A&R Worldwide Newsletter Vol. 867

JOIN AMAZON MGM STUDIOS, APM MUSIC, ASE, CONCORD, EA GAMES, GRAMMY’S, KOBALT, MALSONS MEDIA (INDIA), MUSIC WEEK, NETFLIX, PARAMOUNT, POSITION MUSIC, PULSE MUSIC GROUP, TIMES MUSIC (INDIA), UNIVERSAL PICTURES, VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP, WARNER MUSIC GROUP & MANY MORE ATTENDING MUSEXPO 2025

 

MUSEXPO “The United Nations of Music” (www.musexpo.net), the pioneering global music business conference renowned for its transformative impact on the music industry, will take place March 16 – 19, 2025, in Burbank, California. Marking a quarter-century of influence, MUSEXPO 2025 will celebrate its storied history, spanning three continents, and highlighting the future evolution of the music business landscape.

MUSEXPO returns with its esteemed “International Music Industry Awards” (which originally launched back in 2012) in association with A&R Worldwide and will recognize the contributions of some of the most influential executives and creatives across key sectors of the global music business in association with Visit Burbank and City of Burbank “The Media Capital of The World” during the VIP Gala Dinner presentations. There are a limited number of tickets available – further details are available once you sign up HERE.

In addition, the annual Seymour Stein “Global A&R Award,” will be bestowed upon legendary artist and repertoire executive Michael Goldstone, Founder & Co-Owner, Mom+Pop Music, and the “Lifetime Achievement Award” will be presented to one of the world’s most influential manager of producers and songwriters Mark Beaven, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Advanced Alternative Media, Inc. (AAM, Inc.) as announced in Billboard recently. The “International Music Person of the Year” recipient is Mandar Thakur, CEO, Times Music Group (India), the first person from South Asia to receive this prestigious accolade. MUSEXPO will also feature its popular Global Sync Summit, and A&R Summit, as a part of its overall 2025 event program.

The full event program for the various panels, keynotes, awards luncheons, showcases, networking receptions, and more for MUSEXPO 2025 can be found HERE.

Some of the companies participating at MUSEXPO include: 724 Management (Live Nation), AAM Inc., A&R Worldwide, AEG Presents, ASE, Amazon MGM Studios, Anomaly, APM Music, ASCAP, Atlantic Records, Billboard, Black & White Music, Budde Music (Germany), CAA, Chartmetric, Concord Music Group, Digital Music News, Disney Music Group, EA Games, Facet House, Fan Duel Sports, Format Entertainment, Grammy’s, Groover, GYRO Group (Australia), Malsons Media (India), Mom+Pop Music, Music Business Worldwide, Music Week (U.K.), Netflix, Paramount, Position Music Group, PULSE Music Group, Range Media Partners, Mushroom Music, Primary Wave, Red Bull Records, Reed Smith, Republic Records, Silva Screen Music Group, Sire Records, SO Recordings, Sound On (Tik Tok), Times Music (India), Tarsame Mittal (India), Universal Pictures Music, Virgin Music Group, Warner Music Group, Wasserman, and many more.

MUSEXPO 2025 has unveiled that more influential executives, creatives, and companies that will participate at the special 25th edition of what is one of the world’s most inspiring, influential, and impactful global music business and showcase events, which still to this day has remained independently organized by A&R Worldwide.

Already confirmed to participate are Adam Brodsky – Founder & Music Supervisor, Woolly Music; Adam Taylor – President & CEO, APM Music; Adrian Sosa – Head of Music, Latin America/Brazil/Australia/Canada/New Zealand, Amazon MGM Studios; Amy Dunning, Vice President Music, Netflix; Andrew Brady – Sr. Manager, Creative Music Strategy, Paramount; Anton Monsted – Head of Music, Original Movies (U.S.), Amazon MGM Studios; Aton Ben-Horin – Executive Vice President, A&R, Warner Music Group; Ben Dorenfeld – Director of Music, Anomaly; Benjamin Budde – CEO, Budde Music Group; Bob Bowen – Worldwide Head of Music, Amazon MGM Studios; Bobby Gumm – Vice President, Music, Trailer Park; Chris Foitle – Sr. VP A&R, AWAL; Dorian Perron – Co-Founder, Chief Business & Music Officer, Groover; Emma Banks – Music Agent & Co-Head, Global Touring, CAA; George Garner, Head of Content, Music Week U.K.; Janine Kerr – Vice President, Music, FanDuel Sports Network; Jason Bentley – President, Bentley Media Ventures; Jen Malone – Music Supervisor / Head of Black & White Music; Jeremy Yohai – Sr. Vice President, A&R, Concord Music Publishing; Jesse Peters – President, 724 Management / Live Nation; Joe Belliotti – Founder & CEO, Music Grows Brands; Josh Mateer – Head of A&R, Sound On / Tik Tok; Julia Michels – Grammy-Winning Music Supervisor, Format Entertainment; Josh Abraham – Co-Founder & Co-CEO, PULSE Music Group; Kabiru Bello – Vice President, Global A&R, Warner Recorded Music; Katie Romanovich – Associate Music Supervisor, Format Entertainment; Kim Frankiewicz – Executive VP, Worldwide A&R, Concord Music Publishing; Korda Marshall – Managing Director, Worldwide (ex-ANZ), Mushroom Music; Larry Rudolph – Founder & CEO, 724 Management / Live Nation; Liza Richardson – Head of Music, Original Series (U.S.), Amazon MGM Studios; Louisa Rainbird – Head of Music, European Union, Amazon MGM Studios; Luke Mitzman – Founder. 100 Management Inc.; Mandar Thakur – CEO, Times Music Group (India); Marc Mondello – Music Supervisor & Founder, Makana Music; Mark Beaven – Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Advanced Alternative Media (AAM), Inc.; Mark Sutherland – Contributing Editor, Variety & MBW; Mason Cooper – Music Supervisor & Founder, Songrunner Entertainment; Melinda Newman – Executive Editor, West Coast and Nashville, Billboard; Michael Goldstone, Founder & Co-Owner, Mom+Pop Music; Mike Knobloch – President of Music & Publishing, NBCUniversal; Panos A. Panay – President, The Recording Academy (The Grammys); Paul Resnikoff – Publisher, Digital Music News; Ram Sundar – Head of Music, Amazon MGM Studios, India & Asia-Pacific; Raphaella Lima – Global Music Supervision, Marketing & Partnerships, Electronic Arts; Ritch Esra – Publisher, The Music Registry & Co-Founder, MUBUTV; Sat Bisla – President & Founder, A&R Worldwide / MUSEXPO; Savan Kotecha – Oscar, Golden Globe & Grammy Nominated Songwriter / Producer; Scott Cutler – Co-Founder & Co-CEO, PULSE Music Group; Shivam Malhotra – Founder & CEO, Malsons Media (India); Steve Sessa – Co-Chair, Entertainment & Media Industry Group, Reed Smith; Tim Ingham, Founder & Publisher, Music Business Worldwide; Tom Windish – Executive VP, A&R / Business Development, Wasserman Music; Tyler Henry – Founder & CEO, STURDY & Partner, Range Media Partners, and many others to be announced in the coming weeks.

A&R Worldwide newsletter readers are eligible for a special holiday discount of 15% off the current registration price. This special discount expires on December 31, 2024. Enter the discount code MUSE15 when prompted when you register for MUSEXPO 2025 HERE.

For information on artist submissions, event partnerships, and sponsorship opportunities contact info@anrworldwide.com, or visit www.musexpo.net.

 

 

Tyler Bacon, President & CEO, Position Music, has announced that the company has signed Kate Morgan to a global publishing agreement. Morgan, a songwriter and recording artist, has penned numerous Platinum-selling hits and collaborated with some of the biggest names in dance, pop, and indie music.

With over a billion streams to her name, Morgan has made an impact on the music world. She’s contributed to tracks by artists like The Chainsmokers, ILLENIUM, ZHU, blackbear, Steve Aoki, Ashe, Gryffin, The Struts, and more. In 2021, Morgan co-wrote the No.1 Dance Radio hit “Midnight Rapture” with Anabel Englund. Earlier this year, she was both a vocalist and songwriter for the track “Muse” by Rezident, released on the Anjunadeep label. Alongside her songwriting success, Morgan has released three singles in 2024 as a solo artist.

Kate Morgan, said, I am so grateful for my new team at Position and to be working with Mike Torres as my A&R. Since the moment I stepped foot in the building, I have felt welcomed, accommodated, and inspired. Their commitment to the success of their writers and specifically Mike’s work ethic made me feel I had found my home, and I cannot wait to enjoy all our future successes together.”

Mike Torres, A&R, Position Music, commented, “Kate is an incredibly diverse writer who can thrive in many different types of genres – from DJs like The Chainsmokers and ILLENIUM to artists like blackbear, Ashe, and many more. Her gift for unique lyrics and melody paired with extraordinary work ethic is inspiring. We already have a lot of exciting things for 2025 and we’ve just gotten started!”

Kate Morgan is represented by Steve Rosen, Manager, Regime Music Group.

 

Virgin Music Group has entered into a strategic long-term partnership with Hungama Digital Media, a major player in South Asia’s digital entertainment space. This collaboration will extend the reach of Hungama’s music library, which includes content from labels like SVF, Grassroute, and OTV, as well as a wide array of film soundtracks, to global audiences through Virgin Music Group’s distribution network.

Through this alliance, Virgin Music Group will tap Hungama’s substantial user base and regional expertise deepen its presence in India’s regional music scene, and offers both companies a unique opportunity to leverage their strengths and deliver exceptional experiences to music fans worldwide.

Amit Sharma, Country Manager of India for Virgin Music Group, said, “We are immensely proud to announce this important partnership with Hungama. This collaboration will expand our reach in India and enable their songs to reach new global audiences, supporting our commitment to artist empowerment and innovation. Through this venture, we aim to bring a diverse range of music to new audiences, while Hungama’s expansive network will enable us to unlock incredible new opportunities for our artists.”

Siddhartha Roy, CEO of Hungama Digital Media Entertainment, added, “Our partnership with Virgin Music Group marks a significant milestone in taking Indian regional music to global audiences. By tapping into Virgin’s extensive network, we’re providing our artists and labels with unparalleled exposure, helping them reach new markets and unlock fresh growth opportunities. It’s an exciting time for Indian music, and we’re proud to lead this global expansion.”

The collaboration between Virgin Music Group and Hungama Digital Media brings forth opportunities that will showcase undiscovered music to global audiences as well as expand the channels of distribution and enhance the way music is consumed while working towards creating impact for Indian music culture in the global music landscape.

 

The A&R Worldwide Podcast is a weekly series spotlighting pivotal figures shaping the international music business. Recorded during MUSEXPO in Burbank, CA, the premier conference is renowned for its influence on the global music industry – the podcast delivers insightful discussions with executives driving creative and business innovation. This week’s episode features a conversation between Kristin Graziani, President, Stem, and Taylor Jones, Founder & CEO, The Hello Group (THG).

Kristin Graziani is a dynamic leader in the music distribution space, who has driven transformative growth and innovation at Stem since joining the company in 2017. As President, she oversees platform relationships with Spotify, Apple, Google, and others, while engaging directly with the diverse roster of artists and labels that rely on Stem, including Poolside, Taylor Gang, Brent Faiyaz, and more. Graziani spearheaded the creation of Stem Direct, a groundbreaking initiative that assigns dedicated artist relations specialists to support clients with playlist pitching, data insights, and marketing strategies, significantly boosting their visibility on streaming platforms. Under her leadership, Stem has achieved RIAA Platinum and Gold certifications for over a dozen releases spanning hip-hop, country, and electronic genres. Recently, she launched Stem Scale, a funding solution providing creators with access to capital at costs 78% lower than traditional label deals, empowering artists to invest in their careers. Before Stem, Graziani held pivotal roles at forward-thinking tech firms such as Hired, Inc., and JOOR, bringing a wealth of experience to her mission of reshaping the music industry.

Taylor Jones brings his dynamic expertise as a globally recognized entertainment executive, celebrated for his contributions to the rise of K-Pop and his pivotal role in placing almost 50 Billboard No.1 hits. As CEO of THG, Jones manages a diverse roster of influencers, artists, and producers, while driving strategic marketing, A&R, and branding initiatives across the entertainment spectrum. A Grammy executive member and an influential voice in music and tech, Jones has earned accolades such as “CEO of the Year” at the Global CEO of Excellence Awards and has been instrumental in placing hit songs for Disney stars Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez, and currently is expanding his creative and business impact across India and South Asia.

Together, Graziani and Jones discuss the evolution of music distribution, marketing, technological advances, monetization for rights owners and creators, and more!

Click HERE to listen to the conversation.

 

Fast-rising U.K. artist Kai Bosch continues to cement his place as a bold innovator in electro-pop with his new single, “Rodeo Romeo.” A dynamic, groove-infused track packed with campy flair and Eurovision-worthy energy, it reflects Kai’s playful approach to music. He describes it as a celebration of infatuation, blending poignant lyrics with an irresistible pop production—and yes, even hidden horse noises for fans to discover. Inspired by artists like Lorde and The xx, his music channels raw emotion and avant-pop sensibilities into something uniquely his own. Now aged 22, Kai draws from the highs and lows of his life, be it Berlin’s nightlife or London’s gritty romance, crafting tracks that blend mainstream pop hooks with experimental edge. Having dazzled on stages at Latitude, Boardmasters, and The Great Escape, and with tours alongside Katie Gregson MacLeod and Gretel Hanlyn, Kai’s live presence is as magnetic as his recordings. Fans can catch him headlining Soho Calling in London this February and performing a special duet with Tom Odell at London’s Roundhouse on April 21st. Discover “Rodeo Romeo” HERE, and contact Gareth White at gareth@hannahmanagement.co.uk for additional information and available opportunities worldwide.

 

 

 

RESERVOIR EXPANDS RELATIONSHIP WITH GLOBAL HITMAKER SERBAN CAZAN: Reservoir Media has announced an expanded partnership with producer and songwriter Serban Cazan. This new agreement will see Reservoir continue to manage Cazan’s full catalog as well as his future work, building on a relationship that dates back to 2022. Among the highlights of Cazan’s recent success is his involvement in the hit “Mantra,” the solo single by Jennie of BLACKPINK. Originally from Romania, Cazan has gained international recognition through his collaborations with major artists across genres. In addition to his work with some of Romania’s biggest stars, Cazan has teamed up with Reservoir’s own Oak Felder, as well as Jin Jin, MNEK, Billen Ted, and more. Cazan’s contribution to Jennie’s “Mantra” is particularly notable: the track reached the top of global charts, securing spots at No.2 and No.3 on the Billboard Global Excluding U.S. and Billboard Global 200 charts. It also marked Jennie’s debut on the Hot 100 (No.98) and earned the title of the highest-charting single by a Korean female solo artist on the Official U.K. Singles Chart (No.37). For his work on “Mantra,” Cazan received a nomination for “Best Producer” at the 2024 Asian Pop Music Awards, with the track also being recognized in multiple categories, including “Record of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” and “Best Music Video”. In addition to his work on “Mantra,” Cazan’s recent achievements include co-writing and co-producing “Praising You” by Rita Ora, which hit No.1 on Billboard‘s Dance/Mix Airplay chart. He also contributed to the success of “Can’t Forget You” by James Carter & Ofenbach, featuring James Blunt, and worked on two Top 10 hits for U.K. artist Beverley Knight. Earlier this year, Cazan joined forces with Oak Felder again to produce tracks for Rag’n’Bone Man‘s album What Do You Believe In?, which debuted at No.3 on the U.K. charts. Looking ahead, Cazan has several upcoming collaborations, including with Jojo, Haven Madison, Morgan, and Tom Walker. The deal between Serban Cazan and Reservoir is part of the company’s broader expansion, thanks to its joint venture with Romdrops, an alliance with Bucharest-based Hahaha Productions, and a partnership with Los Angeles-based producer Oak Felder and Milk & Honey Management.

 

VARIOUS ARTISTS MANAGEMENT APPOINTS ALICE VAUGHAN & CARIMEI SMITH TO KEY ROLES: Various Artists Management (VAM) has announced two new appointments, both effective immediately. Alice Vaughan takes on the role of A&R Director, while Carimei Smith has been promoted to Senior Day-to-Day Manager/General Manager for North America. Vaughan will be based in London and will report to David Bianchi, CEO, VAM, alongside Danny D, Tim Blacksmith (Stella/Alternative Songs), and Joe Etchells (Global Head of A&R, Various Artists Management/Alternative Songs). In her position, Vaughan will work across both VAM’s publishing division (Alternative Songs) and its record label (23 Recordings), as well as managing the company’s roster of songwriters and producers. Whilst at Sony Music Publishing, Vaughan signed artists such as Lola Young, Ellie Goulding, and Matilda Mann, while representing international songwriters and producers like Phil Plested, Jamie Scott, and Digital Farm Animals. She also signed Sam Romans, the writer behind Lewis Capaldi‘s hit “Someone You Loved.” Most recently, Vaughan served as A&R Director at EMI Records, where she signed Caity Baser. Meanwhile, Carimei Smith’s promotion to Senior Day-to-Day Manager/General Manager, North America, follows her three successful years at VAM. Smith has managed global music campaigns for artists including Ashnikko, Good Neighbours, Melanie C, Tom Grennan, and Barns Courtney, playing a vital role in maintaining artist relationships and overseeing U.S.-based studio and financial operations. Her contributions were instrumental in Good Neighbours’ Platinum U.S. single “Home,” and Ashnikko’s debut album Weedkiller, which included a sold-out U.S. tour.

 

SILVER SIDE PRODUCTIONS NAMES STEPHEN STALLINGS SR. DIRECTOR SYNC & ADVERTISING: Silver Side Productions tells A&R Worldwide that it has appointed Stephen Stallings as Sr. Director of Creative Sync, Advertising. Based in New York, Stallings will report directly to Craig O’Neill, Head of Music Licensing, and will oversee ad pitches for the company’s catalog, which includes everything from classic acts to emerging independent artists. His appointment aligns with Silver Side Productions’ ongoing expansion in the advertising space and strategic efforts to diversify its roster, including the addition of recordings from the 1950s-1970s. Stallings brings over 10 years of expertise in music licensing and supervision, with a track record of syncing music for major brands. Most recently, he served as in-house music supervisor at Dentsu, where he managed music licensing and production for clients such as American Express, 7-Eleven, Verizon, United Airlines, Audible, and Crayola. His work on 7-Eleven’s “Anything Flows” campaign, featuring rapper Flo Milli, earned “Best Brand + Artist Collaboration” at the 2024 AMP Awards and several honors for innovative use of music. Since its founding in 2011, Silver Side Productions has built a catalog of successful music placements across various media, from brand commercials (Amazon, Uber Eats, Google, Pepsi) to TV shows (American Horror Story, Love Island) and video games (Fortnite, Squid Game: Unleashed). The company’s roster spans current hitmakers and classic catalogs, including songs from The Everly Brothers, The Chordettes, Andy Williams, and Link Wray & The Wraymen. Furthermore, Silver Side Productions recently entered a creative sync partnership with Iconoclast, representing the catalogs of artists like Diplo‘s Mad Decent Publishing (with hits like “Lean On” and “Electricity”) and acts including Empire of the Sun, Eve, Nickelback, and Beyoncé producer David “Switch” Taylor.

 

FAROLATINO AND ADA ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP: FaroLatino has entered into an agreement with ADA. This collaboration will see ADA take on the worldwide distribution of music projects from FaroLatino’s label division, FaroLatino Music, initially focusing on the release of albums and EPs for a select group of artists. As the first Latin American music distributor, FaroLatino has built a strong regional presence across seven countries, establishing a catalog that includes independent artists, labels, and content creators. Known for offering a full suite of artist services, ranging from marketing and media outreach to partnerships – FaroLatino has long been a trusted partner for Latin American talent, helping artists navigate their careers. The partnership with ADA expands FaroLatino’s global reach, offering more resources and opportunities to the artists it works with. Noteworthy projects include the collaboration between Colombian artist Jessi Uribe, a 2025 Grammy nominee, and three-time Latin Grammy winner Alejandro Fernández on the track “Tu Maniquí,” as well as the cross-genre single “Vente Conmigo,” featuring Noche de Brujas and Latin Grammy winner Jorge Celedón.

 

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP PARTNERS WITH WPP: Universal Music Group (UMG) has entered into an alliance with WPP. This partnership will enable WPP clients to tap into the power of music, creating audience engagement strategies that leverage UMG’s artist roster and music catalog. The partnership combines UMG’s global network of artists, labels, and its data-driven insights with WPP’s creative expertise, and wide-reaching client base. Through this deal, WPP clients will gain access to exclusive opportunities to partner with top-tier artists and integrate UMG’s music library into their campaigns. Also, the two companies will explore how AI can play a role in fostering meaningful connections between brands, artists, and their audiences while ensuring authenticity in these cultural collaborations. This move strengthens the ongoing relationship between UMG and WPP, which has already resulted in successful joint ventures like the ongoing work with The Coca-Cola Company. Past initiatives, such as the Coke Studio and Sprite Limelight platforms, have provided both emerging and established artists with global exposure through innovative music-driven marketing campaigns.

 

SEEKER MUSIC ACQUIRES MICHAEL OMARTIAN’S PUBLISHING + PRODUCER RIGHTS: Seeker Music has expanded its catalog with the acquisition of the producer and publishing assets of Michael Omartian, the eleven-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, producer, and arranger. Omartian is best known for his work on Christopher Cross‘s debut album, which earned him widespread acclaim. This acquisition complements Seeker’s 2022 purchase of Cross’ full catalog, reinforcing the company’s strong presence in 70s and 80s music, particularly within the ‘Yacht Rock’ genre. Omartian’s contributions to this genre were recently highlighted in HBO and The Ringer‘s Yacht Rock: A Documentary. Omartian’s career spans over five decades, with roots as an arranger and session musician in the 60s and 70s. He played a key role in Steely Dan‘s Aja and arranged Billy Joel‘s “Piano Man.” His career as a producer skyrocketed in 1979 with his work on Christopher Cross’s self-titled album, which included hits like “Sailing” and “Ride Like the Wind.” The album won four Grammys, including “Record of the Year” and “Song of the Year.” His accomplishments make him one of only a handful of producers to have had No.1 records in three consecutive decades. The Seeker acquisition includes some of Omartian’s most notable works, such as Donna Summer‘s anthem “She Works Hard for the Money” from her 1983 album, Peter Cetera‘s 1986 hit “Glory of Love,” and tracks for artists like Rod Stewart, Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson, Boz Scaggs, Loggins & Messina, Al Jarreau, and Amy Grant. Omartian also left a lasting impact on soundtracks, with contributions to films like Young Frankenstein and The Karate Kid Part II. Seeker Music, founded by Evan Bogart, has already yielded success with the Christopher Cross catalog, which has seen renewed success through creative marketing, streaming, and sync placements.

 

KOBALT SIGNS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH KEVIN KAARL: Kobalt has announced a global publishing agreement with Kevin Kaarl, a rising folk music star from Meoqui, Chihuahua, Mexico. At just 24 years old, Kaarl has already made an impact with three critically acclaimed albums, earning recognition as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary music. His ballads, which blend folk and modern influences, earned him the title of “Most Promising Artist of the Year” by Rolling Stone En Español in 2023. Known for his independent approach to music, Kaarl has achieved remarkable success on his own terms, becoming one of the most streamed and highly regarded artists of his generation. Currently, Kaarl is working on his fourth album, Ultra Sodade, expected to be released in 2025. The album draws inspiration from artist Cesária Évora, blending Kaarl’s folk roots with international sounds. The first single from the album, “Esta Noche,” is a reflection on the final moments of a relationship, capturing the emotion of a last kiss between lovers. Nestor Casonu, President of Latin America, Kobalt, stated, “Kevin is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young songwriters and performers in music today. We are so gratified that he has picked Kobalt to accompany him at this stage of his career.”

 

DECCA RECORDS & VERVE FORECAST SIGN MUIREANN BRADLEY: Decca Records and its U.S. partner label Verve Forecast have signed 18-year-old blues artist Muireann Bradley, who is quickly making a name for herself in the music world. Originally from Ballybofey, County Donegal, Ireland, Bradley showcased her talent on this year’s Jools Holland’s Hootenanny and will be re-releasing her debut album, I Kept These Old Blues, on February 28th next year. The album will feature a remastered version of her single “Candyman,” which is already available. Bradley has also made waves on the live music scene, performing at the Green Man Festival, where she opened the main stage on the festival’s final day. Following a successful headline show in Dublin this past November, she has been on tour, with recent performances in cities like York, Bristol, Liverpool, Brighton, and London. Jamie Krents, CEO and President of Verve Label Group, stated, “Artists of Muireann’s talent don’t come along often and it’s an absolute honor to join our partners at Decca in being her record label of choice.”

 

ROUND HILL MUSIC HIRES KATIE KOWINSKI AS CHIEF OF INVESTOR RELATIONS & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Round Hill Music has appointed Katie Kowinski as its new Chief of Investor Relations and Business Development. In this role, Kowinski will focus on expanding the firm’s investor network and spearheading its capital-raising initiatives. With more than 20 years of expertise in marketing and investor relations, Kowinski joins Round Hill from Raven Capital Management, where she led capital markets and fundraising efforts, including those related to music intellectual property strategies. She also has previous experience in investor relations at both Kairos Ventures and Artisan Partners, two leading investment firms. At Round Hill, Kowinski will report directly to Josh Gruss, CEO, and collaborate closely with Investor Relations Director Kellie Kirschner. Founded in 2010, Round Hill Music manages a portfolio of nearly $900 million in music rights, having raised and deployed over $1.1 billion to date. The company’s catalog includes nearly 200,000 songs from artists such as Whitney Houston, Bruno Mars, Chaka Khan, Morgan Wallen, Goo Goo Dolls, Bryan Adams, The Killers, Meat Loaf, Madonna, and many more.

 

DEBORAH MANNIS-GARDNER & PÄR ALMQVIST LAUNCH AYO MUSIC GROUP: Deborah Mannis-Gardner (Owner & President, DMG Clearances) and Pär Almqvist (Co-Founder and former CEO, Tracklib), have teamed up to launch AYO Music Group. AYO offers global services in the management of music publishing, neighboring rights, and recordings, with a focus on organizing and protecting music copyrights. Their key mission is to help rights holders unlock the full potential of their music, maximizing earnings by guiding them through licensing opportunities. Drawing from their experience in clearing samples and innovating in the sync space, Mannis-Gardner and Almqvist saw a significant gap in the market: many music rights holders, particularly those who inherit estates, are unaware of the revenue opportunities they could be tapping into. When Mannis-Gardner shared this insight with Stacey Haber (Chief Legal Officer at SyncLodge LTD and Co-Founder of the Web 3 Music Rights Group), she saw the potential and joined the team. Together with Almqvist, they founded AYO, which is short for “Are You Organized,” to help rights holders navigate and correct long-standing administrative issues that could date back decades. AYO will place an emphasis on client education, ensuring that every rightsholder understands the terms and benefits before committing to any agreements. Their objective is to build value in underdeveloped copyrights while aligning the interests of all parties involved. Since its quiet launch earlier this year, AYO has already amassed a catalog of over one billion streams, with multiple tracks surpassing 100 million streams. Some of the clients benefiting from AYO’s services include A$AP Ant, Bedrock, Che Smith, Cory Mo, DJ Domingo, MC Lyte, Hero The Band, and various estates, such as those of Joseph Washington Jr., Julius Thomas, Michael Henderson, and Scott La Rock.

 

SYMPHONIC DISTRIBUTION SIGNS ECHOESINDREAM TO GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION DEAL: Symphonic Distribution has partnered with EchoesInDream (EID), a South Korean label. This global distribution deal will expand EID’s reach, introducing their music to audiences worldwide. The agreement covers the worldwide distribution of EID’s upcoming projects, including the track “Swimmin’,” a collaboration between Filipino R&B artist Jay R and EID’s emerging talents PAAK and AVN. The song is set for release on January 3, 2025. Jay R, often referred to as the “King of R&B” in the Philippines, is a singer, songwriter, and producer with a large following, earning over 6 million monthly Spotify listeners. His June 2024 track with Dionela, “sining,” has racked up over 178 million streams, while his November 2024 release with Denise Julia surpassed one million streams. Furthermore, EID is preparing to unveil new music from PAAK, South Korea’s pioneering Afrobeats artist, in early 2025. The artist is also gaining significant attention as a cast member on the KBS World show THE DDANDDARA, which debuted on November 3, 2024.

 

WARNER MUSIC JAPAN & NBCUNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT JAPAN FORM PARTNERSHIP: Warner Music Japan (WMJ) has forged an alliance with NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan (NBCUJ) to tap into the booming anime music market, both in Japan and globally. This collaboration marks WMJ’s entry into the anime music industry, an area experiencing rapid growth. Through the partnership, NBCUJ will also utilize ADA, Warner Music‘s global independent distribution arm, to amplify its catalog’s global presence and further connect with fans worldwide. Under the terms of the partnership, WMJ will take the lead in producing and promoting new music releases from NBCUJ’s roster of artists. In addition, WMJ will acquire the distribution rights to over 9,000 tracks in NBCUJ’s music library, including those tied to popular anime properties. Starting in early 2025, WMJ will digitally distribute these tracks worldwide, as well as manage the physical product sales. The partnership will also open up new opportunities for WMJ’s artists to contribute to anime soundtracks, including theme songs for upcoming NBCUJ projects. This could involve collaborations on opening and closing songs for various anime series. To ensure the success of this venture, WMJ has launched a dedicated Anime Business Division, recruiting top industry veterans such as Koichiro Natsume, former CEO of Aniplex Inc., and Hiroyasu Shinohara, former Senior Executive Officer at TMS Entertainment.

 

MARK ROBINSON NAMED EVP, GLOBAL BUSINESS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS AT VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP: Virgin Music Group has announced the appointment of Mark Robinson as Executive Vice President, Global Business & Legal Affairs. In this newly established role, Robinson will oversee the company’s global business operations and corporate strategy. He will serve as a key resource for dealmakers worldwide, ensuring the implementation of best practices and driving impactful partnerships across the business. Robinson joins Virgin Music Group from Paramount Global, where he led music business affairs and legal strategy for several brands, including MTV, CBS, BET, Nickelodeon, Showtime, and Paramount+. Before his tenure at Paramount, Robinson was General Counsel and Partner at 300 Entertainment, handling business and legal affairs, and he also served as General Counsel for BMG North America. Robinson has extensive experience in the music industry, having spent nearly a decade at Warner Music Group, where he held significant positions in Business Affairs across their independent divisions. Based in New York City, Robinson will report directly to Virgin Music Group’s Co-CEOs, Nat Pastor and JT Myers.

 

GRESHAM RIGHTS MANAGEMENT & DURANTS MEDIA LAUNCH LICENSING OFFICE IN KENYA: Gresham Rights Management(GRM), a leading direct licensing firm based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has announced a partnership with Durants Media to launch Gresham Rights Management, Kenya. This expansion into Kenya marks another milestone for GRM, following its successful debut in Nigeria with Purple Blue Entertainment. Known for its cutting-edge approach to rights management, GRM combines advanced data analytics with direct relationships with music users, enabling efficient and accurate royalty distribution across a wide range of industries, including broadcasting, retail, cinema, and live events. GRM represents respected rights organizations such as SESAC, The Harry Fox Agency, SUISA, and, starting January 1, 2025, SOCAN, Canada’s performing rights organization. The new GRM Kenya office will focus on improving copyright compliance across local radio and TV broadcasters, ensuring that creators are properly compensated for the use of their music. This expansion further strengthens GRM’s promise to protect the rights of music creators across Africa and beyond. Andrew Mitchley, Managing Director & Co-Founder, GRM, tells A&R Worldwide, “We are excited to welcome Durants Media to the GRM’s mission in Kenya. It’s essential that the rights of our creators are upheld and that they are rightfully compensated when their works are used to enhance and uplift user experiences.”

 

CREATE MUSIC GROUP ACQUIRES HALF OF ENHANCED MUSIC: Create Music Group has announced its acquisition of a 50% stake in London, England-based dance label Enhanced Music. Founded in 2008 by Will Holland, Enhanced Music has become a key player in the dance and electronic music scene, with a roster of sub-labels such as Enhanced Recordings, Enhanced Progressive, Colorize, Shapes of Solitude, Enhanced Chill, and more. These brands have been responsible for a wide range of genre-defining releases, amassing billions of streams and millions of downloads, along with countless accolades, including Gold and Platinum certifications, multiple U.S. Dance Top 10 hits, and several Beatport No.1 records. The deal comes at a time when Enhanced is expanding its operations, having recently relocated to a new headquarters in the Exmouth Market area of London. The new office space features three high-end studios and a live broadcast area, all designed for exclusive use by its roster of artists. In addition to its catalog of recorded music, Enhanced Music also holds the publishing rights to thousands of tracks from some of the biggest names in music today. Its publishing roster includes The Chainsmokers, Elley Duhé, Tiësto, Steve Aoki, Regard & RAYE, Sam Feldt, Lane 8, Kina, Wiz Khalifa, MØ, 070 Shake, and many others. Over the past two years, the label has also hosted more than 40 events across the globe for its various sub-labels.

 

AEG PRESENTS STRIKES PARTNERSHIP GERMANY’S MCT AGENTUR: AEG Presents has taken a strategic “partnership stake” in MCT Agentur, the German concert promotion company founded by Scumeck Sabottka. MCT Agentur was established in 1984 in Herne, North Rhine-Westphalia, by Sabottka and two friends, and later relocated to Berlin in 1999. Over the years, the company has built a legacy, promoting tours and concerts for some of the biggest names in music, including Rammstein, Lou Reed, Radiohead, Pearl Jam, Marilyn Manson, Kraftwerk, Florence and the Machine, Björk, Katy Perry, and many others. The partnership with AEG Presents will help both companies expand their operations and strengthen their position in the live music industry. AEG Presents itself is behind major music festivals such as Coachella, Stagecoach, Electric Forest, and British Summer Time at Hyde Park, and also promotes tours for top artists including Taylor Swift, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, and Justin Bieber. In addition to its festival business, AEG Presents has a vast network of venues and partner organizations, including The Bowery Presents, Goldenvoice, Cárdenas Marketing Network, and Concerts West.

 

CRISPIN HUNT ELECTED AS PRESIDENT OF PRS MEMBERS’ COUNCIL: Crispin Hunt has been named the new President of the PRS Members’ Council, set to begin his tenure on January 1, 2025. A songwriter and producer, Hunt is known for his multi-Platinum success, having collaborated with a range of artists including Florence + The Machine, Lana Del Rey, Rod Stewart, Maverick Sabre, and Luke Sital Singh, among others. Hunt has been an active member of the PRS Members’ Council since 2019, where he served as a writer-director. His leadership experience also includes a six-year stint as chair of the Ivors Academy and former roles as director and co-CEO of the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC). In his new role, Hunt will be a key advocate for PRS For Music‘s community of songwriters, composers, and music publishers, working to strengthen relationships between the organization and its members. He will continue to champion the needs of music creators and ensure that PRS For Music delivers effective support and services, with a focus on keeping their concerns at the heart of the organization’s mission.

 

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