A&R Worldwide Newsletter Vol. 862

MUSEXPO 2025 TO CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION
WITH A GROUNDBREAKING KEYNOTE PANEL FEATURING
BOB BOWEN & AMAZON MGM STUDIOS’ GLOBAL MUSIC TEAM

 

MUSEXPO (www.musexpo.net), “The United Nations of Music,” is thrilled to announce its 25th global edition, scheduled to take place from March 16 – March 19, 2025, in Burbank, California “The Media & Sync Capital of the World.” Over the past quarter-century, MUSEXPO has been a pioneering force in the global music business, inspiring innovative solutions and fostering collaborations that continue to reshape the industry. This year, the conference celebrates its landmark anniversary by reflecting on its rich history and looking toward the future of music across continents.

The 2025 edition will host a unique keynote panel featuring Bob Bowen, Worldwide Head of Music at Amazon MGM Studios, and his accomplished team of global music executives. For the first time in MUSEXPO’s history, attendees will have the chance to engage with the leaders behind Amazon MGM Studios’ music operations for both Film and TV, including projects on Prime Video. Bowen’s team, with members spanning across the U.S., U.K., EU, Latin America, India, Brazil, and Japan, will provide valuable insights into the transformative role of music in some of the world’s most influential visual media.

Bob Bowen, who oversees the comprehensive global music strategies for Amazon MGM Studios, brings to MUSEXPO a wealth of experience and a distinguished career that includes leadership roles at Relativity Media and New Line Cinema. Known for his expertise in developing strategic music initiatives and managing music production for major film and TV shows, along with Platinum-selling soundtracks, Bowen has left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Under his leadership at Amazon MGM Studios, the music team has released numerous soundtracks that have driven awareness and accolades for Prime Video / Amazon MGM Studios with five Grammy nominations to date – including last year’s soundtrack album for the TV series Daisy Jones & The Six, which debuted No.1 and charted 5 weeks at No.1 on the Billboard soundtrack chart. It was the first time a fictional band debuted No.1 as an emerging artist on the Billboard chart.

Bowen was also nominated for an Emmy and won several Clio‘s for his work on the acclaimed TV series The Man in the High Castle.

He holds an M.B.A. from the University of Oxford and a B.A. in marketing from Saint Bonaventure University.

Joining Bowen on this global keynote panel are the following distinguished Amazon MGM Studios music executives:

Adrian Sosa, Head of Music, Latin America/Brazil/Australia/Canada/New Zealand, Amazon MGM Studios – A multi-talented music executive, producer, and composer, Sosa has made significant contributions to both music and film. Born in Buenos Aires, he is a two-time Latin Grammy winner and a creative force behind the group Bajofondo. His extensive career includes working with icons like Gustavo Santaolalla and supervising music for acclaimed films such as The Motorcycle Diaries and Amores Perros.

Liza Richardson, Head of Music, Original Series (U.S.), Amazon MGM Studios – With a background in public radio and music supervision for television, Richardson has shaped the sonic landscapes of series such as Friday Night Lightsand The Leftovers. A Grammy nominee and Emmy-nominated music supervisor, Richardson has revitalized music catalogs and overseen music for some of the industry’s most beloved shows.

Louisa Rainbird, Head of Music, European Union, Amazon MGM Studios – Based in Europe, Rainbird brings extensive experience in sync and licensing, having previously worked with Wise Music and British broadcaster Sky. Her work at Amazon includes productions like Citadel: Diana and Wilderness, which showcase her skill in curating music for diverse and dynamic series across multiple European countries.

Anton Monsted, Head of Music, Original Movies (U.S.), Amazon MGM Studios – Monsted’s career began with legendary director Baz Luhrmann, with whom he worked on iconic projects like Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge. Now overseeing music for Amazon MGM Studios’ Original Movies, Monsted continues to influence film soundtracks, most recently collaborating with Luhrmann on ELVIS.

Read the full bios of the Amazon MGM Studios executives HERE.

Sat Bisla, President & Founder, A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO, stated, “We are extremely honored to present this first-of-its-kind special Amazon MGM Studios’ U.S. and global sync-focused keynote panel at our 25th global edition of MUSEXPO. I am extremely grateful to Bob Bowen and his team for bringing their knowledge, insights, and creative passion to inspire our domestic and international delegates attending next year’s milestone event.”

This exclusive session will take place on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, and promises to provide an in-depth exploration of the complex interplay between music and visual media. Attendees can expect to gain rare insights from Amazon MGM Studios’ innovative music team and their vast programming, which spans multiple regions and drives some of the world’s most popular movies and TV shows.

The 25th edition of MUSEXPO offers a unique opportunity for attendees to celebrate the conference’s enduring legacy and participate in forward-looking discussions with global leaders in music and entertainment.

Registration is now open to attend MUSEXPO 2025 at www.musexpo.net.

For information on artist submissions, event partnerships, and sponsorship opportunities contact info@anrworldwide.com.

 

 

Sony Music Publishing has entered into an agreement with producer Mike Dean and members of his producer collective, M.W.A., which includes Sean Solymar, Tommy Rush, and Sage Skolfield. In addition to this signing, Sony Music Publishing has formed an alliance with M.W.A. aimed at nurturing emerging talent. Mike Dean, a Grammy Award-winning producer, engineer, mixer, and multi-instrumentalist, has made an impact across genres such as hip-hop, pop, experimental rock, and soul.

Dean’s career began in the early 1990s when he collaborated with southern rap artists like Scarface, UGK, and Devin The Dude. He has since become a sought-after collaborator for artists including Travis Scott (ASTROWORLD, “Sicko Mode”), Beyoncé (Lemonade), Frank Ocean (Blonde), Ye (My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, “Mercy”), and The Weeknd (Beauty Behind the Madness).

As a performing artist, Dean has headlined shows at venues like the Wiltern in Los Angeles and served as the opening act for The Weeknd’s sold-out After Hours Till Dawn stadium tour. He also co-scored HBO‘s series The Idol alongside The Weeknd and Sam Levinson, appearing as himself in the show.

Jon Platt, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Publishing, said, “I am a longtime fan of Mike and his music. Not only has he consistently transformed Hip-Hop, but his creative influence extends across modern music, inspiring new talent through his work with M.W.A. We are pleased to partner with Mike and M.W.A.’s Sean Solymar, Tommy Rush, and Sage Skolfield as they continue to shape music’s future.”

M.W.A., founded by Dean in 2017, has collaborated with countless big-name artists in the music industry. Sean Solymar has production credits for the Grammy-winning song “Jail,” having worked with Nas, Latto, Teyana Taylor, Madonna, Ye, and Travis Scott. Tommy Rush has collaborated with Beyoncé, Travis Scott, and Ye, contributing to projects such as Christine And The Queen‘s Paranoia and Mike Dean’s own 4:23, as well as The Weeknd and Madonna’s Platinum-certified track “Popular” featuring Playboi Carti. Sage Skolfield has recently made strides with collaborations on tracks like “Dancing in The Flames” and “We Still Don’t Trust You” with Metro Boomin and Future, as well as contributions to HBO’s The Idol with songs like “World Class Sinner / I’m A Freak” and “One of The Girls.”

 

Concord has completed an $850 million (USD) asset-backed securities (ABS) transaction based on a range of music equities. This marks Concord’s third securitization effort, and it is cross-collateralized with notes issued in 2022, collectively establishing it as the largest music-backed ABS transaction in the industry to date. In a press release, Concord said that the issuance of five-year senior notes reflects the company’s strategic initiative to enhance and monetize its music assets, reinforcing its position as a significant player in the music sector. Recently, Concord made headlines by acquiring key components of Daddy Yankee‘s catalog for $217.3 million (USD).

The notes will be backed by music royalties from a catalog featuring over one million songs, including tracks by artists like The Beatles, Carrie Underwood, Cheap Trick, Creed, Genesis, Kiss, Mike + The Mechanics, Otis Redding, Phil Collins, Plain White T’s, REM, REO Speedwagon, and The Rolling Stones. This catalog is valued at more than $5 billion, leading to an approximate 52% loan-to-value ratio for the offering.

Apollo, through its Capital Solutions division, structured the ABS alongside its affiliate, Redding Ridge Asset Management, and led a syndicate of investors for the transaction. Atlas SP Securities, a part of Apollo Global Securities, served as a joint bookrunner. Proceeds from this issuance will be used to retire a previous private note issuance from 2023, fund new acquisitions, and support Concord’s growth initiatives. FTI Consulting functioned as the backup manager, with the Bank of New York Mellon serving as trustee. Valuation services were provided by Virtu Global Advisors, while legal counsel for Concord was supplied by DLA Piper and by Milbank LLP for Apollo affiliates.

Bob Valentine, CEO, Concord, said, “This transaction represents another significant milestone for Concord and the global music industry as we close our third music ABS offering, continuing our strategic efforts to elevate and support the artists and writers in our catalog. We are proud to manage a catalog with such a remarkable depth of artistic talent and cultural importance. We are grateful to our financing partners, Apollo and Atlas SP, for helping us create a long-term capital structure that supports our growth and strengthens the financial foundation that allows us to keep investing in the music industry. As we grow to new heights, our focus continues to be squarely on our artists and the incredible art they create.”

 

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has struck a global publishing deal with the rising band Florence Road. The all-girl quartet hails from Wicklow, Ireland, and has quickly attracted a devoted fan base, because of their vibrant and carefree musical style. In addition, they recently inked a record deal with Warner Records.

Florence Road has teased their forthcoming tracks online, sharing snippets that hint at lyrical themes centered around the complexities of youth. Each clip invites listeners into a world filled with emotion, reflection, and youthful energy, representing the band’s evolving story.

Fresh out of school, Florence Road has been actively building their online following by sharing an array of cover songs and original pieces across social media platforms. On TikTok alone, they have garnered over ten million likes, catching the eye of Olivia Rodrigo, who praised their rendition of “Obsessed.” Their live performances have also received acclaim, including a recent support slot for The Academic at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre and a set at the Electric Picnic Festival last summer.

Florence Road said, “We have enjoyed a rollercoaster year so far and we could not be happier to partner with Warner Chappell Music on our publishing. Our songs are incredibly important to us, and we feel we have found a global team who are as protective of them as we are. We cannot wait to start working closely with George, Shani, Amber, Guy, and the rest of the team who have all been extremely supportive.”

George Baker, A&R Manager, Warner Chappell Music U.K., added, “We are thrilled to be working with Florence Road. Ailbhe, Emma, Hannah, and Lily have amazing energy and have already written some incredible songs. They have immense potential and we are keen to work closely with them to add as much value as possible and help them in achieving what we know they’re capable of.”

 

MASI MASI, the British alternative indie-pop project led by Joe McGrath, returns with their new single “Lesser Men.” Known for previous hits like “Favourite Gold” and “We Don’t Care,” the band’s latest release dives into the frustrations of young adulthood, capturing the monotony of life in a northern English town. Recorded in Los Angeles but rooted in the raw, melancholic reality of Bradford, England, the song reflects the feeling of being stuck in a repetitive cycle. MASI MASI has enjoyed global radio airplay and secured placements on prominent Spotify and Apple Music playlists, while McGrath, the band’s versatile frontman, assumes multiple roles as the lead singer, songwriter, and producer. MASI MASI was also the first ever unsigned artist to perform at the annual Seymour Stein – Global A&R Award event this year, where he received a standing ovation with no other than Grammy award-winning artist John Legend. In addition to his authentic and impactful musical talents, McGrath is involved in modeling and has collaborated with renowned brands, establishing a strong presence across diverse creative domains. “Lesser Men” is the first glimpse of more music to come, listen HERE. For inquiries about MASI MASI, including opportunities for worldwide signing, licensing, booking, and synchronization, reach out to Sat Bisla at sat@anrworldwide.com.

 

 

 

UMPG AND ORGANIZED CHAOS RENEW DEAL WITH TIM POWELL: Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) and Organized Chaos have announced the renewal of their partnership with Tim Powell, a former member of Xenomania. Powell is a British songwriter, producer, and mixer, known for his contributions to tracks like “Hole in The Head” and “Round Round” by the Sugababes, “Call the Shots” by Girls Aloud, and “Love etc.” by the Pet Shop Boys. After departing from Xenomania in 2010, Powell has collaborated with artists such as Paloma Faith, Saint Etienne, and Little Mix. In recent years, he has transitioned into the dance music scene, where he began his work with Organized Chaos, which operates alongside Perfect Havoc. His portfolio includes tracks like “Rely on Me” by Sigala, Gabry Ponte, and Alex Gaudino, “I Can’t Wait” by Tiësto and Solardo featuring Poppy Bascombe, “Better” by Sonny Fodera, and “Celebrate” by Jodie Harsh, which gained popularity through its sync on Sex Education. Powell’s songs have collectively achieved over 1.5 billion streams worldwide. Upcoming projects for him include collaborations with Camrin Watson, Sonny Fodera, Matt Guy, Saint Etienne, and Blasterjaxx. Dougie Bruce, Sr. A&R Director, UMPG, tells A&R Worldwide, “Tim is an exceptional musical talent who has proven over the last 20 years his relevance to British and global music. UMPG are delighted to continue collaborating with him and, as always, are committed to the next chapters of his success.”

 

MOM+POP MUSIC SIGN INDONESIA’S GALDIVE: Mom+Pop Music has officially welcomed the Indonesian R&B duo Galdive to their roster. The duo has released their debut single under this partnership, titled “Night Charade.” Galdive consists of Tisha, a singer/songwriter, and Osvaldo, a composer/producer. Their sound is a blend of genres, transitioning between R&B, electronic, jazz, and pop. Incorporating an afrobeat groove, electric piano, and synths, Galdive also highlights traditional Indonesian instruments like the suling sunda (a type of flute), talempong (a small bronze kettle gong), and angklung (a bamboo percussion instrument). These elements are complemented by basslines, strings, and guitar riffs, adding a unique touch to their sound. “Night Charade” further showcases Galdive’s growing influence, as they have already achieved over 65 million streams and gained 50,000 followers across various platforms. Their 2023 release “Stay” has been featured on Spotify playlists such as “Lorem,” “Chill Vibes,” “Jasmine,” and “Fresh Finds Class of 2023.” Also, the duo has also had a successful multi-festival tour in China. Galdive commented, “In ‘Night Charade’, we wanted to capture the feelings of temptation on a night out—those moments when unexpected things happen. It’s in those moments when chance lovers merge, knowing that the encounter is a fantasy fling. We aimed to capture that tension in an upbeat song containing a darker, mysterious, and lustful tone.”

 

PULSE MUSIC GROUP FORMS JOINT VENTURE WITH GABE SIMON: Pulse Music Group has launched a music publishing joint venture with songwriter and producer Gabe Simon. Under this new collaboration, Pulse Music Group and Simon’s publishing entity, Abide By The Vibe, have signed worldwide publishing agreements with Noah Levine and Sam Westhoff. In addition, Gabe Simon has renewed his exclusive global publishing deal with Pulse Music, which now covers his entire song catalog. He first partnered with the company in 2015. Alongside Levine and Westhoff, Simon and Abide By The Vibe also represent writer/producer Carrie K, in collaboration with Warner Chappell. Gabe Simon was instrumental in co-writing and producing Noah Kahan’s album Stick Season, including the title track, which has amassed over 1.24 billion streams on Spotify alone. His discography features more than six billion total streams, with co-writing credits for Dua Lipa, Lana Del Rey, Halsey, Maroon 5, Anderson .Paak, Rag’N’Bone Man, James Bay, Hailee Steinfeld, Ruel, Jessie Murph, and many others. Pulse Music Group co-CEO’s Scott Cutler and Josh Abraham, and President, Ashley Calhoun, said, “Our partnership with Gabe Simon has been strong for a decade now and throughout that journey Gabe has experienced tremendous success as a songwriter/producer. We are very excited about this partnership – Gabe has proven to be an exceptional partner who knows how to cultivate and champion other songwriters and producers. We created this platform to give writers/producers like Noah and Sam a creative home with a publishing community that keeps creativity at the forefront. We are thrilled to be partnering with Abide By The Vibe and to welcome Sam and Noah to the Pulse Music Group/Abide By The Vibe family.”

 

BOSSY SONGS SIGNS AUSTIN CORONA AS BARRY WEISS EXTENDS JV PARTNERSHIP WITH SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING: Bossy Songs, the publishing company established by veteran U.S. executive Barry Weiss, has announced the extension of its joint venture with Sony Music Publishing. With offices in New York and teams based in Los Angeles and Nashville, Bossy Songs is solidifying its partnership with Sony while also welcoming songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist Austin Corona to its roster. Corona’s credits include collaborations with Halsey, featuring on the track “Panic Attack,” as well as work with Zara Larsson, Jean Dawson, and Peter McPoland. Barry Weiss also serves as the CEO & co-Founder of Records and Records Nashville. Bossy Songs has a lineup of writers and producers, including Dan Gleyzer (BTS, Meghan Trainor, CIL), Cheyenna (Dasha, Bizzy), Michael Sonier (Noah Cyrus, Maggie Rogers, Ella Henderson), Cody Tarpley (Megan Thee Stallion, Chris Brown, and Maggie Lindemann), and Ida (Alan Walker, Sigala, Becky Hill).

 

VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP ACQUIRES OUTDUSTRY: Virgin Music Group has announced its acquisition of Outdustry, a growing artist and label services firm focused on the growing markets of China and India. This acquisition brings over 15 years of Outdustry’s expertise into Virgin, allowing it to maintain its marketing, publishing, and label operations under the Outdustry name. As part of this transition, Outdustry’s Founder, Ed Peto, has been named Sr. Vice President, International Strategy, Virgin Music Group while retaining his role as CEO of Outdustry. Based in London, Peto will join Virgin’s global leadership team, helping to form growth strategies in key regions like China and India. He will report to Virgin Music Group Co-CEOs JT Myers and Nat Pastor and collaborate closely with Michael Roe, the Managing Director for operations in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Outdustry not only thrives in marketing services but also has a successful music publishing arm, Outdustry Songs, which has achieved countless hits in the Chinese pop scene with artists such as Bibi Zhou, Kun, Jolin Tsai, and others. Its record label, Outdustry Records, aims to discover and promote emerging talent from these markets. Since its inception in 2008 in Beijing, Outdustry has assisted in introducing international artists like Adele and Dua Lipa to audiences in China and India, while also aiding indie labels like Beggars Group and consulting for platforms like Spotify and PRS across Greater China.

 

DANIEL LANG PROMOTED TO SR. VP, GLOBAL SOCIETY RELATIONS & DIGITAL RIGHTS AT WCM: Daniel Lang has been named to the position of Senior Vice President of Global Society Relations and Digital Rights at Warner Chappell Music. He will remain based in London and will report directly to Guy Moot, Co-Chair & CEO, Warner Chappell Music. In this new capacity, Lang will broaden his focus to include collaboration with U.S. collection societies while continuing to oversee relationships with societies worldwide. Over the past three years, he has worked with these organizations to modernize their operations, ensuring that Warner Chappell’s songwriters receive timely and accurate payments, particularly concerning their digital revenues. In his enhanced role, Lang will maintain close collaboration with Natalie Madaj, Executive VP of Global Digital, and her team, as well as with local heads across different territories. Together, they will work to streamline the publisher’s digital rights management, aiming to improve transparency and efficiency for songwriters around the globe. He will continue to serve as Warner Chappell’s chief representative in international discussions with major digital service providers. Lang has been with Warner Chappell Music since 2017, where he has held various digital licensing positions. He has strengthened partnerships with companies such as Amazon, Deezer, Facebook, Spotify, and YouTube, eventually becoming Vice President of International Digital Licensing and Society Relations in 2021.

 

TUNECORE APPOINTS ATTICUS SHELLEY AS VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE: TuneCore has appointed Atticus Shelley as its new Vice President of Finance. He will report directly to Matt Barrington, the company’s Chief Financial and Strategy Officer. Shelley began his career at Hulu before transitioning to Spotify, where he played a key role as a founding director in the financial planning and analysis division. Most recently, he held the position of Executive Director of Finance at Investi Financial, overseeing a range of financial operations, including corporate strategy, financial reporting, and investor relations. In his new role at TuneCore, Shelley will be tasked with developing and executing financial strategies that align with the company’s objectives. He will lead the finance team and manage all aspects of finance and accounting operations, while also advising the TuneCore executive team.

 

UMG REVEALS LATEST AI MUSIC PARTNERSHIP WITH KLAY VISION: AI music firm Klay Vision is partnering with Universal Music Group (UMG) to create an ethical framework for AI-generated music. Klay is in the process of developing a new Large Music Model (KLayMM), set to launch in the coming months, which aims to transform how people engage with music by offering a fresh and intuitive experience. The Klay model is designed to collaborate with the music industry and its creators. This partnership follows UMG’s recent use of SoundLabs AI technology to release Brenda Lee‘s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” in Spanish, a project fully endorsed by the artist. This collaboration with Klay comes as Universal Music Publishing Group and UMG navigate legal challenges with Anthropic AI, alongside industry-wide actions against Suno and Udio. Klay Vision is led by a team of music and technology veterans, including music producer Ary Attie, former Sony Music president Thomas Hesse, and Björn Winckler, who is joining from Google DeepMind. The company aims to engage with music publishers, labels, distributors, and rights holders from both major and independent sectors. Klay is building a global ecosystem for AI-generated content and experiences, ensuring accurate attribution while maintaining respect for artists’ catalogs without directly competing with traditional music services.

 

DUETTI RAISES $114 MILLION IN NEW FUNDING TO ACQUIRE CATALOGS: Duetti has secured $114 million (USD) in new funding, aimed at revolutionizing catalog monetization for independent artists. This latest round includes $34 million in equity financing, led by Flexpoint Ford, with contributions from existing backers Nyca Partners and Viola Ventures. Furthermore, Duetti has executed its first privately rated $80 million asset-backed securitization (ABS), which is supported by a portfolio of music rights. Barclays served as the exclusive structuring and placement agent for this ABS. The funds raised will enable Duetti to expedite its acquisition of music catalogs and enhance its proprietary technology for forecasting, pricing, sourcing, and marketing. The company is also focused on boosting its marketing and optimization capabilities, featuring initiatives like a Spotify playlist network with two million followers, dedicated YouTube channels, and ongoing remix projects, along with sync placements in films, TV shows, and ads. These efforts aim to elevate the visibility of Duetti’s artist partners and expand their reach across major digital platforms. The investment comes from Flexpoint’s Asset Opportunity Fund, which leverages its expertise in financial services and private equity to pursue asset-driven investments in various sectors, including music. To date, Duetti has collaborated with over 500 artists from more than 30 countries, including MC Delux, SadBoyProlific, and Savannah Dexter. Artists can access funds to advance their careers by selling master catalogs or individual tracks, with deals typically ranging from $10,000 to $3 million per artist. In addition to providing immediate capital, Duetti’s optimization services assist artists in maximizing their distribution and audience engagement across all platforms. Eligibility for partnership requires tracks to have been on streaming services for at least two years and to have achieved a minimum of 500,000 streams in the past year.

 

SOCIAL MUSIC REMIX APP HOOK PARTNERS WITH GLASSNOTE RECORDS: Hook has announced a partnership with Glassnote Records to enhance its growing library with tracks from artists like Tors, bby, Hayes Warner, and Dylan Cartlidge, with more Glassnote acts set to follow. Glassnote’s lineup features Mumford & Sons, Childish Gambino, and CHVRCHES. Designed to revolutionize how music fans interact with their favorite songs, Hook empowers users to create and share authorized remixes and mashups in a seamless manner. Utilizing advanced, ethically trained AI, the app allows fans to express their creativity by generating different versions of tracks with just a few taps. This approach not only fosters collaboration between fans and artists but also opens new revenue opportunities for musicians and rights holders, enabling them to profit from the myriads of derivative works created by their audiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. As social media increasingly becomes a hub for music discovery and consumption, Hook equips artists and rights holders with detailed control over how their licensed music is used, along with valuable data insights on remix performance worldwide. This consumption-based model ensures artists are compensated fairly as their music is enjoyed in new ways. Gaurav Sharma, Founder & CEO, Hook brings his expertise to the company, having previously served as COO of JioSaavn, one of India’s leading music streaming services.

 

ONERPM SIGNS COUNTRY ARTIST TYLER RICH: ONErpm has announced the signing of Tyler Rich. Originally from Northern California and now based in Nashville, the singer/songwriter has racked up over 500 million streams worldwide. His debut album, Two Thousand Miles, features the singles “The Difference” and “Leave Her Wild,” which have both achieved Gold and Platinum status. Rich will release his first single from his upcoming sophomore album this fall. Alex Ziabko, Senior Director, A&R, ONErpm. tells A&R Worldwide, “Tyler Rich is an established artist in the country music scene. Once we connected about his vision, I quickly understood his goals which very much aligned with ONErpm and our desire to allow artists to be themselves creatively. I am honored & excited to welcome such a talented artist to our country roster. We are looking forward to working together during the next chapter of his career.”

 

BOYD MUIR PROMOTED TO CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP: Boyd Muir has been named as Chief Operating Officer at Universal Music Group (UMG), following his roles as Executive VP, CFO, & President of Operations. This announcement coincided with UMG’s Q3 financial report, which revealed revenues of €2.870 billion (approximately $3.15 billion), marking a 4.9% year-on-year increase in constant currency. Muir will continue to report directly to Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO, UMG, while the company initiates a search for a new CFO. Until that position is filled, Muir will juggle the responsibilities of both COO & CFO. His contributions have been vital in transforming the company’s resource management from physical to digital formats. Muir has also been instrumental in various acquisitions, such as those of Sanctuary Group and V2 Music Group, and played a role in UMG’s purchase of EMI. Since joining UMG in November 2010, he has previously served as CFO for Universal Music Group International, overseeing operations in over 50 countries. Before his time at UMG, Muir worked with Ernst & Young from 1984 to 1991, including a stint in their entertainment media division in London. He also held a position at EMI from 1991 to 1994, where he led internal audits and engaged in major acquisitions like Virgin Music and Chrysalis Records, spending considerable time in both Los Angeles and New York. “Boyd has done an outstanding job leading UMG’s global financial functions through a period of unprecedented growth and change, including our successful listing on the Euronext in 2021, and our last three years as a stand-alone public company,” said Sir Lucian Grainge. “Now, as we turn to executing on the vision we outlined at our recent Capital Markets Day, as Chief Operating Officer, Boyd will focus on helping us drive the transformation of several of our key worldwide operations to ensure we deliver on our strategic plan.”

 

MUSIC COLLABORATION PLATFORM AMPOLLO ANNOUNCES THREE KEY HIRES: AMPOLLO, a platform designed for artists, songwriters, and producers to practice, record, collaborate, and monetize their work, has announced three key appointments in its management team. Jolyon Mason steps in as Chief Technical Officer, responsible for all technical operations. With over 25 years of experience as a full-stack developer and a decade leading his own agency, Jolyon has a background in brand development and software engineering. His portfolio includes collaborations with clients like ARCAM, TROY London, and VICE. Anthony Walters has been appointed Commercial Director, tasked with establishing licensing agreements and cultivating partnerships with publishers, labels, artists, and producers. He brings experience in music and entertainment rights, having founded Cinephonix in 2006, a music publishing and technology venture. He also launched Tunebud, a cloud-based platform for music licensing that serves composers and publishers worldwide, managing a catalog of over 250,000 tracks from more than 15,000 composers and 75 publishers. Tong Li joins AMPOLLO as Trend and Data Analyst, where she will be instrumental in guiding product development and business strategy. Her role will involve analyzing market trends and user behavior to uncover new insights into music collaboration and digital creativity. Before AMPOLLO, Tong was a data analyst at Petit Pli, a U.K.-based company recognized for its material technology. All three new hires will be based in London and will report to AMPOLLO’s co-founders, CEO Yoram Ben-Israel and CMO Mark Alexiou.

 

TEGA OGHENEJOBO PROMOTED TO PRESIDENT AND COO OF MAVIN GLOBAL: Mavin Global, predominantly owned by Universal Music Group, has announced the promotion of Tega Oghenejobo to President & Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. This role enhances Oghenejobo’s previous position as COO, showcasing his contributions to the company’s expansion and his influence on its future direction. UMG acquired a majority stake in the Lagos, Nigeria-based music company in February. Oghenejobo, a founding member of Mavin Records since 2012, has been instrumental in establishing the company as a leading force in Africa’s music scene. Mavin is home to artists like Rema and Ayra Starr, both of whom achieved success with their debut albums, which Mavin claims to be the most-streamed debut releases for Nigerian male and female artists, respectively. Rema’s remix of “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez marked a milestone as the first Afrobeats track to exceed one billion streams on Spotify. Ayra Starr’s second album, The Year I Turned 21, made history as she became the first Nigerian female artist to chart on the Billboard200, following a Grammy nomination for her track “Rush,” co-written and produced by fellow Mavin artists Mbryo and Andre Vibez. Both artists are alumni of the Mavin Artist Academy, which focuses on nurturing new talent in music and performance while fostering connections among artists.

 

SONY MUSIC MIDDLE EAST ACQUIRES CATALOG OF AMR DIAB: Sony Music Entertainment Middle East has entered into an exclusive partnership with artist Amr Diab. This agreement grants Sony rights to Amr Diab’s music catalog, which includes popular tracks such as “Inta El Haz,” “Zay Manty,” and “Ya Ana Ya La,” and establishes a multi-album deal moving forward. Known as the “Father of Mediterranean Music,” Amr Diab has accumulated a collection of accolades, including seven World Music Awards. This partnership comes at a time when Sony Music Entertainment is making significant strides on the IFPI Top 200 MENA Chart. Alongside the catalog rights, Amr Diab is set to collaborate with Sony on new music projects. “Amr Diab is a musical visionary whose work transcends cultural and generational boundaries,” said Shridhar Subramaniam, President Asia & Middle East, Sony Music. “We are proud to welcome Amr to Sony Music and share his music beyond the Middle East, propelling his musical legacy to even greater heights. This partnership aims to highlight the rich musical heritage of the Middle East on a global stage.” Rami Mohsen, Managing Director, Sony Music Entertainment Middle East, added, “Amr Diab’s lasting impact on the music industry is unparalleled. This strategic partnership will introduce his unique sound to broader audiences and underscores our commitment to fostering exceptional talent and creative excellence around the globe. As we expand our footprint in the rapidly growing Middle Eastern market, partnering with Amr Diab aligns perfectly with our vision for the region’s music industry.”

 

B-UNIQUE MUSIC AND JON MAGUIRE EXTEND PUBLISHING DEAL: B-Unique Music has announced the renewal of its publishing agreement with songwriter and producer Jon Maguire, marking a continued partnership that has flourished over the past seven years. With over five billion streams, B-Unique Music is eager to build on their successful collaboration. Maguire is recognized for his work on Calum Scott‘s hit “You Are the Reason,” which has achieved Platinum or Gold status in 21 countries, including 5x Platinum in the U.S. and 2x Platinum in the United Kingdom. He is also serving as the executive producer for Calum Scott’s upcoming third album, set to be released next year. In addition to his work with Scott, Maguire has collaborated with Kodaline, James Bay, Rita Ora, Christina Perri, and Leona Lewis. His contributions to the dance music scene also include partnerships with Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, Jax Jones, and Sam Feldt, highlighting his adaptability across genres.

 

BEATSTARS INTEGRATES MUSIC CATALOG INTO VOLOCO MOBILE RECORDING APP: BeatStars has partnered with the Voloco mobile recording app to integrate its catalog of producers’ beats, enhancing music production capabilities for mobile creators. Announced on October 29th, this collaboration will give Voloco users direct access to BeatStars’ library of over nine million tracks, expanding the resources available for mobile music production. Voloco, which processes around 70,000 recordings daily, aims to empower producers by providing real-time analytics on how users engage with their beats. This integration builds upon an existing partnership between BeatStars and Voloco, initiated in December 2023, which focused on enhancing features for music artists and creators. With more than 70 million downloads, Voloco has established itself as a leader in mobile recording and vocal processing technology, contributing to the success of several viral tracks. BeatStars has played a key role in the success of numerous streaming hits, including “Romantic Homicide” by d4vd and “Spit in My Face!” by ThxSoMuch, which have garnered over 1.2 billion and 570 million streams on Spotify, respectively. Also, the platform supported the production of “Soak City” by 310babii, achieving over 171 million streams. All these tracks feature producers from the BeatStars Publishing roster.

 

EMPIRE HIRES JEFFREY YOO TO LEAD EXPANSION IN ASIA: EMPIRE is enhancing its footprint in Asia with the appointment of industry veteran Jeffrey Yoo as Sr. Vice President, East Asia. In this new role, Yoo will concentrate on signing and nurturing artists from Asia and its diaspora. The first major signing under this initiative is Korean artist G-Dragon, who initially rose to fame with YG Entertainment as a member of the boy band BIGBANG. Their 2008 album Remember topped the Gaon chart in Korea, while many of their releases achieved Gold status in Japan. With over two billion career streams, G-Dragon has collaborated with Diplo, Baauer, Missy Elliott, Boys Noize, Sky Ferreira, Taeyang, and Skrillex. His upcoming release with EMPIRE, POWER, marks his first solo album in seven years. Jeffrey Yoo previously consulted for 88Rising, where he played a key role in developing Jackson Wang, one of the most prominent solo Chinese pop artists today. He also co-founded RZ3 Recordings in a joint venture with Epic Records, where he signed the rising pop sensation Alice Chater. Through his own publishing company, Quantum Mirror Publishing, Yoo has collaborated with writers and producers such as Corey Marlon Lindsay-Keay (known as Believve) and Ben Parris, contributing to numerous successful projects.

 

CCC HOLIDAY PARTY AND APOLLO AWARDS: On December 4th, the Catalina Jazz Club will play host to an event dedicated to honoring the achievements of this year’s Apollo Award recipients. This annual celebration not only recognizes individuals in the music community but also supports aspiring talent through the John Braheny Scholarship Award. The Apollo Award honorees this year are J. Charley Londoño, a prominent figure in legal affairs as Counsel Plus, Co. and Of Counsel at The Peter Law Group, alongside Kris Muñoz, the Sr. Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs at BMG Rights Management. In conjunction with the awards, the evening will feature a silent auction, which is instrumental in raising funds for the CCC’s John Braheny Scholarship Award. This scholarship aims to empower young musicians and support their artistic journeys, reflecting the importance of cultivating talent. Attendees are encouraged to contribute to the auction by donating items, which can range from musical instruments to memorabilia. For those interested in attending, there will be several reservation options. Reservations are available for CCC members at $70 per person and $85 for non-members. Students are also welcome, provided they present a valid college ID. All dinner reservations should be made by noon on December 2nd, 2024, and guests can reserve their meals through Catalina’s Stripe account. The Apollo Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also inspire collaboration and support within the music industry. This event is an opportunity to engage with fellow music enthusiasts, network with industry professionals, and celebrate the accomplishments of those who are paving the way for future generations. The event is organized by the California Copyright Conference.

 

INDEPENDENT LABEL NICE SWAN LAUNCHES ELECTRONIC IMPRINT: Indie label Nice Swan has unveiled its new electronic imprint, Nice Swan Electronic, aimed at expanding its musical offerings. Known for promoting emerging talent such as English Teacher, Sports Team, and Sprints, this new venture kicks off with the debut single “London City” from the Manchester, England-based electronic group Public House. For this inaugural release, they have collaborated with Swoon, the head of the label and booking agency, whose tracks have received airplay on BBC Radio 1 from DJs like Amelie Lens. The single premiered on October 31st on BBC Radio 6 Music, which was hosted by Tom Ravenscroft. Public House consists of three Manchester-based DJ/producers: Arkane, Habgud, and Cleric. Their debut EP is set to be released in early 2025. Cleric brings over a decade of touring experience, having played at venues like Berghain, Awakenings, Tomorrowland, and the Warehouse Project, and he also heads the techno label Clergy. Arkane has performed at major events such as Parklife and the Warehouse Project, while Habgud has released ten records in the past ten years and curates his own label, BABE (Burned at Both Ends), displaying his work at various venues across Europe, including Tresor.

 

CD BABY PROMOTES NICHOLAS SALOMONE TO SR. VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & REVENUE: Nicholas Salomone has been named as Sr. Vice President of Business Development and Revenue at CD Baby, the direct-to-creator division of Downtown Music. In this new role, Salomone will spearhead strategic partnerships and drive revenue growth for CD Baby, along with its assorted services such as Soundrop and CD Baby Stages. His expanded responsibilities now encompass the creator services team, including sync licensing, aligning with the company’s overarching goal of enhancing collaboration and growth across all Downtown divisions. Operating from Seattle, Salomone will report to CD Baby’s President, Molly Neuman. Prior to this promotion, Salomone was the Vice President of Business Development and Partnerships at CD Baby, where he played a key role in strengthening partnerships to fuel the company’s expansion. Salomone joined CD Baby in 2017 as a senior content ID analyst and has since advanced through several positions, including Director of Business Development & Partnerships, as well as managing video and social video monetization.

 

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