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A&R Worldwide Newsletter Vol. 836

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.

Jay Mehta

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.

Harri Davies

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.

TF Boys

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

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.

Pictured (L-R) are Mark Chipello (Partner, Head of A&R, Position Music), Delmar Powell (VP, A&R, Position Music), Tinashe, Simonne Solitro (Tinashe’s Manager, Roc Nation), and Tyler Bacon (President & CEO, Position Music). Photo Credit: Delia Bush.

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.

 

A&R Worldwide Exposed

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!

FROM BEING A REGULAR “GEEZER” TO DEEZER: Celebrating their longtime friendship and musical collaborations are (L-R) Stu Bergen (Interim CEO, Deezer) and Sat Bisla (President & Founder, A&R Worldwide / MUSEXPO). The photo was taken a few years back whilst the two were in the south of France in Cannes at the annual Midem confab.

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.

 

A&R Worldwide Artist Of The Week

SOHODOLLS

The new Sohodolls single, “What Kinda Love,” was penned by central songwriter Maya Von Doll during a challenging period in her life. The London-based musician faced job loss, insomnia, anxiety, and the pressures of becoming a parent, all compounded by the onset of lockdown. The song delves into themes of life slipping away and finding solace in daydreams. Maya describes the songwriting process as a reflection of her struggles with weight gain, post-pregnancy challenges, and career setbacks. Despite feeling drained and despondent, the song captures her inner strength and imagination, portraying an invisible persona reveling in her fantasies. The global lockdown unexpectedly revitalized Sohodolls’ hit “Bang Bang Bang Bang” on TikTok, propelling Maya’s music career forward once again. This resurgence led to the release of new singles like “Letter to My Ex (Thank You Goodbye)” and “Bad,” garnering significant media attention and radio play. Produced by Otabek Salamov (Needshes) and with input from Future Cut, “What Kinda Love” channels a gritty yet infectious vibe, drawing inspiration from Billy Ocean‘s 80s hit “Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car.” Maya’s narrative about flipping the script on traditional rockstar imagery adds depth to the song’s meaning and personal journey. Discover Sohodolls first single from the new album
HERE and contact Terry Emm at terry@cannonballpr.com for further information and available opportunities.

 

CORELLA

 

Corella is a four-piece rock band from Manchester, England known for their raw and driven indie-rock sound. Their latest release, “Head Underwater,” showcases their euphoric and energetic style, combining thunderous hooks with hedonistic lyrical wordplay. This song is part of their upcoming debut album Once Upon A Weekend, scheduled for release on May 3rd through Believe. The album will feature previously released singles “Don’t Stop Me” and “Drifting,” the latter of which received regular airplay on BBC Radio 1, Radio X, and BBC Introducing. Corella has been building momentum with sold-out headline tours in the U.K. and has announced a U.K. headline tour alongside numerous festival dates, including Reading & Leeds, Stockton Calling, Liverpool Sound City, The Great Escape, Tramlines, and Truck Festival, among others. View the video for “Head Underwater” HERE, and reach out to Mark Wakefield at mark@velvethammer.net and Achal Dhillon at ach@wearedeadlyserious.com for all inquiries regarding Corella.

 

Passport Approved | Global Music Pre-Discovery

“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, GermanyNINETYSIX Radio (Indonesia); JioSaavn (India); Radio Doble Nueve, Lima, PeruWZRH–FM New Orleans, LAKWSS “93.9FM”; Phoenix, AZKRML “102.1FM”; Carmel, CAKFRR “New Rock 104.1FM”; Fresno, CARadio 1, Mumbai, IndiaWCNR Charlottesville, VAKIWR “The River”; Council Bluffs, IA2XM Ireland (national radio); 96.2 ZFM The NetherlandsWAPS–FM “The Summit.FM”; Akron–Canton, OHWKTL–FM Youngstown, OH105.5FM XFM Nairobi, KenyaPUK–FM Johannesburg, South AfricaRock 96.5FM Zambia897 FM Bratislava, SlovakiaWITH “90.1FM”; Ithaca, NYUCFM 87.8FM Australian Capital Territory, AustraliaWRUR 88.5FM Rochester, NYWCRU–FM Hamilton, NYKZND Anchorage, AKKQCJ Quad Cities, ILAllgauhit–FM Bavaria GermanyIndie 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 MUSIC FRANCE SIGNS TONY ANN: Award-winning Canadian pianist, composer, and songwriter Tony Ann has inked a worldwide co-publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Junzi Arts, a French music company doubling as his global tour promoter. Noted for his collaborations with artists like The Chainsmokersand DJ Don Diablo, Ann’s track record includes platinum and Gold-certified hits. With four EPs already under his belt and a stream of monthly singles, including the recent “Aries: The Charismatic,” his debut solo album is anticipated for early next year. With over 200 million views and five million followers across social media platforms, Ann reigns as the most-followed pianist, commanding sold-out venues worldwide. Matthieu Tessier, Managing Director at Warner Chappell Music France, stated, “France is home to some of the world’s best classical music, so there’s no better team to represent such a talented musician and composer. I am electrified at the thought of who we can connect Tony with through Warner Chappell’s global A&R network, to help him forge unique and powerful collaborations.” Tony Ann was formerly in the U.S.-based band The Swoons who were co-managed by A&R Worldwide Founder Sat Bisla, and Cathy Mathalone, Head of A&R, Tileyard Music.

 

NETTWERK MUSIC GROUP ELEVATES ANGUS BLAIR TO SR. VP A&R: Nettwerk Music Group recently announced the promotion of veteran A&R executive Angus Blair to the role of Sr. Vice President A&R U.K. and Europe, alongside the addition of James Crosley as Director of Publicity. Blair’s promotion reflects Nettwerk’s continued commitment to growing its talent and furthering its international reach. Blair’s promotion coincides with future releases from acts like The Amazons, Flyte, and Seafret, as well as debut albums from rising stars such as Night Tapes and Paris Paloma. Nettwerk’s European roster includes the likes of James Vincent McMorrow, Winona Oak, and rising folks star Hazlett. Angus Blair’s previous label history includes roles at Island Records, London Records, and Chrysalis Music. His previous signings include the 2024 Brit Award winners Jungle, Bat For Lashes, The Horrors, and Morcheeba. Mark Jowett, Co-Founder, Nettwerk stated, “With Angus’s unparalleled A&R experience, great ears, and passion for taking artists’ careers to the highest level, it’s an honor to have him at Nettwerk.” Crosley’s arrival from 9PR strengthens Nettwerk’s publicity efforts, which will enhance the strategic campaigns for the company’s roster.

 

KITA ALEXANDER SIGNS WORLDWIDE PUBLISHING DEAL WITH KOBALT: Kobalt has announced the signing of Kita Alexander to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal. This agreement comes on the heels of Alexander’s debut album, YOUNG IN LOVE, recently released via Warner Music Australia. Drawing comparisons to artists like Taylor Swift and possessing a pop sensibility reminiscent of Dua Lipa, Alexander’s knack for crafting infectious anthems has earned her over 240 million streams. Popular hits include the ARIA Platinum-certified “Hotel,” and Gold-certified singles like “Damage Done,” and “Like You Want To.” Alexander’s trajectory has been marked by sold-out tours, a collaboration with FISHER, and a management deal with Lemon Tree Music. Briese Abbott, Head of Creative Services, Australia & New Zealand, stated, “Kita is an exceptional songwriter who draws on deeply personal experiences to write broadly relatable and timeless songs. Having already had success in dance and country collaborations, she is evidence that when the songwriting is strong, there is no need for an artist to be bound by genre. We are very pleased to be a part of her team as she enters this critical next phase of her career.” Kita is represented by her manager Elise Naismith.

 

BLACKPINK’S LISA AND HER COMPANY LLOUD CO. PARTNER WITH RCA RECORDS: LISA, a member of BLACKPINK, has inked a deal with RCA Records through her company, LLOUD Co. Under this collaboration, she will release her solo projects, retaining complete ownership of her recordings. This partnership follows BLACKPINK’s decision in January not to renew individual contracts with YG Entertainment, while reaffirming their group ties. BLACKPINK, under RCA, continues to soar as one of the most influential girl groups globally, making history from Coachella to record-breaking music releases. LISA’s solo successes, including her hits and Guinness World Records, mark her status as a certified soloist, transcending K-pop boundaries. Beyond music, her upcoming stint in HBO‘s The White Lotus (Season 3) signals her expanding presence beyond the music realm. Peter Edge, Chairman & CEO, RCA Records & John Fleckenstein, COO, RCA Records, said, “We are incredibly proud to partner with LISA and LLOUD CO.! LISA is a multidimensional talent and an irrefutable global force.”

 

ARMADA MUSIC RELAUNCHES KING STREET SOUNDS LABEL: Armada Music has relaunched King Street Sounds, one of the oldest and most respected independent house music labels located in New York City. Since its acquisition by Armada Music’s BEAT Music Fund in 2023, the label has undergone a visual facelift, introducing the remix series King Street: Beat Match. Collaborating with Beatport, the label’s history is celebrated through a series of remixes from artists like Kasango, Demi Riquísimo, and Demuja, spanning genres from Afro-house to garage. This revitalization also includes new frontline releases and dedicated writing camps to strengthen emerging talents. Maykel Piron, CEO, Armada Music, and BEAT Music Fund, stated, “Relaunching King Street Sounds signifies a big step for Armada Music and BEAT as we strive to bolster and honor dance music’s existing footprint. We are incredibly excited to continue to work alongside Hisa to preserve the legacy King Street Sounds holds in dance music while working toward new opportunities as the label evolves.”

 

Pictured (L-R) is Ryan Press (President, North America, WCM), Maeta, Guy Moot (CEO & Co-Chair, WCM), and Carianne Marshall (COO/Co-Chair, WCM).

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.

 

YG SIGNS NEW RECORDING PARTNERSHIP WITH BMG: YG has inked a multi-album global recordings partnership with BMG via his 4Hunnid Records label for his upcoming seventh solo studio album. The agreement builds on a career that already includes a string of multi-Platinum, Platinum, Gold certifications, and four consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top 200, along with more than ten billion streams worldwide. The Compton, California native has a long history of success across the U.S., and other markets. With tracks like “Big Bank,” “FTP,” “Who Do You Love,” and others, YG has not only dominated charts but also sparked conversations about social justice. His discography, from My Krazy Life to 4Real 4Real, continues to showcase his authenticity. Besides music, YG’s ventures extend into fashion and entrepreneurship, with his 4HUNNID portfolio and his Komfort Kollection. Dan Gill, Executive Vice President, Recorded Music, BMG stated, “Cultivating the best in creativity and music, our mission is artist independence without conformity. YG has a true partner by his side in BMG.”

 

XIN LIU & Sean Miyashiro

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.”

 

ANDREA BOCELLI SIGNS TO UMPG’S CLASSICS & SCREEN: Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has secured a deal with tenor Andrea Bocelli to an exclusive, global publishing agreement through UMPG’s Classics & Screen department. One of the most successful and influential classical singers in modern history, Bocelli, this year celebrates his 30th anniversary in music. Through the new agreement, UMPG will represent Bocelli’s future works, as well as his latest album, A Family Christmas. Having set countless sales records, Andrea Bocelli has sold over 90 million albums to date and generated more than 16 billion streams. The celebrated tenor has become a long-standing ambassador for Italian culture around the world and drew worldwide attention in 2020 with his record-breaking ‘Music for Hope‘ event which became one of the biggest musical livestream performances of all time. Read the full story HERE.

 

WISE MUSIC AUSTRALIA GROWS LOCAL ROSTER: Wise Music Australia recently announced additions to its roster, with the signing of neo-classical/electronic composer Nick Wales, beatmaker David Rodriguez (known as Godriguez and GODTET) and pop-noir ensemble Alter Boy, signaling a fresh curatorial approach under the guidance of Head of A&R Ben Pierpoint. They join a roster that includes Ngaiire, William Barton, Donny Benet, and others. Nick Wales’s eclectic style, ranging from classical to pop, showcases his versatility in his fusion band CODA and collaborations with artists such as Sarah Blasko. His work crosses a variety of art forms including film – scoring the 2023 Netflix film True Spirit; dance – ongoing collaborations with the Sydney Dance Company including new production momenta premiering this May), and experiential productions. Rodriguez brings a tapestry of influences to his productions, with two key projects, his producer project Godriguez and his five-piece fusion project GODTET, will next be seen performing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House sharing the stage with Wise Music’s Ngaiire. Rodriguez has had his music synchronized in the U.S. for brands including Walgreens, Nike, and Under Armour, as well as in Australia for the Commonwealth Bank. Meanwhile, Alter Boy offers a narrative through their latest single “Life Finds a Way,” shedding light on gender dynamics and historical recognition. The group was the 2023 Western Australia National Live Music Awards winner for “Best Live Act.”

 

BOSSY SONGS SIGNS PUBLISHING DEAL WITH CHEYENNA: Bossy Songs has announced the signing of singer-songwriter Cheyenna (Cheyenne Rose Arnspiger) who combines her artistry with storytelling. With her co-writes like the viral track “Austin” by Dasha, Cheyenna’s songcraft has earned her spots on widely listened to playlists like Spotify‘s Fresh Finds. She is collaborated with industry veterans like Gayle and Bizzy, alongside writers and producers on the Bossy Songs roster (Dan Gleyzer (BTS, Meghan Trainor, CIL), Michael Sonier (Noah Cyrus, Maggie Rogers, Ella Henderson), Cody Tarpley (Megan Thee Stallion, Chris Brown, Maggie Lindemann) and IDA(Alan Walker, Sigala, Becky Hill). Barry Weiss, Founder & CEO, Bossy Songs, said, “We are thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented singer-songwriter Cheyenna to the Bossy Songs family,” said Bossy Songs CEO/founder Barry Weiss. “Cheyenna is a fresh, compelling writer and artist and we are excited to work together to further build and expand their songwriting career.” Bossy Songs is a publishing venture that is a partnership with Sony Music Publishing.

 

ENTRIES OPEN FOR THE UNSIGNED ONLY MUSIC COMPETITION: The Unsigned Only Music Competition is looking for great artists who are not signed to a major record label; however independent label artists are acceptable. As there is no physical event to attend, the competition is open to artists from anywhere in the world. Artists can upload songs as MP3’s or provide streaming links to their songs for consideration. This exposure can open doors to international audiences (more fans and more connections) and opportunities to take artists’ careers to new levels of success. Unsigned Only welcomes music in all genres, ensuring that all artists have the chance to enter and win. The panel of esteemed judges and successful past winners make it the premier music competition in the world for unsigned artists. Entering Unsigned Only gives artists the chance to have their music heard by renowned musical artists and industry professionals who have the power to open doors and shape careers. The competition gives away over $150,000 in cash and prizes, and the Grand Prize winner will be awarded $20,000.00 (USD), plus additional merchandise and services geared toward helping an artist’s career there is also a First and Second Place winner in each of the 18 categories. Previous winners and entrants have included Grammy nominee Ingrid Andress, Coco Jones, GAYLE; Faouzia, Gabby Barrett,BélO, Tenille Arts, Goodbye June, Anna Wolf, Wes Mack, Brett Young, and others. Click HERE for more information.

 

JASON REED JOINS ROEX AS HEAD OF GROWTH & OPERATIONS: RoEx, a pioneering tech startup at the intersection of music and artificial intelligence, recently appointed Jason Reed as Head of Growth and Operations. With over 15 years of experience in music innovation, including roles at Domino, FUGA, and Roundhouse Trust, Reed is set to lead RoEx’s expansion strategies. In his new role, Reed will be fundamental in driving RoEx’s go-to-market initiatives and pushing growth across its suite of intelligent audio production tools. This includes the AI-powered multitrack mixing platform, Automix, and the Intelligent Audio Engine API, Tonn, designed to streamline the mixing and mastering process for musicians and industry professionals alike. Reed’s experiences at Roundhouse Trust and Domino enhanced his capability to leverage technology to evolve digital experiences within the music landscape. In addition to Reed’s appointment, RoEx has augmented its advisory team with industry executives Becky Brook, Scott Simon, Elio Quinton, and Rich Keller.

 

SESAC MUSIC GROUP EXPANDS MUSIC SERVICES DIVISION: SESAC Music Group will amplify its Music Services division to cater to artists, songwriters, independent labels, and music publishers with a tailor-made platform. This will harness the services of SESAC’s entities, including AudioSalad, Audiam, HFA, Mint, Music Services, and Rumblefish. The enhanced division will give global clients licensing, royalty collection, and administrative solutions. This development follows SESAC’s acquisition of Music Services less than a year ago. To fortify international outreach, industry executive Andy Bodkin has been named to the role of President, International, leveraging his extensive background in music business leadership. Prior to joining SESAC, he served as Group CEO at Out of the Ark and had an 18-year tenure at CCLI, where he played a role in pushing the organization’s growth across different continents.

 


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.


IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ric Salmon, Denis Ladegaillerie, Robert Reynolds, Samantha Berger, Darcus Beese, Caro Conlan, Christian Tattersfield, Jessica Brandt, Eric Greenspan, Adam Tudhope, Carter Armstrong, Jeff Levin, Rich Levy, Summer Marshall, and Andrew Brightman.

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