with CAA for this new chapter, he will maintain his relationship with Panos Ayassotelis and Leon Bjerkelund at Connected Artists for representation in Europe, the U.K., Africa, and the Middle East. His management team at The Shalizi Group, including Moe Shalizi and Adam Chaves, remains unchanged. Alesso’s reputation in the EDM world has been built on his high-energy performances and chart-topping tracks. He’s had a busy 2023 with a residency at Hakkasan and performances at prestigious festivals like Ultra Music Festival, Bonnaroo, EXIT Festival, Tomorrowland, and Untold, among others.
THIRD SIDE MUSIC INKS GLOBAL DEAL WITH ZACK FOX: Rapper, DJ, stand-up comedian, and Abbott Elementary star Zack Fox has concluded an exclusive, worldwide music publishing administration deal with creative music publisher Third Side Music (TSM). The global independent publisher will work closely with Fox to foster collaborations and unique creative opportunities in film and TV, advertising, games, and more, as well as represent his music worldwide. Alex Kelman, TSM’s Executive VP of Creative & A&R, was instrumental in signing Fox to the company’s diverse and eclectic roster, which includes artists, songwriters, and composers BadBadNotGood, Blonde Redhead, The Cinematic Orchestra, Colin Stetson, Courtney Barnett, Flying Lotus, Kurt Vile, Pharoah Sanders, Sky Ferreira, SOFI TUKKER, Surf Curse, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra, to name a few. The announcement comes on the heels of the August 11 release of Fox’s new single, “dummy,” which was produced by CONNIE and mixed and mastered by Daddy Kev. His 2019 viral sensation “Jesus Is the One (I Got Depression)” has over 46 million streams on Spotify alone and 26 million+ YouTube views of the original freestyle version and his music video. Although not originally intended to be released commercially, the rap was clipped by a mass of fans into TikTok videos, and the song went on to reach No.1 on Spotify’s US Viral 50 chart. Fox is in demand on the festival circuit, having recently appeared at Lollapalooza and Outside Lands. He’s also currently developing projects with HBO, Adult Swim, and A24. Besides his recurring role as Tariq in the Emmy-nominated series Abbott Elementary, Fox has guest starred in the acclaimed HBO Max comedy series Pause with Sam Jay, as well in Flying Lotus‘ body horror comedy Kuso, the Eric Andre Show, and the Peacock series Bust Down.
ROSALÍA SIGNS WITH NEW MANAGER: Rosalía has parted ways with her longtime manager Rebeca León and is now represented by Jaime Levine of Seven Mantles. This change comes as Rosalía’s career continues to soar, with her albums having accumulated a remarkable 747,000 equivalent album units in the US, bolstered by 880 million on-demand official streams across her catalog, 84,000 album sales, and 98,000 song downloads. She boasts seven entries on the Billboard Hot 100, with “Beso” feat. Rauw Alejandro being her highest-charting hit at No.52. In the realm of Latin music, Rosalía has made an impact, with 21 entries on Hot Latin Songs, including seven Top 10’s, and ten entries on Latin Airplay, eight of which reached the Top 10 and seven claiming the No.1 spot. Her album, Motomami, topped Latin Pop Albums for an impressive 25 weeks, marking the longest-leading Latin Pop set of this decade. It also earned her a spot on the Billboard 200 at No.33 in April 2022 and received the Latin Pop “Album of The Year” award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards.
CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS CLAYTON MULLEN: Concord Music Publishing announced the signing of rising country music artist Clayton Mullen. The exclusive worldwide publishing agreement, effective immediately, will include Mullen’s full catalog and all future works. Clayton Mullen was raised in the Northeast and his interest in writing and performing developed during his time in college at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. Mullen garnered attention from local artists including the Josh Abbott Band, Corey Kent, Randall King, Carson Jeffrey, and Jacob Stelly. In Mullen’s first year focusing on music professionally, he debuted a four-track EP titled South of Forever in June 2022 and followed up with his first album release in April 2023 to celebrate his college graduation. The album included fan favorites like “Like That,” “You Me + Country Song,” “Whiskey on It” and the album title track, “Where the Time Goes,” amassing millions of streams to date. His impressive success so early in his career has made him one of country music’s newest artists to watch, and his recent college graduation marks the beginning of his full-time dedication to music. “Within minutes of meeting Clayton, I knew he was a star and that I had to work with him. He has a natural gift and the “it” factor that can’t be taught,” says Courtney Allen, Senior Director of A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. Mullen released his latest single, “Stirring Memories,” on September 15th. The single was co-written by Mullen, together with Jack Hummel, Carson Wallace, and Caleb Lathrop.
LATIN STAR IVAN CORNEJO INKS WORLDWIDE DEAL WITH UMPG: Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has signed a global publishing agreement with Latin singer-songwriter Ivan Cornejo. The deal was spearheaded by Ana Rosa Santiago, Sr. Vice President, Latin Music, UMPG. At only 19 years old, Cornejo has already achieved significant success, including a No.1 on Billboard‘s Regional Mexican Albums chart with his sophomore album, Dañado. His debut album, Alma Vacía, also performed well, reaching No.2 on Billboard‘s Regional Mexican Albums Chart and No.7 on the Top Latin Albums Chart. Hailing from Riverside, CA, Cornejo is a self-taught musician and songwriter known for blending alternative rock with Música Mexicana. His music has generated hundreds of millions of streams, with hit songs like “Esta Dañada,” “La Curiosidad,” “Hasta la Muerte,” and “J.” Cornejo’s achievements include winning the Regional Mexican Album of the Year award at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards for “Alma Vacía.” He is currently nominated in four categories, including “Top Latin Album of the Year,” at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards. Cornejo is currently on tour with 40 upcoming shows in the US and Mexico.
RANGE MEDIA PARTNERS FORMS MUSIC PUBLISHING DIVISION: Range Media Partners, a music, film, and television management company, is expanding its services with the launch of a music publishing division. This new venture will be spearheaded by Casey Robison, who brings significant experience from his previous roles at Hipgnosis Songs Group and Big Deal Music Group. Robison, previously the Executive Vice President of A&R at Hipgnosis, played a pivotal role in the company’s pop division, collaborating with notable songwriters and artists. He also served as co-President and Partner at Big Deal Music Group, where he secured joint ventures with Nice Life Music and Big Family Music. Robison started his career as an intern at Capitol Records and later held positions at Chrysalis Publishing and BMI, where he worked with artists like Gary Clark Jr., Foster the People, and Imagine Dragons. At Range Media Partners, Robison will lead the publishing division, which aims to provide opportunities for emerging writers and producers while leveraging the company’s extensive network in management, labels, and film/TV. The division has already signed songwriter Geoff Warburton and includes talents like Sam Drake, Federico Morris, and Jared Cotter.
JENNIFER LOPEZ SIGNS RECORDING & PUBLISHING DEAL WITH BMG: Jennifer Lopez has inked a new global recording and publishing partnership with BMG for the release of her highly anticipated ninth studio album, titled This Is Me…Now. This album marks Lopez’s return to the music scene after a nine-year hiatus, serving as a sequel to her 2002 album This Is Me…Then. The project, produced by a talented team including Rogét Chahayed, Angel Lopez, and Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, features contributions from renowned songwriter-producers like Hitboy, Ink, Tay Keith, and more. Jennifer Lopez boasts an impressive track record, having sold over 80 million records globally and accumulated over 15 billion streams, along with 18 billion views on her music videos from previous albums. Additionally, her film The Mother became Netflix‘s most successful movie of 2023 and earned a place among the platform’s top movies of all time.
BOUTIQUE PUBLISHER OTM SIGNS SUB FOCUS: OTM, the London and Los Angeles-based independent music publisher, has unveiled the signing of DJ and producer Sub Focus, and the expansion of its U.S. office with the appointment of Melissa Maskan as Head of North America and Sr. Vice President, Creative. Sub Focus, known for his boundary-pushing work in electronic music, has entered into an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with OTM. This deal covers most of his existing catalog and future works. Sub Focus recently achieved new heights by selling out Wembley Arena and continues to challenge genre boundaries. Melissa Maskan, with extensive experience in artist development and scoring for media, joins OTM to lead its U.S. operations, focusing on creative services such as sync and A&R. Maskan previously worked at Third Side Music, where she played a key role in developing artists and catalog.
ANGRY MOB MUSIC GROUP EXTENDS DEAL WITH JOEY VERSKOTZI: Angry Mob Music Group has extended its worldwide co-publishing deal with artist, songwriter, and producer Joey Verskotzi, known as VERSKOTZI. This renewal, building on their partnership since 2019, covers all of Verskotzi’s existing and future works, including his upcoming album with Preach Records, scheduled for early 2024. The first single from this album, “little boy & FAT MAN,” dropped on August 18th, with the next single, “BEGGING FOR MORE,” released last Friday. VERSKOTZI, based in Los Angeles, and known for his diverse sound, has garnered praise from publications like The Fader, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian. His career has spanned from touring as an artist and producing music for film and TV to his recent work as a prolific songwriter and producer. Since signing with Angry Mob in 2019, VERSKOTZI has released an impressive catalog and secured numerous placements on popular streaming platforms and major networks.
AN INTERVIEW WITH MUSIC SUPERVISOR MARGARET SAADI: A&R Worldwide will be featuring interviews in our forthcoming newsletters with various A&R, publishing, management, booking agent, and sync executives via our partnership with MUBUTV, who throughout the past few years have joined A&R Worldwide at our events including MUSEXPO, Global Rock Summit, A&R Summit, and Global Sync Summit to meet with and interview many of our executive relationships to delve into some thoughtful and insightful dialogue and perspectives on their day-to-day roles, as well as interviewing others in the music industry. MUBUTV provides some informative insights and an understanding of key sectors of the U.S. and global music business. Click HERE to watch an interview with music supervisor and publisher Margaret Saadi.
ROUGH TRADE EXPANDS RETAIL OPERATIONS IN GERMANY: Independent music retailer Rough Trade has announced that it is expanding operations with a new warehouse and store in Berlin, Germany. The Berlin office and warehouse, based in Kreuzberg, will serve as the central hub for Rough Trade’s European business, operated by Rough Trade Retail Holdings Ltd. in collaboration with German partners Christof Ellinghaus and Kurt Thielen, with support from Rough Trade UK. Rough Trade Retail, part of the iconic Rough Trade brand, has seen remarkable growth, tripling its share of the UK vinyl market over the last five years. Prior to entering Berlin, Rough Trade’s retail arm already boasted five stores in the UK and a presence in New York City. The company plans to start online sales in Germany in mid-October, offering a European Union-centric shopping experience from its Berlin base. In a future move, Rough Trade will open a flagship store in Berlin in the second quarter of 2024, located in the revamped Kalle Neukölln building. The venture will feature a 600-capacity venue, a food market, and a rooftop garden, with ticketing managed through Rough Trade’s partnership with DICE. Rough Trade’s expansion in Berlin signifies its commitment to the thriving European music scene.
TRIPLE TIGERS NAMES CO-PRESIDENTS: Triple Tigers Records, the Nashville, TN-based label known for its roster including Scotty McCreery, Russell Dickerson, and Jordan Fletcher, has announced the appointment of Kevin Herring and Annie Ortmeier as Co-Presidents. Kevin Herring, previously Sr. Vice President, Radio Promotion at the label since 2017, is being promoted to this new role. Annie Ortmeier, who was formerly Sr. Vice President, Streaming Marketing, Universal Music Group Nashville, is joining Triple Tigers Records as Co-President. Both Herring and Ortmeier will report to George Couri, the Co-Founder of Triple Tigers and Founder of Triple 8 Management. This move in management follows the departure of label partner and former President Norbert Nix, who is set to launch a new venture called VISCYRL with The Orchard. Triple Tigers Records, launched in 2016 as a joint venture between Thirty Tigers, The Orchard, and Triple 8 Management, is expected to undergo changes with this new leadership structure.
DISTROKID ACQUIRES BANDZOOGLE: DistroKid has made a significant move by acquiring Bandzoogle, a platform that empowers artists to create websites and directly sell their music to fans. This acquisition will enable DistroKid to offer artists an all-in-one solution for their music distribution and online presence. Bandzoogle, with over 60,000 websites and online stores for artists globally, has facilitated more than $100 million (USD) in commission-free direct-to-fan sales since its inception. DistroKid, known for its artist-centric approach, aims to provide artists with the tools they need to establish a strong online presence, distribute their music, and sell merchandise seamlessly.
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: Amy Dunning, Jacob Fain, Sarah Stennett, Joe Kentish, Louis Bloom Shane Shapiro, Josh Javor, Danny Rogers, Jonathan Dickins, Kelly Noe, George Baker, Christian Wahlberg, and Paul Pontius.
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