MANDAR THAKUR, CEO, TIMES MUSIC GROUP (INDIA)
NAMED AS THE MUSEXPO 2025 “INTERNATIONAL MUSIC PERSON OF THE YEAR”
MUSEXPO 2025 will celebrate its 25th global edition by recognizing Mandar Thakur, CEO, Times Music Group (India), as the “International Music Person of the Year.” Thakur is the first executive from the Asia, SE Asia, and South Asia regions to receive this esteemed award.

The ceremony will take place during MUSEXPO’s global edition from March 16th to 19th, 2025, in Burbank, California, known as “The Media & Sync Capital of the World.” Thakur’s awards luncheon will be held on Tuesday, March 19th, post his keynote interview, and will include official proclamations from the Mayor of Burbank, the County of Los Angeles, representatives from the State of California, along with his official award.
Thakur has played a transformative role in developing India’s music ecosystem, overseeing Times Music’s evolution into a leading force within the music, digital, and publishing sectors. Under his leadership, Times Music, a joint venture between The Times Group and Primary Wave, has expanded to include record labels, music publishing, and artist management. The company’s sub-labels, Junglee Music (Bollywood soundtracks) and ffs (indie music) showcase India’s rich musical diversity beyond the Bollywood sphere.
The Indian music market has grown significantly over the past decade, with India ranking as one of the top markets worldwide. According to RIAA data, India saw an increase of over 20% in music revenue over the past year, fueled by both digital streaming and mobile platforms, demonstrating the vibrant growth and future potential of the Indian music industry.
Mandar Thakur’s career spans over three decades across diverse facets of the music business. Before Times Music, he was the founding team at Soundbuzz, the pioneering digital music distribution company in Asia/India, which was acquired by Motorola in 2008. At Soundbuzz, Thakur’s work laid the groundwork for digital music in the region, introducing innovative distribution models that catalyzed the shift toward mobile and digital music platforms in Asia and India.
A driving force in shaping India’s modern music landscape, Thakur holds significant industry roles, including Chairman of the Board at PPL India, Board Director at IPRS, and member of the IMI Executive Council. His contributions extend to music television, having been instrumental at Channel [V] in the mid-90s, where he helped establish the country’s first music charts and the Channel [V] Music Awards, highlighting both local and international talent.
Thakur’s extensive career also includes early experience in concert promotion with The Entertainment Co./Media Bank Group, where he assisted in bringing international artists such as Bob Dylan, Elton John, and Kenny G to Asia. This experience reinforced his commitment to live music, which remains a vital part of the music ecosystem in India today.
“Mandar’s significant contributions to the music industry, both in India and globally, make him a deserving recipient for the ‘International Music Person of the Year’ at MUSEXPO 2025,” said Sat Bisla, President & Founder, A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO. “His work has not only transformed India’s music ecosystem but has also paved the way for the region to become one of the most formidable players on the world music stage.”
MUSEXPO 2025 will once again convene global music leaders for this milestone edition, including the “International Music Industry Awards,” Seymour Stein “Global A&R Award,” Lifetime Achievement Award,” A&R Summit, and the Global Synch & Brands Summit, along with key panels covering all key areas of the evolving music business, and insight high-profile executive keynotes, which have made the event a premier gathering for the international music community.
Previous “International Music Person of the Year” awards honorees have included Monte Lipman, Co-Founder & Chief Executive, Republic Records & Avery Lipman, Co-Founder & Chief Executive, Republic Records; Grammy & Emmy Award Winning & Oscar-nominated global hit songwriter Diane Warren; Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive & President Music, EA Games; Daniel Glass, President & Founder, Glassnote Entertainment Group; Alexandra Patsavas, Music Creative + Production / Original Series Netflix; George Ergatoudis, Head of Music, UK & Ireland, Apple; Harvey Goldsmith, Founder, Harvey Goldsmith Presents (Live Aid, Live Earth, Prince’s Trust); Lisa Worden, Vice President, Rock & Alternative, iHeartMedia, and Program Director of ALT 98.7 and many other global music and media influencers!
DAVID GRAY NAMED UMPG MANAGING DIRECTOR U.K.
AND HEAD OF GLOBAL A&R
David Gray has been promoted to Managing Director, U.K., and Head of Global A&R for Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) as announced last week by Jody Gerson, Chairman & CEO, UMPG. Gray will be relocating from New York to London in January, taking over from Mike McCormack, who has transitioned to a consultancy role while forming a joint venture with UMPG.

In his new role, Gray will oversee all aspects of UMPG’s U.K. operations, focusing on the management and creative direction of the company. His responsibilities will include identifying and expanding both local and global opportunities for UMPG’s songwriters, artists, and producers. He will also lead efforts to discover and nurture emerging talent while supporting established artists to enhance their catalogs.
Previously, Gray served as UMPG’s Executive Vice President & Co-Head of U.S. A&R, as well as Head of the Global Creative Group, which he co-founded with Gerson in 2022 to foster connections and opportunities across genres and countries. His roster includes artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Shawn Mendes, and Demi Lovato, among others.
Gray’s leadership in the Global Creative Group has already yielded chart-topping collaborations like “Luna” by Colombian artist Feid and producer ATL Jacob, and Brazilian artist Luísa Sonza’s album Escandalo Intimo, which featured the track “Penhasco2” with Demi Lovato and broke streaming records. Gray’s journey with UMPG began in 2013, leading to various roles in A&R, where he honed his skills in developing talent.
Jody Gerson said, “I would like to thank Mike McCormack for his many contributions to UMPG through the years and especially for his leadership during his eight years as our U.K. MD. I value him as a friend and colleague. I am delighted he will continue to be part of the UMPG family.”
David Gray added, “I want to thank Jody for her constant belief in me and for shaping a company built upon A&R, creativity, and a belief in songwriters and artists that is at the heart of our ethos. I am so excited to work with the incredible U.K. team, including our great Head of A&R Pete Simmons, and build upon the success achieved by Mike McCormack, who will continue his stellar contributions to our company through his new joint venture.”
Mike McCormack, who has been with UMPG since 1999, served as Managing Director U.K. since 2016 after a successful advisory period. Before UMPG, he worked with Simon Fuller on music and sports projects and held various A&R positions at RCA Records and Virgin Music Publishing.
U.S. ROCK BAND BREAKING BENJAMIN
& ICELAND’S ÁSDÍS SIGN WITH BMG
Breaking Benjamin, the multi-Platinum hard rock band, has entered into a global recording agreement with BMG, marking their first new music release since 2018. This partnership also signifies their first new label affiliation since their debut album, which was launched over two decades ago.

Since their arrival on the scene with their 2002 album Saturate, Breaking Benjamin has consistently topped the Rock charts. With 10 No.1 hits, numerous Platinum albums, and over 8.5 billion streams worldwide, they have consistently found success. Their last release, Aurora, included the hit “Far Away” featuring Scooter Ward, which became their 10th No.1 track on rock radio.
Their previous album, Ember, debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, representing their fourth Top 5 debut. Both Aurora and Ember achieved Top 10 rankings in several countries and secured No.1 spots across various Billboard charts, including Top Alternative Albums and Top Rock Albums.
Throughout their career, Breaking Benjamin has received accolades including three Platinum albums, two Gold albums, and multiple singles certified up to 4x Platinum. As they continue to be one of rock’s most anticipated bands for new music, fans have been treated to a teaser countdown clock during their 2024 North American tour, where they are opening for Staind, hinting at new music on the horizon.
Sean Heydorn, Sr. VP, Head of Rock, and Rise Records (a division of BMG), said, “Breaking Benjamin has consistently pushed the boundaries of rock music with their raw energy, powerful songwriting, and a connection with fans that is both intense and enduring. We’re incredibly proud to support them as they embark on their next chapter with us at BMG.”
In addition, singer/songwriter Ásdís, originally from Iceland but now based in Berlin, has secured a global publishing deal with BMG. Known for her recent successes on the Airplay charts, where her track “Beat of Your Heart” hit No.1 and “Flashback” reached No.2, Ásdís is making a name for herself in the pop music scene.

Co-published by Jinx Music, which also manages her alongside Vanessa Kanapin, Ásdís has a strong international network of songwriting and production partners. Since relocating to Berlin, she has worked with Canadian singer Sophie Simmons on “Love Turns Lonely,” U.K. DJ and producer 220 Kid on “Release,” and the renowned duo David Guetta & Afrojack on “Raving.” Her collaboration with the German collective Glockenbach on the Gold-certified single “Dirty Dancing” alone amassed around 45 million streams on Spotify and reached the Top 3 of the German Airplay Chart.
Ásdís’s 2023 debut single “Angel Eyes” also made a splash in the charts, but her breakthrough came in 2024 with “Beat of Your Heart,” which climbed to No.1 on the German Airplay Chart, featuring Purple Disco Machine. Her latest single, “Flashback,” has since peaked at No.2.
Jill Gehring, Senior Manager A&R Publishing, BMG, said, “I have known and admired the work of Ásdís for several years. We have always been looking for a way to work together and I am delighted that the time has come. As the perfect pop artist with an international focus, she brings a unique value to our roster in Germany.”
TAKESHI OKADA APPOINTED PRESIDENT & CEO
OF WARNER MUSIC JAPAN
Takeshi Okada has been named the new President & CEO of Warner Music Japan, effective December 2, 2024. He comes to Warner Music from EMI Records Japan, part of Universal Music Group, where he held the position of Managing Director since 2018.

Okada brings over a decade of experience from Universal Music Japan, where he was pivotal in developing digital marketing strategies and navigating the shift towards streaming. During his tenure, he aided in the success of artists such as Yumi Matsutoya and the rock band Mrs. GREEN APPLE. Japan stands as the world’s second-largest recorded music market, following the United States
In his new role, Okada will report to Simon Robson, who is currently managing Warner Music Group’s recorded operations in the APAC region until a permanent successor is appointed. He takes over from Kaz Kobayashi, who announced last month his decision to step down after leading Warner Music Japan since 2014, during which he significantly impacted the careers of artists like Aimyon, THE YELLOW MONKEY, Kobukuro, TWICE, MISAMO, and ONE OK ROCK.
Simon Robson commented, “It is great news that the highly respected Takeshi Okada has agreed to run our business in Japan as we accelerate our growth plans in the world’s second-largest music market. I know that Kaz and Kenji will work with him to ensure a smooth leadership transition. These appointments show we are serious about expanding our operations in this vitality important market.”
The transition in leadership will be supported by Dr. Kenji Kitatani, the newly appointed Chairman of Warner Music Japan.
[PIAS] CO-FOUNDERS KENNY GATES & MICHEL LAMBOT
ANNOUNCE SALE OF REMAINING SHAREHOLDING TO UMG
Kenny Gates and Michel Lambot, the founders of [PIAS], have divested their remaining shares in the company to Universal Music Group (UMG). This follows both companies’ partnership established in 2021, when [PIAS] sold a minority stake to UMG.

[PIAS] operates two main divisions – the [PIAS] Label Group, which includes both its own and affiliated record labels and [Integral], a services division that offers physical and digital distribution to independent labels globally.
Under the new agreement, [Integral] will merge with Virgin Music Group, creating a team aimed at delivering a tailored international distribution network for independent artists. Meanwhile, the [PIAS] Label Group will continue to function independently, maintaining its own identity. This group, which features labels like Play It Again Sam, harmonia mundi, Demain, Spinefarm, and Source, alongside partners such as ATO, Heavenly, Mute, and Transgressive, has seen recent successes with artists such as Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Kneecap, Sofiane Pamart, Sleep Token, Arlo Parks, and Black Pumas.
Kenny Gates, who has signed a long-term contract to remain as CEO of [PIAS] and will also sit on the Virgin Music Group main board and the advisory group said, “I am selling my shares, not my soul. Since forming a strategic alliance with UMG in 2021 we have found them to be supportive and engaged partners who have added real value to our offering. The decision by myself and Michel to relinquish our remaining shareholdings in the company is a pragmatic one that will allow us to offer a truly global distribution and services platform to the independent music community. Our existing leadership team will continue to steer our day-to-day work, and nothing will change culturally or commercially for our existing clients and partners; we will still maintain the same values that we have lived by since our launch over 40 years ago.”
Michel Lambot, co-Founder of [PIAS] added, “Our initial agreement with UMG in 2021
was always going to be a learning experience for both parties in terms of how we could align our individual cultures and whether that would work. If I’m honest I did have some concerns as to whether it was even possible but I’m happy to say I was wrong – our two companies have lots in common including teams that share a real passion for music and our relationship to date has been fruitful, convivial and everything we hoped it would it be. This new phase, which will see us working even closer together promises to be an exciting new era for [PIAS], our staff, our partners, and the artists we represent.”
Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO, UMG, added, “I have known Kenny and Michel for
decades, beginning in the 80s when we were all signing bands from emerging scenes in Europe. Since that time, Kenny and Michel have built [PIAS] into a company that stands for authenticity and the best in independent music. And it is those qualities that are not only important to me personally, but that also make [PIAS] a perfect fit for UMG’s entrepreneurial and creative culture.”
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!

The late Seymour Stein was the influential, inspiring, and prominent music executive and co-Founder of Sire Records, a label that played a pivotal role in shaping the punk and new wave movements of the late 20th century. Established in 1966, Sire Records became known for the signing of influential artists such as Madonna, The Ramones, Talking Heads, The Pretenders, and Depeche Mode, amongst others, and helping to launch their careers and bring alternative music to mainstream audiences.
Seymour’s keen ear for talent and innovative marketing strategies set Sire apart in a competitive industry. Under his leadership, the label became a haven for groundbreaking artists and contributed significantly to the evolution of popular music.
In recognition of his contributions to the music industry, Seymour Stein was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. His legacy is marked not only by the success of the artists he nurtured but also by his lasting impact on the music landscape, making him a key figure in the history of rock and pop music.
One of Seymour’s favorite music business conferences and showcase events worldwide was MUSEXPO. He and A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO Founder & President Sat Bisla became close friends over the course of the past two decades and traveled the world together speaking at conferences, as well as searching for new talent. The duo traveled together to Australia, India, Holland, France, Canada, England, Scotland, France, Singapore, Israel, and other countries.
After his passing early last year, Sat, Seymour’s daughter Mandy Stein, and Richard Gottehrer (Seymour’s longtime friend and business partner) collectively decided to honor Seymour’s A&R and music legacy by launching the annual “Seymour Stein – Global A&R Award” at MUSEXPO and recognize inspiring, talented, and profound A&R executives who make an immeasurable impact within global artist and repertoire.
The inaugural recipient of the award this year was Wendy Goldstein (President & Chief Creative Officer, Republic Records) who has one of the best A&R track records in the world working with artists from John Legend, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Nicki Minaj, Jonas Brothers, to countless others.
ELECTRIC ENEMY
Electric Enemy storms back with their electrifying new single, “Stop Falling In Love.” Known for their signature blend of thunderous guitars, explosive drums, and commanding vocals, this track is no exception – delivering a contagious surge of energy from the first note. Led by London-based, award-winning multi-instrumentalist Jim Lawton, Electric Enemy has firmly established themselves as one of rock’s rising forces. With over ten million streams, a string of chart-worthy hits, TikTok No.’1s, and sold-out U.K. headline tours, their momentum continues to soar. In addition, they’ve garnered worldwide radio airplay including on Flux FM (Germany), Radio 1 (India), Radio Doble Nueve (Peru), 2XM (Ireland), KFRR “New Rock 104” in Central California, and many others. “Stop Falling in Love” builds on that legacy, pairing sharp, introspective lyrics with high-octane riffs, underscoring why they have earned comparisons to rock titans like MUSE, Twenty One Pilots, and Royal Blood. With their intense live performances and rapidly growing fanbase, Electric Enemy is not just making music – they are shaping the future of alternative rock. Listen to “Stop Falling In Love” HERE, and for booking, signing, licensing, sync, and brand opportunities with Electric Enemy, contact Guy Stanway at sinead@palmislandmusic.com.
FIL BO RIVA
Fil Bo Riva‘s latest single “I Like You,” from his brand-new album Modern Melancholia (Universal Music), stands out as an intensely emotional track that breaks away from traditional love song clichés. Rather than relying on the often-overused declaration of “I love you,” Fil Bo Riva opts for the more understated “I like you,” which amplifies the song’s authenticity and vulnerability. He acknowledges his struggle to express emotions outside of music, and this confession is key to understanding the raw honesty in his work. By focusing on subtle, yet profound expressions of affection, he avoids superficial sentimentality and delivers something that feels more personal and real. Musically, the song’s richness matches its lyrical depth. A gently pulsing bassline, Afrobeat-influenced rhythms, and psychedelic keyboard melodies form a soundscape that mirrors the wistful, introspective mood of the lyrics. Enjoy the graceful video for “I Like You” HERE, as he prepares for the Modern Melancholia Tour 2024 which kicks off on November 6th in Hanover, Germany, and wraps up on December 8th in Warsaw, Poland. Contact Ana Vazquez at Ana.Vazquez@umusic.com for additional information and available opportunities globally with Fil Bo Riva.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, October 20th, 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)
HINDS – “The Bed, The Room, The Rain & You” (Lucky Number, Spain)
ACROBVT – “Last Goodbye” (Unsigned, U.K.)
ONLY THE POETS – “Already There” (EMI, U.K.)
MIDDLE KIDS – “Highlands” (EMI, Australia)
ELECTRIC ENEMY – “Stop Falling In Love” (AWAL, U.K.)
SEB LOWE – “Mr & Mrs Human Race” (LAB Records, U.K.)
MONOTRONIC – “Kids of Summer” (Unsigned, N. America)
BLOSSOMS – “Perfect Me” (ODD SK Records, U.K.)
LUSAINT – “Sweet Tooth” (Heavenly Fire, U.K.)
BUDJERAH – “Is It Ever Gonna Make Sense” (Warner Music, Australia)
DIYA – “Blow The Blue Away” (Unsigned, U.K.)
BEARTOOTH – “ATTN.” (Unsigned, N. America)
JACK CRITCHLOW – “Bleeding” (Unsigned, U.K.)
CAMERON SAGE FROM – “You Won” (Unsigned, Canada)
DEMPSEY BOLTON – “Comfortable Lines” (Unsigned, Canada)
PICTURE THIS – “Satellites” (RCA Records, Ireland)
THE VICES – “Strange Again” (Mattan Records, Holland)
CHAPEL OF ROSES – “It’s Not Nothing” (Unsigned, N. America)
RHETT REPKO – “How Cold” (Unsigned, N. America)
YNYS – “Shindig” (Libertino, Wales)
MATTHEW MOLE – “Okay” (Universal Music, South Africa)
STONE – “Queen” (Polydor, U.K.)
IAMJJ – “Moonshine” (Mermaid, Denmark)
LEONIDEN – “A Million Heartbreak Songs” (Universal Music, Germany)
NOTHING BUT THIEVES – “Oh No :: He Said What” (RCA Records, U.K.)
MASI MASI – “Lesser Men” (Unsigned, U.K.)
DELIGHTS – “And It Goes” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
CAT SERRANO – “You, Me And The Night” (Unsigned, N. America)
THE ROYSTON CLUB – “The Patch Where Nothing Grows” (Run On Records, U.K.)
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE – “Sun Kids” (Unsigned, N. America)
WEDA MAUVE – “(Still On) Repeat” (Semesta Records, Indonesia)
CONCORD SIGNS DEAL WITH DADDY YANKEE: Concord has acquired significant portions of the music publishing and master recordings catalog of Latin artist Daddy Yankee. This acquisition features some of his biggest tracks, including “Gasolina,” “Con Calma,” and the worldwide hit “Despacito,” which he collaborated on with Luis Fonsi and Justin Bieber. The deal covers Daddy Yankee’s work spanning from 2002 to 2019 and includes various rights related to his name, image, and likeness. While the exact purchase price remains undisclosed, bond rating agency KBRA recently estimated the value of the catalog acquired from this prominent Latin music artist and songwriter at $217.3 million (USD). The catalog will be overseen from Concord’s Miami office, enhancing their collection of over 1.3 million songs, including composed works, plays, musicals, and active recordings. Also, Concord owns the Latin label Fania Records and the Mexican label Musart Records. Concord aims to expand its presence in the Latin music scene by continuing to sign and collaborate with artists and songwriters from its Miami base while also seeking further content acquisitions in this genre. Bob Valentine, CEO, Concord, said, “Since he burst onto the scene, Daddy Yankee has been at the forefront of not only reggaeton but pop music. We were incredibly excited by this opportunity to work alongside Daddy Yankee to continue building on his remarkable legacy and significance. His real and lasting cultural impact is clear, and Concord is thrilled to be a part of his story.”
SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR SIGNS TO DECCA RECORDS: Sophie Ellis-Bextor has officially joined Decca Records. Her new single, “Freedom of The Night,” was released October 18th marking her debut under this partnership. This track heralds a return to her disco-pop roots, featuring collaborations with Biff Stannard (known for work with Kylie and Jade), Duck Blackwell, and Shura. In addition, she worked with Chris Greatti (Willow Smith, The Dare) and David Wrench (Jamie XX, Hot Chip), with her husband, Richard Jones of the U.K. band The Feeling, also contributing to the production. Throughout her career, Ellis-Bextor has celebrated five Top 10 albums and eight Top 10 singles. Notably, her 2001 classic “Murder on The Dancefloor” has experienced a revival thanks to its inclusion in Emerald Fennell‘s film Saltburn, peaking at No.2 on the U.K. singles chart and No.58 on the U.S. Hot 100, accumulating over eleven billion streams worldwide. Recently, she has been touring in Europe and the U.S., supporting Nile Rodgers,and performing at various global festivals, including a collaboration with Peggy Gou at Glastonbury after her own appearance on the Pyramid Stage earlier this year. Looking ahead, she will be supporting Take That in Australia this November and The Human League during their U.K. tour in December. Laura Monks, co-President, Decca, said, “Supporting this next phase of Sophie’s illustrious career was an obvious choice for Decca Records. She is the UK’s undisputed queen of disco-pop and we know her fans old and new are going to love this record!”
WMA NAMES MIKE O’KEEFE AS GLOBAL VP CREATIVE: WMA has appointed Mike O’Keefe as its new Global Vice President of Creative, effective immediately. O’Keefe previously spent 30 years at Sony Music, where he held various roles that will now inform his creative and strategic consultancy at WMA. O’Keefe’s career began in the early 1990s with Conspiracy Films, followed by work at Oil Factory, before he joined Sony Music in 1995. His early projects included the music video for Jamiroquai‘s “Virtual Insanity.” Throughout his tenure at Sony, he oversaw thousands of music videos for artists like One Direction, Little Mix, and Calvin Harris, and earned the “Outstanding Achievement Award” at the U.K. Music Video Awards in 2016. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, WMA and its subsidiary, WMA Studios, have collaborated with a roster of talents and brands, including Gwen Stefani, Doja Cat, Justin Timberlake, and Billie Eilish, as well as companies like Netflix, Amazon Music, and Adidas. WMA Studios includes a creative collective of directors, photographers, filmmakers, and content creators, both in-house and external, enhancing their innovative output. Seb Weller, Founder & Global CEO, stated, “The past decade of WMA has been the most incredible journey, and we are so grateful and proud to have worked with the most amazing array of talent and brands from all over the world. Having worked previously with Mike, I am delighted to get the chance to work closely together again with such an experienced and talented professional and to continue to elevate WMA’s creative offering for all our partners.”
UNIVERSAL INKS DEAL TO DISTRIBUTE ARTISTS FROM ‘THE RAP OF CHINA’: Since its launch in 2017, The Rap of China has amassed billions of views from fans across the Greater China region. Now, the show has partnered with Universal Music Group for recorded music distribution. Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) announced an agreement with iQIYI on October 18th, aiming to enhance the show’s musical reach. As part of this partnership, UMGC will exclusively distribute new music from the contestants of The Rap of China 2024 on a global scale, alongside offering a comprehensive support network for these artists. Moreover, the top three finalists will have the opportunity to visit UMG’s international labels and studios, encouraging cross-border collaborations. Since its debut, The Rap of China has not only enjoyed immense popularity but has also been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous local rap talents. The most recent season aired from early May to late July and featured contestants including A A., A Three, ALAMEI, C2C, DANNY K, ErWan, and many others. All future releases from these artists will be distributed globally by UMG, further solidifying the show’s impact on the music scene. In making the announcement, Timothy Xu, Chairman & CEO, UMGC, said, “We are excited to announce our strategic alliance with The Rap of China 2024, a brand that has profoundly defined the rap music scene in China. This collaboration not only reaffirms our commitment to nurturing Chinese rap talent but also extends their global reach, bridging cultural gaps and enriching the international music landscape with the dynamic culture of Chinese rap. We eagerly anticipate this partnership will facilitate collaborations between Chinese rap artists and top international talents, creating groundbreaking musical works that carry their unique cultural signatures and expressions.”

THE CIRCUIT GROUP LAUNCHES CIRCUIT PUBLISHING WITH KOBALT: The Circuit Group has announced a partnership with Kobalt to handle the global publishing administration for its venture, Circuit Publishing. This collaboration will enable The Circuit Group to provide publishing services to its roster of artists, producers, and songwriters, with Kobalt managing the administration on a global scale. Founded earlier this year, The Circuit Group is pioneering a model focused on acquiring and managing artists’ intellectual property portfolios. By working closely with artists, the group seeks to explore different business opportunities across the music industry while maintaining traditional management functions. The executive team includes Dean and Jessica Wilson (Seven20) Brett Fischer, David Gray, and Harvey Tadman (AYITA). Recently, James Sutcliffe was appointed President of The Circuit Group’s London operations, strengthening their leadership team.

WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC & SOUTHERN PACIFIC MUSIC SIGN TRISTAN BUSHMAN: Warner Chappell Music and Southern Pacific Music have signed folk-pop singer/songwriter Tristan Bushman to a global deal. Born and raised in Ashton, Illinois, Bushman first took the stage at five years old and has pursued his dream ever since. He moved to Nashville in 2018, and earlier this year teamed up with Joey Hendricks and Drew Erwin to form the trio Verygently. Known for his rich voice and soulful melodies, he has become a highly respected singer, songwriter, and musician. Bushman’s new solo project, The Way Things Are Going, is set for release on November 15th. Bethany Mako, Manager, A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville, said, “I have been a huge fan of Tristan since the moment I met him six years ago. He is a natural-born storyteller and has a way of captivating any room with his unique voice and poetic lyrics. On top of that, he is simply a great human, and I am truly honored to be a part of his journey.”
AUSTRALIA’S UNIFIED RELAUNCHES COMMUNITY MUSIC: UNIFIED Music Group has announced the relaunch of its distribution service, Community Music, transforming it into a comprehensive artist services platform. Originally launched in 2021 as a standalone brand, Community Music is now backed by a significant investment of $10 million AUD (approximately $6.8 million USD) aimed at fostering the growth of Australian artists and helping them build sustainable, global careers. The platform will introduce advanced technologies and features, including the ‘Community Centre,’ which serves as a central hub for music release management. Currently in beta, the revamped platform is already supporting a range of artists, such as Ocean Alley, ISHAN, and Sarah Saint James, while also onboarding new talents like Maddy Jane, Azure Ryder, Jahnavi Harrison, The Stamps, and Mulga Bore Hard Rock. In addition to assisting independent artists, Community Music will provide services to UNIFIED’s labels, including Domestic La La and UNFD. The service highlights the accomplishments of its artists, such as Ocean Alley, who has surpassed one billion global streams, and the 6x Platinum certification of their single “Confidence” in Australia, along with 4x Platinum in New Zealand. The company also notes ARIA Awards nominations for bands like Teenage Joans and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers. Founded in 2011 by Jaddan Comerford, who serves as CEO, UNIFIED is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. The new tech platform for Community Music was developed by Will Cuming, an artist manager, songwriter (under the name LANKS), and Director at Zantipi, a digital advertising agency focused on music. Francesca Caldara, based in Los Angeles, will lead Community Music as UNIFIED’s Vice President of Recorded Music, while Dan Nascimento takes on the role of General Manager.
MUSIC BUSINESS PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE “ONE OF A KIND” JAMES LEACH: James Leach, a much-loved colleague and friend to many in the music industry sadly passed away last week after a courageous battle with cancer. As the Vice President of Creative Services and West Coast Operations at SESAC Performing Rights, James was not just a leader for the Los Angeles-based Creative Services team but a constant wellspring of support and inspiration for SESAC-affiliated songwriters and publishers that he championed. In addition to his deep love of music and unwavering dedication to nurturing talent was his advocation of culture and DEI. He continuously promoted awareness and understanding. His ethos of service and making things better was the keystone of his work. James joined SESAC in 2001. He founded the Los Angeles office while pioneering new strategies during the early years of the digital music era. Known for his strong advocacy for songwriters, James was proud to work alongside and support numerous talented affiliates, including Danja, Harvey Mason Jr., DJ Dahi, Ab-Soul, Gabe Roland, Jacob Luttrell, and the legendary George Clinton. He served as President of the California Copyright Conference, the AIMP‘s National Board of Directors, and the Living Legends Foundation Advisory Board. Before his time at SESAC, James left his mark at Famous Music, where he signed hitmaker Akon and established his own consulting firm, Leach Entertainment. His work as a music supervisor and consultant, including collaborations on the urban TV series New York Undercover and Magic Johnson‘s The Magic Hour, showcased his creative versatility and passion for elevating music in every form. Early in his career, he worked at Michael Jackson‘s esteemed ATV Music Group, working with the catalogs of icons like The Beatles, Sly & The Family Stone, and Michael Jackson himself. Sat Bisla, President & Founder, A&R Worldwide, said, “We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of our wonderful, kind, and dear friend James Leach. He was a longtime supporter of A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO from the very beginning. James was a champion to the independent entrepreneurs, artists, songwriters, and anyone and everyone who was passionate about music. His compassion and humility will always be a reminder that relationships are built over time, and we should never treat relationships as transactional. James was authentic and personable and will be sorely missed by all of us; however, his warm and gentle spirit will remain with us for many years to come.”
JEAN MISCHLER APPOINTED SR. VP, MARKETING AT CD BABY: Downtown Music‘s direct-to-creator division, CD Baby, has announced the appointment of Jean Mischler as Sr. Vice President of Marketing. In this role, Mischler will oversee all marketing initiatives for CD Baby and its assorted services, including Soundrop and CD Baby Stages. Her focus will be on empowering independent artists globally to utilize these tools, helping them expand their fan bases and enhance their visibility. Based in New York, Mischler will report directly to Molly Neuman, President, CD Baby. Her appointment aligns with Downtown’s strategy to consolidate its business-to-business and creator-focused divisions into a single operating entity. This integration allows independent artists to access a comprehensive range of services that support their careers, such as music publishing, distribution, artist marketing, and financial services. CD Baby has long been a pioneer in the independent music scene, being the first distributor to enable artists to release music on their own terms. The company continues to adapt to the evolving music landscape to better serve creators at every stage of their journey. Before joining CD Baby, Mischler was Vice President of Growth Marketing at Sofar Sounds, a global music community that connects artists and audiences through live performances. In her role there, she led the growth marketing team during the challenging transition back to in-person concerts following an 18-month pandemic break. Mischler successfully increased ticket sales and revenue through diverse marketing channels, including social media, search, partnerships, and email campaigns.

RESERVOIR SIGNS PUBLISHING DEAL WITH K.D. LANG: Reservoir Media has announced a new publishing agreement with singer-songwriter k.d. lang, who has won both Grammy and Juno awards. This partnership will encompass her upcoming works as well as a portion of her existing catalog. Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, lang has been praised as “the best singer of her generation” by the late Tony Bennett. Her accolades include eight Juno Awards, notably the “Songwriter of the Year” award in 1993, and four Grammy Awards, including “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album” in 2004 for her collaboration with Bennett on A Wonderful World. Also, she has received a BRIT Award, an AMA, a VMA, and four GLAAD Media Awards. In recognition of her contributions, she was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1996 and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2013. In September, she was honored with induction into the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Hall of Fame. Lang began her musical journey in the early 1980s as the frontwoman of the country swing band The Reclines, releasing three albums with them. Her solo career includes seven studio albums and numerous collaborations, such as A Wonderful World, with Bennett, as well as contributions to soundtracks for films like Tomorrow Never Dies and the Academy Award-winning Happy Feet. Over the years, she has worked alongside Roy Orbison, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, and Loretta Lynn. In 2017, lang celebrated the 25th anniversary of her multi-Platinum album Ingénue with a series of tours, featuring tracks like “Constant Craving” and “Miss Chatelaine.” Most recently, in 2021, she released makeover, a collection of dance remixes of her classic tracks.
TRILLER BECOMES A PUBLICLY TRADED COMPANY: After several unsuccessful attempts to go public, Triller has successfully launched as a publicly traded company. The new entity, Triller Group Inc., made its debut on the NASDAQ on October 16th, following a merger with Hong Kong-based AGBA. Triller Group encompasses two primary businesses: Triller Corp. and AGBA Group Holding Limited. As part of the all-stock merger agreement, Triller shareholders received 70% of the combined company’s shares, while AGBA shareholders took 30%. This listing culminates years of Triller’s efforts to enter the public market, which included a failed SPAC merger with SeaChange International in 2022 that aimed for a $5 billion valuation, as well as an attempt at a direct listing touted as “the largest creator IPO in history.” When those plans fell through, Triller announced its merger with AGBA in April 2024. Under the merger structure, co-founder Bobby Sarnevesht will serve as CEO of Triller Corp., while Bob Diamond will be the Group Chairman, and AGBA Chairman Wing-Fai Ng is set to be the Group CEO. Recently, it was also confirmed that Sarnevesht would join the board of the merged company. Both entities showed signs of financial distress prior to the merger. AGBA reported a 55.8% year-over-year revenue decline in the first half of 2024, attributing the downturn to reduced commissions linked to economic challenges in China and migration from Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Triller has faced numerous legal battles over unpaid music licensing fees, including a lawsuit from Sony Music in 2022, which was settled in 2023, and a subsequent lawsuit from Universal Music Group over similar issues. In an SEC filing prior to its IPO, Triller disclosed that it owed $23.6 million to music rightsholders in unpaid fees. Despite raising over $420 million from investors, the company had less than $1 million in cash reserves. As part of the merger agreement approved by shareholders in September, Triller Group has allocated fifty million shares to address ongoing legal and financial obligations, with those shares currently valued at $222.5 million based on the market price.
POSITION MUSIC SIGNS RJ PASIN TO WORLDWIDE PUBLISHING DEAL: Tyler Bacon, President & CEO, Position Music, tells A&R Worldwide that RJ Pasin has entered into a global publishing agreement with the company. The emerging producer and artist has accumulated tens of millions of streams and over 100 million views on TikTok, along with collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry. Pasin gained widespread recognition with his breakout track “Lobster,” which became a viral hit, climbing to No.18 on the Billboard Viral 50 and accumulating over fifty million streams. His main project and side project, ptasinski, together attract a monthly audience of 6.2 million listeners. Recently, Pasin produced the beat and guitar for “Embrace It” by Ndotz, which achieved chart-topping status in over 40 countries and marked the first release from his label, Isekai Records. He also partnered with Bring Me The Horizon on the single “Top 10 staTues tHat CriEd bloOd,” which led the Billboard Hot Rock chart. Also, Pasin is set to be featured on the forthcoming album by Polyphia, further cementing his influence in contemporary music. “RJ has an incredibly unique ability to take his savant guitar skills and distill them into infectious songs that capture global audiences,” says Mark Chipello, Partner, and Head of A&R at Position Music. “It is rare to see an artist who so naturally creates organic viral moments repeatedly. It is such a testament to his talent, dedication, and the team around him in Ewan and Jack. We are thrilled to be their creative partners moving forward.”
SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING INKS GLOBAL DEAL WITH “JOP” & MOB RECORDS: Sony Music Publishing Latin has announced it has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Fuerza Regida frontman Jesús “JOP” Ortiz Paz and Street Mob Records. Street Mob Records, founded by Jesús “JOP” Ortiz Paz, is a leading indie label focused on música mexicana and beyond, with a roster of over twenty-five talented songwriters, producers, and artists including Chino Pacas, Calle 24, Clave Especial, and Miguel Armenta. Fuerza Regida is one of today’s leading música mexicana groups, with over thirteen billion streams and several multi-Platinum hit songs including “TQM,” “Bebe Dame” with Grupo Frontera, “Sabor Fresa,” “Harley Quinn” with Marshmello and many more. Consisting of frontman Jesús Ortíz Paz (JOP), Samuel Jáimez, Khrystian Ramos, José “Pelón” García, and Moisés López, the band achieved remarkable success with their 2023 album Pa Las Baby’s Belikeada, reaching No.1 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart and debuting at No.14 on the Billboard 200. Fuerza Regida’s winning streak has continued with their new album Pero No Te Enamores, which made history as the first música mexicana album to debut at No.1 on both Apple Music‘s All-Genre Albums and Dance Albums chart, while also reaching No.2 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart and No.23 on the Billboard 200. Eight tracks from the album landed on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart including the Top 5 hit “NEL,” which also landed on the Billboard Hot 100. Recently, Fuerza Regida earned eight nominations for the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards including “Artist of the Year” and “Album of the Year.” Meanwhile, JOP received nominations for “Songwriter of the Year” and “Producer of the Year,” along with recognition on Billboard‘s 2024 Latin Power Player list. The band is currently on the road for their Pero No Te Enamores tour, featuring forty-one shows across the U.S. and Mexico. Street Mob Records was represented in the deal by Walter Mosley of Mosley & Associates.


JUSTIN GRANT JOINS CAPITOL RECORDS AS SR. VP/HEAD OF URBAN DIGITAL: Capitol Records has appointed Justin Grant as Sr. Vice President & Head of Urban Digital. In this role, Grant will oversee the development and implementation of digital marketing strategies for the label’s expanding roster of R&B and hip-hop artists. This urban lineup includes the brands of Capitol, Motown, and Priority Records. Previously, Grant served as Vice President, Digital Marketing & Sports Partnerships, Atlantic Records, where he played a crucial role in the early careers of artists like Cardi B, Lil Uzi Vert, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, and many others, helping them rise to stardom. He began his journey at Atlantic as an intern in 2014 and moved up to the digital marketing team within a year, accumulating a decade of experience at the label. Grant will be based in New York City. In addition, Capitol has promoted Dante Smith to Head of Motown Digital. In his new role, Smith will manage digital marketing initiatives, direct-to-consumer efforts, and branding for Motown Records, while continuing to collaborate with artists across Capitol’s roster. Smith has been a key member of Capitol’s digital marketing team for the past four years, working with artists such as Quavo, Toosi, JT, Kali Uchis, Lil Baby, and Ice Spice. He joined Capitol in 2020 after gaining experience at Revolt TV and HipHopDX, starting his music career as an intern at Epic Records in New York in 2013. Smith will work from Capitol’s headquarters in Hollywood. “Justin has a proven track record in building some of the best-known artists’ brands in the world,” said Tom March, Chairman & CEO, Capitol Music Group. “He knows what it takes to break artists. He is hugely respected and exceptional at what he does, and I know our artists and staff are going to benefit from his years of experience as he comes in to lead the Urban Digital team at Capitol.”

CHOSEN MUSIC FORMS PARTNERSHIP WITH FLYSTR8: Chosen Music has teamed up with the management firm Flystr8 in a new collaborative venture. Based in London, England, Chosen Music is a boutique company that specializes in artist partnerships and has worked with talents such as Caity Baser, Clean Bandit, and Nathan Evans. The new alliance with Ade Shonubi‘s Flystr8 aims to cultivate and elevate Gen-Z artists, particularly in the rap genre. The inaugural signings under this partnership are U.K. rap artists LeoStayTrill and Ndotz, both of whom have recently achieved chart success and viral popularity. LeoStayTrill’s single, “Pink Lemonade (Str8 Reload)” featuring Mr Reload, has achieved the top viral track on TikTok and broke into the U.K. singles chart last summer, also landing in the global Top 10 on Shazam. Ndotz, the second artist signed through the Chosen Music/Flystr8 collaboration, is also experiencing success with his track “Embrace It,” which is garnering over three million streams daily. The song is set to become one of the fastest-rising U.K. songs of the year, currently positioned in the Spotify Top 30 Global and nearing the Top 20 of the U.K. Official Singles Chart. It has also entered the Shazam Global Top 10 and dominates numerous specialist charts and playlists across digital streaming platforms worldwide. Alistair Goldsmith, co-Founder & President, Chosen Music, said, “Since the first day I met Ade I knew he had the raw talent, work ethic, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit to grow into a world-class executive. Ade has worked tirelessly with Leo and Ndotz, and when he shared his music with me, I was hooked instantly and committed to leveling up the next chapter of his journey.”
LASGO RECORDS STRIKES GLOBAL DEAL WITH BAD RECORDS: Bryan Adams‘ label, Bad Records, has inked a global agreement with London’s Lasgo Records for physical sales and distribution. The first project under this new partnership will be the limited-edition box set Live at the Royal Albert Hall 2024, set to launch on November 15th. This collection will showcase complete performances from three of Adams’ albums – Reckless, 18 ‘Til I Die, and So Happy It Hurts. There will be 36 tracks available on either three CDs or four vinyl records, alongside a Blu-Ray that includes all three concert films, directed by Grammy-winning filmmaker Dick Carruthers. Lasgo is already distributing two of Adams’ previous albums: Classics Pt II and the soundtrack for the musical Pretty Woman. In the U.K., sales will be managed by Lasgo’s partner, 369 Sales & Marketing, while international distribution will be handled by Lasgo, with the U.S. market served through its sister company, All Media Supply, based in Florida. Currently, Adams is touring Europe with his So Happy It Hurts tour, followed by an arena tour in India this December. He will then perform in Australia and New Zealand in January and February 2025. Recently, he announced a series of eleven arena shows in the U.K. and Ireland set for May 2025. Lasgo Records, part of Lasgo Chrysalis, which has been distributing physical music for over 46 years, represents more than thirty labels in the U.K. and other select territories. The company also directly manages the catalogs of artists like King Crimson, Seasick Steve, and Nat Birchall.
BELIEVE UNVEILS UPDATED ARTISTS & LABELS STRATEGY: Believe has launched its revamped global music strategy, led by Romain Vivien, who has recently been appointed as the global head of music. This new strategy is focused on enhancing artist development and maximizing value for artists and labels at every stage of their careers. In addition to his role as global head of music, Vivien serves as Believe’s President for Europe, overseeing operations in France, the U.K., and Germany, and is tasked with shaping the company’s global music and artist development initiatives. Vivien collaborates with teams across Believe’s 50 operational markets to accelerate the Artist Services business, which provides market entry and audience growth strategies in over 14 countries. He is also responsible for fostering synergies within Believe’s Label & Artist Solutions, which offers distribution, marketing, and digital promotion services to labels and established artists, alongside the group’s publishing initiatives. This new role comes at a time when Believe has seen global and regional success with artists such as The Blaze, Novo Amor, Iñigo Quintero, among others. Denis Ladegaillerie, Founder & CEO, Believe, said, “Romain Vivien’s extensive experience and deep understanding of our global industry make him the perfect and unique choice for this role. Since 2008, Romain has been one of my trusted partners to develop and grow Believe into the global player it is today. He has been instrumental in building our music, and vision across the Group. He is constantly leading his teams to innovate and push barriers to enable the emergence of new talents across hip-hop, pop, electronic music, and more – all the while sustaining an impeccable delivery of premium services to our top artists and labels.”
PPL TO COLLECT NEIGHBORING RIGHTS ROYALTIES FOR JOHN LENNON – INCLUDING THE BEATLES – AND YOKO ONO: The estate of John Lennon has engaged PPL to manage the collection of neighboring rights royalties for all sound recordings featuring John Lennon or Yoko Ono as performers. This partnership allows PPL to collect royalties from broadcasts and public performances in regions where these rights are recognized, to benefit the estate’s interests in the works of Lennon, Ono, and The Beatles. John Lennon’s solo career began with his debut album, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, released in December 1970, which included tracks like “Mother” and “Working Class Hero.” His second album, Imagine, became a major success, topping charts in several countries, including the U.K., USA, Japan, and Australia. Over his career, Lennon produced 11 solo albums and 23 singles, achieving 25 No.1 hits on the U.S. Hot 100 as a performer, writer, or co-writer. As a solo artist, he secured three U.S. No.1 albums. Lennon and Ono enjoyed international acclaim with iconic singles such as “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” and “Give Peace a Chance.” Their Grammy-winning album Double Fantasy stands as their most commercially successful collaboration. Yoko Ono herself has released 14 studio albums, eight collaborative LPs, and 40 singles, making a significant impact in the electronic music scene with 13 No.1 singles on the U.S. Dance Chart.
CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING HIRES NEW VP, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Concord Music Publishing has announced the appointment of Anke Becker as Vice President of Information Technology. As part of the IT leadership team, Becker will lead initiatives aimed at overhauling Concord’s publishing systems as part of a multi-year modernization plan. She will operate from the company’s London office and report directly to Jonathan Eby, Sr. VP of Information Services & Technology. Before joining Concord, Becker spent a decade at BMG, where she was instrumental in developing the company’s proprietary client portal. She also played a key role in shifting BMG away from outdated third-party software to innovative, cloud-based solutions. Originally from Thuringia, Germany, Becker holds a degree in Business Administration and Management. Her background spans multiple sectors, including music, luxury goods, and venture capital, highlighting her talent for creative problem-solving.
LITMUS MUSIC ACQUIRES RANDY NEWMAN’S SHARE OF RECORDINGS AND PUBLISHING CATALOG: Litmus Music has finalized the acquisition of Randy Newman‘s share of his recorded music and publishing rights. This acquisition is supported by Carlyle‘s Global Credit Platform and includes the soundtracks to Disney film franchises like Toy Story, Cars, Monsters Inc., and The Princess and the Frog, featuring songs such as “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” The deal encompasses Newman’s hits from the 1970s and 1980s, including “I Love LA,” “Mama Told Me Not to Come,” “Feels Like Home,” “You Can Leave Your Hat On,” “Short People,” “Baltimore,” and “It’s a Jungle Out There.” Randy Newman has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including seven Grammy Awards, three Emmy Awards, and two Academy Awards. He has also earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Furthermore, he has been recognized with an Ivor Novello PRS for Music Special International Award and a PEN New England Song Lyrics of Literary Excellence Award. “Randy Newman is a unique and brilliant songwriter, composer, and performer whose body of work has proven him to be an artist for the ages,” said Dan McCarroll, co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Litmus Music. “There is absolutely no one like him, and his influence on the music world cannot be overstated. We could not be prouder, and excited, to acquire Randy’s catalog of beautiful, witty, and sharply observational songs.”
TENCENT MUSIC PARTNERS WITH GALAXY CORP. FOR G-DRAGON’S TOUR: Tencent Music Entertainment, the leading music streaming service provider in China, is enhancing its presence in the live music sector by collaborating with Galaxy Corporation, the agency for South Korean rapper G-Dragon, for his upcoming regional tour. This partnership will encompass several markets, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Australia, and New Zealand. This move aligns with Tencent Music’s strategy to broaden its global footprint, exemplified by its Global Music Outreach program. Launched in Singapore in September, this initiative aims to promote Chinese music internationally through a series of events featuring live performances, music sessions, and industry forums designed to foster cross-border collaborations. In addition to its popular Chinese music platforms like QQ Music and Kugou, as well as the in-car music app Kuwo and the karaoke app WeSing, Tencent Music also manages the JOOX streaming service in Southeast Asia.
TOMORROWLAND MUSIC AND BMG PARTNER IN EXCLUSIVE GLOBAL DEAL: Tomorrowland Music, the music arm of Tomorrowland Festival, has entered into an exclusive global partnership with BMG to manage and administer its music publishing rights while also signing new songwriters and producers. This collaboration represents an advancement in Tomorrowland Music’s evolution into a comprehensive music enterprise. Teaming up with BMG allows Tomorrowland Music to enhance its service offerings within the electronic music sector. The label has built a solid foundation in recorded music, consistently releasing tracks from leading global electronic artists such as Vintage Culture, Martin Garrix, Alok, Timmy Trumpet, Jengi, Denis Sulta, and others. In recent years, Tomorrowland Music has developed into a robust music operation, complete with a dedicated team of A&R professionals, marketing and DSP specialists, a sync manager, and legal and financial support. With the establishment of a focused publishing team through this collaboration with BMG, Tomorrowland Music is set to provide even greater support to the global electronic music community, especially in terms of music creation and synchronization opportunities. Erroll Antonie, Senior Director A&R, BMG, said, “Our first Lab of Tomorrow songwriting camp brought together 32 artists and songwriters in three studios, resulting in amazingly creative collaborations and unforgettable moments. Goodboys and Blazey performed a song they wrote during the camp on the Tomorrowland main stage; Henri PFR, Repiet, and Julia Kleijn, performed a song they wrote and recorded in just two days at The Gathering, Tomorrowland’s campsite. Tomorrowland Music and BMG have the capability to bring the most inspiring people together at exactly the right time.”
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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