A&R Worldwide Newsletter Vol. 865

A&R WORLDWIDE SUPPORTED ARTIST VELLA INKS
A GLOBAL DEAL WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC SWEDEN

Florida-born artist Gabriella Valdes, professionally known as Vella has signed a worldwide recording deal with Universal Music Sweden, A&R Worldwide can reveal. The talented singer-songwriter whose musical style is a cross between Amy Winehouse and Adele, first came across the international radar during her dynamic performance at MUSEXPO in March 2023.

Vella grew up in a household where ABBA and The Beatles music was on constant rotation. Her admiration for ABBA’s songwriting and production sparked a deep curiosity about Sweden’s rich musical heritage. As her artistry developed, Vella felt increasingly drawn to Europe. After several trips, she fell in love with Sweden – its atmosphere, cuisine, and even its weather. Choosing to follow her instincts, she turned down record deals and offers in the U.S. and has now signed with Universal Music Sweden.

Over the past year, Vella has been collaborating closely with Swedish songwriters, most recently with MTHR (Zara Larsson, Loreen, and Neiked), Patrizia Helander (Sigala, Zara Larsson), Nicki Adamsson, and Johan Lindbrandt (Veronica Maggio, Kygo, Sandro Cavazza).

“It has been a patient build for L3V3L Music on Vella, who has an impressive voice and songwriting skills that first caught our attention. We are excited to have a committed, driving, and enthusiastic strategic partner like Universal Music Sweden to support Vella in the Nordic and European territories and worldwide,” said Ray De La Garza, General Manager, L3V3L. “And we are very grateful to Sat Bisla and his A&R Worldwide team for their early and continued support of Vella.”

Joakim Johansson, CEO, Universal Music Nordic, stated, “Every so often, you come across something that instantly grabs you and stays with you. That is exactly how I felt this summer when I first heard Vella’s music – it was unique, unforgettable, and left an incredible impression. Sharing it with colleagues globally only confirmed what I already knew – this was something truly special. We at Universal Music Sweden are beyond excited to now embark on this journey together with Vella and her team to build something truly impactful.”

Sat Bisla, President & Founder, A&R Worldwide, added, “When Ray De La Garza first introduced my team and I to Vella early last year, we knew she had a special talent and a gift as a singer, songwriter, and performer. Vella reminded me of when I first met Adele at my office back in 2006, whereas her passion and talent were undeniable! After seeing Vella’s performance at MUSEXPO in March of 2023 it was evident, a ‘star was born’. I have no doubt that Vella will have global success with her new team.”

Universal Music will release Vella’s first songs in early 2025, followed by the release of her debut album.

 

 

ADA Worldwide, the independent distribution and artist services division of Warner Music Group, is expanding its presence in Southeast Asia with new leadership appointments and a series of strategic partnerships. The company recently announced the appointments of Rasti Sryantoro as Head of ADA Indonesia, and Arisa Maruekatat as Head of ADA Thailand.

Rasti Sryantoro, who has a background in music and business, previously worked at Sony Music and AMity Asia Agency. She is also the founder of Sofar Sounds‘ Jakarta branch, a global network of intimate concerts. Through her work, she has played a pivotal role in reshaping Indonesia’s live music scene with pop-up events that connect local artists with a global audience. In her role, Sryantoro will focus on advancing Indonesian music by creating strategies to increase the visibility of local artists both regionally and internationally.

Arisa Maruekatat boasts two decades of experience in business development and content acquisition, having held roles at LINE TV, TikTok, and GMM Grammy. As the new Head of ADA Thailand, Maruekatat will focus on expanding ADA’s reach in Thailand, providing services to independent artists, and fostering long-term partnerships with key stakeholders in the music industry.

In addition to these leadership appointments, ADA has extended its partnership with DPM in Indonesia, which was originally established in 2020. This deal connects ADA with 28 independent labels in the country, including VMC, Le Moesiek Revole, and Graha Prima Swara. The partnership aims to increase the global profiles of Indonesian artists such as Armada, Marcell, and Dewa, among others.

In Thailand, ADA has entered into a new agreement with GMM Music, the largest independent label in Southeast Asia. This partnership, in collaboration with Warner Music Asia, grants ADA distribution rights for GMM Music’s catalog on global streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.

Also, ADA has announced a collaboration with Voice of Baceprot, the first Indonesian band to perform at Glastonbury. The all-female rock trio formed in Garut, West Java, in 2014. The group consists of Firda Marsya Kurnia, Widi Rahmawati, and Euis Siti Aisyah. They sing in English as well as Sundanese. The word baceprot means “noisy” in Sundanese.

 

Taylor Lindsey has been named to take on the role of Chairman & CEO of Sony Music Nashville commencing January 2025, succeeding Randy Goodman, who will retire after a 35-year career in the music industry. In her role, Lindsey will oversee both Sony Music Nashville and Provident Entertainment, the company’s Christian music division. Based in Nashville, she will report directly to Rob Stringer, Chairman, Sony Music Group.

Ken Robold, currently Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Sony Music Nashville, has been promoted to President & COO. Robold will report to Lindsey and continue to manage the operational aspects of the company, including Provident Entertainment.

Lindsey, who has served as Head of A&R since 2021, has played a key role in shaping the label’s roster, collaborating with artists like Old Dominion, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, and Mitchell Tenpenny, among many others. Her tenure at Sony Music Nashville began in 2013, following a successful A&R career at BMG Publishing, where she worked with Grammy-winning songwriters such as Hillary Lindsey and Tony Lane. Lindsey’s achievements have earned her recognition in various industry accolades, including Variety‘s Hitmakers, Billboard‘s Women in Music, and Country Power Player lists. She was also named to the 2019 class of Leadership Music.

Robold, who joined Sony Music Nashville in 2015, has overseen multiple departments, including Commercial Partnerships, and has played a role in fostering relationships with digital service providers. Before Sony, he was President of Zac Brown‘s Southern Ground Artists and held a variety of leadership roles at Universal Music Group over a span of 22 years. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Robold has been highly involved in the industry, serving as Chairman of the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Board, and holding board positions with the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). He is also the former President of Leadership Music‘s Board of Directors.

Rob Stringer said, “I am excited that we can promote a creative talent from within the company to this top position. I have witnessed Taylor become an all-round executive from an A&R background and she is ideally suited to plot the future for our Nashville team in a chapter where country music is clearly evolving and thriving as a key musical genre. I am also so pleased that simultaneously to Taylor’s appointment, Ken will be in an important wider role helping her build a new era for Sony Music Nashville.”

 

Partisan Records, an independent label based in Brooklyn, NY has entered into a global partnership with Virgin Music Group. This new collaboration will see Partisan’s catalog distributed worldwide through Virgin Music Group, with both companies working together on innovative global marketing strategies.

Founded in 2007, Partisan Records is home to a roster of artists, including IDLES, Blondshell, PJ Harvey, Cigarettes After Sex, Laura Marling, Ezra Collective, and more. The label has earned multiple Grammy nominations, with IDLES’ latest album TANGK securing nominations in all three major rock categories at the upcoming Grammy Awards. TANGK also topped the U.K. album chart, marking IDLES’ second No. 1 album after Ultra Mono in 2020, and reached No. 2 in Germany. Partisan also saw Skinty Fia by Fontaines DC reach No. 1 on the U.K. charts in 2022.

Cigarettes After Sex’s 2017 self-titled debut has been certified Platinum in the U.S., with its single “Apocalypse” amassing over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify. The band has sold more than ten million streaming equivalent albums and performed to sold-out crowds worldwide, including at Madison Square Garden during their current arena tour in support of their latest album, X’s.

Partisan has grown to become well-known in the industry by focusing on long-term artist development and community-based, artist-first strategies. Alongside its imprint labels section1 and Desert Daze Sound, the label recently earned 14 nominations at the 2024 A2IM Libera Awards, the most of any label, which included a win for “Label of the Year” and five awards for Blondshell. In 2023, Ezra Collective made history as the first jazz group to win the Mercury Prize with their album Where I’m Meant to Be.

Zena White, Partisan COO, stated, “Under JT Myers and Nat Pastor, the new Virgin Music Group is the obvious partner for Partisan’s next chapter. Much more than a distributor, they provide a dynamic environment, fueled by an enterprising spirit, focused on achieving the highest caliber of results for our artists. The combination of the Virgin and [Integral] teams allows for Partisan to marry the best of the [PIAS] and [Integral] teams that helped get us here with the extra resources of Virgin required to meet our ambition to be the most trusted music company for artists of all genres worldwide.”

JT Myers, Co-CEO of Virgin Music Group, added, “Partisan Records have done what is increasingly difficult in today’s music business, forging an important cultural movement around an independent record label. They have identified and nurtured some of the world’s most impactful career artists and we are looking forward to collaborating with them to expand their audiences all around the world.”

 

Swiss-Italian singer-songwriter Veronica Fusaro captivates audiences with her powerful voice and unique alternative pop style, blending elements of soul and rock. Her debut album All the Colors of the Sky (deepdive records) reached No.5 on the Swiss Charts in January 2023 and garnered acclaim from fans and critics alike. Fusaro has performed over 500 shows, including notable appearances at the Glastonbury Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, and a sold-out show at Kaufleuten in Zurich. Known for her magnetic stage presence, she artfully balances depth and playfulness in her music. Her latest single, “Slot Machine” (OK!Good Records/deepdive records), is an introspective yet catchy pop track exploring modern life’s temptations and emotional struggles. It offers a light-hearted yet thoughtful approach to life’s complexities. As the lead single from her upcoming second album, set for release in Spring 2025, “Slot Machine” combines her authentic voice and lyrical insight, making it a compelling addition to her growing catalog. Fusaro has recently performed at major events like Supersonic in Paris, Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg, and supported legendary artist Mark Knopfler in the amphitheater in Nîmes. Listen to “Slot Machine” HERE, and contact Stefan Schurter at stefan@ddmusic.ch, as Veronica Fusaro is available for touring, publishing, and sync/licensing opportunities globally.

 

 

 

BEGGARS MUSIC REVEALS NEW SIGNINGS INCLUDING KING KRULE: Beggars Music has made a number of new signings to its roster, as the label celebrates its 15th anniversary. Among the new artists signed is King Krule (Archy Marshall), who has brought his entire publishing catalog to the company. While his recordings remain under XL Recordings, part of the Beggars Group, outside of North America, his move to Beggars Music marks a new chapter for the artist. Additionally, Mica Levi has rejoined Beggars Music, having first signed with the company in 2010 with Micachu & The Shapes. Levi is set to release new music through projects like Good Sad Happy Bad and Spresso, alongside a commission for the Sinfonietta Cracovia at the Unsound Festival in Poland. Beggars Music has also signed the songwriting and production duo Georgie & Joe, based in London. The duo, who were discovered based on just one song, have already secured a deal with a record label. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Beggars Music has expanded its roster with Emily Kokal, singer/songwriter and founding member of Warpaint, as she embarks on her solo career. The publisher has also signed Kacy Hill, a Los Angeles-based artist known for her collaborations with Travis Scott, Bon Iver, and more, as she continues to build on her own distinctive sound.

 

OURNESS PARTNERS WITH CAPITOL RECORDS ON ROYEL OTIS: Ourness has joined forces with Capitol Records to further propel the rise of breakout indie duo Royel Otis. With the global backing of Ourness, Royel Otis has achieved over half a billion streams and accumulated ten million monthly listeners. Their song “Sofa King” continues to soar on U.S. Alternative Airplay, recently breaking into the Top 10, and was featured on their U.S. TV debut performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! The band’s viral cover of Sophie Ellis-Bextor‘s “Murder on The Dancefloor” hit No. 1 at U.S. commercial alternative radio this spring, while their rendition of “Linger” is closing in on 100 million streams worldwide. The duo’s touring success can be reflected by their sold-out performances at global festivals like Shaky Knees, Boston Calling, and Primavera, among others. Their Glory to Glory tour has also included sold-out nights at venues such as Brooklyn Steel in New York, the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, and The Bellwether in San Francisco. The North American leg of the tour also included sold-out shows in Chicago, Nashville, Seattle, and more. Royel Otis will be heading to the U.K. and Europe for a sold-out run. Andrew Klippel, Co-Founder, Ourness, states, “My focus since the beginning of Ourness has always been to customize the best global teams possible to create legacy careers for our artists. I am extremely excited to be partnering with Tom March and Lillia Parsa, along with the support of John Janick [Chairman & CEO, Interscope Capitol Labels Group], as a further extension of this strategy. Our combined experience will form an integral part of realizing the ambition of Royel Otis.”

 

IDOL SIGNS DEAL WITH FULL TIME HOBBY & HASSLE RECORDS: IDOL has entered into an international partnership with Full Time Hobby and its affiliated label, Hassle Records. This collaboration will see IDOL overseeing worldwide digital distribution, marketing, and audience growth for both labels’ current and back-catalog releases, apart from the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). As part of this agreement, IDOL’s marketing and audience development team will work closely with Full Time Hobby, Hassle Records, and their roster of artists to cultivate and expand their international fanbases and online communities. IDOL’s analytics and tracking tools will be used to monitor playlist placements, consumption trends, and other key metrics to optimize reach and engagement. Next year marks the 21st anniversary of Full Time Hobby, a label that has been home to artists, including GHOSTWOMAN, Michael Nau, Squirrel Flower, The Saxophones, Casey, and many more. Through this partnership, IDOL will oversee the global distribution of new releases from a range of artists, including Bananagun, Canty, and Tunng, alongside upcoming albums from Hassle Records’ own acts, such as BRUTUS, Dead Pioneers, and Jools. To support this expanding roster, IDOL has appointed Rayen Gonzalez as DSP Editorial & Partnerships Manager (U.K.). Based in London, Gonzalez brings experience from her previous role as Digital Coordinator at [PIAS] and will report to IDOL’s U.K. General Manager, Roo Currier, and Head of DSP Editorial & Partnerships, Paul Pétel. This announcement follows IDOL’s recent partnership with the Berlin-based label City Slang in September. Other partnerships over the past year include collaborations with U.S. labels such as Le Plan Recordings, Old Soul Music, and TOKiMONSTA‘s Young Art Records, as well as Japan’s Schole Records.

 

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GREATER CHINA ANNOUNCE DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH MODERN SKY: Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) has forged a distribution deal with Modern Sky, a leading independent Chinese label, to broaden the global reach of its music catalog. This partnership will allow Modern Sky’s range of artists and albums to access UMG’s worldwide distribution network. It also paves the way for closer collaboration between the two companies, aimed at bringing more of China’s homegrown music to international audiences. Modern Sky has played a role in the development of China’s indie music scene for over 20 years. The label has produced over 500 albums and collaborated with artists and bands such as New Pants, Re-Tros, Second Hand Rose, Miserable Faith, Xie Tianxiao, and many others. The label’s roster includes over 150 acts, with a growing focus on talent like Matt Lv, Click #15, Aflou, Doudou, Frankfurt Helmet, and Shii. In 2009, Modern Sky made history by launching the Strawberry Music Festival, China’s first large-scale outdoor music festival. Today, the company organizes over 30 festivals and more than 1,000 live performances annually across the country. Its international footprint has expanded rapidly, with branches now in New York, Liverpool, and Tokyo. Modern Sky’s international ventures also include the Modern Sky Music Festival, which began in 2014 in Central Park, New York. The festival has since expanded to cities like Helsinki, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Toronto. Looking ahead, the Strawberry Music Festival is set to debut in Tokyo in 2025, with plans for further international growth on the horizon.

 

SEEKER MUSIC ACQUIRES THE WOMBATS PUBLISHING CATALOG: Seeker Music, the rights and publishing company led by renowned songwriter Evan Bogart (known for hits like Beyoncé‘s “Halo,” and Rihanna‘s “SOS”), has secured the publishing rights to the first four albums by British indie-rock band The Wombats. Formed in Liverpool in 2003, The Wombats are fronted by singer-songwriter Matthew Murphy. The band has produced several iconic tracks, including “Let’s Dance to Joy Division,” “Greek Tragedy,” and “Turn.” With over a million albums sold globally, their first four albums have earned significant accolades, including one reaching Platinum status, two certified Gold, and three landing in the U.K. Top 5. Their most recent album even topped the U.K. charts at No. 1. The Wombats, who initially met as students at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, gained early recognition in Europe and Japan, recording several well-received EPs. They became a fixture at festivals like Glastonbury, Reading, and Leeds. Their breakout hit “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” cemented their position as key figures in the U.K. indie-rock scene during the mid-2000s. Seeker Music’s acquisition of The Wombats’ catalog reflects its ongoing strategy to build a collection that spans both contemporary and legacy music, with a special focus on U.K.-based catalogs that have a global appeal. The company’s growing catalog includes rights to works by popular songwriters like Plested, RuthAnne, and John Ryan, as well as production duo Future Cut and U.K. R&B icon Mark Morrison. Seeker’s library of over 14,000 copyrights also features contributions to major chart-topping tracks, such as “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”, the longest-running Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 of the decade, which samples Seeker’s catalog cut, J-Kwon‘s “Tipsy.”

 

LUCY HUANG APPOINTED CHIEF TECHNOLOGY & PRODUCT OFFICER AT TUNECORE: TuneCore has announced the appointment of Lucy Huang as its new Chief Technology & Product Officer (CTPO). The news comes directly from Andrea Gleeson, CEO, TuneCore, to whom Huang will report. In her new role, Huang will spearhead TuneCore’s technology strategy and oversee the development of innovative new products. Huang will lead the company’s Product, Technology, and Project Management teams, assisting in collaboration across these departments and driving technological advancements. Before joining TuneCore, Huang served as Sr. Vice President of Product and Engineering at Storyblocks, where she aided in evolving the company’s approach to serve both enterprise clients and small-to-medium-sized businesses. Huang is also recognized for leading initiatives that integrated AI technology into Storyblocks’ products, improving customer engagement and generating new revenue opportunities. Earlier in her career, Huang held senior leadership roles at CB Insights, where she managed the company’s entire product portfolio and contributed to revenue growth.

 

KEVIN LIPSON APPOINTED CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER AT REPUBLIC RECORDS: Republic Records has appointed Kevin Lipson as its inaugural Chief Revenue Officer, a move announced by Republic’s President & COO, Jim Roppo. In this newly created role, Lipson will be responsible for overseeing revenue-generating initiatives across Republic Corps Collective, UMG‘s East Coast-based group of labels, which includes Republic Records, Mercury Records, Def Jam Recordings, and Island Records. He will spearhead a range of strategic areas, from streaming and e-commerce to retail partnerships, data analytics, and gaming ventures. Lipson will also drive media planning, sports marketing, and catalog management while leading innovation efforts aimed at unlocking new revenue streams and enhancing audience engagement. Based at Republic’s New York headquarters, Lipson will work closely with the label’s leadership team to align strategies that fuel growth across its portfolio of artists and business ventures. Lipson has three decades of experience at Universal Music Group. His career includes leadership roles across multiple UMG labels, including Republic Records, Island Records, Def Jam Recordings, and Universal Music Group Distribution, working in both Los Angeles and New York. Throughout his tenure at Republic, Lipson and his team have been instrumental in driving the success of major artists like Post Malone, The Weeknd, Metro Boomin, and Morgan Wallen, among others.

 

ALLTRACK LAUNCHES MECHANICAL RIGHTS DIVISION: AllTrack has launched a new mechanical rights division, expanding its services to cover a broader range of royalties for music creators. This new division will manage mechanical royalties that arise when music is streamed on demand, downloaded, reproduced on physical formats like CDs and vinyl, or used in other copyright-protected ways. The platform manages the income generated from the reproduction and distribution of music in various forms. What sets AllTrack apart is that it is now the only performing rights organization in the U.S. offering a unified platform where music creators and publishers can manage both public performance rights and mechanical rights collections. This integration streamlines the process for songwriters and publishers, allowing them to oversee all aspects of their royalty collections through a single service. AllTrack will now collect mechanical royalties for its members worldwide, leveraging its network of international partnerships with sister societies. This development is particularly significant for independent U.S. creators, who historically had to register with multiple organizations to ensure they received their mechanical royalties from around the globe. The launch of the mechanical rights division is a milestone for AllTrack, following its recent inclusion as a rights management entity by CISAC (Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers) and its new integration with Tidal.

 

CREATE MUSIC GROUP ACQUIRES MANCHESTER-BASED LABEL OSTEREO: Create Music Group has revealed its acquisition of Ostereo, a record label and music publisher based in Manchester, England. Founded in 2016 by Howard Murphy, Ostereo has made a name for itself by leveraging data analytics to discover and nurture emerging artists from regions such as Europe, the U.K., Korea, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Under the terms of the acquisition, Murphy will step down from the company, while his long-time partners, Ramin Bostan and Nick Kirby, will take charge of daily operations. The leadership team at Create Music Group, including CEO Jonathan Strauss, COO and Co-Founder Alexandre Williams, and Sr. Vice President of Global Corporate Development and M&A Eric Nguyen, will collaborate closely with Ostereo’s team to ensure a smooth transition, with a focus on maintaining stability for artists, partners, and staff.

 

ELEGANTE RECORDS AND ADA INK GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION DEAL: Elegante Records and ADA, the global distribution and artist services division of Warner Music Group, has announced a new worldwide distribution partnership. This collaboration brings together the talent of Elegante Records with ADA’s expertise and global network, aimed at expanding the reach of regional Mexican music worldwide. Launched in 2020 in Dallas, TX by Manuel Del Villar and Gustavo Hernández, Elegante Records has risen as a key player in the regional Mexican music scene. The label’s roster includes Conjunto Rienda Real, La Pócima Norteña, and Distinto Norte, who collectively attract over three million monthly listeners across major streaming platforms. This deal comes on the heels of ADA’s recent accomplishments, including Latin Grammy wins for El Plan (“Best Tejano Album”) and Rawayana (“Best Pop Song”), as well as a Grammy nomination for Rawayana in the Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album category. With a growing presence in Latin America, ADA also works with stars like Bellakath in Mexico, Ludmilla in Brazil, and Gaby Moreno.

 

SENTRIC FORMS PUBLISHING JV WITH SCRUFF OF THE NECK: Sentric has entered into a new partnership with Scruff Of The Neck, forming a joint venture focused on co-publishing prospects and a comprehensive administration agreement. Scruff of The Neck, a Manchester-based entity, operates across multiple areas of the music industry, including record labels, music publishing, concert and festival promotion, and artist management. Specializing in alternative and indie rock, Scruff of The Neck signs, promotes, and distributes music from emerging and established artists across the U.K. and Europe. Their roster includes acts such as Bilk, Ist Ist, The Lilacs, The Slow Readers Club, Shelter Boy, and Shambolics. In addition to their musical achievements, Scruff of The Neck partnered with Twitch in 2021 to launch Scruff of The Neck TV, a weekly music showcase that has garnered over 15 million views since its debut in February 2023. The company also produced a hybrid livestream at the Y Not? Festival in 2022, which attracted 1.1 million viewers. The new co-publishing agreement will leverage Scruff of The Neck’s presence in the alternative music scene, with the first co-publishing deal under the partnership signed with Shambolics. Sentric will also manage the administration of the catalogs of artists including Glass Caves, Lucy Deakin, and Andy Gannon.

 

BELIEVE UNVEILS NEW LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE IN MENA REGION: Believe has announced a restructuring of its leadership in the MENA region, appointing Liliana Abudalo as Head of Label & Artist Solutions and Celine Hitti as Head of Artist Services. Both will report directly to Dolly Makhoul, Believe’s Regional Managing Director for MENA. Liliana Abudalo, based in Dubai, UAE, will oversee the Label & Artist Solutions division. In this role, she will lead the Label & Artist Relations teams across key MENA markets, including Egypt, UAE, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, as well as the editorial and marketing partnerships group. Abudalo has over 16 years of experience in digital advertising, technology, and the music industry. Her career began in London with YouTube, where she played a role in live-streaming major music events such as Tomorrowland. After relocating to Dubai, she spent a decade collaborating with music labels, distributors, and artists in the region. Celine Hitti, who has been promoted to Head of Artist Services, will continue to be based in Paris. Hitti will focus on delivering high-quality services to independent artists, helping them expand their audiences and increase fan engagement. With this expanded role, Hitti will now manage the Artist Services division across all MENA territories, with a particular emphasis on Egyptian, Lebanese, and Khaleeji artists. Previously, the division’s work had been more concentrated in the Maghreb region.

 

THIRD SIDE MUSIC ELEVATES BRONTË JANE TO NEW ROLE OF EVP OF CREATIVE / A&R: Third Side Music (TSM) has announced the promotion of Brontë Jane to Executive Vice President of Creative and A&R. This recognition comes considering her contributions to the company’s creative achievements over the past ten years. Based in TSM’s Los Angeles office, Jane has played a role in cultivating the careers of an eclectic range of artists, songwriters, and producers across the globe. Reporting directly to TSM COO and Co-Founder Jeff Waye, Jane has overseen the signing and development of artists like Grammy-nominated SOFI TUKKER, BADBADNOTGOOD, Sky Ferreira, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Blonde Redhead, and Surf Curse. Surf Curse recently re-signed with TSM following their achievement of joining Spotify‘s Billions Club. Jane was also key in bringing new talent to the fold, including Waxahatchee whose album was nominated for Best Americana Album at the 2025 Grammys, along with rising stars like Searows (named a 2024 “Artist to Watch” by Spotify) and Los Angeles-based DJ and producer Delroy Edwards. In addition to their chart success, Jane’s artists have earned major synchronization placements, with tracks featured in TV shows, films, and advertising campaigns. Highlights include SOFI TUKKER and Amadou & Mariam‘s “Mon Cheri” in Emily in Paris, Searows’ “Only Time” in Grey’s Anatomy (Season 21), GUM‘s “Ill Times” in NHL 25, Haiku Hands‘ “Nunchucka” in Verizon‘s ad campaign, and SOFI TUKKER & Channel Tres‘s “Cafuné” in EA‘s FC 25 game. In further news, TSM announced the promotion of Mariah Flores to Creative/A&R Manager, who will report to both Brontë Jane and Alex Kelman. Flores, who joined TSM in 2019, has been an integral part of the company’s creative growth.

 

KOBALT SIGNS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH ANA BÁRBARA: Kobalt has announced a global publishing agreement with Ana Bárbara. With a career spanning over ten studio albums, Ana Bárbara has garnered a resolute fanbase across Latin America and internationally. Her songwriting spans genres including mariachi, pop, banda, and romantic ballads. Throughout her career, she has earned 6 Latin Grammy nominations, including one win, 4 Premios Lo Nuestro Awards, a Career Achievement Award in 2024, 7 Furia Musical Awards, and two Grammy nominations. She also made history by becoming the first female songwriter to receive the BMI Icon Award. Ana Bárbara is currently working on a greatest hits compilation set for release in 2025. She is also touring the U.S. with her Reina Grupera tour, with plans to extend the tour to Mexico and Latin America in 2025.

 

HARBOURVIEW ACQUIRES MASTER ROYALTY INCOME OF GEORGE BENSON: HarbourView Equity Partners has announced the acquisition of the master royalty income from jazz guitarist and singer-songwriter George Benson, whose career spans decades of influential music. The deal covers royalties from the catalog of Benson, a 10-time Grammy Award winner known for his contributions to jazz, pop, and R&B. Benson, whose career includes 36 studio albums and eight live recordings, has been significant in shaping the sound of contemporary jazz. His 1976 album Breezin’, which features the track “This Masquerade,” remains one of the best-selling jazz albums in history, achieving triple-platinum status. In 1980, his hit Give Me The Night, produced by Quincy Jones and written by Rod Temperton, became a chart-topping soul classic. The deal, which did not disclose financial terms, was facilitated with legal counsel from Fox Rothschild on behalf of HarbourView, while George Benson was represented by the firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips. HarbourView, founded in 2021 with backing from Apollo Global Management, has made strides in acquiring music royalties and now owns over 50 music catalogs, including the estates of artists like Christine McVie and select works from Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. In addition to his recordings, Benson has enjoyed a career full of accolades and milestones, including the NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship in 2009, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and honorary doctorate degrees from several prestigious institutions. He remains active in the music world, collaborating with artists like Gorillaz and DJ Steve Aoki in recent years. HarbourView has been expanding its portfolio with acquisitions, including assets from Full Force, Kane Brown, and the estates of other iconic artists.

 

BELL PARTNERS AND LARROSA COLLABORATE TO ACQUIRE MUSIC CATALOGS AND COMPANIES: Cristian Larrosa, who raised $16 million (USD) in March 2023 to invest in Spanish-language music rights, has now partnered with Bell Partners, a music company founded by Hayden Bell, to expand their portfolio by acquiring independent music companies and catalogs. Bell Partners, which was founded in 2022, has already invested over $350 million in music rights, with plans to continue making significant acquisitions soon, targeting similar investments in music companies and catalogs. With over 30 years in the industry, Hayden Bell has held leadership positions at BMG and SM Entertainment, as well as serving as Head of A&R for Sony Music Asia Pacific from 2013 to 2019. In this role, he managed 200 artists across 18 countries, including regions such as the Middle East and India. Bell Partners, which has offices in Sweden, Los Angeles, and Nashville, operates across several key sectors including publishing, distribution, licensing, and management, offering comprehensive services to its partners. This alliance leverages Larrosa’s expertise in the global Spanish-language music market, positioning Bell Partners to enhance its reach and capitalize on emerging opportunities in Spain and Latin America. Additionally, Larrosa has more than 18 years of experience in music production, label management, and publishing across multiple countries including Argentina, U.S., U.K., and Spain.

 

MATT ALDERMAN SELLS CATALOG TO ANTHEM ENTERTAINMENT: Anthem Entertainment has broadened its catalog by acquiring the song rights of Nashville, TN-based, Platinum-selling songwriter Matt Alderman. In addition, the company has signed Alderman to an exclusive publishing agreement. Alderman has become a key figure in country music since breaking into the scene in 2017. His breakthrough came with Jake Owen‘s “Good Company,” a hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The catalog Anthem acquired includes several tracks, such as “Nobody” by Dylan Scott, which reached No. 1 on the Mediabase Country Charts, “Truth About You” by Mitchell Tenpenny, which earned Platinum certification, and “Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl)” by Dylan Smith, which led both the Mediabase Country Charts and Billboard‘s U.S. Country Airplay chart. Over the course of his career, Alderman has worked with a range of country music’s biggest stars, including Jordan Davis, Cole Swindell, Lee Brice, Brett Young, Dustin Lynch, and Granger Smith, contributing to numerous successful collaborations.

 

SLIPSTREAM AND KOBALT PARTNER TO EXPAND CAPABILITIES & OFFERINGS: Slipstream has forged a partnership with Kobalt to enhance its global music publishing administration. This collaboration, which includes Kobalt’s investment in Slipstream, significantly strengthens both companies’ capabilities by combining their technologies and expertise. The partnership aims to serve the entire music publishing landscape, catering to everyone from top-tier songwriters to creative businesses and brands around the globe. Recently, Slipstream expanded its music catalog through the acquisition of Anthem Entertainment‘s production music divisions, which include U.S.-based Jingle Punks and 5 Alarm Music, and U.K.-based Cavendish Music. With the addition of over 650,000 tracks, Slipstream now has the largest independent music licensing library in the world. The platform delivers music that is creator-friendly, catering to digital content creators as well as traditional industries like film, television, and advertising.

 

WARNER MUSIC GROUP CORP. REPORTS RESULTS FOR FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER: Warner Music Group Corp. (WMG) announced its fourth-quarter and full-year financial results. Despite facing fluctuations in net income and operating cash flow, WMG’s overall results reflect healthy performance. For the three months ending September 30, 2024, WMG achieved an increase of 3% in total revenue, which remained consistent when adjusted for constant currency. While digital revenue remained flat compared to the same period in the prior year, WMG continued to see growth in subscription streaming, driven by the demand for digital music services. Notably, net income for the quarter was $48 million, a decline from $154 million in the prior-year quarter. This drop was due to increased operational costs and other factors impacting profitability. WMG’s music publishing division achieved its fourth consecutive year of double-digit revenue growth. This performance emphasizes the growing demand for music publishing services and reflects the company’s strategic focus on expanding its catalog and rights management capabilities. Looking at the full twelve months ending September 30, 2024, total revenue increased by 6%, or 7% when adjusted for constant currency, highlighting WMG’s ability to maintain growth despite global economic challenges. Digital revenue for the year rose by 7%, or 8% in constant currency, supported by the performance of subscription-based streaming services. Also, WMG’s net income increased to $478 million from $439 million in the previous year. Conclusively, WMG’s financial results for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, demonstrate a healthy performance across its core business segments, with an emphasis on the continued strength of subscription streaming and music publishing. The sustained growth in digital revenue and the achievement of double-digit growth in music publishing revenues illustrate the company’s effective strategies.

 

BOSWORTH MUSIC SIGNS ARTIST AND PRODUCER JANUS RASMUSSEN: Bosworth Music, a division of Wise Music Group based in Berlin, Germany has entered into a global publishing agreement with Janus Rasmussen. Originally from the Faroe Islands and now based in Reykjavik, Rasmussen has made a mark in the world of experimental electronic music over the past decade. Rasmussen’s solo work has earned considerable recognition, with his debut album Vin even being nominated for the Nordic Music Council Prize. In addition to his solo career, he is widely known for his collaboration with Ólafur Arnalds, with whom he formed the electronic duo Kiasmos. Their work has garnered attention from major international festivals and audiences worldwide. Beyond his own projects, Rasmussen plays a vital role in Reykjavik’s vibrant music scene. He contributes as a producer, songwriter, musician, and mix engineer, often collaborating with fellow artists. His skills extend into the commercial world as well, where he has composed music for advertisements and created original scores for various media projects.

 

TRILLER GROUP HIRES EX-TIKTOK EXEC SEAN KIM AS CEO: Triller Group, following its successful IPO, has appointed Sean Kim, former Head of Product at TikTok, to lead its Triller app, which competes directly with TikTok. Kim worked at TikTok U.S., between 2019 to 2022. He played a key role in shaping the app’s strategic direction and overseeing major features such as the For You Page, creator monetization initiatives, TikTok For Developers, and third-party integrations. Prior to joining Triller, Kim served as President & Chief Product Officer at Kajabi, a California-based SaaS company. He has also held roles at DirecTV, Amazon, and Amazon Prime. Triller expressed confidence that Kim’s appointment signals a crucial step in the company’s evolution. According to the company, he is well-positioned to guide Triller towards becoming a leading platform for creators, fans, and brands. The appointment emphasizes Triller’s increased focus on scaling its platform and expanding its global presence. The company has outlined plans to enhance the app, promising a new, next-generation version of Triller by Q1 2025, along with a series of new features and product improvements. In addition to Kim, Triller is also bringing in other high-level talent from TikTok and Amazon, aiming to strengthen its leadership team, although specific details on these new hires have not been disclosed.

 

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