MUSEXPO 2024 ANNOUNCES EVENT SCHEDULE
WITH EXCITING PANELS, GLOBAL AWARDS,
NETWORKING EVENTS, SHOWCASES & MORE
MUSEXPO (www.musexpo.net), the renowned annual global music industry conference and showcase event, often dubbed the “United Nations of Music” has unveiled its program schedule for its highly anticipated 24th global edition, which takes place March 17 – 20, 2024 in Burbank, California, “The Media & Sync Capital of the World.”
The MUSEXPO program schedule for this year’s event, including panels, keynotes, award events, showcases, and more can be viewed by clicking HERE.
MUSEXPO will feature some stellar panels covering a wide range of topics from A&R, publishing, performance rights, AI, distribution, live, management, digital, sync & brands (film, TV, trailers, promos, videogames, and advertising), audio (radio, streaming, playlisting, podcasting), a market focus on Asia, SE Asia, and Middle East, as well as exclusive keynote interviews with some of the world’s top music executives. Some of the companies confirmed to join this year’s event include All Saints Music (China), APM Music, Arezzo Wave (Italy), Capitol Music Group, Digital Music News, Disney Music Group, Distrokid, EA Games, Eventim Live Asia, FOX Television, InterTalent Rights Group (U.K.), KREATION Music Rights (Europe & S. Korea), Live Nation, LME, Malson’s Media (India), Motown Records, MUBU-TV, Music Business Worldwide, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount Global, Pop Arabia (Middle East), Position Music, Red Bull Records, Republic Records, Reservoir Media, SESAC, Sofar Sounds, Sound Czech (Czech Republic), Stem, The Hello Group, The Orchard, Times Music (India), Virgin Music, Universal Music Group, Universal Pictures, Worldwide Airplay Radio Monitor (Denmark), and many more to be announced soon. Read the full lineup of speakers HERE.
MUSEXPO will also feature the inaugural launch of the annual Seymour Stein – Global A&R Award, which will honor the legacy of the co-Founder of Sire Records who signed iconic U.S. artists such as Ice-T, Madonna, Talking Heads, the Pretenders, the Ramones, The B-52’s, as well as international acts into the U.S. including Depeche Mode, Erasure, Soft Cell, The Cure, The Smiths, and countless others. The first ever Seymour Stein – Global A&R Award will be presented to Wendy Goldstein – Co-President, Republic Records, who is one of the most talented and respected A&R executives in the world. The A&R aficionado has worked with Ariana Grande, Hailee Steinfeld, John Legend, Jonas Brothers, Nicki Minaj, The Weeknd, and many others during her impressive three decades in A&R. Savan Kotecha – (Academy Award Nominated Songwriter/Producer – One Direction, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift & more) will also moderate an exclusive one-on-one keynote interview with Wendy Goldstein during a highly-anticipated session at MUSEXPO, which takes prior to the Seymour Stein – Global A&R Award gala dinner event on Wednesday, March 20th. Only a handful of seats are currently remaining to attend the Seymour Stein – Global A&R Award dinner event. MUSEXPO delegates can sign up to book their reservations HERE (you will be prompted to book your reservation upon completion of the registration process).
This year’s MUSEXPO will also feature the acclaimed “International Music Person of The Year” award, which will be presented to Jacqueline Saturn, President, Virgin Music Group North America & EVP, Global Artist Relations. Jacqueline will be featured in a one-on-one keynote interview with respected music business journalist Shirley Halperin, as well as being honored at a special MUSEXPO awards luncheon on Tuesday, March 19th, which will include access to all MUSEXPO registered delegates.
MUSEXPO will also present renowned British music and entertainment executive Professor Jonathan Shalit OBE, Chairman & Founder, InterTalent Rights Group, who will receive the coveted “Lifetime Achievement Award.” With over 30 years of invaluable contributions to the U.K. and global music and media business, Professor Shalit has left an indelible mark on the industry. He’s garnered countless achievements, including receiving an OBE from the late Her Majesty the Queen. His collaboration with the late Sir George Martin on the groundbreaking album celebrating Larry Adler‘s Gershwin performances, featuring music legends like Carly Simon, Cher, Elton John, and Sting, secured a place in the Guinness World Records.
In addition, the MUSEXPO program will also include the return of its highly popular Global Sync / A&R Summit, where delegates will have an opportunity to meet face-to-face with music supervisors, brands, advertising, A&R, and licensing executives.
MUSEXPO will also feature some of the world’s best emerging unsigned talent. Over the years MUSEXPO has helped many artists get signed to global deals, and/or helped launch careers for the likes of All Mankind, Forest Blakk, Frank Turner, Gavin James, Ida Maria, Jessie J, Katy Perry, Keir Gibson, Lime Cordiale, LMFAO, Miss Li, Missy Higgins, Sheppard, The Temper Trap, and many others. HERE is a link to Katy Perry’s launch and showcase at MUSEXPO, which was done in partnership with Jason Flom, Chairman & CEO, Capitol Music Group at the time who signed her.
To register to attend MUSEXPO (standard registration price expires February 15th), click HERE.
For the full list of current MUSEXPO speakers, and the event program, click HERE.
For discount hotel rooms with MUSEXPO partner hotels, click HERE.
For sponsorship, panelist, partnership, or artist showcase opportunities contact info@anrworldwide.com.
BMG ELEVATES U.S. MUSIC EXECUTIVES
AND DOUBLES DOWN ON N. AMERICA
BMG, the largest global music company outside the three major labels has announced it will further increase investment in its U.S. record labels as it “doubles down” on its North America operation which already accounts for more than 50% of its revenue.
As part of the plan BMG Nashville President Jon Loba will become President Frontline Recordings, North America, taking charge of BMG’s entire North American frontline records business across Nashville, Los Angeles, New York, and Canada, and Thomas Scherer, previously running publishing and recordings in Los Angeles and New York will become President Global Catalog Recordings, while retaining his responsibilities as President, Music Publishing, North America. Alongside CFO North America Joe Gillen, they will comprise BMG’s U.S.-based leadership.
Thomas Coesfeld, CEO, BMG said, “We are making good on our promise to double down on our U.S. operation with a distinctive novel approach – an integrated frontline operation spanning the whole of North America, plus a Global Catalog business steered from Los Angeles. BMG is stepping up. This is an integral part of our new strategy to deliver for artists and songwriters and go for growth.”
Jon Loba joined BMG in 2017 when the company acquired Nashville-based BBR Music Group. Loba has built on a roster that already included country superstars Jason Aldean and Dustin Lynch to break artists including Blanco Brown, Parmalee, and 2024 Grammy nominees Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson. In 2023, Loba delivered BMG its first BillboardHot 100 No.1 yet with Jason Aldean’s “Try That in A Small Town” and Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson accounted for six of the twelve awards presented at the CMA Awards.
Thomas Scherer joined BMG in 2008, moving to Los Angeles as Executive VP Global Writer Services in 2014. Ironically, Scherer has lived and/or worked in Berlin, Munich, and Glendale, CA – hence his close personal BMG association! In 2016, he took on BMG’s U.S. music publishing business as Executive VP BMG U.S. Publishing, before being promoted to President, Repertoire & Marketing, Los Angeles, and New York, responsible for publishing, frontline recordings, and production music. Under his leadership, BMG has signed or re-signed writers in the U.S. including Diane Warren, Bebe Rexha, the George Harrison catalog, Pitbull and Ringo Starr, artists including Jennifer Lopez, 5 Seconds of Summer, Spiritbox, and Nickelback, and secured forty-eight acquisitions, including Mötley Crüe and Paul Simon.
BMG’s renewed focus on the U.S. forms part of a new strategy announced by Thomas Coesfeld in October which has seen the company: strike direct deals with Spotify and Apple Music; agree to a new physical recorded music distribution deal with Universal Music Group; focus on its core music publishing and recordings businesses, exiting side businesses; setting the organization up for growth by empowering local repertoire leads alongside dedicated global marketing and global sales functions; introduce a new investment model; increase investment in technology, and prioritize strengthening the company’s internal culture.
WARNER MUSIC GROUP PARTNERS
WITH LEADING PAKISTANI MUSIC COMPANY
Warner Music Group (WMG) has partnered with Pakistani company Giraffe, one of South Asia’s leading music and audio production companies, which was co-founded by Xulfi, the stage name of celebrated artist Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan, and the company’s CEO Muhammad Ibrahim.
Pakistan is a fast-growing recorded music market of some 250 million people and a source of repertoire that particularly resonates with the ninety million Punjabi and Urdu speakers outside the country.
This deal will help Warner Music establish a new A&R source in Pakistan through the experts behind some of South Asia’s most compelling music platforms and global hits, such as “Pasoori” by Shae Gill and Ali Sethi. Warner Music and Giraffe now will come together for the next season of Coke Studio Season 15.
Giraffe, established in 2017 in Pakistan has a rich history of producing some of South Asia’s most coveted music shows, including Drummers of Pakistan, Nescafé Basement, and Red Bull Music Sound Clash, as well as non-music content such as Dhak Dhak Goal and Shan Kitchen. More recently, it has spearheaded the production of Coke Studio – Pakistan’s biggest cultural export and a show acclaimed for promoting multiculturalism, dialogue, and multi-genre collaboration.
Co-founder Xulfi was the composer, guitarist, and producer for the bands Entity Paradigm and Call, which both enjoyed commercial and critical success. He has also been a producer and songwriter on a number of epic Bollywood projects.
The company’s CEO Muhammad Ibrahim started his career in accountancy after graduating from the University of Bristol. He moved into the media industry in 2012 and since has worked on projects such as Nescafé Basement, where his achievements included the formation of the first all-girl band in Pakistan.
PRIMARY WAVE CEMENTS DEAL
WITH THE ESTATE OF SCOTT WEILAND
The Estate of legendary U.S. rock icon Scott Weiland and Primary Wave Music have entered into a partnership, cementing the publishing giant’s collaboration with Weiland’s iconic catalog. The deal includes publishing copyrights and recording royalties for Weiland’s work with Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet Revolver, and his solo career, spanning albums like 12 Bar Blues, Happy in Galoshes, Blaster, and the Christmas release The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
Primary Wave will share name, image, and likeness rights with the estate, offering access to its marketing team and publishing infrastructure. This collaboration will explore fresh marketing, branding, digital, and sync opportunities, as well as potential film and television projects.
Scott Weiland contributions to the alternative and rock world with notable songs like “Creep,” “Interstate Love Song,” “Plush,” and “Vasoline: with Stone Temple Pilots, and “Slither,” “Fall to Pieces,” and “The Last Fight” with Velvet Revolver, display Weiland’s enduring impact. Stone Temple Pilots became a nineties rock powerhouse, selling over forty million albums worldwide, while Velvet Revolver’s debut, Contraband, topped the Billboard 200.
In addition to his rock legacy, Weiland’s solo albums, including 12 Bar Blues and the unexpected Christmas album The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, exhibited his versatile artistry. Primary Wave’s involvement aims to maximize opportunities for Weiland’s catalog.
“There are few rock artists that had the impact that Scott Weiland did on music,” said Larry Mestel, CEO & Founder of Primary Wave Music. He goes on, “We are honored to partner with Scott’s family on such a legendary catalog of music and career. Scott’s influence on music is unparalleled and he remains one of the most influential musicians in rock music.”
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!
Thanks to the early support from A&R Worldwide’s Sat Bisla, British act Keane secured their very first worldwide record deals with Island Records and Interscope. Bisla collaborated closely with Keane’s manager Adam Tudhope, also known for managing Mumford & Sons, to raise the band’s profile in the global A&R community, resulting in offers from major record labels worldwide.
Bisla had originally received the early Keane demos back in 2001 from the band’s London-based lawyer Gary Mandel. Mandel had reached out to Sat as no record label wanted to sign the band and Sat had been instrumental in securing multi-million dollar deals for artists who were completely unsigned and unpublished – based purely on his A&R instincts. As soon as Bisla heard Keane’s demos his gut and A&R ears told him that the songs were hits. Sat called Gary Mandel right away, even though it was midnight U.K. time telling him he thought he could get the band signed. Gary Mandel put Bisla in touch with Keane’s manager Adam Tudhope.
Sat Bisla played a crucial role in introducing Keane’s early demos to label heads and A&R executives on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as sending the band’s music to influential radio stations like BBC Radio 1 (U.K.), Radio X London (then known as Xfm) and to KCRW Los Angeles DJ Nic Harcourt. The band’s feature in the influential A&R Worldwide newsletter, along with Bisla’s personal endorsements, garnered significant attention from major labels and booking agents worldwide. Shortly thereafter, the band ended up doing an initial EP deal with U.K. label Fierce Panda, which was founded by Simon Williams.
The first major label A&R executive in the world to want to sign Keane was Ron Laffitte who at the time was Sr. VP A&R of Capitol Records. Sat had organized a meeting with Keane and their manager Adam with Ron at Capitol Records; however, Ron’s boss told him as their label partners in the U.K. had passed on the band, he could not sign them. Sadly, Ron missed out on signing the band.
Eventually, as the momentum grew with Keane, and the excitement Sat was able to generate with record labels in the U.S., the U.K., and internationally, a global bidding war ensued to sign the band – landing Keane with significant seven-figure offers from record labels around the world.
Adam Tudhope, Keane’s manager, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are thrilled to have signed with Island Records and Interscope, taking Keane to the next level. We extend our thanks to Sat Bisla for his invaluable support. We eagerly anticipate our ongoing collaboration with Sat and A&R Worldwide for Keane’s future releases.”
Keane’s debut album, Hopes and Fears, went on to sell over ten million copies worldwide, and the band continues to be one of the most influential U.K. bands in modern times.
Ironically, Bisla also secured a worldwide publishing deal for producer James Sanger, who co-wrote, recorded, and produced Keane’s debut album with global independent music publisher CTM. A&R Worldwide and Sanger are currently developing a few new unsigned and unpublished artists together who will be revealed in the coming months.
THE CAVS
CARAVAN PALACE
The Platinum-selling Parisian band Caravan Palace has unveiled their latest single, “Mirrors,” a preview of their upcoming fifth album set to release this year. While the track may initially come across as a sample-centric, lively disco tune celebrating the joy of dancing, it delves deeper into a hypnotic blend of soul, swing, funk, and French Touch. “Mirrors” unfolds a nuanced narrative touching on themes of jealousy, self-acceptance, and confidence. Caravan Palace, known for their genre-defying approach, has consistently defied conventions, becoming popular across diverse audiences. From the fans of the British dance contest Television show Strictly Come Dancing to YouTuber users enchanted by their bold visuals and TikTok enthusiasts captivated by their instantly addictive songs, the band has carved its own fashionable path, eschewing trends, and welcoming everyone. The band’s journey includes notable performances at Glastonbury‘s Pyramid Stage and Coachella, appearances on TV shows like Jools Holland‘s Hootenanny and Jonathan Ross, soundtracking a Disney film, and featuring in numerous advertisements. Their online presence is equally pervasive, with a strong presence on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, where their distinctive soundscapes manage to be both avant-garde and commercially appealing. For those interested in opportunities with Caravan Palace, the animated video for “Mirrors” can be discovered HERE, and inquiries can be directed to Oli at olivier@grand-blanc.net.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, January 28th, 2024: 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:
GIANT ROOKS – “Cold Wars” (Universal Music, Germany)
TRIBE FRIDAY – “Andy” (ICEA, Sweden)
MYLES SMITH – “Solo” (Propeller Recordings, U.K.)
SEA GIRLS – “Young Strangers” (Propeller Recordings, U.K.)
LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER – “T.I.M” (Ramsgate, U.K.)
BETTER JOY – “Hard To Love” (Fader Amp, U.K.)
PICTURE THIS – “Call It Love” (RCA/Sony, Ireland)
THE K’S – “Heart On My Sleeve” (LAB Records, U.K.)
MATTHEW MOLE – “Always By My Side” (Universal Music, S. Africa)
ONLY THE POETS – “Looking At You” (EMI, U.K.)
MIDDLE KIDS – “Bend” (EMI, Australia)
EVERYONE YOU KNOW – “Coming With You” (RCA Records, U.K.)
DARK TROPICS – “Carnival” (Unsigned, Ireland)
RHETT REPKO – “Until We Meet Again” (Unsigned, N. America)
BECCA SWAN – “Two Tears and No More” (Unsigned, Canada)
FLAWES – “Love For Granted” (Red Bull Records, U.K.)
IAMJJ & BAKER GRACE – “A Different Kind of Blues” (Mermaid, Denmark)
DOTAN – “Diamonds In My Chest” (7 Layers Music, Holland)
NOTHING BUT THIEVES – “Overcome” (AWAL, U.K.)
TEENAGE DADS – “Tale of A Man” (Chugg Music, Australia)
SUNDARA KARMA – “Baby Blue” (Is Right Records, U.K.)
TALISCO – “Reign” (Roy Music, France)
JERUB – “There Til The End” (Elevate Music, U.K.)
CATHOLIC GUILT – “Can You See Me” (Unsigned, Australia)
JAMIE HANNAH – “Dragonfly” (Unsigned, U.K.)
THE PALE WHITE – “Taste The Sun” (Unsigned, U.K.)
KAMRAD – “I Hope You End Up Alone (With Me)” (Sony, Germany)
NIEVE ELLA – “Car Park” (AWAL Recordings, U.K.)
BLOSSOMS – “To Do List (After The Breakup) feat. Findlay (ODD SK Recordings, U.K.)
KYTES – “Friend of A Friend” (Frisbee Records, Germany)
TRISHA – “Down the Road” (Universal Music India, India)
MASI MASI – “Comfort Me” (Unsigned, U.K.)
HOLYOAK – “Hold Too Tight” (Unsigned, Australia)
NEW DAD – “Nightmares” (Atlantic Records, U.K.)
WARNER CHAPPELL NAMES SR. VP A&R FOR LATIN MARKETS: Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has promoted seasoned A&R executive Lázaro Hernández to the new role of Sr. Vice President, A&R, U.S. Latin & Latin America. In his new position, he will continue reporting to Gustavo Menéndez, President, U.S. Latin & Latin America. Hernández will lead the U.S. Latin A&R team while expanding his responsibilities to shape the publisher’s overall A&R strategy in Latin America. Most recently, he helped sign some of Latin music’s most iconic artists and songwriters including Chencho Corleone, Gabito Ballesteros, and María Becerra, all of whom had several global hits in 2023. Hernández stated, “I have so much gratitude for Warner Chappell. I get to work with a passionate team and help our songwriters get to the core of their creativity. There are more opportunities than ever before for Latino songwriters to share their music with the world, and I am grateful for my role in that. I am eternally thankful to Gustavo, Guy, and Carianne [Marshall] for believing in me and entrusting me with this opportunity.” Hernández oversees a roster of top-tier artists, songwriters, and producers including Andres Torres & Mauricio Rengifo, CASTA, Chris Jedi, Gaby Music, GALE, Jhayco, Natanael Cano, Pedro Capó, Paulo Londra, Piso 21, Rauw Alejandro, Vibarco, and breakout artist Villano Antillano, to name a few. He first joined WCM in 2008 as an A&R Coordinator, and most recently held the role of VP since 2020. In 2020 and 2023, he was named to Billboard‘s annual Pride list, celebrating industry-shaping LGBTQ executives, and in 2017 was featured in their prestigious 40 Under 40 list.
PAGE 1 MANAGEMENT EXPANDS WITH NEW SIGNINGS: Page 1 Management has announced the signings of Evan Cline and Sayak Das as additions to its current roster of music creators. Both creatives will be represented by Nina Musolino from Page 1’s Nashville office. Based in Nashville, Evan Cline is a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his expertise in vocal melody and pop production. Collaborating with artists such as gavn!,Teddy Swims, Joshua Bassett, Dylan Conrique, and country musicians like Tanner Adell and Lanie Gardner, Cline’s work reflects a deep creative connection with a wide range of artists. With experience in Nashville, Los Angeles, and Sweden, he brings a unique perspective to melody, lyrics, and production. Sayak Das, an independent artist and writer-producer based in Los Angeles, offers a distinctive fusion of Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Rock. Das, who started playing classical piano at the age of three, has performed with artists like Jai Wolf and ISSUES. He is preparing to release new music in 2024. Page 1 Management, with offices worldwide, represents acclaimed music creators, including Grammy-winning artist Joel Little, Drew Pearson, Jawsh 685, and Teo Glacier.
PUSLE RECORDS NAMES NEW SR. VICE PRESIDENT: PULSE Music Group, under the leadership of co-CEOs Josh Abraham and Scott Cutler, along with President & Head of Creative Ashley Calhoun, has announced the appointment of Nick Barr as the Sr. Vice President of PULSE Records. Barr, who brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as VP of A&R and Creative Strategy at Island Records, will be based out of the company’s Silver Lake, CA offices. In his new capacity, Barr will assume responsibility for spearheading digital marketing efforts for PULSE Records while also contributing to the artist and repertoire (A&R) initiatives of the label. Barr’s tenure at Island Records was marked by notable achievements, including the signing of emerging talents such as Charlieonnafriday, who is currently on tour with Tate McRae. Additionally, Barr played a pivotal role in the career trajectories of artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Shawn Mendes, Demi Lovato, Lauren Spencer Smith, Keshi, SleazyWorld Go, and notably, Lil Tjay, whose impressive track record includes over eight billion global streams, 15 Platinum singles, and numerous chart-topping hits. Barr’s journey in the music industry commenced during his college years in Louisville, Kentucky. In 2014, he played a key role in the launch of Bryson Tiller‘s career, followed by his instrumental involvement in the discovery and development of Khalid in the subsequent year, underscoring his adeptness at identifying and nurturing emerging talent despite his relative youth in the industry.
CHANTAL KREVIAZUK SELLS CATALOG TO ANTHEM ENTERTAINMENT: Anthem Entertainment has acquired the hit song catalog of singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk. The collection features Kreviazuk’s own tracks, such as “Boot,” “In This Life,” “Weight of The World,” “Time,” and “Get to You,” as well as collaborations like Pitbull‘s “Feel This Moment” featuring Christina Aguilera and Gwen Stefani‘s “Rich Girl.” “Feel This Moment” achieved quadruple Platinum status in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, while “Rich Girl” also received certifications globally. Kreviazuk, a three-time JUNO Award and Grammy-winning artist, has an extensive discography, collaborating with artists like Kelly Clarkson, Drake, Carrie Underwood, Avril Lavigne, Kendrick Lamar, and others. Beyond music, she, and her husband, Raine Maida, received the Order of Canada for their philanthropic contributions. Jason Klein, CEO, Anthem Entertainment stated, “Chantal Kreviazuk is one of the most prolific and successful Canadian songwriters recognized today on the international stage.”
DECCA CLASSICS SIGNS AIGUL AKHMETSHINA: Decca Classics (a division of Universal Music Group) has signed mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina to their roster. Originally from a remote village in rural Bashkortostan, Akhmetshina has broken records as the youngest performer to tackle Bizet’s Carmen at London, England’s Royal Opera House at just age 27. Akhmetshina’s debut single, “Habanera,” released on January 26, previews her upcoming album, Aigul, and is poised for release on July 26. Having earned acclaim as the youngest participant in the Jette Parker Young Artists Programme at age 18, she has since garnered accolades, including the title of “Best Female Singer” at the 2023 International Opera Awards. Also, Akhmetshina has upcoming engagements featuring her portrayal of Romeo at the Salzburger Festspiele. Tom Lewis, co-President, Decca said, “Aigul’s story is an extraordinary reminder of the transformative power of music. She set out from a tiny village with nothing but her talent and a formidable work ethic. And, in a noticeably brief time, that talent has taken her to the very, very top of her profession.”
SPIRIT MUSIC GROUP INKS DOWNTOWN DEAL: Spirit Music Group (SMG) has announced that they have entered into an administrative services agreement with Downtown Music Publishing (DMP). After a decade of explosive talent, music, and revenue growth, Spirit’s creative-driven ethos as a full-service, independent music publisher now looks to leverage Downtown’s global administration, registration, and technology platform to help further meet their increasing infrastructure needs. Spirit Music Group’s current sub-publishing arrangements remain in place. Jon Singer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group commented, “This move allows us to pair Spirit’s expertise at A&R, marketing, branding, digital, and synchronization with Downtown’s extensive administration, technology, and registration capabilities to provide the best infrastructure available for our songwriters and partners. By uniting these strengths for Spirit clients, the sum is even greater than its parts.” Since 2021, Downtown’s client distributions have exceeded $100M (USD) with annual increases of 14% year over year. Across Downtown Music Holdings’s operating brands, the company currently manages more than twenty-three million music assets on behalf of more than one million creators and 2,500 enterprise clients, making it the largest pure-play service provider in the global music industry.
ONEFOUR MANAGER RICKY SIMANDJUNTAK STEPS DOWN: Ricky Simandjuntak, the guiding force behind ONEFOUR, the controversial drill act from Sydney, Australia is stepping away from the collective. Simandjuntak, founder of When Worlds Collide, has a popular track record in hip-hop, having discovered artists like Sampa the Greatand developed The Kid Laroi. Despite ONEFOUR facing notoriety and scrutiny from law enforcement, many experts consider them Australia’s most culturally impactful rap group. Simandjuntak departure takes shape amid the collective’s emergence into the mainstream spotlight. ONEFOUR, comprising Pacific Islander members, gained attention for their unique drill style. They received an ARIA Award nomination in 2023. Simandjuntak’s departure coincides with ONEFOUR’s anticipated role in Laroi’s stadium tour later this year.
WARNER MUSIC GROUP OPENS HUB IN BRAZIL: Reaffirming its dedication to Brazil’s artistic and creative community, Warner Music Group recently inaugurated the Warner Music Space – a dynamic headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. The newly established hub integrates the operations of Warner Music Brazil, Warner Chappell Music Brazil, and ADA Brazil, with a design aimed at fostering vibrancy and interaction. Warner Music Space encompasses a range of creative zones, including studios, lounges, diverse workstations, an acoustic performance stage, and an event arena. Situated strategically in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, the location embodies Warner Music Group’s commitment to flexible models, solidifying its identity by offering a dynamic and collaborative environment. Covering 2,000 square meters and accommodating up to 300 individuals, the space—crafted by Athié|Wohnrath over eight months—captures the essence of contemporary music creation and consumption trends in Brazil and worldwide. Moreover, Warner Music Space signifies a new chapter for Warner Music Brazil, introducing four recording studios—a pioneering venture for the label in the country. Noteworthy additions also include a studio dedicated to short content production, promoting flexibility and agility in creative processes.
INDIA SEES THE LAUNCH OF A NEW MUSIC CONFERENCE: India’s music trade conference, and showcase scene, will see a new entrant in the market with the announcement of India International Music Week (IIMW), slated as a five-day event in Goa in early February 2025. Presented by India Music Exchange, the conference aims to unite artists, promoters, labels, and industry leaders to India’s vibrant music landscape. A press release from the organizers emphasizes IIMW’s role in fostering international trade and spotlighting emerging talent within India and the subcontinent. The event says it will feature diverse live performances, panel discussions, workshops, artist residencies, and business opportunities. With four more music conferences planned across India in the coming months, including the most popular All About Music event in Mumbai later this year, the country’s music industry is gearing up to engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders, from global promoters to independent artists. A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO continue to have a strong engagement with the Indian music business as it has for the past 18 years – being one of the first global A&R and event companies to actively embrace India’s burgeoning potential.
MATT VOSS & JOHN PAVELEY LAUNCH TRACK 88 MANAGEMENT: This year marks the official launch of Track 88 Management, a music management company founded by music executives Matt Voss and John Paveley. Voss, with a diverse background in music, has handled management responsibilities for Kanye West and The Smashing Pumpkins and served as Sr. VP International at Island Def Jam/Republic. Paveley, who has held senior roles at Virgin Records, also co-launched an award-winning content creative and director management agency. The two executives say they are driven by deep mutual respect and shared experiences, formed the company during the early days of the pandemic. Track 88 Management will operate alongside Eager Productions, a content creative agency founded by Paveley, offering a broad approach to artist development and creative content. “There is no place to hide if you are not prepared,” says Voss, “You cannot do a soft release to test the market and if it does not work, hope that no one notices. Quite the opposite, you want people in every part of the world to notice.” Track 88 represents the hard rock band Torus, signed to MNRK Music, and Lo Lauren, a singer-songwriter from Kent, England.
NPR NAMES NEW CEO: NPR‘s Board of Directors has appointed Katherine Maher as their new President & Chief Executive Officer. Maher, renowned for her leadership at the Wikimedia Foundation, where she doubled fundraising income and established an endowment for Wikipedia, is set to commence her term on March 25th. Having served as the CEO of Web Summit and a member of its board of directors, Maher brings experience in guiding public interest institutions through technological disruption and strategic transformation. Her knowledge spans areas such as information and media, governance, democracy, civil rights, international development, and foreign policy. During her tenure at the Wikimedia Foundation, Maher expanded Wikipedia’s global reach, increased readership, revitalized core contributors, and addressed challenges related to misinformation and media trust.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Will Tanous, Rob Wells, Max Paproth, Chloe Massey, Thaddeus Rudd, Tricia Holloway, Scott Igoe, Greg Hammer, Vivek Paul, Arnold Peter, Jimmy Dickson, Fred Goldring, Aditya Sharma, and Kai Robøle.
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