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A&R Worldwide Newsletter Vol. 859

IRELAND’S SHOBSY INKS WORLDWIDE SIGNING
WITH PANGEA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC PUBLISHING

 

Irish singer-songwriter Shobsy has signed a worldwide music publishing deal with Pangea International Music Publishing which is partnered with Sony Music Publishing for administration. The signing follows Shobsy’s recent successful trip to Los Angeles, where he performed at MUSEXPO in Burbank, CA, and made a special appearance at the “International Music Industry Person of the Year” awards, honoring Jacqueline Saturn, President, Virgin Music Group North America & Executive VP, Global Artist Relations. The deal was secured with the help of Sat Bisla, President & Founder, A&R Worldwide.

Shobsy & David Reid

As part of his growing profile, Shobsy will headline a show at Dublin’s Academy on November 15. His latest single, “Champagne,” is set for release on October 18, following the success of his previous release, “Entertainment,” which received notable radio play, including being named “Track of the Week” on influential Irish radio station 2FM.

Shobsy’s initial solo releases include “Vanity,” “Driven,” and “The Way We Are,” which have all garnered critical acclaim, with coverage from EARMILK, Pop Matters, Hot Press, and others both in Ireland and internationally. His performance on Ireland’s “The Late Late Show,” where he delivered an acoustic version of Jimmy Somerville’s “Smalltown Boy,” went viral, amassing over 100,000 views within 12 hours, further elevating his visibility.

In addition to his recent accolades, Shobsy has performed sold-out shows at prestigious venues including The National Concert Hall and Whelan’s. He was also part of a select group of Irish artists invited to showcase at a special event hosted by the President of Ireland.

Sat Bisla said, “Shobsy is a generational talent with music in his DNA. He is not an artist, but rather an artiste, as he is born with an exceptional talent and musical gift that will resonate with the music world in an impactful way. I would like to thank Shobsy for entrusting his talent with us, and his manager David Reid for giving us the opportunity to collaborate with such an amazing and genuine talent. Also, sincere thanks to my friends and colleagues Reynold D’Silva, Adam Greenup, Monte Malone, Joe Arnold, and Doug Bussone for their relentless support and belief in Shobsy. We cannot wait to share his forthcoming incredible songs and talent with music fans around the world.”

Shobsy added, “I am delighted to sign with Pangea International Music Publishing and look forward to working with the team there as we build towards breaking through internationally.  I appreciate the huge support and early belief from Sat [Bisla] and his team at A&R Worldwide”

Dave Reid commented, “Having known Sat Bisla for nearly 20 years we are delighted to be working with Sat and all at Pangea International Music Publishing and appreciate A&R Worldwide’s long term support of Shobsy as we strive to help him realize his undoubted potential in international markets.”

With new recordings in Berlin that reflect influences from George Michael, David Bowie, and The Weeknd, Shobsy’s genre-blending sound is poised to resonate with a wider audience. As he continues to develop his artistic journey, the partnership with Pangea International Music Publishing will amplify his reach and creative potential in the evolving global music landscape.

Shobsy is the latest Irish artist to sign a global deal with the direct help of A&R Worldwide, who have also helped secure international record label and music publishing deals for other notable artists from Ireland including Picture This (their first deal to Republic Records), Gavin James (label and publishing deal with Good Soldier Songs), Laura Izibor (label signing to Atlantic Records), Tara Lee (publishing deal with BMG), and several others in recent years.

Pangea International Music Publishing is a boutique artist development focused publisher that has been instrumental in supporting artists and songwriters very early on in their careers before any notable local or global success including Platinum-selling N. American artist Forest Blakk, All Mankind (an Australian band that the publisher secured over two dozen sync placements for and a record deal with highly influential U.K. independent SO Recordings), Capra and New Beat Fund, who with the support of Pangea International Music Publishing signed deals with Disney Music Group and Red Bull Records, amongst others.

 


WARNER MUSIC GROUP ANNOUNCES
TWO RECORDED MUSIC LEADERSHIP ROLES

 

Warner Music Group (WMG) recently made leadership changes in its Recorded Music division. Eric Wong has stepped into the role of President of East West Records and Head of Global A&R, while Jessica Keeley-Carter has been elevated to Chief Marketing Officer for Recorded Music. Both will report directly to Robert Kyncl, CEO, WMG.

Eric Wong & Jessica Keeley-Carter

Wong’s new responsibilities involve overseeing East West Records, focusing on linking local artists with global markets and facilitating their rise to international recognition. He will also be instrumental in discovering and nurturing new talent, fostering collaborations within the existing artist roster to enhance their careers.

Keeley-Carter, who previously served as Executive VP of Global Marketing at WMG, will now spearhead the evolution of marketing strategies across various regions. As Chief Marketing Officer, she will lead initiatives that connect local efforts with global marketing strategies, aiming to enhance fan engagement and support artists’ visibility worldwide.

These appointments come on the heels of WMG’s restructuring of its Recorded Music Division aimed at streamlining operations and strengthening connections between local expertise and global opportunities.

Eric Wong has been with WMG since 2020 as Chief Marketing Officer, returning to the company after a successful tenure at Universal Music Group. Jessica Keeley-Carter joined WMG in 2019, helping to shape the global marketing framework, and has previously worked at Meta and Universal Music Group.

Robert Kyncl said, “Eric’s newly created role leans into his long-standing relationships within the artistic community and his deep understanding of how music travels around the world. Jess is an expert marketer and an inventive leader, who will help us orchestrate best-in-class ways of cutting through the noise in an increasingly complex and cluttered world.”

Eric Wong commented, “I am excited to build even closer relationships with our artists and put greater firepower behind our worldwide network to connect the dots, unlock new value, and magnify opportunities for emerging talent. I would like to congratulate Jess on her promotion and thank Robert for his trust in me to take on this new position.”

Jessica Keeley-Carter added, “With the collective WMG team collaborating even more closely in our new structure, we’ll be set up to take our artists and labels to new heights. I am grateful to Robert for this opportunity, I would like to thank Eric for his guidance and partnership over the years, and I am looking forward to continuing our work together.”

 


ARMADA’S BEAT MUSIC FUND ACQUIRES CATALOGS
FROM KEVIN SAUNDERSON, MARKUS SCHULZ, ROBBIE RIVERA

 

Just over a year ago, Armada Music introduced its music rights investment initiative, BEAT Music Fund, which it dubbed “the world’s first dance music investment company.” Initially targeting $100 million in acquisitions over a two-year period, the Amsterdam-based firm has since ramped up its ambitions.

Kevin Saunderson

After reorganizing under a new parent company, Armada Music Group, the fund now aims for $500 million in acquisitions over the next five years. Despite the target, Armada has swiftly made strides in the acquisition space. Shortly after launching BEAT Music Fund, it acquired King Street Sounds, a New York-based indie dance label, along with the master and catalog rights of the Dutch DJ duo Chocolate Puma. The fund also secured the entire back catalog of Sola Records and a substantial portion of VIVa Music’s catalog. Earlier this year, BEAT Music Fund expanded its portfolio by acquiring artist shares and songwriter royalties from Jax Jones, along with shares in select tracks from Amba Shepherd. In total, the fund reports that it has amassed around 20,000 assets, which have collectively garnered 100 million streams since joining BEAT. Now, the fund is announcing new catalog acquisition agreements with three influential figures in the dance and techno scenes: Kevin Saunderson, Markus Schulz, and Robbie Rivera.

The deal with Saunderson will see BEAT acquiring artist shares from part of his Inner City catalog. Inner City, a collaboration with Paris Grey, played a vital role in shaping the Detroit techno sound and achieved nine Top 40 hits and two Top 20 albums in the UK during the 1980s and 1990s. The agreement includes some of Inner City’s tracks like “Good Life,” “Big Fun,” and “Pennies From Heaven.”

Meanwhile, the partnership with Markus Schulz encompasses master and artist royalties for tracks such as “The New World,” “Rotunda” featuring Jochen Miller, and “Loops & Tings” featuring Ferry Corsten.

In addition, BEAT will acquire master and artist royalties for the complete catalog of Juicy Music, the label established by Robbie Rivera. This includes popular tracks like “Agua Pa Beber,” “Out of Time” featuring Jordan Kaahn, and “Switch It” featuring The Melody Men.

Beyond the BEAT Music acquisitions, Armada Music claims it is “the world’s largest dance music catalog,” featuring over 40,000 tracks and representing artists such as Lilly Palmer, ARTY, Audien, Miss Monique, Ferry Corsten, Jan Blomqvist, Loud Luxury, and Tensnake. The company reports more than one billion streams each month.

 


CHANDLER THURSTON JOINS POSITION MUSIC
AS THEIR FIRST CREATIVE A&R IN NASHVILLE

 

Tyler Bacon, President & CEO, Position Music, tells A&R Worldwide that they have appointed  Chandler Thurston to their A&R team, marking the first A&R hire for the company’s new Nashville office.

Chandler Thurston

Prior to joining Position Music, Thurston held the position of Senior Creative Director at Anthem Entertainment, where he worked with talents like MCA Nashville artist Jordan Davis. During his time there, he managed a roster that included Jamie Paulin (who has collaborated with Kenny Chesney and Jordan Davis), Luke Preston (Dillon James, The Lone Bellow), Joey Hyde (Jake Owen, Ryan Hurd), along with emerging artists Shane Profitt and Meghan Patrick.

Before his tenure at Anthem, Thurston was an A&R at Major Bob Music, where he played a key role in signing and nurturing songwriters such as Alysa Vanderheym, Ben Williams (known for Megan Moroney’s “Tennessee Orange”), and Andy Sheridan. His efforts were instrumental in the success of the song “Cold Beer Calling My Name” by Jameson Rodgers featuring Luke Combs, as well as the Top 10 hit “Talk You Out of It” by Florida Georgia Line, both written by Vanderheym.

Thurston will be based in Position Music’s Nashville office on Music Row, which is currently being developed and is expected to open in the third quarter of 2025. The new location will feature eight offices and two studios.

“I am incredibly excited to be in this new role and am looking forward to helping Position Music establish itself in Nashville. Tyler and Mark [Chipello] have created a business model that truly values creatives and it is an honor to be a part of this innovative team as we prepare to make our mark on Music Row. Cannot wait to get to work!” says Thurston.

Mark Chipello, Partner, and Head of A&R, Position Music, stated, “Over the past year and a half, Tyler [Bacon] and I have made several trips to Nashville looking for the right creative executive to launch our new office. We have built Position Music for over 25 years now and Tyler started his career in Nashville before that, so it is incredibly important to us to enter the Nashville writing and publishing ecosystem in a way that truly brings value and service to the community. As I met with people and explained what we are looking to accomplish, I began to hear one name recommended over and over – Chandler Thurston. Chandler is an immensely respected publisher who deeply cares about songwriters and their craft. We are excited to see how Chandler has already impacted our existing roster of writers while also working hard on developing a roster of new signings. I have the utmost confidence in Chandler and love how aligned our vision is for how we want to build the future together.”

 

A&R Worldwide Exposed

Each week, A&R Worldwide shares a snapshot of creatives and executives that we have collaborated or worked with in various music markets around the world, albeit in recent or previous times!

MAN TO MANN IN LOS ANGELES: Pictured (L-R) are two men who are longtime friends including Sat Bisla (President & Founder, A&R Worldwide / MUSEXPO), and Billy Mann (Grammy-nominated American songwriter, record producer, and Founder Green & Bloom/Topline, and Chairman, Manncom).

Los Angeles, and West Hollywood can be an interesting place, as you never know who you are going to run into. For two decades long friends, Sat Bisla, and Billy Mann, last week saw them serendipitously bumping into each other at a notable eatery. The two have known each other since Sat initially launched and ran the global A&R Network for Clear Channel Radio (now iHeart Media) and Clear Channel Entertainment (now Live Nation) and Billy was already an established and very successful producer, songwriter, and global music executive, and one of the most respected, accomplished, and well-rounded professionals in the global music business.

With more than 30 years of industry expertise, Billy Mann’s songs and productions have earned Grammy nominations, a Juno Award, and a Swedish Grammis Award. Billy has collaborated with renowned artists such as producer and/or songwriter with P!nk, Backstreet Boys, David Guetta, John Legend, Take That, Joss Stone, Helene Fischer, Celine Dion, Carole King, Burt Bacharach, Kelly Rowland, and many more.

He has had multiple global Top 40 hits and over 110 million albums sold, Billy Mann’s track record is extraordinary. Beyond songwriting and producing, Mann has held several C-suite executive roles, including Chief Creative Officer, President of Global Artist Management, and President of A&R International at EMI Music, as well as President of Creative, North America for BMG. He has also been a sought-after creative advisor for numerous brands and entertainment companies, including Sony Pictures Television, Red Bull Media House, Warner Chappell, Rainmaker Films, and Canaan Capital Partners.

 

A&R Worldwide Artist Of The Week

LUSAINT

 

Manchester, England-born singer-songwriter Lusaint has released her debut EP Self Sabotage, featuring the powerful new single “Remember Me.” Produced by Blue May (Joy Crookes, Kano), the emotionally-charged track brings a dramatic close to the EP with its James Bond-esque cinematic flair, highlighted by brass explosions and stirring violin strings. Lusaint describes “Remember Me” as a reflection on loss, evoking the suddenness with which cherished memories can be taken away, and she notes that the song’s themes can resonate with listeners beyond just relationships. Already, hailed as an “overnight success” by Notion Magazine, Lusaint’s distinctive blend of pop, soul, and jazz has amassed over 70 million streams, with staunch support from BBC Introducing and Radio 1. Her previous single “Sweet Tooth” garnered over three million streams and critical praise, including support from Elton John’s Rocket Hour. Her popularity is also rising in France, where she recently performed on the TV show Taratata, leading to chart success on Spotify and Shazam. Lusaint’s musical journey, which began with a breakthrough moment in 2019, has led to collaborations with brands like Chanel and Dior, and her music has appeared on shows such as Love Island and Sunday Brunch. She is set to embark on a European tour, with dates in France, Luxembourg, and Italy later this year. Listen to “Remember Me” HERE, and contact Espen Blödorn-Mentzoniat espen@propellerrecordings.com for additional information, and global opportunities.

 

ACROBVT

 

ACROBVT’s electrifying single and video “Can’t Put You Down” is a high-energy anthem that dives into themes of desire and obsession. Following the success of their debut track “Neon,” which has garnered international radio play, this second release solidifies their dynamic alt rock-pop sound. Co-written with Mikey Demus of Skindred and produced by James Loughrey (Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Def Leppard), the track captures the band’s fresh direction and musical evolution. With support from major radio outlets like Radio X, BBC Introducing, Flux FM (Germany) and RTE Radio 1, “Can’t Put You Down” sets the stage for their highly anticipated debut album in 2025. The accompanying visual promises to amplify the excitement even further, as ACROBVT continues to make waves across the global music scene with their Coldplay, Imagine Dragons, and Nothing But Thieves inspired soundscapes. Experience the clever visual for “Can’t Put You Down” HERE, and contact Ben Edwards at ben@acrobvt.com as ACROBVT is available for co-writing, label, booking, sync, and management opportunities

 

Passport Approved | Global Music Pre-Discovery

“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, October 13th, 2024: The weekly import show. Heard on more than 50 radio stations on six continents weekly including: Flux FM Berlin, GermanyNINETYSIX Radio (Indonesia); JioSaavn (India); Radio Doble Nueve, Lima, PeruWZRH–FM New Orleans, LAKWSS “93.9FM”; Phoenix, AZKRML “102.1FM”; Carmel, CAKFRR “New Rock 104.1FM”; Fresno, CARadio 1, Mumbai, IndiaWCNR Charlottesville, VAKIWR “The River”; Council Bluffs, IA2XM Ireland (national radio); 96.2 ZFM The NetherlandsWAPS–FM “The Summit.FM”; Akron–Canton, OHWKTL–FM Youngstown, OH105.5FM XFM Nairobi, KenyaPUK–FM Johannesburg, South AfricaRock 96.5FM Zambia897 FM Bratislava, SlovakiaWITH “90.1FM”; Ithaca, NYUCFM 87.8FM Australian Capital Territory, AustraliaWRUR 88.5FM Rochester, NYWCRU–FM Hamilton, NYKZND Anchorage, AKKQCJ Quad Cities, ILAllgauhit–FM Bavaria GermanyIndie Xfm Los Angeles and on The Independent FM (iHeartRadio) in the United States, as well as many others internationally.

Listen to this two hour show by clicking HERE:

GLASS CITIES – “Rescue” (Unsigned, N. America)
KAI BOSCH – “Everything Is Beautiful” (LAB Records, U.K.)
LIME CORDIALE – “Strangers” (Chugg Music, Australia)
ELECTRIC ENEMY – “Stop Falling In Love” (AWAL, U.K.)
HINDS – “The Bed, The Room, The Rain & You” (Lucky Number, Spain)
ACROBVT – “Last Goodbye” (Unsigned, U.K.)
MIDDLE KIDS – “Highlands” (EMI, Australia)
MONOTRONIC – “Kids of Summer” (Unsigned, N. America)
SEB LOWE – “Mr & Mrs Human Race” (LAB Records, U.K.)
BUDJERAH – “Is It Ever Gonna Make Sense” (Warner Music, Australia)
THE ROYSTON CLUB – “The Patch Where Nothing Grows” (Run On Records, U.K.)
RAT CITY – “Bring Back The Summer” (Sony Music, Norway)
RHETT REPKO – “How Cold” (Unsigned, N. America)
DIYA – “Blow The Blue Away” (Unsigned, U.K.)
BEARTOOTH – “ATTN.” (Red Bull Records, N. America)
JACK CRITCHLOW – “Bleeding” (Unsigned, U.K.)
CAMERON SAGE FROM – “You Won” (Unsigned, Canada)
THE VICES – “Strange Again” (Mattan Records, Holland)
PIXEY – “Oxygen” (Chess Club Records, U.K.)
GOOD NEIGHBOURS – “Daisies” (Some Action/Virgin, U.K.)
LEONIDEN – “A Million Heartbreak Songs” (Universal Music, Germany)
PICTURE THIS – “Satellites” (RCA Records, Ireland)
YNYS – “Shindig” (Libertino, Wales)
MATTHEW MOLE – “Okay” (Universal Music, South Africa)
STONE – “Queen” (Polydor, U.K.)
IAMJJ – “Moonshine” (Mermaid, Denmark)
AIRFLO – “With Me All The Time” (Unsigned, U.K.)
NOTHING BUT THIEVES – “Oh No :: He Said What” (RCA Records, U.K.)
MASI MASI – “Lesser Man” (Unsigned, U.K.)
CHAPEL OF ROSES – “It’s Not Nothing” (Unsigned, N. America)
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE – “Sun Kids” (Unsigned, N. America)
WEDA MAUVE – “(Still On) Repeat” (Semesta Records, Indonesia)
THE RUBENS – “Black Balloon” (Ivy League Records, Australia)
CAT SERRANO – “You, Me And The Night” (Unsigned, N. America)

 

 

TEN MUSIC GROUP ANNOUNCES SUB-PUBLISHING DEAL WITH KREATION MUSIC RIGHTS: TEN Music Group has entered into a sub-publishing agreement with Kreation Music Rights, a subsidiary of SM Entertainment. This partnership aims to introduce TEN’s catalog to the Asian music markets, with a particular focus on K-Pop. For TEN, this collaboration supports their goal of expanding into Asia. The partnership will enable TEN’s artists and songwriters to tap into KMR’s vast industry connections and regional insights, opening doors to new opportunities. KMR, recognized for its innovative strategies and strong foothold in the K-Pop scene, views this alliance to position itself as the go-to partner for European music publishers looking to enter the K-Pop landscape. So far, KMR and TEN have already achieved ten confirmed cuts from their joint song camps, showcasing the partnership’s early success. Both companies expect a surge of hits in the K-Pop genre, further solidifying their global presence. Jin Suk Choi, Global A&R Executive of KMR HQ, highlighted the creative potential of this East-West collaboration, telling A&R Worldwide, “This partnership bridges the creative talents of both cultures, fostering collaborations that push boundaries and create unique music. The success we have already achieved, with songs co-written by talent from both KMR and TEN landing with leading K-Pop artists, demonstrates the impact of this alliance. We are just at the beginning, with even greater achievements ahead.”

 

BELIEVE U.K. PROMOTES JOHNNY PINCHARD TO HEAD OF A&R: Believe’s U.K. branch has elevated Johnny Pinchard to the position of Head of A&R. Previously, Pinchard served in the role as Sr. A&R Manager, and will now report to Malena Wolfer, the Director of Artist Services, and Panos Polymatidis, the Head of Label and Artist Solutions, from the company’s London office. Since joining Believe from RCA Records in 2021, Pinchard has made a significant impact, overseeing notable signings like Sea Girls, whose album reached No. 4 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart this year. He has also championed rising rap artist Blanco, who amassed over 140 million streams in less than a year, and Niko B, whose track “Why’s This Dealer” is gaining traction. Also, Pinchard signed Grammy-nominated artist HAYLA, a standout in electronic music, who recently received the “Vocalist of the Year” award at the 2024 EDMA’s in Miami. In his new role, Pinchard will continue to collaborate with an array of artists on the Believe U.K. roster, including recent signings like Sainte, Leon Vynehall, Arz, Grace Davies, Dargz, JSxYD, R.I Pablo, and Sevdaliza. Alex Kennedy, Managing Director, Believe U.K., said, “During his time at Believe, Johnny has been vital in identifying, signing, and developing a wide range of artists that have formed the cornerstone of our success and that fit the Believe ethos perfectly. He is now nurturing and developing key talent in our A&R team like Tato Katsikeas and Bridie Asare-Bediako, and we are super confident he will lead the team to even greater heights.”

 

Standing (L-R) are Pino Brönner (Management, Ray Dalton), Marcel Valin (BMG), Marc Johlen (BMG), Ray Dalton, Jill Gehring (BMG), Illy Korda (Management, Ray Dalton), and Matthias Steur (Lawyer, Ray Dalton).

RAY DALTON BRINGS ENTIRE PUBLISHING CATALOG TO BMG: Multi-Diamond-selling artist Ray Dalton has inked a global publishing deal with BMG, encompassing his entire catalog. Dalton recently launched his debut solo album, Thee Unknown, in September, preceded by the single “ALL WE GOT,” which made waves on the European Airplay Charts, including Top 10 placements in Austria, Hungary, Serbia, and Slovakia, along with an 11th spot in Germany. Another track, “Tears to Stay,” also charted in Germany, Austria, and Hungary, hitting No.1 in Belarus. His latest single, “Butterflies,” was released in August. Starting his journey as a gospel and R&B artist, Dalton gained worldwide fame as a featured vocalist on Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’s 2011 hit “Can’t Hold Us,” which earned a Diamond certification from the RIAA. The song topped various charts, including debuting at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was the most-streamed song on Spotify in 2013, winning two MTV Video Music Awards for its Grammy-nominated video. Dalton has also showcased his songwriting and performance prowess on numerous global hits, such as “Don’t Worry” with Madcon, which reached the top spot in over 21 countries, “Stronger” with DJ Arty, “Call it Love” with Felix Jaehn, and “Manila” with Alvaro Soler. In 2017, he made his solo debut with the single “If You Fall,” co-written with Scott Effman and produced by Rufus Dipper. Ray Dalton will embark on Thee Unknown European Tour starting in February 2025.

Pictured (L-R) are Mitch Glazier (CEO, RIAA), Walt Reeder, Jr. (DJ Kool’s manager), DJ Kool, Bernard Resnick (Attorney, DJ Kool), and Michele Ballantyne (President of RIAA).

DJ KOOL CELEBRATES PLATINUM CERTIFICATION FOR ICONIC SONG: DJ Kool, the pioneering hip-hop artist known for his infectious party anthems, has received a platinum award plaque from the RIAA for his iconic single “Let Me Clear My Throat.” Originally released in 1996, the track has become a timeless staple in clubs and festivals, recognized for its catchy hooks and high-energy vibe. The song’s distinctive blend of samples and Kool’s charismatic delivery helped it climb the charts, peaking at No.16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing its place in hip-hop history. With its unforgettable call-and-response chorus and a memorable sample of “Green Onions” by Booker T. & the MG’s, “Let Me Clear My Throat” has transcended generations, becoming a favorite at sports events and parties alike. DJ Kool, whose real name is John Bowman, has enjoyed a diverse career spanning decade’s. He first gained prominence in the late ‘eighties as a DJ and later established himself as a solo artist, collaborating with legends such as KRS-One and Fatman Scoop. His work has influenced a new wave of artists, and his contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated. The platinum certification serves as a testament to the track’s enduring popularity and Kool’s legacy in the music industry.

 

Ilya Tolchenov & Roman Tolchenov

DELPHOS LAUNCHES AI POWERED MUSIC GENERATOR: Roman and Ilya Tolchenov, a father-son duo from the U.K. and Ukraine, have unveiled Delphos, an innovative music generator that empowers creators to harness AI machine learning on their own terms. Based in London, England the Tolchenov’s have designed Delphos to function as “a virtual composer that adapts to your music style, helping you create more efficiently.” Roman Tolchenov, the Chief Technology Officer, brings over 30 years of experience in tech development, drawing from his background as a theoretical physics researcher and lecturer. Ilya Tolchenov, the CEO, is a mathematician and professional singer, who previously founded Orarion, an app for generating sheet music. Delphos enables users to create personalized music generators, termed ‘Soundworlds,’ where they can upload their own audio stems and utilize AI tools to compose, remix, and generate beats. These Soundworlds can be shared with other creators for a fee, allowing artists, songwriters, and producers to create new income streams while retaining their copyrights. The platform has brought on board Angus Moncrieff, an esteemed film and TV composer, as its Director of Music. Moncrieff has worked on popular BBC and ITV shows, including Ripper Street and Primeval, and will contribute as both a software developer and a key designer of Soundworld technology. In addition, Delphos has partnered with Roland Williams, who manages Atlanta-based producer Zaytoven, known for his collaborations with Gucci Mane and Usher. Under Williams’ leadership, the Zaytoven team has launched beatworld.ai, a self-service portal powered by Delphos, offering professional-quality beats at competitive prices aimed at emerging artists and labels needing scalable production. Delphos is also collaborating with Matt Pelling, an early investor and founder of Loopmasters, one of the largest and most acclaimed sample libraries, providing advisory support to the venture.

 

MEG DONNELLY SIGNS LABEL DEAL WITH RANGE MUSIC: Range Media Partners has officially signed Disney star Meg Donnelly to its Range Music label, as announced several days ago. The label operates under the distribution of Capitol Music Group and Virgin Music & Artist Label Services. Donnelly, widely recognized for her performances in the Zombies movie series and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, is currently crafting recent music, having just released her latest single, “by my heart.” A press release confirmed that she has wrapped up her work on the Zombies franchise after six years. Jared Cotter, a Range Music partner, and co-manager of Shaboozey, spearheaded the signing. In 2018, Donnelly was honored as Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing” and has since shared the stage with notable artists like the Jonas Brothers, Avril Lavigne, and Alessia Cara, and she recently opened for Doja Cat. Earlier this year, she collaborated with producer Tenroc on the single “title.” Her creative direction is handled by Max Pham, who has a portfolio that includes work with stars like Ariana Grande, Justin Timberlake, and Rosalía.

 

Tom Connaughton & Richard Lyne

TOM CONNAUGHTON TO JOIN BOUTIQUE DISTRIBUTOR CANVAS MUSIC: Canvas Music, one of the U.K.’s rapidly expanding independent boutique distributors, has announced the addition of Tom Connaughton, former Managing Director of Spotify U.K. & Ireland, to its team. Alongside this development, the company has entered a long-term joint venture with U.S. partner Symphonic Distribution. Connaughton will assume the role of Partner & Senior Advisor, working closely with Richard Lyne, Founder & CEO, Canvas Music. Established in 2020, Canvas Music Distribution specializes in tailored distribution and label services, striving to infuse an indie label ethos into its operations while offering a truly transatlantic service to its roster of artists and labels. Announcing the new role, Tom Connaughton says, “I am delighted to be coming on board as a Partner & Senior Advisor to Canvas Music. Rich has been quietly building an impressive company over the last few years, and I have seen how distribution has become one of the most exciting pieces of the new music industry. Throughout my career, I have always been passionate about bridging the gap between artists, technology, and audiences. The opportunity that Canvas presents to do this in a fair, and artist-centered way really resonates with me. I cannot wait to get going.”

 

Pictured (L-R) are Damon Bunetta, Julian Bunetta, and Katie Welle (Sr. Vice President, Creative, Sony Music Publishing)

JULIAN BUNETTA INKS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING: Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has entered into a global publishing agreement with songwriter and producer Julian Bunetta. The songwriter and producer has been instrumental in crafting some of the biggest hits in pop, country, and beyond. With over 30 billion streams to his credit, he has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Sabrina Carpenter, Teddy Swims, Thomas Rhett, One Direction, Niall Horan, and Rudimental. This year, Bunetta’s contributions as a co-writer and co-producer have led to several successes, such as Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” which not only reached the Top 40 No.1 but also topped Billboard’s Global 200 and Global (excluding U.S.) charts. He also worked on Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control,” which achieved No.1 spots on Top 40 and the Billboard Hot 100, along with leading several airplay charts like Pop and Adult R&B. His recent success continues with Carpenter’s latest single “Taste.” Throughout his career Bunetta has penned hits for major acts, including “Story of My Life” and “Drag Me Down” by One Direction, “Slow Hands” by Niall Horan, “These Days” by Rudimental, and “Look What God Gave Her” by Thomas Rhett. He also contributed to Rhett’s Grammy-nominated album Life Changes. Bunetta’s accolades include a 2019 Ivor Novello Award, 12 BMI awards for top-performing songs, over 15 RIAA certifications for multi-Platinum and Platinum records, five U.S. Radio No.1 hits, and seven entries in the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, among numerous others.

BUCKS’ STANDARD MUSIC LIBRARY TO REPRESENT FOLD MUSIC: Standard Music Library, part of the Bucks Music Group, has announced a partnership to represent Fold Music across the U.K. and Ireland. Established in 1968 through a collaboration between London Weekend Television (LWT) and Bucks Music, Standard Music serves as an MCPS library featuring works from artists like Brian Eno, Delia Derbyshire, Matthew Herbert, George Martin, Rachel Portman, Ben Salisbury, Krust, The Heavytrackerz, Janette Mason, and Dudley Moore. In addition to its roster, the library also represents several labels, including All Music Gallery, Cinetiks, Musica Britannica, and Picture Box Music, offering a plethora of creative resources, including arrangements and recordings of many classical pieces. Tracks from the Standard Music library have been featured in a variety of media, including films, television series, video games, and advertisements. Recognizable titles include Triangle of Sadness, Young Woman And The Sea, Serpico, Sex And The City, The West Wing, South Park, The One Show, Masterchef, Come Dine With Me, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Top Gear, I’m A Celebrity, Agatha & Poirot, Grand Theft Auto, and Just Cause 4, among others. Fold Music is the first production music platform dedicated solely to independent labels, publishers, and artists, as it aims to provide a fairer deal for creators, setting a new industry standard with a royalty rate of 60% and allowing artists to maintain control over their own catalogs. Fold collaborates with independent music companies like Domino, Fat Cat, Mute, Minds on Fire, Accidental, and EPM. Its catalog features work from artists such as Steve Mason, Denis Bovell, Laura Cannell, Oakra, CFCF, Villagers, Miro Shot, and Laaraji. Current clients utilizing Fold Music include brands like Balmain, Burberry, and Valentino, as well as projects like the Disney+ series Camden.

 

SALT EXPANDS INTO ASIA WITH MASSIVE MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT PARTNERSHIP: Salt, a rights and royalties network, has announced an expansion into Asia through a partnership with Indonesia’s Massive Music Entertainment. The strategic alliance is a pivotal moment for Salt, highlighting the company’s dedication to offering solutions to clients worldwide. The move into the Asian market aligns with Salt’s mission to cater to the specific needs of regional markets. By collaborating with Massive Music Entertainment, a prominent music publisher in Indonesia, Salt aims to enhance support for local artists, songwriters, and publishers. The partnership will enable efficient processing of usage data, ownership matching, and distribution calculations, all powered by advanced cloud technology. Doug Imrie, CEO, Salt, tells A&R Worldwide, “This collaboration is a testament to Salt’s ability to scale and adapt our solutions globally. We are excited to bring our expertise to Asia and support the music industry with technology that significantly improves rights management and royalty distribution. We are confident that this is just the beginning of Salt’s strong and lasting presence in Asia. Our goal is to help the industry fairly and quickly compensate rights-holders through innovation and a customer-first approach.”

 

Niels Walboomers & Raymond van Vliet

WARNER MUSIC GROUP ACQUIRES CLOUD 9 RECORDINGS: Warner Music Group Benelux (WMG) has officially acquired Cloud 9 Recordings, based in Amsterdam, Holland. Niels Walboomers, President of Recorded Music & Publishing at WMG Benelux, led the acquisition, which will allow Cloud 9 co-founder Raymond van Vliet to continue as President of the label. Cloud 9 is well-known in the Netherlands for its roster, which includes Claude, Jaap Reesema, Kris Kross Amsterdam, Snelle, and Turfy Gang, as well as the catalog of Antoon. This development follows a recent move where Armada Music’s BEAT Music Fund purchased Cloud 9’s publishing division five months ago. In addition to acquiring Cloud 9, Warner Chappell Music Benelux will enter an exclusive global administration agreement with Blue Skies Publishing, which manages songwriters including Claude, Davina Michelle, Edwin van Hoevelaak, Flemming, Frank van Etten, John Dirne, La Fuente, and Snelle. Blue Skies Publishing oversees around 100 songwriters, with a catalog of over 100 Top 40 hits from artists like Dolly Dots, Luv’, and Willeke Alberti. The existing team at Blue Skies will maintain its role in managing the creative process. Meanwhile, the Cloud 9 team will move to The Amsterdam Music Harbour, the central hub for Warner Music Benelux located in the Amsterdam Houthavens. Also, the Blue Skies office in Laren will function as a satellite location for Cloud 9.

PPL SIGNS LUSAINT FOR HER GLOBAL ROYALTIES: PPL has entered into an agreement with Manchester, England-based artist Lusaint (this week’s “Artist of the Week” in the A&R Worldwide newsletter) to manage her international neighboring rights royalties. This partnership follows the launch of Lusaint’s debut EP, Self Sabotage, released through Perfect Havoc/Heavenly Fire in collaboration with The Orchard, which has already amassed over ten million streams worldwide. October 7th marked the opening of the latest round of the PPL Momentum Music Fund, managed by PRS Foundation, inviting artists to apply for support. Lusaint joins other rising talents such as BRITs Rising Star winners The Last Dinner Party in choosing PPL for their international collections, alongside artists like FLO, Ice Spice, and Kenya Grace. Her music has garnered attention from BBC Radio 1 presenters, including Jack Saunders, Sian Eleri, Mollie King, Maia Beth, Victoria Jane, and Clara Amfo. Lusaint’s single “Sweet Tooth” has been featured by Elton John on his Rocket Hour show on Apple Music. Internationally, Lusaint is also gaining traction, with airplay in France on various stations such as Radio Nova, RTL, Europe 2, and Europe 1. In Italy, her track “Fool For You” made it into the Top 40 of the national airplay charts. At the festival circuit, Lusaint has performed at Boardmasters, The Great Escape, Metronome Festival, and Neighbourhood Festival in Manchester.

 

DAVID CASSIDY RIGHTS ACQUIRED BY ICONOCLAST: Olivier Chastan’s acquisition company, Iconoclast, has finalized a deal for the rights to the late American actor and musician David Cassidy. On October 8, Iconoclast highlighted that Cassidy became a teen sensation in the 1970s through his role as Keith Partridge on The Partridge Family, which established him as a recognizable figure in pop culture. The agreement includes Cassidy’s publishing catalog, sound recordings, and rights to his name, image, and likeness. Sources have indicated that the deal is valued at over $10 million (USD). Even after his passing in 2017, Cassidy’s career continued to thrive, producing hits in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, including his Platinum-selling 2001 album Then And Now. In addition to his music career, Cassidy was active in film and television, with appearances on Broadway and in several Las Vegas productions. Cassidy’s hit singles like “I Think I Love You” topped charts worldwide, and he “became the face of a generation,” selling millions of records and sparking a level of fanatical fandom that earned him a place in pop culture history, blazing a trail for multimedia stardom. Iconoclast stated that at one point, Cassidy’s fan club membership exceeded that of Elvis Presley and The Beatles combined, and his concerts drew sold-out crowds in venues like Madison Square Garden, the Houston Astrodome, and Wembley Stadium.

 

SIXTH STREET MAKES $130M EQUITY INVESTMENT IN ATVENU: Investment firm Sixth Street, through its Sixth Street Growth platform, has made an equity investment of $130 million (USD) in atVenu, a platform based in California and Canada that specializes in live event commerce and music merchandise sales. atVenu offers software solutions that streamline payments, logistics, and inventory management for merchandise, food, and beverages at concerts, festivals, and sporting events. Founded in 2012, atVenu caters to major touring artists, merchandisers, record labels, venue operators, festival organizers, and food and beverage providers. Ed Sheeran is one of the early adopters of atVenu’s software, which is now also utilized by events like Coachella and Red Rocks. The company claims to be a leader in the music merchandise sector, processing over $1.6 billion (USD) in sales for merchandise, food, and beverage each year. With its software employed at more than 125,000 events annually, atVenu serves venues of all sizes, from intimate clubs and mid-sized amphitheaters to large stadiums and festivals worldwide. Ben Brannen, Co-Founder and President of atVenu, brings over 20 years of experience in the music industry, having worked in publishing, independent labels, and artist management. Sixth Street Growth, the growth investment arm of Sixth Street, which manages over $80 billion in assets, and has invested more than $10 billion across 70 companies since its inception. Previous investments by Sixth Street include sports teams like Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and the San Antonio Spurs. In 2017, Sixth Street also provided revolving credit financing to iHeartRadio.

 

DOWNTOWN’S FUGA EXPANDS VIA NEW DEAL WITH UNIFIED MUSIC GROUP: FUGA, a B2B distributor owned by Downtown, has announced a new partnership with UNIFIED Music Group, which operates in key markets including Melbourne, Sydney, Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, and Toronto. As part of this collaboration, FUGA will offer strategic marketing support, access to its global technology platform, physical distribution, and neighboring rights services to the labels under the UNIFIED umbrella. This includes UNIFIED Recorded Music labels such as UNFD, which features artists like Silverstein, Thornhill, and ERRA, as well as Domestic La La, known for acts like Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers and Dear Seattle. Future releases from Community Music, including Ocean Alley and Sarah Saint James, will also be part of this partnership. UNIFIED is already a client of Downtown’s royalty accounting platform, Curve, which they began using in January 2022. Through this new agreement, UNIFIED will benefit from access to Downtown’s global network, including sync and licensing solutions provided by Downtown Music Publishing, as well as neighboring rights collection through Downtown Neighboring Rights. This partnership follows FUGA’s recent successes in the Australian and New Zealand markets. Currently, FUGA is expanding its presence in the region by teaming up with Commonfolk Records from Queensland, Australia home to artist Ziggy Alberts, who recently won the award for “Most Performed Blues & Roots Work” at this year’s APRA awards for his song “Dancing in the Dark.”

 

BEATDAPP COLLABS WITH TUNED GLOBAL TO TACKLE STREAMING FRAUD: Streaming fraud remains a significant challenge for the music industry, and data tracking firm Beatdapp has released statistics that highlight the scope of the problem. After analyzing approximately four trillion streams and 40 trillion user interactions, Beatdapp estimates that around 10% of global streams may be fraudulent. The company has also pinpointed 50 music distributors, revealing that over half of their streams are suspected of being illegitimate. Earlier this year, Beatdapp projected that streaming fraud could cost legitimate rights holders almost $2 billion (USD) annually, as automated bots inflate stream counts, impacting how payments are allocated by streaming services. In a positive development, clients of Tuned Global, a business-to-business streaming technology provider, will soon have access to Beatdapp’s fraud prevention tools. The two companies announced a strategic partnership to integrate Beatdapp’s fraud detection capabilities into Tuned Global’s platforms. This collaboration aims to ensure that royalties are distributed fairly among artists and rights holders. Moreover, the partnership will extend beyond traditional digital service providers to emerging platforms where music consumption is growing, including Discord, gaming consoles, virtual reality headsets, and Web 3.0 services. Beatdapp’s technology will leverage hundreds of anonymized data points gathered from Tuned Global’s backends to identify patterns indicative of fraudulent activity.

 

CHRIS MONCADA PROMOTED TO COO OF MNRK MUSIC GROUP: MNRK Music Group has announced the promotion of Chris Moncada to Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. Based in Toronto, Moncada will coordinate efforts across MNRK’s offices in New York, Nashville, Toronto, and the U.K., reporting directly to Sean Stevenson, President & CEO, MNRK. In his new role, he will manage the day-to-day operations of the company, focusing on the development and execution of critical business strategies while emphasizing A&R, artist growth, and catalog expansion. MNRK stated that Moncada will establish and implement operational policies to enhance the efficiency of the label’s functions, overseeing P&L leads in the Rock and Metal, Hip Hop/R&B, International, and Last Gang divisions. His direct reports will include Scott Givens (Sr. VP Rock & Metal), Ted May (Managing Director U.K. and Head of International), Ian “J.Y.” Williams (Sr. Director, A&R), and Ben Chan (Director, Sync). Moncada joined MNRK in 2015 as General Manager for the Last Gang imprint. In 2022, he took on additional responsibilities that extended beyond Last Gang to encompass A&R across the entire MNRK label group. Prior to his time at MNRK, he worked in various marketing, A&R, and artist services roles at Universal Music and Warner Music.

 

RESERVOIR ACQUIRES PRODUCER CATALOG OF JACK DOUGLAS: Reservoir Media has officially acquired the producer royalties associated with the catalog of Grammy-winning producer Jack Douglas. This collection features iconic tracks from bands like Aerosmith and Cheap Trick. Jack Douglas has achieved countless multi-Platinum records and a host of prestigious lifetime achievement awards, including honors from the LA Music Hall of Fame and the Sarasota Film Festival. A native of the Bronx, New York, Douglas kicked off his music journey at the Institute of Audio Research, eventually working on projects for Miles Davis, Alice Cooper, and Patti Smith. In 1971, he played a key role in engineering The Who’s acclaimed album Who’s Next, which is a Grammy Hall of Fame inductee. He also contributed to John Lennon’s album Imagine, which includes the title track. During the 1970s, Douglas became deeply involved in production, influencing many of Aerosmith’s most acclaimed albums. His most recognizable works include the 3x-Platinum Get Your Wings, the 9x-Platinum Toys in the Attic, the 4x-Platinum Rocks, and the 2x-Platinum Draw the Line. Both Toys in the Attic and Rocks are featured on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” In the 1980s, he collaborated with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, producing the Grammy-winning Double Fantasy, which included the single “(Just Like) Starting Over,” nominated for “Record of the Year,” as well as Ono’s Grammy-nominated track “Walking on Thin Ice.” In the mid-2000s, Douglas reconnected with Aerosmith to collaborate on several projects, including the Gold-selling Honkin’ on Bobo and Music from Another Dimension!. Currently, he is focused on scoring films and managing his own record label.

 

BMG NAMES MELANIE MCALLISTER AS CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER: BMG has announced that Melanie McAllister will join the company as its new global Chief Human Resources Officer starting November 1, 2024. She will be a key member of BMG’s Executive Board and will report directly to Thomas Coesfeld, CEO, BMG. In her role, McAllister will be responsible for enhancing employee performance, development, and analytics, while also focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her mission will be to align human resource strategies with BMG’s business goals and to support the growth of teams across the company’s twenty offices in 13 major music markets. McAllister is a seasoned HR professional with experience in managing global organizations. Most recently, she was the Chief People Officer at EasyPark Group and Megaport. Prior to these roles, she spent nearly ten years as Chief HR Officer at Arvato, a sister company of BMG, and has held senior HR positions at Oracle and other major tech firms. Her knowledge includes talent management, organizational change, and mergers and acquisitions integration. McAllister is recognized for shaping inclusive workplace cultures and using technology to enhance HR processes, driving innovation and growth in various sectors.

 

THE IVORS ACADEMY UNVEILS KEY PROMOTIONS ACROSS OPERATIONS: The Ivors Academy has announced several promotions within its team. Laura Moreno has been elevated to the role of Chief Operating Officer after serving as Sr. Operations Director. In her new position, she will oversee financial strategies and cultivate partnerships, reporting directly to the Chief Executive. Grace Croucher has moved up to Sr. Manager of Membership & Events, stepping up from her previous role as Sr. Events Manager. Croucher has been vital in organizing events for the Ivors community and will now focus on expanding membership and improving member services. Maria McMillan has been promoted to Sr. Manager of Governance & Policy from her prior position as Governance & Administration Manager. In her new position, McMillan will collaborate with the member Senate, Board, and Councils to ensure that the perspectives of songwriters and composers are represented at all levels. Jévis Lawson has advanced to Relations & Outreach Manager, having previously worked as Programs Manager. Drawing on his experience in managing creative development initiatives like writing camps and the Rising Star Award, Lawson will now lead outreach efforts and strengthen connections with external partners. Finally, Charlie Withers has been elevated to Membership Coordinator after serving as Membership Administrator. In this role, Withers will support various initiatives for the membership team.

 


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: Danny Keenan, Beka Tischker, Edison Waters, Brandon Silverstein, Jo Charrington, Liza Richardson, Filip Wilén, Florian Baufeld, Brandon Davis, Annie Christensen, Samantha Sklar, Kabiru Bello, and Alex Smutny.

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