AP DHILLON STRIKES DEAL WITH REPUBLIC RECORDS
Punjabi artist AP Dhillon, whose real name is Amritpal Singh Dhillon, has secured a record deal with Republic Records in collaboration with Universal Music Canada. Last week, Republic Records announced that Dhillon is making history as the first artist of Punjabi heritage to join their roster as a singer-songwriter, rapper, and record producer.
This signing highlights the growing influence of Punjabi music in Canada, a trend recently noted by former Spotify Chief Economist Will Page, who identified Punjabi as the fastest-growing music language in the Canadian market, driven by stars like Dhillon, Ikky, and Karan Aujla. In a related development, Warner Music Canada and Warner Music India launched 91 NORTH RECORDS last August, a joint venture led by artist and producer Ikky (Ikwinder Singh) to promote South Asian talent.
Dhillon’s inaugural release with Republic Records is the single “Old Money,” which was released worldwide on Friday, August 9th, accompanied by a video. This will be followed by his new album, The Brownprint, scheduled for release on August 23, 2024.
Monte Lipman, Founder & Chairman, Republic said, “AP Dhillon is not only an incredible artist who continues to defy gravity in real-time, but a shrewd visionary with a global reach that has already sparked a cultural revolution. We are thrilled to join forces with Universal Music Canada under the leadership of Chairman and C.E.O. Jeffrey Remedios to further extend AP’s impact and music around the world.”
Dhillon has assisted in producing The Brownprint, with contributions from producers DŹŁ (known for work with Future and Central Cee), Luca Mauti (collaborator with J. Cole and Eminem), and AzizTheShake (who has worked with BIA and Central Cee).
UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING NAMES
HEAD OF MARKETING IN A NEW GLOBAL ROLE
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), has announced that accomplished branding executive Alix Kram has been named as Head of Marketing, a newly created global role. Based in New York, she will report to Jody Gerson, Chairman & CEO, UMPG, and Marc Cimino, COO, UMPG. In addition, Kram will provide marketing support for Bravado, UMG’s global merchandise and brand management company, reporting to President Matt Young.
In her new role at UMPG, Kram will oversee the company’s marketing efforts with a focus on creative storytelling and cultural relevancy. She will work to amplify initiatives across business units and maximize awareness and opportunities for UMPG-owned catalogs. Furthermore, Kram will work with Bravado to drive strategy and create revenue-generating opportunities for UMPG/Bravado catalog IP.
An accomplished and trusted marketing executive, Kram brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic storytelling and brand-building across the entertainment, music, lifestyle, and retail sectors. Most recently, Kram worked at Netflix leading the Retail & Consumer Products Marketing team across the U.S., Canada, and Australia. She was responsible for driving strategy, and storytelling at retail, broadening Netflix’s reach across new channels of distribution, and overseeing the marketing campaigns of key partners and launches.
Marc Cimino, stated, “Alix is the perfect executive to enhance the incredible stories our songs tell and bring them to life. Not only does she have an outstanding track record in the brand space; but she also has a nuanced understanding of strategic, creative marketing that can significantly amplify global opportunities for our writers and songs. Jody and I are thrilled to welcome her to UMPG.”
Prior to Netflix, Kram served at Warner Music Group as Head of Global Brand Licensing and Retail, developing brand opportunities for artists including Grateful Dead and Wiz Khalifa. She also worked at Nickelodeon and Paramount as Vice President of Lifestyle & Retail Marketing, a group she established to help evolve the likes of SpongeBob SquarePants into new territory with Jeremy Scott x Moschino, Pharrell, and others.
Kram also founded a boutique marketing and branding agency, theKRAMcollective, whose clients included Hasbro, Dreamworks, HBO, Atari, and more.
HYBE LAUNCHES U.S. LABEL SERVICES BUSINESS
HYBE is set to redefine its global strategy through the company’s foray into the competitive and lucrative field of independent artist services. With last year’s revenue reaching $1.66 billion (USD), HYBE is making a push into the U.S. market with a new label services arm.
This new division will function under HYBE AMERICA, which is headed by Scooter Braun, CEO, HYBE America.
In a recent letter to shareholders, signed by both Jason Jaesang Lee and outgoing CEO Jiwon Park (referred to as HYBE’s Representative Director), the company announced its plans to offer extensive services for labels and artists. These services will encompass distribution, marketing, and promotion, positioning HYBE to cater to the growing sector of independent artists and labels.
The rise of independent artists—highlighted by recent Luminate data showing their increasing share of the streaming market—has spurred greater interest and investment in this sector. HYBE’s new initiative is expected to support its artists from Korea, Japan, and Latin America in breaking into the US market more effectively. Furthermore, the announcement of HYBE 2.0 includes plans for exploring new business avenues and making strategic investments. Potential areas for investment include generative AI, audio and voice technology, gaming, integrated online and offline experiences, and Original Story Business.
Jason Jaesang Lee, CEO, HYBE, said, “We have identified a growing demand for change in the traditional business structure in the US market due to its fragmentation, complex contractual relationships, and simplified care for individual artists at larger labels.”
JULIE GREENWALD TO EXIT ATLANTIC RECORDS
Last week, Julie Greenwald announced her departure from her roles as co-Chair & COO of Atlantic Records and Chairman & CEO of Atlantic Music Group during a company-wide town hall on August 6. Her successor as Chairman & CEO of Atlantic Music Group will be Elliot Grainge, Founder & CEO of 10K Projects, he will start his official role on October 1st. Greenwald, who has been a pivotal figure at Atlantic for over two decades will officially step down at the end of January 2025.
This development comes shortly after Warner Music Group revealed Max Lousada‘s departure as CEO of recorded music at the end of September. The transition marks a generational shift within the company, which has been led by Robert Kyncl, CEO, Warner Music Group since January 2023. Greenwald’s legacy at Atlantic is substantial; she has been instrumental in advancing the careers of global artists like Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Cardi B, and many others. She was recognized as Billboard‘s Women in Music “Executive of The Year” in 2017. Greenwald has worked closely with Craig Kallman, co-Chair & CEO of Atlantic Records and the key A&R strategist for the label, and one of the most highly respected and accomplished A&R executives in the world. Kallman will retain his position as CEO of Atlantic Records.
At the time of the restructuring announcement, Greenwald commented in a statement, “My whole career is about developing baby bands into career artists and empowering our amazing people to change culture in unexpected ways. It has been 20 years since I walked through the door at Atlantic and began the work of rearchitecting this iconic label. I could not have done it without the deep passion and dedication of my incredible team, and our unbelievable artists, who make music that inspires and moves people everywhere. Finally, I want to welcome Elliot; I am looking forward to collaborating with him as we continue to place our artists and their music at the heart of this company.”
A&R Worldwide has learned that there could be additional significant changes coming to Atlantic Records in the near future.
ALL ABOUT MUSIC IN MUMBAI
SPOTLIGHTS INDIA’S GROWING GLOBAL INFLUENCE
The recent All About Music conference in Mumbai set the stage for India’s burgeoning role as one of the most, essential, and fastest-growing music markets in South Asia and the world, as well as becoming the No.1 streaming market on the planet. With a keen focus on the evolving facets of the music industry, including recorded music, music publishing, digital platforms, streaming services, sync licensing, and the thriving live music scene, the event underlined India’s transformative journey within the international music landscape.
The All About Music conference served as a vibrant nexus for industry leaders, artists, and music enthusiasts, providing a platform to exchange ideas, forge collaborations, and celebrate India’s rich musical heritage. As the world witnesses music’s transcendent power to unite cultures and bridge boundaries, India’s dynamic and diverse music scene is increasingly becoming a cornerstone in the global music dialogue.
In a world where music knows no borders, India’s rise as a prominent music market is a testament to its commitment to musical excellence. The All About Music conference illuminated India’s path towards becoming a global music powerhouse, promising a harmonious future filled with limitless possibilities for artists and industry professionals alike.
Here is a snapshot of some of A&R Worldwide’s interactions with its peers in Mumbai, India this past weekend.
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!
Sat Bisla, President & Founder, A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO did the first-ever one-on-one interview with his longtime friend Dave Holmes (who was Coldplay‘s worldwide manager for over 22 years) at MUSEXPO Asia Pacific, which was also a part of the One Movement for Music Festival – the first of its kind event ever held in Australia. Sat was also responsible for helping Dave get Coldplay’s single “Yellow” on U.S. radio which helped launch the band in America, as well as being an advisor and A&R consultant to Dave during the release of Coldplay’s first few albums.
As MUSEXPO celebrates its 25th global edition next year, it has consistently maintained its mantra as one of the world’s leading independent music business and showcases events, which brings together both the upper echelons of the worldwide music industry, but also embraces the independent sectors in an authentic and inspirational manner.
The event has brought together some of the most inspiring, influential, and entrepreneurial artists, creatives, executives, and companies from around the world. And 2025 will be no different, as MUSEXPO is already putting together some incredible and inspiring keynotes and panels to continue to elevate the conference as an essential connector and inspiration to the global music industry.
ELECTRIC ENEMY
Electric Enemy is an alternative rock project led by London-based producer, multi-instrumentalist, and award-winning songwriter Jim Lawton. Known for their heavy guitars, colossal drums, and dynamic vocals, their music blends driving guitar riffs and well-crafted melodies, reminiscent of MUSE, Royal Blood, and Foo Fighters. Following a series of successful releases from 2021 to 2024, the band released their debut album last year, produced by industry notables like Sam Miller (5 Seconds of Summer, Christina Aguilera, One Direction), Peter Hutchings (Adele, Royal Blood, Gang Of Youths), and Grammy winner Adrian Bushby(Foo Fighters, MUSE, Dashboard Confessional). Electric Enemy has achieved notable chart success, reaching No.1 and No.3 on European iTunes Rock Charts, and spending eight weeks in Germany’s top radio rock charts. Their single “All for You” topped TikTok‘s GSA Rock Playlist, and they have seen solid support from U.K.’s Planet Rock and Radio X, with features on the Radio 1 Rock Show. Jim Lawton, besides leading the band, is a prolific songwriter for Universal, Sony, and various indie labels, working with artists like Example and Todd Edwards. Electric Enemy supported Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains across Europe, and their U.K. headline tours in 2023 and 2024 were sold out. Discover their musical brilliance with “Harder Than It Should Be,” HERE, which is taken from The Dark EP. For signing, licensing, sync, and booking opportunities pertaining to Electric Enemy, please contact Sinead Buckley at sinead@palmislandmusic.com.
YNYS
Bilingual Welsh alt-pop group Ynys recently released their second album Dosbarth Nos via Libertino Records. This album follows their 2023 Welsh Music Prize-shortlisted debut and features the new single “Shindig.” The single, notable for its surreal and humorous lyrics, reflects a blend of influences from Sparks and Talking Heads. Dylan Hughes, the band’s lead singer, mentions that the title “Shindig” was inspired by a Shindig! Magazine that had been on his piano stand for months. Dosbarth Nos showcases Ynys’ evolution, capturing the energy of their live performances and blending Welsh and English lyrics in a collection of dynamic and adventurous tracks. The album, recorded live over four days at Mwnci Studios, marks a confident and intentional creative milestone for the band. Most of the songs were written in a mix of Welsh and English, starting as short piano experiments in Hughes’ Aberystwyth home. Experience the music video for “Shindig” HERE, and for all inquiries relating to Ynys, contact Ellie Ball at ellie@someonegreatpr.com.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, August 11th, 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:
THE VICES – “Strange Again” (Mattan Records, Holland)
DELIGHTS – “Two Times Over” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
LIME CORDIALE – “Cold Treatment” (Chugg Music, Australia)
LEONIDEN – “Never Never” (Universal Music, Germany)
HINDS – “Boom Boom Back” Featuring Beck (Lucky Number, Spain)
GOOD NEIGHBOURS – “Keep It Up” (Some Action/Virgin, U.K.)
MIDDLE KIDS – “Your Side Forever” (EMI, Australia)
MATTHEW MOLE – “Okay” (Universal Music, South Africa)
STONE – “My Thoughts Go” (Polydor, U.K.)
ACROBVT – “Can’t Put You Down” (Unsigned, U.K.)
RADIO FREE ALICE – “2010” (Double Drummer, Australia)
SMITH & THELL – “UFO” (Playground Music, Sweden)
PAPA JUPE’S T.C. – “Milgi” (419 Records, U.K.)
BECCA SWAN – “No Regrets” (Unsigned, N. America)
SELFISH SONS – “Backseat Drive” (Unsigned, Australia)
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE – “Living In The Moment” (Unsigned, N. America)
RHETT REPKO – “Born For Love” (Unsigned, N. America)
DOTAN – “Louder” (7 Layers Music, Holland)
CORELLA – “I Didn’t Know Your Name” (Corella Music, U.K.)
CHAPEL OF ROSES – “It’s Not Nothing” (Unsigned, N. America)
ROYAL REPUBLIC – “Ain’t Got Time” (Universal Music, Sweden)
WEDA MAUVE – “(Still On) Repeat” (Unsigned, Indonesia)
FEVER – “Why Can’t You Hear Me?” (Unsigned, U.K.)
PICTURE THIS – “On Your Side” (RCA, Ireland)
DOLORES FOREVER – “Go Fast Go Slow” (Sweat Entertainment, U.K.)
BRIMHEIM – “Dancing in the Rubble” (TAMBOURHINOCEROS, Germany)
IAMJJ – “Extra Spicy Noodles” (Mermaid, Denmark)
THE DREAM MACHINE – “Cindy’s Eyes” (Unsigned, U.K.)
MONOTRONIC – “Sun Song” (Unsigned, N. America)
MASI MASI – “She’s Coming Through My Window” (P.I.M.P., U.K.)
GLASS CITIES – “Kennedy” (Unsigned, N. America)
DIYA – “Blow The Blue Away” (Unsigned, U.K.)
ELECTRIC ENEMY – “The Dark” (Red Sun Records, U.K.)
BRICE KENDALL – “The Birdhouse” (Unsigned, N. America)
LIZ PHAIR SIGNS TO WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC: Warner Chappell Music has announced a global administration agreement with renowned singer-songwriter Liz Phair. This new deal covers the entirety of Phair’s music catalog, featuring her more well-known tracks such as “Why Can’t I?,” “Supernova,” and “Never Said.” Originally from New Haven, Connecticut, and later based in Chicago, Phair began her journey in music after completing her studies at Oberlin College in San Francisco and then self-releasing her cassettes which caught the attention of Matador Records. Phair followed this with the release of her 1993 debut album, Exile in Guyville. Furthermore, Phair continued to release subsequent albums like Whip-Smart and Whitechocolatespaceegg, both of which received Grammy nominations. Phair has also sold over five million records globally and her most recent album, Soberish, was released in 2021. In addition to her music career, Phair has penned a memoir titled Horror Stories and contributed to television writing. Greg Sowders, Sr. Vice President, A&R Catalog, Warner Chappell Music tells A&R Worldwide, “Liz’s songs and records changed the way songwriters and artists wrote and recorded in the ’90s. She single-handedly helped forge the alternative music genre, and her work is more relevant today than it was when she first changed all the rules. There are many more great things in store for Liz and her career as she takes on this next chapter.”
ANDY DANIELL REJOINS DEFECTED AS DIRECTOR OF MUSIC: Andy Daniell has made his return to Defected Records in the role of Director of Music. Daniell will oversee all the label’s musical projects and will report directly to Wez Saunders, CEO. Daniell first joined Defected in 2004 and progressed from an intern and resident DJ to A&R Manager by 2019. During his tenure, he was instrumental in securing hits such as Storm Queen‘s “Look Right Through” and CamelPhat & Elderbrook‘s Grammy-nominated “Cola.” After leaving Defected in 2019, Daniell took on a leadership role at Warner’s FFRR dance imprint within Parlophone. There, he was pivotal in signing Diplo and spearheading campaigns for artists like David Guetta, Bebe Rexha, and Kenya Grace. In addition, Daniell has a respectable track record with three U.K. No.1 singles and six Grammy-nominated songs. In his revamped role at Defected, Daniell will manage the label’s extensive portfolio, which includes twenty-six labels such as Glitterbox, D4 DANCE, DFTD, Classic Music Company, and oversee Defected Music’s publishing division.
BEATCHAIN & RADIO CITY INDIA SET TO LAUNCH NEW ARTIST PLATFORM: Beatchain has joined forces with Radio City India to launch an initiative aimed at elevating Indian artists on a global scale. The partnership will roll out Muzartdisco, a platform designed to give independent Indian musicians from any genre a new tool for music release and promotion. Their white-label technology aims to provide customizable digital spaces for music companies and labels, offering a comprehensive suite of services for music distribution, promotion, and monetization, while ensuring artists retain their rights and gain detailed insights into their music’s performance via a personal dashboard. These digital spaces, or ‘arenas,’ present artists with opportunities such as studio sessions, mentorships, collaborations with well-known artists, and photoshoots. They aim to benefit labels by providing a streamlined filtering system that will help them curate talent that fits their specific goals and niche. Also, Beatchain will cater to Indian artists through its collaboration with Radio City India, an FM radio platform which has been around for 25 years and maintains a weekly audience of over 69 million across 39 cities and is a leading station in major cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. Furthermore, Muzartdisco users will also have the chance to gain substantial exposure through Radio City India’s offerings, including a national radio campaign, social media features, an artist of the month spotlight, and a nomination for the Radio City Freedom Awards.
SENTRIC SIGNS ADMIN & JV DEAL WITH COOKING VINYL PUBLISHING: Sentric has announced its signing of an admin agreement and joint venture with Cooking Vinyl Publishing. Cooking Vinyl Publishing, known for its artist services and global reach, represents numerous songwriters and artists, with a special emphasis on creative development and synchronization licensing. Their roster features names such as Avelino, Shed Seven, July Jones, The Waterboys, Her’s, Skerryvore, The Rifles, Isobel Campbell, and The Orb, along with songwriters like Jacob Attwooll, Robbie Jay, and Matty Benbrook. With a catalog of around 8,000 titles, Cooking Vinyl Publishing has a collection of songs from artists including Paolo Nutini, Dido, Imanbek, TXT, Aitch, Flawes, BTS, Coldabank, NCT 127, NCT Dream, B Young, Cadet, Wretch 32, Jack Savoretti, and Internet Money. This new partnership with Sentric represents a shift for Cooking Vinyl, which has traditionally relied on a network of sub-publishing agreements worldwide. The new administration deal will allow Cooking Vinyl’s clients to benefit from Sentric’s advanced royalty management system, providing more streamlined and transparent quarterly reporting, as well as access to Sentric’s sync team. The joint venture between both companies will cover a broad spectrum of activities, including signings, creative development, funding, and synchronization opportunities. Chris Meehan, CEO, Sentric, said, “Myself and the whole team are delighted to be able to sign this deal with Ryan [Farley] and the team at Cooking Vinyl. They have such an established reputation in the independent sector, and we are excited to bolster their A&R ability and current catalog with Sentric’s tech and people.”
BELIEVE FULLY ACQUIRES DOĞAN MUSIC COMPANY: Believe has completed the acquisition of Doğan Music Company, which is recognized as Turkey’s leading independent label. Initially, Believe entered into an agreement with DMC in 2020, securing a 60% majority stake in the label for €18.8 million (Euros), minus €1.6 million in cash. This acquisition included integrating Doğan Müzik Yapım ve Ticaret A.Ş. and Netd Müzik Video Dijital Platform ve Ticaret A.Ş. into the Believe portfolio. On August 6th Believe announced that it has now finalized a deal with the Doğan Group to acquire the remaining 40% of DMC for €38.3 million (approximately $41.8 million USD). This transaction is pending approval from the competition regulator. The purchase of Istanbul-based DMC is part of Believe’s broader strategy of expansion. Last month, the company also acquired a 25% stake in Global Records, a major independent music entity headquartered in Bucharest with additional offices in the U.S. and Germany. Global Records is known as the largest independent music company in Central and Eastern Europe. This move follows the announcement on June 24th that a consortium including EQT X, TCV, and Believe’s Founder & CEO Denis Ladegaillerie now holds a majority of Believe’s share capital. As of July 15th, this consortium owns 96.02% of Believe’s shares.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC STRIKES AGREEMENT WITH AI STARTUP PRORATA: Universal Music Group has entered into a strategic partnership with ProRata, a brand-new AI startup. ProRata.ai has created technology designed to enable generative AI platforms to precisely attribute and distribute revenues to content creators on a per-use basis. This innovation could impact how revenue is shared within the AI industry. As reported by Axios, ProRata has secured $25 (USD) million in Series A funding to advance its technology, which is backed by several pending patents. Early investors in ProRata include Revolution Ventures, Prime Movers Lab, Mayfield, and the technology incubator Idealab Studio. Bill Gross, known for his invention of pay-per-click advertising, will lead ProRata as its CEO. The company is also set to unveil a new ‘subscription AI chatbot’ later this year, which will demonstrate its attribution technology. ProRata plans to share the revenue from this chatbot with its content partners. Universal Music Group is among the first media companies to license its content to ProRata, joining other organizations such as The Financial Times, Axel Springer, The Atlantic, and Fortune. According to ProRata’s press release, their technology evaluates AI-generated content, assesses the value of the original contributions, and calculates proportional payments. This system provides fractional attribution, ensuring that copyright holders are credited and compensated for their content used in AI outputs. ProRata’s CEO also intends to license the startup’s large language model to major AI platforms like Anthropic and OpenAI, addressing the current gap in content attribution for these systems. Commenting on UMG’s partnership with ProRata, Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group, said, “We are encouraged to see new entrepreneurial innovation set into motion in the Generative AI space guided by objectives that align with our own vision of how this revolutionary technology can be used ethically and positively while rewarding human creativity.”
KEY EXECUTIVES PROMOTED AT CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP: Universal Music Group‘s Capitol Christian Music Group (Capitol CMG) has announced the promotion of three seasoned executives to senior vice president positions. Emily Dashiell is now the Senior Vice President of Commercial Partnerships. In this role, Dashiell will oversee revenue strategies across Capitol CMG’s portfolio, continuing her work with digital service providers and guiding the company’s approach to global distribution, eCommerce, catalog marketing, and streaming. Dashiell, who joined Capitol CMG in 2015, previously served as VP of Marketing & Commercial Partnerships and was key to the success of artists like NF, Anne Wilson, and TobyMac. Jeff Gunkel has been promoted to Sr. Vice President of Market Development. He will be responsible for market expansion, digital rights management, and overseeing Re:Think Records, which he helped re-launch in 2018. Gunkel has been with Capitol CMG since 2004, initially working in CCMG Publishing before moving into his new role. Carlos Monnaco steps into the role of Senior Vice President of Finance. His responsibilities will now include financial planning, royalty accounting, and IT management. Monnaco, who has been with Capitol CMG for 18 years, previously served as VP of Finance and has a background with The Walt Disney Company, NBC Universal, and EMI Music. Capitol CMG, formerly known as EMI Christian Music Group, encompasses a broad range of divisions including CCMG Label Group, Sparrow Records, ForeFront Records, Hillsong, and others, continuing its legacy of influential Christian and Gospel music.
SAMMY SOSO SIGNS NEW DEAL WITH CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING: Sammy SoSo has entered into a new global agreement with Concord Music Publishing, encompassing both his existing catalog and future creations. Soso was behind the song “Water” by Tyla, who is also under Concord’s publishing umbrella. “Water” has earned Platinum certifications in the U.K., double Platinum status in the U.S. and South Africa, and triple Platinum in Australia. It also secured the first-ever Grammy for Best African Performance. Sammy SoSo was instrumental in co-writing and producing ten tracks on Tyla’s debut album, a collaboration made possible through Concord’s A&R team, led by Kim Frankiewicz, Executive Vice President Worldwide A&R. His portfolio includes collaborations with artists such as Kali Uchis, Wizkid, Headie One, Nija Charles, Stargate, Ali Tamposi, Blake Slatkin, and FNZ. Kim Frankiewicz commented, “We have been on the most incredible journey with Sammy so far! To see the success, he has enjoyed with Tyla has been an incredible moment for us as their publisher! For the team and I, this is what it is all about – connecting great songwriters with great artists and making music that leaves a legacy. Congrats, Sammy!”
ALCOPOP! RECORDS REVEAL SIGNING OF AI ACT KLEM KOLECTIV: Jack Clothier from Alcopop! Records has announced that the label is delving into the realm of artificial intelligence with the signing of the AI music project KLEM Kolectiv. This move makes Alcopop! Records the first independent U.K. label to sign an AI-driven act. The KLEM Kolectiv, which is also signed to the Irish indie label Strange Brew, first gained attention with their debut single, “Cyberstalkin’ Queen,” released independently on SoundCloud in June and amassing over a million streams. Their upcoming single, “Oppenheimer,” featuring vocalist Day-V, is set for a digital release on September 20th, accompanied by a special limited-edition NFT physical release through Alcopop! Records. KLEM Kolectiv has committed to donating all music proceeds to Orquesta Juvenil Del Sodre Uruguay and aims to explore and document the effects of AI on music and art. Furthermore, the group is scheduled to perform at the Output Music Conference in Belfast on November 12.
WARNER MUSIC GROUP’S QUARTERLY PROFITS UP: Warner Music Group‘s shares climbed 6% last Wednesday following the company’s report for the third fiscal quarter. The rise was fueled by growth in streaming revenue and reduced costs, which helped mitigate declines in merchandise and physical music sales. The company saw its quarterly net profit increase 14%, reaching $141 million (USD) compared to $124 million in the same period last year. However, overall revenue slightly dropped by 1%, totaling $1.554 billion versus $1.564 billion the previous year. This decrease was attributed to the end of BMG’s distribution deal and a challenging comparison with the prior year, which had included a $7 million boost from the Copyright Royalty Board‘s Phonorecords III ruling. Digital and streaming revenues showed growth with digital revenue up 4.7% and streaming revenue rising 5.5%. Subscription revenue also saw a 7% increase. Specifically, streaming revenue from recorded music grew by 5.0%, while music publishing streaming revenue increased by 7.9%. WMG’s operating income rose 10% to $207 million, up from $189 million in the same quarter last year. Adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA), which provides a measure of profitability over time, increased by 6% to $316 million from $297 million. Revenue from the recorded music division decreased by 2%, falling to $1.251 billion from $1.282 billion. This drop was partly due to the loss of BMG as a client, resulting in $26 million less revenue, and a $3 million decrease due to a renewal with one of WMG’s digital partners. BMG began ending its distribution agreement with WMG’s ADA last September to handle its 80 billion-stream digital business internally. Physical music revenue declined by 4.8%, impacted by release schedules and a tough comparison with the previous year. Artist services and expanded-rights revenue fell by 27.1%, primarily due to reduced merchandising income. Conversely, revenue from WMG’s music publishing division grew by 8%, reaching $305 million compared to $283 million in the same quarter last year.
DOWNTOWN MUSIC PUBLISHING STRIKES DEAL WITH DOUBLE P RECORDS: Downtown Music Publishing has unveiled a global publishing deal with Double P Records, the label and publishing venture established by George Prajin and Peso Pluma. Under this new agreement, Downtown will oversee global administration and sync placement for Double P Records’ current and upcoming projects, including Peso Pluma’s own publishing ventures. This includes his recent double album, ÉXODO, which has achieved over 86 million Spotify streams since its June 2024 release and debuted at No.5 on the Billboard 200. Double P Records, launched in April 2023 in partnership with Prajin Parlay Inc, features some of the most prominent names in Música Mexicana, including Peso Pluma, Jasiel Nunez, Estevan Plazola, and Jesús Roberto Laija García, who is also represented by Prajin Music Publishing. Peso Pluma, with over 52 million monthly Spotify listeners, is a trailblazer in reviving Corridos – a genre that fuses traditional Mexican Corridos with modern Trap, Hip-Hop, and Reggaeton influences. His latest album, ÉXODO, set new records with over 29 million streams within the first 24 hours and became the highest first-day streamed album on Apple Music. His previous album, GÉNESIS, earned him a Grammy win for Best Música Mexicana Album in 2024. Peso Pluma’s music has seen sync placements, including a recent feature on Apple TV for the League Cup. This deal comes on the heels of Downtown Music Publishing’s growing influence in Latin music and Música Mexicana, following over 30 Latin Grammy nominations for its clients in 2023, including Best Tejano Album and Best Engineered Album.
BMG APPOINTS JENN DOBBINS TO SENIOR VP, RIGHTS & ROYALTIES: BMG has announced the appointment of Jenn Dobbins as Sr. Vice President of Rights & Royalties. Dobbins will be based at BMG’s Copyright & Royalties office in Nashville, where she will oversee both Copyright and Recorded Music Administration. She will report to Eric Scott, Executive Vice President of Rights Administration & Royalty Services. Before joining BMG, Dobbins was at the forefront of asset operations for JKBX (Jukebox), an online music royalties trading platform, and served as Director of Royalties at Exactuals. A native of Canada, Dobbins brings 18 years of experience in royalty management, having worked in both Toronto and Nashville. Her career spans roles in processing payments for artists, joint ventures, mechanical royalties, and writer royalties for record labels, publishers, and music distributors. Dobbins began her career in copyright and licensing at Sony Music Entertainment, and later moved into royalties management. She joined Big Machine Label Group in 2015, where she advanced to Director of Royalty Accounting and Income Analysis before leaving in 2021.
IMPEL GOES GLOBAL WITH AMRA DEAL FOR APAC AND BRAZIL: IMPEL‘s global licensing network now encompasses every continent, having recently entered into a new licensing and administration agreement with AMRA for the Asia Pacific region, which includes Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and Brazil. AMRA, the sole global platform specializing in digital music licensing and administration, employs a direct approach to managing digital rights. Their platform is engineered to enhance operational efficiency, optimize royalty revenue, and ensure transparency. The new partnership allows IMPEL to tap into markets that have experienced significant streaming growth, delivering the benefits of online licensing—such as increased revenue, efficiency, and transparency to its members. This agreement further expands IMPEL’s global footprint, complementing its existing partnerships with SACEM (covering Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent), LatinAutor (Latin America), and CMRRA (North America). IMPEL’s reach extends globally, with its membership representing fifty-seven independent publishers across fourteen regions, including Reservoir Media, Beggars Music, Bucks Music, CTM, Reach Music, NexTone, Kassner Music, TRO Essex, Just Isn’t Music, and Mute Song. In addition, the organization manages music from some of the biggest global artists, including Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Dua Lipa, David Bowie, Ray Charles, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Calvin Harris, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra, among others.
JESSICA ROFFE JOINS SOUNDEXCHANGE INDUSTRY RELATIONS TEAM: SoundExchange has welcomed Jessica Roffe as an Associate Director within their Industry Relations team. Roffe, a seasoned professional with experience in artist relations, brand marketing, TV and film production, and royalty distribution, brings a rich background from her roles at MTV, MTV Tr3s, BMI, NBCUniversal/Telemundo, HBO‘s A Tiny Audience, and her own venture, AsUWISH Productions. Based in Miami, Roffe will be under the leadership of Doug Cohn, Vice President of Artist & Label Relations. SoundExchange is known for leveraging technology, data, and advocacy to create a fairer and more efficient system. As the sole organization authorized by the U.S. government to manage the Section 114 sound recording license, SoundExchange manages the collection and distribution of digital performance royalties for over 700,000 music creators. With its innovative tech solutions, SoundExchange has disbursed more than $11 billion (USD) in royalties to date.
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: Scott Cutler, Bob Bowen, Jay Mehta, Ben Mortimer, Robin Jenssen; Charlie Lycett, Sarah Lorentzen, Mamie Coleman, Amarjit Batra, Josh Javor, Mike Daly, Evan Lipschutz, Darcus Beese, and Jessica Brandt.
Share this:
