YOUSSEF CHELLAK TAPPED AS GENERAL MANAGER
OF WARNER MUSIC BELGIUM
Youssef Chellak has been named as General Manager of Warner Music Belgium (WMG) with immediate effect. Chellak has a track record of signing and developing exciting local talent and his appointment underlines Warner Music’s commitment to Belgium’s thriving music scene.
Chellak will be based in Warner Music Group’s Brussels office and will report to Niels Walboomers, President of Recorded Music & Publishing, WMG Benelux. He will focus on building Warner Music Belgium’s domestic roster, developing innovative collaborations with business partners, and further growing the most culturally curious team in the local music industry.
Youssef Chellak said, “I’m excited to join the Warner Music team which thrives on a culture of entrepreneurship. Our music first approach, powered by the latest digital tools, will enable us to support Belgian artists as well as build innovative and sustainable business partnerships. I’m committed to doing all I can to help develop the thriving music scene we have here in Belgium.”
Niels Walboomers added, “We’re delighted to welcome Youssef to Warner Music Benelux. His proven history, culturally curious approach, and inspiring vision for the local music industry make him the ideal executive to lead our Belgian team. I’m confident that he’ll create an inspiring environment where local artists, emerging as the voices of their generation, can collaborate, excel, and reach their full creative potential.”
Chellak brings extensive and impressive experience from more than two decades in the music industry. He began his career in 2000 as a producer, executive producer, and publisher, collaborating with artists and songwriters in Belgium, France, and Germany.
In 2018, he was appointed General Manager of independent hip-hop label Top Notch Belgium, where he played a pivotal role in developing and supporting a new generation of local artists, including Dikke, Stikstof, Tourist LeMC, and Zwangere Guy.
Chellak continued his career as an A&R Director at Universal Music Belgium, focusing on developing local talent, including Aaron Blommaert, Berre, and Maksim Stojanac, as well as contributing to shaping the company’s strategy as a member of its management team.
KOBALT NAMES RANI HANCOCK TO THE ROLE OF
EXECUTIVE VP, HEAD OF U.S. CREATIVE
Kobalt has announced the appointment of Rani Hancock as Executive Vice President, Head of U.S. Creative. In this new role, Hancock will oversee Kobalt’s creative teams across New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville, further enhancing the company’s presence in the U.S. music scene.
Hancock recently served as Executive VP, Head of A&R at Columbia Records, where she collaborated with artists such as Dove Cameron, Maren Morris, and JoJo Siwa. Prior to her role at Columbia, Hancock had a tenure at RCA Records as Executive VP of A&R, where she signed major acts like Miley Cyrus, Kesha, and Becky G, and worked on projects for artists including Pitbull and Britney Spears.
Laurent Hubert, CEO, Kobalt said, “Rani is a creative executive who has always looked at the songwriter as a foundational player in our business. That point of view, along with her experience in our business, embodies the kind of leadership and creative acumen that makes her the ideal leader to guide our U.S. creative team moving forward.”
As President of Sire Records, Hancock was responsible for signing and developing artists like Bryce Vine and Cavetown and overseeing projects for Tegan and Sara and Andra Day. She also executive produced the Golden Globe-nominated soundtrack for The United States vs. Billie Holiday.
Beginning her career with Clive Davis at Arista Records and later as part of the founding team at J Records, Hancock has an extensive history in the industry. Throughout her career, she has A&R’d six No.1 Billboard Hot 100 singles, three No.1 albums, and 17 Top 20 singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
BLACKSTONE MAJORITY-ACQUIRES CITRIN
A group of investors led by Blackstone has acquired a controlling stake in the New York-based Citrin Cooperman (CC), buying out its previous backer, New Mountain Capital. According to the Financial Times, the transaction values Citrin Cooperman at more than $2 billion (USD), marking a leap from the $500 million enterprise value when New Mountain first took a majority stake in 2021.
Citrin Cooperman, established in 1979, offers a range of services, including tax, advisory, and accounting, with a particular focus on high-net-worth individuals and businesses. The firm has become well-known in the music industry, primarily due to its work in music rights valuation, notably through its acquisition of Barry Massarsky’s firm, Massarsky Consulting, in 2022. Massarsky, a recognized expert in the field, became a partner at Citrin Cooperman, adding further credibility to the firm’s music industry expertise.
Massarsky Consulting has been integral to some of the largest M&A transactions in music, collaborating with clients such as Downtown, Reservoir, BMG, Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing, and Warner Chappell Music. In 2021 alone, the firm valued deals worth over $6 billion. They were also the trusted independent valuers for Hipgnosis Songs Funds.
Blackstone’s investment in Citrin Cooperman follows its recent acquisition of Hipgnosis Songs Fund in a $1.584 billion deal last year. This could potentially create a conflict of interest for Citrin Cooperman in future valuations of music assets controlled by Blackstone, particularly if the firm recuses itself from appraising Blackstone’s own music holdings.
Blackstone’s involvement in music extends beyond Citrin Cooperman and Hipgnosis. In 2017, Blackstone acquired SESAC from Rizvi Traverse Management in a deal valued at over $1 billion. SESAC is now controlled by Blackstone’s Core private equity unit, while Hipgnosis falls under the firm’s Tactical Ops unit, with both operating separately within Blackstone’s vast portfolio.
A MESSAGE FROM A&R WORLDWIDE
Our hearts at A&R Worldwide are heavy as we’ve witnessed the devastating fires sweeping through Los Angeles and surrounding areas that many of our friends, families, and team members live in, leaving a trail of destruction, loss, and heartbreak.
These fires have not only displaced families and communities but have also affected countless musicians, industry professionals, and beloved venues that serve as the heartbeat of our shared culture. The road to recovery will be long, but through collective compassion and action, we can help rebuild what has been lost.
We hope you can extend your support to the organizations working tirelessly on the ground. Charities like the American Red Cross, Convoy of Hope, Entertainment Industry Foundation, and many others are providing critical aid to those impacted, from shelter and food to emotional support. For those in the music business who have been directly affected, MusiCares is an invaluable resource offering financial and emotional assistance to help navigate this crisis.
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Whether you contribute financially, share resources, or raise awareness, your efforts can bring hope and relief to those suffering.
In times like these, the power of community is our greatest strength. Let us unite in solidarity, ensuring that our friends, colleagues, and neighbors know they are not alone. Together, we can help Los Angeles, and surrounding communities rise from the ashes stronger than before.
The music community has always been a beacon of resilience and support, and now, more than ever, we must come together to help those in need.
THE A&R WORLDWIDE PODCAST FEATURING
AN INTERVIEW WITH RAM SUNDAR,
HEAD OF MUSIC, INDIA & APAC, AMAZON MGM STUDIOS
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 Ram Sundar, Head of Music, India & APAC, Amazon MGM Studios (this interview was done during his previous role at Netflix in India) and Taylor Jones, Founder & CEO, The Hello Group (THG).
Ram is an internationally educated composer and sound designer with a diverse background in electronics and music. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Electronics in Chennai, India, he pursued master’s degrees in music composition and Sound Design in New York, and Los Angeles.
Ram’s career began with composing radio jingles, which quickly led to collaborations with industry giants such as Remote Control Productions (Hans Zimmer), Cutting Edge Group, Ramin Djawdi, Cliff Martinez, and more.
Despite his successful start in the US, Ram seized the opportunity to return to India, where he joined Netflix and played a crucial role in establishing their Asia-Pacific (APAC) Music Vertical. In this capacity, he oversaw the creative and production aspects, contributing significantly to enhancing original content from the Asia Pacific Region.
Ram’s unique blend of technical expertise and musical talent has made him an asset in the entertainment industry, bridging the gap between technology and creativity on a global scale. He will discuss his new role at Amazon MGM Studios at this year’s MUSEXPO for an exclusive keynote with his global peers from the company.
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, Sundar and Jones discuss the evolution of the burgeoning sync business in India, as well as the evolution of music integration across film, TV, and more across Asia, South Asia, and SE Asia, and surrounding markets.
Click HERE to listen to the conversation.
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!
Rick Rubin is a legendary music producer whose groundbreaking work has shaped the sound of modern music across genres. Co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, Rubin helped pioneer hip-hop by producing iconic tracks for artists like Run-D.M.C., Beastie Boys, and LL Cool J. His career expanded far beyond hip-hop, with Rubin earning acclaim for his ability to strip music to its raw essence and connect with artists on a deeply creative level.
Over the years, Rubin has worked with a diverse array of legendary artists, including Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Slayer, and Adele. His production of Johnny Cash’s American Recordings series is widely regarded as a masterclass in musical reinvention, reviving Cash’s career with raw, emotive storytelling. Rubin’s influence on albums like the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Blood Sugar Sex Magik and Kanye West’s Yeezus highlights his versatility and innovation, as well as his amazing work on so many other incredible artists.
Sat and Rick were at the A&R showcase for the U.K. band Ting Tings, who go their first key global support (ex-U.K.), when they were unsigned from A&R Worldwide. Sat also helped Ting Tings secure their first U.S., German, and S. American radio exposure, and their first two ever global syncs, by introducing Ting Tings music to music licensing executives EA Games and Apple – before the band secured their label and publishing deals. These efforts played a key part in helping the band launch their global career.
ETHAN HOLT
Ethan Holt steps into the spotlight with his latest single, “Shadow,” a vibrant pop anthem that displays his rich, emotive vocals and knack for crafting infectious melodies. Propelled by a driving drumbeat and an irresistible tempo, “Shadow” delves into the denial and emotional complexity following a breakup, revealing the masks people wear to hide their pain. Lines like “running from you is like running from my shadow” offer vivid imagery and resonate deeply with listeners navigating the trials of love and loss. Ethan’s journey, from writing his first song at 16 to refining his artistry at the East London Arts and Music Academy (ELAM), has been marked by standout moments. His collaboration with Chase & Status on “Hold Your Ground” amassed over eight million streams globally, and he’s shared stages with icons like Stormzy at celebrated festivals such as Creamfields, Parklife, and BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend. At just twenty-one, Ethan has already left an indelible mark, and with more music and live shows on the horizon, his solo career promises to soar. Discover Ethan Holt’s undeniable talent and listen to “Shadow” HERE. For opportunities, contact Chris.Dempsey@ymugroup.com and james.corbitt@ymugroup.com.
RUNRUMMER
Runrummer’s latest single, “Honey Friend,” serves as the focal point of her debut album Elevator. The track explores the emotional complexity of developing romantic feelings for a best friend, balancing kaleidoscopic refrains with a captivating backbeat to create a lush alt-pop anthem. Runrummer describes it as “a love letter to secret attraction,” capturing the tension between acting on desires and preserving a cherished friendship. Drawing inspiration from her father’s love for Birmingham’s iconic Rum Runner nightclub, Runrummer (aka Liv Morris) has solidified her place in the indie alt-pop scene. Elevator highlights her evolution as an artist, blending New Romantic influences with modern indie-pop polish across six standout singles, including “Summer Lover,” and “Not Quite Over You.” Critics have praised the LP as a testament to Liv’s DIY ethos, creativity, and knack for crafting melodic, heartfelt songs. With prior accolades from BBC Introducing, Rolling Stone, and Kitsuné Musique, Runrummer’s rise continues with “Honey Friend” earning radio airplay on BBC Radio 1, Radio X, and globally on Passport Approved (including in Peru, Germany, U.S., India, S. Africa, Holland, Indonesia, and more), while also being featured on Spotify’s New Music and Alt-Pop playlists. Watch the visual for “Honey Friend” HERE, and contact darren@thelostagency.co.uk for additional information and all inquiries.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, January 12th, 2025: The weekly import show. Heard on more than 50 radio stations on six continents weekly including: Flux FM Berlin, Germany; NINETYSIX Radio (Indonesia); JioSaavn (India); Radio Doble Nueve, Lima, Peru; WZRH–FM New Orleans, LA; KWSS “93.9FM”; Phoenix, AZ; KRML “102.1FM”; Carmel, CA; KFRR “New Rock 104.1FM”; Fresno, CA; Radio 1, Mumbai, India; WCNR Charlottesville, VA; KIWR “The River”; Council Bluffs, IA; 2XM Ireland (national radio); 96.2 ZFM The Netherlands; WAPS–FM “The Summit.FM”; Akron–Canton, OH; WKTL–FM Youngstown, OH; 105.5FM XFM Nairobi, Kenya; PUK–FM Johannesburg, South Africa; Rock 96.5FM Zambia; 897 FM Bratislava, Slovakia; WITH “90.1FM”; Ithaca, NY; UCFM 87.8FM Australian Capital Territory, Australia; WRUR 88.5FM Rochester, NY; WCRU–FM Hamilton, NY; KZND Anchorage, AK; KQCJ Quad Cities, IL; Allgauhit–FM Bavaria Germany; Indie Xfm Los Angeles and on The Independent FM (iHeartRadio) in the United States, as well as many others internationally.
Listen to this two hour show by clicking HERE:
GIANT ROOKS – “Mind Control” (Universal Music, Germany)
ELECTRIC ENEMY – “Stop Falling In Love” (AWAL, U.K.)
MONOTRONIC – “Everything Moves” (Unsigned, N. America)
CIRCA WAVES – “We Made It” ([PIAS], U.K.)
GLASS CITIES – “December” (Unsigned, N. America)
KAI BOSCH – “Rodeo Romeo” (LAB Records, U.K.)
VERONICA FUSARO – “Slot Machine” (OK!Good/Deepive, Switzerland)
RHETT REPKO – “Every Night” (Unsigned, N. America)
FIL BO RIVA – “I’m Fine (Alone Again)” (Vertigo/Universal Music, Germany)
THE SHERLOCKS – “Man On The Loose” (Infectious, U.K.)
DAILY J – “Sunday Stitches” (Unsigned, New Zealand)
ACROBVT – “Crazy” (Unsigned, U.K.)
SUNDAY (1994) – “Blossom” (RCA, U.K.)
IAMJJ – “Moonshine” (Mermaid, Denmark)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Beautiful” (Unsigned, N. America)
ARXX – “Trouble” (Republic Of Music, U.K.)
MASI MASI – “Lesser Man” (Unsigned, U.K.)
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.)
DELIGHTS – “Hotel Bar” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
PALE WAVES – “Kiss Me Again” (Dirty Hit, U.K.)
THE VICES – “Before It Might Be Gone” (Mattan Records, Holland)
ONLY THE POETS – “Already There” (EMI, U.K.)
LIME CORDIALE – “Strangers” (Chugg Music, Australia)
DOPAMINE – “Angela” (Unsigned, Australia)
KINGFISHR – “I Cried, I Wept” (Doonane Records, Ireland)
FRANCES LION – “Misbehave” (Century City Records, U.K.)
TALISCO – “We Are” (Roy Music, France)
CAT SERRANO – “You, Me And The Night” (Unsigned, N. America)
DEATH BEAT – “Snake Eyes” (Unsigned, Sweden)
ADELINE V. LOPEZ – “Drink Up” (Unsigned, N. America)
SHOBSY – “Champagne” (Unsigned, Ireland)
WARNER MUSIC GROUP ACQUIRES DWA & EXTRAVAGANZA CATALOGS: Warner Music Italy and Warner Chappell Music Italy have finalized an agreement to acquire the catalog of DWA Records, one of the most influential independent Italo Disco labels. Co-founded in 1989 by singer-songwriter and producer Roberto Zanetti and Francesco Bontempi, the acquisition also includes Extravaganza, DWA’s music publishing division. The DWA and Extravaganza catalogs contain over 250 masters, featuring Italo Disco anthems such as “The Rhythm of the Night” by Corona, penned by Bontempi; Alexia’s hits “Happy” and “Uh La La”; and “Baila,” a track by Zucchero, written by Zanetti. These songs remain staples of the genre, which enjoyed a peak of popularity in the 1980s before influencing modern dance music, including Eurobeat, Italo house, and Italo dance. Zanetti, best known by his stage name Savage and his producer alias Robyx, made his mark on the music scene in the late ’70s with bands like Santarosa and Taxi. His 1983 solo hit “Don’t Cry Tonight” launched him to international fame, followed by a string of hits. He later focused on producing for artists like Alexia, Corona, Double You, and Zucchero, while also returning to live performances in recent years. Bontempi, also known as Lee Marrow, began as a drummer before transitioning to DJing and producing in the 1980s. His work includes tracks like “Do You Want Me,” “Pain,” and “Shanghai,” contributing significantly to the Italo Disco and dance music movements.
WME HEAVYWEIGHTS MOVE TO WASSERMAN MUSIC: Wasserman Music has revealed the appointment of three executives from WME – Kevin Shivers, James Rubin, and Cristina Baxter. Shivers and Rubin will take on pivotal roles within Wasserman Music’s executive team, signaling the company’s expansion since it was established in 2021. Based in Los Angeles and New York, both will serve as Executive Vice Presidents and Managing Executives. Prior to joining Wasserman, they were senior partners at WME and co-led the agency’s hip-hop and R&B division. Throughout his time at WME, Shivers represented a roster of artists, including Tyler, The Creator, Kali Uchis, Snoop Dogg, Lil Baby, Kid Cudi, Summer Walker, and Solange. Rubin’s roster included names such as Travis Scott, Tyler, The Creator, Bryson Tiller, and Wiz Khalifa. Cristina Baxter, also joining the team as Senior Vice President, previously worked as a partner in WME’s music division, co-heading their pop and rock teams. Baxter has represented artists, including André 3000, Kygo, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Kali Uchis. “Kevin, James and Cristina are highly respected leaders in the industry who exemplify the values on which our company is built,” says Casey Wasserman, Chairman & CEO, Wasserman. “We’re thrilled to have them join Team Wass during this exciting period of growth for our global music division.”
COOKING VINYL SIGNS JACK GARRATT TO GLOBAL SERVICES DEAL: Cooking Vinyl has announced the signing of Jack Garratt, marking the label’s first major partnership of 2025. The award-winning artist took home the BRIT Critics’ Choice Award in 2016. This signing follows a successful string of partnerships by Cooking Vinyl in 2024, which included acts like Blue, Razorlight, Tanita Tikaram, and Elles Bailey. The label also achieved notable success, with Shed Seven reaching No.1 twice last year. Cooking Vinyl is set to release Garratt’s third studio album in the third quarter of 2025, accompanied by an extensive headline tour and festival performances through 2026. Garratt’s debut album, Phase, debuted at No.3 on the U.K. charts and has since surpassed 100,000 sales. His follow-up album, Love, Death & Dancing, also charted in the Top 10 in 2020. Rob Collins, Managing Director, Cooking Vinyl said, “I kept on playing the demos and when that happens you know there’s something special going on. Once I met Jack and Sarah [Gates] and heard the vision for the record, I knew I had to be involved. I’m so happy that they have placed their trust in us to manage a special record.”
MUSIC EXECUTIVES PIONEER BITCOIN-INSPIRED STRATEGY IN SALE OF FUTURE ROYALTIES: Music executives Corey Llewellyn and Erik Mendelson have unveiled a strategy for monetizing the future royalties of multi-Platinum artist MIMS’ catalog. Drawing inspiration from the principles of “Bitcoin thinking,” they have structured a deal that involves securing a one-time upfront payment in exchange for future royalties, with plans to reinvest the proceeds into Bitcoin. The concept of “Bitcoin thinking” has gained prominence through figures like Michael Saylor of MicroStrategy and Simon Dixon of BNK to the Future, who advocate for rethinking wealth in terms of Bitcoin rather than traditional fiat currencies. Saylor converted his company’s treasury into Bitcoin, a move that has paid off with substantial returns, as MicroStrategy’s stock (MSTR) soared over 235% in 2023, far outpacing Bitcoin’s own 60% growth. Llewellyn and Mendelson have taken a similar approach by leveraging MIMS’ future music royalties as a predictable and reliable source of income, which they will convert into Bitcoin, aiming to achieve higher returns. While MicroStrategy led the way by using corporate treasuries to acquire Bitcoin, Llewellyn and Mendelson are charting a unique path by utilizing music catalog rights as an asset. By transitioning from a fiat-based system to a digital asset with a fixed supply, Llewellyn and Mendelson see this as a strategic move to protect wealth in the face of inflation. Their model could serve as a blueprint for other artists and catalog owners looking to embrace Bitcoin as a long-term investment.
AMV PUBLISHING ANNOUNCES NEW SIGNING: AMV Publishing has announced its first new signing of 2025 with the producer collective, NDA Company. The mysterious collective of producers, whose exact number remains undisclosed, is known for their unique sound and production skills. They prefer to keep their identities concealed, appearing in public and on social media only with masks, adding to their enigmatic appeal. The collective has already made an impact, collaborating with artists like Kwam.E, Gola Gianni, Kasimir1441, Aleshen, and Eunique, with their releases surpassing 100 million streams. NDA Company’s catalog also includes unreleased tracks with artists such as Gunna, Coi Leray, and Asteria, hinting at their continued influence in the German and European industry. What sets NDA Company apart is their ability to blend a wide array of genres, from Hip-Hop and Pop to EDM, Rock, Afrobeat, and more, all while maintaining their signature 808-driven sound.
CO-OP LIVE NAMES NEC GROUP’S BEN SHARMAN AS DIRECTOR OF BOOKING: Co-op Live has appointed Ben Sharman as its new Director of Booking, effective immediately. Sharman’s appointment comes on the heels of Katie Musham’s departure from the role of Director of Strategic Programming at Co-op Live. Musham is transitioning to Oak View Group International (OVG), where she will continue to contribute to Co-op Live’s bespoke events and support OVG’s broader global expansion. Set to open in 2025, Co-op Live will feature a lineup of global artists, including Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler, the Creator, Bruce Springsteen, Lionel Richie, Hans Zimmer, and more. With over ten years of experience in the live events sector, Sharman’s career began in the commercial partnerships team at the NEC Group in 2014, before shifting to arena programming in 2017. He was promoted to head of programming for Utilita Arena Birmingham and BP Pulse Live in 2022. During his tenure, he led these arenas to financial achievements, programming major tours like Genesis’ The Last Domino? and Peter Kay’s Better Late Than Never. He also played a key role in organizing the 2022 Concert for Ukraine, which raised £13 million (GBP) for the Disasters Emergency Committee.
RTÉ CHOICE MUSIC PRIZE IRISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2024 SHORTLIST ANNOUNCEMENT: The shortlist for the RTÉ Choice Music Prize Irish “Album of the Year 2024,” in association with IMRO and IRMA, has been unveiled on RTÉ 2FM’s Tracy Clifford Show. This year’s nominees represent an array of genres, highlighting the depth of Irish music. The ten albums nominated for the award are: A Lazarus Soul – No Flowers Grow In Cement Gardens, Curtisy – What Was The Question, Fontaines D.C. – Romance, Orla Gartland – Everybody Needs a Hero, KNEECAP – Fine Art, NewDad – MADRA, Niamh Regan – Come As You Are, Róis – Mo Léan, Silverbacks – Easy Being a Winner and SPRINTS – Letter To Self. To celebrate the announcement, RTÉ 2FM dedicated a full day to Irish music with All Irish All Day, running from 6AM to midnight last week. This marks the 20th year of the RTÉ Choice Music Prize, which has previously celebrated albums from artists like SOAK, CMAT, Villagers, and Denise Chaila. The Irish “Album of the Year” 2024 will be announced live from Vicar St on RTÉ 2FM in a special show 7PM to 11PM on Thursday, March 6th.
APG ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF #FIRST5OF2025 WEEK: APG has launched the #First5of2025 initiative, a weeklong event focused on innovation and inspiration. Throughout this week, APG will release new music daily, share exclusive content, host performances, and engage industry leaders in insightful forums and discussions, all while highlighting the achievements of APG’s artist roster. The #First5of2025 aims to shine a spotlight on creativity and collaboration within APG’s community of artists, producers, and writers. Notable releases include tracks from Flo Rida featuring ENHYPHEN and Paul Russell, alongside breakthrough artists like BabyChiefDoIt and Jontae. The event will also feature key industry influencers, including Nicky Reardon, Pop Music & Culture Video Creator; John Nelson, VP of Digital Marketing at Night Management and manager of Kai Cenat; and the Twitch Music Team, who will share valuable insights on trends and strategies shaping the music world. The company kicked off 2025 having secured the No.1 spot as the Billboard Independent Publishing Corporation. Also, the company is celebrating the success of its RIAA-certified artists from the “Class of 2024,” with eight new certifications. APG’s distribution arm, Release.Global, has also hit a milestone, surpassing a seven-figure payout threshold in its first year. On the artist front, APG’s Lay Bankz became the first female artist to sign with Under Armour, and Flawed Mangoes graced the cover of Billboard. The week also includes executive promotions, with Tyler Borland and Lara Bronstein moving up to Directors of A&R.
CHOPSTIX NOODLE BAR LAUNCHES MUSIC INITIATIVE FOR EMERGING U.K. TALENT: Chopstix noodle bar has unveiled a music initiative called The Red Box Sessions, showcasing up-and-coming talent from the U.K. music scene. The sessions, filmed in an intimate setting, are currently available on Chopstix’s Instagram and TikTok platforms. In collaboration with music agency WMA, The Red Box Sessions features artists performing two tracks—an original piece and a cover. Among the acts featured so far are The Flames Collective, Modernlove, and Grace Davies, with additional artists expected to be revealed soon. Crystina Cinti, global Vice President at WMA, commented, “It’s been incredibly exciting to work with Chopstix on the Red Box Sessions, which was born out of a genuine passion to champion artists and to give them a platform to showcase their music. We can’t wait to see the sessions grow and to collaborate with more artists!” Haydn Williams, Music & Partnerships consultant for Chopstix, added, “At Chopstix we want to provide a platform for the finest emerging artists from a wide range of genres. The Sessions are a place for music lovers to discover fresh talent inside our iconic Red Box – and there’s so much more great music to come!”
PAUL TRUEMAN JOINS BELIEVE U.K. AS DIRECTOR OF ARTIST SERVICES: Believe U.K. has made two key appointments with its Artist Services team, with Paul Trueman as Director of Artist Services and Joe Edwards as Head of Marketing. Trueman, a well-known figure in the U.K. music industry, joins Believe after a successful tenure as Chief Operating Officer at un:hurd music, an artist marketing platform. Before that, he spent a decade as General Manager at AWAL, where he led global teams across marketing, audience development, digital accounts, and promotions. His work at AWAL saw him collaborate with artists like Little Simz, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Lauv, and girl in red. At Believe, Trueman will report to U.K. Managing Director Alex Kennedy, overseeing Artist Services, including A&R, new business, commercial strategy, and global marketing campaigns. Meanwhile, Edwards steps into the role of Head of Marketing at Believe U.K. He brings experience from his previous position as Senior Director of Marketing at AWAL, where he crafted innovative, audience-focused marketing strategies for an array of artists. Edwards is credited with leading award-winning campaigns for acts such as Jungle, Djo, Bombay Bicycle Club, SBTRKT, and Joesef. At Believe, he will report to Trueman. This development comes alongside the expansion of Believe Group’s U.K.-based workforce, which now includes teams from Tunecore, Nuclear Blast, and Sentric Publishing.
WISE MUSIC GROUP SELLS DIGITAL EDUCATION DIVISION TO ACHIEVE PARTNERS: Achieve Partners, a private equity firm based in New York with a focus on education investments, has acquired the Digital Education division of Wise Music Group. This acquisition, announced on January 9, 2025, marks a milestone for Wise Music Group as it shifts its focus entirely to music publishing. The acquisition encompasses several education platforms, including MusicFirst, Charanga, Rising Software, Focus on Sound, and O-Generator. MusicFirst, a leading provider of K-12 music education software and hardware, will continue to operate under the leadership of its founder and Managing Director, Dr. Jim Frankel, who will remain President post-acquisition. Rising Software, known for its widely used music theory and ear training applications, Auralia and Musition, is also part of the deal. Also, Charanga, which holds the distinction of being the U.K.’s largest music education platform for primary and elementary schools, is now under Achieve Partners’ ownership, along with Focus on Sound and O-Generator, two other key educational software platforms in the music education sector.
TUNECORE NAMES MIKE CEGLIO AS VP OF OPERATIONS STRATEGY: TuneCore has appointed Mike Ceglio as its new Vice President of Operations Strategy. In this role, Ceglio will report directly to Andreea Gleeson, the company’s CEO. As VP of Operations Strategy, Ceglio will oversee several key areas including business operations, content review, trust and safety, and copyright teams. He will collaborate closely with TuneCore’s product team to develop strategies aimed at improving operational processes and systems across the company. Ceglio has over ten years of experience in digital operations, strategic planning, and process optimization, with a particular focus on digital rights management and partner relations. Before joining TuneCore, Ceglio was the VP of Creator Operations at SoundCloud, where he spearheaded efforts to improve operational efficiency and managed large-scale initiatives for creator services. He also held leadership roles at UnitedMasters as Director of Operations and at Vydia as Head of Partner Relations and Director of Digital Rights.
DEREK CHANG NAMED PRESIDENT AND CEO OF LIBERTY MEDIA: Liberty Media, the largest shareholder in Live Nation, has appointed Derek Chang as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. Chang is a seasoned executive with experience across global media, sports, and entertainment, and will assume his role on February 1, 2025. In the interim, John Malone, Chairman of Liberty Media, will continue serving as the CEO. Chang’s career spans leadership roles at companies including EverPass Media, NBA, DIRECTV, Scripps Networks, Charter, and TCI. Liberty Media is best known for its investments in entertainment entities like Formula One Group, SiriusXM, and Live Nation, with Live Nation being its largest asset, representing a third of its portfolio. In addition to Chang’s appointment, Liberty Media is undergoing a corporate restructuring and plans to spin off its Liberty Live Group into a separate public entity. As part of this move, its subsidiary Quint will be transferred from the Formula One Group to the new Liberty Live Group, with the final transaction value dependent on future assessments. Before his role at Liberty Media, Chang was Executive Chairman at EverPass Media, a company he co-founded to create a new platform for distributing premium sports content to commercial venues. He also served as CEO of NBA China from 2018 to 2020, where he expanded the NBA’s footprint in the region. Chang will step down from his role as Executive Chairman at EverPass Media but will remain on its board as he transitions into his new responsibilities at Liberty Media.
LIVE NATION APPOINTS MILLY OLYKAN AS SR. VP OF ARTIST DEVELOPMENT AND GLOBAL TOURING: Live Nation has named Milly Olykan as its new Senior Vice President of Artist Development & Global Touring, a key role that will see her join the company’s concerts division in January. Olykan will report directly to Omar Al-Joulani, the President of Touring. In her new position, Olykan will focus on advancing Live Nation’s country and Americana strategy across the globe. She comes to Live Nation from the Country Music Association (CMA), where she has held the role of Vice President of International Relations & Development since 2018. During her time at the CMA, Olykan assisted in broadening the international presence of country music, building partnerships with industry leaders, and expanding the genre’s global reach. She also led the programming for CMA Fest and served as interim festival director for two years. Before her tenure at CMA, Olykan made contributions to the U.K.’s country music scene as Vice President of Live Music and major arena events at AEG Presents. She was instrumental in launching Country To Country (C2C), the U.K.’s largest country music festival, and establishing the genre’s touring presence in the region. Olykan’s work earned her the CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award for her contributions to country music’s international growth.
WISE MUSIC GROUP ACQUIRES DOBLINGER MUSIKVERLAG: Wise Music Group has expanded its global reach by acquiring Doblinger Musikverlag, the Austrian music publisher known for its classical catalog and deep-rooted history in European music. Wise Music has committed to preserving Doblinger’s operations in Vienna, ensuring a smooth transition for its composers and clients, while also opening new international prospects for the brand. “We are thrilled to welcome Doblinger to the Wise Music family,” said Chris Butler, Director of Global Rights Development at Wise Music Group. “Doblinger has been a cornerstone of Austrian music publishing for nearly 150 years, with an outstanding catalog that includes works by seminal composers including Walter Kaufmann, Gottfried von Einem, Friedrich Cerha, Egon Wellesz and Joseph Beer, and vibrant contemporary voices including Rainer Bischof, Wolfram Wagner, Roland Batik, José Cura, Christoph Ehrenfellner, Johanna Doderer, Tomasz Skweres and Tanja Elisa Glinsner.
CLUB CLASS MUSIC MANAGEMENT NAMES MATT SMALLWOOD AS HEAD OF MUSIC: Club Class Music Management has named Matt Smallwood as its new Head of Music. Prior to this role, Smallwood served as head of A&R and label manager at Toolroom Records, where he played a pivotal role in developing both rising and established talent. At Club Class, he will focus on artist development while enhancing the company’s overall music strategy. The Club Class roster includes names like Meduza, James Hype, Tita Lau, Nancie, Gok Wan, and MistaJam. With more than ten years in the music industry, Smallwood has earned a reputation as a prominent figure in electronic music, known for conducting successful campaigns at Toolroom Records.
AEG PRESENTS NAMES WESTON HEBERT AS VP OF GLOBAL TOURING: Weston Hebert has been named Vice President of global touring at AEG Presents. Previously with Live Nation, where he held the role of talent buyer, Hebert now takes on the responsibility of shaping and executing AEG’s global touring strategy. He will report directly to Rich Schaefer, President, Global Touring, and will be based in the company’s Nashville office. Hebert’s career began at WME Nashville, where he played a vital role in expanding the agency’s country music touring business internationally. Before joining AEG, he was a talent buyer for Live Nation in the Great Lakes region, overseeing bookings and programming at a variety of venues. Hebert’s career also includes promoting tours and bookings for rising artists such as The Red Clay Strays, Gavin Adcock, and Lawrence. Rich Schaefer said, “We’re excited to welcome Weston to global touring, boosting our presence in Nashville. We’ve been watching Weston’s development as a touring promoter from afar and have been impressed by his relationships with the artist community, managers and agents and his impeccable taste in music. We’re looking forward to Weston being a significant contributor to our team.”
CALIFORNIA COPYRIGHT CONFERENCE’S WEBINAR: The California Copyright Conference will host a webinar featuring Charley Londoño, Ashley Joyce, Michelle Lewis and Adam Parness to discuss the growing tensions between Spotify and the music publishing community on January 14th, between 2:30-3:30pm via Zoom. At the center of this dispute is Spotify’s recent decision to reduce its payments of streaming mechanical royalties to songwriters and music publishers. Spotify’s reasoning asserts that it qualifies for a discounted rate for premium subscriptions that it bundles with other services, calling these “Bundled Subscription Offerings.” This move has sparked controversy and legal battles, as publishers argue that it undermines fair compensation. Key topics of discussion will include: The CRB Phonorecords IV Settlement and Rate Determination, Spotify’s Position on Bundling and Discounted Rates, The Mechanical Licensing Collective vs. Spotify, A deep dive into the ongoing complaint filed by the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) against Spotify, NMPA’s Legislative Efforts, FTC Complaint Against Spotify, Congressional Concerns and the Music Modernization Act, The Stance of Other DSPs. This session will provide valuable insights into the ongoing legal and industry battles affecting songwriters, publishers, and streaming platforms. Whether you’re an industry professional, an attorney, or simply interested in the evolving landscape of music royalties, this discussion will be valuable in giving insight. This virtual event has been approved by the State Bar of California for 1 hour of Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) credit. The California Copyright Conference (CCC) certifies that the activity complies with the standards for approved education activities set by the State Bar. After the session, your attendance will be confirmed via Zoom tracking, and your certificate of completion will be emailed to the address you provided at registration. Advance reservation is required for this event. CCC members can attend for free, while non-members are charged $5 (USD) per person. The registration deadline is Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 1:30 PM PT.
NEED TO MAKE CONTACT, SEND NEWS AND NEW MUSIC RELEASES?: If you have any A&R, publishing, technology, agent/promoter, international radio, management, new media or film/TV music supervisor news you’d like to share with A&R Worldwide, or need to respond to information published in the weekly newsletter please E–mail it to the attention of info@anrworldwide.com. Also, all demos and new music releases should be sent as STREAMING LINKS ONLY to info@anrworldwide.com.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT:Gary Spivack, Mike Caren, Nima Khalilian, Marek Hojda, Andre Recke, Milana Rabkin, Josh Sarubin, Mary Rahmani, Jobst Neerman, Mike Daly, Abhishek Patil, Evan Lamberg, Nora Felder, and Max Lousada.
Share this:
