MUSEXPO REVEALS KEY MUSIC SUPERVISOR PANELS & A FOCUS ON STREAMING, PLAYLISTING & RADIO
MUSEXPO “The United Nations of Music” (www.musexpo.net), the pioneering global music business conference and showcase event is just over two weeks away, and takes place March 16 – 19, 2025, in Burbank, California. Marking a quarter-century of influence as one of the longest-running independent music confabs, MUSEXPO 2025 will celebrate its storied history, spanning three continents, and highlight the future evolution of the music business landscape.
A&R Worldwide has organized all the speakers, panels, and keynotes for this year’s MUSEXPO, and brought almost 100 speakers from all key sectors of the global music industry from A&R, publishing, management, booking, AI, streaming, radio, management, licensing, distribution, digital, sync (music in film, TV, trailers, promos, sports, videogames, advertising), marketing, booking, live events, and so much more! MUSEXPO is a must-attend event for music business professionals, creatives, songwriters, managers, producers, composers, and anyone with a genuine interest in staying ahead of the curve of the future of the music business. The current list of speakers can be found HERE.
MUSEXPO has unveiled more exciting panels, and participants for the exciting Global Sync & A&R Summit, which gives those attending MUSEXPO a chance to have direct face-to-face meetings with executives from companies such as Anomaly, BMG, FanDuel Sports Network, Format, FOX Entertainment, Paramount, Position Music, Royalty Network, Sire/Warner Records, Songrunner Music Supervision, TikTok/SoundOn, WVZ MFG, Publishing Co., Woolly Music Supervision, and more.
MUSIC SUPERVISION: THE CREATIVE & BUSINESS EVOLUTION OF MUSIC LICENSING – TV, FILM, TRAILERS, ADVERTISING & BEYOND: This panel will provide an in-depth look at the evolving role of music supervision and its impact on media industries, including television, film, advertising, trailers, and digital content. As music licensing continues to adapt to changing market demands, music supervisors navigate a complex landscape—curating tracks that enhance storytelling while meeting legal, financial, and production requirements. Industry experts will discuss the creative and business considerations behind music selection, the growing role of production music in sync licensing, and the strategies used to balance artistic vision with commercial objectives. Attendees will gain insight into the collaborative process between artists, composers, supervisors, and content creators, as well as the latest trends shaping the future of music placement in an increasingly digital and globalized market.
Moderating this exciting panel is legendary KCRW Los Angeles DJ, and music supervisor and consultant for films including the Matrix trilogy, Tron: Legacy (featuring music from Daft Punk), Oblivion, Top Gun: Maverick, and many other key movies is Jason Bentley, President, Bentley Media Ventures, along with panelist including Adam Taylor, President & CEO, APM Music; Ben Dorenfeld, Director of Music, Anomaly; Bobby Gumm, Vice President, Head of Music, Requiem Creative; Jen Malone, Music Supervisor & Head of Black & White Music; Julia Michels, Grammy-Winning Music Supervisor, Format Entertainment, and Raphaella Lima, Global Music Supervision, Marketing & Partnerships, Electronic Arts.
UNLEASHING THE POWER OF AUDIO & VIDEO: PLAYLISTING, STREAMING/DIGITAL, PODCASTING, SATELLITE, RADIO & BEYOND: This session will examine the evolving role of audio and video platforms in shaping music discovery and audience engagement. As digital streaming, playlisting, podcasting, satellite, and traditional radio continue to expand their influence, industry professionals are navigating new strategies to amplify artist visibility and maximize reach. Experts from across the audio landscape will discuss how these platforms drive consumption, impact career development, and contribute to the broader music ecosystem. Attendees will gain insight into the decision-making processes behind curation, the role of algorithms in human editorial programming, and the opportunities available to artists, labels, and rights holders in an increasingly interconnected media environment. Moderating this insightful session is iconic radio veteran Erica Farber, Former President & CEO, RAB; Dorian Perron, Co-Founder, Chief Business & Music Officer, Groover (France); Kymberli Frueh – Sr. VP Programming & Content Acquisitions, Trafalgar Releasing; Lisa Worden, Sr. VP Rock & Alternative, iHeartMedia / PD, ALT 98.7 LA’s New Alternative & Host, “She Is the Voice”; Markus Kühn – Managing Partner, FluxFM (Germany); Tarsame Mittal, Founder & Host, The Music Podcast & Music Entrepreneur (India), and Zach Sang, Media Influencer, Podcaster & Host, The Zach Sang Show.
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.
The full event program for the various panels, keynotes, awards luncheons, showcases, networking receptions, and more for MUSEXPO 2025 can be found HERE.
For two and a half decades, MUSEXPO has been the definitive platform where music decision-makers come together to network, discover talent, and anticipate the future of the business. This year, the event promises more groundbreaking insights, exclusive networking opportunities, and innovative discussions than ever before.
A&R Worldwide newsletter readers can receive a 10% discount by entering the discount code MUSE10 before March 1st, 2025. To register to attend MUSEXPO, sign up HERE.
KOBALT LAUNCHES MUSIC PUBLISHING PLATFORM KOSIGN
Kobalt has introduced Kosign, a music publishing royalties platform designed specifically for artists, songwriters, and producers.
With the music industry continuously evolving, many creators have struggled to access their royalties, and Kobalt estimates that more than $1 billion (USD) in publishing royalties remains uncollected annually. Kosign aims to fill this gap by offering an efficient solution to manage and track music royalties.
One of the key features of Kosign is its global royalty collection capability. By directly collecting royalties from digital service providers across most territories, Kosign aims to ensure that artists and creators are compensated for their work worldwide.
In addition to royalty collection, Kosign will offer a simplified song registration process. Songwriters can submit their music for global registration through an intuitive interface, ensuring their songs are properly registered for royalties.
Kosign has also emphasized transparency, providing real-time tracking of earnings by territory, platform, and song. This transparency will enable artists and songwriters to monitor their income, gain insight into which platforms are generating the most revenue, and make more informed decisions about their music’s distribution.
Kosign is also offering its flexibility. The platform is offering a rolling-term agreement, meaning that songwriters are not locked into long-term contracts. If they choose to move their business elsewhere, they have the freedom to do so at any time. In addition, Kosign allows songwriters to retain full ownership of their copyrights. This is a key differentiator from traditional music publishing agreements, where songwriters often give up a portion of their rights in exchange for royalty collection services.
Kosign is available to interested creators through an application process, ensuring that it remains a tailored solution for those looking for a more direct and efficient way to manage their music publishing royalties.
Laurent Hubert, President & Chief Executive Officer, Kobalt, and Jeannette Perez, President & Chief Commercial Officer, Kobalt will both be appearing at this year’s MUSEXPO global music business and showcase event on two separate keynotes on Monday, March 17th in Burbank, CA.
EMPIRE NAMES GUILLERMO RAMOS & TED MAY
TO SENIOR GLOBAL ROLES
Empire has appointed Guillermo Ramos as Managing Director for Europe and Ted May as Sr. Vice President, International Marketing.
Both are seasoned professionals in the U.K. music scene, having held roles at Virgin Music and MNRK/eOne. They will both work out of Empire’s London office, which is the company’s international headquarters.
Ramos brings 18 years of industry experience to his new role, where he will oversee Empire’s operations and roster growth across Europe. He will lead a team of territory managers, overseeing markets such as France and German-speaking regions. Ramos’ previous role as General Manager at Virgin Music Group (U.K.) saw him managing departments like marketing, audience development, and promotions, working with artists like Rema, Hozier, Gotye, and The Weeknd. Earlier in his career, he also served as Marketing Director at Island, contributing to campaigns for names like Ariana Grande, Post Malone, and Mumford & Sons.
May, with over 25 years of experience, will focus on enhancing Empire’s global marketing efforts, bridging the company’s regional divisions spanning six continents. He brings experience from his tenure as Managing Director at MNRK/eOne, where he led international operations and worked with acts like The Streets, Cher, and The Lumineers.
Empire has made notable strides globally, securing breakout successes for artists such as Fireboy DML, Tyga, Asake, and Shaboozey. Asake, nominated for a BRIT Award, has sold out London’s O2 Arena for two consecutive years.
Meanwhile, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has achieved historic chart success, tying with Lil Nas X for the longest-running No.1 on the U.S. Hot 100.
AN INTERVIEW WITH SATYA HINDUJA, ARTIST & FOUNDER, ALCHEMIC SONIC ENVIRONMENT – UNVEILING A NEW GENRE OF SOUND
Satya Hinduja is a visionary composer, sound artist, and DJ whose work bridges music, sound healing, and technology. She combines musical instruments, voice, field recordings, and alternate tunings to craft immersive spatial sound experiences. Her artistic journey spans film scoring, mixed-media installations, production, and DJing as “Sound Underground,” and has led her to explore profound intersections between Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Kinesiology, Quantum Theory, and Vedic philosophy.
As the founder of Alchemic Sonic Environment (ASE), Satya has pioneered a multi-sensory, deep-listening experience that merges sound, music, and health to foster a sense of interconnectedness with oneself and the environment. ASE is evolving as a NeuroSound research and technology platform, merging ancient sound healing practices with innovative technology to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Satya collaborates with artists, neuroscientists, and healing arts practitioners and will present a special unveiling at MUSEXPO on Sunday, March 16th in Hollywood. A&R Worldwide readers can experience this mind, body, and soul-inspiring experience at this special event by sending your RSVP to https://www.alchemicsonicenvironment.com/rsvp.
Read the full-interview with Satya Hinduja HERE.
THE A&R WORLDWIDE PODCAST FEATURING AN INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL MANCUSO A&R MANAGER, HELLO GROUP PUBLISHING
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 Michael Mancuso, A&R Manager, The Hello Group Publishing, and Taylor Jones, Founder & CEO, The Hello Group (THG).
Michael Mancuso boasts over 11 years of music industry experience, as A&R Manager at THG Publishing and Co-Founder of Nuplak, his ability to sing and write at a professional level enables him to provide writers and producers with more intricate and tangible feedback. Since joining THG’s A&R team in 2021, Michael has assisted the company in achieving over a dozen Billboard No.1 chart results and dozens of Gold and Platinum records/albums. He also works as a producer for Hello Pictures, where he writes Anime and serves as Head of Story for multiple animated projects.
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, Michael and Taylor discuss the evolution of artist development, A&R, and nurturing global hits that can travel.
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 is known for bringing together some of the “best in class” from around the world, from executives to creatives. At the inception of A&R Worldwide’s inaugural MUSEXPO Europe in London, England, one of the highlight keynote interviews was with Richard Russell, Founder of XL Recordings (which has been home to artists like Adele, M.I.A., The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, Beck, Radiohead, the White Stripes, Vampire Weekend, the xx and many others), and Daniel Miller, Founder of Mute Records (which has signed artists including Depeche Mode, Erasure, Nick Cave, Goldfrapp, Moby, Inspiral Carpets and much more).
MAVE
MaVe, the Oslo, Norway-based artist, songwriter, and producer, is set to release her second album, Ecstatic/Perplexed, on March 14th. Known for her raw, emotionally charged sound that blends electronic and organic elements, she has drawn comparisons to early Lorde, Highasakite, and Emilie Nicolas. Her latest single, “Power Loving,” continues this evolution, offering a striking mix of Scandinavian experimentalism and infectious pop melodies. With deep personal lyrics, the track explores themes of strength, vulnerability, and the complexities of desire. “Power Loving” follows a series of well-received singles from the album, including “Extraordinary,” “WEAK,” and “Tolerate,” all of which secured playlist placements on major streaming platforms and recognition from tastemakers like The Line of Best Fit and BALLADE. Building on the success of her 2023 debut album, Crap I shouldn’t say out loud and shitloads of ballads, MaVe remains a self-sufficient creative force, handling everything from songwriting and production to visual editing. With Ecstatic/Perplexed, she continues to push boundaries, cementing her status as one of Norway’s most compelling emerging artists. MaVe will be showcasing at MUSEXPO Los Angeles on Monday, March 17th at S.I.R. Hollywood. Listen to “Power Loving” HERE, and contact Maria Alonte at maria.alonte@bmlg.net for all inquiries on behalf of MaVe.
CAT SERRANO
Cat Serrano, the rising Puerto Rican sensation, returns with “When You Love Me,” a heartfelt new single accompanied by a stunning visual. Blending lush synths with her signature pop contemporary, and alternative fusion, the track is a radiant celebration of love. Serrano describes it as a positive ode to romance, highlighting her soulful voice and undeniable artistry. Inspired by icons like Whitney Houston, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Bruno Mars, she continues to carve her own path in the music scene, proving she’s one to watch. Cat Serrano is already garnering global radio and playlisting support across various DSP’s and building an authentic fanbase worldwide. Experience the brilliance of Cat Serrano with the video for “When You Love Me” HERE, and for inquiries, contact Carmen Irene Bigles at cbigles@catserranomusic.com, as Cat Serrano is available for co-writing, sync, brand, and label opportunities worldwide.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, March 2nd, 2025: The weekly import show is heard on more than 40 radio stations on six continents weekly including: Flux FM Berlin (Germany); NINETYSIX Radio (Indonesia); Radio Doble Nueve, Lima (Peru); Radio C Luxembourg; 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; RTÉ 2XM Ireland (national radio); 96.2 ZFM The Netherlands; WAPS/WKTL “91.3 The Summit” Akron–Canton-Youngstown, OH; 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; WSHR Long Island, NY, WRUR 88.5FM Rochester, NY; WCRU–FM Hamilton, NY; KZND Anchorage, AK; KQCJ Quad Cities, IL; Allgauhit–FM Bavaria Germany; Indie X FM Los Angeles, QCIndie Saskatchewan, Canada; WJSE Cape May/Atlantic City, NJ 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:
VELLA – “All My Love” (Universal Music, Sweden)
ACROBVT – “A Thousand Times” (Unsigned, U.K.)
ZIMMER90 – “Whatever” (Humming Records, Germany)
CIRCA WAVES – “Like You Did Before” (Lower Third/[PIAS], U.K.)
MONOTRONIC – “Everything Moves” (Unsigned, U.S.)
FAT DOG – “Peace Song” (Domino Records, U.K.)
SPACEY JANE – “All The Noise” (AWAL, Australia)
SHOBSY – “Hold Me Up” (Pangea Int’l Music, Ireland)
THE TERRY’S – “Stay Free” (Good Intent, Australia)
SAMFIRE – “Muse” (Laid Bare Music, U.K.)
GIZMO VARILLAS – “Under The Weight” (Sonteca Records, Spain)
GLASS CITIES – “Mad4U” (Unsigned, U.S.)
ADELINE V. LOPEZ – “Blood & Lilac” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE VICES – “Before It Might Be Gone” (Mattan Records, Holland)
RHETT REPKO – “Every Night” (Unsigned, U.S.)
ARXX – “All Night” (Republic of Music, U.K.)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Clairvoyant” (Unsigned, U.S.)
GOOD NEIGHBOURS – “Ripple” (Polydor/Capitol, U.K.)
THE MOVING STILLS – “Telephone” (Unsigned, Australia)
GIANT ROOKS – “Mind Control” (Universal Music, Germany)
THE AMAZONS – “My Blood” (Fiction Records, U.K.)
LUKE NOA – “Flight of Birds” (Bread, Butter & Champagne, Germany)
MASI MASI – “She’s Trouble” (Pangea Int’l Music, U.K.)
THE SHERLOCKS – “Bones” (Infectious, U.K.)
LEONIDEN – “Sierra” (Universal Music, Germany)
NOEL – “Heart Full of Ghosts” (BLNK Music, Sweden)
KAI BOSCH – “Rodeo Romeo” (LAB Records, U.K.)
BAKER GRACE – “Love Song” (Unsigned, N. America)
ONLY THE POETS – “Already There” (EMI, U.K.)
KULEEANGEE – “Television” (LAB Records, U.K.)
CAT SERRANO – “When You Love Me” (Unsigned, U.S.)
KINGFISHR – “I Cried, I Wept” (Doonane Records, Ireland)
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE – “Try Again” (Unsigned, U.S.)
FIL BO RIVA – “I’m Fine (Alone Again)” (Vertigo/Universal Music, Germany)
CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS WESTERN RAPPER RYAN CHARLES: Concord Music Publishing announced the signing of western rapper Ryan Charles. The worldwide publishing deal, effective immediately, includes Charles’ full catalog and all future works. Originally from Wyoming, Ryan Charles is a natural-born entertainer known for his signature fashion sense, light-hearted twang, and high-energy live shows. Charles brings a style all his own to Nashville with his music combining the cowboy lifestyle with the flow of 2000 rap. Charles has released singles including “Gettin’ Western” (2020), “Old Dirt Fancy” (2021), and “New Boot Goofin'” (2022). He was also featured on Ian Munsick‘s 2022 single “Cowboy Killer,” which has over 37 million streams on Spotify. In 2022, Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg hosted the first season of NBC‘s American Song Contest, inspired by Europe’s legendary Eurovision Song Contest. During this first season, Charles represented the state of Wyoming by performing “New Boot Goofin’.” Charles returned to the show during its fifth season to compete in the semi-finals, becoming the show’s first “Redemption Artist” as “New Boot Goofin'” received the highest number of streams of any eliminated artist to date. Charles released singles “Turquoise Stones” and “Cold Beer Diet” in 2023 and this past year released love song “Heartbreak Rodeo,” and most recently “What in Tarnation,” bringing his global career streams to more than 65+ million. The new signing was spearheaded by Melissa Spillman, VP A&R, Concord Music Publishing.
ARTONE AND DREW HILL ACQUIRE PROPER MUSIC GROUP: Artone and Drew Hill have successfully acquired the assets of Proper Music Group (PMG), which includes Proper Music Distribution (PMD). This acquisition follows the appointment of joint administrators, Mark Supperstone and Ben Woodthorpe of Evelyn Partners, to oversee PMG. After a bidding process, certain assets were sold to Artone and Drew Hill, the former managing director of PMG, including the shares in all of PMG’s trading companies—PMD, Proper Records, Proper Music Publishing, and propermusic.com. By acquiring these assets, the Dutch company will help unlock new pan-European opportunities for distribution, production, packaging, retail, and D2C sales for clients of both PMD and Artone. This includes clients like Absolute Label Services, Believe, Cherry Red, and Chrysalis/Blue Raincoat for PMD, and Concord Music Group and Reveal Records for Artone. This acquisition follows Artone’s purchase of D2C specialist Townsend Music in 2024. Under Hill’s leadership, PMD has grown to distribute music for over 5,000 independent labels and service companies. Proper Music Group holds a 13% share of the U.K. music market, collaborating with clients such as Absolute Label Services, ADA, AWAL, Believe, Cherry Red, Concord, Epitaph, Fuga, Ingrooves, and others. The company connects these clients to major U.K. retailers like Amazon, Rough Trade, HMV, Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s, as well as international partners. Furthermore, in the past two years, Proper Music Group has paid out £63 million for musicians and labels.
CREATE MUSIC GROUP AGREES TO JOINT VENTURE WITH PACK RECORDS: Create Music Group has entered into a catalog acquisition and joint venture with Pack Records. This collaboration unites Create Music Group with Pack Records, a U.S.-based independent label, publisher, and artist partnership company co-founded by Sky McElroy, Jett Wells, and Gavin Chops. Founded in 2020, Pack quickly built an artist roster, with music spanning genres such as alternative indie, hip-hop, pop, punk, and electronic/dance. The label has collaborated with Aldn, Connie, Blood Cultures, Daine, Dava, Godly the Ruler, Internet Girl, Kurtis Wells, Lauren Sanderson, Maya Randle, OTR, and Simona. Pack’s artists have gained attention, landing spots on high-profile playlists and marketing campaigns across streaming platforms and radio stations, including Spotify‘s Radar, Equal, and Glow; Apple Music‘s Up Next; Amazon‘s Breakthrough; YouTube‘s Foundry; and BBC Introducing. In addition, their music has been featured in global campaigns for brands such as Adidas, Netflix, Sonos, Victoria’s Secret, Major League Soccer, Lipton Ice Tea, Hulu, Paramount+, Renault, FC Barcelona, and Puma, among others.
ADA SIGNS DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH THREE SIX ZERO RECORDINGS: ADA has joined forces with Three Six Zero Recordings in a new partnership, where the Warner Music Group company will handle global distribution for all future releases from the label’s roster. Three Six Zero Recordings, which represents artists like Willow and Jaden, has already seen the first releases under this collaboration from Four Tet, Max Styler, and Horsegiirl. Initially rooted in electronic music, the label has since broadened its reach, signing a range of artists across genres, including Dom Dolla, F5ve, Willow, and Jaden. Cat Kreidich, President, ADA, tells A&R Worldwide, “We’re thrilled to join forces with Mark [Gillespie], Pete [Tong], and the entire Three Six Zero team. Their commitment to the music, and to the boundary-pushing artists carving their own paths, is matched by our own ambition and creativity at ADA.” Mark Gillespie, Founder & CEO, Three Six Zero Recordings, added, “Working with ADA allows us to further our mission of supporting the next wave of talent with the right infrastructure and global reach.” Nick Dearmun, General Manager, Three Six Zero Recordings added, “We are excited to partner with the ADA team on our shared vision to deepen the amplification of our artists and take the label to the next level.”
BMG SIGNS PUBLISHING DEAL WITH THE ESTATE OF SABOTAGE: BMG has announced a publishing partnership with the estate of Sabotage, the Brazilian rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor who made an indelible mark on Brazilian hip-hop culture. Born Mauro Mateus dos Santos in 1973 in São Paulo’s Favela do Canão, Sabotage rose to prominence with his 2000 debut album Rap é Compromisso!. He collaborated with many influential artists and groups, shaping the sound of Brazilian rap. Beyond his musical success, Sabotage also earned acclaim as an actor, starring in films like O Invasor and Carandiru. Tragically, he lost his life in 2003, but his legacy lives on, with a posthumous album of unreleased tracks released in 2016. Lan Santos, A&R Manager, BMG Brazil, tells A&R Worldwide, “It is both professionally and personally gratifying to work with the Sabotage estate. We are great admirers of his work, and everyone here at BMG understands his historical significance for Brazil’s hip-hop narrative. We are confident that, with hard work and dedication, we will continue to elevate this catalog that has inspired generations for so long and strive for new successes.”
SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING GERMANY SIGNS DEAL WITH HIM’S VILLE VALO: Sony Music Publishing Germany has entered into a global publishing agreement with songwriter and artist Ville Valo. The deal covers both HIM‘s extensive back catalog and Valo’s upcoming projects. Established in 1991, HIM made history as the first Finnish band to earn Gold certification in the U.S. with their album Dark Light. Their track “Join Me in Death” has garnered over 64 million streams on Spotify and continues to receive significant radio and TV airplay globally. “In today’s rock and gothic scenes, Ville Valo remains an omnipresent and unique icon,” said Patrick Strauch, Managing Director, Sony Music Publishing Germany. “His voice and charisma continue to captivate a new generation of rock fans while enchanting his longtime followers. Sony Music Publishing Germany is honored to collaborate with this extraordinary artist and the voice of an entire generation.”
SOUNDCLOUD PARTNERS WITH TICKETMASTER: SoundCloud has teamed up with Ticketmaster and Universe, the self-service event platform from Ticketmaster, to enhance the experience for artists and fans alike. This partnership gives SoundCloud’s Artist Pro users fresh opportunities to promote and manage their live events directly on the platform. Concerts and events from Ticketmaster and Universe will be highlighted with new discovery features, making it easier for fans to find shows. Artists will have the ability to easily create events, sell tickets, and share their upcoming performances, all within SoundCloud. Furthermore, the collaboration will provide more ways for artists to highlight their events across SoundCloud, Ticketmaster, and Universe, expanding their reach.
TITAN CONTENT PARTNERS WITH IMPERIAL MUSIC TO LAUNCH ATHEART: TITAN CONTENT has entered into a collaboration with Republic Records‘ IMPERIAL Music to unveil a new seven-member girl group, AtHeart, set to make their debut this summer. The group, which was first teased with a promotional video, has also launched official social media channels and plans to release a pre-debut song and video on March 14. TITAN CONTENT, known as the world’s first premier K-pop-focused music company based in the U.S., introduced AtHeart in July 2024. The members—Michi, Katelyn, Seohyeon, Aurora, Bome, Arin, and Nahyun—were gradually revealed to the public. IMPERIAL Music, a division of Republic Records founded in 2021, has achieved success, contributing to over 30 million adjusted album sales across its roster. The label has placed 23 albums in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200, including 18 in the Top 5 and six No.1 albums from K-pop artists such as Stray Kids, TWICE, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER. TITAN CONTENT was founded by Nikki Semin Han, former CEO of SM Entertainment, in November 2023. The leadership team at TITAN includes CEO Katie Kang, CBO Dom Rodriguez, Chief Visual Officer Guiom Lee, and Chief Performance Officer Lia Kim.
NETEASE CLOUD MUSIC PARTNERS WITH STARSHIP ENTERTAINMENT: NetEase Cloud Music has entered into a copyright agreement with South Korea’s Starship Entertainment. This collaboration allows NetEase Cloud Music to utilize its distribution and community platform, while Starship Entertainment contributes its K-pop content and a roster of popular artists. Through this partnership, K-pop hits from the girl group IVE, including their latest tracks and third mini album IVE EMPATHY, will now be accessible to a wider audience in China. The agreement not only broadens the availability of K-pop music in the region but also guarantees Chinese fans access to both current and future releases from Starship Entertainment’s artists. NetEase Cloud Music has reported that its platform currently has 206 million monthly active users, with over 31.4% of users actively engaging with personalized music recommendations. This shift toward a more community-driven approach to music consumption sets NetEase apart, providing a solid foundation for the platform to attract and retain younger Chinese listeners. Although the platform saw minimal growth from its reported 205.9 million MAUs in 2023, it achieved 44.12 million paying subscribers and its first full year of profitability. Subscriber figures remained unchanged in the latest earnings report from February 20th, 2025.
WARNER MUSIC AFRICA FRANCOPHONE HOSTS FIRST SONGWRITING CAMP IN ABIDJAN: Warner Music Africa Francophone (WM AFR) has launched its inaugural songwriting camp, Warner Music Camp Babi. The three-day event, held at Abidjan‘s Villa Tahiba, brought together over 20 artists, producers, and songwriters from across the African continent to collaborate and create new tracks. The camp featured a mix of talent, including figures like Black K, Ch’cco, Herc Cut The Lights, Hyce, Jeriq, Kold AF, Kouz1, Paulo Chakal, Ste Milano, and Yumbs. In addition, emerging talents from Côte d’Ivoire and the Francophone region, such as Akim, Ayanne, Beeztrap, Dorty, G6$, Kemuel, Kiff No Beat, Mac Abel, Mr. Behi, Nikanor, Remy Baggins, Shaun, Spy Shitta, Suspect 95, Tamsir, and Yilim, participated to foster connections between artists from these regions and the wider African music scene. The event culminated in the official launch of WM AFR, attended by Warner Music Africa’s Managing Director, Temi Adeniji, Africori’s CEO, Yoel Kenan, and Warner Music France’s President, Alain Veille. The launch event attracted figures from the political and music sectors of West Africa, including the Minister of Culture and Francophone Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire, Madame Françoise Remarck.
SOUTHEAST RECORDS, UNIVERSAL MUSIC & HYPERS NEW MEDIA SIGN ZEYNEP BASTIK: Southeast/Universal Music and Hypers New Media from Turkey have announced a global partnership with Zeynep Bastık. The agreement, signed in Berlin, sets the stage for a focused marketing and A&R strategy, spearheaded by the Hypers New Media team under the leadership of Tolga Akis in Istanbul. Born in 1993, Zeynep began her career as a dancer before transitioning into music as a singer in a rock band. At 18, she moved to Istanbul to pursue her dreams professionally. Her breakthrough came in 2018 when she launched her YouTube channel, showcasing cover songs. Her renditions quickly gained widespread attention, and in just a few years, her videos accumulated over 2.5 billion views, with several covers becoming even more popular than the original tracks. Zeynep’s presence on digital platforms has been equally impressive, with her music videos and covers reaching an additional 1.1 billion streams. Her collaboration with Universal Music kicked off in 2022 with the release of her track “Ara,” which dominated Turkish radio for 14 weeks straight and inspired over 100,000 TikTok videos. In 2024, Zeynep made history with her track “Lan,” setting new records in Turkish music. The song amassed 2.7 million streams within just 24 hours, a record for Turkish music. “Lan” also gained recognition globally as the first fully Turkish song to break into the Spotify Global Top 50, peaking at No. 21, and becoming the most-streamed song on Spotify Türkiye in 2024.
ARDEN RECORDS LAUNCHES PUBLISHING DIVISION TO SUPPORT LO-FI ARTISTS: Arden Records, a label known for its “artist-first” approach to lo-fi music, is expanding its offerings with the introduction of a new publishing division. The label, founded in 2021 by Nepalese artist Sagun in partnership with Platoon, a company focused on artist services, A&R, and music distribution (acquired by Apple in 2018), has quickly established itself in the lo-fi space. Alongside Sagun, music executives Jordan Smith of S+ MGMT and Andrew Kwan of Romantic Music Group co-founded Arden. Since its inception, Arden has carved out a niche by fostering a creative ecosystem dedicated entirely to the lo-fi genre. The label emphasizes the human touch of artists, producers, and songwriters, championing their artistry in a genre that continues to grow in popularity. The roster includes artists like Sagun, clay house, DAVI JUNO, French WiFi, Maono, mellodaze, NueBoo, pecna, Sleep Culture, The Tea Shop, Trankilo, URCHN, and wrongnumber. Arden’s output includes themed compilations such as an Earth Day release that features sounds from biomes, a collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra on the 10-track album A Timeless Motif, and an annual series of National Parks compilations. These compilations incorporate field recordings from sound monitoring in US national parks and are enhanced by collaborations with Apple Maps and Apple Music, which feature dedicated guides. The newly launched publishing division will focus on supporting lo-fi producers and songwriters, offering a streamlined royalty collection, and creating further opportunities for Arden’s roster of talent.
WEST ONE MUSIC GROUP ACQUIRES Q-FACTORY: West One Music Group has welcomed trailer music production company Q-Factory Music to its roster of label partners. Established 25 years ago by Creative Director Robert Etoll, Q-Factory has become renowned for its movie trailer soundtracks. With a library consisting of over 75 albums and more than 3,500 instrumental tracks, all produced, or executive produced by Etoll, Q-Factory’s music has been a staple for major film studios and TV networks. The library has been featured in high-profile marketing campaigns for films such as Wicked, Twisters, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, as well as popular streaming series including Netflix‘s Arcane and Love Is Blind and Amazon Prime‘s The Rings of Power. As part of the partnership, the Q-Factory library is now available through West One Music’s platform. West One Music will manage all administrative tasks for Q-Factory globally, including marketing, clearances, licensing, and royalty processing. However, Q-Factory will remain under the ownership of the media and entertainment investment firm MEP Capital. This addition expands West One Music’s portfolio to 16 labels. The company, which has offices and production studios in 15 countries, further broadened its international reach in 2020 by expanding into Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand. As part of the collaboration, Robert Etoll will join West One Music, collaborating with their creative team in Los Angeles.
CAPITOL RECORDS PRESENT GOOD NEIGHBOURS WITH PLAQUE TO COMMEMORATE “HOME”: Capitol Records has honored British duo GOOD NEIGHBOURS (Oli Fox and Scott Verrill) with a Platinum plaque celebrating the RIAA certification of their debut single, “Home.” This achievement marks “Home” as the only Platinum-certified Alternative debut single of 2024, and one of just two Platinum debuts to receive certification that year. It is also the sole Platinum Alternative single to be recognized in the RIAA’s Class of 2024. “Home” has been a success, amassing over 500 million streams, making it the second most-streamed debut single from a new artist in 2024. The track has charted in 13 countries, including the U.K. and the U.S., and ranks among the top five of new Alternative/Rock songs released this year. Amidst GOOD NEIGHBOURS first U.S. headlining tour, they made their late-night TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and released their debut self-titled EP in the fall. Their accomplishments include a nomination for “Best New Artist (Alternative & Rock)” at the 2025 iHeart Radio Music Awards, as well as a nomination at the Billboard Music Awards. Additionally, the duo was named a Vevo DSCVR “Artist to Watch” for 2025. Currently, Good Neighbours are on tour with Foster The People, sharing their latest music.
HOOK EXPANDS DISTRIBUTION NETWORK WITH TOO LOST PARTNERSHIP: AI music creation app Hook has formed a partnership with independent music distributor Too Lost. As part of the collaboration, fans will now have the opportunity to remix songs from artists like Justin Bieber, Teddy Swims, and Kodak Black. Hook emphasizes that this partnership provides users with “legal and easy ways” to remix tracks, while also creating new opportunities to monetize their creations through the app’s built-in monetization system. This partnership marks Hook’s latest distribution deal, following previous collaborations with Fuga/Downtown, Revelator, and Gyrostream. Too Lost, which distributes over seven million songs and 150,000 new releases each month, will add approximately 300,000 artists to Hook’s catalog. Hook’s technology ensures that users can legally remix songs, with proper compensation for artists and rightsholders, unlike the unlicensed remixes often found on social media. The platform also offers a unique feature where users can earn money based on engagement, with top creators being rewarded weekly on the Hook Leaderboard. Also, users can earn money through label-sponsored partnerships, and over time, they may receive a share of revenue. Since its launch about five months ago, Hook has seen an 83% month-over-month growth in users. The platform now features tracks from over a thousand major artists, including Future, BLOND:ISH, Hardwell, KSHMR, Swae Lee, Big Sean, Migos, Soulja Boy, Sadie Jean, Jaden Smith, Killer Mike, and Cash Cobain.
AEG PRESENTS NAMES PEER OSMUNDSVAAG TO LEAD NORWAY REGIONAL OFFICE: AEG Presents is set to expand its presence in Europe with the opening of a new office in Oslo, Norway. The new regional office will be led by Peer Osmundsvaag, an industry veteran with over 35 years of experience in live entertainment and event promotion. Osmundsvaag will report directly to Adam Wilkes, President & CEO, AEG Presents, Europe & Asia-Pacific. Osmundsvaag’s career began in 1989 when he worked as a DJ and party promoter, before transitioning into concert promotion. In 2001, he founded Atomic Soul, a Norwegian event promotion company. Osmundsvaag also founded Piknik i Parken (PiPFest) in Oslo in 2014, a festival that quickly became one of the city’s cultural highlights. His efforts in transforming Oslo into a globally recognized music hub earned him the prestigious Oslo Culture Prize in 2017, awarded by the city’s mayor. Osmundsvaag has been behind some of the largest concerts in Norway, including Eminem‘s show at Oslo’s Voldslokka, which drew 55,000 attendees, and Rammstein‘s performance at Bjerke Travbane, which attracted 60,000 fans. These two shows remain the largest ticketed concerts in the country to date. Before joining AEG Presents, Osmundsvaag spent seven years as a founding partner at All Things Live, an independent live music promoter in the Nordic and Belgian regions.
CATCH POINT RIGHTS PARTNERS NAMES ANNIE DECONTO AS DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Catch Point Rights Partners has promoted Annie DeConto to the position of Director of Business Development. DeConto, who has been with the company since 2020, previously held the role of Business Development Associate. She brings experience to her role, having worked at Warner Music Group and Morgan Stanley before joining Catch Point. During her five-year tenure, DeConto has made significant contributions to the company’s efforts in acquisition sourcing and marketing. Her work has aided in the creation and refinement of Catch Point’s proprietary catalog screening and analysis tools. In her expanded role, DeConto will continue to report to Catch Point’s Co-Founders, Richard Conlon, PJ Miklus, and Patrick Riordan. As Director of Business Development, she will further support Catch Point’s ongoing growth and efforts to acquire music rights and royalties from songwriters, artists, producers, record labels, music publishers, and other royalty owners. Catch Point’s portfolio encompasses a wide range of sound recordings and musical works, including songs from artists such as The Smashing Pumpkins, Black Eyed Peas, Nine Inch Nails, Lil Wayne, and more.
MUSIC FIGHTS FRAUD ALLIANCE NAMES MICHAEL LEWAN AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND NEW MEMBERS: The Music Fights Fraud Alliance (MFFA) has appointed Michael Lewan as its inaugural Executive Director. Lewan will lead the Alliance’s strategic direction and day-to-day operations from Washington, D.C. Prior to joining MFFA, Lewan served as Managing Director of State and Federal Advocacy at the Recording Academy. Founded in June 2023, the MFFA marks an initiative where various sectors of the music industry have come together to address fraud in music. The alliance includes a group of global music companies, such as CD Baby, FUGA (part of Downtown), TuneCore (under Believe), Amazon Music, Spotify, EMPIRE, Symphonic, United Masters, and more. By uniting under a common goal, the Alliance has pioneered cross-platform collaboration to combat fraud, establishing working groups and task forces with staff from each member organization focused on best practices in fraud identification, mitigation, and enforcement. A key achievement of the MFFA has been the creation of a shared database that identifies fraud markers across multiple platforms and members. Developed in partnership with the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance (NCFTA), this resource allows members to securely exchange and access data on fraudulent activities in an anonymized format. By pooling knowledge and resources, the Alliance can better track and disrupt fraudulent behavior in real-time. Recognizing that not all members will be able to contribute to the database in the same way, Lewan will work with founding members to establish tiered membership levels, ensuring all participants can contribute and support the MFFA’s mission in various capacities. In addition, the Alliance has welcomed eight new members into its fold: YouTube, SoundCloud, Meta, OneRPM, STEM, Revelator, and Too Lost.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Michael Guido, Jacqueline Saturn, Johan Lindqvist, Katie Kerkhover, Thomas Golubic, David Glick, Steve Moir, Damian Corlazzoli, Fredrik Ekander, Vivek Paul, Daniel Glass, Luke McGrellis, and Jeff Sosnow.
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