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A&R Worldwide Newsletter Vol. 868

JOIN AMAZON MGM STUDIOS, APM MUSIC, ASE, CONCORD, DISNEY, 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 AT MUSEXPO 2025

MUSEXPO “The United Nations of Music” (www.musexpo.net), the pioneering global music business conference and showcase event is just a couple of months away and 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), The Hollywood Reporter, Malsons Media (India), Mom+Pop Music, Music Business Worldwide, Music Week (U.K.), Music Connection, 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.

Anyone with an interest in the global music business eco-system, building new relationships, and insights across all key spectrums of the music industry, as well as an appetite for discovering great new global talent can register to attend MUSEXPO, by registering HERE.

Some of the confirmed speakers include: 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; Andreas Katsambas – President & COO, Chartmetric; 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; Delmar Powell – Vice President A&R, Position Music; 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.; Gwen Bethel Riley – Founder, GB Productions; Jane Bushmaker – Director, DSP Audit, The MLC; Janine Kerr – Vice President, Music, FanDuel Sports Network; Jasmin Benward – Music Supervisor & Director, Sync Licensing, WVG MFG Publishing Co.; Jason Bentley – President, Bentley Media Ventures; Jeannette Perez – President & COO, Kobalt; 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 MichelsGrammy-Winning Music Supervisor, Format Entertainment; Josh Abraham – Co-Founder & Co-CEO, PULSE Music Group; Kabiru Bello – Vice President, Global A&R, Warner Recorded Music; Karan Bhatnagar – Head of Artist & Creator Strategy, Hook; 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; Laurent Hubert – President & Chief Revenue Officer, Kobalt; Larry Rudolph – Founder & CEO, 724 Management / Live Nation; Livy Rodriguez-Behar – Music Supervisor, Dreamboat Music; 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 Chipello – Vice President / Head of A&R, Position Music; 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; Preston Rodie – Sr. Director A&R, Sire / Warner Records; 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; Sabrina an Del Priore – Sr. Vice President, Creative Music Strategy, Scripted & Variety, Paramount Global; Sam Hayflich -Director, Creative Music Strategy, Paramount Global; Sat Bisla – President & Founder, A&R Worldwide / MUSEXPO; Satya Hinduja – Artist & Founder, Alchemic Sonic Environment; Savan Kotecha – Oscar, Golden Globe & Grammy Nominated Songwriter / Producer; Scott Cutler – Co-Founder & Co-CEO, PULSE Music Group; Shankar Thiagasamudram – Founder & CEO, Audeze; Shivam Malhotra – Founder & CEO, Malsons Media (India); Shirley Halperin – Co-Editor-In-Chief, The Hollywood Reporter; Steve Sessa – Co-Chair, Entertainment & Media Industry Group, Reed Smith; Tarsame Mittal – Founder & Host, The Music Podcast & Music Entrepreneur (India); Tom Windish – Executive VP, A&R / Business Development, Wasserman Music; Tyler Henry – Founder & CEO, STURDY & Partner, Range Media Partners; Viv Mellish – Founding Partner & CMO, GYROgroup (Australia); Zach Sang – Media Influencer, Podcaster & Host, The Zach Sang Show, and many others to be announced in the coming weeks.

A&R Worldwide newsletter readers are eligible for a discount of 10% off the current registration price. This special discount expires on January 31, 2025. Enter the discount code MUSE10 when prompted when you register for MUSEXPO 2025 HERE.

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

 


SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING NASHVILLE PARTNERS WITH
ELECTRIC FEEL TO SIGN EDDIE EBERLE

 

 

Sony Music Publishing Nashville has teamed up with Electric Feel to secure a global publishing deal for Eddie Eberle, the frontman of the band Eddie And The Getaway. Eberle, a 24-year-old multi-genre artist, songwriter, and producer, has already made an impact in the country, pop/punk, and rock scenes. His songwriting credits include Lecade‘s “Sober Me Up,” “Painkillers,” and “Backroad,” along with Jay Webb‘s “Down Here,” which topped the iTunes Country chart.

Standing (L–R in the back) are Rusty Gaston (CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville), Greg Eisenberg (Manager, Get A Worm Entertainment), and John Owen Bradley (Electric Feel). Seated (L-R front row) are Josh Van Valkenburg (Executive VP, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville), Eddie Eberle, and Austin Rosen (Founder & CEO, Electric Feel).

As the lead of Eddie And The Getaway, Eberle has cultivated a growing fanbase, with nearly 500,000 monthly listeners and over 800,000 social media followers. His band has been performing extensively across the Midwest, Southeast, and Texas. On December 13, Eberle dropped his latest track, “Love Myself,” a collaboration with Sony Music Publishing songwriters Lindsay Rimes and James McNair.

Eddie Eberle said, “I couldn’t be more stoked to sign with Sony Music Publishing and Electric Feel. I have no doubt that having a family like Austin Rosen, John Bradley, Rusty Gaston, and Josh Van Valkenburg will help me take my writing to a whole new level. Their belief in me is something special and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.”

Electric Feel Nashville head of A&R John Owen Bradley stated, “From the day I met Eddie, I knew he was a star. His talent and work ethic speak for themselves. As an artist, writer, and producer, he’s a true Swiss Army knife with a bright future. I couldn’t be prouder to work with Eddie and our wonderful partners at Sony.”

Electric Feel is a multi-faceted entertainment and management company founded by Austin Rosen who manages Post Malone, The Kid Laroi, and others.

 


UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP & AMAZON MUSIC
EXPAND GLOBAL RELATIONSHIP

 

Universal Music Group (UMG), and Amazon Music recently announced an expanded global relationship that will enable further innovation, exclusive content with UMG artists, and advancement of artist-centric principles including increased fraud protection.

This reflects the two companies’ shared commitment to advancing and safeguarding human artistry while ensuring UMG’s artists achieve their commercial potential through the service’s continued product enhancements and exclusive content that elevate authentic engagement between artists and fans.

UMG and Amazon Music will work closely to explore new and enhanced product opportunities designed to benefit artists and enrich the experience of their fans. UMG will also collaborate with Amazon Music as it continues to expand in audio, including further innovation in audiobooks, audio and visual programming, and its investment in live-streamed content that has connected millions of fans with their favorite artists across all genres and corners of the world. UMG and Amazon will also work collaboratively to address, among other things, unlawful AI-generated content, as well as protect against fraud and misattribution.

Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group said, “We are extremely excited to advance our long-standing, excellent partnership with Amazon Music that marks a new era in streaming—Streaming 2.0. We appreciate Amazon Music’s deep commitment to the interests of our artists and look forward to progressing our shared artist-centric objectives through product innovation and accelerating the growth of their service.”

Steve Boom, VP of Audio, Twitch, and Games for Amazon added, “UMG has always been a collaborative partner to Amazon Music, and as we continue to invent and introduce more artist-to-fan connections through our product and exclusive content, we’re redefining what it means to be a streaming service. We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with UMG which will enable us to partner on meaningful new ways for artists to deepen their engagement with fans around the world while working together to protect the work of artists, songwriters, and publishers.”

 


HUGEL EXTENDS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH BMG

 

 

Platinum-certified French DJ, record producer, and remixer, Hugel has extended his global publishing agreement with BMG.

Hugel

With releases such as “Patadas de Ahogado,” Hugel has contributed immensely to the rise of the Latin and Afro House genre in recent years. His collaboration history includes remixes for high-profile artists such as David Guetta, Robin Schulz, and J Balvin. His latest single, “I Adore You,” has already amassed over 130 million streams on Spotify alone, peaked at No.3 on the German Airplay chart, No.12 on the German Singles chart, and entered the Billboard Global 200 chart.

Hugel’s musical journey began at the early age of 16 in Marseille, France. Influenced by iconic artists such as Daft Punk, Carl Cox, and Laurent Garnier, he quickly cultivated a passion for electronic dance music. His breakout moment came in 2017 with the Gold-certified track “I Believe I’m Fine,” a collaboration with Robin Schulz.

The release of “Morenita” in 2021 became a breakout anthem: Its infectious melody and Latin-inspired beats made it a club favorite and a staple in DJ sets around the world. The track showcased Hugel’s ability to blend traditional rhythms with contemporary house music and marked him as a pioneer of the Latin house movement.

Hugel, said: “I am thrilled to continue this journey with BMG. Their support has been instrumental in my development as an artist and songwriter, and I can’t wait to share what’s next.”

Marc Johlen, Managing Director GSA at BMG, added, “Hugel is undeniably one of the most exciting talents in the music industry today. With several major collaborations on the horizon, we are excited to see what the future holds for him and his innovative sound.”

Hugel’s presence on the international festival circuit also grew, with him gracing the stages of major events such as EDC Las Vegas, EDC Mexico, Tomorrowland, Lollapalooza, Parookaville, World Club Dome, and Mysteryland. His career reached new heights when he secured residencies at Pacha and Ushuaïa Ibiza, two of the island’s most legendary clubs. These residencies allowed him to further solidify his status as one of the top names in the electronic music scene.

 


THE A&R WORLDWIDE PODCAST FEATURING AN INTERVIEW WITH
JESPER SKIBSBY, CEO & FOUNDER, WARM

 

 

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 Jesper Skibsby, CEO & Founder, WARM (Worldwide Airplay Radio Monitor), and Taylor Jones, Founder & CEO, The Hello Group (THG).

Jesper Skibsby is a former Artist manager and record label owner from Denmark. In 2017, Skibsby founded WARM (World Airplay Radio Monitor), a company that allows the independent music industry, artists, and rights holders, to access their radio data, in real time from radio stations from around the world.

WARM helps thousands of clients to get access to their radio airplay data and is seen as one of the most innovative, and leading companies in the space of radio airplay monitoring. Currently, more than 29,000 radio stations are monitored globally, using MRT and audio fingerprinting.

WARM continues to have a strategic global partnership with A&R Worldwide, which helps artists and rights owners and creators validate and monetize their radio exposure.

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, Skibsby and Jones discuss the evolution of song registration, data monitoring, and monetization for rights owners and creators, via the power of global radio.

Click HERE to listen to the conversation.

 

A&R Worldwide Exposed

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!

DISCUSSING SPOTIFY’S LIVE EVENTS: Enjoying a conversation at a past Spotify masterclass event in Nashville, TN are longtime friends Sat Bisla (President & Founder, A&R Worldwide) and Tim Riley (Global Head of Live + Talent, Spotify).

Tim Riley spearheads one of the most important roles at Spotify as their Global Head of Live + Talent. Tim’s experience has seen him hold key roles at Activision/Blizzard as Global Head of Music, Vice President A&R at Jive Records, and Sr. Director A&R at Revolution/Giant Records previously as a part of Warner Music Group. Sat and Tim first met whilst Tim was doing A&R at Jive Records, and the duo has collaborated on various initiatives, primarily whilst Tim was Global Head of Music at Activision/Blizzard, whereas Sat and his team at A&R Worldwide helped source emerging global talent for sync licensing across various leading gaming brands within Activision/Blizzard, including the renowned Guitar Hero.

A&R Worldwide Artist Of The Week

SUNDAY (1994)

 

The trans-Atlantic indie three-piece Sunday (1994) marks the deluxe release of their self-titled debut EP, showcasing their unique ability to blend cinematic soundscapes with raw emotion. The band, consisting of Paige Turner, Lee Newell, and their enigmatic drummer “X,” has quickly captured the spotlight with critical acclaim from The Sunday Times, DORK, The Line of Best Fit, and BBC Radio. They earned the Standout Playlist Pitching Success award at Spotify‘s inaugural For Artists Marketing Awards for their breakout hit “Tired Boy.” In 2024, Sunday (1994) sold out headline shows in Los Angeles, New York City, and London and joined girl in red on a U.S. tour, solidifying their reputation as a must-see live act. Looking ahead to the new year, they are confirmed for major festivals, including Live at Leeds In The Park, Neighborhood Weekend, and Vestrock. Discover the brilliance of their hit single “Tired Boy” HERE, and for all opportunities pertaining to the band, contact Chris Nenadich at chris@ignition.co.uk.

 

DELIGHTS

 

Delights, a Manchester, England-based indie quintet, will release their debut album If Heaven Looks A Little Like This (Modern Sky. U.K.) on January 17th. The album reflects the band’s collective exploration of diverse styles, incorporating funk, soul, disco, psychedelia, and stadium-sized indie-pop sounds. This broader sonic palette is highlighted in previous singles like “What’s on Your Mind,” which has gained significant airplay on platforms like BBC Radio 1, Radio X, and BBC Introducing Manchester. Recorded in collaboration with producer Michael Smith (Wolf Alice), the album captures both the highs and challenges of band life, shaped during a 10-day creative retreat in the French countryside. With its eclectic influences and innovative production, If Heaven Looks A Little Like This marks a bold step forward for Delights. Enjoy the video for “What’s On Your Mind” HERE, and for inquiries and further information regarding Delights, please reach out to Esme O’Keeffe at esme@modernsky.uk.

 

Passport Approved | Global Music Pre-Discovery

“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, January 5th, 2024: The weekly import show. Heard on more than 50 radio stations on six continents weekly including: Flux FM Berlin, GermanyNINETYSIX Radio (Indonesia); JioSaavn (India); Radio Doble Nueve, Lima, PeruWZRH–FM New Orleans, LAKWSS “93.9FM”; Phoenix, AZKRML “102.1FM”; Carmel, CAKFRR “New Rock 104.1FM”; Fresno, CARadio 1, Mumbai, IndiaWCNR Charlottesville, VAKIWR “The River”; Council Bluffs, IA2XM Ireland (national radio); 96.2 ZFM The NetherlandsWAPS–FM “The Summit.FM”; Akron–Canton, OHWKTL–FM Youngstown, OH105.5FM XFM Nairobi, KenyaPUK–FM Johannesburg, South AfricaRock 96.5FM Zambia897 FM Bratislava, SlovakiaWITH “90.1FM”; Ithaca, NYUCFM 87.8FM Australian Capital Territory, AustraliaWRUR 88.5FM Rochester, NYWCRU–FM Hamilton, NYKZND Anchorage, AKKQCJ Quad Cities, ILAllgauhit–FM Bavaria GermanyIndie 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:

GIANT ROOKS – “Mind Control” (Universal Music, Germany)
ELECTRIC ENEMY – “Stop Falling in Love” (AWAL, U.K.)
PICTURE THIS – “Satellites” (RCA Records, Ireland)
CIRCA WAVES – “We Made It” (PIAS, U.K.)
FRANCES LION – “Miss Behave” (Century City Records)
KAI BOSCH – “Rodeo Romeo” (LAB Records, U.K.)
VERONICA FUSARO – “Slot Machine” (Deepive, Switzerland)
GLASS CITIES – “Rescue” (Unsigned, N. America)
FIL BO RIVA – “Alone Again” (Vertigo/Universal Music, Germany)
THE SHERLOCKS – “Man on The Loose” (Infectious, U.K.)
DAILY J – “Sunday Stitches” (Unsigned, New Zealand)
ACROBVT – “Last Goodbye” (Unsigned, U.K.)
SUNDAY (1994) – “Blossom” (RCA, U.K.)
MASI MASI – “Lesser Man” (Unsigned, U.K.)
ARXX – “Trouble” (Republic of Music, U.K.)
RHETT REPKO – “How Cold” (Unsigned, N. America)
SEB LOWE – “Mr & Mrs Human Race” (LAB Records, U.K.)
SMITH & THELL – “I Let the Good Ones Go” (Sony Music, Sweden)
RUNRUMMER – “Honey Friend” (Maison Kitsuné, U.K.)
CRYSTAL TIDES – “Drive You Home” (Run on Records/Modern Sky, U.K.)
ZIMMER90 – “Feel Like We Used To” (Unsigned, Germany)
LOLA YOUNG – “Flicker of Light” (Island Records, U.K.)
CASSIA – “Heat” (Pont Danic Music, U.K.)
PALE WAVES – “Kiss Me Again” (Dirty Hit, U.K.)
DOPAMINE – “Angela” (Unsigned, Australia)
ONLY THE POETS – “Already There” (EMI, U.K.)
LIME CORDIALE – “Strangers” (Chugg Music, Australia)
DEAD CHIC – “Fortune” (Upton Park, U.K.)
KINGFISHR – “I Cried, I Wept” (Doonane Records, Ireland)
TELENOVA – “Temples” (Pointer/EMI Records, Australia)
TALISCO – “We Are” (Roy Music, France)
DEATH BEAT – “Snake Eyes” (Unsigned, Sweden)
BRIMHEIM – “Dancing in The Rubble” (Tambourhinoceros, Germany)
STONE – “Queen” (Polydor, U.K.)
DOTAN – “Drown Me in Your River” (7 Layers, Holland)
THE ROYSTON CLUB – “The Patch Where Nothing Grows” (Run on Records, U.K.)

 

 

WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC BENELUX SIGNS CYRILL: Warner Chappell Music Benelux has inked a deal with Australian DJ and producer CYRIL. Hailing from rural Australia, CYRIL has carved out a name for himself with his sound and made his debut in 2023 with “Stumblin’ In”, a track that has since racked up nearly 570 million streams, peaked in the top five of the global Shazam charts and hit the top three in airplay charts across 15 countries. Building on that success, CYRIL came out with his highly praised remix of Disturbed‘s “Sound of Silence,” a track that has been featured in almost nine million user-created videos, garnered over 12.6 billion short-form views, and surpassed 350 million audio streams. In addition, CYRIL hit the road in 2024 for his debut North American headline tour, while also taking to the stage at the Amsterdam Dance Event and supporting Jonas Blue on a European tour. His talent has earned him multiple nominations at the ARIA Awards, including “Best Dance Record” and “Song of the Year,” as well as a nod for “Artist of the Year” at the Australian TikTok Awards. Niels Walboomers, President, Records & Publishing, Benelux, Warner Music Group, said, “We’re incredibly excited to be working with CYRIL. His rapid growth over the past couple of years demonstrates his ability to create great music that connects with audiences the world over. We’re looking forward to helping continue this growth together!”

 

SAM RYDER JOINS MTHEORY UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT DEAL: Sam Ryder has agreed to a new management deal with mtheory. Lewis Allen, a longtime collaborator in Sam’s journey, will continue his role alongside Derek Gridley and the mtheory team, working together to take Sam’s career to new heights. With a strong presence across New York City, Nashville, and New Orleans, mtheory specializes in artist development, strategic marketing, and operational support for musicians and their teams. The company has played a role in the early nurturing of artists including Twenty-Øne Pilots, Jelly Roll, Tyler Childers, Ashe, Shakey Graves, The Wailers, Wynonna Judd, Trace Adkins, and Alison Krauss. Known for his live performances and emotionally resonant songwriting, Sam Ryder is set for a busy 2025, with new singles, a spot in a festival lineup, and synchronization opportunities on the horizon. Fans can also expect the release of his second studio album as well as an upcoming tour. Cameo Carlson, CEO, mtheory, stated, “mtheory could not be more thrilled to partner up with Lewis Allen and Derek Gridley to help take Sam Ryder’s incredible talent to the next level. Sam embodies everything we believe in as a company: unmatched global talent, drive, and he’s a damn good person. We are excited to be part of this world-class team and ready to help bring Sam to the masses!”

 

Jack Mangan & Ewan Jenkins

ISEKAI RECORDS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES: Isekai Records, a new label born from a partnership with Broke Records (a Create Music Group company), has officially launched its operations. The label was founded by music executives Ewan Jenkins, Jack Mangan, and artist RJ Pasin, with a mission to build on their early successes. Their debut release, Embrace It by Ndotz, peaked at No.20 on the U.K. charts and stayed in the Top 40 for eight weeks. The track has accumulated over 250 million streams across digital platforms. Jenkins and Mangan first teamed up in 2020 to launch E2J Artist Management, focusing on developing music producers. By 2023, they began managing RJ Pasin, who has since grown a following of 2.8 million TikTok followers and 4.9 million monthly Spotify listeners. In August 2024, they expanded their vision by launching Isekai Records. The label’s debut single, Embrace It, has also been re-released as a remix featuring Sexyy Red and Flo Milli, further gaining traction in the U.S. market. Isekai has also worked with other rising stars like Stepz and is preparing for more releases, including Ndotz’s follow-up single. In addition to these artists, Isekai has signed GeeYou, whose hit track “Love Me,” recently trended on YouTube, as well as singer-songwriter Lindsay Chia, whose debut single went viral on TikTok and garnered 100,000 Spotify streams in just one week. In addition, the label has also brought on the talent of Italian producer Sillage.

 

SYMPHONIC DISTRIBUTION SIGNS KAFKA BY THE SEA TO GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION DEAL: Symphonic Distribution has inked a global distribution agreement with Kafka By The Sea, a top independent label in Taiwan. The collaboration reflects Symphonic’s ambitions towards expanding the reach of Taiwan’s music scene to global audiences. Kafka By The Sea has earned its reputation by cultivating unique talent that resonates both domestically and internationally. Among its acts is KST, a Taiwanese rock band currently on their Track to Sleeping Moon world tour, spanning the U.S., Australia, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. The label also represents an emerging indie pop group Bubble Tea and Cigarettes, who gained recognition with their performance at Hong Kong’s Clockenflap Festival in November. In a milestone moment for both companies, Kafka By The Sea and Symphonic released Time, the debut album by Sherry Z, on November 29. A personal reflection on self-redemption, toxic relationships, and youthful longing, Time blends retro soul with trip-hop and alt-R&B influences. Featuring collaborations with Chen Hung Li of Sunset Rollercoaster and other musicians, the album is set to leave a lasting impression. Raykai Chen, CEO, Kafka By The Sea, tells A&R Worldwide, “Taiwan is a very mature independent music market, and it produces a lot of great music. We have achieved enormous success in the Chinese-speaking world and can’t wait to introduce our music to the rest of the world through our partnership with Symphonic.”

 

TIMES MUSIC (INDIA), DHARMA CORNERSTONE AGENCY & NAKASH AZIZ FORM PARTNERSHIP: Times Music (India) has announced a new collaboration with Dharma Cornerstone Agency (DCA Music), joining forces to celebrate the artistry of Nakash Aziz – one of Bollywood’s most popular performers. Known for his blend of soulful melodies and high-energy performances, Nakash has gained recognition not only in Hindi cinema but also across regional music industries, with hits in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, and Marathi. From his breakout Bollywood anthems like “Gandi Baat” and “Sari Ke Fall Sa” (R… Rajkumar) to “Selfie Le Le Re” (Bajrangi Bhaijaan) and “Jabra Fan” (Fan), Nakash has consistently delivered tracks that leave an impression. His versatility shines through in hits like “Second Hand Jawaani” from Cocktail and continues to captivate listeners with his contributions to the Pushpa franchise, with tracks like “Eyy Bidda Idhi Naa Adda” and “Pushpa Pushpa.” Mandar Thakur, CEO, Times Music, tells A&R Worldwide, “Times Music is thrilled to partner with DCA and work with the immensely talented Nakash Aziz.” Uday Singh, CEO, DCA Music added, “I’m happy to see this partnership between Nakash and Times Music come together. Nakash has such a unique style and energy, and I’m confident this collaboration will lead to some incredible music. We’re excited for this collaboration, and it’s great to have such strong partners in Times Music to bring his and our vision to life.”

 

COOKING VINYL PUBLISHING SIGNS KOREAN ALT-R&B ARTIST JACQUI: Cooking Vinyl Publishing has announced a global long-term administration deal with Jacqui, the emerging Korean alt-R&B artist whose sound is gaining international attention. Originally from South Korea, Jacqui’s journey has taken her across the globe, spending her early years in China before relocating to the United States as a teenager. She now calls Seoul her home, where she continues to evolve as a distinctive voice in the music scene. Jacqui’s breakout moment came in 2020 when her single “White Clouds” was featured in Netflix‘s My Holo Love series, with her 2022 EP Birthday following suit. Jacqui’s debut album, Dirty Mirror Selfie, crafted with close collaborator Glowingdog, is now available globally. The album blends introspective lyrics with atmospheric production, displaying her distinctive alt-R&B style. Also, Jacqui is set to bring her music to audiences in the U.K. and Europe in spring 2025 with a series of live performances. Ryan Farley, MD, Cooking Vinyl Publishing, tells A&R Worldwide, “I saw Jacqui perform at the Zandari showcase in Seoul this year and was impressed by her whole vibe; her music, her style, her live performance – it just all clicked! She’s an exciting artist and I’m delighted to bring her into the Cooking Vinyl family. I look forward to helping her and Patrick build on what they have already achieved in the years to come.”

 

LUCINDA MARTINEZ APPOINTED CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER AT HARBOURVIEW: HarbourView Equity Partners has appointed Lucinda Martinez, a marketing executive with previous experience at Netflix and WarnerMedia, as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Deborah Renteria will also join the firm in the role of Vice President of Brand and Content Strategy. HarbourView has enlisted Martinez’s agency, The CultureShaker, to oversee all aspects of brand management, marketing, and public relations for both the firm and its growing portfolio. Since its founding in 2021, HarbourView has amassed a collection of more than 70 music catalogs, including works from Nelly, Wiz Khalifa, George Benson, and Fleetwood Mac‘s Christine McVie. With a current asset portfolio valued at $1.6 billion (USD), the firm has expanded beyond music, making investments in the entertainment sector. This includes the acquisition of Mucho Mas Media, the production company behind the Netflix film The Long Game, and financing a series of Hip-Hop biopics in collaboration with Will Smith‘s Westbrook Studios and Jesse Collins Entertainment, starting with a Queen Latifah biopic. More recently, HarbourView has also invested in Usher‘s concert documentary Rendezvous in Paris. As Chief Marketing Officer, Martinez will lead the charge in shaping and amplifying the brand narrative for HarbourView and its portfolio. Renteria joins Martinez’s team and will support this mission, bringing her expertise in content strategy and audience engagement to the role of VP. Martinez founded The CultureShaker in 2022 after a successful tenure at Netflix, where she served as Vice President of Global Brand & Multicultural Marketing. In that role, she led efforts in brand transformation, audience engagement, and strategic positioning. Before Netflix, Martinez had a distinguished 20-year career at WarnerMedia, including as Executive Vice President of Brand Marketing, where she oversaw the branding for HBO, MAX, and HBO Latino. Renteria, with experience from Lionsgate, Facebook, and HBO, is known for her unique approaches to growing fan bases and developing high-impact campaigns.

 


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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: George Ergatoudis, Jon Ollier, Imran Majid, Mamie Coleman, Vanessa Tara, Tom March, Dave Jordan, Darrale Jones, Ron Broitman, Lisa Worden, Sulinna Ong, Katie Vinten, Atul Churamani, and Michael Baker.

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