A&R Worldwide Newsletter Vol. 855

MUSEXPO 2025 UNVEILS FIRST ROUND OF
SPEAKERS FOR ITS 25TH GLOBAL EDITION

MUSEXPO “The United Nations of Music” (www.musexpo.net), the pioneering global music business conference renowned for its transformative impact on the industry, has unveiled its landmark 25th edition will take place March 16 – 19, 2025, in Burbank, California. Marking a quarter-century of influence, MUSEXPO 2025 will celebrate its storied history, spanning three continents, and highlighting the future evolution of the music business landscape.

MUSEXPO will also return with its esteemed “International Music Industry Awards” (which originally launched back in 2012) in association with A&R Worldwide and will recognize the contributions of some of the most influential executives and creatives across key sectors of the global music business in association with Visit Burbank and City of Burbank “The Media Capital of The World” during the private VIP Gala Dinner presentations.

In addition, the annual Seymour Stein “Global A&R Award,” will be bestowed upon legendary artist and repertoire executive Michael Goldstone, Founder & Co-Owner, Mom+Pop Music, and the “Lifetime Achievement Award” will be presented to one of the world’s most influential manager of producers and songwriters Mark Beaven, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Advanced Alternative Media, Inc. (AAM, Inc.) as announced in Billboard recently. The “International Music Person of the Year” honoree will be announced in the coming weeks and will be the first person from South Asia to receive this prestigious accolade. MUSEXPO will also feature its popular Global Sync Summit, and A&R Summit, as a part of its overall 2025 event program.

The event has just unveiled its first round of influential executives, creatives, and companies that will participate at the special 25th edition of what is one of the world’s most inspiring, influential, and impactful global music business and showcase events, which still to this day has remained independently organized by A&R Worldwide. More speakers from the U.S., and around the world have solidified their participation and will be unveiled in the next few weeks.

MUSEXPO 2025 will look to deliver an unparalleled overview of the global music business from A&R, publishing, digital, AI, streaming, brands, sync, live, management, distribution, multi-media, technology, marketing, radio, and much more, in an intimate networking experience that its flagship event is world renowned for, while also delving more deeply into the most important aspect of our global music business – the songs and the artists.

The event will take place at the inspiring Castaway venue in Burbank, for an ultimate networking, creative and business experience. Castaway is one of Southern California’s most provocative and exciting special events properties and upscale restaurants, featuring breathtaking views and a renewed positive energy and vibe, ready to deliver a world-class experience to 2025’s attendees.

Registration is now open to attend MUSEXPO 2025 at www.musexpo.net.

For information on artist submissions, event partnerships, and sponsorship opportunities contact Sat Bisla at sat@anrworldwide.com.

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has announced updates to its European A&R team, featuring two promotions in the Nordics and a new appointment in Germany. In the Nordics, Marion Skogseth has been elevated to A&R Manager, and Leslie Tay has advanced to Senior A&R Manager. Additionally, Jost Kaiser has rejoined the company as Head of A&R Dance International.

Marion Skogseth will work under the leadership of Petter Walther Walthinsen, Head of A&R Norway, while Leslie Tay will report to Lars Karlsson, Managing Director of WCM Scandinavia. Jost Kaiser will be reporting to Natascha Augustin, Managing Director of WCM Germany, as well as Shani Gonzales, Head of International A&R, WCM.

Leslie Tay, based in Sweden, has been with Warner Chappell since 2022. His efforts have earned him a nomination for “A&R Publisher of the Year” at the MMF Sweden Awards this year. Tay has played a crucial role in signing artists such as Bolaget and Monza and has contributed to the success of the joint venture with Lilly Raye Music, fostering creative collaborations across the Nordics, U.S. U.K., and Asia.

Marion Skogseth, who operates out of Norway, joined Warner Chappell’s A&R team in early 2021 after completing an internship with the company. She has been instrumental in signing and working with artists like Moyka and Skaar, and recently signed local producer Andreas Bache Wiig, known for holding the record for the most streamed song within 24 hours on Spotify in Norway with Ramón’s track “Ok, Jeg Lover.”

Jost Kaiser, now based in Berlin, returns to Warner Chappell after a previous tenure from 2020 to 2022. During his initial time with the company, he contributed to signing artists like Ayliva and Bipolar (Sira and Southstar). Afterward, Kaiser moved to Stefan Dabruck Management as Senior Creative & Repertoire Manager, where he made an impact on the careers of dance artists such as Bennett, Hugel, Marten Lou, and Robin Schulz.

Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall, co-chairs of Warner Chappell Music, stated, “Marion and Leslie are brilliant members of the team, and we are happy to have Jost returning to us. We are delighted to be strengthening our A&R teams in such an exciting time for music across Europe and for us as a company at Warner Chappell Music.”

 

 

Universal Music Group has unveiled Def Jam Recordings Sweden, under the leadership of Mattias Caliste, who previously helmed Virgin Music Sweden. The new label is set to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Def Jam Recordings, which is marking its 40th anniversary this year.

According to the latest Music in the EU report by IFPI, Sweden ranked as the 10th largest global exporter of Top 10 hits in 2023. The recorded music sector in Sweden saw a 6.1% year-on-year revenue increase last year. The introduction of Def Jam Recordings Sweden, timed with the original Def Jam label’s milestone anniversary, represents the latest expansion of the Def Jam brand into new global markets. The Def Jam brand is already established in the U.K. with 0207 Def Jam, which debuted in 2020. Similarly, Def Jam Africa, which launched in May 2020, initially expanded into French-speaking African countries including Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Cameroon. Earlier this year, Universal Music France forged an alliance with producer Binetou Sylla of the independent label Wèrè Wèrè Music. This collaboration aims to lead Def Jam Africa’s efforts in French-speaking African markets.

In 2019, Def Jam expanded into Southeast Asia, and in 2022, it made its debut in India and South Asia with Def Jam India. The Indian branch has recently achieved notable success with Hanumankind‘s track “Big Dawgs,” which has topped both U.S. and global Spotify charts.

Mattias Caliste, Head of Def Jam Recordings Sweden said, “It is a great honor for me to start up Def Jam Recordings in Sweden. Def Jam raised me! I grew up on artists like Public Enemy, EPMD, LL Cool J, Redman & Method Man, Warren G, and many others who all released some of their most outstanding albums under Def Jam. The label has a legacy that is incredibly important for hip hop as both a genre and a subculture.”

Def Jam Recordings Sweden will launch with a roster featuring established names and emerging talents, including Asme, Sarettii, Sebastian Stakset, and Zikai. The Swedish team, led by Caliste and supported by Hamid Jamshidi and Hermon Alemseghed, will benefit from UMG’s extensive regional and global networks.

Caliste brings a rich background as an artist with Fjärde Världen and as a producer and founder of Stadsbild. Def Jam Recordings, a trailblazer in hip-hop since its inception, has a storied history with artists like LL Cool J, Slick Rick, and The Beastie Boys, and has continued to represent major acts such as Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Big Sean. The label is currently headed by Tunji Balogun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

 

Concord Label Group recently announced the merger of Concord Records and Fantasy Records. The unified brand will continue under the name Concord Records, featuring a newly designed logo that blends fresh elements with nods to the legacy of both labels. Margi Cheske and Mark Williams will co-preside over the rebranded Concord Records, maintaining their focus on an array of artists and genres. Both executives are based in Los Angeles and will report to Tom Becci, Chief Executive of Concord Label Group.

The merger honors the long-standing reputations of both Concord and Fantasy Records, known for their dedication to a wide range of music. Concord Records will carry forward this tradition by cultivating innovative artists like Allison Russell, Daffo, John Vincent III, and Matt Berninger, while also celebrating established artists such as Esperanza Spalding, Lindsey Stirling, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Taking Back Sunday, Seether, The Offspring, and Thirty Seconds to Mars.

Tom Becci, stated, “In a music landscape where radical change has become the norm, it is vital that labels position themselves to manage complex challenges deftly. This merger allows Concord to best utilize our global platform while maintaining the boutique level of service artists have come to expect. I know Mark and Margi share this notion, and their combined resources, alongside their complementary skill sets, will be a real benefit to the artists we serve.”

Margi Cheske added, “This merger will allow us to better maximize our resources in service of those visions. This means a much more global, interconnected approach—allowing us, in concert with our incredible roster of artists, to bring their music to audiences around the world.”

 

Glass Cities, a dynamic three-piece alternative band from Miami, Florida, has been making waves in the music scene since their formation in 2023. Led by vocalist/guitarist Luis Salazar, with Sam Ross on bass and Omar Gonzalez on drums, the band blends a variety of influences ranging from twenty one pilots, Foals, Paramore to Phoenix. Their genre-defying sound breaks boundaries, drawing on diverse cultures and musical styles. Featured on major Vevo playlists like Vevo DSCVR Alternative and Indie Rock Discovery, the band has built an impressive profile. Their new single “Rescue” follows the success of “Kennedy,” which garnered global radio play across the U.S., Canada, Australia, Germany, Peru, India, South Africa, and various other countries on the globally syndicated Passport Approved radio show (which broadcasts on almost 60 radio stations worldwide – reaching millions of weekly listeners), and influential Spotify placements. Take the time to get familiar with Glass Cities, one of the most talented unsigned and unpublished bands in the U.S., and listen to their brand new song “Rescue” HERE. For global sync, label, or live opportunities, contact David Parnes at David@T-Presents.com.

 

 

 

PAUL OAKENFOLD SIGNS TO KASSNER MUSIC: Kassner Music has announced that it has acquired the publishing catalog of legendary DJ, producer, and artist Paul Oakenfold. Known as a pioneering force in the international DJ scene, Oakenfold has worked with high-profile artists like Happy Mondays, Madonna, and U2. Oakenfold was also instrumental in popularizing underground club music on a global scale and crafting contemporary electronic soundtracks for blockbuster films and video games. Oakenfold’s journey began in South London, where he honed his skills as a groove DJ in Covent Garden while also working as an A&R for labels like Def Jam and Champion Records in the U.K. whose founder Mel Medalie (a close friend and mentor to Max Martin‘s manager Martin Dodd and A&R Worldwide Founder Sat Bisla) gave Oakenfold his first A&R job. There, he contributed to releases from Public Enemy, Salt ‘n Pepa, and the Beastie Boys. His early success as a producer was marked by his work on Happy Mondays album Pills, Thrills, ‘N Bellyaches, which achieved Platinum status and included singles like “Loose Fit” and “Bob’s Yer Uncle.” The success of this album opened doors for Oakenfold, leading him to remix tracks for acts like U2, The Cure, and the Rolling Stones. He also founded Perfecto Records, which quickly became a leading name in dance music during the nineties. One of the label’s standout releases was Grace‘s “Not Over Yet,” which garnered success in the U.K. and across Europe. Oakenfold’s versatility expanded as he began composing for film and television, contributing to soundtracks for films such as Swordfish, The Bourne Identity, Collateral, and The Matrix: Reloaded. He also co-wrote the “Big Brother U.K. TV Theme,” which charted at No.4 in the U.K. and remains a staple of the show. In 2002, Oakenfold released his debut studio album Bunkka, featuring the single “Starry Eyed Surprise” with Shifty Shellshock, which achieved notable chart success in the U.K. and internationally. His subsequent album, A Lively Mind (2006), continued this success with the U.K. Top 10 hit “Faster Kill Pussycat,” featuring Brittany Murphy. In addition, Oakenfold’s collaboration with Madonna resulted in the global hit “Celebration” in 2009, which topped charts worldwide and was nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best Dance Recording.”

 

WARNER MUSIC KOREA LAUNCHES MPLIFY LABEL: Warner Music Korea has introduced MPLIFY, a new label designed to bolster Korean artists aiming for international success. Focusing on English-language tracks, MPLIFY is set to assist these artists in reaching global audiences. The label’s inaugural signing is Olivia Marsh, a Korean-Australian singer-songwriter, whose debut single is scheduled for release on digital streaming platforms in October. Olivia draws inspiration from a diverse array of artists, including ABBA, John Denver, Tame Impala, and Vera Blue, and blends pop and R&B to create an enchanting musical experience. She honed her skills at the University of Melbourne, where she studied Interactive Composition and collaborated with various producers and songwriters in the K-pop scene. Samuel Ku, who serves as the executive producer at Warner Music Korea, will lead MPLIFY. With more than 15 years of experience in the music industry, Ku is a Korean/American producer, songwriter, and executive. Jonathan Serbin and Chris Gobalakrishna, co-Presidents of Warner Music Asia, said, “With the launch of MPLIFY, we are committed to nurturing a new generation of artists who reflect the richness of our global culture. We believe that music has the power to unite and inspire, and through MPLIFY, we are excited to provide a stage where unique voices can resonate with audiences around the world.”

 

RISING SINGER-SONGWRITER IAN HARRISON INKS GLOBAL DEAL: Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has signed a worldwide publishing deal with rising singer-songwriter Ian Harrison. The Ohio native recently released his four-track EP, Ways to Get on Out. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Ian Harrison was influenced by country and folk music, which shaped his unique sound and songwriting style. At age 18, he began his songwriting journey while attending college, until he got the chance to compete on NBC‘s The Voice, which premiered in 2022. Since then, Ian has been in Nashville, writing songs and honing his craft. Benji Amaefule, Manager, A&R, WCM Nashville said, “It is a pleasure to welcome Ian to the Warner Chappell family. His talent is off the charts, and his ability to craft compelling stories that are personal yet relatable to a wide audience is his superpower. Beyond that, he is the best human and cannot wait to work together to build the foundation of a music career that will reach folks around the country and the world!”

 

CHRISTIAN HAYES SIGNS WITH CAPITOL RECORDS: Christian Hayes has joined Capitol Records, with his debut EP Last I Love You set to release on September 20. This EP will feature his first three singles “Leaving,” “LILY,” and “Cheyenne” alongside two new tracks. Hayes, known for authentic songwriting, comes from a family rich in storytelling traditions, including his grandfather Jack, a professional poet who inspired Hayes with his first journal. Raised in Rome, Georgia, in the Appalachian foothills, Hayes started playing guitar at eight and later balanced his time between serving in the U.S. Navy Reserve and studying at the University of Alabama. Upon relocating to Nashville, Hayes immersed himself in songwriting, crafting over 900 songs. His debut single, “Leaving,” released in February 2024, is an upbeat track reflecting on youthful mistakes and escapism. This was followed by “LILY” in April, a song about the bittersweet end of a relationship that quickly went viral, accumulating over three million global streams. Also, Hayes’ July release, “Cheyenne,” explores themes of self-discovery and heartbreak. Recognized by Holler as one of the “New and Upcoming Country and Americana Artists You Need to Know,” Hayes is set to make his festival debut at AMERICANAFEST next week. In addition to his Capitol Records signing, Hayes has secured representation with William Morris Endeavor (WME) for booking, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) for publishing, Wildrose Projects for management, and Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy (FBMM) for business management.

 

VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP PARTNERS WITH MULTI-PLATINUM ARTIST KIP MOORE: Virgin Music Group (VMG),recently announced that they have partnered with multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Kip Moore for the next phase of his career. Moore also teased his first new song in almost two years and the first music under the new deal entitled “Live Here to Work,” which reunites him with co-producer Jaren Johnston (Keith Urban, Chris Shiflett, Darius Rucker). “Live Here to Work” will be released next Friday. Moore is in the midst of his marathon Nomad World Tour which resumes in arenas and stadiums later this month with a 14-show run in Australia, includes a return to South Africa where he performed to crowds of over 40,000 fans last year, and culminates with a string of dates in the U.S. this fall. “I have been a fan of Kip’s for years now,” said Jacqueline Saturn, President, Virgin Music Group North America, and Executive VP of Global Artist Relations. “His music’s universal themes transcend genre and appeal to a huge variety of music fans. Along with his music, his commitment to relentless touring has helped him build a powerful global fanbase. We know this next phase of his career is going to be amazing.” Hailed as “an uncompromising, genre-defying artist firing on all cylinders” (Vice/Noisey) and “one of country’s more thoughtful artists” (Billboard), multi-Platinum selling singer/songwriter Kip Moore has blazed his own trail and cemented his place as one of music’s most beloved artists. With over 1 billion streams and 2.5 million monthly listeners, he’s performed sold-out headline shows in stadiums around the world including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, The U.K., Europe, and the U.S., leading to a nomination for CMA’s “International Artist Achievement Award.”

 

JAMES FORD SIGNS TO UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP: Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has announced the signing of producer and songwriter James Ford. Ford recently celebrated a success with Fontaines DC‘s latest album, Romance, which marked their highest first-week sales and debuted at No. 2 in the U.K., just behind Sabrina Carpenter‘s chart-topping release. His roster of collaborations includes work with Arctic Monkeys, Depeche Mode, Foals, Florence + The Machine, Haim, Gorillaz, and Jessie Ware, among others. In addition to his production work, Ford launched his own artist project, The Hum, last year. His recent production credits also encompass albums with Blur, Pet Shop Boys, The Last Dinner Party, and Beth Gibbons. Ford’s musical journey includes touring as part of Simian Mobile Disco and performing with The Last Shadow Puppets, showcasing his versatility across various musical landscapes. Pete Simmons, Head of A&R, UMPG U.K., said, “It is not every day you get the opportunity to work with somebody as influential as James. He has been involved in quite literally all my favorite records over the past 15 years or so. From Gorillaz to the Arctic Monkeys, Florence and The Machine, all the way back to Simian Mobile Disco – one of the first things I ever ‘discovered’ as a teenager. I look forward to seeing what our creative ideas – and my collection of shorts – can add to his career.”

 

BEATPORT’S LABELRADAR LAUNCHES COLLABORATION PLATFORM ‘ARTIST NETWORK’: Beatport has introduced a new tool designed to enhance collaboration among musicians, named Artist Network. Launched earlier this month, this new feature leverages the capabilities of LabelRadar, a demo submission and music discovery platform that Beatport acquired in May 2022 and now integrates into its Music Services division. Artist Network aims to simplify the process of connecting with fellow artists who share similar creative goals. Through Artist Network, musicians can list their availability for collaboration, choose their preferred genres, countries, languages, and even specify their preferred digital audio workstation (DAW). This detailed profile allows artists to find and connect with potential collaborators who match their artistic needs and preferences. The platform supports various modes of collaboration, including remote, in-person, and hybrid options, breaking down geographical barriers and fostering creative partnerships. Beatport’s move to launch Artist Network addresses a challenge identified in recent research, which shows that 68% of artists struggle to find suitable collaborators. By facilitating these connections, Artist Network aims to help artists improve their creative projects, reach broader audiences, and advance their careers. This development builds on the collaboration between LabelRadar and Defected Records, which began last year. This partnership is designed to streamline the demo submission process for emerging artists, providing them with a direct pathway to present their work to Defected’s A&R team.

 

FABIO AGUILAR SIGNS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH POSITION MUSIC: Tyler Bacon, President & CEO, Position Music has announced a new global publishing agreement with Fabio Aguilar, in partnership with Grammy-winning producer Keanu Beats. This announcement comes on the heels of Aguilar achieving a BMI Hip-Hop Award on September 5th for his songwriting and co-production on “HOTEL LOBBY (Unc & Phew)” by Quavo and Takeoff. At just twenty-two, Aguilar is a versatile producer, beatmaker, loop specialist, and multi-instrumentalist. His journey began in late 2018 when he reached out to Keanu Beats via Instagram, leading to a productive collaboration. Since then, Aguilar has contributed to tracks by artists like Lil Baby, Jack Harlow, NLE Choppa, Roddy Ricch, Denzel Curry, and Logic, amassing over 1.3 billion streams collectively. “Position Music’s vision and approach align perfectly with what I see in Fabio,” says Keanu Beats. “He is an exceptional producer with a unique ability to cross genres effortlessly. I am confident that with Mike [Torres], Delmar [Powell], and Mark [Chipello]’s support, we will elevate his career to new heights and continue to create groundbreaking music together.” Mike Torres, A&R, Position Music added, “Fabio Aguilar is an exceptionally talented producer who has so much maturity and skill at such an early age. At just twenty-two, he has already had songs with a range of artists like Quavo, Jack Harlow, Kid LAROI, X Ambassadors, and many more. This is just the beginning for Fabio, and he is off to a nuclear start!”

 

COLTURE STRIKES PARTNERSHIP WITH SOULECTION CEO JOE KAY: COLTURE has announced a new collaboration with Joe Kay, the CEO & Founder of Soulection. Since its inception in 2018, COLTURE has built a reputation for partnering with top-tier artists like Brent Faiyaz, as well as major and independent record labels. The company also works with global brands such as Spotify, Apple, and Adidas. COLTURE was co-founded by Ty Baisden, who has long managed Brent Faiyaz. Joe Kay established Soulection in 2011, initially as an independent radio show, which has since evolved into a global collective featuring an independent label and the live event series, The Sound of Tomorrow. This series has achieved sell-out success at venues and festivals across six continents. Soulection also hosts a weekly two-hour radio show on Apple Music 1 every Sunday. Soulection’s roster has included artists and DJs like Monte Booker, Sango, Tay Iwar, ESTA., Phabo, and JAEL. The collective has been an early supporter of talents such as Brent Faiyaz, Snoh Aalegra, Bryson Tiller, Daniel Caesar, Smino, SiR, Thee Sacred Souls, and Alex Isley, among others. The partnership between COLTURE and Joe Kay will kick off with a series of events in New York, showcasing their collaborative efforts and shared vision for the music industry.

 

SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT VIETNAM PARTNERS WITH GREAT ENTERTAINMENT: Sony Music Entertainment Vietnam has announced an alliance with Great Entertainment, a music label in Vietnam. Through this partnership, Sony Music will take on the role of distributing and promoting both the catalog and upcoming releases of Great Entertainment’s artist lineup. Great Entertainment is home to several leading Vietnamese artists such as B Ray, Quân A.P, Masew, Khanh ICM, and Khoi Vu. The collaboration will see Sony Music supporting several major releases, including Masew’s upcoming album scheduled for October 2024 and new singles from Quân A.P expected in early 2025. In addition, B Ray will also be launching new music as part of this partnership. On the local front, Sony Music Vietnam’s roster includes notable names such as Duc Phuc, celebrated for winning the 2023 Green Wave Award for Top 10 Most Favorite Songs, and Hoàng Thùy Linh, who secured three major accolades, including “Artist of the Year,” at the 2023 Dedication Awards. Angela Pong, General Manager, Sony Music Entertainment Vietnam, said, “This partnership marks a significant milestone for Sony Music Entertainment Vietnam as we continue to support and elevate the incredible talent emerging from Vietnam’s vibrant music scene. We are excited to work closely with Great Entertainment and their talented roster to bring their music to even greater heights.”

 

AUDIUS FORGES GLOBAL LICENSING DEAL WITH KOBALT: Audius has unveiled a major global licensing partnership with Kobalt. This agreement opens up a fresh revenue channel for Kobalt’s songwriters, who will now benefit from Audius’s expansive music marketplace. This platform allows millions of engaged users to directly support their favorite artists through U.S. dollar transactions. Earlier this year, Audius also secured key agreements with leading performing rights organizations including ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR. “Audius has made important strides in their business that have the potential to increase the overall revenue available to songwriters by helping them connect meaningful ways directly with their most passionate fans,” stated Derek Cournoyer, Vice President, Global Digital Business & Emerging Media at Kobalt.

 

AMUSE HIRES DANIEL COPLESTON TO LAUNCH SYNC DEPARTMENT: Amuse has announced that it has expanded its offerings by introducing in-house sync services for its clients. The company, which serves the self-releasing and independent artist community, has appointed Daniel Copleston as its new head of synchronization. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Amuse is known for its digital distribution services and personalized artist support. The addition of sync services adds to its existing suite, which includes licensing, funding, revenue optimization, marketing, and publishing. Amuse has a catalog of over 8,000 recordings from more than 300 artists, including Yot Club, Emei, Stela Cole, Hotel Ugly, Mind’s Eye, Julie, Vundabar, and 80purppp. These artists retain full control over their masters and future releases. Daniel Copleston joins Amuse from PIAS, where he worked as the sync and brand partnerships manager, overseeing sync placements across TV, film, video games, and advertisements. His previous experience includes serving as the sync and licensing coordinator at Cooking Vinyl.

 

UMG INDIA LAUNCHES VEDAM RECORDS: Universal Music India (UMI) is entering into the wellness music industry with the introduction of its new label, Vedam Records. Launched on September 11th, Vedam Records aims to share the therapeutic benefits of traditional Indian music with a global audience. According to Universal’s announcement, the label is dedicated to integrating the principles of the Indian Vedic Wellness Systems into its offerings. Vedam Records will focus on five key areas which include, Yoga, Meditation, Focus, Sleep, and Chakra Balancing. To spearhead this initiative, the label has enlisted the expertise of composer Ricky Kej (who got his first label deal with Time Music India after being discovered by their COO at MUSEXPO in 2014) a three-time Grammy winner known for his work in music and wellness. The inaugural release from Vedam Records is Kej’s latest album, Break of Dawn, which is now available. Devraj Sanyal, Chairman & CEO, India & South Asia, and Sr. VP Strategy, AMEA (Africa, Middle East, Asia), Universal Music, said, “With the launch of Vedam Records, we are embarking on a transformative journey, focused on improving the effectiveness and accessibility to authentic wellness music worldwide, steeped in traditional Indian Vedic practices and calibrated to various aspects of your wellbeing.”

 

CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS ERIN KIRBY: Concord Music Publishing has announced a new global publishing agreement with Erin Kirby, a rising star in the Nashville country scene. This deal, which takes effect immediately, encompasses Kirby’s entire catalog as well as all future works, marking her first foray into a publishing contract. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Kirby began crafting her own songs at the age of 12. Influenced by vocalists such as James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Adele, and Luke Combs, she has garnered a steady rise of listeners. At just 20 years old, Kirby has already worked with leading producers and songwriters, earning titles such as John Maxwell‘s “Rising Star,” Jezebel Magazine‘s “Singer/Songwriter Atlanta,” and “Next Big Break” on The Bert Show. She has also performed at events like Motocross and Supercross, NBA and MLB games, and even halftime shows for the Atlanta Falcons. Kirby’s 2023 debut single “Boys These Days” introduced her to the country genre, followed by other releases like “Raised in A Barn” and “Redneck Rich.” Her viral TikTok duet with Kameron Marlowe on “I Can Lie (The Truth Is)” led to a featured performance at the Grand Ole Opry and recognition from Billboard as a “Must Hear New Country Song.” Melissa Spillman, VP A&R, Concord Music Publishing in Nashville, said, “The very first time I heard Erin’s voice on a work tape, I was all in. She has the kind of pure vocal and songwriting talent that is true to country music, and we are so excited to partner with her. I am eager for fans to discover the incredible human and artist Erin is, and I look forward to celebrating the many musical successes in her future.”

 

WISE MUSIC’S CAMPBELL CONNELLY SIGNS JOSEPHINE STEPHENSON: Campbell Connelly, now part of the Wise Music Group, has secured an exclusive songwriting contract with Josephine Stephenson. The agreement strengthens Stephenson’s ties with Wise Music Group, as her concert works are already published by Leduc through their Paris office. Stephenson, a French-British composer and performer, spans genres from contemporary classical to indie music. She has collaborated as an arranger and performer with artists such as Damon Albarn, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, and Daughter. Her concert pieces have been commissioned by major institutions like the BBC, Radio France, Wigmore Hall, and Kings Place. Additionally, they have been performed by ensembles including the London Sinfonietta, Aurora Orchestra, and Ensemble Intercontemporain, and broadcast on France Musique and BBC Radio 3. In 2023, she received an Ivor Novello award. Under her alias Juneson, Stephenson’s debut track was a collaboration with French singer-songwriter Laura Cahen, titled “Si Rien Ne Bouge,” produced by Mike Lindsay. Also, she co-wrote Cahen’s recent single, “Quitter La Ville.”

 

TUNED GLOBAL SIGNS UMG DEAL ON RECORDED MUSIC CATALOG: Tuned Global has secured a global licensing deal with Universal Music Group that encompasses their entire catalog of recorded music. This enhanced partnership will streamline the process for Tuned Global clients who want to integrate UMG’s artist catalog into their offerings. With this agreement, clients will benefit from both advanced technological solutions and comprehensive licensing support in a unified platform. The technology will also enable precise targeting of specific music repertoires. The collaboration will ensure that UMG’s sound recordings are licensed and delivered with high security while providing accurate usage reports and royalty management. This new agreement extends the companies’ existing relationship. Tuned Global already utilizes a direct content feed from UMG and operates their catalog on a cloud-based system, serving a broad range of global clients, digital service providers, and industries such as fitness, gaming, and medtech. James Healy, Sr. VP, digital strategy and business development, Universal Music Group, stated, “We are excited about the opportunities that will be created by this new global licensing agreement. In expanding our partnership with Tuned Global, we are pleased to now integrate the licensing of UMG’s catalog of recorded music into Tuned Global’s suite of technological solutions. This new way of working will help to enable ideas to be enhanced by UMG repertoire all over the world.”

 

WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC U.K. & DEFECTED RECORDS UNVEIL JOINT VENTURE: Warner Chappell Music U.K. (WCM U.K.), the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has teamed up with award-winning British dance label Defected Records to launch an exciting new joint venture. WCM U.K. will now exclusively administer the publishing roster and catalog of Defected Music. Established in 1999, Defected has evolved and adapted over time, and now resembles more of a music media group with the label as its epicenter. One of the longest-running independent labels of its kind, Defected continues to advocate for the cultural impact of house music in the U.K. and has built a solid foundation in its 25 years of existence. The label’s publishing arm Defected Music has recently enjoyed a number of big successes, including credits on Beyoncé‘s Renaissance album, and Elton John and Dua Lipa‘s “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix),” as well as successful tracks from Purple Disco Machine and John Summit, such as “Substitution,” “Where You Are,” and the Camelphat club classic “Cola.”

 

AUDIOMACK TEAMS UP WITH MOGUL FOR ROYALTY TRACKING FOR ITS CREATORS: Audiomack has teamed up with royalty management service Mogul to offer it’s half a million active creators a streamlined way to track and manage their royalties from Audiomack alongside other income sources. This new collaboration aims to provide independent artists with a more precise method for monitoring and collecting their royalties. Audiomack, with a user base of 30 million each month, allows artists to upload and share unlimited music for free. It offers various tools such as ‘Connect’ for fan interaction, ‘Supporters’ for financial contributions, ‘Premiere Access’ for rewards, and ‘Audiomod’ for live track editing. Mogul, founded by former SoundCloud for Artists leads Jeff Ponchick and Joey Mason, focuses on transparency in royalty tracking. Since its launch earlier this year, Mogul has tracked over $100 million (USD) in royalties and helped artists reclaim an additional $150 million from various music distributors and publishers. With the addition of Audiomack to its roster, Mogul now supports tracking from over one hundred music industry entities, including distributors, publishers, and PROs. This partnership is designed to help artists overcome challenges in earning sustainable income from their music, making Mogul’s comprehensive royalty tracking system accessible to all Audiomack users through the ‘Audiomack Monetization Program.’

 

DOWNTOWN MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS GLOBAL DEAL WITH PDU: Downtown Music Publishing (DMP) has announced a global music publishing agreement with PDU, the label and publishing entity founded by legendary Italian singer Mina. This partnership will see DMP manage global publishing administration and sync services for Mina’s catalog. Mina, with over 150 million records sold globally, has had a profound influence on music and culture. Known for her enduring appeal, she remains the only artist to have achieved a number-one hit on the Italian charts across seven consecutive decades. Although Mina has not performed publicly or made appearances for over 30 years, her music continues to resonate deeply with audiences. Under the new deal, Downtown Music Publishing will oversee Mina’s vast collection of work, including her imprint PDU’s catalog, which features more than 80 albums and 1,395 songs in a variety of languages such as Italian, English, Spanish, Neapolitan, French, German, Portuguese, Latin, Japanese, and Turkish. This catalog includes over 400 tracks from 1980 onward, as well as Mina’s upcoming album scheduled for release in November 2024. Mina is celebrated as the most successful female artist in Italian pop history, from her 1959 hit “Tintarella di Luna” to the 1998 album Mina Celentano, which remains the top-selling album in Italy’s history. Dubbed “The Greatest Singer in the World” by Louis Armstrong, Mina’s music has been covered and sampled by an array of artists, including Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, Elvis Costello, and Róisín Murphy, among others.

 

ARMADA MUSIC SIGNS LONG-TERM LABEL PARTNERSHIP WITH ARODES: Armada Music has entered into a long-term collaboration with DJ and producer Arodes. As part of this partnership, Armada will assist Arodes in developing his newly established label, Unreleased. Arodes, whose real name is Adrian Rodriguez, previously collaborated with Armada on a remix of Jan Blomqvist‘s “Destination Lost” and recently reworked Camelphat‘s “Turning Stones.” Under this new agreement, Armada Music will provide Arodes with comprehensive support, including A&R, label management, distribution, and promotional efforts for upcoming Unreleased releases. The partnership kicks off with the release of “Use Somebody,” a collaboration between Arodes and Redd. This track reimagines the 2008 Kings of Leon hit with a fresh blend of original vocals, piano melodies, and Afro-house-inspired rhythms. “Use Somebody” has already been featured in DJ sets by the likes of Adriatique, John Summit, Vintage Culture, Gordo, and Andrea Oliva, and has been played at major events like Burning Man, Ushuaïa, Hï Ibiza, and Pacha Ibiza. Arodes has performed at festivals and clubs worldwide, including Tomorrowland, Coachella, and Space Miami, and his event brand Unreleased is set to host residencies in Mykonos and Ibiza in 2024.

 

HYBE BUYS 51% STAKE IN MYSTERY COMPANY FOR $25M: It has been discovered that through HYBE‘s regulatory filings, the South Korean entertainment powerhouse has acquired Netmarble Corporation, a video game developer founded by Bang Jun-hyuk in 2000, which holds the position of HYBE’s second-largest shareholder. Bang Jun-hyuk is related to HYBE’s principal shareholder and founder, Bang Si-hyuk. However, HYBE’s shareholder structure is not the only intriguing detail from their recent semi-annual report. It has also been noted that HYBE has invested $25 million (USD) to secure a 51% stake in an undisclosed company. This move coincides with HYBE’s ongoing trend of acquiring majority shares in various sectors beyond music, as part of its global expansion strategy. In November 2023, HYBE entered the Latin Music scene by acquiring Exile Music, a key player in the Latin market. Earlier, in February of the previous year, HYBE America, under the leadership of Scooter Braun, purchased QC Media Holdings (Quality Control), renowned for its roster including Lil Baby, Migos, Lil Yachty, and City Girls, in a deal valued at $300 million, according to Korean regulatory documents. HYBE has made substantial investments in its multi-label system, notably taking a majority share in Pledis in 2020.

 

ESMAA AND ANGHAMI SETTLE LEGAL DISPUTE & ANNOUNCE LICENSING AGREEMENT: ESMAA, an Abu Dhabi-based organization dedicated to managing music rights in the Gulf and Middle East, has struck a new licensing agreement with Anghami, the top music and entertainment streaming platform in the MENA region. This agreement, which resolves a previous legal conflict between ESMAA (representing PopArabia and Reservoir) and Anghami, sets the stage for a fresh performance and mechanical licensing arrangement in line with global standards for representation, reporting, and claims. Under this deal, ESMAA will oversee the music catalog of PopArabia, including both Arabic and global sub-published repertoires, as well as IMPEL’s international collection of independent music publishers. This collaboration marks a pioneering effort, being the first of its kind between international independent music publishers and a local streaming service. It highlights both ESMAA and Anghami’s drive to enhance the music industry in the MENA region, ensuring equitable compensation for songwriters, composers, and publishers, while also providing significant value to consumers.

 

AUDOO ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF SENIOR MUSIC EXECUTIVES: Audoo has reported the addition of three senior music executives to its Board of Advisors. The new appointees are Steve Clark, Chief Operating Officer of Round Hill Music; Isabel Garvey, Chief Operating Officer of Warner Music U.K.; and Sean O’Malley, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Regard Music. Joining the advisory team alongside current members Cliff Fluet, a Partner at Lewis Silkin, and former Syneos Health CEO Alistair Macdonald, Clark, Garvey, and O’Malley will offer strategic insights and guidance to Audoo’s board, which also includes music industry veterans Chris Herbert and Nigel Elderton (Chair). Steve Clark of Round Hill Music brings experience in transforming copyright and royalty systems, coupled with his deep understanding of digital rights and metadata management, will bolster Audoo’s capabilities as it expands globally. Clark’s past roles at Warner Chappell Music and International Music Publications, as well as his contributions to the Music Publishers Association and the International Federation of Music Publishers, highlight his expertise in the field. Isabel Garvey brings valuable experience from her tenure at Warner Music U.K. and her leadership in launching Abbey Road Red, Europe’s first music technology incubator. Her role in driving digital transformation and implementing significant investments at Abbey Road Studios displays her prowess in fostering technological advancements and diversifying business models. Sean O’Malley, who founded Regard Music in 2020, adds his considerable experience from ASCAP and Global Music Rights (GMR) to the mix. His role in co-founding GMR and developing it into a leading Performing Right Organization, along with his background in royalty collection, licensing, and data processing, aligns closely with Audoo’s mission of disrupting the traditional music rights landscape.

 

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