A&R Worldwide Newsletter Vol. 838

PULSE MUSIC GROUP FORMS JOINT VENTURE
WITH MULTI-FACETED CREATIVE JON BELLION

Pulse Music Group has announced a new partnership with songwriter, producer, and artist Jon Bellion, which will see the formation of a new creative joint venture. Bellion’s publishing entity, Beautiful Mind, will spearhead the collaboration with Pulse Music Group, and will be led by Bellion’s long-time Creative Manager Matt Maschi, and Louis Coppola, CEO, Beautiful Mind.

The inaugural signing under this new alliance is artist and songwriter Elijah Noll.

Bellion’s extensive repertoire includes collaborations with Rihanna, Jung Kook, Halsey, Miley Cyrus, Burna Boy, Camila Cabello, Lil Wayne, Zayn, Maroon 5, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and many others.

Elijah Noll is a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles, who also has an artist project called American Teeth. He’s co-written releases with the Jonas Brothers, Jon Batiste ft. Jon Bellion & Fireboy DML, Jackson Wang, Nessa Barrett, 5SOS, Bella Poarch, and many others.

Scott Cutler, co-CEO, Pulse Music Group, stated, “We’re very focused on this opportunity to continue to build out Jon and Matt’s footprint as publishers, and that is something that we do exceptionally well in the form of joint ventures. When we met with Jon, Matt, Elijah, and Elijah’s manager, Ari Goldstein, it was such an organic meeting of the minds. We knew this was such a great combination of humans and expertise all surrounding Elijah himself, who is clearly such a talent.”

Annie Aberle, Vice President, A&R, Pulse Music Group, added, “The creative team at Pulse Music Group pours so much energy into development and helping to bring creatives to the next stage of their careers. It’s such a joy to be a part of that development experience and beyond gratifying to be able to open each of those doors for our clients. Having the opportunity to do this kind of work alongside a JV partner at the level of someone like – Elijah is primed for such a huge moment of success, and we can’t wait to get to work. We’re excited to be in business with everybody involved in this deal.”

Noll’s recent collaborations include working with Travis Barker, Blackbear, Pete Nappi, Andrew Goldstein, Tenroc, Sueco, Feli Ferraro, Evan Blair, Daywave, Bludnymph, Jake Torrey, Jhart, Lil Aaron, and numerous others.

Tyler Bacon, President & CEO, Position Music, and Mark Chipello, Head of A&R, have announced Samantha Sklar‘s promotion to Vice President of A&R.

Sklar’s time at Position Music has been pinpointed by her A&R achievements, including the signing of songwriter Jack LaFrantz. LaFrantz’s collaboration on Benson Boone‘s single “Beautiful Things” has propelled him to global success, with the track leading charts around the world and amassing almost 570 million streams on Spotify alone.

Since joining Position Music in 2022, Sklar has played an important role in fortifying the company’s frontline pop publishing roster. She has been involved with the signings of producers and writers like Dru “Falconry” DeCaro, whose work on Em Beihold‘s “Numb Little Bug” soared to the top of the charts. She has also brought in several other in-demand songwriters and producers including Joe Kearns, Zach Skelton, John “Feldy” Feldmann, Alex “Abomb” Fernandez, amongst others yet to be announced.

Prior to her tenure at Position Music, Sklar made contributions at Warner Chappell Music Publishing, where she aided in the careers of acclaimed songwriters and producers. Her track record of success includes signing Stephen Kirk, whose co-write on BTS‘s “Butter” led the charts and earned double-Platinum status.

“Sam Sklar is a dynamic and talented creative and well deserving of this promotion and recognition,” stated Mark Chipello. “She is a publisher through and through and has an incredible drive to serve writers and create opportunities for them. I am excited to watch Sam build this next chapter of her career and I am proud to have her as a key part of our A&R team.”

Samantha Sklar added, “I am excited to continue on with this next chapter – Mark and Tyler have created an amazing culture at Position and have really empowered me to take the initiative to build as if this company were my own. We are in the thick of an exciting time of growth for Position as a whole, I could not be more thrilled with what we have been able to achieve thus far and it’s truly only the beginning.”

SPINEFARM MUSIC GROUP ANNOUNCES NEW HIRES

Spinefarm Music Group, one of the most successful and best-known rock labels in the world, has announced a major global hire alongside a new U.K. marketing team.

Dan P Carter, the longtime curator of BBC Radio 1‘s flagship rock and metal show “The Rock Show,” and host of the “Someone Who Isn’t Me” podcast, has joined the label group as Director of Artist Development.

Carter, who will be based in London, England, and whose appointment is effective immediately, has held a consultancy position at Spinefarm for a number of years – he will report directly to Jonas Nachsin, General Manager, Spinefarm Music Group. His new Full-time role will see him signing artists to the company’s labels and working with the Spinefarm team internationally across the company’s global roster in an artist development capacity.

Alongside his broadcast work, Carter continues to curate stages at major U.K. music festivals (including Reading & Leeds), has co-written and remixed music from artists including McFly, My Chemical Romance, and Puscifer, and has painted album covers for releases by HIM, Dillinger Escape Plan, Behemoth, Empire State Bastard, Frank Iero, and others. He was also awarded the first-ever “Icon Award” at last year’s Heavy Music Awards.

Carter will work alongside the Spinefarm team including Dante Bonutto, Director of A&R, Spinefarm U.K. U.K., who has helped oversee exponential growth for the company’s labels in recent years, Lailah O’Donnell, Worldwide Head of Publicity, and new marketing intern Sara Alfano.

Dan Carter said, “Starting this new role as Director of Artist Development at Spinefarm is an exciting new chapter where I feel I can contribute as part of a fantastic team at one of the foremost Rock and Metal labels in the world.”

Jonas Nachsin added, “Dan P Carter’s reputation speaks for itself. For years he has been a well-known and highly respected champion of Rock music in all its forms in the U.K. We couldn’t be more excited to add Dan to our worldwide team as we fuel Spinefarm’s ascent through its continually evolving association with some of the best artists on the planet.”

Spinefarm has also made two additional key hires in its U.K. marketing team in recent months with Leah Devine and Tristan Pratt, reporting directly to Maria Ouellette, Vice President of International, Spinefarm Music Group. Carter, Devine, and Pratt will be based in the company’s London offices.

Spinefarm Records was established in Finland back in 1990 by its original founder and longtime A&R Worldwide collaborator Riku Pääkkönen.

Primary Wave Music recently announced its partnership with the legendary New Zealand-born singer, songwriter, and musician Neil Finn, and founding member of the iconic rock band Crowded House. This exciting new multi-million-dollar deal will see the leading independent publisher of iconic and legendary music in the world acquire Finn’s music publishing catalog and writer’s share of public performance for his work with Crowded House, as well as his solo material.

Included in the deal are some of Neil’s biggest hits across his incomparable career in music. As one of the founding members of Crowded House, Neil wrote and composed many of the band’s biggest hits which are included in this new partnership, as well as his solo material and songs he wrote as part of the New Zealand pop/new wave band, Split Enz. Songs include “Better Be Home Soon,” “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” “Weather with You,” and many other classics.

Released in 1986, “Don’t Dream It’s Over” appeared on Crowded House’s eponymous debut album. Written by Finn, the single became the band’s biggest hit and soared to No.2 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart. The song, which was written in just a day, also went No.1 in several countries and has become a fan favorite to this day. Consequence declared the song “has transcended mere classic status over the years to come one of the most enduring music anthems of the past several decades, inspiring sing-alongs to this day.”

Also included is Neil’s share of “Weather 2ith You” written with his brother Tim Finn from the band’s third studio album. The song is one of the band’s most successful singles and won numerous awards upon its release. It has become a favorite of fans and critics around the world with one journalist claiming the song is “like a postcard from a dream.”

The single “Better Be Home Soon” was released in 1988 and hit several chartings, going No.1 in Canada. In 2001, the track was voted one of the best New Zealand songs of the 20th century by members of APRA. Neil said about the song, “It’s the song in a Crowded House set that people can sing from beginning to end very easily, in a group context, community singing and all that. That’s always been a pretty important thing for us.”

For more than four decades, Crowded House leader Neil Finn has been on an evolving, winding journey. Crowded House’s mid-Eighties hits like “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and “Something So Strong,” combined with albums like Woodface, and Together Alone, set the standard for the period’s erudite jangle-pop while always pushing the band’s art forward.

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!

Undoubtedly two of some of the most talented music executives and A&R minds in the U.K. are Christian Tattersfield and Nick Raphael who have held senior positions between them at some of the U.K.’s key major labels. Christian as CEO, Warner Music U.K., and as Chairman, Warner Bros. Records U.K., and Nick as President at both Capitol Records and Epic Records.

Between them, Christian and Nick Raphael have been involved with signing Jay-Z to his first-ever record deal, as well as individually signing artists like Sam Smith, David Gray, Damien Rice, The 1975, Biffy Clyro, Freya Ridings, 5 Seconds of Summer and many others.

Meanwhile, Bisla has helped with the signing of artists including Keane, Muse, Temper Trap, Sheppard, Gavin James, Forest Blakk, LMFAO, Bonnie McKee, Missy Higgins, Picture This, and many others, as well as being a key early supporter of artists like Adele, Coldplay, Dido, Faithless, Sia (helping secure her key sync with HBO‘s “Six Feet Under”), Frank Turner, and many others before their U.S., and/or global signings.

 

LAVA LA RUE

SONY MUSIC GERMANY LAUNCHES NOTED RECORDS: Sony Music Entertainment Germany has announced the launch of Noted Records, a new global electronic music label based in Berlin. With a focus on artists in electronic and techno genres, Noted Records, is officially referred to as noted. records, will provide artists and creatives access to its expansive network of industry executives and resources. The new label will be overseen by Sony Music’s Jean-Sebastien Permal and Jenny Walzer, and the label’s debut signing is DJ/producer Anfisa Letyago. Letyago has gained support and built collaborations with legendary artists and DJs like Moby, Carl Cox, Swedish House Mafia, and others, and released her debut single, “Feelin,'” on the new label last Friday. Sony Music Germany’s track record with electronic music includes assisting the careers of artists like Purple Disco Machine, Jean-Michel Jarre, and many others. Jean-Sebastien Permal, Vice President A&R, Sony Music Entertainment, Europe & Africa, tells A&R Worldwide, “Electronic music as a genre has never been as potent as it is today. We recognize the need to provide a home for artists with a strong and unique musical and visual identity. We are thrilled to have Anfisa Letyago as our first signing to the new label and are incredibly ambitious about her project.”

RESERVOIR & BIG LIFE MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCE PROMOTIONS: Reservoir Media and its subsidiary Big Life Management have announced promotions within their ranks. Kat Kennedy, Colin Roberts, and Claire Kilcourse have been named to the position of partners, with Kennedy acquiring the additional mantle of Managing Director. Since joining Big Life in 2006, Kennedy’s career has been marked by steady advancements, culminating in her current role after 18 years of service. Roberts has been instrumental in shaping the company’s artistic landscape since 2007, aiding artists like La Roux and The Sound of Arrows, while Kilcourse’s return in 2017 brought her dynamism to the company, which has shined during her management of evolving artists like Orla Gartland and Look Mum No Computer. Their combined 40 years of commitment have underpinned enduring partnerships with clients such as Bloc Party, We Are Scientists, and The Futureheads. Rell Lafargue, President & COO, Reservoir, said, “Kat, Colin, and Claire have been dedicated Big Life employees for years and built a company based on loyalty, talented clients, and consistent results. We are proud to announce their stepping into new roles as partners, and we will continue to support their team and roster with our high-touch attention and global reach.”

BINETOU SYLLA TEAMS-UP WITH UMG FOR DEF JAM AFRICA: Universal Music France has announced a collaboration with Wèrè Wèrè Music and Binetou Sylla, a producer and founder of the respected independent label. Sylla’s new role will help drive Def Jam Africa‘s expansion within French-speaking markets across the continent, whilst leveraging Universal Music France and Capitol France‘s expertise across artist development, marketing, and promotion. With more than 10 years’ experience running independent record labels between Paris and the African continent, including the historic Syllart Records label, Binetou brings a wealth of expertise to the newly formed partnership, which will focus on unearthing and producing authentic artists through innovative, pan-African musical projects capable of reaching a global audience. Def Jam Africa made its debut in French-speaking markets in 2020, aligning with Universal Music Group’s strategy to strengthen its foothold in burgeoning music markets. This venture coincides with the Sub-Saharan African region’s remarkable growth, as reported by IFPI‘s Global Music Report. Olivier Nusse, President, Universal Music France, tells A&R Worldwide, “We are incredibly honored to be able to draw on the unique expertise of Binetou Sylla and her team to bring new talent from French-speaking Africa to Africa, France, and the rest of the world. In the wake of recent worldwide successes by English-speaking artists, I’m absolutely convinced that the French-speaking scene will also without doubt shine on the world stage, with Def Jam Africa as the spearhead!”

WARNER CHAPPELL LAUNCHES PUBLISHING JV WITH REVERBNATION: Warner Chappell Music has announced a new partnership with ReverbNation, which is owned by the Singapore-based company BandLab Technologies, and will offer music publishing services to ReverbNation’s artists, songwriters, and creators. With this new collaboration, Warner Chappell will administer music rights for all creators who join the ReverbNation Publishing Administration program. They’ll also identify and sign top performers through a new joint venture. Signed songwriters will have access to Warner Chappell’s suite of services, including A&R, sync, and creative offerings, enhancing opportunities for ReverbNation’s talent. Guy Moot, co-Chair & CEO, Warner Chappell Music, stated, “Songwriters and artists are now being discovered through a multitude of different digital platforms, in what I call the ‘new songwriter economy’. Joining forces with BandLab Technologies allows us to tap into the incredible creator community that they’ve built and help support and amplify the voices of promising, up-and-coming talent.

SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING INKS GLOBAL DEAL WITH RANDALL KING: Sony Music Publishing Nashville (SMP) has announced the signing of West Texas native Randall King, celebrated by Holler as “the genre’s neo-traditional figurehead,” to a global publishing agreement. King has emerged as one of today’s most promising new voices in country music, amassing over 300 million streams with singles like “You in A Honky Tonk,” “Hey Cowgirl” and “Mirror, Mirror.” He’s kept the twang alive in country music’s mainstream while also earning acclaim through deeply personal EPs like 2020’s Leanna, and his 2022 major label album debut, Shot Glass. King released his sophomore major-label album, Into the Neon earlier this year. Into the Neon was released on January 26, and features songs including “When My Baby’s in Boots” co-written by Sony Music Publishing songwriters Trannie Anderson, Jordan Walker, and Michael Carter, “Hard to Be Humble,” co-written by SMP’s Ben Hayslip, as well as songs written by artists including Mitchell Tenpenny, Will Jones, and “World on Fire” hitmaker Nate Smith. Aubrey Landon, Director, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville, tells A&R Worldwide, “We are thrilled to champion Randall as he continues to bring a fresh take on traditional country music. His music resonates with authenticity, and we could not be happier to start this next chapter together.” King is currently headlining shows across the U.S. and has tour dates slated across Europe later in 2024.

ED GRAVES LAUNCHES RAINBOW WOOD RECORDS WITH AWAL: Producer, artist, and songwriter Ed Graves has announced the launch of his new label Rainbow Wood Records. This announcement will tap into Rainbow Wood’s existing suite of services, including studios and live showcases. Distributed by AWAL, the label will offer comprehensive artist support, covering production and accommodation. The debut signing for the label is Ellysse Mason, who recently released her new single “Cry Baby.” Graves has a background from Berklee College of Music and has collaborated with Hot Since 82, Laidback Luke, Alok, Secondcity, and Audien, and has amassed more than 170 million streams on credited works. Also, he has hosted over 400 sessions at Rainbow Wood Studios and played a role in developing artists whose works are signed to labels including RCA, Ultra Records, Sony Music, and others. Ed Graves stated, “I am so excited to mark the launch of Rainbow Wood Records, within the Rainbow Wood portfolio, with the release of the talented Ellysse Mason’s new single ‘Cry Baby.’ For me this represents the logical expansion of works begun in the U.S., culminating in the establishment of my own studio – Rainbow Wood Studios, a growing hub for collaboration and creativity.”

BELLA FIGURA MUSIC ACQUIRES RAK PUBLISHING: Bella Figura Music announced last week that it had acquired RAK Publishing. Although the terms of the deal are undisclosed, RAK’s catalog encompasses over 1,500 copyrights spanning more than 50 years. Some of the iconic tracks include songs like “You Sexy Thing” by Hot Chocolate, “Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)” by Steve Harley & The Cockney Rebel, “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, “Kids in America” by Kim Wilde, and many others. Since being backed by private equity firm Freshstream Investment Partners, Bella Figura Music has already made over $80 million (USD) in investments in acquiring rights for catalogs across publishing, master recordings, and neighboring rights, including for David Gray, Guy Chambers, and R3hab. The recent additions of Jeff Silverman (Adele, Aloe Blacc, Lee Fields, Truth & Soul) and Adrian Wright (The Human League) catalogs just a snapshot of Bella Figura’s goal to expand its portfolio, with plans for further acquisitions on the horizon. Alexi Cory-Smith, co-founder & CEO of Bella Figura Music, said, “I’ve been a fan of the RAK catalog for many years. I have loved these songs and artists since I was a kid. I was mesmerized by Errol Brown when I watched Hot Chocolate on Top of The Pops as a young girl – people don’t appreciate how groundbreaking and important a band they were/are; but we have plans for that.” RAK was founded in 1969 by the legendary record producer Mickie Most and his wife Christina and represents over 100 writers, including the Ivor Novello-winning songwriter Errol Brown and BASCA Gold Badge recipients Steve Harley and Suzi Quatro.

MILK & HONEY MUSIC + SPORTS + VENTURES ACQUIRE VMG SPORTS: Lucas Keller, President & Founding Partner, Milk & Honey Music + Sports + Ventures, has announced the acquisition of VMG Sports. This deal sees NFLPA-certified agents Adam Heller, Michael Simon, Greg Diulus, and Sammy Spina joining the Milk & Honey executive team, and elevating the company’s presence on the East Coast. With the addition of VMG Sports, Milk & Honey now has a roster of 83 athletes across football and baseball, including the likes of Travis Kelce and Paris Johnson, with a total of 15 NFL players joining the Milk & Honey family and its existing roster of clients including Courtland Sutton (Denver Broncos) and Kamren Curl (Los Angeles Rams) to name a few. Founded in 2011, VMG Sports brings experience, having represented numerous first-round draft picks and Pro Bowl players, along with negotiating contracts for some of the NFL‘s highest-paid athletes. Milk & Honey’s foray into sports began three years ago and reflects their objective to diversify beyond music, aiming to create ventures that offer broader access and opportunities for clients. Led by Keller and general manager Nic Warner, the company’s expansion into sports aligns with their vision of building successful ventures across multiple facets of entertainment.

SONY CLASSICAL SIGNS PIANIST JENEBA KANNEH-MASON: Pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason has signed with Sony Classical, who will release her debut recital album set for spring 2025. A finalist in the BBC Young Musician competition and Classic FM “Rising Star,” she concluded her studies at the Royal College of Music. Her album will spotlight works by Chopin, Debussy, Scriabin, and underrepresented composers. Pianist magazine will highlight Jeneba’s signing to Sony Classical by featuring her on their June front cover. Jeneba Kanneh-Mason comes from a family of musicians including Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason, who signed to Decca (a division of Universal Music Group). Dr Alexander Buhr, Sr. Vice President A&R, Sony Classical International, stated, “Jeneba’s musical prowess is simply electrifying. With curiosity and a vibrant spirit, she brings her very own fresh perspective to every piece she plays. We are absolutely thrilled to have Jeneba join the Sony Classical family, bringing her infectious energy to our joint musical journey!”

FAIRGROUND ATTRACTION PARTNER WITH ABSOLUTE LABEL SERVICES: Iconic band Fairground Attraction have reunited after 35 years, and have teamed up with Absolute Label Services for their album, Beautiful Happening. Their original lineup, including Eddi Reader, Mark Nevin, Simon Edwards, and Roy Dodds, return for this project, their first collaboration since 1989’s acclaimed The First of a Million Kisses, which charted at No.1 on the U.K. album charts. The new album’s lead single, “What’s Wrong with The World?” has generated early praise, from BBC Scotland and other U.K. media outlets. The band is currently preparing for a U.K. tour, which includes popular venues like London’s Royal Festival Hall and Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall. John Waller, from Absolute Label Services said, “I’ve helped Mark Nevin release his solo albums on his Raresong Recordings label through Absolute over the years and have been a big admirer of his songwriting and live performance skills. When Mark told me the entire original line-up of Fairground Attraction had reformed for a Japanese tour, a U.K. tour, and a new album after 35 years, it was a great opportunity to continue the relationship.” Fairground Attraction’s 1988 debut song “Perfect” charted at No.1 in the U.K. and numerous other countries all around the world. The song also won “Best Single” at the BRIT Awards in the same year.

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: Austin Rosen, Joe Poindexter, David Joseph Kenneth Jarvis, Joe Kentish, Mary Rahmani, Michael Chase, Sarah Stennett, Karen Kwak, Nicole Wyskoarko, Fiete Klatt, Ron Perry, Bob Bowen, and Ed Howard.

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