AMAZON MGM STUDIOS, ANOMALY, APM MUSIC, BLACK & WHITE MUSIC, EA GAMES, FANDUEL, FORMAT, MUSIC GROWS BRANDS, NETFLIX, PARAMOUNT, SONGRUNNER, TRAILER PARK, UNIVERSAL PICTURES, & MANY MORE JOIN THE MUSEXPO 2025 FOCUS ON SYNC IN ADVERTISING, GAMES, FILM, TRAILERS, TV & BEYOND
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.
This year’s event will highlight MUSEXPO’s 25th global edition of its annual music supervisor and sync-focused forums, which was originally launched back in 2005, making MUSEXPO the longest-running annual global music business conference with sync integration across film, TV, trailers, advertising, video games, and beyond.
Over the years, MUSEXPO also has helped other conferences and events in France, England, Scotland, Holland, Australia, Sweden, India, UAE, Germany, Canada, Czech Republic, and many other countries educate their respective markets on the importance of music licensing and sync. In addition, MUSEXPO was the first conference in the world to launch the annual Global Sync & Brands Summit, which it originally launched with the support of A&R Worldwide back in 2009.
This year’s MUSEXPO has also confirmed dozens of music supervisors, and sync executives to participate in its event with many more to be announced in the next few weeks.
Some of the confirmed the sync and licensing executives already confirmed include: Adam Brodsky – Founder & Music Supervisor, Woolly Music; Adam Taylor – President & CEO, APM Music; Adrian Sosa – Head of Music, Latin America/Brazil/Australia/New Zealand/Canada, Amazon MGM Studios; Anton Monsted – Head of Music, Original Movies (U.S.), Amazon MGM Studios; Ben Dorenfeld – Director of Music, Anomaly; Bob Bowen – Worldwide Head of Music, Amazon MGM Studios; Bobby Gumm – Vice President, Trailer Park; Gwen Bethel Riley – Founder, GBProductions; Janine Kerr – Vice President Music, FanDuel Sports Network; Jasmin Benward – Music Supervisor & Director Sync Licensing, WVZ MFG Publishing Co.; Jason Bentley – President, Bentley Media Ventures; Jen Malone – Music Supervisor, Head of Black & White Music; Joe Belliotti – Founder & CEO, Music Grows Brands; Julia Michels – Music Supervisor, Format Entertainment; Justin Bumper Reeve – Sr. Vice President, Global Sync, Virgin Music Group; Katie Romanovich – Associate Music Supervisor, Format Entertainment; Livy Rodriguez-Behar – Music Supervisor & Founder, Dreamboat Music; Liza Richardson – Head of Music, Original Series (U.S.), Amazon MGM Studios; Louisa Rainbird – Head of Music, European Union, Amazon MGM Studios; Marc Mondello – Music Supervisor & Founder, Makana Music; Mason Cooper – Music Supervisors & President, Songrunner Entertainment; Mike Knobloch – President, Music & Publishing, NBCUniversal; Ramprasad “Ram” Sundar – Head of Music, Amazon MGM Studios, India & Asia Pacific; Raphaella Lima – Global Music Supervision Marketing & Partnerships, EA Games; Ron Broitman – Executive VP, Global Sync, Warner Music Group – Recorded Music; Sabrina Del Priore – Sr. Vice President, Creative Music Strategy, Scripted & Variety, Paramount Global; Sam Hayflich – Director, Creative Music Strategy, Paramount Global, and many more to be announced soon.
If you’d like to register to attend MUSEXPO to participate in the sync panels and interact with the music supervisors during the sync and brands summit, you can sign up HERE.
Also, 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.
For more information about MUSEXPO, sponsorship, partnerships, group organization discounts, hotel reservations, and to register to attend the event, log on to www.musexpo.net, or contact info@anrworldwide.com.
ROBIN CH’I NAMED AS MANAGING DIRECTOR
OF WARNER MUSIC HONG KONG
Warner Music Hong Kong has announced the appointment of Robin Ch’i as its new Managing Director, effective immediately. He will report directly to Simon Robson, who leads Warner Music Group‘s recorded business in the Asia-Pacific region until a permanent replacement is named. Robin Ch’i’s appointment comes as Gordon Lee, who has served as Managing Director since 2003, prepares to retire after two decades of leadership.

Under Gordon’s guidance, the company not only achieved financial growth (expanding revenue by 2.5 times over the last five years) but also played a vital role in shaping the careers of some of the region’s most influential artists. He established Warner Music Hong Kong’s artist management division, nurturing talents such as Janice Vidal, Khalil Fong, Pakho Chau, Dear Jane, Kaho Hung, MC Cheung Tin-Fu, and Panther Chan.
Gordon Lee says, “Music has always been a source of magic for me; it’s not just my career, but a passion that enriches my life. I’m grateful to everyone at Warner Music Group, especially my dedicated team, whose support has been invaluable. I also want to thank our artists for their trust, allowing us to help them realize their dreams. I have personally chosen Robin as my successor; he has been actively involved in the development of many artists and the business alongside me, and I am confident he will excel in this role.”
Simon Robson adds, “Gordon’s impact on the music industry is significant, and we are thankful for his dedication. We are sure that Robin will lead the company with the same passion and commitment, ensuring we continue to support artists and innovate in this dynamic industry.”
Stepping into this role, Robin has over 15 years of experience at Warner Music Group, where he most recently served as Director of A&R, Brand, and Business. Prior to this, he spent four years with Warner Chappell Music, honing his skills in talent discovery and creative development. Robin’s background in A&R, coupled with his strategic approach to artist and brand management, positions him well to continue building on the solid foundation laid by Gordon, driving both artistic innovation and business growth.
EAJ SIGNS WORLDWIDE RECORD DEAL WITH POSITION MUSIC
Tyler Bacon, President & CEO, Position Music, has revealed that eaJ, the solo musical project of Jae Park, has officially signed a global label deal with the company. Known for his time as a member of the South Korean rock band DAY6, Jae left the group to embark on a personal musical path, marking a step forward in his solo career.

Born in Argentina and raised in the U.S., Jae Park, who performs under the name eaJ, decided to leave college and move to Korea in search of a place in the thriving music scene. He was then recruited to join DAY6, where he aided in the band’s success over seven years. In 2021, Jae made the decision to depart from the group and go solo, leading to the release of his debut single, “Car Crash.” Within just three days, the song amassed over a million views and four million streams.
Since then, eaJ has collaborated with artists like MAX, Rich Brian, keshi, Seori, and DPR Live. With a sold-out world tour already under his belt and numerous festival performances, eaJ is now preparing for his 2025 tour schedule.
“We are truly honored and excited to embark on this new chapter with Position. Their passion for artistry and dedication to innovation resonates deeply with eaJ’s vision. We’re looking forward to building something meaningful together and can’t wait to share what’s ahead with the fans,” stated Coulter Reynolds and Jerren Devine of Reynolds Management.
Joe Brooks, A&R, Position Music, added, “When I first listened to Jae’s song ‘Pacman,’ I was impressed by his ability to create genre-bending music. He’s not just an incredible singer, but also a killer musician, performer, and writer. He has a keen eye for aesthetics and truly embodies the full package. Paired with consummate pros like Jerren Devine and Coulter Reynolds of Reynolds Management, there is no limit to what this team can accomplish.”
SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING EXPANDS INTO THAILAND
Sony Music Publishing has unveiled its new flagship office in Thailand, indicating a leap in its commitment to cultivating and promoting Thai songwriters both within the local market and globally.

As part of this expansion, Sony Music Publishing has appointed Tatchara Longprasert as General Manager of the Thailand operation, effective immediately. Based in Bangkok, Longprasert will report directly to Carol Ng, President, Asia, Sony Music Publishing. This move makes Sony Music Publishing the first global music publisher to establish a resolute local team providing full publishing services in Thailand. In his role, Longprasert will lead efforts to grow the company’s creative and commercial opportunities in the Thai market.
With over ten years of experience in the music industry and business, Longprasert, prior to joining Sony Music Publishing, served as A&R Director at Sonray Music. Also, he previously held positions at Warner Music Thailand, BEC World PLC (Thai Television Channel 3), and SM Entertainment, where he was part of the international business team.
Carol Ng, stated, “Thailand has a rich tapestry of sounds and stories. With the fast-paced growth of Thai repertoire, more artists are looking for a dedicated music publishing company, with high-value global networks and expertise, to look after the publishing side of their work. We look forward to welcoming many talented and creative songwriters to Sony Music Publishing Thailand and enabling their work to be heard globally.”
Longprasert added, “I am extremely excited to be a part of this new journey in Thailand, which will allow us to support local talent whilst expanding their global network. This is a significant step, and we are proud to contribute to the ongoing growth of the Thai creative community.”
THE A&R WORLDWIDE PODCAST FEATURING AN INTERVIEW WITH SHIVAM MALHOTRA, FOUNDER & CEO, MALSONS MEDIA (INDIA)
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 Shivam Malhotra, Founder & CEO, Malsons Media (India), and Taylor Jones, Founder & CEO, The Hello Group (THG).
Under Shivam’s leadership, Malsons has formed groundbreaking partnerships with A-list global Indian music artists such as Shubh, Jubin Nautiyal, Gravity, JXGGI, and many more. Shivam’s enterprising spirit and visionary approach drive Malsons 40 billion digital footprint, cutting across music, films, TV, OTT, and live concerts.
He has been recognized as one of “Times Most Influential Personalities” by Economic Times Ascent, India. Also, Shivam has led Malsons to win prestigious awards such as Business Connect‘s “Startup of the Year,” Brands Impact‘s “Best Entertainment and Tech Startup” and helped to enable Shubh to secure “Artist of the Year “(2023) Award at the Canadian Music Week. Shivam will be participating in this year’s 25th global edition of MUSEXPO in Burbank, California.
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 over 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 is currently expanding his creative and business impact across India and South Asia.
Together, Shivam and Taylor discuss the evolution of India’s music market, A&R, management, and the opportunities ahead in one of the world’s fastest-growing music 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!

MUSEXPO 2006 was the first global music business conference in the world where YouTube‘s Co-Founder, Chad Hurley had an opportunity to speak directly with stakeholders within the global music business.
As MUSEXPO celebrates its 25th global edition this year, it has consistently maintained its mantra as one of the world’s leading independent music business and showcases events that brings together both the upper echelons of the worldwide music industry but also embraces the independent sectors in an authentic and inspirational manner.
The event has brought together some of the most inspiring, influential, and entrepreneurial artists, creatives, executives, and companies from around the world. And March 2025 will be no different, as MUSEXPO is already putting together some incredible and inspiring keynotes and panels to continue to elevate the conference as an essential connector and inspiration to the global music industry.
DEAD CHIC
Dead Chic‘s latest single, “Pain Love Joy,” exemplifies the band’s ability to craft deeply evocative and emotionally charged music. Introduced as a bonus track on the live edition of their acclaimed EP The Venus Ballroom, this song highlights the quartet’s knack for blending cinematic atmospheres with a raw, visceral edge. “Pain Love Joy” encapsulates the band’s dynamic range, combining haunting melodies, lush instrumentation, and bursts of unrestrained energy. It highlights Dead Chic’s commitment to pushing boundaries, drawing from diverse cultural influences to create a soundscape that feels both timeless and innovative. Now the track is a part of their debut album Serenades And Damnation out now via Upton Park, and reaffirms their reputation for immersive storytelling and sets the tone for an electrifying new chapter in their musical journey. Listen to “Pain Love Joy” HERE and contact terry@cannonballpr.com for all available opportunities worldwide with Dead Chic.
At just 21, Gabriella Valdes – better known as Vella – cements her status as a powerhouse in modern pop with her new single, “All My Love,” which evokes the vocal aesthetics of Amy Winehouse and Adele. The title track of her upcoming sophomore album, set for release through Universal Music Sweden this summer, marks a defining moment in her artistic journey. The single explores themes of resilience and emotional boundaries, offering a fierce yet vulnerable declaration of self-worth. Vella describes the song as a turning point, saying, “It’s about being fed up with people who don’t give back the same energy you’re giving them.” With poignant lyrics, dynamic transitions, and a soaring, cathartic chorus, “All My Love” channels heartache into empowerment. Vella’s raw and impassioned delivery displays the emotional depth and versatility that have captivated millions of fans worldwide since her 2020 breakout on TikTok. As the first glimpse into a richly crafted album that draws on global collaborations and deeply personal themes, “All My Love” sets the stage for a new era in Vella’s career, redefining her as an artist unafraid to merge vulnerability with unapologetic strength. Experience this extremely talented vocalist with her video directed by Michael Vincent for “All My Love” HERE, and contact Ray De La Garza at ray@l3v3l.io for all inquiries on behalf of Vella.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, January 26th, 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:
GOOD NEIGHBOURS – “Daisies” (Polydor/Capitol, U.K.)
CIRCA WAVES – “American Dream” (Lower Third/[PIAS], U.K.)
GIANT ROOKS – “Mind Control” (Universal Music, Germany)
MYLES SMITH – “Nice To Meet You” (RCA Records, U.K.)
ACROBVT – “A Thousand Times” (Unsigned, U.K.)
TEENAGE DADS – “Boarding Pass” (Chugg Music, Australia)
GLASS CITIES – “Mad4U” (Unsigned, U.S.)
ARXX – “Swim” (Republic of Music, U.K.)
SHOBSY – “Hold Me Up” (Pangea Int’l Music, Ireland)
KAI BOSCH – “Rodeo Romeo” (LAB Records, U.K.)
NOEL – “Heart Full of Ghosts” (BLNK Music, Sweden)
THE SHERLOCKS – “Man On The Loose” (Infectious, U.K.)
DAILY J – “Sunday Stitches” (Unsigned, New Zealand)
VELLA – “All My Love” (L3V3L Music, U.S.)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Clairvoyant” (Unsigned, U.S.)
FRANCES LION – “Misbehave” (Century City Records, U.K.)
RHETT REPKO – “Every Night” (Unsigned, U.S.)
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.)
THE VICES – “Before It Might Be Gone” (Mattan Records, Holland)
FIL BO RIVA – “I’m Fine (Alone Again)” (Vertigo/Universal Music, Germany)
PALE WAVES – “Kiss Me Again” (Dirty Hit, U.K.)
ONLY THE POETS – “Already There” (EMI, U.K.)
VERONICA FUSARO – “Slot Machine” (Deepive, Switzerland)
LIME CORDIALE – “Strangers” (Chugg Music, Australia)
KINGFISHR – “I Cried, I Wept” (Doonane Records, Ireland)
TALISCO – “We Are” (Roy Music, France)
ADELINE V. LOPEZ – “Drink Up” (Unsigned, U.S.)
MASI MASI – “Lesser Man” (Unsigned, U.K.)
CAT SERRANO – “When You Love Me” (Unsigned, U.S.)
MONOTRONIC – “Everything Moves” (Unsigned, U.S.)
JAVIER “CHIKI” DEAN NAMED VICE PRESIDENT A&R, WARNER CHAPPELL SPAIN: Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has announced the appointment of Javier “Chiki” Dean as Vice President, A&R for its Spain division. A driving force behind WCM Spain’s impressive roster, Dean has played a pivotal role in positioning the company as a market leader in the region. Dean’s work has been instrumental in nurturing and expanding relationships with a who’s who of Latin songwriting royalty, including Álvaro de Luna, Bad Gyal, Beret, Dani Fernández, Dani Martín, Vanesa Martín, Guitarricadelafuente, Nathy Peluso, Nil Moliner, Pablo Alborán, and Quevedo. His expertise in identifying talent and fostering creativity has made him one of the most respected A&R executives in the Latin music world. Guy Moot, Co-Chair & CEO of Warner Chappell Music, praised Dean’s influence, stating, “I’m delighted that Chiki is stepping up into this new role. He’s one of the most influential A&R executives in the Latin world who has won the trust of a generation of songwriters.” Santiago Menéndez-Pidal, President, WCM Southern Europe, added, “Chiki has been a key driver of the success of our business in Spain in recent years. I’m excited about being able to continue collaborating with him in the future!” Dean’s promotion underscores Warner Chappell’s commitment to supporting Latin music and its creators on a global scale.
PRESCRIPTION SONGS NAMES NEW A&R MANAGER: Independent publishing company PRESCRIPTION SONGS has named Cameron Kooklanfar to the role of A&R Manager. Cameron is based out of the Los Angeles office where he works closely with recent signing Hayley May, and works alongside Bantu, Shae Jacobs, Kevo, Dominique Sanders, Seb (1Mind), and Lourdiz, among others. Since joining Prescription Songs in June 2022, Kooklanfar has taken his management and A&R experience to the next level, collaborating with talented songwriters, producers, and artists across a diverse catalog. Witnessing the process of a demo, written at a songwriting camp he curated in collaboration with Insomniac, to a globally successful track has been a significant milestone in Kooklanfar’s career. The song, “Sideways” by Gordo & Drake, co-produced by Prescription Songs’ Bantu, has gained widespread attention, particularly in festivals, clubs, and parties, since its release in July 2024. Cameron is actively strengthening his presence within all music scenes through new signings and key collaborations including new Prescription Songs talent, rising Dance/Pop songwriter Hayley May, whose previous work with Tiesto, Whethan, and Lost Frequencies has garnered significant attention. Cameron also works alongside Nigerian, British-born Shae Jacobs, whose credits include Megan Thee Stallion‘s single “Neva Play” ft. RM (of BTS), Shenseea and Myke Towers’ “Infamous” from the Spiderverse 2 soundtrack, Joy Oladokun and Chris Stapleton‘s single “Sweet Symphony,” among many other hit tracks, and accomplished producer and composer Dominique Sanders, known for many of Tech9‘s No.1 Billboard chart debuts and collaborations with Nipsey Hussle, Roddy Ricch, Mustard, Cordae, Wiz Khalifa, Dr. Dre, Terrace Martin, and James Fauntleroy. Cameron also supports producer Seb (1Mind), who played a key role in the success of Victony & Asake‘s “Stubborn,” which topped the Nigerian charts for five consecutive weeks, as well as collaborations with YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Don Toliver and Lourdiz whose recent contributions to Nicki Minaj‘s Pink Friday 2 album include “Cowgirl” and “Pink Friday Girls,” ENHYPEN‘s “Bite Me,” and performances at select dates of Nicki Minaj’s tour.
TIMES MUSIC (INDIA) SIGNS COLLABORATION DEAL WITH THE NANDY SISTERS: Times Music has announced a new partnership with Antara and Ankita Nandy, better known as the Nandy Sisters. The Nandy sisters have become celebrated performers across various platforms, from TV series and jingles to major Bollywood and Tollywood projects. Antara’s breakout role came with her performances in Ponniyin Selvan: I and Ponniyin Selvan: II, working with A.R. Rahman and Mani Ratnam. The duo also made their mark in Tollywood with Raktabeej, directed by Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy. The Nandy Sisters first captured global attention with their Balcony Concert in 2019. They’ve since earned praise from A.R. Rahman, Sonu Nigam, and Shankar Mahadevan. With over 173 virtual performances and viral collaborations, including hits like “Unholy x Wajle Ki Bara” with Rani Ko-HE-Nur, “Flowers x Bloody Mary”, and their tribute to “Heeramandi”, their popularity has only soared. In 2024, their debut releases with Times Music cemented their place as versatile artists, producing tracks like the Bengali folk anthem “Fagunero Mononaye 2.0” (17 million-plus views), “O Menoka O Menoka” (five million views), “Maa Kali Mahakali”, and “Mera Ghoongta”. Mandar Thakur, CEO, Times Music, tells A&R Worldwide, “We are thrilled to welcome the Nandy Sisters to the Times Music family and look forward to an exciting ride.”

COOKING VINYL SIGNS NEWTON FAULKNER: Cooking Vinyl has revealed its second signing of 2025, welcoming singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner to their roster. Faulkner will release his eighth studio album in the third quarter of 2025, with a headline tour and festival appearances scheduled through 2026. This announcement follows the label’s recent signing of Jack Garratt at the beginning of the year. Newton Faulkner’s career has seen consistent success, with his debut album Hand Built By Robots achieving double-Platinum status and reaching No.1 on the U.K. Albums Chart. His follow-up, Write It On Your Skin, also hit No.1 in 2012, with additional Top 10 and Top 20 entries. Known for his live performances, Faulkner has played Glastonbury 13 times and sold-out shows worldwide, including in Germany, Australia, and the Netherlands. “Newton and Cooking Vinyl are a perfect match,” said Rob Collins, Cooking Vinyl MD. “We both have great pedigree and combining our approach to his audience will result in a stronger and more successful global campaign.” Lottie Faulkner, Newton’s Manager, added, “When an artist has been around for a long time, you need to find a team who are willing to think creatively and outside the box, which is something I think Cooking Vinyl does well. We’re excited to present Newton in a new light with this record and show a different side to him, both on stage and on record.”
BMLG HIRES TIKTOK VETERAN TIM REYNOLDS: Big Machine Label Group has appointed Tim Reynolds as Vice President of Digital Marketing, a newly established role where he will oversee the digital marketing strategies and online presence for the label group’s roster, which includes Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Company, Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, and Big Machine Rock. Reynolds comes to Big Machine with experience from his three-year tenure at TikTok/ByteDance, where he played a key role in growing SoundOn‘s music distribution and services platform while also leading the company’s A&R initiatives. Scott Borchetta, Chairman & CEO, BMLG, stated, “As our world evolves, so must our thinking and approach. When reimagining our digital marketing landscape, vision, and needs, Tim not only checked every box, but he also added a few. He’s a perfect fit for our label group, and his presence is already being felt!”
DUETTI HIRES NETFLIX EXECUTIVE SACHIN PREMNATH AS GENERAL COUNSEL: Duetti has announced the appointment of Sachin Premnath as its new General Counsel. In this role, Premnath will be a key member of the executive team, driving initiatives such as expanding Duetti’s infrastructure, supporting its global growth, and broadening the range of music rights the company can manage. The announcement was made on January 21, 2025. Premnath joins Duetti from Netflix, where he assisted in negotiating film and TV deals with labels, publishers, artists, and songwriters. He also contributed to shaping the streaming giant’s music strategy, particularly in relation to its growing gaming division. Before Netflix, Premnath led international content acquisition at Sony Entertainment Network and served as a Partner at Reed Smith, where he provided legal counsel on matters related to music, digital media, and corporate law for some of the biggest names in entertainment. Founded just three years ago by former Tidal COO Lior Tibon and ex-Apple Music business development exec Christopher Nolte, Duetti aims to “democratize catalog monetization for independent artists.” The company has been making strides in this mission, recently securing $114 million (USD) in new funding for catalog acquisitions. This includes $80 million raised through its first asset-backed securities (ABS) transaction and an additional $34 million from a group of investors led by private equity firm Flexpoint Ford. Other investors in this round included Nyca Partners and Viola Ventures. This latest funding brings Duetti’s total capital raised for catalog acquisitions to over $235 million. Since its inception, Duetti has partnered with over 250 artists, including Olivia O’Brien, Sevyn Streeter, and Łaszewo, and has been offering indie artists up to $400,000 per deal for their music rights.
MARSHALL RECORDS SIGNS THE MOLOTOVS: London, England-based rock band The Molotovs have officially signed with U.K. indie label Marshall Records. The band sealed their deal at Sixty Sixty Sounds guitar shop on Denmark Street, London, and shared the news with fans during their sold-out performance at Dingwalls. Surrounded by their family and friends, the Expectation Mgmt team, and representatives from Marshall Records, the band celebrated the next chapter in their careers. The Molotovs will be joining a roster that includes artists like Nova Twins, Gigi Gold, King Nun, Kid Bookie, Therapy?, and more. Following the signing, The Molotovs are heading into the studio to begin recording their next set of tracks. The deal comes after a year of touring, including a European tour with iDKHOW and festival appearances at Isle of Wight and beyond. “We’re excited to sign an act that embodies the spirit and essence of what Marshall stands for… live, loud and explosive,” stated, Steve Tannett, Director Music Platforms, Marshall Group.
PRESCRIPTION SONGS SIGNS NICO STADI: Prescription Songs has announced the addition of Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter, mixer, and engineer Nico Stadi to its roster. Nico joined through a joint venture with fellow Rx producer Vaughn Oliver, and the partnership was secured by Prescription Songs A&Rs Andrea Doman and Rhea Pasricha. Based in Los Angeles, Nico has worked with Justin Bieber, Jason Derulo, Khalid, Ne-Yo, Sasha Alex Sloane, Kylie Minogue, A-Trak, Tom Morello, and Gary Clark Jr. Nico’s more recent collaborations include artists such as MNEK, Vaughn Oliver, GRADES, JBach, Savannah Jada, Essosa, and Blake Straus. Among his achievements, Nico co-wrote and produced Khalid‘s 2023 hit “Softest Touch” and contributed to Justin Bieber’s Purpose with tracks like “Children” and “Get Used to It.” He also co-wrote, produced, and mixed hits for Kylie Minogue, including “Real Groove” and “Miss A Thing” from her Disco album. His hit-making work extends to Neon Trees‘ “Used to Like,” which landed in the Top 10 on U.S. Alternative Radio. Nico is also behind every song for R&B artist Sidibe, producing, co-writing, and mixing the tracks.
VETERAN BOOKING AGENT JON PLEETER UNVEILS THE FORMATION OF JPA: Veteran booking agent Jon Pleeter has launched his own agency, JPA (Jon Pleeter Agency), based in Los Angeles. Pleeter’s career in the music industry began shortly after he graduated from the University of Colorado in 1990 when he started as an agent trainee at Triad Artists Talent Agency. A year later, he continued his training at William Morris Agency, assisting agents working with artists like Barry White, En Vogue, Sheryl Crow, Soundgarden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, and the Lollapalooza Tour. Following his time at William Morris, Pleeter worked as an agent at ARTISTdirect, The Agency Group, and CAA, where he spent eight years booking major tours for arena and amphitheater shows, handling artists like Daft Punk, Paul Oakenfold, and Sammy Hagar. He then moved to ICM as Vice President, expanding the agency’s rock and pop presence with clients such as Alice In Chains, TLC, The Cult, and Kings of Chaos. A brief period at Sound Talent Group followed before Pleeter set out to build his own agency. Furthermore, JPA’s artist roster includes: Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton, Tom Bailey of Thompson Twins, A Symphonic Evening of Bob Marley, Back to the Block Party Festival, Richie Sambora, Eagle Eye Cherry, Wang Chung, Wheel, Men Without Hats, Thomas Dolby, Jeffrey Osborne, Saving Abel, Bow Wow Wow, Tommy Tutone, Right Said Fred, The Motels, Animotion, Davy Knowles, The Escape Club, Musical Youth and Omar Hakim.
BMG APPOINTS JOHANNES VON SCHWARZKOPF AS CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER: BMG has announced the appointment of Johannes von Schwarzkopf as its new Chief Strategy Officer and a member of the Executive Board. In this role, von Schwarzkopf will report directly to CEO Thomas Coesfeld and will be responsible for shaping and executing BMG’s global strategy. He will also focus on identifying new business opportunities, including strategic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) while continuing to lead the company’s global licensing and sync business. Johannes von Schwarzkopf has been with BMG since 2021, where he has aided in the company’s Finance and M&A operations, contributing to BMG’s Boost investment initiative. As Sr. Vice President of Corporate Development, he was a key figure in the creation and rollout of BMG Next, the company’s forward-thinking strategic plan launched in 2023. Before joining BMG, von Schwarzkopf gained experience at EY, working as an M&A transaction advisor, and in media sales at advertising tech firm Taboola.
FRONTIERS LABEL GROUP SIGNS THE HUNNA: FLG, the label under Frontiers Label Group, has officially welcomed UK rock band The Hunna to its roster. With over 750 million streams to their name, the band has also performed on international stages, performing sold-out shows across the globe. Their 2015 debut album, 100, went up to No.12 on the charts and has since racked up more than 250 million streams. The band’s follow-up albums have seen them collaborating with Travis Barker of Blink-182 and Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy. In 2024, the band made their mark at Download Festival with their performance, and they’ve since played sold-out U.K. tours, including a show at Wembley Arena supporting Palaye Royale. Leo Nicholas, Head of A&R, FLG, said, “We’re beyond thrilled to welcome The Hunna to the FLG family. Their raw energy, powerful songwriting, and deep connection with their fans align perfectly with our vision. We can’t wait to help propel their sound to even greater heights and continue to build on their incredible legacy.”
CONCORD PROMOTES MEGAN HALL TO SR. VP, BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS: Concord has announced the promotion of Megan Hall to Sr. Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs for Concord Music Publishing. Operating from Concord’s London office, Hall will continue to report to Executive VP of Business & Legal Affairs, Duff Berschback. In her new position, Hall will oversee the U.K.-based legal team managing Concord’s catalog of commercial music. She will also supervise the global sub-publishing network for this repertoire and maintain the company’s relationship with its multi-territory digital licensing agent, ICE. In addition to these responsibilities, Hall will continue to represent and advise Concord’s roster of songwriters on all business affairs matters. She will work alongside fellow Sr. VP Michelle Brown, who manages the legal teams in London and New York supporting Concord’s Boosey & Hawkes classical publishing division and the Concord FTV catalog, which includes film and television soundtracks. Hall brings over two decades of legal experience to the role. She started her career at the law firm DMH Stallard in its commercial team, before moving to Ministry of Sound as in-house counsel, where she worked on artist signings, brand licensing, and digital matters. Hall also contributed to the Business and Legal Affairs team at Sony Music Publishing. In 2013, she joined Imagem Music, which was later acquired by Concord in 2017. In addition to her professional experience, Hall serves on PRS‘s Licensing Committee Advisory Group and is a member of the International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP) Legal Expert Group, as well as the Collective Management & Societies Expert Group.
ROC NATION TEAMS WITH MUSICOW TO LAUNCH U.S. MUSIC EQUITY SERVICE PROVIDER: Roc Nation has announced a new partnership with South Korean fintech company Musicow to introduce the first-ever Music Equity Service Provider in the United States. This collaboration is set to revolutionize how music royalties are bought, sold, and traded. Musicow will give U.S. fans the opportunity to invest in music royalties, allowing them to purchase shares of revenue from their favorite artists’ tracks. This opens a new way for superfans to earn from the success of the music they love, turning royalties into an alternative asset class. Creators, too, will be able to break down their royalty earnings into shares, offering a fresh way to monetize their work. While Musicow isn’t live yet, the official launch is set for the first quarter of 2025. Early users who sign up will receive a complimentary $10 (USD) in their Musicow wallet, giving them a jumpstart on earning royalties before the platform officially opens its doors to the public.

WALK OFF ENTERTAINMENT SIGNS GLOBAL DEAL WITH VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP: Walk Off Entertainment, the Nashville, TN-based company founded by former artist and social media expert Chris Ruediger, has secured a global partnership with Virgin Music Group. Ruediger, who launched Walk Off Entertainment to help amplify emerging talent, is also the Founder of The 615 House, a creative community and promotional hub for up-and-coming Nashville artists. With over three million TikTok followers, The 615 House has become a key player in the city’s music scene, offering a platform for new voices to reach a wider audience. “I’m excited to bring everything I’ve learned as an artist and marketer together to back up-and-coming artists via Walk Off Entertainment,” said Ruediger. “We look at the artists on our roster as entrepreneurs, which makes Virgin Music Group a perfect partner for us at Walk Off. I’m looking forward to getting started with Jacqueline Saturn and her incredible team at Virgin.” Jacqueline Saturn, President, Virgin Music Group North America, and Executive VP of Global Artist Relations, added, “Chris has a proven history in breaking artists via 615 House. We’re thrilled to welcome him and his growing roster of artists into the Virgin family.”
KATE VASTANO JOINS SOUND TALENT GROUP’S SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM: Sound Talent Group (STG) partners Matt Andersen, Tim Borror, and Dave Shapiro have announced that Kate Vastano has joined the company’s senior management team. In her new role, Kate will be instrumental in driving the company’s leadership and ensuring that STG’s culture remains strong and aligned with its future goals. With extensive experience in the industry, Kate will assist in recruiting, performance strategies, employee engagement, and benefits management. Her addition to the team makes her a valuable resource for both the artists and staff at STG. Before joining STG, Kate served as Director of HR at The Agency Group, later transitioning to United Talent Agency after its acquisition of The Agency Group. There, she worked as an HR Business Partner and later as a People Operations Manager, where she played a pivotal role in supporting the agency’s growth and employee needs.
ADA RENEWS ITS PARTNERSHIP WITHSONNY FODERA AND HIS SOLOTOKO LABEL: ADA has renewed and expanded its partnership with Sonny Fodera‘s label Solotoko. Founded in Ibiza in 2017 and now operating out of London, Solotoko has been a key platform not only for Fodera’s music but also for rising stars like Dom Dolla, John Summit, Tita Lau, James Hype, and Vintage Culture. This announcement follows a milestone for Fodera, as his hit “Somedays” becomes the only independent release nominated for “Song of the Year” at the 2025 BRIT Awards. Hailing from Australia, Fodera has enjoyed a remarkable run in the last 18 months, with standout singles like “Somedays” (120 million streams), “Mind Still” (50 million streams), and “Asking” (200 million streams). “Somedays” has not only become a global hit, spending eight weeks in the U.K.’s Top 10 and peaking at No. 5, but it also became the highest-selling U.K. independent single of 2024. It marked Fodera’s first chart success in both Australia and New Zealand, earning Gold certifications in both countries, as well as Double Platinum in Ireland. Looking ahead, Fodera’s next single “Tell Me,” a collaboration with Clementine Douglas, will drop on February 7th. The duo’s previous releases, including the U.K. No. 17-charting “Asking” and “Angel”, have racked up over two million U.K. sales between them. Fodera is also set to headline his own curated festival at London’s Silverworks Island on July 12th. Since signing up with ADA five years ago, Fodera and his label team, Palm Projects, have built a strong and fruitful partnership. Together, they’ve helped propel Fodera’s career, with his catalog now amassing over two billion streams globally.
SX WORKS PARTNERS WITH FENDER PLAY: SX Works Global Publisher Services, a subsidiary of SoundExchange, has entered into a partnership with Fender Play, the comprehensive online learning platform for guitar, bass, and ukulele. Under the agreement, SX Works will manage Fender Play’s global licensing and administration needs. This collaboration will streamline Fender Play’s licensing and administrative processes, ensuring that music publishers, Collective Management Organizations (CMOs), Performing Rights Organizations (PROs), and the songwriters they represent receive accurate compensation for the use of their musical works. By leveraging SX Works’ databases of musical works and sound recordings, Fender Play can simplify the complex task of managing metadata for a vast library of music, ensuring that all related usage is properly tracked and invoiced. SX Works offers a solution to the challenges of managing large-scale music data, utilizing its authoritative repository and proven systems for matching and linking musical works to their corresponding sound recordings. This partnership aims to deliver timely and accurate payments, maximizing value for Fender Play and ensuring fair compensation for the creators and rights holders behind the music.
TRESÓNA MUSIC PUBLISHING LICENSOR UNVEILS LISYNCE: Tresóna, a leading name in music licensing for academic, community, and professional organizations, has just introduced a new product, liSynce. Designed specifically for funeral directors, liSynce simplifies the process of obtaining sync licenses for tribute and funeral service videos. With 20,000 funeral homes across the U.S., liSynce offers an efficient, all-in-one solution to help funeral directors quickly secure the necessary music licenses for the videos that accompany services. This offering is estimated to tap into a market worth up to $20 million (USD) annually, benefiting music publishers and rights holders by ensuring they are compensated fairly for the use of their work during these deeply personal moments. Using Tresóna’s proprietary software, funeral directors can easily obtain blanket licenses, streamlining the process of legal compliance while providing an important revenue stream for songwriters, music publishers, and master recording owners. For over 15 years, Tresóna has been dedicated to helping organizations – from schools to professional groups – stay compliant with copyright law, while advocating for the rights and compensation of music creators. With liSynce, they’re extending this commitment into the funeral service industry, ensuring that both families and music creators are respected and supported.
U.K. MUSIC APPOINTS OLGA FITZROY & DANIEL GUMBLE TO KEY ROLES: U.K. Music has announced two appointments to its leadership team. Olga FitzRoy has been appointed as the organization’s Director of Campaigns & Engagement, while Daniel Gumble steps into the role of Head of Communications. With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, FitzRoy, an award-winning sound engineer, began her career at Sir George Martin‘s AIR Studios, where she worked for a decade on projects including those for Hans Zimmer, The Foo Fighters, and the London 2012 Olympics. Since becoming a freelancer in 2013, she has worked on projects for artists such as Coldplay and Dua Lipa, as well as contributing to film and TV scores like The Hobbit, The Crown, and Napoleon. Despite her leadership role, FitzRoy remains active as a sought-after engineer on prominent projects. Beyond her technical expertise, FitzRoy has held influential positions within the industry, serving as a former board member of U.K. Music and as the Executive Director of the Music Producers Guild. She assisted in the recorded music sector’s response to the Covid pandemic and authored the Music Producers Guild’s response to the Women & Equalities Select Committee’s inquiry into misogyny in the U.K. music industry. FitzRoy is also an advocate for gender equality, founding the #Selfieleave campaign and actively supporting the charity Pregnant Then Screwed. Daniel Gumble, meanwhile, joins U.K. Music as Head of Communications after a distinguished 13-year career in journalism. He has held senior editorial positions, including News Editor at Music Week and head of content at Headliner. Gumble’s experience spans the music production and live events sectors, providing him with a broad understanding of the industry’s inner workings. As a podcast host, he has interviewed key figures from across the music industry, including top executives, established artists, and emerging talent.

MUSIC SUPPORT APPOINTS KIMBERLEY GODDARD & LAILA KHAN TO KEY ROLES: Music Support has named Kimberley Goddard and Laila Khan, to roles within the charity. Goddard steps in as Head of Fundraising & Corporate Partnerships, while Khan takes on the role of Major Event Fundraising & Engagement Specialist. The appointments come as Music Support reports a 51% rise in helpline inquiries over the past year, having assisted over 1,000 individuals across the U.K. music scene. Khan brings over two decades of experience within the industry. As a former musician herself Khan has worked across music management and high-profile fundraising events. Most recently, she served as Artist and Relationship Manager at Nordoff Robbins, collaborating with artists, managers, and other industry players. Khan’s career highlights include leading artist development for the Northern Music Awards and spearheading industry engagement for the national Get Loud campaign. She has also chaired the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Taskforce, highlighting her commitment to shaping a more inclusive industry. Goddard, with 17 years of industry experience, began her career as a major label signing at just seventeen. While studying events management, she connected with Kanya King, the Founder of the MOBO Awards, who mentored her and helped her navigate the world of live music. Goddard later went on to serve as Director of Industry Partnerships at the East London Arts and Music (ELAM) school, where she established collaborations with key organizations across the music and entertainment sectors. More recently, she co-founded Music Guardians, a venture aimed at transforming safety standards within the music industry.
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.

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