VETERAN U.K. MUSIC EXECUTIVE RICH CASTILLO
JOINS GRADUATION AS HEAD OF A&R
Rich Castillo, a highly respected figure in A&R, has been appointed the Head of A&R at the London, England-based Graduation, a music and artist development firm.
In his new role, Castillo will report to Charlie Lycett, Founder & CEO, where he will spearhead the company’s A&R initiatives. Graduation’s roster includes artists such as Brent Faiyaz, Nemzzz, Cash Cobain, and Sexyy Red, and it recently achieved success with Kairo Keyz‘s hit track “GANG.”
A key aspect of Castillo’s new position is the launch of his label, Lionbear Records, which will operate under Graduation’s label services. Castillo’s background includes having held A&R roles with Polydor Records, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Atlantic Records, and EMI Records. At Sony/ATV, he served as Senior Director of A&R, where he was instrumental in signing talents like Neave Applebaum, Pa Salieu, TMS, and Wayne Hector.
Castillo tells A&R Worldwide, “I am looking forward to collaborating closely with Charlie and the team at Graduation. Charlie has built an incredible team of young execs that have driven the company so far. This next phase will make Graduation a destination for ambitious artists that want forward-thinking deals,”
During his time at Atlantic Records, Castillo also signed U.K. rapper Tion Wayne. He transitioned to EMI in 2022 following the merger of EMI and Capitol, where he held the position of Sr. VP of A&R, leading the A&R team and contributing to major projects involving artists such as Olivia Dean, Elton John, The Libertines, and more recently, Chase & Status.
Castillo began his career working with renowned U.K. music business executive Professor Jonathan Shalit OBE, Chairman, InterTalent Rights Group / Chosen Music, who was the recipient of MUSEXPO 2024’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.”
RESERVOIR ANNOUNCES PUBLISHING DEALS
WITH SNOOP DOGG & DEATH ROW RECORDS
Reservoir Media has announced new publishing agreements with legendary rapper Snoop Dogg and Death Row Records. These agreements encompass domestic publishing rights for Snoop’s extensive catalog, including both his past hits and future projects, as well as the publishing catalog from Death Row Records.
Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Broadus Jr., burst onto the scene in 1992 with his feature on Dr. Dre‘s debut single, “Deep Cover,” solidified his status with his debut album, Doggystyle, in 1993, which was certified 4x-Platinum shortly after its release. The album featured tracks like “What’s My Name?” and “Gin and Juice.” To date, Snoop has released 19 solo albums, with his much-anticipated twentieth album, Missionary, on the way, produced by Dr. Dre. His collaboration list includes hits like “Young, Wild & Free” with Wiz Khalifa and Bruno Mars, “The Next Episode” with Dr. Dre, and “California Gurls” with Katy Perry. Notably, his single “Drop It Like It’s Hot” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and was recognized as the most popular rap song of the decade by Billboard in 2009.
With 16 Grammy nominations, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and an American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist, Snoop has established his legacy. His influence extends beyond music; he has become a multifaceted entertainer and entrepreneur, known for his successful business ventures and acting career. Recently, he contributed as a commentator for NBC‘s coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympics and is set to join NBC’s The Voice as a coach in its 26th season alongside Gwen Stefani, Reba McEntire, and Michael Bublé.
In 2022, following the success of the Emmy-winning Super Bowl LVI halftime show, Snoop acquired Death Row Records, the label founded by Dr. Dre and Suge Knight. Death Row has a history of releasing multi-Platinum hip-hop albums, featuring works from Snoop, Dr. Dre (The Chronic), and 2Pac (All Eyez on Me). In 2023, Snoop announced the launch of a new publishing division under Death Row, representing various songwriters within the label’s legacy. Reservoir’s new partnership includes rights to classic tracks such as “Hail Mary” and “I Ain’t Mad at Cha” by 2Pac, among others.
“Legendary artists only need one name. Snoop is part of that echelon. From music to brands, television, and film, his acumen represents excellence,” stated Donna Caseine, Executive Vice President, Global Creative Director, Reservoir. “For the last three decades, he has been a pillar of hip-hop music and popular culture. He helped write Death Row Records into music’s history books. It is an honor to support Snoop’s vision and work with the Death Row family alongside Jaslin Levy, Sabriya Dublin, Sara Ramaker, and their entire team.”
Golnar Khosrowshahi, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Reservoir, added, “Being in business with Snoop is an exciting opportunity to support his legendary catalog, leveraging his massive stardom to further embed his music across mainstream media.” She added, “This deal also marks a unique moment to help further the legacy of an important and valuable brand like Death Row. Snoop has come full circle with Death Row, showcasing his ongoing dedication to upholding its rich history, something Reservoir has proven as a core value and area of expertise across our business.”
GREGG NADEL NAMED CO-CHAIR & CO-PRESIDENT
AT WARNER MUSIC NASHVILLE
Gregg Nadel has been named as Co-Chair & Co-President of Warner Music Nashville. He will be joining forces with Cris Lacy, who has co-led the division for the past two years and will celebrate her 20th anniversary with the company next year. Nadel takes over from Ben Kline, who is stepping down after a decade of service.
Operating from the Nashville office, Nadel and Lacy will report to Aaron Bay-Schuck, CEO & Co-Chairman, Warner Records, and Tom Corson, COO & Co-Chairman, both of whom report directly to Robert Kyncl, CEO, Warner Music Group, effective October 1. The duo will also collaborate on projects involving Nashville artists co-signed with the Atlantic Music Group.
Nadel brings 30 years of experience to his new role, having most recently served as President of Elektra Entertainment. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in promoting an array of acclaimed country and roots artists, including Zac Brown Band, Brandi Carlile, The Highwomen, Sturgill Simpson, Bailey Zimmerman, and Brittney Spencer. Before his appointment as President of Elektra in 2017, he was General Manager at Elektra Records and held the position of Sr. VP of A&R and Marketing at Atlantic Records. Nadel joined Atlantic right after graduating college in 1997 and has since led marketing campaigns for global stars like Ed Sheeran, with whom he has worked since the beginning of Sheeran’s career. He has been recognized multiple times on Billboard‘s Power 100 list and was recently honored as a Country Power Player by the publication.
Bay-Schuck and Corson stated, “Gregg grew up at WMG, and over the past three decades, he has brought his impeccable taste, wisdom, and guidance to an exceptional array of original, powerful voices. He is an ambidextrous A&R and marketing expert with a global perspective, which will be a tremendous asset at a time when Nashville artists are crossing boundaries and reaching the world stage like never before. Like Gregg, Cris has expanded from her roots as an A&R force into a true multi-dimensional leader, and together, they will be a phenomenal team to take Warner Music Nashville into a dynamic future.” Bay-Schuck and Corson added, “We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ben Kline. Over his past decade with WMN, his tireless passion for the label’s artists and team has set the company up for continued, expanding success. He leaves with our deepest admiration and best wishes for his next chapter.”
Nadel said, “I have had the honor of working with incredibly talented artists across many sounds and styles, and through it all, I have always felt a deep connection to the heartfelt music that comes from Nashville’s rich creative culture. I am excited to be diving deeper into this brilliant community of musicians and storytellers, and I am especially excited about working alongside Cris Lacy and the entire team. Thank you to Tom and Aaron for this incredible opportunity.”
KESHA GOES INDEPENDENT
AND LAUNCHES KESHA RECORDS
ADA has announced a partnership with Grammy-nominated pop artist Kesha through her recently launched label, Kesha Records. Under this agreement, ADA will manage global distribution for Kesha’s upcoming projects, including her 2025 album and single “Joyride,” which has already climbed into the Top 10 on Billboard‘s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.
In addition, ADA will collaborate with Crush Music (Kesha’s management) to handle marketing and promotional efforts for the new album, allowing Kesha full creative control and ownership of her music.
Kesha’s latest single, “Joyride,” has surpassed fifty million streams and was recognized as a “Song of the Summer Contender” by Pitchfork. It also made waves on the Spotify U.S. and Global Viral charts upon its release. The artist recently achieved new milestones with the RIAA, including “TiK ToK” now certified 12x Platinum, and “Timber” earning Diamond status. Other hits like “Die Young,” “We R Who We R,” and “Praying” have also achieved significant sales, bringing her total U.S. sales to over 75 million.
Kesha’s career includes two No.1 albums, ten Top 10 singles, and billions of streams. Her third studio album, Rainbow, debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 and earned a Grammy nomination for “Best Pop Solo Album” in 2017. The album’s single “Praying” not only spent 21 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 but also received a Grammy nomination for “Best Pop Solo Performance.” Kesha first gained worldwide attention in 2009 with her uncredited feature on Flo Rida‘s hit “Right Round,” leading to her debut album Animal, which shot to No.1 on the Billboard 200. Its lead single “TiK ToK” dominated the charts, holding the No.1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks and breaking records for single sales. The RIAA has recently recognized “TiK ToK” with 8x Platinum certification and it has reached one billion streams on Spotify.
Kesha’s chart dominance continued with “We R Who We R” and the collaboration “Timber” featuring Pitbull, both of which reached the top of the charts. Beyond her musical achievements, Kesha has collaborated with a variety of artists, including Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, and Zedd.
DICKON STAINER APPOINTED CHAIRMAN & CEO
OF UNIVERSAL MUSIC U.K.
Last week, Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group announced that Dickon Stainer had been appointed Chairman & CEO of Universal Music, U.K. The announcement came on the heels of the departure of David Joseph, the longstanding and respected Chairman & CEO of the company who had announced that he was leaving the music business to study for a master’s degree in religion and theology at King’s College London.
In his new role, Stainer is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of Universal Music U.K. The following divisions, including Island EMI Label Group, Polydor Label Group, Decca Records, the recently formed Audience & Media Division, as well as Abbey Road Studios, will report to him. For the last 10 years, Stainer served as President & CEO of Universal Music Group’s (UMG) Global Classics and Jazz division splitting his time between London and New York.
Upon assuming this new role leading the U.K. company, he will also continue in the capacity of Chairman of Global Classics & Jazz. Announcements regarding new leadership roles and internal promotions in these businesses will be made shortly.
Sir Lucian Grainge said, “Dickon has embraced an expansive musical worldview throughout his career, taking artists from a wide variety of genres and bringing them to audiences globally. He not only has deep experience in leveraging our worldwide organization on behalf of our artists, but a history that includes global commercial and creative artist successes and countless awards in many countries.” Grainge added, “I would also like to thank David Joseph for his many contributions. He leaves with our gratitude.”
Stainer commented, “It is an honor to be asked by Sir Lucian Grainge to lead Universal Music U.K. The depth of talent that we have at the company, coupled with our remarkable roster of artists, gives me tremendous confidence in what we can achieve together. Having worked in both the international and domestic divisions of UMG, I know how central the U.K. is to the global music industry, and a vital repertoire source that provides the world with talented artists and great music. I cannot wait to get started.”
Stainer has enjoyed enormous success on the global stage, consistently championing a generation of international talent, evidenced most recently by the Grammy wins for Jon Batiste for “Album of the Year” in 2022, and Samara Joy for “Best New Artist in 2023.”
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!
India’s burgeoning music market has been the talk of the global music business over the past couple of years. However, A&R Worldwide along with many of its trusted friends and colleagues has been focused, and engaged with the Indian music business, and its creative community since the early 2000s, when very few around the world were paying attention to this vital market. India is currently, one of the fastest growing music eco-systems globally.
To this day, A&R Worldwide continues to have the trust of many of the key figureheads that have helped shape the Indian music market to flourish in recent years. Including the fact that A&R Worldwide Founder, Sat Bisla has strong family roots in India and has also been one of the most influential global music business and media executives of Indian heritage that’s worked across A&R, media, sync, management, events and more.
FIONA-LEE
Fiona-Lee‘s empowering second single, “Nothing Compares To Nineteen,” offers an unfiltered dive into her teenage years, blending vulnerability, grief, and anxiety into an irresistible musical patchwork. The track draws inspiration from the likes of Florence + The Machine melded with the nostalgic sounds of Fleetwood Mac. Following its premiere on BBC 6 Music by Steve Lamacq, the track highlights Fiona-Lee’s evocative songwriting and is the follow-up to her debut “Mother.” With festival appearances at TRNSMT, The Great Escape, and more, her rising presence is capturing attention across tastemaker platforms, including DIY Magazine and BBC Radio 1. Through personal reflections, the song aims to comfort young listeners and spark conversations about mental health and emotional expression. Discover the very talented musician’s single HERE and contact dan@they-do.com for additional information and available opportunities with Fiona-Lee.
CASSIA
Cassia, the indie trio from Macclesfield, England returns with their new single “Heat,” which is a vibrant track that captures the tension between nostalgia and modernity, and is infused with their signature sun-soaked sound. “Heat” blends the band’s tropical tones with a fresh, guitar-driven indie vibe, and hints at upcoming announcements, including teased tour dates. Frontman Rob Ellis reflects on the song’s theme of feeling overwhelmed by modern life, particularly social media, and its effect on his mindset. Cassia’s rise from busking teens to festival headliners is remarkable, boasting chart-topping airplay, sold-out shows, and over 70 million streams. Inspired by Zambian Music and Manchester’s indie scene, their music merges indie pop with a tropical flair. With tours planned across the U.S., Mexico, Europe, and England, more exciting news is set to follow. Experience the temperatures rise with the “Heat” video by Cassia and contact Tabeah Berler at tabeah.berler@pontdanicmusic.com for various opportunities and collaborations worldwide.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, September 29th, 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:
GLASS CITIES – “Rescue” (Unsigned, N. America)
KAI BOSCH – “Everything Is Beautiful” (LAB Records, U.K.)
ELECTRIC ENEMY – “The Dark” (AWAL, U.K.)
CHAPEL OF ROSES – “It’s Not Nothing” (Unsigned, N. America)
GOOD NEIGHBOURS – “Daisies” (Some Action/Virgin, U.K.)
NOTHING BUT THIEVES – “Oh No :: He Said What” (RCA Records, U.K.)
MONOTRONIC – “Kids of Summer” (Unsigned, N. America)
ACROBVT – “Can’t Put You Down” (Unsigned, U.K.)
LIME CORDIALE – “Strangers” (Chugg Music, Australia)
JACK CRITCHLOW – “Bleeding” (Unsigned, U.K.)
THE ROYSTON CLUB – “The Patch Where Nothing Grows” (Run On Records, U.K.)
MIDDLE KIDS – “Highlands” (EMI, Australia)
LEONIDEN – “A Million Heartbreak Songs” (Universal Music, Germany)
CAT SERRANO – “You, Me And The Night” (Unsigned, N. America)
MASI MASI – “She’s Coming Through My Window” (P.I.M.P, U.K.)
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE – “Sun Kids” (Unsigned, N. America)
RHETT REPKO – “How Cold” (Unsigned, N. America)
SEA GIRLS – “Does Only God Know That We’re Lonely” (Alt Records/Believe, U.K.)
ARXX – “Good Boy” (Submarine Cat Records, U.K.)
MATTHEW MOLE – “Okay” (Universal Music, South Africa)
THE VICES – “Strange Again” (Mattan Records, Holland)
PICTURE THIS – “Satellites” (RCA Records, Ireland)
YNYS – “Shindig” (Libertino, Wales)
HINDS – “Superstar” (Lucky Number, Spain)
STONE – “Queen” (Polydor, U.K.)
IAMJJ – “Extra Spicy Noodles” (Mermaid, Denmark)
PALE WAVES – “Glasgow” (Dirty Hit, U.K.)
DOTAN – “Louder” (7 Layers Music, Holland)
NOTHINGSPECIAL – “Catacombs” (Don’t Be Greedy, Germany
THE RUBENS – “Black Balloon” (Ivy League Records, Australia)
DIYA – “Blow The Blue Away” (Unsigned, U.K.)
BEARTOOTH – “ATTN.” (Unsigned, N. America)
WEDA MAUVE – “(Still On) Repeat” (Unsigned, Indonesia)
CAMERON SAGE FROM – “You Won” (Unsigned, Canada)
ALI TAMPOSI JOINS LIVELIHOOD MUSIC COMPANY: Ali Tamposi has stepped into a leadership role at Livelihood Music Company, joining fellow industry talents JKash and Michael Pollack in guiding this independent publishing initiative. With a history as one of the leading female songwriters of her generation, Tamposi is set to mentor and support the company’s emerging songwriters. Her involvement aligns with Livelihood’s mission of fostering a community where “songwriters support songwriters.” Over the past 15 years, Tamposi has crafted some of pop music’s most iconic tracks, earning seven No.1 singles, including Kelly Clarkson‘s “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” Camila Cabello‘s “Havana,” and “Senorita,” a duet with Shawn Mendes. She’s also written for Justin Bieber and DJ Snake with “Let Me Love You,” Selena Gomez and Kygo‘s “It Ain’t Me,” 5 Seconds of Summer‘s “Youngblood,” and Dua Lipa‘s “Break My Heart.” Her contributions to music have garnered her three Grammy nominations including “Album of the Year” for Justin Bieber’s Justice, “Song of the Year” for Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger,” and “Best Rock Song” for Ozzy Osbourne‘s “Patient Number 9.”
SPENCER NOHE NAMED VP A&R, WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC: Spencer Nohe has been promoted to Vice President, A&R, Warner Chappell Music. In his new role, Nohe will continue to report to Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville to develop both emerging and established songwriters as well as expand creative opportunities for the publisher’s country roster. During his time in the music industry, Nohe has collaborated with chart-topping superstars and rising hitmakers like Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Parker Welling, Casey Brown, Josh Kerr, Matt Jenkins, Alysa Vanderheym, Devin Dawson, Alana Springsteen, Brittney Spencer, and Conner Smith and more. As a student at Nashville’s Belmont University, he interned at Warner Music Group, and went on to serve as Senior Director, A&R at Curb/Word Entertainment, followed by Creative Director at BMI. In 2020, he joined Warner Chappell Music Nashville as Director, A&R, where he focused on signing and developing songwriters and producers in a variety of genres. In 2022, he celebrated a “Song of the Year” win at the CMA Awards alongside Warner Chappell writer Matt Jenkins for hit single “Buy Dirt.” Read more HERE.
SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING RENEWS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH EDGAR BARRERA: Sony Music Publishing Latin has extended its global publishing agreement with Latin music artist Edgar Barrera. This renewal solidifies a partnership that began in 2014 and highlights Barrera’s achievements as a songwriter, producer, and musician, who has won multiple Latin Grammy‘s and a Grammy award. The announcement comes just as Barrera earns the distinction of top nominee for the 2024 Latin Grammy Awards, garnering nine nominations, including “Songwriter of the Year” and “Producer of the Year.” Recognized by Sony Music Publishing as “one of today’s most prolific hitmakers,” Barrera has penned songs for a lineup of artists, such as Maluma, Camila Cabello, Becky G, Ariana Grande, Yandel, Marc Anthony, Shakira, Camilo, Karol G, Peso Pluma, Christian Nodal, Grupo Frontera, Selena Gomez, and Manuel Turizo. Among his recent successes are Karol G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” which topped Billboard‘s Latin Airplay and Hot Latin Songs charts, and “Por Que Sera” by Grupo Frontera and Maluma, which reached No.1 on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart. He also collaborated on Maluma’s “Segun Quien” featuring Carin Leon, achieving No.1 status on both Latin Airplay and Regional Mexican charts. Barrera co-wrote four tracks on Peso Pluma’s album EXODO, which held the No.1 position on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums and Regional Mexican Albums charts for twelve weeks. In the past year, he celebrated seven No.1 singles on both the Latin Airplay and Regional Mexican Airplay charts, accumulating over eight billion streams on Spotify. Last year, he achieved a record by being the most nominated artist at the 2023 Latin Grammys, taking home three awards, including “Songwriter of the Year” and “Producer of the Year.” He set a record of 32 weeks at No.1 as Billboard‘s top Latin producer and received accolades such as BMI‘s 2023 Regional Mexican “Songwriter of the Year” and the BMI Latin Impact Award. With 21 Latin Grammys to his name, his standout hits include un x100to” by Grupo Frontera and Bad Bunny, “La Bachata” by Manuel Turizo, “Hawái” by Maluma, “Mi Ex Tenia Razon” by Karol G, and “Bam Bam” by Camila Cabello featuring Ed Sheeran, among others.
FABER ALT SIGNS SONGWRITER AND ARTIST OLI ROCKBERGER: Faber Alt has welcomed Oli Rockberger to its publishing roster, recognizing his talent as a songwriter, producer, musician, vocalist, and recording artist. Oli’s songwriting covers multiple genres, blending alt/indie, soul, and jazz. He has collaborated with artists such as Jordan Rakei, Hiromi, Shaun Escoffery, Randy Brecker, and China Moses. He co-wrote “Revival Song,” the lead single from Gregory Porter‘s Grammy-nominated album All Rise, alongside Troy Miller. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rockberger served as a songwriting consultant for the BBC2 program The Choir: Singing for Britain, working with Gareth Malone. As a performer, Oli has collaborated alongside Carly Simon, John Mayer, Chaka Khan, and Laura Mvula, the latter as a member of her touring band. He also contributed to the BBC Radio 2 special Friday Night is Music Night: The Beatles Orchestrated, performing with Jules Buckley and the BBC Concert Orchestra. Currently, Rockberger is focused on his fifth solo album, which he is co-producing with composer Chris Hyson, set for release next year.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GREATER CHINA BAY AREA LAUNCHES: Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) has unveiled a new label division called Universal Music China Greater Bay Area (UMCGBA), specifically targeting the Greater Bay Area (GBA) that includes Hong Kong and Macau. This initiative makes UMCGBA the first major music label to establish a dedicated division in this region, with its headquarters located in Shenzhen. With this expansion, Universal Music Greater China now operates offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Taiwan, positioning itself for enhanced growth throughout the area. Leading the new division is Gary Chan, who is both the managing director of Universal Music Hong Kong and senior vice-president of UMGC. The aim of UMCGBA is to enrich the music landscape of the Greater Bay Area, tapping into its economic and cultural resources to elevate the region’s diverse musical heritage on both local and global stages. The Greater Bay Area is not only the most populous urban area in the world but also a cultural epicenter. In 2023, its combined GDP accounted for 11.1% of China’s total, and with a population exceeding eighty-six million, the GBA contributed a quarter of the country’s music performance revenue. UMCGBA plans to build a local team focused on marketing, A&R, and artist management to discover and nurture homegrown talent throughout the GBA. The division’s mission includes revitalizing the local music scene by incorporating global musical trends. Timothy Xu, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Greater China, said, “The launch of UMCGBA represents a strategic expansion, leveraging the vast market potential and unique cultural atmosphere of the Greater Bay Area. We eagerly anticipate welcoming the outstanding talents from this region to join us in driving forward the next era of Chinese pop music. In this pursuit, we are setting our sights on transforming the GBA into a trendsetting hub that epitomizes creativity, vitality, and connectivity, crafting fresh musical expressions and innovative entertainment experiences.”
JONAS GROUP PUBLISHING ACQUIRES JULIA MICHAELS PUBLISHING CATALOG & RECORDINGS: Jonas Group Publishing has acquired the publishing rights and recordings of acclaimed pop songwriter Julia Michaels in its largest catalog purchase to date. The exact terms of the deal have not been disclosed. This acquisition encompasses Michaels’ hit “If the World Was Ending,” which she co-wrote and performed alongside JP Saxe, certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA. It also includes the three-time platinum hit “Lose You to Love Me,” recorded by Selena Gomez, along with the Gold-certified “Circles Around This Town” by Maren Morris and “Pretty Please” performed by Dua Lipa. Other notable tracks in the catalog include the platinum hit “Heaven,” featured in the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack, and the Gold-certified collaboration “I Miss You” with Clean Bandit. In addition, Michaels’ extensive catalog includes recordings by artists such as Lady Gaga, Shawn Mendes, Maroon 5, Diplo, Britney Spears, Nick Jonas, Noah Kahan, Justin Bieber, Jason Derulo, Keith Urban, and Kelsea Ballerini. Jonas Group Publishing, part of Jonas Group Entertainment, was founded in 2020 and has previously acquired works from songwriters like Justin Ebach and Amy Stroup, and it currently represents talent including Terri Jo Box, Franklin Jonas, David Kalmusky, and Bailee Madison. Leslie T. DiPiero, President, Jonas Group Publishing, said, “Julia Michaels is a known master of songwriting and is revered across multiple genres of music. Julia, along with her manager Beka Tischker and their amazing team, have a choice on who they trust to represent her works. We here at Jonas Group Publishing are truly honored that they have chosen us. Listening to her catalog of songs makes us feel like kids in a candy store!”
RANGE MUSIC PUBLISHING AGREES TO GLOBAL ADMIN DEAL WITH UMPG: Range Music Publishing has entered into a global administration agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG). As a branch of Range Media Partners, which operates across music, film, television, production, comedy, and sports, Range Music Publishing has offices situated in Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville. This partnership builds on Range Media Partners’ existing connections with UMG’s Capitol Music Group and Virgin Music Group. Established in 2023, Range Music Publishing aims to create a comprehensive boutique music publishing company that leverages synergies within the broader Range ecosystem. The publishing roster includes talents such as Cook, Warburton, Luke Grimes, Dylan Gossett, Grant Averill, Dopps, and emerging artists like Two Fresh, Luke Niccoli, Simon Oscroft, and Rudey, all of whom are part of this new deal. Range Music’s talent lineup features artists like Jack Harlow, Tanya Tucker, Cordae, Pentatonix, Saweetie, Midland, Murda Beatz, Partynextdoor, Lauv, Alec Benjamin, and many others. Leading the publishing division is Casey Robison, who previously served as co-President and Partner at Big Deal Music Group and held the role of executive vice president, A&R at Hipgnosis Songs Group. Supporting him are Sam Drake as VP of A&R and publishing, Federico Morris as Director of A&R and artist manager, and Megan Simon as A&R Coordinator. The publishing division benefits from the expertise of Range Music’s full partnership team, which includes managing partners Matt Graham, Jack Minihan, Tyler Henry, Melissa Ruderman, Chris Thomas, Evan Winiker, Cory Litwin, and Shawn McSpadden, alongside partners Rachel Douglas, Ace Christian, Joel Zimmerman, and Jared Cotter. Jennifer Knoepfle, Executive VP & co-Head of A&R, UMPG said, “In the brief time Range has focused on publishing, they have already made a strong impact in the marketplace. Casey, Sam, Matt, and the team have a great ethos and vision. And we are happy to be their admin partner on current and future endeavors.”
BLAKE SHELTON SIGNS DEAL WITH BBR MUSIC GROUP/BMG: Blake Shelton has inked a new global recordings deal with BBR Music Group/BMG for his upcoming album. Currently, he is near the top of the charts with his Top 5 hit “Pour Me A Drink,” featuring Post Malone. Shelton has 28 No.1 singles, eleven billion streams worldwide, and 52 million singles sold alongside 13 million albums. His accolades include multiple CMA Awards, such as “Entertainer of the Year” and five consecutive wins for “Male Vocalist of the Year.” In 2025, Shelton will feature his “Live In Las Vegas” residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace starting in February, followed by his Friends And Heroes tour alongside artists like Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, Trace Adkins, and Emily Ann Roberts. Beyond his musical achievements, Shelton has become a household name as a coach on NBC‘s Emmy-winning series The Voice, where he has appeared for 23 seasons. He also co-produced and starred in the celebrity game show Barmageddon. His film credits include roles in Pitch Perfect 2 and The Ridiculous 6, as well as a voice-over in Angry Birds The Movie. In addition, his performance of “Go Tell It on The Mountain” features in the closing credits of Lionsgate‘s upcoming film, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Jon Loba, President, Frontline Recordings, The Americas, BMG, stated, “Blake is one of the biggest personalities and presences in media. America first got to know him through incredible, timeless songs and live shows and then fell in love with him and his sense of humor through TV. We are so excited he is joining the BMG global family and cannot wait to share his incredible new music with the world. He has been laser-focused on delivering some of the best of his career and it shows. We have been dancing through the office, literally not just figuratively, since we heard the first couple songs he played for us!”
REACTIONAL MUSIC SIGNS GAMING DEAL WITH BEGGARS GROUP: Reactional Music has forged a licensing agreement with Beggars Group, aiming to enhance the intersection of music and gaming. This partnership allows for the integration of personalized music into games in real-time, creating a dynamic soundtrack tailored to gameplay. By licensing tracks through Reactional Music’s personalization engine and delivery platform, Beggars Group joins a growing network of music rights-holders looking to tap into the expansive global gaming market. Beggars Group represents labels such as 4AD, Matador Records, Rough Trade, XL Recordings, and Young. This independent company has been behind the releases of a wide range of acclaimed artists, including Adele, Amyl & The Sniffers, Anohni, and Radiohead, among others. In addition, Reactional is at the forefront of enabling commercial music to be offered as in-game purchases, a breakthrough that is set to scale significantly. MIDiA forecasts that spending on in-game personalization could reach $100 billion (USD) by 2029. Over the past three years, Reactional Music has established partnerships with more than fifty music rights-holders globally, expanding its catalog on the music delivery platform. Its licensing partners include Defected Records, Cherry Red Records, Hopeless Records, Hipgnosis Song Management, as well as production music entities like APM Music, Soundstripe, and Alibi.
TIKTOK MUSIC SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE SET TO CLOSE: TikTok Music will be shutting down as the platform shifts its strategy to enhance music streaming through partnerships with existing digital service providers (DSPs) rather than competing against them. Instead of positioning itself as a rival to third-party streaming platforms, TikTok will collaborate with them in nearly all global markets to promote music consumption. Launched in July 2023, TikTok Music began as a premium subscription service available in Indonesia, Brazil, Australia, Singapore, and Mexico. The service is set to close on November 28th. After its introduction, TikTok expanded its Add To Music app feature in early 2024 to users in 163 additional countries. This feature allows users to easily add songs they discover on TikTok to their preferred music streaming service by pressing the “Add Song” button next to a track name in their For You Feed. Ole Obermann, Global Head of Music Business Development, TikTok, stated, “Our Add to Music App feature has already enabled hundreds of millions of tracks saved to playlists on partner music streaming services. We will be closing TikTok Music at the end of November to focus on our goal of furthering TikTok’s role in driving even greater music listening and value on music streaming services, for the benefit of artists, songwriters, and the industry.”
ICONOCLAST ACQUIRES PUBLISHING RIGHTS TO EVE’S CATALOG: Iconoclast has secured the publishing rights to the catalog of Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Eve. In the late 1990s, Eve emerged as a pioneering force with her debut album, Let There Be Eve… Ruff Ryders’ First Lady, making her the third female rapper to achieve a No.1 spot on the U.S. charts. Her singles include “Gangsta Lovin’,” “Love Is Blind,” and “Who’s That Girl,” and she has collaborated with artists like The Roots, Missy Elliott, and Alicia Keys. Her track “Let Me Blow Ya Mind,” featuring Gwen Stefani, was sampled in Central Cee‘s 2022 hit “Doja.” In addition to her music career, Eve has made a name for herself in acting, appearing in films such as those in the Barbershop series and starring in her own sitcom, Eve, from 2003 to 2006. She also served as a host on CBS‘s The Talk. Recently, Eve released her memoir, Who’s That Girl? Henry Root from Smith Entertainment Law represented Iconoclast in the acquisition, while Michael Poster from Michelman & Robinson functioned as advisor. Eve’s interests were managed by Wayne Russell and Pippa Wealthall of Massive Management, alongside Talya Shalsom and Tim Smith from Statham Gill Davies Law, with Benjamin Vermeil of Jab Music facilitating the agreement. Olivier Chastan, Founder & CEO, Iconoclast, stated, “Eve’s contributions to hip-hop and popular culture are unparalleled. She is not only a talented artist but a true pioneer for women in the genre. We are honored to help preserve and elevate her incredible legacy, ensuring that her influence continues to inspire future generations of artists and fans alike.”
FIREBIRD SECURES LATEST DEAL WITH HILLS ARTISTS: Firebird Music Holdings has announced a new collaboration, forming a joint venture with Hills Artists, an artist management firm based in Los Angeles. This partnership aims to provide Hills Artists with enhanced technological and financial resources. Founded in 2022 by Nathan Hubbard, former Ticketmaster CEO, and Nat Zilkha, ex-KKR partner, Firebird has been actively expanding its portfolio. Raine Group serves as its lead investor. Hills Artists, established in 2018 by Rupert Lincoln, manages a roster that includes Sasha Alex Sloan, Grandson, Aidan Bissett, and LANY. The artists represented by Hills have collectively amassed over eleven billion streams, toured across 37 countries, sold more than one million tickets, and headlined major global festivals. In addition, Hills’ writers have contributed to over three billion streams as collaborators with top-tier artists. The partnership aims to provide Hills with resources and opportunities to enhance its operations and elevate the success of its artists. Over the past couple of years, Firebird has made strategic investments in various music-related enterprises. In September 2022, Firebird acquired a minority stake in Coran Capshaw‘s Red Light Management. Shortly thereafter, it was revealed that the company had taken a significant stake in Transgressive Records. By June of the following year, Firebird disclosed additional investments in companies such as Ntertain, Mick Management, Tape Room Music, One Two Many Music, and Defected Records. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, Firebird has raised over $400 million (USD) from investors, including Goldman Sachs, KKR, and the Pritzker Organization.
BELIEVE FINALIZES ACQUISITION OF TURKEY’S DOGAN MUSIC COMPANY: Believe has revealed its acquisition of full ownership of Doğan Music Company (DMC), which it describes as Turkey’s leading independent label, following the receipt of regulatory approval. This move will strengthen Believe’s leadership in the Turkish music market. DMC represents many prominent Turkish artists, including Simge, whose track “Aşkın Olayım” was the most-streamed song on Spotify in Turkey for 2023, and Semicenk, recognized as the most-streamed artist in the country last year. Believe initially acquired a 60% share in DMC in 2020 for €18.8 million (Euros) after accounting for €1.6 million in cash acquired and announced plans in August to buy the remaining 40%. The company has confirmed it will pay €38.3 million (approximately $41.8 million USD based on current exchange rates) for the additional stake. Viktoria Siniavskaia, President META, East & Southern Europe, Americas, Believe, stated, “The Turkish music industry has undergone a massive change since Believe’s launch in the market back in 2012, with a solid growth of streaming and countless artists and labels reaching new and wider audiences both locally and beyond. On Spotify alone, the Top 100 list went from eleven local artists in 2013 to 91 in 2023! I could not be prouder of Believe having been a key driver in this evolution, alongside DMC and our digital partners, boosting the digitalization of the market and that of local music genres.”
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP INVESTS $70M (USD) IN THAILAND: Last year, Universal Music Group (UMG) acquired a 70% interest in the recorded music catalog of Thailand’s RS Group for around $45 million (USD), with the possibility of an additional $5 million in bonuses. UMG has now finalized the purchase of the remaining 30% of RS Group’s catalog, thereby achieving full ownership of this valuable repertoire. Reports indicate that this latest acquisition cost UMG about $18 million, along with an anticipated bonus of around $2 million. This brings UMG’s total investment in Thailand’s second-largest recorded music catalog to between $65 million and $70 million. During UMG’s Capital Markets Day on September 17th in London, executives outlined their acquisition strategy in “high potential” markets poised for streaming growth. Key markets highlighted included China and India, alongside emerging territories like Nigeria where UMG acquired a majority stake in Mavin Records last year, along with Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO, UMG, elaborated on a “triple-prong” strategy for these regions, emphasizing local artist and repertoire (A&R) efforts, support for local entrepreneurs through Virgin Music Group, and ongoing M&A initiatives. Grainge noted that acquisitions in these emerging markets would be funded directly from UMG’s resources, contrasting with catalog deals in established streaming regions like the U.S., which are managed through Chord Music, which is a venture where UMG holds a minority stake alongside Dundee Partners.
COREY SHERIDAN NAMED GLOBAL HEAD OF COMMERCE & REVENUE FOR ADA: ADA has welcomed Corey Sheridan, a former TikTok executive, as its new Global Head of Commerce & Revenue. In this role, Sheridan will manage the company’s commercial partnerships and strategy, aiming to boost revenue and enhance the impact of music releases. Operating out of Los Angeles, he will report directly to Cat Kreidich, President, ADA. Sheridan was previously a senior executive at TikTok on the global music strategy team, where he played a crucial role in developing the TikTok Charts feature and establishing a partnership with Billboard to create the TikTok Billboard Top 50. He also forged collaborations with major streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, enhancing TikTok’s integration with music apps. Before this, he served as TikTok’s first Head of Music Operations for North America, where he directed editorial content, programming, partnerships, and artist support. He was instrumental in positioning TikTok as a leading entertainment platform, spearheading initiatives such as SiriusXM‘s TikTok Radio and various high-profile live events featuring artists like Rosalía and The Weeknd. Sheridan’s achievements have earned him recognition on Billboard’s 2020 Impact List and the 2019 Digital Power Players list.
BMG AND LUCKY KID SYNDROME PARTNER TO SIGN CHACE: BMG has teamed up with music company Lucky Kid Syndrome to announce their first artist signing: Chace, a rising singer, DJ, and multi-genre producer from Shanghai. This partnership will kick off with a global recording agreement, with Chace’s new single set to drop in November 2024. Lucky Kid Syndrome, founded by Daniel Hong, a music executive with a background working with prominent Asian acts like BLACKPINK, will provide tailored support and strategic guidance to help emerging Asian artists thrive in the global market. More artist signings from the partnership will be revealed soon. Chace became the first Chinese DJ to perform at Tomorrowland and has also performed at major festivals like Festival X, Creamfields, and EDC. Transitioning from his success as a DJ and producer, Chace is now venturing into singing, bringing a unique perspective to his music. Read more HERE.
ROBERT KILDUFF NAMED CFO OF UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE: Universal Music Group Nashville has announced the appointment of Robert Kilduff as its new Chief Financial Officer. With over three decades of expertise in fiscal management, strategic planning, operations, and corporate development, Kilduff comes to UMG Nashville after serving as CFO of the Gary Sinise Foundation, a non-profit organization. His background includes roles as CFO at New Form Entertainment, as well as Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis at both WME and Universal Music Group North America. Kilduff has a strong record in financial strategy, having guided Broadramp, Inc. as an early-stage tech company, established an international software division for the Academy Award-winning company Digital Domain, and led global financial teams for Neopets.com, a subsidiary of Viacom. In addition to these positions, Kilduff has held various roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers Strategy Consulting, Warner Bros. Studios, and Coopers & Lybrand, one of the former Big Six accounting firms.
WARNER MUSIC GROUP IS SHUTTING ITS TUNECORE RIVAL, LEVEL MUSIC: Warner Music Group is set to shut down Level Music, its digital distribution service aimed at independent artists. Launched in 2018 as a competitor to TuneCore, Level Music facilitated distribution to major streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, as well as social media sites like TikTok and Instagram. In a communication to Level Music users on September 26th, the platform announced its decision to close by 2025, stating that it will no longer accept new submissions or modifications to existing content effective immediately. Warner Music Group confirmed the shutdown, indicating a shift of resources towards ADA, its independent label and artist services division. The notification to users also specified that all live releases would be removed from digital service providers starting November 18, 2024, although users can request takedowns prior to that date. Access to user accounts, known as Level Wallets, will remain active until July 11, 2025, giving users time to withdraw their funds. The final day of operations for Level Music is set for July 31, 2025, at which point all distribution agreements will be terminated. “We’re focusing all of our efforts behind the ADA brand, as we continue to strengthen our global suite of services for artists and label partners across the independent community,” said WMG in a statement. “We’re taking a truly global approach, and investing in our team and technology, with some exciting announcements in the works.”
UN:HURD MUSIC ANNOUNCES VARIOUS PARTNERSHIPS: un:hurd music has announced a series of new partnerships and the introduction of two membership tiers designed to empower independent artists at all levels of their careers. The platform’s expanded network now includes collaborations with CD Baby, SoundCloud, EmPawa, feature.fm, beatBread, Laylo, Amazon Merch on Demand, and many more. These partnerships will offer diverse benefits, including discounts for un:hurd music’s Pro members, enhancing the value of their services. As part of this initiative, un:hurd music is launching two new membership options aimed at providing comprehensive marketing and promotional support. The Pro membership is tailored for emerging artists, offering a set of self-service tools, such as a fan hub creation tool and personalized benchmarking capabilities. This allows artists to assess their standing against peers and implement targeted marketing strategies to gain a competitive edge. Pro members will also benefit from automated ad booking with no fees and exclusive promotional discounts through the newly expanded partnership network. In addition to the Pro tier, un:hurd music has introduced a Select membership, which offers customized marketing services. The un:hurd music marketing team collaborates with a curated selection of artists, implementing audience development strategies that include social media marketing, creator collaborations, and promotional bundles. Artists already involved with the Select tier include Tayla Parx, Bree Runway, M24, and Fraser T. Smith, alongside emerging talents like The K’s, Richard Carter, MAIA, Calum Ingram, and KONG.
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: Barry Weiss, Tim Glover, Ian Montone, Duncan Smith, Ben Maddahi, Martin Dodd, Damian Trotter, Angela Leus, Pamela Charbit, Pete Ganbarg, Samantha Sklar, Brittany Douziech, and Matthew D’Arduini.
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