JENNIFER KNOEPFLE NAMED HEAD OF U.S. A&R
AT UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP
Jennifer Knoepfle has been promoted to the position of Head of U.S. A&R at Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), as announced by Jody Gerson, Chairman & CEO, UMPG. Knoepfle will continue to operate from the company’s Santa Monica headquarters while retaining her role as Executive Vice President.
In her new position, Knoepfle aims to widen UMPG’s collection of contemporary hits and timeless classics. Among her first initiatives, she has promoted Daniella Rasho to Director of Global A&R and Deeba Abrishamchi to Director of U.S. A&R. In addition, she has welcomed Hollie Boston as Director of U.S. A&R, recognizing her as one of the industry’s top publishing executives.
Knoepfle, who joined UMPG in 2022 as Executive Vice President and Co-Head of US A&R, has successfully signed songwriters, artists, and producers, including Jack Antonoff, Lord Huron, Maggie Rogers, and Wallows – all of whom followed her from Sony Music Publishing. Other artists she has brought on board include Mark Ambor, Lucy Dacus, and Gracie Abrams.
Before her tenure at UMPG, Knoepfle spent 13 years at Sony Music Publishing, where she served as Sr. Vice President of Creative and was instrumental in signing talents such as Leon Bridges, Noah Kahan, and Tate McRae. Earlier in her career, she worked as Senior Director of Membership at ASCAP, where she helped bring artists like The Killers into the organization.
UMPG says that in her elevated position, Knoepfle will expand the company’s U.S. A&R team and lead its executives in “identifying, signing and nurturing new and developing songwriters, artists and producers, as well as creating and providing opportunities for legacy talent to enhance their artistry and careers.”
Jody Gerson said, “I am overjoyed to promote Jenn to this much-deserved position as Head of U.S. A&R. She embodies everything a creative music executive should be and possesses the ear to identify the best artists and songwriters, often early in their careers, and knows how to support, nurture and amplify their talents. Also, she is a thoughtful leader and mentor to our A&R team. I could not be more excited to continue working with Jenn for years to come!”
Knoepfle added, “Every day, I am humbled to work alongside some of the most revered musical talent in the world. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to expand my role at UMPG, where I have the privilege of working with one of the best executives in the business, Jody Gerson. I could not be more excited to take on this new chapter, growing our incredible A&R team and collaborating with them to pursue my greatest passion: discovering and nurturing talent, which remains the lifeblood of our industry.”
WARNER MUSIC AFRICA FRANCOPHONE LAUNCHES
Warner Music has announced the debut of WM Africa Francophone (WMAFR), a new initiative set to enhance its presence in France and French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa. This venture is a collaborative effort involving WM Africa, Africori, and WM France, with Marc-André Niang and Yoann Chapalain serving as Co-Directors.
WMAFR aims to unite the A&R, Digital, and Marketing teams from the three organizations, fostering the discovery and development of artists and paving the way for innovative cross-cultural partnerships. This initiative will enable Warner Music to broaden its reach in Francophone Africa, supporting local artists and integrating them into its expansive global network.
Chapalain will take on his role as Co-Director while also fulfilling his responsibilities as A&R Manager at Africori, where he has been instrumental in promoting artists like Kamo Mphela, Kelvin Momo, Makhadzi, and TitoM & Yuppe.
Niang will balance his position at WMAFR with his role as A&R Director for French-speaking African repertoire at Warner Music France. His experience includes overseeing projects for artists like Himra and Louzio and contributing to strategic developments in the region. Recent data from Spotify indicates that over 100 million listeners outside Francophone countries are tuning into French-language music, with a remarkable 94% increase in streams since 2019, showcasing the potential for artists in this area.
Yoann Chapalain, Co-Director, Warner Music Africa Francophone, stated, “I am excited about the new venture, which will spotlight incredible talent from Francophone Africa. It aims to connect diverse sounds and regions, elevate releases for maximum success, and expand the music’s reach globally. I am grateful to Alfonso Perez Soto and Yoel Kenan for pushing this initiative forward.”
Marc Andre Niang, Co-Director, Warner Music Africa Francophone, added “It is important for us to be able to create new synergies for the development and structure of the Francophone market in Africa. While the region is steeped in both culture and talent, the ecosystem faces challenges. Our team will connect creatives and help shape the environment to drive cross-cultural success. I want to thank Alain Veille, Alassane Konaté, and Temi Adeniji for giving us this opportunity to take French-speaking African artists to the world stage.”
Simon Robson, President, Recorded Music, Europe, Middle East & Africa, WMG, concluded, “There is a strong cultural trade route between France and West Africa. WM Africa Francophone will help us support the artists in that space, just as our 91 North venture is successfully doing with talent working the similar trade route between Canada and India.”
NEON GOLD RECORDS & AVENUE A
UNITE TO LAUNCH FUTURES MUSIC GROUP
Neon Gold Records, known for launching talents like Tove Lo, Charli XCX, and Marina & The Diamonds, has teamed up with New York-based indie label Avenue A to create a new independent music collective named Futures Music Group.
Interestingly, while the announcement has just been made, the collective has been operating quietly since January 2024. During this period, they achieved significant success with Good Neighbours‘ debut single “Home,” which went Platinum just nine months after its release.
Co-founded by Derek Davies of Neon Gold and Dave Wallace of Avenue A, Futures Music Group aims to have an impact on the music industry. The collective describes itself as a network of forward-thinking labels, artists, and executives focused on innovative deal structures and advanced technology to reshape the music business landscape. Their mission is to create an artist-centric model that adapts quickly to the digital age, prioritizing transparent and flexible deals that align incentives with artists’ success, rather than adhering to traditional ownership frameworks.
The roster at launch includes names such as Phantogram, whose new album Memory of a Day was released last Friday, alongside Good Neighbours, The Knocks, Barns Courtney, Palace, and the recently added Mt. Joy through a collaboration with their Bloom Field Records.
Derek Davies, co-Founder & co-CEO, expressed optimism about the future of the music industry, especially for independent artists. Alongside him, Dave Wallace, who started Avenue A Records in 2019 after selling his management firm to Three Six Zero/Roc Nation, leads a team that includes Sarah Kesselman (CMO & General Manager), Nicky Berger (COO), and Jeff Lin (CFO).
Futures Music Group is in the process of establishing a core services team focused on digital strategy, sync licensing, sales, and content production. Emphasizing the role of technology, Davies and Wallace engage in tech ventures that aim to enhance the music business and create value for artists.
Their strategic investments thus far include Big Effect, a digital marketing platform launched by former Spotify and Universal Music Group data expert Mike Biggane, and Notes.fm, a royalty management service created by Stem co-founder Tim Luckow. Futures Music Group reports that their partnership with Notes.fm has already identified “seven figures” in previously unclaimed royalties for its launch artists, revealing significant revenue potential from older releases.
Q PRIME INKS LABEL SERVICES &
DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH THE ZOMBIES
Q Prime, widely recognized for its long-standing artist management, is now expanding its services to include distribution and broader artist support. Co-founded by Cliff Burnstein and Peter Mensch over 40 years ago, Q Prime has begun offering distribution and label-like services to a roster of artists, including Metallica, Silversun Pickups, Declan McKenna, and Brett Eldredge.
This week, Q Prime announced a partnership with the legendary British band The Zombies. The firm will provide label services and distribution for the band’s classic 1960s studio recordings. The Zombies, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, will work with Q Prime, which utilizes FUGA to power its distribution services.
Q Prime is set to oversee all marketing, manufacturing, distribution, and licensing for The Zombies’ new label imprint, Beechwood Park Records. This catalog features their iconic singles such as “She’s Not There,” “Tell Her No,” and “I Want You Back Again.” Plans are already in motion for a series of four physical reissues from The Zombies, slated for 2025, all remastered from the original tapes.
The first release will be a remastered version of their classic album Odessey & Oracle, scheduled for early next year. This edition will feature tracks like “Time of The Season,” “Care of Cell 44,” and “This Will Be Our Year,” presented in its original Mono mix. The release will coincide with the documentary Hung Up on A Dream, directed by musician Robert Schwartzman and co-produced by his Utopia Films, The Ranch Productions, and Tom Hanks‘ Playtone.
Last year, the surviving founding members of The Zombies – lead singer Colin Blunstone, keyboardist Rod Argent, bassist Chris White, and drummer Hugh Grundy, along with Helen Atkinson, the widow of late guitarist Paul Atkinson, regained rights to their catalog from Marquis Enterprises Ltd., the independent U.K. company with which they originally signed in 1964.
Marquis produced their early works, granting short-term licenses to labels like Decca and CBS Records, before the primary songwriters Argent and White took control of production. They recorded Odessey & Oracle at Abbey Road Studios on a modest budget of just £1,000 (GBP). Q Prime notes that this situation positioned The Zombies as a pioneering “indie DIY” band, allowing them to reclaim their recordings many years later.
The agreements that enabled The Zombies to regain their copyrights were facilitated by Chris Tuthill and Cindy da Silva of The Rocks Management, who have represented the band for over a decade, in collaboration with attorney Monika Tashman of Loeb & Loeb.
“We went through a painstaking process to find a strategic partner who would truly understand the unique qualities of these beloved recordings,” said Chris Tuthill, “and we knew we had to stay true to the band’s history. They have always benefited from a non-traditional and independent approach to both music and business, which is one of the reasons their songs are continually rediscovered by new generations of fans.”
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!
A&R Worldwide has always prided itself on developing and nurturing meaningful and authentic relationships across all verticals of the global music community and beyond. The relationship with Republic Records co-founders Monte Lipman and Avery Lipman, and A&R Worldwide’s Sat Bisla goes back to 1996, when the label was just starting out. Shortly thereafter, Republic signed the Pennsylvania-based band Blood Hound Gang – their first chart-topping that broke out in Germany, and on influential radio station KNRK “Alt 94/7” Portland, OR, with the single, “The Bad Touch.”
Sat would visit the Republic Records’ team during its early days on his visits to New York City, whilst Monte Lipman would occasionally stop by Sat’s office in Burbank in the late 90s to discuss what was trending worldwide with emerging and buzzing talent. Republic Records, like Sat, always had an “act local, think global” vision.
With Monte and Avery’s incredible hard work, perseverance, and vision, Republic Records is now one of the most successful music companies in the world, and home to artists like Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Post Malone, Arianna Grande, Drake, John Legend, Jelly Roll, Anitta, Bastille, and countless other global hitmakers!
LEONIDEN
Leoniden are one of Germany’s most successful and popular alternative-pop bands, and are back with their latest single, “Sierra,” which is a powerful showcase of the band’s signature blend of emotional intensity and dynamic energy. Known for their wild live performances, Leoniden thrives on creating euphoric, communal experiences filled with electrifying synths, circular guitars, and crowd-surfing mosh pits. “Sierra” exemplifies their ability to mix melancholic, world-weary lyrics with a sound that makes you want to dance. As part of their fourth album Sophisticated Sad Songs, the track channels the band’s unique approach to turning collective discomfort into moments of cathartic joy. You can catch the German quintet on their Sophisticated Sad Songs Tour now through March and listen to “Sierra” HERE. Contact Hening Mues at henning@woistdieeuphorie.com for all future opportunities globally with Leoniden.
IAMJJ
IAMJJ, the acclaimed dark-pop, alternative and indie Danish artist, returns with his new single “Moonshine,” following the success of “Extra Spicy Noodles.” Known for his expressive vocals and chart-topping hits, IAMJJ shifts from the EDM-influenced style of his previous release to a smoother and nostalgic synth-pop vibe with his new single, “Moonshine.” The track combines shimmering synths, bold beats, and a sensual saxophone, with IAMJJ’s raspy vocals adding an additional gritty darkness. The single explores the power of saying “no” in a liberating, life-affirming way. The music video for “Moonshine” was shot in New York City, blending iconic tourist locations with lesser-known spots like the York Street subway station. The visuals perfectly complement the chill, flowing vibe of the song, creating a stunning and immersive experience. Enjoy the visual for “Moonshine” HERE, and for all signing, licensing, sync, live, and publishing opportunities, please reach out to A&R Worldwide at info@anrworldwide.com.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, October 27th, 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:
DAILY J – “Sunday Stitches” (Unsigned, New Zealand)
GLASS CITIES – “Rescue” (Unsigned, N. America)
KAI BOSCH – “Everything Is Beautiful” (LAB Records, U.K.)
LIME CORDIALE – “Strangers” (Chugg Music, Australia)
ACROBVT – “Last Goodbye” (Unsigned, U.K.)
ONLY THE POETS – “Already There” (EMI, U.K.)
HINDS – “The Bed, The Room, The Rain & You” (Lucky Number, Spain)
ELECTRIC ENEMY – “Stop Falling In Love” (AWAL, U.K.)
SEB LOWE – “Mr & Mrs Human Race” (LAB Records, U.K.)
TALISCO – “We Are” (Roy Music, France)
LUSAINT – “Sweet Tooth” (Heavenly Fire, U.K.)
PICTURE THIS – “Satellites” (RCA Records, Ireland)
BLOSSOMS – “Perfect Me” (ODD SK Records, U.K.)
CAMERON SAGE FROM – “You Won” (Unsigned, Canada)
SHOBSY – “Champagne” (Unsigned, Ireland)
BEARTOOTH – “ATTN.” (Red Bull Records, N. America)
DIYA – “Blow The Blue Away” (Unsigned, U.K.)
MONOTRONIC – “Looking Away” (Unsigned, N. America)
MIDDLE KIDS – “Highlands” (EMI, Australia)
DEMPSEY BOLTON – “Comfortable Lines” (Unsigned, Canada)
BUDJERAH – “Is It Ever Gonna Make Sense” (Warner Music, Australia)
RHETT REPKO – “How Cold” (Unsigned, N. America)
FIONA-LEE – “Nothing Compares To Nineteen” (Gravity/EMI Records, U.K.)
MATTHEW MOLE – “Okay” (Universal Music, South Africa)
STONE – “Queen” (Polydor, U.K.)
IAMJJ – “Moonshine” (Mermaid, Denmark)
ANNA LILLE – “Late To The Party” (Propeller Recordings, U.K.)
THE RUBENS – “Sunday Night” (Ivy League Records, Australia)
YNYS – “Shindig” (Libertino, Wales)
MASI MASI – “Lesser Men” (Unsigned, 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)
NOTHING BUT THIEVES – “Oh No :: He Said What” (RCA Records, U.K.)
HANDCRAFT ENTERTAINMENT SIGNS HANA KURO TO MGMT DEAL: Michael Africk, CEO & Founder, Handcraft Entertainment, has announced the signing of Hana Kuro, a Japanese-British artist, model, and influencer, to a global production and management agreement. This marks the second significant signing for Handcraft, a company dedicated to bridging major music markets and connecting fans around the globe. Hana Kuro is emerging as a distinctive talent on the international stage with her deep passion for music, fashion, and culture fueling her creative evolution. As a musician and influencer, Hana has millions of views across her social media platforms. She has also secured a partnership with Nutcase Milk, joining a roster that includes figures like Steve Aoki, Tyler “Ninja” Blevins, and Phil Hellmuth. Kuro’s sound brings a fresh edge to J-Pop, effortlessly switching between Japanese and English in her vocals. Africk’s initial signing to Handcraft was Anna Aya, whose music is distributed through Virgin Records globally and B-Zone in Japan. Aya’s debut single, “Someone Else,” produced by Louis Bell and Africk himself, reached No.2 on Japan’s USEN Chart and No.45 on the U.S. radio Top 50.
BMG NASHVILLE & 19 RECORDINGS SIGN JORDAN ANTHONY & MACKENZIE SOL AS DUO: American Idol season 22 finalists Jordan Anthony and Mackenzie Sol have signed a deal with BMG Nashville and 19 Recordings, teaming up as J+M to release their soulful pop track, “Don’t Ya,” which hit streaming platforms on October 25. Jordan Anthony, a native of Perth, Australia, burst onto the music scene at an early age, becoming the youngest finalist in The Voice Australia history at just 14 years old, finishing in the Top 4. His passion for songwriting led him to represent Australia at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest with his original track “We Will Rise.” Now 19, Jordan continues to write and independently release his music, showcasing his talent at events like MUSEXPO LA in 2023, which helped garner his initial international attention. His lyrics delve into personal themes such as bullying, heartbreak, love, and loss, resonating deeply with his audience. Jordan also made it to the Top 14 on American Idol season 22. Mackenzie Sol, originally from a small town in Northern England, has been immersed in music, acting, and dance since childhood. He first captured the attention of audiences and industry professionals when he appeared on X-Factor UK at just four years old. By six, he was performing in various productions in London’s famous West End and trained for two years at the Royal Ballet School. At thirteen, he shared the stage with stars like Jennifer Hudson and Josh Groban at the Carousel of Hope Ball in Los Angeles, directed by David Foster. With over 12 million followers on TikTok and 1.3 million on Instagram, he gained significant recognition as a finalist on American Idol season 22. Now based in the U.S., he continues to create heartfelt pop music that showcases his soulful vocals and songwriting skills.
45RPM PARTNERS WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP: Music supervision company 45RPM has officially launched a new music publishing division, backed by Universal Music Publishing Group. Ayla Owen, Managing Director of 45RPM, said the partnership is aimed at “elevating the music creation process and amplifying the voices of exceptional talent”. Founded in 2022 by industry veterans Iain Cooke (known for Back to Black and The Gentleman), Sarah Bridge (The Crown and Theory of Everything), Catherine Grieves (Baby Reindeer and Killing Eve), and Nick Angel (Paddington 2 and Bridget Jones’ Diary), 45RPM has quickly established itself as a key player in the field. In January 2024, Owen, previously the head of music at BBH London and former European VP of Sync at Warner Chappell Music, joined as Managing Director. The new publishing venture is designed to showcase the talents of composers and songwriters across various mediums, including film, television, advertising, and gaming. Nick Angel, Founder & Director, 45RPM, said, “What we also very much hope to do in our partnership with UMPG is bring composers more into the world of creating songs and likewise help facilitate songwriters into composing music for Film and TV,” said. “We’re perfectly placed to be a bridge for both and would be delighted if we could in any way be a catalyst for both.”
SLIPSTREAM BUYS ANTHEM ENTERTAINMENT’S THREE PRODUCTION MUSIC BRANDS: Music licensing platform Slipstream has completed the acquisition of Anthem Entertainment‘s production music portfolio, enhancing its catalog with over 650,000 new tracks from three brands. This deal includes Anthem’s production music agency, Jingle Punks, the independent library 5 Alarm Music, and the U.K.-based publisher Cavendish Music. As a result, Slipstream is now positioned as “the largest global independent music licensing platform.” Slipstream’s CEO Dan Demole & Chief Revenue Officer Jesse Korwin, who founded the company in 2021, are returning to familiar territory. Demole co-Founded Jingle Punks and previously served as President of Anthem Production Music Group, while Korwin held the role of Managing Director at Jingle Punks. Pollen Street Capital, a London-based investment management company, provided financing for the acquisition. Anthem Entertainment will retain a stake in Slipstream through its investment in the company. Backed by Sony Music Entertainment, Third Prime, and Lightshed Ventures, the expanded platform aims to cater to a diverse clientele, including individual content creators, small businesses, and large enterprises. This acquisition aligns with Slipstream’s mandate to simplify music licensing for various mediums such as television, film, advertising, gaming, and social media. In recent years, Anthem has broadened its catalog, acquiring hit songs from multi-Platinum artist Chantal Kreviazuk, gaining additional publishing interests in Timbaland‘s major hits with stars like Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z, and adding songs from Boardwalk Music Group, co-written by Eric Frederic (Ricky Reed) and featuring tracks by artists like Halsey, Lizzo, and Meghan Trainor.
KEVIN MCGURN NAMED AS CEO OF TRILLER: Triller Group has named Kevin McGurn as its new CEO, effective November 2024. McGurn brings experience in the media and entertainment sectors, stepping into this role during a significant transformation for Triller Group. The company recently began trading on NASDAQ following its merger with AGBA Group Holding, a financial services firm based in Hong Kong. Triller, now trading under the symbol IILR, experienced a 22.7% drop on its first day of trading on October 16. With a robust background in digital media, McGurn has held positions at leading companies, previously serving as President of Sales & Distribution at Vevo, the joint venture between Universal Music and Sony Music Entertainment, where he was instrumental in establishing the platform as a global music television network. His experience also includes key roles at Hulu, where he played a vital part in building the sales team from the ground up and generating over $500 million (USD) in advertising revenue. Whilst at Fullscreen and Otter Media Companies, he focused on developing revenue streams within the creator economy. McGurn has also held an executive position in T-Mobile‘s marketing division.
SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING INKS GLOBAL DEAL WITH ELYSSE YULO: Sony Music Publishing Nashville has announced the signing of acclaimed songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Elysse Yulo. Originally hailing from Connecticut, Elysse Yulo is a Nashville-based songwriter and producer who is known for her versatility across multiple genres including country and pop. Elysse has worked with notable artists including Quavo, Lana Del Rey, Zach John King, and Maddox Batson. Her recent credits include the hit song “Tough” by Lana Del Rey and Quavo, which has garnered over 100 million streams and achieved Top 40 status on the Billboard Hot 100. She also co-wrote Maddox Batson’s viral hit songs “Tears in the River” and “I Wanna Know,” as well as Zach John King’s lead single “The Way, I See You” from his EP Wannabe Cowboy. Kenley Flynn, VP, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing, tells A&R Worldwide, “Elysse is a very special talent that I couldn’t be happier to be working with. Her talents as a songwriter and producer are matched only by her work ethic and persistence. I am so excited to help her reach new heights.” Elysse is currently managed by Samantha Fisher from Sullivan Rose.
ONERPM SIGNS ARTIST/PRODUCER MALIBU BABIE: Malibu Babie has become the first and only female producer this century to debut at No.1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart with her work on Nicki Minaj‘s “Super Freaky Girl” and Megan Thee Stallion‘s “Her.” She is poised to continue her success as she joins ONErpm, releasing her new single “Baddie Bakery” featuring Flyana Boss which debuted on October 25th. Her mixtape is expected to drop in early 2025. Originally from the West Coast, Malibu Babie is a first-generation college graduate from Vanderbilt University, where she excelled academically while mastering music production and performing as an All SEC “Dancer of the Year.” After earning her degree, she shifted gears, trading her academic achievements for a career in music. Her genre-blending sound quickly caught the attention of industry leaders, leading to an exclusive publishing deal and a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit, along with over 97 million social media uses of her original tracks. In addition to her recent collaborations with artists like Sia, Katy Perry, Kim Petras, Shania Twain, and Kylie Minogue, Malibu is carving out her unique artistic identity with her upcoming mixtape, which promises to showcase her signature sound and provide insight into her vibrant musical world. Alex Ziabko, Senior Director, A&R, ONErpm. tells A&R Worldwide, “Malibu Babie’s producer accolades speak for themselves, and it is time for the world to recognize her as an artist. Malibu reminds us of all to have fun from time to time. I am thrilled to welcome such a strong, creative, forward-thinking artist to ONErpm.”
TIKTOK PROMOTES JOSH MATEER TO HEAD OF A&R U.K. & EUROPE FOR SOUNDON: TikTok has announced the promotion of Josh Mateer to the role of Head of A&R U.K. & Europe for SoundOn. In this new position, he will oversee artist signing strategies and development across major European markets for TikTok’s distribution platform. Mateer joined TikTok in 2022, previously serving as the U.K.’s A&R lead for SoundOn. Under his leadership, the platform has seen notable achievements, including a No.1 spot on Spotify‘s Global Viral Top 50 with Charlie Jeers‘ track “Her Eyes.” SoundOn also marked its first international success with Niklas Dee‘s “Around the World,” which reached the Top 20 in Germany. Mateer has played a vital role in collaborations with artists like LeoStayTrill, Fly Str8, and the Reload It team on their track “Pink Lemonade,” which charted in the United Kingdom. Also, SoundOn partnered with Mixtape Madness and Groundworks to bring together M Huncho and Potter Payper for “36 Hours,” marking the distributor’s inaugural album project. Josh will be joining next year’s 25th global edition of MUSEXPO in Burbank, CA as part of a key A&R session – his first N. American appearance under his new promotion.
FASHION BRAND KIDSUPER LAUNCHES LABEL: U.S. fashion brand KidSuper has officially launched its music label, KidSuper Records, in collaboration with ADA for distribution. The label’s first release, “Big In Da Game,” drops on October 25, and features a collaboration between U.K. and U.S. hip-hop artists Giggs and Quavo. Founded by Colm Dillane in Brooklyn, KidSuper previously worked with Giggs on a track for Paris Fashion Week. Quavo attended the event and joined Giggs on stage during the official afterparty, which led to his invitation to contribute a verse to the new single. The music video for “Big In Da Game” highlights Giggs, Quavo, and Dillane adorned in pieces from the KidSuper String Theory collection. Directed by KidSuper Studios, the video draws visual inspiration from the style of Peaky Blinders. KidSuper has a history of collaborations with artists such as Kehlani, Rolling Stones, J Balvin, Action Bronson, and Ed Sheeran. The brand has been involved in creating art, merchandise, websites, and stage designs for these major acts, offering free recording spaces, hosting release parties, pop-up events, and providing styling for tours and award shows.
FUGA PARTNERS WITH PHILIPPINES-BASED HIP-HOP COMPANY ASINTADA: FUGA, the B2B music distributor owned by Downtown Music, has entered into a partnership with ASINTADA, a Manila-based management and production company, signaling its growth in the Asia-Pacific region. This collaboration brings Filipino rap artist Gloc-9, along with other key talents from Original Pilipino Music (OPM), into FUGA’s distribution network. Founded in 2012, ASINTADA is known for representing some of the Philippines’ top hip-hop artists, including Gloc-9, who has over half a billion streams on Spotify and has earned 60 awards throughout his career. The company also manages emerging artists like Shanti Dope, Flow G, and Skusta Clee. Through this partnership, ASINTADA gains access to FUGA’s global distribution network, marketing resources, and analytics tools. This initiative is part of FUGA’s wider strategy to expand in the Philippines, which now includes collaborations with Jesuit Communications Foundation, Crown Studios Inc, 314 Studios, and Morobeats. To enhance its regional footprint in the Asia-Pacific market, FUGA has also made two key appointments: Noorcahyo Istyabudi will lead business development in Indonesia, bringing valuable experience from ByteDance/Resso, MOLA Records, and the AMI Awards (Anugerah Musik Indonesia). Meanwhile, Jaya Singh will serve as Regional Representative for South Asia, managing operations across India and the SAARC nations (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). Both executives will report to Anita Zagar, FUGA’s Business Development Manager for the Asia-Pacific region.
UNITEDMASTERS STRIKES DIRECT LICENSING DEAL WITH TIKTOK: TikTok has announced a multi-year direct partnership with UnitedMasters, a platform for indie artist services and distribution. UnitedMasters is a member of Merlin, and prior to this agreement, they were licensed through Merlin. The existing blanket licensing arrangement between TikTok and Merlin is set to expire on October 31. Recently, TikTok decided to halt re-licensing talks with Merlin, citing past operational issues related to the delivery of music that was not properly vetted for copyright compliance. Rather than pursue a new blanket agreement, TikTok is inviting individual members of Merlin to negotiate their own direct licensing arrangements. TikTok highlighted that UnitedMasters has played a crucial role in launching the careers of artists like Floyy Menor, whose track “Gata Only” has surpassed a billion streams and was recognized as TikTok’s No.1 “Song of the Summer” globally. The distribution platform claims to support over two million independent artists. In the press release about the deal, TikTok and UnitedMasters said that they “share the vision and understanding that commercial use of music on platforms such as TikTok offers significant revenue and promotional opportunities for artists.” TikTok claims further that its commercial music library “gives artists unparalleled access to the 70-plus million brands on the platform, creating net new revenue and promotional streams for artists”. Beyond TikTok, the announcement noted that UnitedMasters “creates thousands of sync opportunities for the artists” who use the UnitedMasters platform, securing placements and partnerships across major brands and media companies like Diageo, Bose, Walmart, ESPN, Coca-Cola, IKEA, Dove, and many more.
THE TRENCHES SIGNS EXCLUSIVE DEAL WITH UMG’S REPUBLIC CORPS: The Trenches, a digital promotion and viral marketing agency, has formed an exclusive partnership with Republic Corps Collective, the East Coast label group under Universal Music Group. This agreement encompasses collaborations with labels such as Republic Records, Mercury Records, Island Records, and Def Jam Records, as announced on October 23. In addition, The Trenches is launching its own record label division, Trenches Records. Founded in 2020 by Tom LaScola, The Trenches has developed successful digital campaigns for a range of artists, including Noah Kahan, Post Malone, Wyatt Flores, and Conan Gray. Their campaign for folk-pop artist Noah Kahan has helped him amass 2.6 million followers on TikTok and achieve over 703 million views during the Stick Season promotion. The Trenches has also worked with Mercury Records on Post Malone’s album campaign for F-1 Trillion, implementing a comprehensive digital strategy that included artist content, influencer partnerships, and fan engagement initiatives. This album became Post Malone’s sixth studio release and was recognized as the top country album of 2024. Operating from locations in New York, Nashville, and Los Angeles, The Trenches describes its new label division, Trenches Records, as an “incubator at the intersection of culture and data,” aimed at nurturing artists identified by their team within the Republic Corps Collective framework. This partnership comes seven months after Universal Music restructured its East Coast labels, including Def Jam, Island, Mercury, and Republic, into a centralized operational hub known as Republic Corps, as part of a larger reorganization of Universal Music Group’s frontline labels in the United States.
PRIMARY WAVE STRIKES DEAL WITH ESTATE OF JERRY JEFF WALKER: Primary Wave Music has announced its latest acquisition, revealing a partnership with the estate of country and folk artist Jerry Jeff Walker. The agreement involves collaborating on Walker’s music publishing catalog, as well as his recording copyrights and artist royalties. This deal encompasses some of Walker’s most celebrated songs from his prolific career, which spans over 50 years, including classics like “Mr. Bojangles,” “Sangria Wine,” “Railroad Lady,” and “Trashy Women.” It also covers Walker’s recorded masters, which will be released and distributed in collaboration with Tried & True Music under the Sun Records label. Sun Records will oversee the marketing strategy for Walker’s catalog, focusing on streaming, social media outreach, and physical releases. The partnership will also grant the estate access to Primary Wave’s marketing and infrastructure, enhancing opportunities for branding, digital initiatives, and projects in film and television. “Mr. Bojangles,” Walker’s most famous track, debuted in 1968 and quickly became an enduring American classic. In an interview with American Songwriter in the late 1980s, Walker noted that the song “broke all the rules.” It earned a Grammy nomination for “Best Country Vocal Performance (Male)” and has been covered by a host of artists, including Bob Dylan, Nina Simone, and Sammy Davis Jr. Furthermore, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s rendition also gained popularity, reaching the Top 10 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 in 1971.
THE ORCHARD MAKES KEY APPOINTMENTS IN KOREA: The Orchard has appointed Jeeyoung Lee as the new Country Manager for South Korea, overseeing the company’s operations in the region. Based in Seoul, Lee reports to Prashant Bahadur, the Executive VP in charge of strategy. In her role, Lee will manage various aspects of The Orchard’s Korean business, including label management, release strategies, global distribution, and regional support, while also focusing on business development. With two decades of experience in strategy, sales, content distribution, management, and marketing at leading entertainment firms, Lee comes to The Orchard from her position as general manager at Warner Bros. Discovery and Sr. Vice President, Content Strategy for the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, Sungho “Jake” Bae has been appointed as Director, Artist & Label Services for the Asia Pacific Region. Also located in Seoul, Bae will implement release strategies across the APAC area, emphasizing cross-country marketing efforts. He has previously held significant roles at Spotify and Big Hit Music, where he collaborated with The Orchard to help propel BTS into international markets. Furthermore, John Park, who serves as Sr. Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Development in New York, will now expand his focus to explore new business opportunities in Korea. He will collaborate closely with Lee on new signings, partnerships, and overarching global strategies. Prashant Bahadur said, “We are excited to further develop operations in Korea with Jeeyong leading the team. Her strategic business acumen and extensive network coupled with a deep understanding of Korea’s culture will be invaluable in growing The Orchard’s value proposition in the region. As global appetites for Korean music increase, she will play an integral role in connecting independent Korean labels and artists with audiences by engaging fans in innovative and sustainable ways.”
SPIRIT MUSIC GROUP LAUNCHES JOINT VENTURE WITH AUTUMN ROWE: Spirit Music Group has broadened its publishing offerings with a new creative partnership alongside Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Autumn Rowe, introducing Honest Songs Music & Lyrics. Rowe, who contributed to Jon Batiste‘s We Are, which won “Album of the Year” at the 64th Grammy Awards, has worked with a plethora of artists such as Dua Lipa, Diana Ross, Pitbull, Zendaya, Ava Max, FKA Twigs, and Leona Lewis. She co-wrote “Happiness” for Alexis Jordan, the official song of the FIFA World Cup, which has enjoyed renewed popularity on TikTok. Her recent collaborations include a track with multi-Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo and Afrobeats sensation Davido titled “JOY,” which debuted at No.7 on Nigeria’s National Airplay charts and made the Top 20 in South Africa. Also, she teamed up with Andy Grammer for “Magic,” featured on his album Monster. This joint venture expands her existing relationship with Spirit Music Group, following her global publishing agreement with them in 2023. The first artist signed under this new venture is the rising star Mira Housey, who has over 30 million streams and 100 million views across various platforms. Housey has collaborated with names such as Jake Clark, Laura Marano, Lauv, and Faouzia. A classical piano prodigy from Michigan, she gained viral fame through her work and has begun producing and releasing her own music. She has co-written songs with songwriters like Autumn Rowe, Shane Stevens, and Tommy Brown (also known as TBHits). Her track “hold the applause” garnered 15,000 pre-saves and charted on both iTunes and YouTube.
REACTIONAL MUSIC SIGNS LICENSING DEAL WITH NAXOS: Reactional Music has entered into a global licensing agreement with Naxos, the largest rights-holder for classical and regional music worldwide. This partnership will provide game developers and players access to Naxos’s classical music catalog. Established in 1987 by Klaus Heymann, Naxos encompasses a variety of companies, labels, and divisions that offer a diverse range of music, including classical, world, folk, jazz, and cultural genres. The Reactional Platform empowers game developers to craft interactive soundtracks, allowing players to personalize music in real-time without altering the master recordings. This means the music can seamlessly align with the game’s dynamics and timing. Both companies are looking into collaborating on the creation of interactive soundtracks that can be generated in real-time based on the player’s actions within the game. This partnership enhances Reactional’s music delivery options for game developers globally, with Naxos joining an expanding network of rights-holders who will benefit from greater engagement with the gaming industry.
SESAC MUSIC GROUP ACQUIRES HAAWK: SESAC Music Group has announced its acquisition of HAAWK, a company focused on media software and services that specialize in copyright management and monetization for independent music, film, television, and video content. HAAWK, which stands for “Helping All Assets With Knowledge,” offers comprehensive administration for YouTube‘s Content ID and Facebook‘s Rights Manager platforms, including Instagram. The company collaborates with various record labels, publishers, and music rights holders. In addition to these services, HAAWK runs a distribution platform named Diistro and a Micro Sync Music Licensing service called Keyframe Audio. The company will maintain its Los Angeles headquarters under the guidance of founder Ryan Born, who started HAAWK in 2017. As part of SESAC Music Group, which has offices in cities like New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, London, and Munich, HAAWK will join AudioSalad within the Music Services division, which focuses on artist and label distribution. SESAC Music Group comprises several divisions, including Church Music Resources, Audiovisual Music, and SESAC Performing Rights, which manages the public performance licensing for over 1.5 million songs on behalf of more than 15,000 affiliated songwriters, composers, and publishers. The acquisition of HAAWK adds to SESAC’s growing portfolio, following previous acquisitions like Music Services and AudioSalad, as well as Audiam, a streaming royalties collection agency, and the Harry Fox Agency. In 2017, SESAC was acquired by Blackstone Group from Rizvi Traverse Management for a reported sum of around $1 billion (USD).
RICARDO ARJONA INKS DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH INTERSCOPE CAPITOL LABELS GROUP: Ricardo Arjona has secured an exclusive worldwide distribution agreement with Interscope Capitol Labels Group. This deal, brokered through his own label, Metamorfosis, which he founded in 2011, encompasses his extensive catalog of 300 songs along with all future releases. This partnership marks a new chapter for Arjona, following his previous affiliations with Sony Music and Warner Music. His collaboration with Interscope Capitol will kick off with his studio album, SECO, set to drop in early 2025. This album is particularly meaningful to Arjona, as it was crafted during a challenging period when he was recovering from a back injury that left him wheelchair-bound after his tour last December, raising concerns about his ability to perform again. Among the album’s offerings is the track “Todo termina” (Everything Ends), one of three singles slated for release in November, alongside “Despacio que hay prisa” and “Todo termina.” Two more singles are slated for December, leading into a special SECO residency in New York and Guatemala at the start of 2025. Arjona’s musical career spans over three decades, beginning in 1994, during which he has achieved five No.1 hits and 18 Top 10 placements on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart, with his most recent entry dating back to 2016. He has also secured five No.1’s and 15 Top 10’s on the Top Latin Albums chart, with his latest album reaching No. 46 in 2022. In the past year alone, he ranked No. 11 on Billboard’s year-end Latin touring chart, selling over 224,000 tickets, and grossing $27.3 million (USD), making him the 15th highest-grossing Latin touring act of all time according to Boxscore.
JONATHAN TESTER LAUNCHES GROOVE BOUND SONGS WITH BUCKS MUSIC GROUP: Jonathan Tester has officially launched an independent publishing venture called Groove Bound Songs, partnering with Bucks Music Group for this initiative. Through this collaboration, Groove Bound Songs will leverage Bucks’ backend administration, creative A&R, sync services, and overall industry knowledge. Tester has been with Bucks since 2002 and serves as Head of Sync. His division has secured placements for brands like New Balance, Pepsi, and Nike, as well as for television shows such as One Day, Bad Sisters, and Top Boy. Before his role at Bucks, Tester was the Creative Licensing Director at The Soundlounge, where he managed music rights for high-profile campaigns involving brands such as Adidas, KFC, and Ford. He is also a Director and Board Member of the Music Publishers Association. The first artist to join the Groove Bound Songs roster is Iraina Mancini, a London-based singer/songwriter and DJ. Mancini’s music, characterized by a ‘luxury pop’ aesthetic, draws influences from 60s and 70s styles, French pop, psychedelia, and soul.
JEREMY WINEBERG LAUNCHES SOUNDS COOL: Jeremy Wineberg, co-Founder Heard Well, has unveiled his latest venture, Sounds Cool, along with a strategic distribution partnership with Warner Music Group‘s ADA. This new initiative will feature a lineup of talents from Heard Well’s roster, including influencers from this year’s Creator A-List like Noah Beck, Bretman Rock, and Tana Mongeau. In a nostalgic twist, Wineberg has teamed up again with Perez Hilton to revive the Pop-Up Music Series, famed for launching artists such as Charli XCX, Capital Cities, and Bastille. Sounds Cool functions as a comprehensive platform that enables artists, labels, and brands to monetize their distinct voices effectively. Back in the 2000s, Wineberg co-founded Invisible DJ, where he fused music with fashion, partnering with brands like Ron Herman and Juicy Couture. His 2012 project, the Opus Label, capitalized on the burgeoning influencer scene by teaming up with Hilton to host pop-up festivals that highlighted emerging talents. Through Heard Well, he played a role in introducing future stars like Billie Eilish and Lauv, while helping social media influencers such as KallMeKris and Sam & Colby shape their musical identities through curated playlists. The initiative offers tailored music experiences that enrich listener engagement across various sectors, including hospitality and retail. Wineberg and his team help partners establish a distinct audio identity through personalized mood consultations and custom playlists, enhancing the ambiance in-store or on the go. For artists, including those in the ASMR genre, Sounds Cool simplifies music licensing and discovery, ensuring they are compensated for their work. Both veteran and up-and-coming creators can curate playlists to highlight their favorite new music and earn alongside the featured artists.
PETER RUDGE STEPS DOWN FROM ARTIST MANAGEMENT: Peter Rudge is stepping away from artist management after a 55-year career focusing on new music-related endeavors. One of his upcoming projects includes co-producing a documentary that explores the origins of the live touring industry, spotlighting Frank Barsalona, the Founder of the Premier Talent Agency, and the only agent to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Rudge’s career began at Track Records, where he collaborated with artists like Jimi Hendrix and Marc Bolan. He then partnered with Bill Curbishley to manage The Who and has since collaborated with a wide range of renowned artists, including The Rolling Stones, Madness, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Il Divo, Ball & Boe, Duran Duran, and Roger Waters. He has also had a long-standing relationship with the U.K. band James, representing them for over 30 years, including during the release of their recent album, Yummy, which achieved their first-ever No.1 studio album in June. In 2023, James received the Icon Award at the Ivor Novello Awards and successfully completed a U.K. arena tour with sold-out performances at Co-op Live and The O2. They followed this with a series of international summer festival appearances and recently wrapped up a co-headlining tour in the U.S. and Canada alongside Johnny Marr. Peter Rudge stated, “After 55 years in the artist management trenches, I’ve decided to call time and devote my time to family, travel, and other projects, as well as Wolves [Wolverhampton Wanderers] and the New York Giants, who both need my help far more than any artist does right now!“
VINYL GROUP, SONGTRADR STRIKE NEW COMMERCIAL AGREEMENT: Vinyl Group has entered into a partnership with Songtradr, a leading platform for B2B music licensing globally. This collaboration allows Vinyl Group to manage the digital advertising inventory for Songtradr and its associated brands worldwide, enhancing the Australian company’s footprint in the advertising sector. According to a statement, this agreement is expected to dramatically boost Vinyl Group’s advertising operations in the U.S., potentially expanding its reach by up to twenty times. Songtradr, known for its work in music licensing and tailored solutions for film, advertising, and social media, attracts over twenty million unique viewers monthly across its platforms. Under the terms of this partnership, Vinyl Group will retain 50% of the net earnings generated from any business developed through this deal. Furthermore, new advertising initiatives will be incorporated into the Vampr Ad Network, which is part of the publicly listed Vinyl Group.
JEFF JONES TO STEP DOWN AS APPLE CORPS CEO: Jeff Jones is set to resign from his position as chief executive of Apple Corps Ltd. after a 17-year tenure. Since taking the helm in 2007, Jones has been a driving force behind various projects, including the recent 2023 release of the last Beatles song, “Now and Then.” He played a significant role in various digital initiatives for the band, launching TheBeatles.com and facilitating the availability of their music on iTunes for the first time. Additionally, he introduced a new generation to The Beatles through the popular game The Beatles: Rock Band. Jones also managed the long-standing partnership with Cirque du Soleil, which brought The Beatles Love show to life, and he oversaw multiple award-winning reissues of the band’s catalog. He also served as executive producer for the acclaimed documentary The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years, directed by Ron Howard. He also produced the Emmy-winning three-part series The Beatles: Get Back, directed by Peter Jackson and released in 2021 through Disney. Currently, he is an executive producer for the upcoming documentary Beatles ’64, directed by David Tedeschi and produced by Martin Scorsese, which is set to premiere next month.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jeff Sosnow, David Taylor, Peter Paterno, Sarah Lorentzen, Sulinna Ong, Farhad Zand, Ty Stiklorius, Chris Price, Jason Flom, Rachel Kurstin, Rob Inadomi, Samantha Berger, and R.I.P. John Titta.
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