UNIVERSAL MUSIC JAPAN APPOINTS SHINTARO AKI
AS MANAGING DIRECTOR, EMI RECORDS
Universal Music Japan (UMJ), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), has today announced the appointment of widely respected industry and A&R executive Shintaro Aki as Managing Director, EMI Records Japan, effective immediately. He will be based in Tokyo and will report to Naoshi Fujikura, President & CEO, Universal Music Japan.
Aki joins UMJ from Warner Music Japan, where he most recently served as Senior Executive Producer, during which time he produced countless acclaimed artists and albums for the label. Since 2007, he served as A&R for one of Japan’s most popular female solo singers, Superfly, contributing to her domestic chart success, helping her to reach No.1 on the charts with seven albums. His leadership also helped produce significant success for several of Japan’s most popular artists, including Ulfuls, Ges no Kiwami Otome, Indigo la End, WANIMA, and THE YELLOW MONKEY.
In making the announcement, Naoshi Fujikura, President & CEO of Universal Music Japan, said, “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Aki, an executive with an amazing history for producing hits and developing strong relationships with artists to Universal Music Japan. We look forward to EMI Records, which already has a long history and a broad roster of artists and continuing to shine under Mr. Aki’s new leadership.”
Shintaro Aki commented, “I am very honored to have been appointed Managing Director of EMI Records, a label with a long and distinguished history. The label is home to many wonderful artists, and I will work to develop and grow the label. I look forward to creating a new era with everyone at Universal Music Japan, the artists, and the management team.”
Throughout his two decades at the company, Mr. Aki held a variety of senior positions before being promoted to Executive Officer in 2020, including seven years as head of Creative Room 1 (the label now known as Prescribe), home to some of Japan’s long-career legends and rising stars such as Aimyon, Chanmina, Campanella, Mariya Takeuchi, and Tatsuro Yamashita. He began his career as a Promotion Specialist, successfully collaborating on multiple TV program tie-ins and contributing to major hits from both domestic and international artists.
WARNER MUSIC GROUP ACQUIRES MINORITY STAKE
IN INDIA-BASED PLATFORM SKILLBOX
Warner Music has acquired a minority stake in SkillBox, an innovative live entertainment and ticketing platform based in India. This investment comes shortly after comments by Robert Kyncl, CEO, Warner Music Group shared with The Economic Times, where he revealed the company’s active pursuit of mergers and acquisitions in India. This deal follows a series of recent investments by Warner Music in the Indian market. In April 2023, the company took a 26% share in JetSynthesys‘ Global Music Junction. In addition, Warner Music acquired E-Positive, an artist management and live events company, in October 2023, and made a majority stake purchase in the digital media and music company Divo in February 2023.
Kyncl highlighted India’s importance, stating, “We’re already doing great in India, but it can be a much bigger part of our story.” India’s rapidly expanding internet user base, which reached 751.5 million users in early 2024, coupled with its increasing demand for on-demand music, makes it a highly attractive market for global music companies. According to Datareportal, India’s internet penetration is still growing, with over half of its population, 1.44 billion as of January 2024, still to come online. Back in January, Luminate reported India experienced the largest year-on-year growth in on-demand music streaming, positioning it to potentially surpass the U.S. as the largest streaming market by volume in 2024 if current trends continue.
Founded by Anmol Kukreja, Sandip Ranjhan, Roydon Bangera, and Amarjeet Singha, SkillBox initially launched as a ticketing platform before expanding into a comprehensive live entertainment company. It now offers live event ticketing, brand solutions, and technological services like SkillBox Pay. The platform has managed artist tours, including Jacob Collier, Steve Vai, DIVINE, and more, while also creating unique live event IPs such as Bloomverse, K-Wave, and Lemonade.
With over 1.5 million users, SkillBox has grown into a major player in the Indian live entertainment scene, with its artist management division, LevelHouse, representing acts like Parvaaz, Blackstratblues, and JBABE. By integrating SkillBox into its operations, Warner Music India aims to expand its artists’ reach and offer fans more seamless and immersive live experiences.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP
SIGNS LUSAINT TO A GLOBAL DEAL
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with rising Manchester, England-based singer-songwriter Lusaint.
This deal follows the release of Lusaint’s debut EP, Self Sabotage, which dropped on September 16th through Heavenly Fire and has already accumulated over ten million streams worldwide. The agreement, which was facilitated through Lusaint’s management at Heavenly Fire, secures her representation with UMPG France for global markets outside the U.K., while UMPG U.K. will manage her under an administration agreement. Earlier this year, Lusaint was also named a recipient of the PRS Foundation PPL Momentum Grant, a prestigious award aimed at supporting emerging talent.
In her first year of music releases, Lusaint has garnered significant airplay and praise, with her tracks receiving support from U.K. radio personalities including Jack Saunders, Sian Eleri, Mollie King, and Clara Amfo. Her music has also found a strong following in France, where it has been played on stations such as Radio Nova, RTL, Europe 2, and Europe 1, as well as global radio support through the influential Passport Approved program which broadcasts on over 50 radio stations on six continents worldwide and reaches millions of listeners. In addition, Lusaint appeared on the French TV music show Taratata earlier this year, further increasing her visibility.
One of Lusaint’s breakout moments came when her track “Fool for You” entered the Top 40 on Italy’s national airplay chart. In addition, her single “Sweet Tooth” was featured on Elton John’s Rocket Hour show, giving her even more exposure on the global stage.
Tom Le Bourhis, Head of A&R, Universal Music Publishing France, said, “I am super-excited to start this collaboration with Lusaint whose music and songs are so powerful. Thanks for her trust and to the support of the U.K. team and Dougie Bruce.”
In 2024, Lusaint’s live performances included appearances at U.K. festivals like Boardmasters, The Great Escape,Metronome, and Neighbourhood. She has also supported artists such as James Blunt, Chris Isaak, and Dire Straits on their French tours.
HANGOUT LAUNCHES AND CONNECTS USERS
THROUGH DISCOVERY AND CURATION OF MUSIC
Turntable Labs, Inc. has officially launched Hangout, a new virtual listening platform designed to bring people together through music discovery and shared listening experiences. Released November 13th on web, iOS, and Android, Hangout offers users access to a catalog of over 100 million songs, including licensed content from music labels such as Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group (UMG), Warner Music Group, and Merlin.
With Hangout, users can sign up, choose a personalized avatar, and invite friends into their own private “Hangout” spaces. Within these spaces, participants can take turns DJing by selecting and playing their favorite tracks from a library, creating an interactive and dynamic social listening environment. The platform is designed to be an alternative to traditional social media, with a focus on music as a central, unifying experience. Drawing inspiration from the nostalgic joy of playing songs on a jukebox or listening to albums together, Hangout enables users to share music with friends, discover new artists, and bond over shared tastes. The platform also includes fun features like a virtual dance floor and live chat, encouraging real-time interaction and enhancing the communal experience.
“With our broad global partnerships across the music companies in place, Hangout begins its journey to redefine the intersection of music and social media,” said Joseph Perla, Founder & CEO, Hangout. “Our vision has always been to create a platform that celebrates the joy of music but also helps support the music industry. Today marks a monumental step toward that goal.”
Mark Piibe, Executive Vice President, Global Business Development & Digital Strategy, Sony Music, added “We are pleased to support the continued growth of opportunities for fans to experience and listen to Sony Music artists in shared social spaces that fairly value their work. We look forward to working with Hangout to enable its users to build communities around their favorite stars and discover and curate music together.”
Kristen Bender, Sr. VP, Digital Innovation Strategy & Business Development at Universal Music Group, added, “UMG has always strived to support the development of innovative new licensing models that drive music consumption and increase fan engagement, so we are delighted to announce our strategic alliance with Hangout. Social listening continues to become a key component of the fan experience, driving loyalty and conversation amongst engaged artist communities and Hangout will help power these fan experiences in a unique and compelling way.”
WARNER MUSIC NAMES DARINA CONNOLLY
AS GENERAL MANAGER OF RHINO U.K.
Warner Music has appointed Darina Connolly as the new General Manager of Rhino U.K. In this role, Connolly will oversee the marketing efforts for some of the label’s artists, including David Bowie, Enya, Fleetwood Mac, Madonna, Prince, Tina Turner, and many more. She will report to Dirk Ewald, Sr. VP of Global Catalogue at Warner Music, while also working closely with Isabel Garvey, COO, Warner Music U.K.
Connolly arrives at Rhino UK from TikTok, where she most recently served as Head of Music Partnerships. She joined the platform in 2020 as Head of Label Partnerships, where she helped shape TikTok’s music ecosystem. Prior to her time at TikTok, Connolly held the role of Music Partnerships Manager for Apple Music in the U.K. & Ireland, where she played a key role in launching the platform and organizing the Apple Music Festival. Her experience also includes stints at Sony Music and MTV, where she collaborated with artists such as AC/DC, Foo Fighters, and Kings of Leon.
A champion for LGBTQIA+ representation in music, Connolly has led numerous initiatives to increase visibility and support for queer artists. At Apple Music, she launched the Elevate program to promote LGBTQIA+ talent, and at TikTok, she spearheaded the #queersounds campaign and led the platform’s Pride initiatives in the U.K.
Darina Connolly said, “Rhino U.K. is home to some of the most recognized songs and successful artists ever, so I am honored to be stepping into this new role. I have been lucky enough to have been involved in viral moments and innovative marketing activations that have propelled classic tracks back into the public consciousness and to a new audience. I hope to help create more opportunities that will breathe new life into our iconic songs.”
Dirk Ewald added, “Catalog continues to play an incredibly vital role in our business, so it is imperative we are fully aligned and collaborating across our company. I am very much looking forward to working alongside Darina as Rhino U.K. continues to serve the amazing artists and their music that we have been entrusted with at Warner Music.”
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!
In an environment where relationships have become digital, social, and less personal, A&R Worldwide continues to foster meaningful human relationships with all sectors of the music, media, and technology communities, and beyond. Genuine relationships are key to creating long-lasting impact and making a difference no matter the geographical location. The A&R Worldwide dinners are renowned globally for being a key gathering to bring together executives, and creatives to build bridges for both artistic and commercial opportunities in an authentic and personal manner.
DELIGHTS
Manchester, England’s indie innovators Delights recently unleashed their single, “And It Goes” (Modern Sky), the third preview of their upcoming debut album, If Heaven Looks A Little Like This, slated for a January release. Building on the buzz from earlier singles like “Two Times Over,” which scored airplay on BBC 6 Music, Radio X, and beyond – “And It Goes” highlights Delights’ evolution from classic indie roots to a genre-blending sound. Incorporating everything from funk, soul, and disco to psychedelia and stadium-ready indie-pop, the quintet’s latest music nods to Manchester’s rich musical heritage. Produced by Michael Smith (Wolf Alice), “And It Goes” takes on a unique flair with Ben Kirkland‘s lead vocals and the influence of the I Should Coco era from Supergrass. Recorded partly in a rented French countryside house after their local practice space was converted into flats, the album promises raw energy, spontaneity, and a story born out of creative resilience. With praise from BBC Introducing, Spotify‘s New Music Friday, and live performances that nod to legends like LCD Soundsystem, Delights are all set to make their debut LP standout. Get ready to hear their boldest sound yet. Listen to “And It Goes” HERE, and for inquiries and further information regarding Delights, contact Esme O’Keeffe at esme@modernsky.uk.
LIME CORDIALE
Australian indie-pop sensation Lime Cordiale is back with their third album, Enough of the Sweet Talk (Chugg Music), a vibrant showcase of their growth while staying rooted in their unmistakable style. Originally conceived with a playful food-and-drink theme, the album evolved into something more heartfelt, charting the highs and lows of a relationship. “It ended up being more about the course of love than a meal,” Louis Leimbach reflects. Recording took place everywhere from a back-of-the-bus studio to their family home’s living room, capturing a unique warmth and intimacy. Featuring singles like “Cold Treatment,” “The Big Reveal,” and “Country Club,” plus the title track, Enough of the Sweet Talk offers a mix of charm, introspection, and infectious energy that has propelled Lime Cordiale to new heights, with over 500 million streams on Spotify alone. Known for their electrifying performances and genuine fan connection, Lime Cordiale remains one of Australia’s most in-demand acts, captivating audiences both at home and abroad. Experience the visual for “When I’m Losing It” HERE, and contact Andrew Stone at andrew@chuggmusic.com for additional information or any potential collaborations with Lime Cordiale.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, November 17th, 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:
ZIMMER90 – “Feel Like We Used To” (Unsigned, Germany)
ELECTRIC ENEMY – “Stop Falling In Love” (AWAL, U.K.)
LEONIDEN – “Motion Blur” (Universal Music, Germany)
LOLA YOUNG – “Flicker Of Light” (Island Records, U.K.)
DAILY J – “Sunday Stitches” (Unsigned, New Zealand)
KAI BOSCH – “Everything Is Beautiful” (LAB Records, U.K.)
SUNDAY (1994) – “Blossom” (RCA, U.K.)
GLASS CITIES – “Rescue” (Unsigned, N. America)
LIME CORDIALE – “Strangers” (Chugg Music, Australia)
ACROBVT – “Last Goodbye” (Unsigned, U.K.)
ARXX – “Trouble” (Republic Of Music, U.K.)
HIPPO CAMPUS – “Flood” (Psychic Hotline, N. America)
TALISCO – “We Are” (Roy Music, France)
BEARTOOTH – “ATTN.” (Red Bull Records, N. America)
ADELINE V. LOPEZ – “Drink Up” (Unsigned, N. America)
SHOBSY – “Champagne” (Unsigned, Ireland)
SELFISH SONS – “Backseat Drive” (Unsigned, Australia)
DOLORES FOREVER – “Concrete” (Sweat Entertainment, U.K.)
CRYSTAL TIDES – “The Middle” (Run On Records/Modern Sky, U.K.)
FIL BO RIVA – “I Like You” (Vertigo/Universal Music, Germany)
PALE WAVES – “Kiss Me Again” (Dirty Hit, U.K.)
CASSIA – “Heat” (Pont Danic Music, U.K.)
ONLY THE POETS – “Already There” (EMI, U.K.)
DOTAN – “Drown Me In Your River” (7 Layers, Holland)
STONE – “Queen” (Polydor, U.K.)
RHETT REPKO – “How Cold” (Unsigned, N. America)
HINDS – “The Bed, The Room, The Rain & You” (Lucky Number, Spain)
KINGFISHR – “I Cried, I Wept” (Doonane Records, Ireland)
MASI MASI – “Lesser Men” (Unsigned, U.K.)
THE RUBENS – “Cornerstone” (Ivy League, Australia)
DEMPSEY BOLTON – “Comfortable Lines” (Unsigned, Canada)
IAMJJ – “Moonshine” (Mermaid, Denmark)
MONOTRONIC – “Looking Away” (Unsigned, N. America)
CAT SERRANO – “You, Me And The Night” (Unsigned, N. America)
HOTLY-TIPPED U.K. BUZZ BAND ELECTRIC ENEMY TO SHOWCASE IN LONDON THIS WEEK: A&R Worldwide will be helping showcase the dynamic and exciting unsigned U.K. buzz band Electric Enemy to labels, publishers, booking agents, media, and more during a special performance this Wednesday, November 20. The band will be performing at 8:30 PM sharp at The Star of Kings, located at 126 York Way, London N1 0AX. Led by London-based, award-winning multi-instrumentalist Jim Lawton, Electric Enemy has firmly established themselves as one of rock’s rising forces. With over ten million streams, a string of chart-worthy hits, TikTok No.’1s, and sold-out U.K. headline tours, their momentum continues to soar. In addition, they have garnered worldwide radio airplay including on Flux FM (Germany), Radio 1 (India), Radio Doble Nueve (Peru), 2XM (Ireland), KFRR “New Rock 104” in Central California, and others. The band recently released their powerful new single, “Stop Falling in Love,” which pairs sharp, introspective lyrics with high-octane riffs, underscoring why they have earned comparisons to rock titans like MUSE, Twenty One Pilots, and Royal Blood. With their intense live performances and rapidly growing fanbase, Electric Enemy is not just making music – they are shaping the future of alternative rock! To be added to the complimentary guest list contact Guy Stanway at guy@palmislandmusic.com.
PRESCRIPTION SONGS SIGNS PRODUCER TIMFROMTHEHOUSE: Prescription Songs has welcomed TimFromTheHouse to its roster. The Los Angeles-based producer and multi-instrumentalist was recently signed by A&R reps Allie Gray and Shari Fitch. TimFromTheHouse has stood out in the Los Angeles progressive pop scene, earning recognition for his work with a list of artists including Tove Lo, Charli XCX, George Daniel (of The 1975), 5 Seconds of Summer, UPSAHL, Aluna, Daya, Pussy Riot, SEVENTEEN, MARINA, Kah-Lo, Emei, Jade Thirlwall, Party Favor, and more. Among his recent highlights, Tim co-produced Charli XCX’s “Club Classics featuring bb trickz” from her remix album, alongside Charli and George Daniel. His collaboration with Tove Lo has been a cornerstone of his career, contributing to multiple projects over the years. Other tracks from his catalog include “All These Kids” by Emei, “It Girl” by Kah-Lo, Karma Fields & Associanu, and “Screen Cleaner” by George Daniel. Tim is also known for working alongside top-tier producers and artists such as Max Martin, JBach, Alex Chapman, Hadar, Kyle Reynolds, and Zhone. Prescription Songs’ Shari Fitch tells A&R Worldwide, “Tim is truly a one-of-a-kind creative and human. His perspective on music always brings a flair and edge that I look for when listening and it never ceases to surprise me. On top of that, his work ethic is unmatched. I am so excited to work alongside Tim and help bring his goals to life as an A&R. I honestly believe a talent like his will change culture and I am beyond thrilled to witness it.”
CHRIS TAYLOR LAUNCHES MANAGEMENT COMPANY, HALL OF FAME ARTISTS: Chris Taylor, the former CEO & President of MNRK Music Group (formerly known as eOne Music), has launched a new venture in the music industry called Hall of Fame Artists. Based in Los Angeles, Hall of Fame Artists is focused on artist management, music recording, and publishing. The company has a presence across North America with additional staff in New York, Miami, Toronto, and Vancouver. Among its current roster are Cymande, Arkells, Kiefer, Lights, Brittany Brave, and several others. The company has plans for expansion and will soon reveal additional artist signings across its management, recording, and publishing divisions. Hall of Fame Artists has assembled a seasoned team, including Keith Hagan, a publicist and marketing strategist whose client list includes icons such as Kenny Rogers, Paul McCartney, TOTO, and Paul Weller. Hagan has brought his artist roster to the new company. Other key team members include Sarah Osgoode, an expert in touring and merchandise who has worked with bands like Tragically Hip, Arkells, and Lights; Polo Brewster, a radio promotion executive who has collaborated with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, and Tory Lanez; and marketing professionals Kultar “KC” Chohan and Kate Stronczer. Taylor, a lawyer by training, first entered the music industry in 1997 with the law firm Sanderson Taylor, where he represented top Canadian artists like Nelly Furtado, Avril Lavigne, and Tom Cochrane. In 2004, he co-founded Last Gang Entertainment with Donald Tarlton, where he was instrumental in releasing Metric‘s debut album Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?. In 2006, Taylor established his own law firm, Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa, which counted artists such as Drake, Billy Talent, Three Days Grace, and Gordon Lightfoot among its clients. After successfully balancing both Last Gang and his law firm, Taylor sold Last Gang to Entertainment One (eOne) in 2016, subsequently becoming President of eOne’s music division.
UBISOFT EXTENDS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH BMG: Ubisoft Entertainment has renewed its longstanding global publishing and administration partnership with BMG. The multimedia company is known for its blockbuster franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Just Dance, Tom Clancy’s, and Rabbids, Earlier this year, Ubisoft achieved a milestone when composer Stephanie Economou won the inaugural Grammy Award for “Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games & Other Interactive Media” for her work on Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarök. This win highlighted the growing significance of video game music in mainstream entertainment. But Ubisoft’s influence extends far beyond gaming, with its franchises and soundtracks have woven their way into movies, TV shows, books, graphic novels, soundtracks, podcasts, educational initiatives, live events, and VR experiences—cementing its place as a global entertainment powerhouse. Throughout their collaboration, BMG and Ubisoft have partnered on a variety of creative projects, with BMG’s roster of songwriters contributing to tracks featured in games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla(featuring Einar Selvik), Rocksmith (with Mothica), Far Cry 6 (Porfi Baloa), and Just Dance (with artists Domino Saints and Ayo & Teyo). Alkis Argyriadis, Ubisoft’s Head of Music, said, “Ubisoft Music is super happy to continue this journey with BMG, whose shown tremendous support over the last few years for partnerships with our major brands and unique creative collaborations.”
ANTHEM ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES PUERTO RICAN RAPPER DARELL’S CATALOG: Anthem Entertainment has expanded its Latin music portfolio with the acquisition of the catalog from multi-platinum urban artist Darell. This acquisition is part of Anthem’s broader initiative to deepen its presence in the Latin music market, and the company has also appointed Victor Mijares as its inaugural Vice President of Latin Music. Mijares, an executive with experience at labels including Warner Music, Sony Music, and BMG, assisted in securing Darell’s catalog for Anthem. As VP of Latin Music, Mijares will oversee the company’s Latin music strategy, driving future signings and collaborating with Anthem’s Acquisitions team to explore new investment opportunities within this vibrant and rapidly growing genre. The Darell catalog, now part of Anthem’s roster, has countless hits, including “Te Boté (REMIX),” a collaboration with Nio Garcia, Casper Magico, Bad Bunny, Ozuna, and Nicky Jam. The track has amassed over 2.4 billion views on YouTube and 1.2 billion Spotify streams, topping Billboard‘s U.S. Hot Latin Songs chart and reaching No.2 on the Latin Airplay chart. Other tracks in the catalog include “Otro Trago,” a collaboration with Sech that dominated the Latin charts in nine countries, and “Asesina,” a Platinum-certified song featuring Brytiago. The remix of “Asesina,” which features Daddy Yankee, Ozuna, and Annuel AA, was certified 4x Platinum in the United States. Darell’s catalog also includes collaborations with El Alfa, Rauw Alejandro, J Balvin, Myke Towers, Jennifer Lopez, and Wisin & Yandel.
HIPGNOSIS COMPLETES $1.47 BILLION MUSIC ABS DEAL: Hipgnosis has successfully closed a $1.47 billion (USD) master trust music rights asset-backed securities (ABS) deal, dubbed Lyra 24-2. This marks the company’s second music royalty securitization, following a $222 million issuance in 2022. The 2024 transaction is underpinned by royalties from Hipgnosis Song Assets’ extensive $2.36 billion music rights portfolio, which was acquired during the take-private deal of Hipgnosis Songs Fund (SONG), a U.K.-based music royalties investment trust. This portfolio encompasses 138 catalogs and over 45,000 songs, including tracks from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Shakira, Bon Jovi, 50 Cent, and Eurythmics. The deal emphasizes the scale of the portfolio, which is considered one of the high-quality, and most seasoned in the market, with a focus point on publishing rights. Since entering the music royalty space in 2021, Blackstone has continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to this asset class. In July 2024, Blackstone’s completion of the SONG take-private transaction marked one of the largest deals of its kind in the music industry. MUFG Securities functioned as the structuring lead for the deal, with Barclays, Goldman Sachs, Fifth Third Securities, and SMBC Nikko serving as joint bookrunners. Blackstone Capital Markets also played a key role as co-manager. The transaction attracted interest from a wide range of investors, with 25 participants contributing to an order book. The notes have been rated A- by KBRA, and the funds raised will be used to pay down existing debt and fund future acquisitions.
INFINITE’S KIM MYUNG-SOO SIGNS TO UNIVERSAL RECORDS PHILIPPINES: Kim Myung-Soo, known professionally as L from the K-pop group INFINITE, has signed with Universal Records Philippines and the talent management agency GLXY for his activities in the Philippines. L, who debuted as a member of INFINITE on June 9, 2010, has enjoyed a successful career both as part of the group and as a solo artist. He has released a series of albums, singles, and EPs, including his debut solo single, “Between Memory and Memory,” in February 2021, before his military enlistment. His first EP, 24/7, came out in August 2023. In addition to his music career, Kim Myung-Soo is also an actor, having starred in several popular K-dramas, including Ms. Hammurabi, Angel’s Last Mission: Love, Welcome, Numbers, and his most recent project, Dare to Love Me. This new partnership with Universal Records Philippines and GLXY represents L’s official entry into the Philippine market, where he will focus on his music releases and expand his entertainment career.
AEG PRESENTS NAMES ANGIE RHO AS SR. VP OF GLOBAL TOURING: AEG Presents has announced the appointment of Angie Rho as Sr. Vice President of Global Touring. Rho joins the company from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), where she held the role of Head of Business Affairs. In her new position at AEG, she will oversee the operations of the global touring division, shape its strategic direction, support team growth, and manage business affairs. Reporting to Rich Schaefer, President of Global Touring, Rho will be based in Los Angeles at AEG Presents’ headquarters. During her tenure at CAA, she was instrumental in managing and refining various operational aspects, including structuring divisions, handling mergers and acquisitions, overseeing personnel matters, and navigating complex legal issues. Rho’s career in the music industry began at the startup Launch, which was later acquired by Yahoo! Music, marking the start of her path in the sector. Rich Schaefer, said, “Angie brings a wealth of expertise and keen insights to the global touring division and AEG Presents as a whole, and I could not be more pleased to welcome her to the team. She will play a key part in aligning our company to be best positioned as we continue to build and grow.”
VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP FORMS STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH BUSHIROAD MUSIC: Virgin Music Group(VMG), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), has announced a partnership with Tokyo-based Bushiroad Music. Bushiroad Music is part of Bushiroad Inc., a major player in the gaming and anime industries, known for expanding its intellectual property (IP) into live events, CD sales, and digital music distribution. As demand for Japanese culture, especially anime and gaming continues to rise internationally, this collaboration aims to amplify Bushiroad Music’s global footprint. Bushiroad’s mobile game, BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!, has garnered over 20 million users worldwide, while the BanG Dream! anime series, including the recent BanG Dream! It’s MyGO!!!!!, has further emphasized its international appeal. VMG will assist in growing Bushiroad Music’s global presence, focusing particularly on digital music distribution in China and other key Asian markets. Looking ahead, the anticipated sequel to BanG Dream!, Ave Mujica, is set to debut worldwide in January 2025, further expanding the reach of Bushiroad’s music and entertainment empire. Masaya Inokuchi, Managing Director, VMG/Universal Music Japan, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with Bushiroad Music to help share music from their powerful slate of Anime programming with new and wider global audiences, including the music from BanG Dream!. We will utilize VMG’s global network to tap into the growing demand for music from Japanese content worldwide, sharing Bushiroad’s creative vision with the world, through their music and visionary content.”
SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING MENA SIGNS AZIZ EL SHAFEI: Sony Music Publishing MENA has signed Egyptian songwriter and composer Aziz El Shafei to an exclusive global publishing deal, bringing both his past catalog and future works under the SMP MENA umbrella. Aziz, who began his music career in 2002, has become one of the most recognized names in Arabic pop music. Over the years, he has worked with some of the biggest stars in the region, including Amr Diab, Mohamed Hamaki, Tamer Hosny, Sherine Abdel Wahab, Elissa, Nancy Ajram, Angham, and many others. His catalog includes tracks like Amr Diab’s “Enta El Hazz,” “Youm Talat,” and “Shokran Men Hena,” as well as Mohamed Hamaki’s “Zayaha Meen”, Tamer Hosny’s “Khaleek Folady”, and Sherine Abdel Wahab’s “Batmana Ansak”. He has also made contributions to the careers of artists like Agham and Balqees. In addition to his work as a songwriter, Aziz is also known for his success as a composer for television shows and commercial campaigns. He has played a vital role in the revival of pop music in the Arab world, with a particular focus on bringing fresh, contemporary sounds to the genre. “We are thrilled to welcome Aziz to our extensive family of creative composers,” said Dounia Chabaan, Managing Director, Sony Music Publishing Middle East & North Africa. “Aziz is renowned for his prominent role in developing Arabic music in Egypt and the region, and we are excited to collaborate with him. We believe that this collaboration will contribute to enhancing cultural and artistic exchange worldwide.”
RUBÉN BLADES TEAMS UP WITH VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP: Rubén Blades has entered into a global partnership with Virgin Music Group. A trailblazer in Latin music, Blades, has not only shaped the sound of salsa but has also used his music as a platform for storytelling and social commentary. His work during the 1970s, particularly in the heart of the New York salsa movement, helped redefine Afro-Cuban music by weaving poetic, socially charged lyrics into vibrant rhythms. His sound fuses elements of rock, jazz, pan-Latin music, and global influences, and has left a lasting imprint on both the genre and culture. Blades’ career spans over 50 years, having earned countless accolades. His album Salsa Big Band earned the Latin Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2017, adding to a collection of 12 Grammy Awards and 11 Latin Grammys. In 2021, he was honored as the Latin Recording Academy‘s “Person of the Year,” and his album SALSWING! also took home “Album of the Year” that same year. Beyond music, Blades has made contributions to television and film and has appeared in Fear the Walking Dead and shared the screen with Robert De Niro and Denzel Washington. In addition, Blades is set to release a live recording of his album Siembra and embark on the Otro Mundotour, which will see him performing alongside the Éditus Ensemble and the Brazilian vocal group Boca Livre.
SPOTIFY SUBSCRIPTION REVENUE SOARS IN Q3: Spotify reported a strong third-quarter performance highlighting its ongoing growth and profitability. For the period ending this September, the company posted revenue of $4.32 billion (USD), with a six million increase in subscribers, bringing its total user base to 252 million. This marks an 11.5% year-over-year growth in subscribers. While the company has faced challenges in the past with profitability, recent efforts to streamline operations and focus on efficiency are paying off. After a series of layoffs and cost-cutting measures in 2023, Spotify’s operating profit surged to a record $500 million in Q3, surpassing its own guidance by 12%. This represents a dramatic turnaround, and up 70% from the previous quarter and more than 14 times the profit posted in the same period last year. Also, Spotify’s gross margin improved to 31.1% of revenue, driven by gains on its premium subscription base, as well as revenue from audiobooks and its ad-supported offerings. Spotify’s subscriber growth remained robust despite recent price hikes in key markets like the U.S. Premium subscriptions were a major driver of revenue, which climbed to $3.86 billion, a 20.8% increase compared to last year. Premium average revenue per user (ARPU) also saw a rise of 9%, reaching $5.18. On the advertising front, though there is still a smaller revenue stream compared to subscriptions, Spotify saw a 5.6% increase in ad revenue to $520 million. Music and podcast advertising both experienced growth in impressions sold, although pricing pressures weighed on overall ad performance. The positive results fueled an increase in Spotify’s stock price, which jumped more than 9% in after-hours trading to $459. The surge helped the stock hit a new all-time high of $419.72 during regular market hours, marking a 123% rise in 2024.
BREYNER BAPTISTA JOINS BLACKSTAR AGENCY: Blackstar Agency has appointed Breyner Baptista as its new Director of Innovation & Culture. In this role, Baptista will be tasked with expanding the agency’s influence by overseeing special projects and forging new partnerships. He will also contribute to the agency’s ongoing Blackstar Presents panel series, based in Brixton, South London, with a winter well-being focused event scheduled for December 5. Breyner is no stranger to Blackstar, having previously collaborated with the agency before venturing into fashion marketing. Most recently, he worked at Billionaire Boys Club, where he managed campaigns for artists such as The War On Drugs and Mustafa. Prior to that, Breyner gained valuable experience as an A&R, songwriter, and producer/artist, having worked with acts like Jessie Ware, Bakar, Ryan Ashley, and those from the Paul Institute.
AMANOTES PARTNERS WITH NCS TO BRING ELECTRONIC MUSIC TO GAMES: Amanotes has teamed up with NCS (NoCopyrightSounds) to bring tracks from independent artists and producers into its games. This partnership will enrich Amanotes’ gaming experiences with a plethora of music genres, including house, trap, drum & bass, electro-pop, and more, with a particular focus on the rising phonk genre. Under this agreement, Amanotes gains access to much of NCS’s catalog, which includes music from emerging phonk artists like Ariis, DJ FKU, and LXNGVX. Phonk, known for its heavy use of Memphis rap samples and lo-fi aesthetics, has seen a surge in popularity on platforms like TikTok. Amanotes will incorporate selected NCS tracks into the soundtracks for its mobile games, such as Magic Tiles 3, Tiles Hop, and Dancing Road. These tracks will also be featured in special playlists and event-driven campaigns, including for Christmas and other seasonal events. NCS, which began as a YouTube channel in 2011, has become the largest record label dedicated to offering “stream-safe” music for content creators. With over 1,500 tracks in its catalog, the label counts platinum-selling artist Alan Walker, as well as electronic duo Koven and producer Egzod, among others on its roster. NCS’s YouTube channel has more than 30 million subscribers and is home to hits like Warriyo‘s Mortals (featuring Laura Brehm) and My Heart by Different Heaven & EH!DE. Amanotes, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has continued to support independent artists, having launched a global song contest that allowed the winning track to be featured in Magic Tiles 3.
LEADING MARKETING PLATFORM GENNI ACQUIRES PUSHTOK: Genni has announced the acquisition of PushTok, a TikTok-focused music tech company founded by Itai Winter. As part of the deal, Winter will join Genni as Vice President of Commercial Partnerships, aiding in the company’s offerings in social commerce and influencer-driven marketing. PushTok has been a pioneer in helping artists and labels leverage TikTok’s massive audience, running ad campaigns that generate billions of impressions while building ardent fan communities. Known for being the first official TikTok Shop partner in the music industry, PushTok has enabled artists to monetize their presence on the platform and convert casual viewers into loyal supporters. Its roster of clients includes Latto, Kid Cudi, Shaggy, Blu DeTiger, The Beach Boys, and Mac Miller, among others. With the acquisition, Genni amplifies its ability to deliver integrated marketing solutions, combining PushTok’s expertise in TikTok ads and social commerce with Genni’s strengths in paid media and influencer campaigns. This move will allow Genni to offer brands and artists a more powerful toolkit to engage audiences on TikTok, enhance campaign performance, and drive direct sales via TikTok Shop. Itai Winter, who has spent over seven years perfecting TikTok marketing and social commerce strategies, brings knowledge in content creation, affiliate marketing, and monetization. Under his leadership, PushTok has become known for its ability to optimize campaigns quickly and effectively, and his expertise will now be fully integrated into Genni’s platform. This acquisition builds on Genni’s momentum, following recent milestones like the launch of Genni: Creators on Demand, the development of Trackers (software used by over 70 music labels), and successful collaborations with major brands such as Shein Beauty, The New York City Football Club, and Belmont University. Genni has also worked with events like Country Thunder Music Festivals.
DOWNTOWN MUSIC PUBLISHING PROMOTES JEDD KATRANCHA TO CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER: Jedd Katrancha has been appointed as the new Chief Creative Officer at Downtown Music Publishing (DMP), where he will oversee the company’s creative strategy and lead key areas such as A&R, business development, and sync operations both in creative and licensing aspects. Katrancha has been with Downtown since 2007, when he became the first hire under founder Justin Kalifowitz, and has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s creative direction ever since. In his new expanded role, Katrancha will focus on driving innovation within the company’s sync and creative services, with the goal of opening new revenue channels and growth opportunities across DMP’s catalog, which includes over 50 million music assets. His efforts will also center on forging strategic partnerships that unlock value from both established legacy artists—like John Lennon, Miles Davis, and Bruce Hornsby, and newer signings, such as Colbie Caillat, Peso Pluma, and Josh Ramsay. This promotion comes at a time when DMP has secured major sync placements in a range of high-profile projects, such as, Gene Wilder‘s rendition of Pure Imagination in global Adobe campaigns, Perry Como‘s Round and Round in Lindt Chocolate‘s 2024 Super Bowl ad, DJ Snake & Peso Pluma‘s Teka featured in Major League Soccer‘s Apple promo, Daft Punk‘s Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger in the Dog Man trailer, John Sebastian‘s Welcome Back in Call of Duty: Warzone, Bruce Hornsby’s The Show Goes On in FX‘s The Bear.
PHIL CHOI JOINS WARNER MUSIC GROUP AS HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FOR APAC REGION: Warner Music Group (WMG) has announced the appointment of Phil Choi as the new Head of Business Development for the Asia Pacific region. Choi, who will be based in Hong Kong, brings experience from his previous role as Managing Director at Boomplay, a leading music streaming platform in Africa, where he worked for six years. His new position at WMG was confirmed through a social media post last week. In this role, Choi will report to Allan Coye, WMG’s Head of Business Development for Recorded Music, based in New York. Prior to joining WMG, Choi was with Boomplay, which is owned by Transsnet, a joint venture between the Chinese tech giant NetEase (owner of NetEase Cloud Music) and TRANSSION Holdings, a major mobile phone manufacturer. Boomplay, which was launched in 2015 in Nigeria by TECNO Mobile, now operates across several African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania. The platform has over 90 million active users and offers a catalog of over 110 million tracks. Boomplay has also made significant strides in the music industry, securing licensing agreements with Universal Music Group and Merlin, the independent rights agency.
ICMP BRINGS IN MALAYSIAN MUSIC PUBLISHERS TO GLOBAL MEMBERSHIP: ICMP has welcomed Malaysia’s national industry association into its global network. As the leading trade organization for the music publishing sector, ICMP represents a vast range of members, including major and independent publishers, as well as 77 national trade associations across six continents. Together, these members account for almost 90% of the world’s commercially released music. With the addition of the Music Publishers‘ Association of Malaysia (MPA Malaysia), ICMP’s membership now includes 77 national associations, further expanding its global reach and influence in the music publishing industry. Ay Na Ng, Chair, Music Publishers’ Association of Malaysia, said, “I am delighted that the Music Publishers’ Association of Malaysia (MPA Malaysia) and ICMP will now be working together to enhance Malaysia’s music publishing business and with the support of ICMP, MPA Malaysia will thrive even stronger in our main objective to protect the rights of our members as well as songwriters and composers.”
ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS MANAGER LARRY TYLER JOINS LEFTBRAIN: Nicholas Judd, Founder & CEO of Leftbrain, has announced the appointment of Larry Tyler, an executive with over 30 years of experience in the music industry, as Business Manager at the Los Angeles-based firm. In this position, Tyler will lead a team of professionals dedicated to providing top-tier business management services to some of the most influential names in music, from rising independent artists to award-winning superstars. Tyler has managed the financial affairs of artists who have achieved success, including multiple Top 40 hits, Grammy Awards, and global tours. Before joining Leftbrain, Tyler was a Partner at NKSFB Business Management, where he spent 13 years working his way up from Sr. Manager to Director, and eventually to Partner. Earlier in his career, Tyler held key positions at Gursey|Schneider LLP, overseeing the firm’s business staff and managing client relations. He also worked at GSO Business Management for six years, where he oversaw financial operations for a roster of entertainment clients, managing everything from tour budgets to tax matters and vendor negotiations.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Willobee Carlan, John Doelp, Atul Churamani, Mamie Coleman, Anita Chinkes-Ratner, Ray De La Garza, Keith Naftaly, Jeff Sosnow, Paul Spraggon, Dave Jordan, Cassandra Gracey, Cathy Mathalone, Sat Bisla, and Troy Carter.
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