AMANDA KINGSLAND AND SHAWN MARINO NAMED
CO-HEADS OF A&R AT UNIVERSAL MUSIC CANADA
Universal Music Canada (UMC) has appointed Amanda Kingsland and Shawn Marino as Co-Heads of A&R, entrusting them with the responsibility to “sign, develop, and elevate the next generation of Canadian talent on the global stage.”
Kingsland, promoted to VP of A&R, will work alongside Marino, who holds the position of Vice President of A&R Operations, to lead UMC’s A&R team. The team also includes Kwaku Agyemang, Widney Bonfils, Natassha Cuachon-Cruz, Ivan Evidente, Morgan “MJ” James, Shirley Ichkhanian, and Shannen Serrano, supported by UMC’s venue and studio team, Don Kitchen, Lisa Lorenz, and sound engineer Phil Hotz. Operating out of UMC’s offices in Toronto and Montreal, the team is anchored by 80A Studios, the company’s award-winning multi-room recording facility. Marino will continue to oversee 80A, as well as UMC’s performance space, The Academy, and A&R operations and technology.
Marino will also spearhead efforts to revitalize the catalogs of UMC’s legacy artists, including The Tragically Hip and Anne Murray. These appointments are the first significant changes at UMC since Julie Adam took over as CEO in February, following Jeffrey Remedios‘ shift to President of Strategic Development for Universal Music Group‘s REPUBLIC Collective, which includes Island Records, Def Jam Recordings, Mercury Records, and Republic Records.
Since joining UMC in 2001, Kingsland has made a substantial impact, first as Director of A&R, where she rebuilt UMC’s country music roster and revitalized A&R across various projects. Her recent signings include country artist Lindsay Ell, the James Barker Band, singer-songwriter, and producer Sebastian Gaskin (in partnership with Indigenous-led Ishkōdé Records), and rapper and electronic artist TyriqueorDie.
In collaboration with Republic Records, UMC also signed AP Dhillon, an India-born, Canada-based hip-hop star, marking a historic deal as the first-ever India-born singer-songwriter, rapper, and record producer of Punjabi heritage to join the label.
BRANDON SILVERSTEIN NAMED CEO AT AVEX MUSIC GROUP
Avex has announced an expansion of its U.S. operations with the full acquisition of the S10 Music Publishing catalog and an increased stake in S10 Management.
As part of this move, Avex has appointed Brandon Silverstein, the Founder of S10, as the Chief Executive Officer of the newly established Avex Music Group (AMG). Silverstein will now oversee all aspects of AMG, including S10 Music Publishing and S10 Management’s roster, as well as the broader activities across the group. He will also have an equity stake in AMG and will join its board of directors. All assets and staff previously under Avex USA will be integrated into Avex Music Group, which will operate from its Los Angeles headquarters. The S10 team and its operations will continue without change. This acquisition makes Avex the largest shareholder in S10 Management, alongside Silverstein and Roc Nation.
Avex Music Group aims to strengthen its music publishing portfolio, promote Avex artists on a global scale, explore joint ventures with high-profile artists and entrepreneurs, expand into music catalog deals, and manage talent through its S10 Management division, which will remain separate with Silverstein continuing as CEO. Established in 1988, Avex operates with over 1,500 employees and offices in 14 locations worldwide, along with five recording studios. The company reported approximately $1 billion in global revenue in 2024.
S10 Publishing, founded by Silverstein in 2020 as a joint venture with Avex, has a catalog featuring multiple Billboard No.1 hits. The catalog includes songs like Tate McRae‘s “Greedy,” Justin Bieber‘s “Peaches,” Doja Cat‘s “Agora Hills,” Tommy Richman‘s “Million Dollar Baby,” Jack Harlow‘s “First Class,” and Post Malone & Doja Cat’s “I Like You,” along with tracks from artists such as Rihanna and Bad Bunny.
Grant Boutin, a publishing writer at Avex Music Group, is currently enjoying success with several cuts on Tate McRae’s No.1 album. In 2024, S10 and Avex USA saw strong performances on the Mediabase year-end radio charts, with “Greedy” by Tate McRae at No.1, Doja Cat’s “Agora Hills” at No.5, and Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby” at No.16, each of which also hit No.1 on the Spotify Global Charts.
“Avex has always been driven by a bold vision: to shape the future of music,” said Katsumi Kuroiwa, CEO of Avex, Inc. “Since forming our strategic partnership with Brandon Silverstein in 2020, we have strengthened our presence in the U.S. market, and now, we are taking that vision to the next level. By deepening our commitment and entrusting Brandon to lead our U.S. operations, we are not only expanding our footprint but also positioning Avex as a potent force in the international music landscape. Together, we will create new opportunities for creatives, introduce Japanese talent to a wider global audience, and push boundaries to redefine what it means to be a global powerhouse in music and entertainment.”
S10’s management roster includes names such as Myke Towers, Big Sean, and Madison Bailey. Over recent years, S10 has generated more than 22 global No.1 hits and accumulated 50 billion streams worldwide. Silverstein will continue to own and lead S10 Records, which will remain an independent entity. S10 Publishing and Silverstein were represented by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
INFINITE REALITY TO ACQUIRE NAPSTER
Infinite Reality, a tech company focused on shaping the future of digital media and e-commerce, has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Napster for $207 million (USD). Describing itself as an “innovation company,” Infinite Reality specializes in utilizing extended reality (XR), artificial intelligence (AI), and other immersive technologies to power the next generation of digital experiences.
Napster, a fully licensed independent music service, has a catalog of over 110 million high-fidelity tracks. While the brand was initially linked to illegal file-sharing, it has successfully transformed into a legitimate music streaming platform. Over the past two decades, Napster has paid more than $1 billion (USD) to artists and songwriters around the globe.
In the past five years, Napster has been sold three times. Under the leadership of Infinite Reality, Napster will evolve beyond traditional streaming into a social and interactive music experience. This transformation will leverage Infinite Reality’s technologies and audience network, which includes followers of the Drone Racing League (DRL), and esports organizations involved in games like Call of Duty and League of Legends.
The vision for the new Napster is to empower artists with the tools to build branded 3D virtual spaces and sell both physical and digital merchandise, exclusive content, and event tickets. The platform will also integrate AI-driven customer service, sales, and community management to offer more personalized fan interactions. Enhanced analytics, gamification features to boost fan engagement, and new ways to foster fan loyalty will also be key elements of the revamped platform.
As part of the acquisition, Napster CEO Jon Vlassopulos will continue in his role, with expanded responsibilities across Infinite Reality’s global operations. Vlassopulos, who took on the role of Napster CEO in 2022, played a crucial part in restructuring the company and diversifying its business model to focus on artist-fan connections and immersive music experiences. Prior to this, he served as the Global Head of Music at Roblox.
“By acquiring Napster, we’re paving a path to a brighter future for artists, fans, and the music industry at large,” said John Acunto, Co-Founder & CEO, Infinite Reality. “This strategic move aligns with Infinite Reality’s vision to lead an internet industry shift from a flat 2D clickable web to a 3D conversational one – giving all creators modern tools to better engage, monetize, and measure their audiences. The artist-fan relationship is evolving, with fans craving hyper-personalized, intimate access to their favorite artists, while artists are searching for innovative ways to deepen connections with fans and access new streams of revenue. We’re creating the ultimate music platform where artists can thrive in the next wave of digital disruption.”
SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT INDIA
LAUNCHES LABEL WITH TIGER BABY FILMS
Sony Music Entertainment India has teamed up with Tiger Baby Films to launch a new music label, marking a collaboration between filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, along with singer-songwriter and music supervisor Ankur Tewari, and Sony Music’s global reach and industry expertise.
One of the label’s first projects sees Tiger Baby Records collaborate with the jewelry brand Tanishq on a song composed by the duo Abhishek-Ananya and performed by Poorvi Koutish. In addition, the label has recently dropped the soundtrack for Superboys Of Malegaon, a film about filmmaker Nasir Shaikh‘s life, featuring music by Sachin-Jigar and lyrics by Javed Akhtar.
Tiger Baby Records is set to offer an array of original music curated by Ankur Tewari, highlighting different genres and up-and-coming talent. The label is also preparing to launch the City Sessions Initiative in partnership with Mumbai’s Island City Studios. This initiative will provide singer-songwriters with the opportunity to hone their skills, collaborate with established artists in the studio, and expand their audience reach.
Vinit Thakkar, Managing Director, Sony Music Entertainment India, said, “Tiger Baby Records represents a new era of music in India, where compelling storytelling and groundbreaking collaborations take center stage. We are thrilled to be part of this journey, pushing boundaries and bringing fresh, authentic voices to the forefront of the industry, and are excited to partner with Zoya, Reema, and Ankur, who have an exceptional track record in music and creative storytelling.”
Zoya Akhtar, co-founder of Tiger Baby Films, added, “Music has always been a vital part of our storytelling, and with Tiger Baby Records, we want the music to be the main story. Partnering with Sony Music India allows us to bring our vision to life and provide a platform for indie, homegrown talent to shine.
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 had a long-standing relationship with PULSE Music Group Co-Founder’s Scott Cutler and Josh Abraham since 2007 when they first launched their company. This year, the dynamic publishing duo were the awards recipients of the Global Music Publisher of the Year at the return of the A&R Worldwide “International Music Industry Awards” at MUSEXPO.
Scott Cutler’s illustrious career as a songwriter and executive has shaped the sound of modern music. His Grammy-nominated song “Piano in the Dark” and the global smash “Torn,” famously covered by Natalie Imbruglia, remain timeless classics. “Torn” became a worldwide sensation, spending 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and amassing over one billion streams. Cutler’s collaborations with artists like Beyoncé, Madonna, Katy Perry, and Miley Cyrus underscore his unparalleled ability to craft enduring hits.
Abraham’s studio collaborations with iconic artists such as Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Shakira, and Slayer have cemented his legacy as a producer and songwriter. In 2008, Abraham co-founded PULSE Music Group alongside Scott Cutler and Anne Preven, creating a sanctuary for songwriters and producers. Under his and Cutler’s leadership, PULSE has amassed over 100 billion streams and contributed to the sales of more than 250 million RIAA-certified units globally.
Cutler has overseen a roster responsible for some of the biggest songs in contemporary music, including Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” and Harry Styles‘ “As It Was.” His leadership has propelled PULSE to unprecedented heights, creating partnerships with icons like Rick Rubin and Marc Anthony.
PULSE Music Group has become home to some of the most influential songwriters and artists, including Kehlani, James Blake, and Brent Faiyaz. In 2023, the launch of PULSE Records in partnership with Concord introduced the world to Tommy Richman, whose global hit “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” broke multiple chart records. Abraham’s enterprising spirit extends beyond music; his philanthropic efforts, such as co-hosting a charity auction with Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine that raised $2.5 million for education in Los Angeles, reflect his commitment to giving back.
THE SLOW READERS CLUB
Following the release of their seventh studio album Out Of A Dream, Manchester’s The Slow Readers Club return with their electrifying new single, “Boy So Blue” —a pulsating, euphoric anthem that dances on the edge of sorrow. The track masterfully blends insistent electro-pop with the band’s signature lyrical depth, creating a striking contrast between its soaring energy and introspective themes. Inspired by the likes of Depeche Mode and LCD Soundsystem, “Boy So Blue” pairs shimmering synths and anthemic beats with a narrative of hidden pain and self-destructive cycles. Frontman Aaron Starkie describes it as “a big, joyous dance track” that masks deep emotional struggles, exploring the temporary highs of hedonism and the darkness beneath. Fresh off a string of sold-out U.K. launch shows, The Slow Readers Club are now set to take their high-voltage live experience across Europe in April, with performances in Holland and Germany. Adding to the excitement, the band will also return to Manchester’s Castlefield Arena this summer for a massive homecoming show alongside Elbow. As Out Of A Dream continues to captivate audiences, “Boy So Blue” stands as a defining moment—bold, urgent, and impossible to ignore. Listen to the enchanting new single HERE, and contact Finola Doran at finola@propellerrecordings.com for all inquiries on behalf of The Slow Readers Club.
CHLOE SLATER
Manchester’s Chloe Slater unveils Love Me Please, her most fearless release yet, led by the propulsive new single “Sucker.” Its electrifying music video is a chaotic, charged spectacle—perfectly capturing the reckless thrill and raw intensity that define Slater’s sound. Following singles “Tiny Screens” and “Fig Tree,” Love Me Please blends sharp social commentary with deeply personal storytelling. From the angst of “Imposter” to the anthemic defiance of “We’re Not the Same,” the EP cements Slater as a leading voice in the U.K.’s new wave. With a sold-out headline tour and a major U.K./EU run supporting Alessi Rose, Slater’s rise is unstoppable. Praised by Pitchfork, NME, and Rolling Stone UK, and championed by BBC 6Music and Radio 1, she’s proving her anthems are built to last. As “Sucker” makes its mark, one thing is clear—Chloe Slater is just getting started. Experience the visual for “Sucker” HERE, and contact Liv Carson at liv@they-do.com, or Dan Carson at dan@they-do.com for all inquiries on behalf of Chloe Slater.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, March 30th, 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:
MONOTRONIC – “Everything Moves” (Unsigned, U.S.)
SOFY – “Front Seat Honey” (Chess Club, U.K.)
ACROBVT – “A Thousand Times” (Unsigned, U.K.)
VELLA – “All My Love” (Universal Music, Sweden)
FAT DOG – “Peace Song” (Domino Records, U.K.)
SPACEY JANE – “All The Noise” (AWAL, Australia)
KAI BOSCH – “Angel” (LAB Records, U.K.)
THE PALE WHITE – “Lost In The Moment” (End of the Wall Recordings, U.K.)
JACOB BANKS – “Blind” (Interscope, U.K.)
THE AMAZONS – “My Blood” (Fiction Records, U.K.)
THE LOTTERY WINNERS – “Turn Around” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
SHOBSY – “Hold Me Up” (Pangea Int’l Music, Ireland)
CIRCA WAVES – “Let’s Leave Together” (Lower Third/[PIAS], U.K.)
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE – “Try Again” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE SLOW READERS CLUB – “Boy So Blue” (Unsigned, U.K.)
RHETT REPKO – “Every Night” (Unsigned, U.S.)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Clairvoyant” (Unsigned, U.S.)
GOOD NEIGHBOURS – “Ripple” (Polydor/Capitol, U.K.)
SI EVOL – “By The Sea” (Unsigned, Sweden)
THE MOVING STILLS – “Telephone” (Unsigned, Australia)
JC STEWART – “Tomorrow” (Stanley Park Records, Ireland)
GLASS CITIES – “Mad4U” (Unsigned, U.S.)
SADIE FINE – “Whoreble” (Sign From The Universe, U.K.)
MASI MASI – “She’s Trouble” (Pangea Int’l Music, U.K.)
SOMEBODY’S CHILD – “Last Night I Held Your Hand” (French Kiss, U.K.)
BAKER GRACE – “Lovesong” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE TERRY’S – “Stay Free” (Good Intent, Australia)
INHALER – “Your House” (Polydor, U.K.)
LEONIDEN – “Sierra” (Universal Music, Germany)
BABY SAID – “Hate Me” (Pal Records, U.K.)
GIZMO VARILLAS – “Under The Weight” (Sonteca Records, Spain)
THE SHERLOCKS – “Bones” (Infectious, U.K.)
CAT SERRANO – “When You Love Me” (Unsigned, U.S.)
KULEEANGEE – “Television” (LAB Records, U.K.)
UMG AGREES TO EXPANDED PARTNERSHIP WITH AMUSEMENT RECORDS: Universal Music Group (UMG) and Daniel Nigro are deepening their collaboration with an expanded partnership involving his label, Amusement Records. The deal comes after the success of Chappell Roan‘s debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, released through Island Records. The deal further strengthens Nigro’s ongoing relationship with Olivia Rodrigo, a Geffen/Interscope artist under UMG, and builds on their shared history of musical success. With the new agreement, Amusement Records will serve as a key label venture within UMG, offering opportunities for new artist signings to connect with UMG’s global network of labels. Amusement, founded by Nigro in 2023, originally provided a platform for Chappell Roan after her departure from her former label, allowing them to release The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. Released in September 2023, the album has been a global hit, accumulating over 4.3 billion streams worldwide. Remarkably, Roan’s single “Pink Pony Club” reached the Top 10 on the Hot 100, five years after its release, and also dominated the U.K. singles chart for two weeks at No.1. The success continued with “Good Luck, Babe!,” which became one of the most successful singles of 2024. Daniel Nigro, recently honored as “Producer of the Year” at the 67th Grammy Awards, was recognized for his work with Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, and the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Nigro’s career includes collaborations with artists such as Caroline Polachek, Sky Ferreira, Conan Gray, Chappell Roan, and Olivia Rodrigo. In addition to the Grammy wins, Nigro’s accolades include 13 Grammy nominations, and, alongside Olivia Rodrigo, he was honored as the 2024 ASCAP Pop Music Songwriter of the Year.
KOBALT SIGNS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH ANYMA: Kobalt has announced a partnership with electronic music artist, Anyma. This collaboration follows his recent sold-out, eight-night residency at the Sphere Las Vegas. Due to overwhelming demand, the residency was extended to 12 dates, allowing more fans to experience his performances. The residency, which sold over 200,000 tickets, marked Anyma as the first electronic artist to perform at the Sphere, joining acts such as U2, Phish, The Eagles, and Dead & Company. Anyma has carved out a distinct space within the electronic music scene, earning accolades for his unique approach to both music and live performances. His shows, which blend music, art, and technology, have redefined what a concert experience can be. Rising to fame as one half of the DJ duo Tale Of Us, Anyma’s signature mix of techno and progressive house has resonated with a global audience. “Anyma’s artistry transcends traditional electronic music,” says Rani Hancock, Kobalt’s Executive Vice President, Head of U.S. Creative. “He crafts sonic and visual journeys that resonate deeply with his audience. At Kobalt, we champion artists who redefine creative boundaries, and Anyma’s innovative spirit perfectly aligns with that vision. We are incredibly proud to welcome him to the Kobalt family. This is a momentous occasion for me, Desi O’Meara, Tessa Butler, and the entire global Kobalt team.”
FERNANDO CABRAL DE MELLO NAMED CEO OF SONY MUSIC BRAZIL: Sony Music Latin Iberia has announced a new organizational structure for its operations in Brazil, which will now be led by Fernando Cabral de Mello as CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Brazil. The newly unified entity will encompass Sony Music Brazil, Som Livre, and will also oversee the joint venture with CTS EVENTIM, all of which will continue to operate independently. In his new role, Cabral de Mello is responsible for driving the overall strategy, streamlining operations, and leveraging the combined resources and expertise across these business units to enhance efficiency and seize emerging opportunities. He reports to Afo Verde, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Latin Iberia. Each of these business units will retain their independence while benefiting from the new structure to support growth and capitalize on emerging opportunities across Sony Music’s operations in Brazil. Fernando Cabral de Mello is a seasoned music industry executive with over 25 years of experience. He joined Sony Music in 2005 and has held various leadership roles, including his most recent post as Executive Vice President, Business Development for Latin Iberia. He has been instrumental in the success of numerous global superstars. Also, Fernando has played a key role in the growth of CTS Eventim in South America, a leading ticketing and live entertainment company. In addition, he has led the Premium Content division for Sony Music Latin Iberia, overseeing the development and production of documentaries, films, television series, and more.
CONCORD ACQUIRES STEM DISTRIBUTION: Concord has acquired Stem Distribution, a company that offers personalized distribution, digital strategy, data insights, and playlisting services for independent artists and labels. Stem will continue to operate as a distinct division within Concord Label Group, under the leadership of its current CEO, Milana Lewis, and President, Kristin Graziani. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Stem will now have access to the operational and financial resources of Concord, though the current staffing and operations are expected to remain unchanged. As part of the transaction, Tone, Stem’s business platform for royalty accounting and financial tools for record labels, will be spun off as an independent entity with Concord serving as one of its investors. Reed Smith served as outside counsel for Concord, with tax advice from KPMG. Stem’s legal team was led by Raine, supported by Rachel Totten and Natalie Martirossian from Goodwin Procter, Sarah Graham from Gibson-Dunn, and Laxmi Vijaysankar from Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill. Tom Becci, Chief Executive of Concord Label Group, said, “The success of the indie community is vital to the long-term growth and health of the music industry. Our investment in Stem will equip them with the tools necessary to deliver first-class service across the globe while further modernizing the indie music landscape. Our focus on bolstering independent artists and entrepreneurs has never been clearer.”
RELIANT MUSIC LAUNCHES DANCE MUSIC LABEL, RELIANT RECORDS: Reliant Music, a Canadian A&R and song management company, has officially launched its independent dance music label, Reliant Records, in collaboration with Universal Music Canada. The label has already secured a Top 10 market share in Canada’s radio scene for Q1 2025, with releases from Fedde Le Grand, Sick Individuals, NERVO, Deepend, Roger Sanchez, Morgan Page, Jem Cooke, Thomas Gold, and more. In addition to its label launch, Reliant Music has expanded its publishing administration division, signing multi-platinum Dutch DJ/producer Deepend, who has over one billion streams and ranks among the top 20 most-streamed artists in the Netherlands. The company has also recently signed Canadian DJ/producer Domeno, who has achieved eight No.1 singles in Canada, as well as the Gold-certified Montreal DJ/producer duo Lucky Rose. Future releases from Reliant Music include collaborations with Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum DJ/producer Gabry Ponte, one of the top three most-streamed Italian artists globally, as well as DJ Hardwell, who was ranked the world’s number-one DJ by DJ Mag in 2013 and 2014. Based in Vancouver, BC, with additional offices in Toronto, Amsterdam, London, and Berlin, Reliant Music specializes in A&R, topline writing, and production for international DJs and electronic artists. Their recent projects include collaborations with Armin van Buuren, R3HAB, Regard, Nicky Romero, Timmy Trumpet, Fedde Le Grand, Hardwell, Gabry Ponte, NERVO, W&W, KSHMR, Paul Oakenfold, Sick Individuals, and many others.
WARNER CHAPPELL PRODUCTION MUSIC EXPANDS TRAILER OFFERINGS WITH NEW MUSIC DESTINATION: Warner Chappell Production Music (WCPM) has unveiled The Fixation Collection, a specially curated hub for trailer and promo music, alongside the launch of Catalyst, a new and dedicated trailer catalog. The Fixation Collection brings together a handpicked selection of trailer tracks from WCPM’s library, organizing relevant releases in one convenient spot. All tracks are original, pre-cleared, and specifically crafted for promos, and trailers. The collection offers an array of music, from orchestral compositions to electronic rock fusions, as well as cinematic score-based tracks. Featured catalogs within The Fixation Collection include Glory Oath & Blood, SCOREMONGERS, and the newly introduced Catalyst. Catalyst focuses on contemporary trailer music designed to enhance genre films and trending storylines. The catalog’s offerings are shaped by the latest styles and narratives from upcoming films and video game releases. Catalyst debuts with three new albums: Wild Hearts, suited for light and adventurous family-themed content; Dark Rituals, ideal for darker, gothic genres; and Spark, crafted for stories with fantasy and magical elements. According to Olivia Taphorn, Creative Director, Licensing, WCPM, “The Fixation Collection is designed to simplify music searches for trailer and promo creatives. It’s here to make things as easy as possible for our clients, and we aim to make it the logical first and last stop when they are on the hunt for music.”
SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS GLOBAL DEAL WITH MTECH: Sony Music Publishing has teamed up with Sounwave to sign producer, engineer, and musician MTech (Matthew Bernard) to a global publishing deal. This partnership encompasses both his existing catalog and future work. MTech recently made contributions to six tracks on Kendrick Lamar‘s album GNX. Additionally, his work on tracks like “Luther” featuring SZA, which currently holds the No.1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Squabble Up,” which also reached No.1 in the U.S., showcases his growing influence. The Los Angeles-based artist has also lent his talents to “Euphoria” by Kendrick Lamar, as well as projects like Kali Uchis‘ Orquídeas and Blxst‘s I’ll Always Come Find You. Lauren Munroe, Manager, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing, tells A&R Worldwide, “MTech’s exceptional talent is truly inspiring to be around, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with him. We’re honored to welcome MTech to the Sony Music Publishing family alongside the visionary Sounwave and excited for the incredible music ahead.” Sounwave added, “When someone as talented as Matt has the incredible work ethic that he does, you get the kind of results that you’re seeing. I knew from day one Matt was a superstar and will be one of the biggest producers in the world.”
SECRETLY DISTRIBUTION ANNOUNCES DEAL WITH INVADA RECORDS: Secretly Distribution has announced a global distribution partnership with Invada Records, an independent U.K. label co-founded by musician, producer, and composer Geoff Barrow and business partner Redg Weeks. Based in Bristol, Invada Records was established in the early 2000s and has since released music from artists including DROKK, The KVB, Jeremy Gara (Arcade Fire), BEAK>, Anika, Billy Nomates, Gazelle Twin, Colin Stetson, Sleaford Mods, TVAM, Benefits, Julian Cope, and many others. Invada is also recognized for its influence on the growth of soundtrack culture over the past decade and a half. The label has earned a reputation for releasing some of the most influential and critically acclaimed film, television, and video game scores. Their catalog includes soundtracks for projects such as Stranger Things, Drive, Ex Machina, Solaris, Red Dead Redemption 2, Hannibal, Dark, Annihilation, and Black Mirror, all of which achieved both critical and commercial success while staying true to Invada’s core values. Invada has been the home for composers like Mica Levi, Jonny Greenwood, Johan Johannsson, PJ Harvey, Bobby Krlic (The Haxan Cloak), Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, Oliver Coates, Lucrecia Dalt, Clint Mansell, Nick Cave & Warren Ellis, Cliff Martinez, Giorgio Moroder, and Geoff Barrow & Ben Salisbury, many of whom have released some of their most celebrated scores through the label.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GREATER CHINA APPOINTS VIVIAN XU AS COO: Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) has announced the appointment of Vivian Xu as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Based in Beijing, Xu will report directly to Timothy Xu, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Greater China. In her new role, she will collaborate closely with the CEO and the senior leadership team to shape operational strategies, manage day-to-day business activities, execute key initiatives, and explore opportunities for market expansion. Before joining UMGC, Vivian Xu served as the Managing Director at Columbia China, where she successfully led initiatives focused on artist development, expanding local music repertoire, and forging strategic partnerships with digital service providers (DSP) and media. Xu’s career also includes senior finance and operational roles at Sony Music Entertainment China, which she joined in 2015. There, she oversaw a wide range of functions, including finance, legal, HR, IT, administration, and supply chain. Her earlier career includes leadership positions at companies such as Motorola Solutions, Sony Ericsson, and Schneider Electric China.
CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS THE BETHS: Concord Music Publishing ANZ has inked a global publishing deal with New Zealand indie-rock band The Beths. The Beths released their third album, Expert In A Dying Field, in 2022, and have since performed over 200 shows across North America, the U.K., Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The band has earned widespread radio play and media attention worldwide, performed at festivals like Coachella, and toured with acts such as The National, Death Cab For Cutie, and The Postal Service. The band has also achieved notable local accolades, including New Zealand’s 2023 APRA Silver Scroll for Expert In A Dying Field. Also, they’ve garnered multiple wins at the Aotearoa Music Awards, including “Best Group” and “Best Alternative Artist” in 2019, as well as “Album of the Year,” “Best Group,” “and Best Alternative Artist” in 2020. Jaime Gough, Managing Director, Concord Music Publishing ANZ, tells A&R Worldwide, “The Beths have been a longtime favorite across our global team, so it’s been fun welcoming them to the family. In a world of great music, it is the deft lyricism and unique turn of phrase penned by the wondrous Liz Stokes that sets The Beths apart. We’re excited for what’s to come for the band.”
DJ WITH APPLE MUSIC LAUNCHES TO ENABLE SUBSCRIBERS TO MIX THEIR OWN SETS: Apple has launched DJ with Apple Music, a new feature that allows Apple Music subscribers to create and mix sets directly from the streaming service’s catalog. This feature integrates seamlessly with popular DJ software and hardware platforms including AlphaTheta, Serato, InMusic’s Engine DJ, Denon DJ, Numark, and Rane DJ. It also expands on the existing integration with Algoriddim‘s Djay Pro software. DJs at any skill level now have access to over 100 million songs from Apple Music’s catalog to build and rehearse their sets using their preferred DJ platforms. Additionally, a dedicated “DJ with Apple Music” category page has been introduced, featuring editorial playlists tailored for DJs. New curator pages for each DJ platform will also highlight mixes and sample playlists that can be used for practice. This feature builds on Apple Music’s DJ Mixes program, which debuted in September 2021 and offers thousands of DJ sets. In December, Apple Music further enhanced its DJ offerings with the launch of Apple Music Club, a global live radio station dedicated to curated DJ mixes. Stephen Campbell, Global Head of Dance, Electronic & DJ Mixes, Apple Music, stated, “Apple Music is committed to supporting DJs. With this latest integration, we’re taking that commitment even further – seamlessly connecting Apple Music with the industry’s leading DJ software and hardware. This innovation brings the full power of Apple Music into the creative workflow, making it easier than ever for DJs to access, play, and discover music in real-time.”
ARMADA’S BEAT MUSIC FUND BUYS STAKE IN CATALOG OF TIGA: BEAT Music Fund, the dance music investment arm of Armada Music Group, has acquired the rights to a significant portion of the master recordings from DJ, producer, and Turbo Recordings Founder Tiga. This acquisition includes some of Tiga’s most streamed tracks, such as “Sunglasses at Night,” “Bugatti,” “You Gonna Want Me,” “Let’s Go Dancing,” and “HAL” featuring Kölsch. Together, these tracks have accumulated over 33 million streams on Spotify. Tiga, who began his music career in the late 1990s, rose to prominence with his 2001 electronic cover of Corey Hart‘s “Sunglasses at Night.” His albums Sexor and Ciao! produced several successful tracks, including “You Gonna Want Me.” The ongoing appeal of Tiga’s catalog is evident in the success of recent remixes. Layton Giordani‘s remix of Tiga and Audion‘s 2013 track “Let’s Go Dancing” reached No.1 on the 1001Tracklists’ DJ Charts, generating nearly two million streams across various platforms. Furthermore, a 2024 remix of Tiga’s 2001 classic “Sunglasses at Night” by DJ Reinier Zonneveld and Zyntherius has become a club anthem.
KOBALT SIGNS PIERCE THE VEIL TO GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL: Kobalt has inked a global publishing agreement with the rock band Pierce The Veil. After the release of their fifth studio album The Jaws Of Life in 2023, the U.S.-based band is gearing up for a global tour this spring and summer, featuring sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden. The I Can’t Hear You world tour will make its way through Europe before wrapping up the year with a series of performances across Mexico and South America. “We are thrilled to welcome Pierce The Veil into the Kobalt family,” said Melissa Emert-Hutner, Senior Vice President of Creative, Kobalt. “Their strong track record of success, unique sound, and significant fanbase in both the rock and Latin music communities make them a powerful addition to our roster. We look forward to working closely with the band and their team to provide the support and resources they need as they continue to grow their fan base around the world.” “It has been incredibly rewarding to feel the love from our fans this past year for our music and our live shows,” said the band’s manager Dave Shapiro. “We are excited to have partnered with Melissa and the entire team at Kobalt on this next phase of our career.”
BELIEVE STRIKES GLOBAL CATALOG DEAL WITH JAPANESE LABEL TEICHIKU: Believe has announced a partnership with the Japanese music company Teichiku. This collaboration will see Believe handle the distribution of Teichiku’s full catalog, both within Japan and globally, fostering international growth. As a digital-centric company, Believe aims to open up new avenues for Japanese artists to expand their presence on the global stage. Despite the dominance of physical music sales in Japan, this partnership will help bridge the gap between traditional and digital music consumption. “With a 90-year legacy, Teichiku has been dedicated to cultivating a rich catalog and nurturing the next generation of artists,” said a statement. “This partnership will help Teichiku expand their digital footprint by leveraging Believe’s global DSP network, cutting-edge technology, and digital-first expertise to bring Japanese enka, kayokyoku, and pop music to a wider global audience.” Hideki Kurita, President & CEO, Teichiku Entertainment said, “Teichiku Entertainment celebrated its 90th anniversary last year. Throughout our history, we have represented some of Japan’s most iconic artists, produced iconic hits representing Japan, and continue to work with top-tier talent, maintaining a strong presence in the enka and kayokyoku genres. Our mission now is to bring our extensive catalog of hit songs beyond Japan’s borders and also contribute to the success of J-Pop on a global scale.
ERA NAMES MEGAN OGLEBY-PAGE AS HEAD OF OPERATIONS: The Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) has appointed Megan Ogleby-Page as its new Head of Operations. Ogleby-Page, who aided in the success of Record Store Day for over a decade, will now oversee all of ERA’s activities, reporting directly to CEO Kim Bayley. She first joined ERA in 2014 and during her tenure as lead coordinator of Record Store Day, Ogleby-Page helped transform the event into the U.K.’s most successful new music promotion of the 21st century, generating an additional £10 million in sales for independent record stores last year. Her efforts have included securing ambassadors such as Elton John, Kate Bush, and Sam Fender, as well as forging sponsorships with brands like Bowers & Wilkins and Studio Miraval. Ogleby-Page also assisted in strengthening the partnership with BBC 6 Music and collaborating with the charity War Child. Also, she was instrumental in launching National Album Day in 2018, a collaboration between ERA and the BPI, and more recently, she spearheaded ERA’s Future Leaders Programme, which champions rising talent in the digital entertainment and retail industries. Ogleby-Page’s achievements have been widely recognized, including being named to Music Week‘s 2018 Women in Music roll of honor, receiving “Young Achiever of the Year “at the Trade Association Awards in 2018, and being a runner-up for “Young Business Person of the Year” at the Federation of Small Business Awards in 2017. She is currently pursuing an MBA while continuing her work at ERA and will officially step into her new role as Head of Operations on April 1.
LELAND STRIKES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH WARP PUBLISHING: Leland Music, a London-based firm specializing in music supervision and composer representation, has entered into a partnership with Warp Publishing. The collaboration will see Warp Publishing take on the administration of the writers and composers represented by Leland. Since its inception in 2005, Leland Music has been at the forefront of sourcing, licensing, and creating music for a wide range of advertising, film, and television projects. Highlights include the BAFTA-winning series Top Boy and campaigns for brands such as Axe, Greenpeace, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Nike, Sony, Tesco, Visa, Vodafone, and Volkswagen. In 2020, Leland expanded its reach into composer representation, cultivating a select roster of film and TV composers. Additionally, Warp Publishing represents talents like Anna Meredith, Bibio, Boards of Canada, Caterina Barbieri, Daniel Lopatin, Danny Brown, Death Grips, Dry Cleaning, Kelsey Lu, Khruangbin, Kwes, Mount Kimbie, and Yves Tumor, among many others.
MUSIC NATION PARTNERS WITH SOUNDEXCHANGE: Music Nation Copyrights Management (Music Nation) has announced a partnership with SoundExchange. This collaboration will enable Music Nation to effectively collect and distribute neighboring rights across the UAE. By utilizing SoundExchange’s technology, data, and industry expertise, Music Nation will manage neighboring rights—the royalties owed to sound recording owners, producers, and performing artists when their music is publicly played. Equipped with state-of-the-art tools and industry-leading partnerships, Music Nation is positioned to be the first organization in the region to offer a comprehensive rights management solution. This includes the collection of performance, mechanical, and neighboring rights. Through its prior partnership with BMI, the world’s largest performing rights organization, Music Nation is ensuring that local and international songwriters, composers, publishers, record labels, performers, producers, and other music rightsholders receive fair compensation for the use of their work in the UAE. As the global music industry continues to thrive, with a 22.8% revenue growth in the MENA region as reported by the IFPI, the scope of this partnership only continues to grow.
TRANSGRESSIVE NAMES JULES CASINI AS STREAMING & DIGITAL PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER: Transgressive has announced the appointment of Jules Casini. Casini has joined the independent music company, as its Streaming & Digital Partnerships Manager, effective immediately. Casini brings with her, previous experience as a Streaming Partnerships Manager at Decca Records/UMG, and prior to that, she worked with Songular Music. In her new role, Casini will be responsible for leading and enhancing Transgressive’s global streaming strategy, fostering partnerships, and building relationships with key players across digital platforms. Commenting on her joining Transgressive, the company’s senior executive team Toby L, Tim Dellow, and Lilas Bourboulon said in a joint statement, “We are delighted to have Jules join Transgressive – from our very first meeting we knew that it was a true meeting of minds, taste, and ethical alignment. We’re all genuinely excited to continue to develop progressive, distinctive, and innovative artist campaigns with someone as passionate and caring as Jules and cannot wait to get started together.”
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Pete Giberga, Josh Javor, Mary Megan Peer, Barry Dickins, Alex Weston, Marek Hodja, Steven Gizicki, Taylor Jones, David Wolter, Mike Caren, Pete Ganbarg, Sam Kling, and Debra Herman.
