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A&R Worldwide Newsletter Vol. 870

A&R WORLDWIDE AND MUSEXPO 2025 TEAM UP WITH
RED BULL RECORDS & ICON COLLECTIVE
FOR THE INAUGURAL GLOBAL SYNC AND A&R SUMMIT SONGWRITING CAMP

 

 

A&R Worldwide, the global artist discovery and development firm renowned for organizing the annual MUSEXPO conference and showcase event, is excited to announce its groundbreaking collaboration with global independent record label, Red Bull Records and leading A&R and creative institution, Icon Collective.

Together, they will host their first-ever Global Sync and A&R Summit Songwriting Camp, set to take place from March 14 – 15, 2025, at the Icon Collective production studios in Burbank, CA.

This pioneering event will bring together a dynamic mix of A&R representatives, creatives, producers, songwriters, and publishers to create and refine hit songs tailored for A&R and sync briefs. With a focus on real opportunities in sync licensing and artist development, the Global Sync and A&R Summit Songwriting Camp promises to be a game-changer for emerging and established talent alike.

Participants will engage in hands-on songwriting sessions to craft original tracks aimed at fulfilling specific A&R and sync licensing briefs. This collaborative environment is designed to foster creativity and produce music with commercial potential.

Attendees will have the chance to work with industry professionals from A&R Worldwide, Red Bull Records, Icon Collective, and others – providing a unique opportunity to connect with influential professionals and gain insights into the latest trends and opportunities.

Participants will work on actual briefs received by A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO, providing them with practical experience in meeting real-world music industry demands.

Sat Bisla, President & Founder of A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with ICON Collective, Greg Hammer, Managing Director of Red Bull Records, and Kenny “Tick” Salcido, Sr. Vice President/Head of A&R at Red Bull Records, to bring together an international community of creatives. The Global Sync and A&R Summit Songwriting Camp is a unique opportunity to create hit songs for sync and A&R briefs, and to set the stage for the 25th global edition of MUSEXPO, which has been a worldwide leader in sync and A&R activities.”

“With hundreds of thousands of new songs released every day, it’s increasingly challenging for songwriters to cut through the noise,” says Greg Hammer. “We hope this camp will give creatives the tools to make a greater impact with their music and cultivate meaningful connections with the sync and A&R community. Bridging that gap for rising artists is in Red Bull Records’ DNA so we’re excited to be involved in this inaugural event.”

“Over the last 25 years, Sat and his team have done an incredible job empowering up-and-coming artists through A&R Worldwide,” added Kenny “Tick” Salcido. “That’s why we loved the idea of a Sync & Songwriting summit. We share a commitment to true artist development and along with ICON Collective, we’re looking forward to discovering the next wave of hitmakers next March.”

Chevy B, CEO of Icon Collective adds, “At Icon Collective, we’re all about empowering artists to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible. Partnering with Red Bull Records and A&R Worldwide for this global writing camp is a chance to elevate that mission. We’re beyond excited to see the raw creativity and game-changing music that will emerge from this powerhouse collaboration.”

Participants who are already registered for MUSEXPO 2025 will be considered for this exclusive songwriting camp. More info will be shared in a forthcoming announcement. Final selections will be made no later than February 17, 2025, followed by an announcement on Monday, February 24, 2025, of the confirmed participants. Interested individuals are encouraged to register for MUSEXPO 2025 for priority consideration.

MUSEXPO 2025 will also be making a charitable contribution from this year’s event to support those affected by the recent fires in our local community including vendors and their families who are now more than ever reliant on work to help them keep their staff employed during the rebuilding process of the recent disaster.

For more information on MUSEXPO, or to register to attend, visit www.musexpo.net.

 


GLOBAL COUNTRY SENSATION GARETH
SIGNS PUBLISHING DEAL WITH BMG

 

 

Northern Ireland-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Gareth has announced the signing of a new publishing deal with BMG, paired with the release of his latest single, “Last Thing I Do,” which was released on January 17th via Walk Off Entertainment.

Pictured (L-R) are Jason Fletcher (Tour Manager), Ciara Newell-Bailey (BMG), Gareth, and Cassie Mcilroy (BMG)

The partnership with BMG marks a pivotal moment for Gareth, setting the stage for the next chapter in his career. Gareth stated, “I feel truly fortunate to be in such great hands at BMG. They see my vision as a songwriter and artist and I am ready to get to work!”

Ciara Newell-Bailey, Sr. Director, Creative (Publishing) BMG, said, “We are delighted to welcome Gareth to BMG. His deep love for music, his roots, and his hometown shines through in his writing style. Writing from the heart, his lyrics resonate with honesty and emotion, all complemented by his stunning and beautiful voice. Gareth’s talents know no bounds, and we are thrilled to be part of his creative team and to support him on his musical journey.”

Born and raised in Castlederg, Northern Ireland, Gareth is gaining international traction for blending his Irish roots with a love for country music and storytelling. From his start playing in Northern Ireland pubs for £50 a night, his breakthrough came in 2024 with his viral cover of “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan, which amassed over 25 million views and 15 million streams. The buzz from that cover led to his projects Covers (From Across the Pond) and his debut original EP Changing Seasons, which together have garnered over 25 million streams and significant airplay on stations such as SiriusXM‘s The Highway and Absolute Country Radio. His rise has also seen him share stages with Brett Young and The 502s while earning him a loyal fanbase.

Alongside the release of “Last Thing I Do,” fans can look forward to an upcoming visualizer and acoustic video.

Looking ahead, Gareth’s 2025 plans include hitting the road with BMG/BBR recording artist Chayce Beckham, performing at the C2C Country to Country festival, and embarking on his first headlining European tour.

 


SONY MUSIC ACQUIRES CZECH REPUBLIC LABEL SUPRAPHON

 

Sony Music Entertainment has expanded its footprint in Central Europe with the acquisition of Supraphon. Founded in 1932, Supraphon has been a cornerstone of the Czech and Slovak music landscapes, earning a reputation as one of the region’s most esteemed and enduring labels.

Pictured (L-R) are Martin Kudla (Supraphon), Nathan Hunt (Sony Music Entertainment), Iva Milerová (Supraphon), Arina Dmitrieva (Sony Music Entertainment), Libor Holeček (Supraphon), Daniel Lieberberg (Sony Music Entertainment), and Philipp von Esebeck (Sony Music Entertainment)

Over the decades, Supraphon has amassed a catalog from a plethora of genres, including pop and rock to folk, jazz, classical, and soundtracks. The label’s contributions extend beyond music, as it has also embraced spoken word and podcasts.

Supraphon’s artist roster includes names such as Karel Gott, Lucie Bílá, Marek Ztracený, Škwor, Olympic, Hana Zagorová, and Václav Neckár. The label also represents classical musicians like the Pavel Haas Quartet, Ivan Moravec, and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, among many others.

The Czech music industry has seen consistent growth, with the recorded music market reaching $84.1 million (USD) in 2023. Streaming continues to be the driving force behind this expansion, accounting for more than 60% of the market and experiencing an 18.1% increase year upon year. Furthermore, Czech artists took a commanding presence in the market with seven of the Top 10 songs and albums in 2023 being by Czech performers.

“Supraphon is a cornerstone of Czech music heritage, with an invaluable catalog and a commitment to promoting Czech and Slovak talent that aligns perfectly with Sony Music’s dedication to artist development,” said Daniel Lieberberg, President, Sony Music Entertainment, Continental Europe & Africa. “We are proud to welcome Supraphon to the company and look forward to empowering local artists with our global expertise, resources, and reach. Together, we will celebrate and elevate Czech music on the international stage.”

Under Sony Music’s ownership, Supraphon will retain its leadership team, with Libor Holecek continuing as Managing Director and Martin Kudla overseeing the label’s repertoire as Executive Director. Iva Milerová, former Chairwoman of The Board, will continue to serve in an advisory capacity, supporting artists and guiding the company through this new chapter.

 


ALL-STAR FIREAID TO HELP S. CALIFORNIA FIRE VICTIMS
EXPANDS TO TWO VENUES

 

 

On Thursday, January 30th, Inglewood, California’s Intuit Dome and Kia Forum will host FireAid, a star-studded charity event aimed at raising funds to help rebuild communities ravaged by wildfires and to support ongoing fire prevention efforts across Southern California.

This one-night-only concert will feature a lineup of artists, including Billie Eilish and Finneas, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gracie Abrams, Green Day, Gwen Stefani, Jelly Roll, Joni Mitchell, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, P!NK, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rod Stewart, Sting, Stephen Stills, Stevie Nicks, Tate McRae, and a special performance by Dave Matthews and John Mayer together for the first time. Additional performers and surprise guests will be revealed shortly. Tickets for both venues will be available starting Wednesday, January 22, at Noon PT via Ticketmaster.

The event will also be accessible to fans worldwide, with FireAid set to be broadcast and streamed live across several platforms, including Apple Music, Apple TV, Max, iHeartRadio, KTLA+, Netflix/Tudum, Paramount+, Prime Video, Twitch‘s Amazon Music Channel, SiriusXM (on LIFE with John Mayer), Spotify, SoundCloud, Veeps, YouTube, and select AMC Theatres in 70 U.S. cities. iHeartRadio, with its network of over 860 radio stations, will serve as the national audio partner, amplifying the concert through its stations and digital platforms.

All funds raised from the concerts at Intuit Dome and Kia Forum will go directly to support the event’s designated charitable causes, with LA Clippers covering the operational costs of the event.

FireAid is being organized by Shelli and Irving Azoff, along with the Azoff family, in partnership with Live Nation and AEG Presents. For more information on how to donate, media credentials, or concert details, visit FireAidLA.org.

 


THE A&R WORLDWIDE PODCAST FEATURING AN INTERVIEW WITH KENNY “TICK” SALCIDO, SR. VICE PRESIDENT / HEAD OF A&R, RED BULL RECORDS

 

 

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 Kenny “Tick” Salcido, Sr. Vice President/Head of A&R, Red Bull Records, and Taylor Jones, Founder & CEO, The Hello Group (THG).

Kenny “Tick” Salcido serves as Sr. Vice President/Head of A&R for Red Bull Records, overseeing all A&R activities including procuring artists and executives, launching new initiatives, and shaping the legacy of the label under Managing Director, Greg Hammer.

Salcido looks after the full roster, elevating culturally impactful artists of all genres such as Albert Hammond Jr (The Strokes), The Aces, Beartooth (Gold-certified), Grammy-nominated rapper Blxst (Platinum-certified), Kofi, Joony, and more. Driven by an artist-friendly ethos, he has also orchestrated several label partnerships including, Wonderchild (Chris LaRocca, JUGGER), the imprint from Grammy-nominated producer WondaGurl, as well as joint ventures with Mind of a Genius (Peter $un) and EVGLE (Blxst, Jay Millian, Joony).

In addition to growing and developing a dynamic artist roster, Salcido oversees all creative initiatives and hires for Red Bull Records Publishing (Eric Aukoustics, Kofi, LordQuest) under which he welcomed the respected Director of Publishing Creative, Chukwudi “Obi” Obi.

Salcido began his career in his late teens working at the Beastie Boys‘ imprint, Grand Royal Records, where he helped produce and commission remixes for the multi-Platinum trio. He later explored his passion for storytelling as a music journalist, cutting his teeth at forward-thinking publications like Grand Royal Magazine and The FADER. Salcido found his calling as an A&R thereafter, spending time at DreamWorks, Epic Records, and most recently, Warner Records where he signed multi-Platinum artist Wiz Khalifa and 3x Grammy-nominated artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Terrace Martin.

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, Kenny and Taylor discuss the evolution of A&R and the current and future state of artist development in a constantly changing ecosystem of music pop culture.

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!

CONNECTING WITH GERMANY’S FKP SKORPIO & FRANCE’S JUNZI ARTS: Enjoying a conversation about the European live music business are longtime friends (L-R) Folkert Koopmans (Founder & CEO, FKP Skorpio), Sat Bisla (President & Founder, A&R Worldwide / MUSEXPO), and Clotaire Buche (Co-Founder & Head of Booking, Junzi Arts).

Folkert Koopmans is one of Europe’s most influential and impactful promoters of live music whose company FKP Skorpio spans offices across Europe, Scandinavia, U.K., and Eastern Europe. The roster of artists FKP promotes has included major acts like The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Ed Sheeran, James Blunt, Sam Fender, Dermot Kennedy, George Ezra, Shawn Mendes, Justin Bieber, and more. Folkert and Sat first met at the very first MUSEXPO and have shared a mutual respect and passion for music ever since, as well as working with some non-German artists and bringing them into the local marketplace.

Meanwhile, Paris-based Clotaire Buche is one of France’s most influential booking agents who has exquisite taste and has represented some of the most talented artists from France, Europe, and beyond including Woodkid, Aaron, Broken Back, Jamie Duffy, Oscar Anton, and others. In addition, Clotaire and Junzi Arts are currently working with pianist Tony Ann (formerly managed by A&R Worldwide‘s Sat Bisla and current Tileyard, Head of A&R, Cathy Mathalone) when he was in the band The Swoons. A&R Worldwide also introduced Clotaire to Dutch electronic artist Thomas Azier, who became one of Holland’s most successful and sync’d artists since Caro Emerald – she was another A&R Worldwide early supported artist before she was signed to any deal outside of Holland.

A&R Worldwide Artist Of The Week

NOEL

 

Swedish musician NOEL has quickly emerged as a rising talent, captivating millions on TikTok with his heartfelt bedroom covers that garnered over 10 million views. Initially focused on football, a career-ending knee injury at 17 led him to explore music, where his natural talent and passion flourished. His debut EP, Headed North, released in early 2024, highlighted his piano-led, tender songwriting and earned acclaim from outlets like Wonderland and Atwood Magazine. Building on that momentum, NOEL’s follow-up EP, Mementos, released in November, highlights his rapid growth as a songwriter, blending climactic arrangements and deeply relatable lyrics. NOEL describes the project to express and embrace complex emotions, combining darker themes with a sense of joy in their creation. Discover the brilliance of NOEL with “Heart Full of Ghosts” HERE, and contact Linnea Dänsel at linnea@blnkmusic.com for additional information and all opportunities worldwide.

 

MATILDA MANN

 

Matilda Mann‘s reflective single “Say It Back” offers an intimate glimpse into her artistry, blending her signature folk-inspired storytelling with polished pop production. The track is part of her forthcoming 14-track debut album, Roxwell, set for release on February 28th via 7476. The album captures the bittersweet journey of growing up, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, tied together by Mann’s witty and evocative lyrics. “Say It Back” joins a series of standout singles, including the sultry “Meet Cute,” the tender “Tell Me That I’m Wrong,” and her brand-new single “Just Because,” all highlighting her versatility and talent. Matilda’s work has garnered acclaim from BBC Radio 1, DIY, NME, and more, while she has also shared stages with artists like Holly Humberstone, Arlo Parks, and Bombay Bicycle Club. Following her collaboration with Wallows at London’s Alexandra Palace, Mann is gearing up for a 15-date U.K./EU tour starting in April, cementing her status as one of the most promising voices of her generation. Enjoy the visual for “Say It Back” HERE, and contact fin@virgomgmt.com for available opportunities and all inquiries on behalf of Matilda Mann.

 

Passport Approved | Global Music Pre-Discovery

“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, January 19th, 2025: 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:

CIRCA WAVES – “American Dream” (Lower Third/[PIAS], U.K.)
GIANT ROOKS – “Mind Control” (Universal Music, Germany)
MONOTRONIC – “Everything Moves” (Unsigned, N. America)
ACROBVT – “A Thousand Times” (Unsigned, U.K.)
GLASS CITIES – “Mad4U” (Unsigned, N. America)
SHOBSY – “Hold Me Up” (Pangea Int’l Music, Ireland)
KAI BOSCH – “Rodeo Romeo” (LAB Records, U.K.)
TEENAGE DADS – “Boarding Pass” (Chugg Music, Australia)
VERONICA FUSARO – “Slot Machine” (Deepive, Switzerland)
THE SHERLOCKS – “Man On The Loose” (Infectious, U.K.)
FIL BO RIVA – “I’m Fine (Alone Again)” (Vertigo/Universal Music, Germany)
DAILY J – “Sunday Stitches” (Unsigned, New Zealand)
VELLA – “All My Love” (Universal Music, Sweden)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Clairvoyant” (Unsigned, N. America)
ARXX – “Trouble” (Republic Of Music, U.K.)
RHETT REPKO – “Every Night” (Unsigned, N. America)
SUNDAY (1994) – “Blossom” (RCA, 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.)
LIME CORDIALE – “Strangers” (Chugg Music, Australia)
PALE WAVES – “Kiss Me Again” (Dirty Hit, U.K.)
THE VICES – “Before It Might Be Gone” (Mattan Records, Holland)
FRANCES LION – “Misbehave” (Century City Records, U.K.)
ONLY THE POETS – “Already There” (EMI, U.K.)
DOPAMINE – “Angela” (Unsigned, Australia)
KINGFISHR – “I Cried, I Wept” (Doonane Records, Ireland)
TALISCO – “We Are” (Roy Music, France)
ADELINE V. LOPEZ – “Drink Up” (Unsigned, N. America)
MASI MASI – “Lesser Man” (Unsigned, U.K.)
CAT SERRANO – “When You Love Me” (Unsigned, N. America)

 

 

Simon Moor & Tim Finn

KOBALT SIGNS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH TIM FINN: Kobalt has announced a global publishing partnership with singer-songwriter Tim Finn. Under this deal, Kobalt will take on the administration of Finn’s entire music catalog, which includes tracks from his time with Split Enz and Crowded House. This includes Split Enz hits like “I Hope I Never,” “I See Red,” and “Six Months In A Leaky Boat,” as well as Crowded House classics such as “Four Seasons In One Day,” “It’s Only Natural,” and “Weather With You,” the latter of which helped catapult the band to fame in both the U.K. and U.S. In addition to his work with these bands, Finn continues to expand his creative reach, contributing songs and compositions to film, television, and musical theatre. “We are thrilled to announce this new partnership with Tim Finn, a legendary figure in the world of music,” said Simon Moor, Managing Director of Kobalt for the APAC region. “From his groundbreaking work with Split Enz to his contributions to Crowded House and his illustrious solo career, Tim has consistently showcased his incredible songwriting talent. This agreement brings together Top 10 hits like ‘Weather With You’ from the Woodface album, ‘Dirty Creature’ and ‘Six Months In A Leaky Boat,’ from Split Enz, solo classics such as ‘Fraction Too Much Friction’ and ‘Persuasion,’ which spent 6 weeks at No.1 on the newly established U.S. radio format Triple A. Having seen Split Enz as my very first concert as a teenager, this collaboration holds a special significance. We look forward to working closely with Tim to bring his music to new audiences and explore creative opportunities globally.”

 

Olly Barnes and Simon Hade

SIMON HADE & OLLY BARNES LAUNCH NEXTBEAT: Simon Hade and Olly Barnes have launched NEXTBEAT, a music-based entertainment company. NEXTBEAT is led by a team that includes CFO Joe Adams and a 30-person team based in London, England. This staff, largely composed of alumni from Space Ape Games, brings expertise in design, development, operations, and music licensing. Both Hade and Barnes’ new venture is backed by Supercell, known for titles like Clash of Clans and Brawl Stars. This partnership follows Supercell’s acquisition of Space Ape Games in 2017, which Hade co-founded in 2012 and where Barnes served as a long-term advisor. Supercell’s majority stake acquisition of Space Ape Games was valued at $56 million (USD), with their share increasing to 75% after the studio’s entry into the music gaming market in 2022. In November 2024, Supercell announced plans to acquire the remaining shares of Space Ape Games. As part of the acquisition, Hade and Barnes spun out two of Space Ape’s music and gaming platforms – Beatstar and Countrystar – into NEXTBEAT, with Supercell taking an active minority stake, complemented by substantial external investment. Beatstar launched globally in 2021, was developed over five years within Space Ape Games, with Hade serving as COO and Barnes leading music strategy and rights acquisition. With nearly 100 million lifetime downloads and expectations to surpass $200 million in lifetime revenue by the end of the year, Beatstar is recognized as the top-grossing music game series in the West. It has also received numerous awards, including Google‘s Players Choice, Apple‘s Editors’ Choice, and Game of the Year at the Mobile Game Awards in 2022.

 

KORDA MARSHALL MADE HONORARY DOCTOR OF MUSIC / MUSIC EDUCATION & AI: Mushroom Music has announced that renowned music executive and A&R aficionado Korda Marshall, the Managing Director of Mushroom Music, has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Music by the University of West London. Korda joins a group of past honorees, including Pete Townshend of The Who, who, like Korda, has ties to the University of West London, alongside Freddie Mercury and Ronnie Wood. Over the course of his career, Marshall has assisted in shaping the careers of some of the world’s most influential artists. With forty years in the music business, Korda’s career began at RCA in 1983 and has since included roles at Atlantic Records, Warner Music Group, BMG, and Mushroom Records. Marshall also co-founded the labels Infectious and Contagious, and he was instrumental in launching the careers of artists, such as Eurythmics, Muse, The Darkness, Garbage, Madonna, Green Day, The Prodigy, Morrissey, and many more, as well as signing The Temper Trap to their first global deal (ex-Australia). In 2022, Korda made a return to Mushroom Music as International Director, where he helped secure a global partnership with Virgin Music Label & Artist Services (VLMAS).

 

ARMADA MUSIC PUBLISHING EXTENDS DEALS WITH NERVO & DJ REINIER ZONNEVELD: Armada Music Publishing has extended its partnerships with dance music duo Nervo and Reinier Zonneveld, while also renewing a substantial portion – 90% – of its sub-publishing agreements with clients. In its collaboration with Australian DJ duo Nervo, Armada Music Publishing will focus on artist development, including new releases and writing sessions with external collaborators. Nervo, who have written and produced hits for artists like Kylie Minogue, Ke$ha, Miley Cyrus, and Afrojack, are known for their ability to craft anthems that resonate across dance floors worldwide. Armada holds the publishing rights to some of their most popular tracks, including “Worlds Collide” and Sofi Tukker‘s “Best Friend” (featuring The Knocks & Alisa Ueno). Meanwhile, Armada’s partnership with Dutch DJ and producer Reinier Zonneveld continues to evolve, with a renewed focus on expanding his international presence and fostering collaborations with other leading artists. Since their initial agreement in 2021, Armada has helped shape Zonneveld’s identity as a live performer. In 2024 alone, Zonneveld performed over one hundred shows, with a back-to-back set alongside his AI alter ego at the R2 Festival, which drew more than 30,000 attendees in the Netherlands. He is now gearing up for his debut U.S. headline tour in spring 2025. Armada Music Publishing controls the publishing rights to some of Zonneveld’s most notable tracks, including “Flying Octopus” (featuring Hi-Lo and Oliver Heldens), “CSE,” and “Fist On Acid” (featuring Angerfirst).

 

DEEZER AND SACEM ALIGN ON ARTIST-CENTRIC PAYMENT SYSTEM FOR PUBLISHING RIGHTS: Deezer and SACEM have rolled out a new artist-focused payment system (ACPS) for publishing rights in France, signaling a shift in how artists are compensated. This is being touted as the first major change to the publishing remuneration model since the advent of streaming more than 15 years ago. The new system aims to ensure that artists and creators with loyal, engaged audiences receive a fairer share of revenue. While this update focuses on publishing rights, it builds on Deezer’s 2023 introduction of a similar artist-centric approach for recording rights, which rewards artists based on the engagement of their fan base rather than just overall streaming volume. Alexis Lanternier, CEO, Deezer, said “At Deezer, we continuously innovate for the benefit of the music ecosystem, and we are thrilled to partner with SACEM to introduce the world’s first update to the remuneration model for publishing in the streaming era. Our model ensures that a higher share of what subscribers pay goes to the artists they love, while also counteracting fraudulent streaming behavior. Through this partnership, we are pleased to offer these key benefits to songwriters, composers, and publishers represented by SACEM.” Cécile Rap-Veber, CEO, SACEM, added, “Since the advent of streaming, numerous debates have emerged about a more equitable distribution of revenue. The ACPS, developed in France with Deezer, moves in this direction by rewarding true music, excluding noise, and better accounting for the diversity of aesthetics and genres listened to on the platform.

 

CHELSEA SONGS REVEALS CATALOG DEALS: Nearly a year after its debut, Chelsea Songs has unveiled a string of deals in the past 12 months. Launched in February 2024, Chelsea Songs Limited is a joint venture between music executive Eddie Levy and independent publisher Bucks Music Group. Since its inception, the company has secured rights to a range of music catalogs, including those of Robert Palmer, Art Garfunkel, and other songwriters. Chelsea Songs initially launched with a roster, including the catalogs of Bill Withers, André Rieu, and a variety of others. In the past year, the company has added even more names to its portfolio, such as Lynsey Paul, Johnnie Wilder, Tim Fraser, David Mindel, Magic Frog Music, Phil Wainman‘s Utopia Music, and Francis Lai‘s Edition 23. Also, some tracks already acquired include Dean Martin‘s “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head,” Frank Sinatra‘s “Come Fly With Me” and “All The Way,” Bill Withers’ “Just The Two of Us” and “Lovely Day,” Mason Williams‘ “Classical Gas,” The Hues Corporation‘s “Rock The Boat,” Maxine Nightingale‘s “Right Back Where We Started From,” and Heatwave‘s “Mind Blowing Decisions.” In addition to these catalogs, Chelsea Songs has partnered with several labels, including Heavenly, Nude, Full Time Hobby, Brownswood, Rekids, and Arts & Crafts.

 

DICE SELLS ELECTRONIC MUSIC PLATFORM BOILER ROOM TO SUPERSTRUCT: Superstruct Entertainment has acquired the Boiler Room platform from DICE. DICE originally purchased Boiler Room, an electronic music livestream hub, in 2021, right after securing $122 million (USD) in Series C funding. To date, DICE has raised over $200 million, including a $65 million funding round in August 2023, led by MUSIC, the investment firm co-founded by Matt Pincus and LionTree. Other contributors to this round included Structural Capital and Ahdritz Holding LLC, the investment vehicle of Kobalt Music‘s Founder, Willard Ahdritz. This sale of Boiler Room comes just six months after reports surfaced that DICE was in discussions to sell a significant share of its business, potentially valuing it in the hundreds of millions. The deal also follows Superstruct Entertainment’s acquisition by private equity giant KKR from Providence Equity Partners, valued at $1.39 billion, according to the Financial Times. KKR made this move through its European Fund VI, a $8 billion initiative focusing on high-growth businesses. As part of the deal, Providence had the option to invest around $267 million into Superstruct, and in October 2024, investment firm CVC joined KKR in supporting Superstruct’s expansion. Despite the change in ownership, Boiler Room’s existing leadership team will continue to oversee operations, with the platform maintaining its identity and receiving backing from Superstruct’s global resources. DICE will also remain the exclusive ticketing partner for Boiler Room. Founded by Blaise Bellville, Boiler Room is now present in 120 markets worldwide and reported over a billion views online in 2024.

 

RESERVOIR ACQUIRES LASTRADA ENTERTAINMENT PUBLISHING CATALOG: Reservoir Media has announced the acquisition of Lastrada Entertainment‘s publishing catalog, which comprises over 5,600 songs. Lastrada Entertainment, founded in 1987 by Herb Moelis as a family-owned business, has been overseen by his sons, Stephen, and Larry Moelis, since its inception. Over the past 40 years, the company has amassed a catalog featuring a blend of classic and modern hits. Notable songs in the catalog include Jim Croce‘s tracks “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” and “Time in A Bottle,” Captain & Tennille‘s Grammy-winning “Love Will Keep Us Together,” Zapp‘s “More Bounce To The Ounce,” and The Whispers‘ enduring “And The Beat Goes On.” The catalog is also known for its lasting cultural impact, particularly through its widespread use in sampling, which has led to popular hits across decades. Landmark songs like 2Pac‘s “California Love,” Mariah Carey‘s “We Belong Together,” and Will Smith‘s “Miami” are part of the legacy, along with numerous others. Additionally, the catalog includes music by artists such as Neil Sedaka, Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell, The Carpenters, Pitbull, Eminem, Notorious B.I.G., Leon Bridges, and H.E.R.

 

MELODY RIGHTS LAUNCHES NEW RIGHTS MANAGEMENT & DISTRO PLATFORM: U.K.-based company, Melody Rights, has launched a music tech platform designed to transform how music creators manage and monetize their content. Melody Rights will focus on providing a unique approach to music distribution, specifically targeting revenue streams that extend beyond major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. While the company does handle distribution, it differentiates itself by emphasizing “behind the scenes” work to ensure that artists get paid for every instance their music is played, streamed, synced, or downloaded. Melody Rights claims its primary goal is not to compete in the mainstream streaming space but to tap into alternative income opportunities, including stock music, gaming, and social music sectors, with plans for rapid expansion into more niches. Melody Rights will focus on music monetization through platforms that license content for videos, games, and other digital experiences. It registers music on micro-stock platforms like AudioSparx, Motion Elements, Pond5, and DepositPhotos, ensuring that creators can earn from these revenue streams. It also supports music sales for game developers on platforms such as Itch.io and Game Dev Marketplace, while also uploading tracks to platforms like SoundCloud, MixCloud, Bandcamp, and ReverbNation. The company says its key selling point is its ability to track where music is being played or sold, helping creators capture income that might otherwise slip through the cracks. Melody Rights describes itself as an extra team member dedicated to ensuring artists receive every penny they’re owed, whether from publishing royalties, neighboring rights, traditional and digital mechanicals, or Content ID income from platforms like YouTube. Melody Rights offers different packages for artists, producers, and labels. The company is founded by British composer, sound designer, and songwriter Bobby Cole.

 

CONCORD PROMOTES LIDIA KIM TO NEW DIGITAL DIVISION FOR BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS IN PUBLISHING: Concord has announced the promotion of Lidia Kim to Sr. Vice President of its newly established Digital Division of Business & Legal Affairs for Concord Music Publishing. Based in New York, Kim will continue to report to Amanda Molter, Concord’s General Counsel. In her new role, Kim will lead Concord’s global digital business initiatives, focusing on the development and implementation of licensing strategies and rights enforcement across digital platforms. She and her team will manage direct deal negotiations, oversee digital licensing, settlements, and business development, and strengthen DSP partnerships for Concord Music Publishing. Kim’s team will collaborate closely with Jim Selby, Chief Publishing Officer, and Duff Berschback, Executive VP of Publishing Business & Legal Affairs, to further modernize and optimize the company’s global digital rights network. She has been with Concord since its 2017 acquisition of Imagem, where she played a crucial role in handling legal and business affairs for publishing, including songwriter agreements, rights acquisitions, and licensing matters. Kim also supported Concord’s expansion, advising on due diligence and helping streamline processes across various acquisitions, ensuring a unified approach to its growing catalog.

 

CALDECOTT MUSIC ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS: Caldecott Music Group has announced two leadership changes across its divisions. David Nam Le has been promoted to Managing Director of Vista Musical Instruments, while Jon Bahr has joined BandLab Technologies as Sr. Advisor for Artist & Label Services. Bahr brings experience to his role at BandLab, having previously served as Vice President of Business Development & Strategy at Downtown Music Holdings, where he collaborated with companies like CD Baby and FUGA. Before that, he had a long tenure at ASCAP, rising to the position of Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications. In his new position, Bahr will be overseeing and expanding BandLab’s range of artist services, which encompass licensing, distribution, publishing, and strategic industry partnerships. Both Bahr and Le will report directly to Meng Ru Kuok. CEO, Caldecott Music. Le, who has been with Vista Musical Instruments for several years, steps into his new role after serving as General Manager. His journey at Vista began at Swee Lee, the brand under Vista, shortly after Kuok’s acquisition of the company. Over the years, Le has held various positions, including category management, buying, and product development, playing a key role in the relaunch of Harmony Guitars and the acquisitions of MONO and Heritage Guitars. As Managing Director, Le will focus on higher-level strategy and cross-departmental initiatives to further drive Vista’s growth.

 

GRAND OLE OPRY OWNER ACQUIRES MAJORITY STAKE IN SOUTHERN ENTERTAINMENT: Opry Entertainment Group (OEG), the parent company of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, is stepping into the festival scene with the acquisition of a majority share in Southern Entertainment. The terms of the deal were not made public. Southern Entertainment, founded in 2015 by Bob Durkin and Rob Pedlow, is behind several well-known country music festivals, including the Carolina Country Music Fest in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Barefoot Country Music Fest in Wildwood, New Jersey; and the Lovin’ Life Music Fest in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company also oversees festivals in Greenville, South Carolina, and will launch the Field & Stream Music Fest in Winnsboro, South Carolina, in 2025. Over the years, Southern has produced more than 500 events, with its Myrtle Beach festival standing as the flagship. As part of the agreement, Durkin and Pedlow will remain at the helm of Southern Entertainment, ensuring continuity in the company’s operations. This acquisition expands OEG’s reach into the live event space, which is mostly known for its focus on country music through its Grand Ole Opry and related ventures. OEG is majority-owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties. The merger will allow OEG to incorporate its artist development programs into Southern Entertainment’s festival circuit, showcasing performances from Grand Ole Opry members and artists from the Opry NextStage initiative. Moving forward, the combined organization plans to create more artist-focused experiences and explore new markets for its growing festival portfolio.

 

SONOS BOSS PATRICK SPENCE STEPS DOWNS AS CEO & BOARD MEMBER: Patrick Spence has resigned from his role as CEO and Board member of Sonos, effective immediately. In the wake of Spence’s departure, the Board has appointed Tom Conrad, an independent director since 2017, as Interim CEO, also taking effect today. Sonos announced on January 13th that it has begun a search for a permanent CEO and stated that it is committed to finding a leader who can continue to build on Sonos’ legacy of innovation and customer service while also driving the company’s growth and profitability. Sonos has emphasized that the leadership change is not related to the company’s upcoming fiscal Q1 (calendar Q4) results, set to be announced on February 6, 2025. The company provided no additional updates regarding its performance at this time. For the third quarter of 2024 (fiscal Q4), ending in September, Sonos reported revenues of $1.52 billion (USD), reflecting an 8% year-over-year decline. The company attributed this drop to weaker demand in a challenging market environment, as well as issues tied to the recent app rollout.

 


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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Phil Harvey, Joshua Berkman, Steven Melrose, Dina Lapolt, Ryan Kofman, Mandy Gabriel, Ken Ogihara, Nadja Kuppel, Gregg Nadel, Thomas Scherer, Ian Montone, John Fleckenstein, Paul Spraggon, Edison Waters, and Harri Davies.

 

 

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