SARA NIX JOINS JOE MORTIMER AS CO-HEAD OF CREATIVE
AT CAPITOL MUSIC GROUP
Capitol Music Group has named Joe Mortimer and Sara Nix as its new Co-Heads of Creative.
Sara Nix arrives at Capitol with a background in production and creative development, most recently serving as Executive Producer at Partizan—the production house co-founded by Director Michel Gondry. Over the past six years, she has overseen music videos, short films, and branded content for artists like Pharrell Williams, Billie Eilish, Burna Boy, Doja Cat, SZA, and Dua Lipa. Nix has also worked in close collaboration with directors like Warren Fu, Ally Pankiw, Nono Ayuso, and Rodrigo Inada. Her global production experience spanned over a decade and began in Amsterdam, giving her a wide-angle perspective on international creative work.
Joe Mortimer joins the creative leadership team following a run as Creative Director at Astralwerks. There, he helped shape campaigns for artists like Marshmello, SG Lewis, Zhu, Illenium, and The Avalanches. Mortimer also worked closely with Capitol artists on projects for acts such as The Beatles, Katy Perry, and Beck. His creative direction for Troye Sivan‘s Something to Give Each Other earned a Grammy nomination and widespread industry acclaim. A frequent collaborator with photographers and directors—including Jack Bridgland, Hannah Lux Davis, Charlotte Rutherford, and Stillz—Mortimer also co-founded the California Picture Project in 2025, a photography fundraiser supporting wildfire relief that featured work from visual luminaries like Spike Jonze, Sofia Coppola, and Petra Collins.
Tom March, Chairman & CEO, Capitol Music Group, stated, “Sara and Joe come to Capitol after having worked with some of the most acclaimed artists, directors, and creative visionaries in the world. Together, they form a potent team to help the incredible artists on our label reach their full creative potential and drive our ongoing transformation at Capitol.”
CREATE MUSIC GROUP ACQUIRES MONSTERCAT
Create Music Group (CMG) has officially acquired independent electronic music label Monstercat, which has staff based in Vancouver, Toronto, and Los Angeles. The deal represents CMG’s mission to grow its portfolio of music brands and brings one of the most artist-forward labels under its wing.
As part of the agreement, CMG is poised to invest around $50 million (USD) over the next couple of years within artist development, advances, and platform support across Monstercat’s roster to accelerate both new signings and long-term artist career growth.”
Since launching in 2011, Monstercat has released more than 8,000 tracks from talent like Kaskade, Alan Walker, Vicetone, WHIPPED CREAM, DJ DIESEL (Shaquille O’Neal), and Koven. It’s also widely respected for its transparent contracts, one-stop licensing, and deep engagement with digital-native audiences.
Monstercat will continue to operate independently under the guidance of President Daniel Turcotte, Vice President Orri Sachar, and Director of Finance Rob Hill. Founders Mike Darlington and Ari Paunonen will remain on board in advisory capacities.
With the backing of CMG, Monstercat is set for accelerated global growth, supported by a planned $50 million investment over the next two years to fuel artist development, advances, and platform innovation. The label’s digital footprint is formidable, with a 9-million-subscriber YouTube channel, more than 13 million total followers, and a highly trafficked 24/7 livestream. In 2024 alone, Monstercat placed over 150 tracks in video games through collaborations with Fortnite, Rocket League, Roblox, Beat Saber, and more.
Now, as part of CMG, Monstercat gains access to extensive infrastructure and media capabilities to deepen its artist support and expand internationally. Its catalog spans three distinct imprints — Uncaged, Instinct, and Silk — and a growing live events division with branded presences at festivals like Tomorrowland and Amsterdam Dance Event.
GOOGLE LAUNCHES FILM AND TV PRODUCTION HOUSE WITH RANGE MEDIA PARTNERS
Google has stepped further into Hollywood with the quiet launch of 100 Zeros, a new film and television production company that signals the tech giant’s ambitions beyond YouTube.
Unlike its previous ventures in original video content, 100 Zeros is not creating programming for YouTube. Instead, it’s targeting major streamers and studios, including Netflix, with a pipeline of scripted and unscripted projects.
The name itself is a sly nod to Google’s namesake—a “googol” is the number one followed by 100 zeros. At the center of the new venture is a multi-year partnership with Range Media Partners.
Range brings industry muscle, with recent credits like A Complete Unknown, The Monkey, and Longlegs, and a music publishing arm that’s scored recent wins, including Sean Cook‘s work on Shaboozey‘s hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
One of the more revealing ambitions behind 100 Zeros is Google’s interest in subtly reshaping tech’s image in pop culture. From Android‘s market competition with Apple to AI’s controversial rise, Google sees storytelling as a way to humanize its technology and reinforce its place in everyday life. This includes potential product integrations and highlighting Google innovations like Immersive View and AI-generated visuals within entertainment narratives. In keeping with that vision, Google and Range have also launched “AI on Screen,” an initiative designed to fund and develop short films exploring artificial intelligence.
Two of these shorts are already being eyed for expansion into full-length features, as part of what the companies call a broader effort to encourage “diverse perspectives at a critical moment in the public dialogue around AI.”
PRESCRIPTION SONGS ELEVATES A&R AND ALONG WITH 7HILLS MUSIC & AMIGO RECORDS SIGNS WILL TERRY
Prescription Songs, in collaboration with 7Hills Music and its sister label Amigo Records, has officially welcomed rising Nashville talent Will Terry to its roster through a new publishing and release agreement.
At just 20 years old, Terry is making a name for himself with a sound that fuses Southern charm and emotionally honest songwriting. Originally from Rome, Georgia, Terry has already shared the stage with acts like Tyler Farr, Jon Langston, and Chayce Beckham, and recently made an appearance at Nashville’s Whiskey Jam.
This joint deal marks Terry as the second country artist signed to Amigo Records, joining fellow up-and-comer Scoot Teasley.
“I’m so proud to have signed Will Terry to my joint venture 7Hills Music with Prescription Songs and our label Amigo Records,” stated Hannah Montgomery Bay-Schuck of 7Hills Music. “Coming from the same hometown of Rome, Georgia, there’s a shared understanding and work ethic that makes this partnership even more special.”
Jamey Davenport, Will Terry’s Manager, added, “Tickled pink about getting to partner with Amigo/Rx for this next chapter in Will’s career. Hannah and the team have welcomed us like family and have made us feel right at home. Excited for the future and grateful for Luke & Hannah’s belief in Will Terry!”
In addition, Prescription Sons has officially promoted Kelly White to A&R Coordinator. Based in the Nashville office, Kelly collaborates with artists, producers, and songwriters across Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Nashville. Her roster includes names such as Big Boss Vette, Ryder Johnson, Trent Dabbs, Sean Small, Lauren LaRue, and Kelly Sheehan.
A graduate of Belmont University, her early classical training evolved alongside a passion for hip-hop that continues to influence her creative approach. She brings that same versatility to her current role—bridging genres and connecting voices that might not otherwise cross paths. In recent months, Kelly played a key role in organizing a songwriting camp in partnership with Tay Keith‘s Drumatized label, a project aimed at spotlighting Nashville’s rising hip-hop talent.
Chris Martignago, Prescription Songs’ VP of A&R, stated, “Kelly joined us with an incredible drive that has only grown since becoming a part of our team. Her taste in music represents the diverse music our team strives to support, and I’m excited for that to continue on another level with her new role.”
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 continues to help various events around the globe organize, curate, or participate in and moderate key panels, keynotes and forums centered around music supervision, licensing, and brand partnerships thanks to its decades of involvement in this specialized arena, and its vast global partnerships, and relationships in “all things sync & brands.”
This year, A&R Worldwide teamed up again with Europe’s leading Composer Summit in Prague, Czech Republic, to bring together a dozen leading music supervisors to be a part of conversations, panels, workshops, and masterclasses with both established and burgeoning music composers from around the globe.
Joining A&R Worldwide in association with MUSEXPO at the Composer Summit in the Czech Republic were companies including Amazon MGM Studios, Activision/Blizzard, Netflix, Constantin Films, Black & White Music, and Format Entertainment.
CVC
Forever toeing the line between rebellion and revelry, Welsh six-piece CVC return with their boldest stylistic leap yet: “Bonnie & Clyde,” a slick, synth-pop-laced electro-disco track that feels like the theme song to a lost ’80s road movie — only cooler, and infinitely more romantic. Frontman Francesco ‘Cesc‘ Orsi steps forward for this one, delivering a vocal performance that’s both smooth and urgent as he tells the story of two lovers on the run — inspired in part by the modern outlaw tale of Queen & Slim. Written and recorded during sessions with legendary producer Chris Hughes, best known for his work on Tears For Fears‘ seminal Songs From The Big Chair, the track marks a new sonic direction for CVC — one that embraces their love of retro textures while pushing further into the pop frontier. Fresh off a full run of U.K. dates, including two nights at London’s Oslo and first-time headline appearances across Scotland and beyond. Known for their shape-shifting sets and magnetic stage presence, the band continues to build on their reputation as one of the U.K.’s most exciting live acts, who seamlessly fuse soul, funk, rock, and now synth-pop into one unpredictable, unforgettable show. Listen to “Bonnie & Clyde” HERE, and contact Gareth at dahditdit.management@gmail.com for available opportunities globally with CVC.
THE MOLOTOVS
Fresh off sharing the stage with the Sex Pistols for Teenage Cancer Trust, The Molotovs roar into their debut with “More More More” — a gritty, infectious blast of new-wave punk released via Marshall Records. Produced by Jason Perry (Don Broco) and mixed/mastered by Blair Crichton of Dead Pony, the track is a vibrant call to arms, fueled by restless energy, late-night distractions, and a craving for something deeper. “It’s about filling the void with parties and indifference, while knowing you want more,” says frontman Mathew Cartlidge. Inspired by The Jam, Green Day, and Sex Pistols, the sibling-led trio combines vintage punk fire with modern edge. Despite still being teens, they’ve already played over five hundred gigs, hit SXSW, toured with iDKHOW, sold out Dingwalls, sold out a 14-date U.K. headline tour ending at Scala, and earned a nod from Green Day themselves. Now signed to the legendary Marshall Records, The Molotovs are gearing up for a breakout 2025 with “More More More” kicking off a summer of major festival appearances across Europe, including Isle of Wight, 2000trees, Rebellion, Italy’s SULKY ROCK as main support for Franz Ferdinand, Traumzeit festival in Germany, and France’s Les Eurockéennes, Montequisto On The Rocks, and Retro C Trop festival. Experience the brilliance of The Molotovs with their music video for “More More More” HERE, and contact Ant Andrews at ant.andrews@expectationmgmt.com, and Ellys Airey at ellys.airey@marshall.com for all inquiries regarding The Molotovs.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, May 11th, 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:
CVC – “Bonnie & Clyde” (CVC Recordings, U.K.)
MONOTRONIC – “Looking Away” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE LOTTERY WINNERS – “Ragdoll” Featuring Chad Kroeger (Modern Sky, U.K.)
SHOBSY – “Hold Me Up” (Pangea Int’l Music, Ireland)
UNPEOPLE – “The Garden” (SharpTone Records, U.K.)
CALUM BOWIE – “Your Anthem” (Polydor Records, U.K.)
THE MOLOTOVS – “More, More, More” (Marshall Records, U.K.)
LIME CORDIALE – “Love Is Off The Table” (Chugg Music, Australia)
VELLA – “All My Love” (Universal Music, Sweden)
CASSIA – “Miles Out” (Distiller, U.K.)
SPACEY JANE – “All The Noise” (AWAL, Australia)
DAMIANO DAVID – “Next Summer” (Sony Music, Italy)
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE – “Scatterbrain” (Unsigned, U.S.)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Stay Gold” (Unsigned, U.S.)
RHETT REPKO – “Somewhat Famous” (Unsigned, U.S.)
CIRCA WAVES – “Let’s Leave Together” (Lower Third/[PIAS], U.K.)
THE AMAZONS – “My Blood” (Fiction Records, U.K.)
SOFY – “Front Seat Honey” (Chess Club, U.K.)
WAITING FOR SMITH – “I Like Life” (Four One Seven Records, U.K.)
BRKN LOVE – “Diamonds” (Spinefarm, U.S.)
KAI BOSCH – “Angel” (LAB Records, U.K.)
THE MOVING STILLS – “Running Out” (Unsigned, Australia)
THE TERRYS – “Stay Free” (Good Intent, Australia)
VERONICA FUSARO – “Jealousy” (Deep Dive, Switzerland)
PYNCHER – “Get Along” (Unsigned, U.K.)
ZIMMER90 – “Yours & Mine” (Humming Records, Germany)
THE PALE WHITE – “Lost In The Moment” (Propeller Recordings, U.K.)
NIGHT SWIMMING – “In The Real World” (Unsigned, U.K.)
MOOD BORED – “Out Loud” (Mattan Records, Holland)
GIZMO VARILLAS – “Still Holdin’ On” (Sonteca Records, Spain)
SADIE FINE – “Whoreble” (Sign From The Universe, U.K.)
SI EVOL – “By The Sea” (Sony Music, Sweden)
CAT SERRANO – “When You Love Me” (Unsigned, U.S.)
ADAM REESE – “1996” (Unsigned, U.S.)
YAMAHA LAUNCHES $50M FUND TO POWER MUSIC AND MEDIA STARTUPS: Yamaha is stepping into the future of music and media with the launch of a new $50 million (USD) corporate venture capital fund aimed at supporting the next wave of creative innovation. Unveiled last week, the Yamaha Music Innovations Fund I, LP (YMIF) will begin investing immediately in early-stage startups that are reshaping how music is made, experienced, and shared. The fund builds on Yamaha’s 2023 launch of Yamaha Music Innovations (YMI), a Silicon Valley-based hub focused on pioneering sound and music technologies. At the helm of YMIF is Managing Partner Andrew Kahn, a figure in music and tech investment. Kahn’s background includes time at Live Nation, years as a founding member of media-tech company Greenfly, and a successful stint as Partner at Crush Ventures—home to stars like Miley Cyrus, Lorde, and Sia. Recognized by Billboard as one of “Music’s Top Investors in Tech of the Future” in 2023, Kahn brings industry knowledge and an eye for innovation. “Since establishing our base in Silicon Valley in April 2024, we have collaborated with six startups by leveraging our group’s assets as the leading comprehensive musical instrument manufacturer with the No.1 market share,” YMI President and CEO Yusuke “Scott” Sugino said. “Through our investment activities via YMIF and business collaborations utilizing our assets, we are bringing our mechanisms for creating new value and new businesses to the next stage.”
Position Music), Sabina Tamayo (Overall MGMT), Shannon Corsi (A&R, Position
Music), Peter Thomas, Sam Sklar (VP, A&R, Position Music), Rosabelle Eales
(Manager, Overall MGMT), and Mark Chipello (Partner / Head of A&R, Position Music)
POSITION MUSIC SIGNS SONGWRITER & PRODUCER PETER THOMAS: Position Music has inked a global publishing agreement with producer and songwriter Peter Thomas, as announced by the company’s Tyler Bacon President & CEO. Thomas, a Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist, recently worked on Teddy Swims‘ “Are You Even Real” featuring GIVĒON. The track launched in January to major fanfare, debuting as the No.1 song on Spotify‘s global chart and currently holding the No.1 spot at Urban/R&B, No.5 at Rhythmic, and No.10 at Urban radio. With over two billion Spotify streams to his name, Thomas has contributed to six tracks on Sofi Tukker‘s latest album BREAD, including collaborations with Channel Tres and tracks like “Hey Homie” and “Cafuné.” His past catalog includes the Platinum-certified “Talk Too Much” by COIN, which cracked the Top 10 at Alternative Radio, and P!nk‘s “Walk Me Home,” a No.1 hit on both Billboard‘s Adult Pop and Adult Contemporary charts. “Peter has built such an incredible world around himself — of strategic partners, creatives, and artists — I’m excited to step into it and be a part of it,” says Sam Sklar, Vice President, A&R, Position Music. “It’s a rare opportunity to work with a creative who not only has profound musical talent but also understands humans on such a deep level. He has a vision for himself and for others. I’m consistently impressed with the realms of his talent and his mind.”
WARNER MUSIC GROUP UNVEILS WMG PULSE: Warner Music Group (WMG) has unveiled WMG Pulse, a beta platform designed to simplify and centralize data for artists and songwriters, providing them with a toolkit for smarter career decision-making. Developed to address the complexity of navigating multiple dashboards, WMG Pulse offers users a unified, real-time view of streaming performance, fan engagement, social and UGC trends, and a comprehensive breakdown of earnings, from digital royalties to physical sales, sync deals, and beyond. Whether managing a legacy catalog or climbing the charts with their first hit, artists and songwriters can now make more informed decisions with unprecedented clarity and efficiency. The platform is currently in beta with over one hundred artists and songwriters from around the world actively using and shaping its features. Their input is helping Warner fine-tune the experience, which will eventually include additional capabilities like predictive analytics, release planning, and built-in collaboration tools. WMG Pulse adds to the label’s growing suite of artist-focused products and services. While access is limited during this testing phase, Warner Music Group plans a broader rollout later in the year.
ARMADA MUSIC LAUNCHES JV WITH JORIS VOORN: Armada Music has entered a joint venture with Dutch electronic music artist Joris Voorn. Under the new partnership, Voorn’s upcoming album Serotonin will be released in July through his own imprint Spectrum, in collaboration with Armada Music. The album features collaborations, including “Burn” with Tom Walker, “Seventeen” with Yotto & White Lies, and “You & I,” featuring Nathan Nicholson. Ahead of the full release, Voorn dropped the single, “Tomorrow,” this past Friday. This venture unites Armada and Voorn across key areas such as A&R, global marketing, distribution, and promotion. Armada Music Publishing will also play a leading role by organizing writing camps and nurturing cross-artist collaboration to fuel future creative output. The move builds on momentum between the two parties, which has included moments like Voorn’s 2022 remix of “Transmission” by Eelke Kleijn—an Armada release that hit No.1 on Shazam in the Netherlands and Belgium, landed on the Dutch Top 40, and surpassed sixty million streams. More recently, Voorn performed back-to-back sets with Armada Co-Founder Armin van Buuren at events like A State of Trance and Tomorrowland Winter. This partnership follows Armada’s broader strategy of investing in artist-led labels, echoing recent collaborations with Ki/Ki‘s Slash and Arodes‘ Unreleased imprint.
ANGRY MOB MUSIC NAMES RALPH TORREFRANCA AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ARTIST CREATIVE: Angry Mob Music Group has promoted Ralph Torrefranca to the role of Executive Director, Writer Creative. In this newly expanded position, Torrefranca will continue to guide the creative development of the publisher’s roster of songwriters, producers, and artists, while also broadening his leadership across company-wide creative initiatives and strategic collaborations. Operating from Angry Mob’s Los Angeles headquarters, Torrefranca will continue reporting directly to the company CEO Marc Caruso. Since joining in 2015, Torrefranca has been a driving force behind numerous releases, including Shaboozey and Noah Cyrus‘s “My Fault,” Russell Dickerson and Jake Scott‘s “She Likes It,” and Morgan Wallen‘s “This Bar.” He has assisted in nurturing talent such as Bus (Ty Dolla $ign, Brent Faiyaz) and Bailey Bryan (Kiana Ledé, Shaboozey), helping shape the careers of many promising music creators. Torrefranca is also the founder of The New Normal, Angry Mob’s songwriting camp, created to challenge outdated industry norms by fostering an inclusive, community-driven environment. Since its launch, the camp has featured over 70% participation from women and represented more than ten diverse cultural backgrounds, with its scale and impact growing over 73% since the inaugural event. Outside of his work at Angry Mob, Torrefranca is a songwriter and the frontman of the post-punk outfit Cuffed Up. He also channels his storytelling instincts into film, with his next short project, Fil-Am, set to begin production in summer 2025.
ANDREW SPENCER NAMED CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF AEG PRESENTS EUROPE: AEG Presents has tapped Andrew Spencer as its new Chief Operating Officer for Europe. Spencer, who will be based in London beginning this summer, will report directly to Adam Wilkes, President & CEO of AEG Presents Europe & Asia Pacific. In his new role, Spencer will oversee cross-market operations across the continent, bringing strategic cohesion to AEG’s expanding European presence. He joins from Australia’s leading concert promotion company Frontier Touring, where he most recently held the role of Chief Commercial Officer. There, he oversaw strategic planning, business development, finance, and operations across a diverse portfolio of international tours, venues, and festivals. Prior to that, Spencer served as COO of the independent promoter Chugg Entertainment, where he helped restructure the company and navigate its integration into Frontier following its 2019 acquisition. Spencer’s history includes key contributions to Frontier’s partnership with AEG Presents, including investments in key venues such as Sydney’s Liberty Hall and the Hordern Pavilion. He also played a critical role in launching AXS ticketing in the Australian market and expanding into new verticals like sports and theatrical merchandise through the Playbill Group.
SAMSUNG’S HARMAN EXPANDS AUDIO EMPIRE WITH $350M MASIMO DEAL: Samsung Electronics subsidiary Harman International has struck a $350 million (USD) cash deal to acquire the consumer audio division of Masimo Corporation. Announced May 6, the acquisition will bring a roster of audio brands — including Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, and Marantz — under Harman’s umbrella, complementing its lineup that features JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, Bang & Olufsen (automotive), and Infinity. This move follows Harman’s 2023 acquisition of Roon, a software platform known for its high-end music library management and streaming features, signaling a consistent strategy focused on elevating the connected audio experience. Harman, which was itself acquired by Samsung for $8 billion (USD) in 2017, will integrate these brands into its existing ecosystem as it works to deepen its presence across home, car, and personal audio categories. For Samsung, this acquisition supports its ambition to grow its footprint in the global audio market, which is a sector projected to rise from $60.8 billion in 2024 to approximately $70 billion by 2029. Quentin Koffey, Vice Chairman of Masimo’s Board of Directors, said, “Finding the right home for this business has been a stated priority of the new Board from day one, and this transaction represents an important milestone as we continue to position the company to achieve our goals of accelerating revenue growth while delivering disciplined margins.”
INTERCEPT SECURES $50M IN FINANCING FOR CATALOG ACQUISITIONS: Intercept Music, an independent distribution and marketing startup, has landed a $50 million (USD) injection of capital as it sets its sights on acquiring U.S. and Latin music catalogs with untapped revenue potential. Founded just three years ago, Intercept plans to deploy the new funding immediately, with multiple acquisitions already in the evaluation pipeline. While the company hasn’t disclosed the full roster of investment partners behind the deal, it confirmed that Founder & Chairman Ralph Tashjian is both a strategic advisor and co-investor in the venture. With a focus on underutilized catalogs, Intercept aims to breathe new life into legacy content using its proprietary suite of tools, including predictive analytics, AI-powered marketing tech, and an artist-facing portal designed to optimize reach and revenues across streaming and digital storefronts. The capital raise also fuels growth for Intercept’s catalog management division as it scales up to support anticipated acquisitions. Since launching in 2022 alongside Method Man of Wu-Tang Clan fame, the platform has offered artists wide distribution access across major streaming platforms, along with DIY marketing tools and an invite-only tier offering full-service campaign management and e-commerce capabilities. Touting itself as a first mover in integrating AI into music marketing and distribution workflows, Intercept says it’s building an infrastructure that empowers artists and rights holders to reclaim value from dormant or overlooked assets in the modern music economy.
(WME), M. Andrea Bocelli, Jay Marciano (AEG), Francesco Pasquero (manager),
Eugenio D’Andrea (legal consultant), and David Levy (WME)
AEG PRESENTS TEAM UP WITH ANDREA BOCELLI: AEG Presents has inked a landmark, multi-year global deal with Andrea Bocelli to oversee and produce all of his public performances for five years, beginning January 1, 2026. Spanning five continents, the exclusive partnership was developed in close collaboration with Bocelli’s longtime management and his agency, WME. Described by AEG as the most significant live touring agreement in the history of Italian music, the deal cements Bocelli’s legacy as a global concert draw and cultural icon. With over 90 million records sold, Bocelli stands as the best-selling classical artist of all time. His breakout hit “Con Te Partirò” became an international sensation in 1995, followed by the English/Italian duet “Time to Say Goodbye” with Sarah Brightman. Since then, he has released 15 crossover and classical albums, including Romanza, Sacred Arias, and My Christmas. “I personally flew to Italy to meet Andrea at his home because I wanted to understand the man and the artist before embarking on this journey,” AEG Presents Chairman & CEO Jay Marciano said. “I’m truly thrilled to welcome him into our family and help take his artistry to even greater heights.” “When [Bocelli Co- Manager] Francesco [Pasquero] called us to discuss this vision, we immediately recognized the magnitude of the opportunity,” WME Global Co-Head of Music Kirk Sommer and Sr. Partner David Levy said in a joint statement. “We are incredibly proud to have collaborated closely with all parties to make this partnership a reality. M. Andrea Bocelli is not only a unique extraordinary talent but also a cultural ambassador whose legacy continues to grow.”
WARNER MUSIC GROUP CORP. REPORTS RESULTS FOR FISCAL SECOND QUARTER: Warner Music Group has released its Q2 financial results for the period ending March 31, 2025, showing revenue shifts and operational gains amid a complex financial landscape. Total revenue dipped slightly by 0.7%, though it rose 1.2% when adjusted for currency fluctuations. Digital revenue followed a similar trend, down 0.8% as reported but up 1.2% in constant currency, with recorded music streaming falling by 0.4% (or increasing 1.6% on a constant currency basis). Music publishing streaming held steady year-over-year but also reflected a 1.6% gain in constant currency. These small declines were offset in part by higher licensing and physical sales in Recorded Music and by continued growth across all Music Publishing categories, including digital, performance, and sync. Despite the revenue dip, Warner saw a 41.2% jump in operating income to $168 million (USD), attributed in part to cost reductions from last year’s Strategic Restructuring Plan and a $82 million drop in restructuring and impairment charges. Adjusted OIBDA fell slightly to $303 million, down 2.9%, with the margin slipping to 20.4% due to changes in revenue mix, even as some restructuring savings were reinvested into business growth. Net income, however, fell sharply, down 62.5% year-over-year to $36 million. Earnings per share were $0.07 for both Class A and Class B shareholders. Warner reported a strong liquidity position with $637 million in cash and $4.292 billion in total debt. Net debt stood at $3.655 billion, factoring in the $302 million in nonrecourse debt related to its acquisition of Tempo Music Holdings. Operationally, the cash flow improved significantly, and operating activities generated $69 million, reversing a $31 million outflow in the same quarter last year. This was driven by better timing of digital advances and compensation payments. Free Cash Flow rose to $33 million from a negative $57 million a year earlier, while capital expenditure climbed 38% to $36 million, due to continued investment in tech infrastructure.
RANGE MUSIC LAUNCHES COMPOSER DIVISION LED BY JEFF JERNIGAN: Range Music is deepening its investment in the film and television space with the launch of a composer division, appointing Jeff Jernigan to lead the charge. Jernigan, formerly of Kraft-Engel Management, joins Range Music to head a newly formed department focused on representing talent in music-for-media. His remit includes composers, songwriters, music supervisors, and executive music producers working across the screen industries. He will collaborate closely with Leah Cook, Range Music’s VP of Creative Sync & Strategy, to grow the division’s creative and commercial footprint. Jernigan arrives with a roster of clients, including Oscar-winning composer Steven Price (Gravity), Emmy nominee Tom Howe (Ted Lasso), and Joseph Stephens (The Righteous Gemstones), among others. His clients’ work spans some of the most notable film and television projects in recent years, including It Follows, Andor, Halston, Maestro, and A Complete Unknown, which is a Range Music production. His appointment strengthens long-standing ties with Range Music’s film leadership, having previously worked alongside Co-Presidents Fred Berger and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones at BMG and Kraft-Engel. Berger also produced La La Land, which featured music supervision by Jernigan’s client Steven Gizicki. This new division underscores Range Music’s continued growth in the film and TV sectors, where the company already represents a roster of music supervisors including Andrea von Foerster (Yellowstone), Jordan Carroll (Dear Evan Hansen), and Angela Asistio (Interior Chinatown).
CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS SINGER-SONGWRITER GRACE TYLER: Concord Music Publishing has signed country artist Grace Tyler to her first global publishing deal. The agreement, which takes effect immediately, covers her full catalog and upcoming works. A native of Frisco, Texas, Tyler sharpened her songwriting skills at Belmont University, where she studied under the guidance of the country star Lee Brice. Her debut EP, Everything I Didn’t Say, dropped in March, and highlights a sound that has helped her build a loyal following. Tyler first gained attention with the viral TikTok hit “My Mistake” in 2021 and has since been spotlighted on Spotify‘s “Fresh Finds” and “Fresh Finds Country” playlists. Her track “Weak Man” earned her a nomination for Spotify’s 2024 “Fresh Finds Favorites,” signaling her breakout potential. The momentum carried into 2024, with a cover feature on Amazon Music‘s “Breakthrough Country” playlist and a national tour supporting Shane Smith and the Saints. Her growing list of appearances includes performing the national anthem at the 2025 American Rodeo Championship and taking the stage at AT&T Stadium for the Lone Star Smokeout. Grace Tyler is set to make her ACM Awards red carpet debut on May 7 at the ACM Lifting Lives Topgolf Tee-Off. Courtney Allen, Senior Director A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville, said, “I offered Grace a deal at the end of our first meeting. That’s how sure I was that I needed to collaborate with her. For years, she has slowly and quietly been honing her craft, and now it is her time to shine. I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes, and I am so proud to have her join the Concord family.”
BOYARSKI FRITZ LLP ANNOUNCES THE PROMOTION OF ALEX STOLLS TO PARTNER: Boyarski Fritz LLP has elevated Alex Stolls to Partner, recognizing his growing leadership within the firm’s ranks. Known for his experience in transactional entertainment law, Stolls has built a reputation as a go-to legal strategist for a mix of clients, ranging from artists and producers to influencers and media companies. His portfolio includes catalogue sales, recording and publishing deals, and film and television projects. Stolls serves as counsel to many of the firm’s marquee clients, including the estate of Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire), Lil Kim, Will Smith, BLACKPINK‘s JISOO, and producers such as Louis Bell, Stargate, Hit-Boy, and Tainy. He also advises corporate and entrepreneurial clients like Create Music Group, BMG, NEON16, and Invisible Universe, navigating complex industry dynamics on their behalf. Before joining Boyarski Fritz, Stolls sharpened his industry acumen at organizations including William Morris Endeavor and Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP. A graduate of Penn State University, he earned his J.D. with distinction from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, focusing on media, entertainment, and IP law.
DOWNTOWN MUSIC PUBLISHING MAKES KEY APPOINTMENTS: Downtown Music Publishing has named Jason Taylor as its new VP, Business Development. Operating out of Los Angeles and reporting directly to Chief Creative Officer Jedd Katrancha, Taylor will spearhead initiatives aimed at acquiring culturally influential legacy catalogs and forging new business-to-business alliances. His mandate will also include expanding Downtown’s footprint on the West Coast and enhancing both creative and commercial pathways for the company’s artist and songwriter roster. Taylor brings experience from key positions at Iconoclast, Hipgnosis Songs Group, and Big Deal Music Group, where he helped manage and acquire music catalogs and worked closely with artists. At Downtown, he’ll leverage that background to identify new growth opportunities and elevate the company’s partnerships in the ever-evolving publishing landscape. In tandem with Taylor’s appointment, Downtown also announced a new expanded role for Bea Koramblyum, who now takes on the title of Global Head of Business Affairs & Vice President of Business Development. Koramblyum, recently appointed Chair of the Music Business Association, has been a driving force behind many of Downtown’s most strategic partnerships and catalog deals. These leadership moves come on the heels of a strong year for Downtown, which has inked key global signings and renewals with artists like Peso Pluma, Tori Amos, and Cameron Montgomery.
GOT YOUR BACK NAMES ANGIE RUDGE AS HEAD OF DIGITAL MARKETING: Got Your Back has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of Angie Rudge as Head of Digital Marketing. Bringing over a decade of experience from roles at Island Records/UMG and Warner Records, Rudge has contributed to campaigns for artists such as FLO, Sam Tompkins, Biffy Clyro, Royal Blood, Dua Lipa, Griff, and most recently Lola Young. Her record in shaping digital strategies makes her an asset as Got Your Back continues to scale its operations. With Rudge’s addition, the company now offers a complete portfolio of artist services spanning marketing, streaming, digital strategy, content creation, and promotions across radio, TV, podcast, and online platforms. Founded by Dave Rajan, who has held senior roles at BMG, Sony, Columbia, EMI, Virgin, and Parlophone, Got Your Back has quickly grown into a full-service promotions and marketing agency within just two years.
JANN-MICHAEL GREENBURG NAMED PRESIDENT OF TRESÓNA MUSIC: Tresóna has officially appointed Jann-Michael Greenburg as its new President. Greenburg, who has served as Interim President since 2024 and as VP Business Affairs since 2017, steps into the role with a solid foundation in both law and finance. Before joining Tresóna, he worked as a private equity tax analyst at Deloitte U.K. LLP. He holds a law degree from the University of Edinburgh and a master’s in Banking and Financial Law from Boston University, specializing in securities and compliance. For over 15 years, Tresóna has been a trusted partner for music publishers, providing the tools and systems needed to simplify licensing and ensure that rights holders, from songwriters to publishers, are fairly compensated. The company’s proprietary technology streamlines the licensing process, making it accessible for organizations to legally use copyrighted music while helping publishers tap into long-tail revenue opportunities. Greenburg’s promotion comes as Tresóna continues its mission to uphold copyright compliance and champion songwriter rights across the scholastic and professional landscape.
RICH ORCHARD JOINS HORUS MUSIC AS MANAGING DIRECTOR: Horus Music has announced the appointment of Rich Orchard as Managing Director of both Horus Music Limited and its sister company, Anara Publishing, marking a new phase of leadership and global ambition for the U.K.-based music services group. Orchard will report directly to company Founder Nick Dunn, who has transitioned into the role of CEO. With a career spanning digital distribution, artist services, and music supervision, Orchard brings expertise and a multifaceted industry perspective to the position. Horus Music, founded in 2006, offers digital distribution, label services, and publishing to artists and labels across more than 150 platforms worldwide. The company says Orchard’s appointment signals a renewed focus on global expansion, innovation in artist services, and a boost in sync opportunities through Anara Publishing. Orchard’s previous post was at Downtown Music, where he spent six years overseeing CD Baby‘s operations and marketing across the U.K. and Europe before rising to Director of Artist & Community Engagement in a global capacity. Before that, he was Head of Digital at Absolute Label Services, running DSP relationships and leading campaigns for artists such as Steps and Jack Savoretti. His industry résumé also includes seven years at FreeStyleGames, where he served as a producer and music supervisor on titles like Guitar Hero Live and DJ Hero.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Max Lousada, Imran Majid, Sarah Platz, Shridhar Subramaniam, Barry Weiss, Julie Greenwald, John Cleary, Shane Tobin, Josh Sarubin, Jay Cooper, James Celentano, Anjula Acharia, and Dan Rosen.
