WARNER MUSIC GROUP LAUNCHES INTO SOUTH ASIA
AND NAMES JAY MEHTA AS MANAGING DIRECTOR
Warner Music Group (WMG) has launched Warner Music South Asia, a new affiliate that will oversee its recorded music operations in markets including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Warner Music South Asia will be spearheaded by its new Managing Director Jay Mehta (most recently Managing Director, Warner Music India) who works with Alfonso Perez Soto, President, Emerging Markets, Warner Music Group. The new operation which will be based out of Dubai will support artists and target millions of fans locally, as well as promote South Asian music globally.
In January, WMG announced that it had partnered-up with Pakistani company Giraffe, a leading music and audio production company in South Asia. Giraffe has spearheaded the production of Coke Studio Pakistan, which has become the country’s biggest cultural export with almost 15 million subscribers on YouTube.
Warner Music and Giraffe have now produced Season 15 of Coke Studio Pakistan, the first episode of which was launched this past weekend. The new season will have 11 songs recorded in English, Punjabi, and Urdu.
In 2023, WMG acquired a majority stake in Divo, a leading digital media and music company in India with a presence across all four South Indian language music markets.
Pakistan is a fast-growing recorded music market of around 250 million people and a source of repertoire that particularly resonates with the 90 million Punjabi and Urdu speakers outside of its borders. Bangladesh is the eighth most populated country in the world with a population of over 167 million inhabitants, where the recorded music market is still in its infancy. Nepal and Sri Lanka are markets with populations over 30 million and 20 million, largely without a formalized music industry.
HARRI DAVIES NAMES HEAD OF A&R AT RCA RECORDS U.K.
A&R Worldwide has learned that Harri Davies, a well-regarded A&R executive based in London, England, has been tapped as the new Head of A&R for RCA Records, the major label division under Sony Music U.K. Davies brings with him a wealth of experience garnered from his extensive tenure in various roles across the music landscape.
For the past six years and five months, Davies served as the Senior A&R Director at Concord Music. During his time there, he held the position of Director of A&R, reporting directly to Kim Frankiewicz, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Creative at Concord Music Publishing.
Davies was involved with a number of key signings whilst at Concord including U.K. pop hitmaker Richard “Biff” Stannard, legendary DJ Carl Cox, and Victor Rådström of Neiked, the multi-Platinum selling Swedish producer and artist duo, international DJ and producer Walshy Fire, U.K. hip-hop duo Krept & Konan, amongst a slew of other deals.
Before his tenure at Concord Music, Davies spent over two years at Chewatribe Productions Ltd., where he honed his skills as a producer, writer, and engineer. This period allowed him to further diversify his skill set and deepen his understanding of the intricacies involved in music production and artist development.
Prior to his time at Chewatribe Productions Ltd, Davies dedicated over nine years to Bucks Music Group, where he held the role of A&R Manager. Here, he played a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing emerging talent, contributing significantly to the company’s roster and overall success.
Davies’ journey in the music industry began with his role as a copyright manager and A&R scout, laying the foundation for his subsequent career advancements.
With his diverse background spanning various facets of the music business, Davies’s reputation as one of the U.K.’s rising A&R stars further bolsters his credibility and positions him as a key player in shaping the future trajectory of the label. Davies will report to RCA U.K. Co-President’s Stacey Tang and Glyn Aikins.
UMG CHINA FORMS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
WITH TF ENTERTAINMENT
Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), together with TF Entertainment, the driving force behind China’s premier idol sensations TFBOYS and Teens In Times (TNT), recently announced a new strategic agreement between the companies, which includes global digital distribution for TF Entertainment’s roster of talent. Targeting markets outside Mainland China, TF Entertainment will leverage UMG’s global distribution capabilities and marketing network, to further elevate C-pop’s prominence on a global stage.
Since its inception in 2009, TF Entertainment has been a pioneer in China’s pop culture landscape, introducing the trainee system to cultivate idol groups. This approach has led to the establishment of the TF Family, under which various groups have flourished, with TFBOYS and Teens In Times (TNT) being the most successful to date.
TFBOYS, a teen idol group launched in 2013 is comprised of a three-piece. Upon their debut, the group rapidly became a sensation in China’s music scene, performing at the CCTV New Year’s Gala for four consecutive years. All three members are among the nation’s leading idols now, with a massive, combined following of over 250 million followers on Weibo. TFBOYS has released numerous hit songs, consistently topped the charts, and received widespread praise.
Teens In Times (TNT) debuted in 2019. They quickly became one of China’s most adored boy bands, capturing hearts with their major hits like “Ne Zha,” “Wiggle,” “I Like You,” “NAN ER GE,” and “1440.” Their acclaim includes winning the TMEA (Tencent Music Entertainment Awards) “Top 10 Songs of the Year” for both 2021 and 2022, and the “The Group of the Year”, “Most Influential Music Group” of Weibo Music Award of 2022, and 2023.
Read more of the story HERE.
TINASHE SIGNS WORLDWIDE PUBLISHING DEAL WITH POSITION MUSIC
Tinashe has inked an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Position Music, as announced by Tylor Bacon, President & CEO of the company – who is on the cusp of celebrating the burgeoning company’s 25th anniversary next month. The new partnership will see Position Music handling the publishing rights for Tinashe’s latest album, BB/ANG3L, along with her forthcoming releases.
Renowned for her multi-Platinum status and genre-blending fusion across R&B, pop, and hip-hop, Tinashe has collaborated with a slew of top-tier artists including Britney Spears, Calvin Harris, Travis Scott, Chance The Rapper, and Charli XCX.
“I’m so excited to announce my partnership with Position Music,” says Tinashe. “Mark Chipello, Tyler Bacon, Delmar Powell, and the whole Position Music team have been so supportive already, and they really understand and want to champion my vision for my music. Being an indie artist, it is so important to me to have a team that wants to be just as much a part of the process as I am. I cannot wait for my fans to hear what I’ve been working on!”
With over 6.3 million monthly Spotify listeners and 2.3 billion total streams across all platforms, Tinashe’s BB/ANG3Lalbum, propelled by her single “Needs,” highlights her streaming success. Currently managed by Simonne Solitro of Roc Nation, Tinashe is also signed to the Nice Life Recording Company and is scheduled to grace the stage at Coachella on both weekends.
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!
Stu Bergen first met Sat Bisla when he was Director of Promotion at Relativity Records back in 1991, and would call Sat about new releases on his label in hopes that he would support them on his radio station, whilst he was the host of the import show and Music Director at KKDJ “The Edge” in Fresno, CA, which at the time was the first alternative radio station in Central California.
Stu excelled from his initial role at Relativity Records, moving on to Epic Records where he held a senior national position in radio promotion and played a pivotal role in signing multi-Platinum Australian rock band Silverchair to their first U.S. deal and subsequently landed a No. 1 chart position on the Alternative rock charts.
After leaving Epic Records, Stu eventually joined Warner Music Group, whereas, he became the long-serving CEO, International Recorded Music, and earlier this year joined as the interim CEO of Deezer.
SOHODOLLS
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, April 14th, 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:
GIRL IN RED – “Too Much” (AWAL, Norway)
THE DREAM MACHINE – “Frankenstein” (Unsigned, U.K.)
GIANT ROOKS – “Under Your Wings” (Universal Music, Germany)
KEYSIDE – “Turn Back The Time” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
CARAVAN PALACE – “Mirrors” (Wagram, France)
ALFIE TEMPLEMAN – “Eyes Wide Shut” (Chess Club/AWAL, U.K.)
MIDDLE KIDS – “The Blessings Interlude” (EMI, Australia)
DOTAN – “Louder” (7 Layers Music, Holland)
RED RUM CLUB – “Hole In My Home” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
MICHAEL ALDAG – “Sabotage” (3 Beat/ Universal, U.K.)
ONLY THE POETS – “One More Night” (EMI Records, U.K.)
MATTHEW MOLE – “Always By My Side” (Universal Music, S. Africa)
FLAT PARTY – “Aching For Living” (Unsigned, U.K.)
DEMPSEY BOLTON – “Couple Minutes” (Unsigned, Canada)
JAMIE HANNAH – “What If” (Unsigned, U.K.)
RHETT REPKO – “My Love Will Stay” (Unsigned, N. America)
TRISHA – “Down The Road” (Universal Music India, India)
ACROBVT – “Neon” (Unsigned, U.K.)
TEDDYBEARS – “Cobra Style” (Sony Music, Sweden)
RADIO FREE ALICE – “Waste of Space” (Double Drummer, Australia)
TRIBE FRIDAY – “Andy” (ICEA, Sweden)
MASI MASI – “Cigarette Smile” (Unsigned, U.K.)
GOOD NEIGHBOURS – “Home” (Unsigned, UK)
SEA GIRLS – “I Want You To Know Me” (Alt Records/Believe, U.K.)
MARIE NAFFAH – “Rust & Blue” (Frictionless, U.K.)
NOTHING BUT THIEVES – “Oh No :: He Said What?” (RCA Records, U.K.)
TALISCO – “Sorry” (Roy Music, France)
THE CAVS – “The Kids Are Talking” (Unsigned, U.K.)
BO MILLI – “Making Friends” (AWAL, Norway)
EVERYTHING EVERYTHING – “The End of The Contender” (Propeller, U.K.)
MYLES SMITH – “Solo” (Propeller Recordings, U.K.)
CRAWLERS – “Kills Me To Be Kind” (Polydor, U.K.)
THE K’S – “Heart On My Sleeve” (LAB Records, U.K.)
DARK TROPICS – “Carnival” (Unsigned, Ireland)
WARNER CHAPPELL SIGNS MAETA: Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has signed an exclusive global publishing deal with emerging R&B singer-songwriter Maeta. With a string of collaborations (SZA, Ty Dolla $ign, Demi Lovato, Kehlani, Lucky Daye, and Kaytranada), and her own 13-track project, When I Hear Your Name, which included the breakout single “Through the Night feat. Free Nationals,” Maeta’s career continues to grow. Maeta was featured on Zane Lowe and Apple Music‘s 24 for 2024 list, and she will be joining Chris Brown on his upcoming tour. Ryan Press, President, North America, Warner Chapell Music said, “Maeta’s talent is undeniable. Her soulful vocals and authentic storytelling not only set her apart from other new, up-and-coming talents but also allow her to resonate with fans on a personal level. Her journey is one we deeply believe in, and we are excited to welcome her to the Warner Chappell family.” Maeta rose to prominence in 2019 with the release of her debut EP, Do Not Disturb, followed by collaborations with James Fauntleroy and Ambré, among others.
XIN LIU SIGNS TO 88RISING: XIN LIU has signed a deal with the label 88rising. Recognized as the leading female pop artist in China, XIN LIU has sold over seven million albums and a string of sold-out arena tours. This collaboration with 88rising marks her foray into English-language music. Making her debut on the U.S. stage, XIN LIU performed at Coachella as part of the “88rising Futures” set this past weekend. XIN LIU has ascended in the music industry, not only as a vocalist but also as a dancer, producer, and fashion ambassador for Dior China. Her eclectic style and genre-blending pop have gained global acclaim, earning her an impressive following on social media and streaming platforms. Originally from Guiyang, China, XIN LIU’s had her breakout moment on the reality show Youth with You 2 in 2020 followed by record-breaking album sales in 2021. Sean Miyashiro, Founder, 88rising, stated “We are beyond excited to welcome XIN LIU to the 88rising family. She has already built an incredible career throughout Asia, and we are looking forward to bringing her vision to the rest of the world.”
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 info@anrworldwide.com. Also, all demos and new music releases should be sent as STREAMING LINKS ONLY to info@anrworldwide.com.
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