SARAH GABRIELLI NAMED HEAD OF A&R
AT SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING U.K.
Sarah Gabrielli has been promoted to Head of A&R at Sony Music Publishing U.K. (SMP U.K.), a role she will assume from the company’s London office. Reporting to David Ventura, President & Co-Managing Director of SMP U.K. & Sr. VP International, Gabrielli has been with Sony Music Publishing since 2016. She started her journey as an A&R assistant and most recently served as Senior Director of A&R for the U.K. & Europe.
Throughout her career at SMP U.K., Gabrielli has assisted in shaping the careers of Charli XCX (for her album Brat), as well as Artemas, Beabadoobee, Cian Ducrot, Jim Legxacy, Joe Rubel, DameXDame, Jo Caleb, and Jordan Rakei. Additionally, Gabrielli works alongside acts like Two Inch Punch, Sad Night Dynamite, Tom Mann, Lil Silva, Sigrid, Sampha, and Arlo Parks.
Tim Major, Co-Managing Director, Sony Music Publishing U.K., said, “It has been an absolute delight to watch Sarah’s rise over the last few years and this promotion is so thoroughly deserved. I have complete trust in Sarah’s instincts as an A&R and in her commitment to delivering services to our songwriters. She is someone who leads with heart, empathy, passion, and dedication – all attributes that will serve her very well as she steps up to be our head of A&R and that I am confident will make her an enormous success in the role.”
David Ventura added, “Sarah is a great leader who has exemplified excellence during her eight years with the company. A true A&R, Sarah has unlimited passion for talent, and it has been a joy to watch her growth at SMP U.K. This next stage in Sarah’s career feels like a natural progression with her recent history of success speaking for itself. Sarah now takes the reins of our U.K. A&R team, where we have no doubt she will shine, bringing her determined focus on songwriter service and the importance of camaraderie amongst her colleagues (plus a sprinkle of ‘French-ness’) to the role. We have complete trust that Sarah will blossom in this new role and are all excited about her success.”
Sarah Gabrielli concluded, “I’m incredibly excited to step into the role of head of A&R. It’s an honor to lead such a talented team and to continue championing the incredible songwriters who make this job so inspiring. Huge thanks to Tim and David for their trust and support – I’m grateful for the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of SMP UK. And, of course, to our amazing roster of writers, who make everything we do possible. I can’t wait to build even more success together.”
HIGHLY RESPECTED MUSIC EXECUTIVE DAVID MASSEY RETIRES FROM ARISTA RECORDS
David Massey, President of Arista Records, a highly-respected and influential figure in the global music business has announced his retirement from Sony Music after a distinguished career in the music industry. The news comes seven years after Massey re-launched the Arista label under Sony’s umbrella.
In a statement, Sony Music confirmed that Massey will assist in a transition period at Arista before stepping down officially at the end of June. His tenure at Sony Music has spanned multiple decades, with his most recent achievement being the re-launch of Arista Records in 2018. Under his leadership, the label’s roster grew to include Grammy-nominated artists such as JP Saxe, Måneskin, and the rising star Damiano David, along with acts like Lola Brooke, Paul Russell, and emerging talents like Jonah Kagen, BUNT., Audrey Nuna, and Sunday (1994).
Before his role at Arista, Massey served as President & CEO of Island Records, overseeing successes from artists like Shawn Mendes, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, The Killers, Fall Out Boy, and others. His earlier career includes a six-year tenure as President of Mercury Records, where he aided in the success of artists such as Duffy, Taio Cruz, Neon Trees, and The Wanted.
Rob Stringer, Chairman, Sony Music Group, said, “It has been a privilege to work with David on the rebirth of Arista. In two different eras at Sony Music, David has been a hugely respected key senior executive for the company worldwide, and as a friend and colleague in both those eras I wish him all happiness in his retirement. Arista will continue to grow from the roots he has developed!”
David Massey added, “It has been a great honor to spend this chapter of my career back at Sony Music, working with Rob Stringer, a visionary executive for whom I have the utmost admiration, and with the extraordinary Sony family worldwide. Having started the label from scratch seven years ago, I am so proud of the achievements of the team at Arista and our great young artists. I know that Arista will go from strength to strength in the future.”
Massey’s career began at Sony Music, where he worked with Shakira, Oasis, and Cyndi Lauper. He also held the position of Executive Vice President, A&R, at Sony Music Label Group U.S., and later became the founder of his own label, Daylight Records, where he signed acts like Good Charlotte and The Jonas Brothers. Additionally, Massey’s experience extends beyond artist management, with a successful run in London working with acts like Wang Chung and running his independent label, Big World Records. He also served as a Governor and Trustee at the RIAA from 2010 to 2015 and holds a Masters in Law from Cambridge University.
BLACKHEART & SEEKER MUSIC PARTNER ON
JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS’ MUSIC CATALOG
Blackheart, founded by Joan Jett and Kenny Laguna, has entered a partnership with Seeker Music. Together, they’re set to ignite a new era for Joan Jett and the Blackhearts‘ catalog.
The deal includes Seeker’s acquisition of a significant share of publishing and master recording rights, with plans already underway: previously unreleased material, fan activations tied to Jett’s global tours, inventive reissues of classic albums, and more surprises for fans and new generations alike.
At the heart of this partnership is a shared ethos: creative independence, artist-first values, and a belief in the transformative power of music. Joan Jett and Kenny Laguna were instrumental in cranking out anthems like “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll,” “Bad Reputation,” “Crimson and Clover,” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You.” Their work led to eight Gold and Platinum records, nine Top 40 hits, and an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Beyond the stage, Jett has aided in punk records from Bikini Kill and the Germs. Also, she’s continued to headline stages around the world with the Blackhearts and alongside the likes of The Who, Foo Fighters, and Green Day.
For Seeker Music, the partnership aligns with their mission to empower creators while preserving and revitalizing music legacies. Under the leadership of Evan Bogart, the company—founded in 2020 with M&G Investments—has built a catalog of over 15,000 copyrights, featuring artists from across the spectrum, including Run The Jewels, Jon Bellion, Christopher Cross, and Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go’s. With hits like “Wrecking Ball,” “Tipsy,” and “Return of the Mack” in their catalog, Seeker has earned the No.2 spot on Fast Company‘s Most Innovative Music Companies of 2025.
There’s also a personal, full-circle element to this deal with Carianne Brinkman, Blackheart’s current President, being the daughter of Kenny Laguna. Furthermore, Evan Bogart is the son of the late Neil Bogart, the record executive who originally signed Joan Jett and released “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll” through Boardwalk Records. Now, decades later, the next generation of these intertwined music families is carrying the torch—blending legacy with innovation, heart with hustle.
AN INTERVIEW WITH MANDAR THAKUR —
CEO, TIMES MUSIC GROUP (INDIA)
Mandar Thakur, CEO of Times Music Group in India, was recently honored as the “International Music Person of The Year” at the 25th global edition of MUSEXPO during a special awards luncheon on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025.
Times Music is one of India and South Asia’s leading music entertainment companies encompassing a record label, music publishing, and talent management. Times Music is a joint venture between Indian media conglomerate – The Times Group and U.S.-based Primary Wave Music, the leading independent publisher of iconic and legendary music in the world.
Times Music operates through two key sub-labels: “Junglee Music,” renowned for its extensive catalog of film music across Bollywood, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, and other languages, and “ffs.,” a cutting-edge platform for independent music.
Mandar’s illustrious career began in the early ’90s in Hong Kong with The Entertainment Co., where he contributed to their Asian concert promotion business. He played a pivotal role in establishing Channel [V] in India, a groundbreaking 24-hour music television station. Mandar was also instrumental in shaping Asia’s digital music landscape as a founding member of Soundbuzz, the region’s leading digital music distribution company, which was acquired by Motorola in early 2008.
In addition to his role at Times Music, Mandar chairs the board of PPL India and serves on the boards of IPRS, PDL, and the industry association IMI, further demonstrating his profound impact and leadership in the global music industry.
Renowned global music industry journalist Mark Sutherland who has worked with Billboard, Music Business, Worldwide, Variety, and others, recently sat down with Mandar for an interview reflecting on the extensive impact on the India and South Asian music markets, as well as growing influence in the global music business, and to see what’s ahead. Read the full interview HERE.
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 an incredible run with pivotal early support, or securing label and publishing deals for numerous Irish artists over the years, which includes the likes of Picture This to their first global major label deal with Republic Records; Gavin James to his worldwide signing with Christian Tattersfield‘s Good Soldier music firm; Laura Izibor to her international signing to Atlantic Records; Irish singer/songwriter Tara Lee‘s global publishing deal with BMG; Irish multi-talented vocalist Shoby‘s recent signing to Pangaea Int’l Music Publishing with its administration deal with Sony Music Publishing; helping Hozier garner his first global audio support (ex-Ireland) before his major label deal; the first global support for Mono Band (the group founded by Cranberries guitarist Noel Hogan), and key early support for Irish rock band The Academic to name but a very few. This has all been driven by A&R Worldwide’s early belief and passion for supporting great new talent.
Recently, one of the world’s best new unsigned and unpublished vocalists on the planet, Dave Lofts – a singer-songwriter who is selling out shows in his native Ireland, showcased at the 25th global edition of MUSEXPO. Dave garnered an incredible response from everyone in the room, and because of his performance at MUSEXPO is currently in talks with a number of labels, and publishers with his talented manager Edison Waters courting numerous conversations and offers.
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE
At just 22, Boston-born, LA-based artist Carissa Summer Rose is emerging as a bold new voice in the world of pop and alternative music—fearless, genre-blending, and refreshingly real. With a sound shaped by icons like Aretha Franklin, Shania Twain, and Frank Sinatra, Carissa’s work is deeply personal yet universally resonant, grounded in messages of self-love, equality, and unapologetic individuality. Her latest single “Scatterbrain“ is a vibrant anthem for anyone who’s ever felt misunderstood for thinking a little differently. Inspired by Carissa’s own journey navigating life with ADHD, the track turns everyday frustrations—like losing keys or forgetting an ID—into moments of raw honesty and empowerment. “Scatterbrain” is more than a catchy, genre-fluid tune; it’s a reclamation. It’s about learning not to shame yourself for your wiring, but to embrace it, adapt, and see the beauty in your so-called chaos. With vulnerability, wit, and conviction, Carissa flips the narrative: what some see as flaws, she frames as a superpower. “The world wouldn’t evolve without people living outside the box,” she says, and “Scatterbrain” pulses with that same forward-thinking energy. It’s a song that invites you to embrace yourself wholeheartedly, even the fragmented parts of yourself, and to celebrate the unique way your mind functions—even if it deviates from societal norms. Listen to “Scatterbrain” HERE. For all available signing, licensing, booking, sync, and label opportunities, please contact Sharon Thompson at sothompson56@gmail.com on behalf of Carissa Summer Rose.
JACOB BANKS
Nigerian-born, British singer, songwriter, and producer, Jacob Banks has built a reputation for his genre-blurring sound, seamlessly blending soul, R&B, and electronic influences. Banks returns with Yonder, a three-part album released in different books. The second chapter of his ambitious trilogy, Yonder: Book II, delivers a sonic evolution that pushes the boundaries of his signature sound. Departing from the African soul influences of Book I, this latest offering embraces a bold fusion of modern production and his soulful, unmistakable gravelly vocals—an “alternative” exploration, as Banks describes it, where storytelling and electronic textures intertwine. At the heart of this project is “Blind,” a visually arresting and emotionally charged video that encapsulates the album’s themes of absence, love, and the resilience found in life’s scars. Directed with cinematic precision, “Blind” mirrors the raw intensity of Banks’ artistry, reinforcing his ability to craft music that resonates deeply—both sonically and visually. From his breakout debut Village to collaborations with the likes of Timbaland, Nas, and Adekunle Gold, his music remains a force of nature—powerful, poignant, and impossible to ignore. Experience the haunting visual for “Blind” HERE, and contact Jordan Stein at jordanstein4@gmail.com for additional information on Jacob Banks and available opportunities worldwide.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, April 13th, 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 – “Scatterbrain” (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 – “Still Holdin’ On” (Sonteca Records, Spain)
THE SHERLOCKS – “Bones” (Infectious, U.K.)
CAT SERRANO – “When You Love Me” (Unsigned, U.S.)
ADAM REESE – “1996” (Unsigned, U.S.)
ATC GROUP ACQUIRES MAJORITY STAKE IN EASY LIFE ENTERTAINMENT: All Things Considered (ATC) Group has acquired a majority stake in Easy Life Entertainment, continuing its strategy of expanding its portfolio through key acquisitions in the music industry. In 2024, ATC reported a revenue increase, more than doubling to approximately GBP £50 million (USD $63.9 million), driven by a series of mergers and acquisitions over the past three years. Recent acquisitions include a 50% share in McKeown Events (now known as Joy Entertainment) for GBP £475,000 ($371,925), a 55% stake in Raw Power Management for £1.41 million, and a 60% stake in the merchandise firm Sandbag, amongst others. The latest addition to ATC’s growing portfolio is Easy Life, founded by Jamie Osman in 2014. While the financial details of the deal were not disclosed, the acquisition incorporates Easy Life’s artist management, record label, and PR services into the ATC Group. This includes Real Life Management, Easy Life Records, and Turn The Page, which will now operate under ATC’s umbrella, joining a roster that already serves over 860 clients globally. Real Life Management represents artists such as Bury Tomorrow, SOTA, Bears in Trees, Lexie Carroll, Mouth Culture, and Anaïs. Easy Life Records has helped deliver Top 40 albums for acts like Lower Than Atlantis and Tonight Alive, while Turn The Page, the PR and artist plugging arm led by Mark James, has managed campaigns for rock acts like All Time Low, Sum 41, Deaf Havana, Neck Deep, Simple Plan, and Tool. For ATC, the acquisition solidifies its comprehensive service offering, expanding its reach across three key divisions: Representation, Services, and Events & Experiences. The company has successfully broadened its scope, going beyond traditional artist management to include touring, merchandising, e-commerce, live streaming, and event promotion.
ISLAND RECORDS NAMES MARSHALL NOLAN AS EVP, HEAD OF COMMERCIAL STRATEGY: Island Records has appointed Marshall Nolan to the position of Executive VP, Head of Commercial Strategy. Since his arrival at Universal in 2022, Nolan has been instrumental in driving the success of campaigns for artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, while also contributing to the rise of emerging talents such as Gigi Perez, Lola Young, and Charley Crockett. In addition, he has played a key role in maintaining the momentum of established acts like Bon Jovi, Shawn Mendes, Demi Lovato, and The Killers. Based in New York, Nolan will report directly to Justin Eshak and Imran Majid, Co-Chairmen, and CEOs of Island Records. In his expanded role, Nolan will continue to lead the label’s efforts across streaming, physical distribution, and D2C (direct-to-consumer) strategies. Before joining Universal Music Group, Nolan spent five years at Columbia Records, where he served as Sr. Director in the commercial team, overseeing the successful rollout of projects for artists including Adele, Harry Styles, Hozier, Beyoncé, and The Neighbourhood, among others. “We are thrilled to announce Marshall in his new role,” said Justin Eshak and Imran Majid, Co-chairmen, and CEOs of Island Records in a joint statement. “He’s an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of music and a visionary approach towards commercial strategy. His strong, trusted relationships with our label’s artist roster and their respective teams have led to some of the most exciting commercial marketing campaigns in recent memory. We’re excited for his next phase and the opportunities he’ll bring to our team and artists we support.”
FREDRIK SIGNS TO BMG: German pop singer FREDRIK has signed an exclusive label deal with BMG to release new music. The single “Grösste Angst” marks the beginning of the new partnership. Lucas Wolf, Sr. Manager A&R Frontline Recordings GSA, BMG, tells A&R Worldwide, “FREDRIK brings a breath of fresh air to the music landscape. His ability to transform deep emotions into catchy melodies and unique lyrics is remarkable. ‘Grösste Angst’ is not just a song, but a haunting, dramatic experience that takes the listener on a journey – exactly what we at BMG want to support.” Leading up to the release, BMG is supporting FREDRIK with extensive marketing strategies and targeted playlist placements: “Grösste Angst” is already featured on key playlists such as Wilde Herzen and New Music Friday Deutschland on Spotify, Fresh Deutschpop and Brand New Music on Amazon Music as well as New Music Daily and Neu in: Pop on Apple Music.
HYBE AMERICA STRIKES DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH SO SO DEF RECORDINGS: HYBE America has entered into a distribution partnership with So So Def Recordings, marking a reunion between music executive Scooter Braun and the label’s founder, Grammy-winning producer Jermaine Dupri. The deal, announced on April 7, grants So So Def Recordings, based in Atlanta, GA access to HYBE America’s global distribution network and marketing capabilities. This collaboration is designed to help the label introduce new artists with a broader, more modern global reach. For Braun, this partnership is a “full-circle moment.” He began his career under Dupri’s mentorship at So So Def, which was founded in 1993 by Dupri as an offshoot of his production company, in a joint venture with Sony and Columbia. So So Def gained widespread recognition after the success of the teen rap duo Kris Kross, whose song “Jump” topped the charts in 1992. The label has since become synonymous with launching major artists like Usher, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Nelly, Bow Wow, Da Brat, Jagged Edge, Xscape, and more recently, Grammy-winning artist Muni Long. The two companies are set to release new music under this deal in the coming months, with plans to include both fresh signings and legacy releases. Furthermore, this partnership follows So So Def’s 2024 collaboration with Create Music Group, which secured the label’s catalog, publishing rights, and recordings under its umbrella.
CREATE MUSIC GROUP ACQUIRES !K7 MUSIC: Create Music Group (CMG) has officially announced its acquisition of !K7. With operations across Berlin, London, and New York, !K7 has been a cornerstone of the independent music ecosystem since its inception in 1985. Founded by the late Horst Weidenmüller—an iconic figure in electronic music who passed away earlier this year—!K7 has long served as a dynamic entity encompassing a record label, music publisher, and artist management company. The company houses revered imprints including !K7 Records, Strut, and 7K!, and is best known for DJ-Kicks, its mix series that has set the gold standard for DJ compilations since its launch in 1993. DJ-Kicks has become a definitive cultural artifact in electronic and underground dance music, offering a canvas for genre-defining artists such as Moodymann, Peggy Gou, DJ Koze, Jayda G, Disclosure, and Honey Dijon. The series has elevated the art of the DJ mix, offering listeners intimate access to the inventive minds behind the decks. From Weidenmüller’s X-Mix series to his leadership roles in key industry organizations like IMPALA and Merlin, Weidenmüller left a lasting legacy across the global music landscape. By joining forces, CMG will expand its international footprint through !K7’s physical distribution network and deep roots in the European market, while !K7’s roster of artists and label partners gain access to CMG’s technology, marketing, and global distribution services.
DOWNTOWN MUSIC NAMES RICHARD LEACH AS PRESIDENT OF CURVE AND TOM ALLEN AS CTO: Downtown Music has announced the promotion of Richard Leach to President of Curve and Downtown Royalties & Financial Services. Leach, who previously led Curve Royalty Systems as Managing Director, steps into the expanded role as the company consolidates its royalty and financial services under one roof. This move comes on the heels of Tom Allen‘s transition to Chief Technology Officer at Downtown Music, where he will guide groupwide tech strategy. Over the last year, Curve has evolved—integrating with multiple Downtown divisions and rolling out Curve Royalty Services, a comprehensive platform offering end-to-end royalty solutions for labels, publishers, and distributors. Now at the helm of that evolution, Leach will spearhead Downtown’s growing royalty infrastructure, streamlining the financial workflows that underpin the global music industry. Reporting directly to CEO Pieter van Rijn and CTO Tom Allen, Leach will lead a team focused on bespoke royalty processing, payments, and financial reporting—services currently used by clients spanning the globe. Tom Allen, a key architect of Downtown’s tech-forward royalty systems, co-founded Curve in 2019. After its 2023 acquisition by Downtown, he guided its integration and helped launch Downtown’s Royalties & Financial Services division, positioning it as a central piece of the company’s long-term growth.
TRANSGRESSIVE RECORDS SIGNS THE NEW EVES: Transgressive Records has officially welcomed The New Eves to its roster. Tim Dellow, Co-Founder, shared his excitement for the band’s future under the indie label’s banner. Emerging from Brighton’s underground scene, The New Eves—Nina Winder-Lind, Ella Oona Russell, Kate Mager, and Violet Farrer—bring a fusion of sound and spirit. Think flute, cello, bass, violin, guitar, layered vocals, and movement—woven into a tapestry that’s as experimental as it is emotionally resonant. Their debut single with Transgressive, “Highway Man,” is out now. Co-produced with Joe Jones and Jack Ogborne (of Bingo Fury), the track breathes new life into Alfred Noyes‘ 1906 poem. Described as “a female-first reimagining,” the song bends folklore through a feminist lens. Dellow praised the band’s originality and presence, calling them “a force unlike anything else right now.” With their debut album on the horizon, The New Eves are building momentum, having already played sets at Green Man, Wide Awake, and The Blue Basement. Also, The New Eves are set to perform at The Great Escape, Sounds From The Other City, Dot To Dot, Wilderness, and End Of The Road. “We are thrilled that The New Eves chose us to help share their unique vision with the world. They’re the kind of band that only comes around once in a blue, or rather blood moon, which can inspire and engage with untethered creativity, magickal incantations, and songs that could save your life.”
GROOVE BOUND SONGS SIGNS ELLIE GOWERS UNDER BUCKS JV: Groove Bound Songs, in partnership with Bucks Music Group, has announced the signing of singer-songwriter Ellie Gowers to an exclusive songwriting agreement. Gowers first caught attention with her 2022 debut album Dwelling By The Weir, which earned her a spot on the UK’s touring circuit. Since then, her star has only risen. Her 2023 single “The Stars Are Ours” led to a live session on BBC Radio 2 and preceded a successful autumn tour. In 2024, Gowers released You, The Passenger, a six-track EP that gained national radio support from BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe and 6 Music‘s Lauren Laverne. Gowers capped the year by touring alongside Irish artist Gemma Hayes, making her debut at London’s Union Chapel in the process. Her live résumé also includes support slots for Blair Dunlop and Elephant Sessions. In addition to her work as a performer, Gowers has composed original music for BBC Radio 3‘s adaptation of Middlemarch. “When I first heard A Moment from her latest EP, I knew, in a moment, that Ellie is a writer that I would love to work with,” said Groove Bound Songs Founder Jonathan Tester. “You, The Passenger is a beautiful collection of songs that demonstrates her gift of weaving strong melodies through delicate and tender lyrics. I am so excited to be working with Ellie and her manager John and helping her on the next phase of her career.”
TRIPLE 8 MANAGEMENT PARTNERS WITH SUREEL: Triple 8 Management has teamed up with Sureel to provide its roster with enhanced protection for their creative works. Sureel, a leader in AI attribution, detection, protection, and monetization, aims to help artists safeguard their content from misuse. Tamay Aykut, Founder & CEO, Sureel states that the collaboration with Triple 8 “sets a new industry standard,” offering AI companies the tools needed to ensure responsible AI practices that “fully respect” artist preferences. This partnership will allow Triple 8’s roster, which includes artists like Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Local Natives, JohnnySwim, Mat Kearney, and Charlotte Sands, to continue creating with confidence, knowing their work is protected from potential exploitation. Paul Steele, Partner, Triple 8 Management added, “We’re committed to fostering an environment where our artists can create freely without fear of exploitation. AI is reshaping the industry, and this partnership with Sureel ensures our artists’ rights are not only protected but positioned to benefit from these advancements. Sureel streamlines that process, so AI companies know exactly how to respect our roster’s preferences, and our artists see a clear path to protect and monetize their work.”
THE IVORS ACADEMY PARTNERS WITH YOUTUBE MUSIC TO LAUNCH SECOND SONGWRITING CAMP: The Ivors Academy, in collaboration with YouTube Music, is launching its second annual songwriting camp this May at Qube Elephant & Castle in London, England following the success of its inaugural event last year. The camp offers Ivors Academy members a unique opportunity to write, collaborate, and network with fellow songwriters, producers, and artists, while learning from industry-leading creatives like Carla Marie Williams MBE. Williams, who has written for artists such as Beyoncé, Craig David, Britney Spears, Girls Aloud, and Sean Paul, will share her expertise with attendees. She is also an Ivors Academy Honor recipient and a Music Week “Women In Music” Award-winning advocate through her initiative, Girls I Rate, which empowers young women in the music and entertainment industries. Scheduled for May 28 and 29, the camp will allow participants to connect with professionals from YouTube Music, The Ivors Academy, and other industry guests. This initiative is part of an ongoing partnership between The Ivors Academy and YouTube Music to cultivate songwriting talent while advocating for fair compensation for songwriters across the music industry. All participants will receive a per diem to cover their expenses during the event.
NEED TO MAKE CONTACT, SEND NEWS AND NEW MUSIC RELEASES?: If you have any A&R, publishing, technology, agent/promoter, international radio, management, new media or film/TV music supervisor news you’d like to share with A&R Worldwide, or need to respond to information published in the weekly newsletter please E–mail it to the attention of info@anrworldwide.com. Also, all demos and new music releases should be sent as STREAMING LINKS ONLY to info@anrworldwide.com.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Yash Upadhyay, Nicole De La Torriente, Preston Rodie, Evan Lipschutz, Tyler Bacon, VT Ravi, Devraj Sanyal, Scooter Braun, Jody Gerson, Deville Schober, Kyle Hopkins, Seven Webster, and Satya Hinduja.
