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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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!
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.
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” 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, 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.)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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