GLOBAL A&R EXECUTIVES JOIN THE MUSEXPO 2025
DISCUSSIONS ON THE FUTURE OF ARTIST DEVELOPMENT
MUSEXPO “The United Nations of Music” (www.musexpo.net), the pioneering global music business conference and showcase event is just over one month away, and takes 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.
For two decades, MUSEXPO has stood at the forefront of global A&R innovation, making it the essential destination for artists, songwriters, producers, managers, and creatives seeking to understand the evolving landscape of artist discovery and development. Since its inception in 2005, A&R has been a cornerstone of MUSEXPO, reflecting the event’s deep roots in shaping the future of music, powered by A&R Worldwide—a globally respected force that has helped break countless artists and amplify careers across multiple territories.
MUSEXPO 2025, marking its 25th anniversary, will explore game-changing A&R themes, including the impact of AI and data in talent scouting, the synergy between creative instinct and analytics, the role of A&R in global music market expansion, and how to build sustainable artist careers in the digital and technological era. As the industry continues to evolve, this unparalleled event offers attendees exclusive access to the visionaries driving the future of A&R, providing invaluable insights, networking opportunities, and actionable strategies to navigate the next wave of artist development on a global scale.
Some of the A&R and publishing executives participating at this year’s MUSEXPO events are: Aton Ben-Horin – Executive Vice President, A&R, Warner Music Group; Benjamin Budde – CEO, Budde Music Group; Björn Deparade – Founder, Wasted Talent; Chris Foitel – Sr. VP A&R, AWAL/Sony Music; Delmar Powell – Vice President A&R, Position Music; Jeannette Perez – President & COO, Kobalt; Jeremy Yohai – Sr. Vice President, A&R, Concord Music Publishing; Josh Mateer – Head of A&R, SoundOn / TikTok; Kabiru Bello – Vice President, Global A&R, Warner Recorded Music; Kim Frankiewicz – Executive Vice President, Worldwide Creative, Concord Music Publishing; Korda Marshall – Managing Director, Worldwide (ex-ANZ), Mushroom Music; Kenny “Tick” Salcido – Sr. VP/Head of A&R, Red Bull Records; Laurent Hubert – President & Chief Executive Officer, Kobalt; Lawrence Mestel – Founder & CEO, Primary Wave Music; Lawson Higgins – Vice President, Creative, Royalty Network; Luke Mitzman – Founder, 100 Management; Mark Chipello – Vice President / Head of A&R, Position Music; Preston Rodie – Senior Director, A&R, Sire / Warner Records; Sat Bisla – President & Founder, A&R Worldwide; Savan Kotecha (Oscar, Golden Globe & Grammy Nominated Songwriter & Producer); Thaddeus Rudd – Co-President & Co-Owner, Mom+Pop Music; Tom Corson – Co-Chairman & COO, Warner Records; Wendy Goldstein – President & Chief Creative Officer, Republic Records, and more to be announced very soon.
MUSEXPO also 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.
MUSEXPO is open to anyone looking to enhance their knowledge of the global music business, or to amplify their network of relationships with creatives, executives, and companies from all facets of the music industry worldwide. To register to attend MUSEXPO, sign-up HERE.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP REVEALS KEY APPOINTMENTS
FOR UNIVERSAL MUSIC CANADA & REPUBLIC COLLECTIVE
Universal Music Group has announced the promotion of Julie Adam to President & CEO of Universal Music Canada (UMC), based in Toronto. Previously serving as EVP & General Manager of UMC.
Jeffrey Remedios, after a decade as Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Canada, has transitioned to the role of President, Strategic Development at Republic Collective, which oversees labels such as Island Records, Def Jam, Mercury Records, and Republic Records.
Effective immediately, both Adam and Remedios step into their new roles. Remedios will spearhead key growth initiatives across international A&R, Republic’s recording studios, new product ventures, brand expansion, and Federal Films. He will collaborate closely with Republic Co-Founders Monte and Avery Lipman, splitting his time between Republic’s New York headquarters and Toronto.
During her tenure at UMC, Julie Adam has been instrumental in driving revenue growth, particularly through e-commerce and direct-to-consumer strategies, and revitalizing Canada’s brand partnerships. She has also championed fresh creative strategies for artists. Meanwhile, Remedios’ leadership at UMC helped transform the company’s A&R operations, significantly boosting opportunities and revenue for Canadian artists, while also conceiving the award-winning creative campus and recording studio at 80 Atlantic Ave in Toronto.
“Jeffrey brings a wealth of experience as a leader and entrepreneur to the collective,” said Monte Lipman, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Republic. “In his new role, focused on exploring and capitalizing on opportunities in emerging areas of the industry, Jeffrey will play a critical role in scaling our business and providing new creative and commercial outlets for our artists. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome him to the senior management team on the East Coast.”
CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS
OF KOURTNEY KIRKPATRICK AND MATT TURNER
Concord Music Publishing has announced two key executive promotions in its Nashville office. Kourtney Kirkpatrick has been elevated to Sr. Vice President of Synchronization, and Matt Turner has been promoted to Vice President of A&R.
In her new role as Sr. Vice President, Sync, Kourtney Kirkpatrick will oversee the television division, which includes series, promos, trailers, and sports media. She currently manages a team across Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York, working to pitch and license Concord’s catalog, which features music by artists such as Rodgers & Hammerstein, John Fogerty, Phil Collins, Genesis, and Robert Johnson. Kirkpatrick’s expertise in reimagining these classic works for sync placements has been invaluable to the company’s efforts to revitalize its catalog through covers and remixes.
Throughout her career, Kirkpatrick and her team have secured sync placements in television series such as The Bear, Stranger Things, Ted Lasso, You, and Euphoria, as well as trailer uses for studios like FOX, Netflix, and Apple, and brands including Xbox and Microsoft. Additionally, she has been instrumental in the development of sync-focused artists and writers, such as Ruelle, whose work has appeared on Billboard’s year-end Top Synced Artists list.
Kirkpatrick also leads Concord’s annual sync camp in Nashville, which brings together over 80 songwriters and music supervisors to create original music for media. The camp, now in its 12th year, has resulted in over 350 sync placements to date. Beyond Nashville, she has expanded Concord’s sync camps internationally, hosting events in cities such as Los Angeles, Paris, and New Zealand. Recognized for her achievements, Kirkpatrick was named to Billboard’s “40 Under 40” list in 2020 and serves as a founding board member of Nashville in Sync, an organization designed to connect sync professionals in the region.
Matt Turner, promoted to VP, A&R, will continue to identify talent, manage new client negotiations, and explore catalog opportunities. His promotion highlights his crucial role in expanding Concord’s Nashville and country music roster. Turner’s ability to build successful relationships with songwriters and producers has contributed to the company’s continued success in the country music space. In 2024 alone, Concord’s Nashville roster writers contributed to five Country Radio No.1 hits, and just weeks into 2025, they’ve already added two more, including tracks by Morgan Wallen and Parmalee.
Turner brings 18 years of industry experience, having worked with top songwriters at Big Loud Shirt (now Big Loud) and Downtown Music Publishing before joining Concord. His work with writers such as Josh Miller, Andy Albert, and Abram Dean has helped establish Concord as a key player in the country music publishing world.
MIKE HARRIS AND DAVE COBB NAMED NEW HEADS
AT UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE
Universal Music Group has undergone a restructuring of its Nashville operations, ushering in new leadership roles.
Mike Harris, a well-respected figure in Music Row who previously served as COO and Executive VP of UMG Nashville, has been promoted to CEO. His experience in the industry includes a tenure at EMI, where he spent 15 years, most recently as Executive VP GM for Caroline, a division of Capitol Music Group/EMI, before joining UMG Nashville in 2016.
Dave Cobb, the nine-time Grammy Award-winning producer known for shaping the sound of Music City, has been appointed as Chief Creative Officer. Cobb is recognized as one of the most sought-after collaborators in Nashville, having worked with an array of artists across genres. His production credits include Chris Stapleton’s Traveller, Jason Isbell’s Southeastern, and Brandi Carlile’s By The Way, I Forgive You. His recent projects span from albums for Mumford & Sons, Greta Van Fleet, and Reba McEntire to contributions to the upcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere. Cobb’s body of work also extends to notable collaborations with artists like Lady Gaga, Slash, and Stevie Nicks, as well as his involvement in film soundtracks such as Elvis and A Star Is Born.
Meanwhile, Cindy Mabe, who had been serving as Chair & CEO of UMG Nashville since April 2023, will be departing the company to explore new opportunities.
In making the announcement, Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG, said, “We see an incredible opportunity to expand our presence in Nashville and build upon our industry leading track record. The worldwide success of our country artists demonstrate that the genre truly has no boundaries and I’m excited for what lies ahead creatively and commercially.”
WARNER BROS. STRIKES $1 BILLION MUSIC RIGHTS DEAL
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has teamed up with U.K.’s Cutting Edge Group to form a joint venture that will co-own and manage WBD’s catalog of film and TV music. This move is being hailed as one of the largest music rights deals in history, with the transaction valued at over $1 billion (USD), according to the Financial Times.
In the deal, Cutting Edge will acquire a portion of the catalog and handle its management. Alongside Cutting Edge, Germany’s DWS Group—managing nearly $1 trillion in assets—will co-invest. The catalog in question spans almost a century of music, covering over 400,000 tracks, including some of the most iconic scores and theme songs in film and TV, from franchises like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and DC Comics to TV shows like Friends, Game of Thrones, Succession, and The White Lotus.
Other notable works in the portfolio include Rebel Without a Cause, Blade Runner, The Exorcist, The Shawshank Redemption, and Sex and the City. The primary goal of the JV is to maximize the distribution and revenue potential of these musical assets. Despite the new partnership, WBD will still maintain creative and operational control over the rights. Music from WBD’s Warner Bros., HBO, and Turner Networks libraries will continue to be managed by Universal Music Publishing Group, while the Discovery/Scripps Networks content will stay under Sony Music Publishing’s administration.
Paul Broucek, President, Music, Warner Bros. Discovery said, “This partnership with CEG is the perfect way to expand access to our unparalleled music library while honoring our long history of strong creative oversight and protecting the integrity of the works and artists. Together with CEG, we can find new and exciting ways to entertain a new generation of fans.”
Philip Moross, CEO, Cutting Edge Group, added, “This truly is an iconic assembly of catalogs created over almost a century by one of Hollywood’s original studios and to have the opportunity to invest in and manage this JV alongside WBD is an incredibly exciting prospect for us. This special partnership with Warner Bros. is the culmination of many years of work on the part of our team at Cutting Edge and is a strong endorsement of our early conviction and specialist expertise in this area of the market.”
This partnership comes two years after reports surfaced that WBD was looking to sell its music catalog, which was estimated at the time to be worth over $1 billion. Notably, Cutting Edge also refinanced $500 million in debt last year, with plans to pursue further investments in the industry.
MUSEXPO 2025 UNVEILS SHOWCASING ACTS –
WHO’S NEXT TO JOIN THE RANKS OF ARTISTS
LAUNCHED FROM THIS GLOBAL STAGE?
Over the years MUSEXPO has introduced numerous artists to the U.S. and/or global markets through its talent showcases. Whether its Katy Perry, LMFAO, Jessie J, Teddybears, Tom Gregory, Frank Turner, Robyn, The Temper Trap, Forest Blakk, Sheppard, Lime Cordiale, Jack Savoretti, Missy Higgins, Laleh, Gavin James, Birds of Tokyo, Avalanche City, Gin Wigmore, Smith & Thell, Ida Maria, Vella, or countless others who have taken the stage prior to their global success – MUSEXPO has always provided proactive industry, fans and others a chance to be the first to find the next great new music discovery, no matter what continent the artists come from.
An array of emerging talent from around the world is once again set to arrive at MUSEXPO for showcase sets from March 16th – 19th. The first two nights of unearthed global talent will perform at the legendary S.I.R. Studios on Sunset Blvd., followed by an additional night in the “Sync & Media Capital of The World” – Burbank, CA. Most of the talent is available for signing, licensing, booking, publishing, sync/brand partnerships, and/or legal representation.
The MUSEXPO artist showcases on Sunday, March 16th will feature an array of U.S., and global talent including the atmospheric, cinematic and awe-inspiring sync-friendly sounds of Hamburg, Germany’s Ivy Flindt who have just recorded a brand new EP with Grammy Award winning British producer Danton Supple (Coldplay, Starsailor, Morrissey), songs from which will be world-premiered live at MUSEXPO. The raw and emotional sound from this dynamic duo is sure to penetrate your musical soul.
England’s unsigned stadium size alt-rock band ACROBVT will unleash their epic soundscapes and Coldplay and Bastille meets Imagine Dragons style musical nuances. This major label ready band has co-written new music with Ross Hamilton (Texas, Robbie Williams, Blossoms) which is mixed by Grammy-nominated Mark Needham (The Killers, Imagine Dragons).
The dynamic Miami, FL-based indie-rock/pop trio Glass Cities are a dynamic collective who are festival, sync, and radio friendly and have been featured on Vevo official playlists such as “Vevo Incoming Alternative”, “Vevo New Music”, “Vevo DSCVR Alternative”, “Vevo Alt Live Indie” and most recently their latest single “December” was added to “Vevo New Music Friday” Also Spotify playlists like Daily Top Hits, Rock Discovery, GYM ROCK, FIFA SONGS, H&M Playlist 2023, Sunbeam Music, and more.
Los Angeles-based collective Monotronic are a licensing, sync and booking agents dream scenario. Monotronic seamlessly bridges the worlds of indie rock, pop, and indietronica. Drawing stylistic inspiration from artists like The Killers, MGMT, Moby, and Phoenix, Monotronic infuses their sound with distinctive world music influences, carving out a unique musical identity that stands apart.
Denmark’s ubiquitous dark alt-pop sensation IAMJJ draws comparisons to a modern day Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, and Johnny Cash. His haunting and captivating live performances have garnered accolades from punters and Nordic press and media alike, and he’s currently racking up millions of impressions and streams with the revival of his viral anthem “A Different Kind of Blues.”
Unsigned, Indonesian sensation D’Masiv are a music group based in Jakarta who consist of five members whose unique style of pop, soul, funk, and indie is nostalgic, and at the same time uniquely fresh and captivating. The collective evokes the energy of ABBA meets Benny Sings, and it’s no surprise they can sell-out 5,000+ capacity venues with their groovy and infectious sing-a-long sounds!
Rising Austrian superstar OSKA released her debut EP Honeymoon Phase in 2021 to critical acclaim. She won the “XA Music Export Award” at the Waves Vienna showcase festival in 2020, got five nominations for the “Amadeus Austrian Music Award” in 2021 and 2022 (she won “Best Sound” in 2022), and was nominated for the “Anchor Award” at the Reeperbahn Festival in September 2021, where she was discovered by jury member Tom Odell, who asked her to join him on his European tour. She’s a global star on the rise who opened up for Coldplay as support act for their sold-out shows in Vienna.
THE A&R WORLDWIDE PODCAST FEATURING
AN INTERVIEW WITH ASHISH JOSE
MANAGER OF INDIA’S HANUMANKIND
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 Ashish Josh (who manages one of India’s biggest international superstars Hanumankind), and Taylor Jones, Founder & CEO, The Hello Group (THG).
Ashish has worked as a copywriter in the ad industry, creative director at a design firm and curator/artist/senior executive in the music industry. He was previously the head of programming at Only Much Louder and Nodwin Gaming, India where he led curation for properties like Bacardi Nh7 Weekender, Levi’s 501 Day, Red Bull Tourbus & BC One, Breezer Vivid Shuffle, YouTube One Nation, and others.
Until recently, he served as the Business Head of Create & Collab, the IP arm of TM Ventures, one of India’s leading talent management and entertainment companies. Also, he led India’s premier music conference called All About Music along with Ip’s like Brands & Entertainment, Bollywood Music Project and curation for Mumbai Festival.
Currently, he manages one of India’s most popular and successful artists, rapper Hanumankind who enjoyed success with his worldwide smash “Big Dawgs,” which has accumulated over 200 millions views globally.
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, Taylor and Ashish discuss his career trajectory, the overall Indian music market, as well as his recent role at All About Music.
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!
A&R Worldwide has helped support many artists, executives, and companies from Sweden over the years including the likes of Teddybears, Laleh, Miss Li, Tove Lo, Shout Out Louds, Robyn, Johnossi, Tove Styrke, Erik Hassle, Swing Fly, Ella Rouge (fronted by Ludvig Andersson, son of ABBA Co-Founder, Benny Andersson), Slide, and countless others.
Respected Swedish A&R veterans Pelle Liddell and Kabiru Bello have also been longtime friends and collaborators with A&R Worldwide for almost two decades and share a common passion and commitment for discovering and developing talent. Kabiru Bello is also a longtime attendee of MUSEXPO since he was an artist manager back in 2006.
GOOD NEIGHBOURS
Good Neighbours, is the rising British duo consisting of Scott Verrill and Oli Fox, who kick off 2025 with their heartfelt new single “Ripple,” now available via Capitol Records. The song draws from deeply personal experiences, addressing the challenges of supporting a friend through grief and encouraging connection and resilience. “Ripple” follows a monumental 2024 for the duo, including their Platinum-certified debut single “Home,” which became the most streamed debut globally last year with over 450 million streams. As 2025 unfolds, Good Neighbours are set to continue their ascent with accolades like BRITS Rising Star and Vevo DSCVR Artist to Watch, and their current North American tour supporting Foster The People that concludes in Dallas on March 6th. Listen to “Ripple” HERE, and contact hannah@
THE MOVING STILLS
The Moving Stills bring their infectious energy to life in the video for their latest single, “Telephone,” a track that explores themes of modern-day overwhelm and the struggle to disconnect in an always-on world. True to the band’s signature blend of nostalgia and indie-pop charm, the video visually captures the song’s danceable yet introspective spirit. With playful aesthetics and a retro-inspired feel, it mirrors the track’s upbeat rhythm while subtly reflecting the emotional tension behind the lyrics. “Telephone” not only marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for The Moving Stills but also sets the stage for their upcoming third album in 2025. The Australian-based indie-pop band that plays “plant-based music” are already garnering global radio and streaming supporting for their latest single. Experience the video for “Telephone” HERE, and contact Nathan Tito at tito@gyrostream.com for all details relating to The Moving Stills.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, February 9th, 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:
ACROBVT – “A Thousand Times” (Unsigned, U.K.)
GIZMO VARILLAS – “Under The Weight” (Sonteca Records, Spain)
CIRCA WAVES – “Like You Did Before” (Lower Third/[PIAS], U.K.)
MYLES SMITH – “Nice To Meet You” (RCA Records, U.K.)
THE MOVING STILLS – “Telephone” (Unsigned, Australia)
DEAD POET SOCIETY – “HURT ft. The Warning” ([PIAS], U.S.)
MONOTRONIC – “Everything Moves” (Unsigned, U.S.)
GLASS CITIES – “Mad4U” (Unsigned, U.S.)
ARXX – “All Night” (Republic of Music, U.K.)
SHOBSY – “Hold Me Up” (Pangea Int’l Music, Ireland)
GIANT ROOKS – “Mind Control” (Universal Music, Germany)
GOOD NEIGHBOURS – “Daisies” (Polydor/Capitol, U.K.)
LEONIDEN – “Sierra” (Universal Music, Germany)
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE – “Living In The Moment” (Unsigned, U.S.)
RHETT REPKO – “Every Night” (Unsigned, U.S.)
VELLA – “All My Love” (Universal Music, Sweden)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Clairvoyant” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE SHERLOCKS – “Bones” (Infectious, U.K.)
TELENOVA – “Margot” (Pointer/EMI Records, Australia)
DAILY J – “Tastes Like Forever” (Unsigned, New Zealand)
LOLA YOUNG – “Flicker Of Light” (Island Records, U.K.)
ZIMMER90 – “Follow” (Unsigned, Germany)
KAI BOSCH – “Rodeo Romeo” (LAB Records, U.K.)
ONLY THE POETS – “Already There” (EMI, U.K.)
NOEL – “Heart Full of Ghosts” (BLNK Music, Sweden)
DELIGHTS – “Hotel Bar” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
VERONICA FUSARO – “Slot Machine” (OK!Good Records/Deepdive, Switzerland)
LIME CORDIALE – “Strangers” (Chugg Music, Australia)
KINGFISHR – “I Cried, I Wept” (Doonane Records, Ireland)
MASI MASI – “She’s Trouble” (Pangea Int’l Music, U.K.)
THE ROYSTON CLUB – “The Patch Where Nothing Grows” (Run On Records, U.K.)
ADELINE V. LOPEZ – “Blood & Lilac” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE VICES – “Before It Might Be Gone” (Mattan Records, Holland)
IMOGEN HEAP – “Headlock” (Megaphonic, U.K.)
WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC SIGNS DEAL WITH LUKE STEELE: Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has signed an exclusive worldwide administration deal with Luke Steele, the singer and songwriter behind the Australian electronic duo, Empire of the Sun. Steele contributed to Empire of the Sun’s success, earning eight ARIA Awards, two APRA Awards, and an APRA Billions Award. Also, the duo have sold 5.5 million albums sold worldwide, and garnered more than 7.6 billion streams. Beyond his work with Empire of the Sun, Steele has built a strong solo career, releasing two albums and two EPs with The Sleepy Jackson. Furthermore, Steele has also collaborated with artists like Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, and raised in Perth, Australia, Steele’s musical journey began early, influenced by his father Rick Steele, a blues guitarist and harmonica player. Steele first gained attention in the late ‘90s with The Sleepy Jackson, whose debut album Lovers charted in Australia, the U.K., and Sweden. Their follow-up, Personality – One Was a Spider, One Was a Bird, earned even greater success, reaching the top 10 in Australia and the top 50 in Sweden. In 2008, Steele teamed up with Nick Littlemore to form Empire of the Sun, and their debut album, Walking on a Dream, became a global phenomenon, going Platinum in multiple countries. Their second album, Ice on the Dune, featured hits like “Alive” and “DNA” and supported a worldwide tour. Two Vines followed, with collaborations from rock legends like Lindsey Buckingham and members of David Bowie’s band. Last year, Ask That God dropped, featuring tracks like “Changes,” “Cherry Blossom,” and “Music on the Radio,” alongside the launch of their world tour.
TEDDY SWIMS SIGNS WITH PEERMUSIC NEIGHBOURING RIGHTS: Peermusic has announced a global deal to collect Teddy Swims’ neighboring rights outside of the U.S. Teddy Swims, the singer-songwriter born Jaten Dimsdale, has transformed into a global sensation. His single “Lose Control” from his debut album I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1) hit No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and cracked the Top 10 in 23 countries, including the U.K. Singles Chart. The multi-Platinum track has garnered over 2.3 billion global streams, topped five radio formats (Top 40, Hot AC, AC, R&B, and Rhythm), and earned a spot in Spotify’s “Billions Club.” Teddy has also collaborated with the likes of Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, Meghan Trainor, X Ambassadors, ILLENIUM, Tiësto, Armin Van Buuren, and Matoma. Teddy Swims just released I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2) on January 24th and is set to embark on his biggest global tour to date, including performances at Lollapalooza in Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. Teddy Swims was also nominated for “Best New Artist” at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
BUCKS SIGNS CLAVIS 7EVEN TO WORLDWIDE DEAL: Bucks Music Group has signed an exclusive worldwide music publishing deal with CLAVIS 7EVEN. Hailing from the Congo and raised in Wolverhampton, CLAVIS 7EVEN has already made a mark with his blend of rap, singing, songwriting, and production. His breakthrough mixtape 7’s Deadly Sins earned him widespread attention, with appearances on BBC Radio London’s Raffaella Coleman show and BBC Music Introducing’s Theo Johnson platform, where he was named “Artist of the Month” in October 2022. His single “LOSIN U” earned him airtime on Apple Music’s The Dotty Show Recently, CLAVIS was again spotlighted by BBC Introducing as Artist of the Day on January 23. A rising star in the streaming world, CLAVIS has secured support across digital platforms, landing on influential editorial playlists such as Spotify’s New Music Friday U.K., Fresh Finds, Just Dropped, We Move, Main Character Energy, New U.K. Garage, and Radar Global. He’s also been featured on high-profile curated lists like Ministry of Sound and R&D on Spotify, as well as gracing the cover of Spotify’s Fresh Finds UK & IE. His work has also appeared on Apple Music’s New In Pop playlist and Amazon Music’s Fresh R&B playlist. Josh Gregg, A&R, Bucks Music Group, said, “CLAVIS is a unique voice with a clear artistic vision that transcends genres. I really admire the 9020 team’s creative outlook and we’re excited to help facilitate that. His musicianship is on par with his pen and we’re delighted that Clavis is joining the roster here at Bucks.”
HYBE DOUBLES DOWN ON LATIN AMERICA WITH NEW LABEL: HYBE is entering the Latin American music scene with the launch of its new label, DOCEMIL Music. The first artist to sign with DOCEMIL is Mexican music veteran Emmanuel “Meme” del Real, best known for his role in the Latin Grammy-winning rock band Café Tacvba. Del Real has already dropped his debut single under the label, “Princesa”, which features a collaboration with Argentine producer Gustavo Santaolalla. The track offers a taste of del Real’s upcoming solo album, set for release later this year. Over a year ago, the company made its first entry into the Latin market by acquiring Exile Music, a Latin music company affiliated with Exile Content, a Spanish-language entertainment studio. HYBE then went on to launch its Mexico-based division, HYBE Latin America, in November 2023, and in early 2024, appointed Fernando Grediaga as General Manager to lead the initiative. With the debut of DOCEMIL Music and del Real’s solo project on the horizon, HYBE is positioning itself to make a major impact on the Latin music landscape.
PRESCRIPTION SONGS SIGNS SONGWRITER TRENT DABBS: Prescription Songs announced the addition of Trent Dabbs to its roster. Based in Nashville, TN, Trent has built a catalog of songwriting successes, including co-writing “High Horse” with Kacey Musgraves, a standout track from her Grammy-winning Golden Hour album. He also co-penned the Top 40 hit “Girls Chase Boys” with Ingrid Michaelson, and contributed to Stephen Sanchez’s debut album with hits like “Evangeline” and “Emotional Vacation.” Trent’s songwriting extends across a variety of artists, including COIN, Valley, Noah Cyrus, Anderson East, NEEDTOBREATHE, JOSEPH, and Matt Kearny, among others. Last year, Trent’s releases featured artists such as Maggie Antone, Max McNown, Allen Stone, Ty Myers, Michigander, Wild Rivers, Marc Scibilia, Ingrid Andress, Astrid S, Mokita, Old Sea Brigade, and more. Chris Martignago, A&R, Prescription Songs, who signed Dabbs, tells A&R Worldwide, “I moved to Nashville almost 10 years ago. Anyone who has been here for any amount of time will tell you that you learn a lot about songs and the people that have respect for the craft. One of those people that I met early on is Trent Dabbs who I immediately was a massive fan of. It’s rare to meet someone with such a deep relationship to songwriting for so many years that is somehow more excited about music than they were when they first started out. I am so excited that we are officially in business together.”
NICKY JAM SIGNS GLOBAL AGREEMENT WITH VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP: Nicky Jam, a trailblazer in Latin music and a driving force behind reggaeton’s global rise, has entered into a global partnership with Virgin Music Group. Virgin Music will take charge of managing his catalog on YouTube, as well as select catalog releases on digital platforms in various regions. This agreement is a milestone for Nicky Jam, who has been instrumental in shaping the evolution of reggaeton and its transformation into a worldwide cultural movement. Throughout his career, Nicky Jam has earned numerous accolades, including Billboard Latin Music Awards: Winner of “Hot Latin Song of the Year,” “Latin Rhythm Song Artist of the Year,” “Solo,” and “Latin Rhythm Song of the Year” for his hit “El Perdón”. Also, Latin Grammy Awards Winner of “Best Urban Performance” for “El Perdón”. Premio Lo Nuestro has recognized him as “Urban Artist of the Year” and “Collaboration of the Year” for “El Perdón”. With over 10 billion views on YouTube and more than five billion streams across digital platforms, Nicky Jam continues to be one of the most-streamed Latin artists globally.
DISNEY MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS RABO: Norwegian singer-songwriter Live Rabo Lund-Roland, professionally known as Rabo, has made history as the first songwriter based outside North America to sign with Disney Music Publishing. Rabo’s recent credits include co-writing “Long Chat” for the K-pop group Aespa. In November, Rabo debuted her own single, “Talk To Me,” under Petroleum Records, known for artists like Aurora and Sigrid. Fans can expect more new music, as Rabo is preparing to release an EP in spring 2025. Rabo joins a roster at Disney Music Publishing, which includes artists such as Tony Ferrari, Nat Young, Nick Pingree, Lucky West, and others. “This partnership underscores Disney’s strategic commitment to discovering and elevating international talent,” said a statement from Disney. “As Disney Music Publishing has expanded their reach in the European market by hosting songwriting camps abroad, signing Rabo was a natural extension of this work.” “Joining Disney feels like the perfect home for me and my music,” said Lund-Roland. “Their legacy inspires me, and I am so excited to get started on this journey together.”
BRIAN “BUSY” DACKOWSKI NAMED EVP/HEAD OF POP/ROCK DIGITAL MARKETING AT CAPITOL RECORDS: Capitol Records has appointed Brian “Busy” Dackowski as Executive VP & Head of Pop/Rock Digital Marketing. In this new role, Busy will spearhead the development and execution of digital marketing strategies for the label’s pop and rock projects. Prior to joining Capitol, Busy spent over two decades at Atlantic Records, most recently as Executive VP of Viral Marketing & Analytics. There, he led various departments, including Digital, Marketing, & Artist Development. Early on, he was instrumental in launching the careers of stars like Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran. More recently, Busy contributed to the success of marketing campaigns for artists like Fred again.., Charlie Puth, Ty Dolla $ign, Sam Barber, Oliver Tree, and Surf Curse. He also played a key role in driving the digital marketing for the soundtracks of films like Barbie and Twisters, contributing significantly to their worldwide success. “Busy is one of the best music marketers in the world,” said Tom March, Chairman & CEO, Capitol Music Group. “Having him lead our digital marketing team is going to be a game-changer for all the artists on our roster.”
WMG AND SPOTIFY INK NEW DEAL FOR RECORDED MUSIC & PUBLISHING: Spotify and Warner Music Group (WMG) have reached a multi-year distribution agreement, encompassing both music and music publishing, echoing a similar deal Spotify secured with Universal Music last month. This new publishing arrangement introduces a direct licensing model with Warner Chappell Music in multiple countries, including the U.S. It aims to enhance benefits for songwriters and builds upon the companies’ shared commitment to “artist-centric” royalty structures that protect and empower artists in cultivating and engaging their fanbase. Both companies highlighted that the deal will foster innovative fan experiences, expand music and video catalogs, introduce additional paid subscription options, and offer exclusive content bundles. “This major agreement delivers new benefits for artists, songwriters, and fans, while unlocking further collaboration that expands the music ecosystem,” said Robert Kyncl, CEO, WMG, “It’s a big step forward in our vision for greater alignment between rights holders and streaming services. Together with Spotify, we look forward to increasing the value of music, as we drive growth, impact, and innovation.” “For Spotify, 2025 is a year of accelerated execution, and our partners at Warner Music Group share our commitment to rapid innovation and sustained investment in our leading music offerings,” said Daniel Ek, Spotify Founder & CEO. Last Tuesday, the company Tuesday reported its first annual profit since it launched in 2008.
TIARA HARGRAVE NAMED GENERAL MANAGER OF SLANG: SLANG, the new frontline label launched by Influence Media Partners in July 2024, has appointed Tiara Hargrave as its General Manager. Based in New York, Hargrave brings experience to the role and will manage day-to-day operations while leading strategic efforts to drive the label’s growth, as announced by Influence Media on February 6. Hargrave’s career includes a tenure as Executive VP and General Manager at Alamo Records, a Sony Music label, where she aided in the rise of artists such as Lil Nas X, Lil Durk, and Kid Cudi. Her past roles also include key positions at Columbia Records, Universal Music Group, and Red Bull, where she honed her expertise in artist development, marketing, and publicity. Since its launch just seven months ago, SLANG has already made an impact on the music scene. The label helped Will Smith achieve his first No.1 Gospel song with “You Can Make It” and supported the success of rapper Truththebull’s viral track “Hype Me Up”. SLANG’s roster includes talent like four-time Grammy and Academy Awardwinner Will Smith, multi-Platinum producer Camper (known for his work with Jay-Z, Drake, and Nicki Minaj), and Grammy-winning producer 30 Roc (known for producing Roddy Ricch’s diamond-certified hit “The Box”). The label also represents emerging artists such as Leaf, The Underachievers, Truththebull, Isaia Huron, and RY XP. Founded in 2019, Influence Media is spearheaded by Lylette Pizarro, Lynn Hazan, Rene McLean, and Jon Jashni.
FRONTIERS LABEL GROUP SIGNS IRISH ROCK DUO GREYWIND: FLG, part of Frontiers Label Group, has officially signed the Irish rock duo Greywind. The sibling band, who first released their debut albumAfterthoughts in 2017 through Spinefarm, returned in 2023 with the release of their EP Antidote. Greywind kicked off their debut U.S. tour in 2024 and are currently on the road in the U.K., supporting Madina Lake. “We’re so excited to sign with FLG for this next phase of our career,” stated the band. “Working with a team that has the same ambition and creative vision as us is something we’re so looking forward to and we can’t wait to invite our fans back into our world for this new era of Greywind.” Leo Nicholas, Head of A&R for FLG, added, “We’re thrilled to welcome Greywind to the FLG family. Their ability to channel raw emotion into anthemic, evocative tracks is nothing short of extraordinary. At FLG, we’re passionate about championing artists who push boundaries, and Greywind embodies that ethos perfectly. We’re confident this is just the start of an incredible chapter for the band and FLG.”
REDD. SIGNS WITH ISLAND RECORDS AUSTRALIA: Island Records Australia welcomes REDD., the Naarm/Melbourne artist, to their roster. With a mix of punk, hip-hop, and pop, REDD has dropped her debut single “FUGH SHI.” The track is paired with a music video, directed by Darren Craig, known for his work with artists like Big Sean, Kanye West, and Rihanna. Shot in an abandoned house in East Los Angeles, the video amps up the intensity, offering a glimpse into REDD’s world. REDD. commented, “I really wanted ‘FUGH SHI.’ to be this dirty raw feeling music video centered around a house party show. For me, it had to highlight and celebrate diversity as well. I came to Darren with the bare bones, and he helped me create this world around my music. We both wanted the video to feel as natural as possible, so the cameras were just rolling all the time while the cast and I chatted and danced. Everyone in the cast was beautiful too; they made me feel right at home in Los Angeles and told me all these stories about the city and their own personal lives. It was a super fun experience and the first major step to creating my world.”
WARNER MUSIC GROUP ACQUIRES CONTROLLING STAKE IN TEMPO MUSIC: Warner Music Group (WMG) has announced the acquisition of a controlling interest in Tempo Music Investments (Tempo), an investment platform focused on acquiring premium music rights, from Providence Equity Partners (Providence). Although Providence will retain a minority stake in Tempo, it will continue to collaborate with WMG in an advisory role. The partnership between WMG and Providence began in 2019, when they co-founded Tempo, combining Providence’s investment expertise with WMG’s knowledge and network in the music industry. Tempo has followed a disciplined investment strategy that has helped it build a diverse portfolio, empowering creatives while also achieving strong financial returns. As Tempo continues to acquire more music rights, WMG’s investment is expected to grow in value, especially as additional rights revert to Tempo. This will broaden WMG’s role in the administration and distribution of these rights. Since its inception, Tempo has secured rights from some of the most prominent songwriters including, Tyler Joseph of Twenty One Pilots, Wiz Khalifa, Florida Georgia Line, and Grammy Award-winning songwriters Brett James and Shane McAnally. Tempo’s portfolio also includes songwriters behind hits for Lukas Graham, such as Stefan Forrest, Morten Pilegaard, Morten Ristorp Jensen, and Jaramye Daniels. Tempo has also expanded its collection of music rights to include works from artists and producer including, the Jonas Brothers, Ben Rector, Korn, Mia Fieldes, Philip Lawrence (Bruno Mars, Adele), Malay (Frank Ocean), and Jeff Bhasker (Grammy Award-winning artist and producer).
DOWNTOWN MUSIC PUBLISHING EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH TORI AMOS: Downtown Music Publishing has revealed a series of expansions and renewals, including an extended partnership with multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Tori Amos. Under the renewed agreement – first established in 2018 – Downtown Music Publishing will continue representing Amos’s full body of work. Since the release of her 1992 breakthrough album Little Earthquakes, Amos has built one of the most dedicated fan bases in popular music. A classically trained pianist known for her poetic lyricism, Amos emerged in the early ‘90s as a defining voice of alternative music celebrated for global hits like “Crucify,” “Cornflake Girl,” and “A Sorta Fairytale,” and has continued to captivate audiences ever since. In addition to Amos, Downtown Music Publishing has secured new and extended agreements with a range of musicians and songwriters. The company has renewed its representation of the George Gershwin catalog, along with works by DuBose and Dorothy Heyward, co-writers of the folk opera Porgy and Bess. Furthermore, Downtown has strengthened ties with Afro-rock drummer Remi Kabaka, known for his collaborations with Paul Simon, Hugh Masekela, and Gorillaz, and has also renewed deals with Tim Kellett of The Durutti Column and Simply Red, bassist and songwriter Les Claypool, the founder of the band Us3, London-based producer Geoff Wilkinson, and songwriter Brett Dennen.
JULIAN DAVID SIGNS LONG-TERM DEAL WITH TELAMO: Julian David, the German Schlager artist, has officially joined the BMG label Telamo with a long-term contract, marking a new phase in his career as he celebrates his 10th anniversary in the genre. David’s debut single under Telamo, titled “Immer in Bewegung,” is now available for streaming. Listeners can look forward to experiencing his performances at his sold-out XL shows, with more tour dates expected to be revealed soon. In addition to his live performances, Julian will be making his debut as the host of Die große Schlager Hitparade, bringing his own take to the popular show for the first time. Ken Otremba, Managing Director Telamo, said, “Julian has made a name for himself in the Schlager music scene with his passion and diverse talents. His positive energy and commitment make him a very special artist. As a former founding member of the band voXXclub and a successful solo artist, he has produced numerous hits. His debut album Süchtig nach dir and his second solo album Ohne Limit are proof of his versatile musical talent. The entire Telamo team is very much looking forward to working with Julian in the future.”
JANE DYBALL TO TAKE OVER AS CHAIR OF PRS FOUNDATION’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Jane Dyball will take on the role of chair for PRS Foundation’s board of trustees starting in April. She steps into this leadership position following the conclusion of her tenure as co-chair of Attitude Is Everything. Previously, Dyball served as CEO of the Music Publishers Association Group (MPA) and has held significant roles at Warner Chappell Music, where she managed international legal and business affairs, digital strategy, emerging markets, and public policy. Throughout her career, Dyball has earned numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Contribution award at the 2018 Music Week Women In Music Awards, as well as the Ivors Academy Gold Badge and MPA Gold Badge. In addition to her new role at PRS Foundation, Dyball is the Co-Founder of the Primadonna Festival and a trustee at Suffolk Artlink. She mentors tech-focused music incubators like Abbey Road Red and is a founding Advisory Board member for Music Tech U.K. Dyball also runs her own consultancy, Laffittes Ltd. Joining Dyball on the PRS Foundation board are Brahim Ait Ben Larbi (Principal Legal Counsel at Apple), Jonathan Jackson (COO/CFO at Plimsoll Productions Ltd), and Grace Goodwin (Founder of GENIE – Gender Equality Networks in Europe).
VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP NIGERIA PARTNERS WITH RAINLABS IN GHANA: Virgin Music Group (VMG) has teamed up with RainLabs, a rising distribution and label services company based in Accra, Ghana. Founded in 2020,RainLabs supports African artists through digital distribution, marketing, and creative production. Virgin Music Group Nigeria, launched in 2023, is expanding its footprint in the African music scene. The partnership with RainLabs will enhance African artists’ global reach, helping them distribute music across 128 digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, YouTube Music, and Audiomack. RainLabs’ artist roster includes Joey B, Cina Soul, Baaba J, MAUIMØON, Kofee Bean, Ess thee Legend, and AD DJ. VMG’s services span global distribution, streaming strategies, marketing, and artist development, all designed to help both emerging and established African artists thrive. RainLabs is focused on empowering independent and rising African talent. It offers a range of services including digital distribution, PR, streaming strategies, and creative production tailored specifically to the needs of African artists. Virgin expanded Since Virgin Music expanded into Africa in 2021, after its predecessor Ingrooves acquired South Africa-based distributor Electromode, it has opened-up a dedicated office in the region, and added 15,000 titles, fifty label partners, and more than one hundred artists from more than twenty five African countries.
BELL PARTNERS WORLDWIDE ACQUIRES GOTEE RECORDS: Tennessee-based Christian music label Gotee Records has announced a partnership with Bell Partners Worldwide, leading to the acquisition of Gotee’s label operations and Emack Music Publishing. This collaboration gives rise to Bell Partners Christian Music, a division focused on extending the global reach of Christian artists. Joey Elwood and Toby McKeehan, longtime executives at Gotee, will continue in their leadership roles at both Gotee and Bell Partners Christian Music, with Elwood taking on the position of CEO. Founded in 1992, Gotee Records has seen success in the Christian music scene, helping to launch the careers of artists such as Relient K, Jennifer Knapp, SonicFlood, and Jamie Grace. The label’s current roster includes Jon Reddick, Cochren & Co., Terrian, Ryan Stevenson, Joseph O’Brien, and others. Bell Partners Worldwide, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, operates across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The company specializes in rights management, publishing, synchronization, licensing, and label services, offering top-tier creative and business solutions to help partners achieve success in local markets and expand globally. Hayden Bell, Founder, Bell Partners Worldwide said, “We are excited to welcome Gotee Records into the Bell Partners family. Joey and Toby have built an amazing company that has been a cornerstone of the Christian music industry, and I couldn’t wish for better partners as we move forward.
WARNER MUSIC GROUP CORP. REPORTS RESULTS FOR FISCAL FIRST QUARTER: Warner Music Group Corp. has released its financial results for the first quarter of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. While total revenue for the company showed a decline of 5% overall, several key aspects of Warner Music’s performance highlighted the company’s strategic focus on growth and long-term profitability. One of the achievements during the quarter was the continued growth in music publishing, which was driven by growth in both performance royalties and digital platforms. The company’s publishing segment remains a vital contributor to its overall financial health, as it capitalized on trends within the digital space to bolster revenue. Also, Warner Music experienced a 13% growth in operating cash flow, reflecting strong business operations and efficient capital management. With a conversion rate of 91%, the company demonstrated its ability to generate cash from its operations effectively. However, operating income decreased by 40%, dropping from $354 million (USD) in the previous year to $214 million. Furthermore, adjusted OIBDA (Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization) declined by 20%, reaching $363 million from $451 million in the same period last year. However, net income for the quarter rose by 25%, reaching $241 million, compared to $193 million in the prior-year period. Lastly, Warner Music’s cash flow from operating activities showed an increase to $332 million, up from $293 million in the same quarter last year.
BMG PROMOTES ANNA DERBYSHIRE TO VP OF CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT: BMG has announced the promotion of Anna Derbyshire to Vice President of Campaign Management, a role in which she will collaborate closely with Jamie Nelson, Senior Vice President of New Recordings, on artist strategy, management, and overseeing the label’s operations. Derbyshire’s position will also see her taking charge of the U.K. division’s artist campaigns, while driving efforts to diversify the label’s roster and global outreach. Having joined BMG in 2020 as Sr. Marketing Manager, Derbyshire has been instrumental in achieving milestones, including guiding Kylie Minogue to three consecutive No.1 albums, as well as the global success of the hit single “Padam Padam.” In 2023, she was promoted to Sr. Director of Marketing. Her leadership has also contributed to successful chart campaigns for artists like Suede, Simple Minds, and Sigur Rós, alongside expanding BMG’s roster with the addition of Everything Everything. Derbyshire’s career in the music industry began in 1999 when she joined the A&R team at Parlophone before transitioning into marketing. She went on to hold senior marketing positions at Virgin Records, Geffen, and RCA, where she aided in the campaigns for artists such as Paloma Faith, the Chemical Brothers, Katy Perry, Empire of the Sun, Kodaline, and Everything Everything.
WISE MUSIC GROUP NAMES DIRK LANGE AS MD OF UK RIGHTS COMPANIES: Wise Music Group has announced the appointment of Dirk Lange as the new Managing Director for its U.K. rights companies, a key role overseeing some of the company’s most iconic brands, including Chester Music, Novello and Co, Campbell Connelly, and Sparta Florida. Lange, who will relocate from Hamburg, Germany to London, will begin his new position in April. Lange has worked in A&R, artist management, and sync licensing for both labels and publishers. For the past 18 years, Lange has been with Bosworth Music, the Berlin-based branch of Wise Music Group, where he initially served as Head of Sync and Creative Director. Over time, his role expanded to include European Creative Director and overseeing new talent, all while continuing to manage sync operations for Bosworth. Throughout his career, Lange has assisted in signing talent for Wise Music Group, securing publishing deals with artists like Ólafur Arnalds, Volker Bertelmann, Hania Rani, David Sylvian, and the Portico Quartet. Prior to his time at Bosworth Music, Lange held key positions at Sony Classical/Masterworks, BMG, Warner Classics, and worked as a composer manager at Chester Music in London, where he represented composers such as Michael Nyman and Joby Talbot. The current Managing Director of the U.K. rights companies, Wiebke Busch, will transition to a part-time role within the group, based in Berlin, where she will continue to support the classical rights division of Wise Music Group.
WARNER MUSIC GROUP EXPANDS DEAL WITH AUDIOMACK: Warner Music Group (WMG) has expanded its licensing agreement with Audiomack, adding 47 new countries to its coverage. This extension builds on their 2019 partnership, which marked Audiomack’s first licensing agreement with a major label. Listeners in the U.K., France, Italy, Germany, Caribbean, Mexico, Uganda, and Zimbabwe will now have access to WMG’s full catalog, joining previously covered regions like the U.S., Canada, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. “At WMG, we value partnerships with innovative companies like Audiomack that share our vision for driving music discovery and amplifying emerging talent,” said Allan Coye, Executive VP, Global Head of Recorded Music Business Development at WMG. “This expanded agreement deepens our commitment to connecting artists with fans worldwide.” The complete Audiomack catalog of WMG artists for these territories has already been added to the service and is now available to listeners.
WISE MUSIC GROUP RENEWS PARTNERSHIP WITH HANIA RANI: Wise Music Group’s Bosworth Music has renewed its partnership with composer, pianist, and vocalist Hania Rani. The Berlin-based publisher first signed Rani in January 2021, and this extension solidifies their ongoing collaboration. Rani gained international recognition with her debut album Esja (2019), which won four Fryderyk Awards in Poland. Since then, she has released four full-length albums, collaborated on multiple projects, and crafted soundtracks for films including The Summer Book (2024) and Rosalie (winner of the Valois de la Musique at the 2023 Festival du Film Francophone d’Angoulême). She also contributed to The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, On Giacometti, and Venice – Infinitely Avantgarde. Her latest work, Nostalgia, merges live music with her photography, adding a personal dimension to her sound. Rani has performed sold-out shows across Europe, North America, Australia, and Japan. In 2022, she recorded live sessions for ARTE and Cercle, followed by a Tiny Desk concert in 2024. Looking ahead, Rani will perform with a large ensemble at Berlin Philharmonie, Salle Pleyel in Paris, and Barbican in London. She will also give a solo concert at the Sydney Opera House in March 2025.
ED SHEERAN FUNDS WEST LONDON MUSIC CHARITY: West London, England’s Rhythm Studio Foundation, a nonprofit providing free music education, has been selected as a beneficiary of the Ed Sheeran Foundation. The funding will support its Primary Schools Workshop Program for the next three years. Designed for 8–11-year-olds in state primary schools in the U.K., the program provides a 10-week immersive course in music creation and performance. Many participating schools are in socio-economically disadvantaged areas with limited music resources. With Ed Sheeran’s backing, the initiative will reach approximately 1,800 students, giving them access to industry-standard studios and professional mentorship. In May 2024, Sheeran visited The Rhythm Studio Foundation, engaging with students and watching live performances. His visit reinforced his commitment to fostering young talent and ensuring music education remains accessible to all.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Imran Majid, Nicole Wyskoarko, Andy Edwards, Nick Gatfield, Jo Charrington, David Masssey, Nick Shymansky, David Glick, Barry Daffurn, Mansoor Khan, Will Mills, Ashley Calhoun and Max Paproth.
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