MUSEXPO UNVEILS ITS 26TH GLOBAL EDITION
IN BURBANK, CALIFORNIA FROM MARCH 22 – 25, 2026,
UNITING THE WORLDWIDE MUSIC BUSINESS
IN “THE MEDIA CAPITAL OF THE WORLD”
MUSEXPO, the globally respected music business gathering known as “The United Nations of Music” (www.musexpo.net), will return for its 26th global edition from March 22 – 25, 2026, in Burbank, California. Now entering its third decade, the event remains a vital platform for creative and commercial exchange across the global music, media, and technology landscapes.
Following the success of its 2025 edition, the 2026 gathering promises to deepen the event’s legacy of impact through curated networking, immersive discussions, and high-level showcases. “This upcoming edition will aim to raise the bar even higher,” said Sat Bisla, President & Founder, A&R Worldwide / MUSEXPO, who also marked 40 years of contributions to the global music business this year.
MUSEXPO will also return with its esteemed “International Music Industry Awards” (which originally launched back in 2012) in association with A&R Worldwide and will recognize the contributions of some of the most influential executives and creatives across key sectors of the global music business in association with Visit Burbank and City of Burbank “The Media Capital of The World” during the private VIP Gala Dinner presentations.
In addition, the annual Seymour Stein “Global A&R Award,” “International Music Person of the Year” and “Lifetime Achievement Award” honorees will be announced in the coming weeks. MUSEXPO will also feature its popular Global Sync Summit, and A&R Summit, as a part of its overall 2026 event program, as well as revealing a special World Cup 2026 sync focus, a first of its kind film composer experience, an in-depth A&R and digital, tech, radio/streaming workshops, international songwriting camp, and much more.
MUSEXPO will take place at the inspiring Castaway Burbank venue for the ultimate networking, creative, and business experience. Castaway is one of Southern California’s most provocative and exciting special events properties and upscale restaurants. It features breathtaking views and a renewed positive energy and vibe, ready to deliver a world-class experience to 2026’s attendees.
Burbank, “The Media Capital of The World” is home to some of the world’s most recognized music and media companies including film/TV studios, record labels, publishing companies, radio stations, music supervisors, sync companies, and more including The Walt Disney Company, Marvel Comics Studios, Disney Music Group, Freemantle Media, ABC Television, Hollywood Records, ESPN, Lucasfilm, Warner Bros. Studios, DC Comics, Freeform TV, peermusic, iHeartRadio, Nickelodeon Animation Studios, The Burbank Studios, Blizzard Entertainment, Cartoon Network, Insomniac Games, Legendary Films, The CW Television Network, NBCUniversal, Universal Pictures, Universal Studios, KPWR “Power 106” Los Angeles, Position Music, and A&R Worldwide’s headquarters to name just a few. The city of Burbank is once again set to welcome 2026 delegates to this long-time epicenter of music creativity and innovation as the event unites artists, industry, and fans alike.
MUSEXPO 2026 will look to deliver an unparalleled overview of the global music business from A&R, publishing, digital, AI, streaming, brands, sync, live, management, distribution, multi-media, technology, marketing, radio, and much more, in an intimate networking experience that its flagship event is world renowned for, while also delving more deeply into the most important aspect of our global music business – the songs and the artists.
Bisla stated, “After celebrating a quarter century of MUSEXPO events this year, our team and I are honored to bring an even more exciting 26th global edition of MUSEXPO to the worldwide music industry next year. Watching the immeasurable impact that MUSEXPO has had on so many artists, executives, and companies during the past twenty-five editions is extremely humbling. We are grateful for the participation and support of everyone who has been a part of this amazing conference, showcase event, and special music community, and we intend to make MUSEXPO 2026 our best one ever!”
Over the past 25 global editions and multi-continental events, some of the world’s most influential music, media and technology executives have participated at MUSEXPO, including: Alexandra Patsavas, Music Creative + Production / Original Series Netflix; Allison Kaye – President, SB Projects; Andrew Kronfeld – Executive Vice President, Universal Music Group; Avery Lipman, Co-Founder & Chief Executive, Republic Records; Chad Hurley – Co-Founder, YouTube; Chris Barton – Co-Founder, Shazam; Craig Kallman – Chief Music Officer, Atlantic Records Group; Daniel Glass, President & Founder, Glassnote Entertainment Group; Diane Warren – Grammy & Emmy Award-Winning & Oscar nominated global hit songwriter; Emma Banks – Co-Head, Global Touring, CAA; Folkert Koopmans – Founder & CEO, FKP Scorpio; Harvey Goldsmith – Founder, Harvey Goldsmith Presents; Jacqueline Saturn – President, Virgin Music Group North America & EVP, Global Artist Relations Jake Wisely– Chief Publishing Executive, Concord Music; Jason Flom – CEO, Lava Records & Lava Music Publishing; Jeff Smith – Head of Music, BBC Radio 2 & 6 Music (U.K.); Jimmy Kimmel (Jimmy Kimmel Live!); Jody Gerson – Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group; Kevin Weatherly, Sr. Vice President Programming, “World Famous KROQ” Los Angeles; Korda Marshall – Founder & President, Infectious Records (Mushroom Music Group); Mamie Coleman, Executive VP & Head of FOX Entertainment Music; Mandar Thakur – CEO, Times Music (India); Martin Dodd – manager of the world’s No.1 songwriter Max Martin; Marty Diamond – Executive VP & Managing Executive, Wasserman Music; Michael Chugg – President & Founder, Chugg Entertainment (Australasia); Michael Rapino – Chairman & CEO, Live Nation Entertainment; Mike Knobloch – President, Film Music & Publishing, Universal Pictures; Monte Lipman, Co-Founder & Chief Executive, Republic Records; Neil Warnock – Global Head of Music, United Talent Agency; Nigel Lythgoe – Executive Producer, American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance; Panos Panay – President (The Grammys) Peter Edge – Chairman & CEO, RCA Records Group; Richard Russell – Founder, XL Recordings (U.K.); Sarah Stennett – CEO, FAE Grp; Savan Kotecha– Songwriter/Producer (The Weeknd, One Direction, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry); Scooter Braun – CEO, HYBE-America; the late Seymour Stein – Co-Founder, Sire Records; Sir Lucian Grainge – Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group; Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive & President Music, EA Games; Tom Anderson – Co-Founder, MySpace; Troy Carter – Founder & CEO, Q&A Media Holdings; will.i.am; and Zane Lowe – Apple’s Music 1; and countless others.
MUSEXPO will also continue to welcome the crème de la crème of global showcasing talent to its stage that has previously welcomed then unsigned, or unknown artists such as Katy Perry, LMFAO, Jessie J, Caity Baiser, Teddybears, Frank Turner, Robyn, Lime Cordiale, The Temper Trap, Forest Blakk, Sheppard, Audur, Jack Savoretti, Thomas Azier, Missy Higgins, Laleh, Erik Hassle, Gavin James, Birds of Tokyo, Avalanche City, Gin Wigmore, Prateek Kuhad, Ida Maria, Dave Lofts, Dead Letter Circus, Vella, and many others prior to their global success.
MUSEXPO was born out of the inspirational networking dinners launched by A&R Worldwide Founder Sat Bisla (also the founder of A&R Network – the global A&R division of Clear Channel Entertainment (now Live Nation) and The New Music Network; the predecessor to iHeartMedia) and Dave Holmes (who managed Coldplay‘s global career for over 22 years). The gatherings started back in 1999 to bring the global music, media, and technology communities together in a meaningful manner.
Registration for MUSEXPO is now open at www.musexpo.net.
Information on showcase artist submissions, event partnership/sponsorship opportunities, direct flights to Burbank Airport and conference discount hotel room bookings within the Burbank, CA area is available at www.musexpo.net.
For More Details Contact: info@anrworldwide.com or +1.323.782.0770.
ATLANTIC MUSIC GROUP & AVEX PARTNER FOR ONE OR EIGHT
Atlantic Music Group and Japan’s Avex Music Group have entered into a new partnership that will see the two labels collaborating to release and promote upcoming music from rising J-pop artists ONE OR EIGHT.
The collaboration comes on the heels of the group’s international breakthrough with “DSTM,” which recently cracked the Mediabase Top 40 Airplay chart — a first for any J-pop group. The achievement marks a watershed moment for Japanese artists crossing into the mainstream U.S. market and reflects the growing appetite among global listeners for genre-blending, cross-cultural pop.
In addition to its U.S. success, “DSTM” has resonated worldwide, charting in 14 countries and solidifying ONE OR EIGHT’s status as a truly global act. With this momentum, Atlantic and Avex are now gearing up to launch the group’s next single, “365,” set for release on June 18.
Currently, the all-Japanese, eight-member boy group — made up of MIZUKI, NEO, REIA, RYOTA, SOUMA, TAKERU, TSUBASA, and YUGA — is connecting directly with fans through a global tour of fan meetings, with stops across Japan, the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico.
Since their global debut on August 16, 2024, ONE OR EIGHT has been on an upward trajectory. Their name, drawn from a Japanese expression meaning “All or Nothing,” reflects their fearless, all-in philosophy.
Operating under the motto “BET ON YOURSELF,” the group continues to inspire with their ambitious spirit, uniting fans around the world through music and shared dreams.
SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING INKS WORLDWIDE DEAL
WITH PURPLE DISCO MACHINE
Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has announced the worldwide signing of Grammy-award winning, multi-Platinum certified songwriter, producer, artist, remixer and DJ Purple Disco Machine to an exclusive songwriter agreement. A joint venture between SMP’s German and U.K. offices, Sony Music Publishing will work closely with Tino Piontek (Purple Disco Machine) to unlock local and global creative opportunities that represent the borderless sound that Purple Disco Machine is famous for creating.
Tino Piontek, professionally known as Purple Disco Machine, has established himself as one of the world’s most successful electronic artists. His work boasts an impressive 37 Platinum and 14 Gold certifications around the world, and his releases have garnered over 1.5 billion streams globally since his 2012 breakthrough single “My House.” He has achieved widespread success with songs including “Hypnotized” with Sophie and the Giants, which notched over 400 million Spotify streams; and “In The Dark” with Sophie and the Giants, which spent six weeks at No.1 on the German airplay charts; both featured on his sophomore album Exotica, which has garnered over one billion combined streams. His track “Substitution” with Kungs and Julian Perretta from his latest album Paradise has also achieved platinum and gold certifications in multiple countries.
His most recent hit, the 2024 collaboration with Nile Rodgers, Benjamin Ingrosso, and Shenseea on the track “Honey Boy,” is also featured on Paradise and has garnered over 85 million Spotify streams and achieved chart success in numerous countries including Sweden, where it reached the No.2 spot.
A prolific remixer, Purple Disco Machine’s CV includes his work with many of the world’s biggest and most iconic artists including The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Calvin Harris, Jamiroquai, and Gorillaz, amongst others. In 2023, he picked up a Grammy award for his remix of Lizzo’s “About Damn Time.”
Tino Piontek / Purple Disco Machine said, “I’m incredibly happy to have signed with Sony Music Publishing and to be working alongside people I’ve known and trusted for many years.”
Patrick Strauch, Managing Director, Sony Music Publishing Germany added, “We are incredibly proud to welcome Tino to the Sony Music Publishing family. His talent, innovation, and the remarkable resonance of his songs have made him one of the leading artists in electronic music. We look forward to collaborating with him on the next chapter of his musical career and continuing to support the development of his unique work.”
DOWNTOWN EXPANDS TO AFRICA & SHEER REBRANDS
TO DOWNTOWN MUSIC PUBLISHING AFRICA
Downtown Music Publishing has formally launched a new African division, Downtown Music Publishing Africa (DMP Africa) which marks an expansion of its global operations and a deeper investment in the continent’s fast-growing music markets.
Headquartered in Johannesburg, the new division is the result of a full rebrand of Sheer Publishing Africa, the independent publisher acquired by Downtown Music Holdings in 2020. The company announced the change on May 27, describing it not simply as a name update but as a strategic shift “in full alignment with Downtown’s global mission and infrastructure.”
Thando Makhunga will remain at the helm as Managing Director. She joined Sheer in 2022 and continues to lead the business into its next phase, which includes a broader set of rights management services. Among the new offerings is Neighbouring Rights Administration—a first for Downtown on the continent, which is designed to open additional revenue streams for African performers and rights holders.
DMP Africa will also be the first publisher in the region to implement Curve, the global royalty accounting platform acquired by Downtown in 2023. This move will streamline royalty processing for local and international clients and improve transparency and accuracy in earnings reporting. The company said that DMP Africa will now be fully connected to Downtown’s global systems for royalty collection, administration, and client services, enhancing its ability to serve both African creators and international partners operating in the region.
Pieter van Rijn, CEO of Downtown Music, said, “This marks an important new chapter in our presence across Africa, a region rich in creativity, culture, and talent. DMP Africa reflects our belief in the region’s creative power and our responsibility to support its continued expansion. By partnering local expertise with global access and investing in long-term, equitable partnerships, we will ensure that talent from across the African diaspora is rewarded on a global scale.”
Downtown’s Africa division is already developing a growing slate of international collaborations, working with Warner Chappell, Concord, and key independents such as Sintonia, Vuga Music, Murmure Publishing, Bucks Music Group, and Saregama.
Originally founded in 1996, Sheer Publishing developed one of the most influential catalogs on the African continent, representing an array of works across genres like Amapiano, Afro-Jazz, Kwaito, and Hip-Hop.
HYBE AMERICA SELLS BIG MACHINE ROCK LABEL TO GEBBIA MEDIA
HYBE America has officially offloaded its rock-focused label, Big Machine Rock, to Gebbia Media, marking a shift for the imprint that has been part of Big Machine Label Group (BMLG). Despite the ownership change, Scott Borchetta, BMLG’s founder, will continue to lead the rock label’s operations and will also take on a new role as a member of the Siebert Financial advisory board—Siebert being the parent company of Gebbia Media.
Big Machine Rock, home to artists like Daughtry, Badflower, Sammy Hagar, Olive Vox, and Ryan Perdz, will retain its current roster under the new structure. The label has seen success under the leadership of General Manager Heather Luke-Husong, who has guided its all-women team to multiple No.1 hits and Platinum certifications. Luke-Husong remains at the helm following the acquisition.
The sale represents another chapter in the evolving legacy of Big Machine, founded by Borchetta in 2005 and absorbed into HYBE’s portfolio through its acquisition of Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings in 2021. Now under Gebbia Media’s ownership, Big Machine Rock aims to accelerate its momentum with an expanded focus on artist development, multi-platform storytelling, and fan-centric engagement.
Gebbia Media, described as a rising force in music, sports, and entertainment content creation, operates as a subsidiary of New York-based Siebert Financial Corp. The media firm has rapidly expanded since its acquisition by Siebert last August, including a partnership with GAMMA Media and L.A. Reid LLC, as well as the signing of Los Angeles group SIMIEN, managed by Akon—who also sits on Siebert’s advisory committee.
Borchetta’s continued involvement was emphasized as a cornerstone of the transition, with Siebert praising his long-standing influence in breaking major talent including Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Mötley Crüe, and Florida Georgia Line, among many others. His advisory role at Siebert is seen as key to their growing ambitions in media and entertainment.
DANIEL BISLA JOINS A&R WORLDWIDE AS A&R ASSOCIATE
A&R Worldwide, a leading global music and media company recognized for its influential work across A&R, artist development, music discovery, sync, and industry events including the globally respected MUSEXPO conference, is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Bisla as A&R Associate, effective immediately.
In his new role, Daniel will support the company’s global artist development initiatives, music discovery efforts, and strategic sync collaborations. He will also continue contributing as Associate Editor of A&R Worldwide’s influential weekly newsletter, which is widely read by music and media executives around the world.
Daniel has been collaborating with A&R Worldwide over the past year, providing creative and editorial support across multiple initiatives including MUSEXPO, artist strategy, and sync activities. His growing expertise and insights into emerging talent and content development have made him an important part of the team.
Daniel will report to William Aman, Associate Director, A&R Worldwide, who works closely with the company’s senior management team, including Sat Bisla, President & Founder of A&R Worldwide.
“We’re excited to officially welcome Daniel to the A&R Worldwide team,” said William Aman. “He brings fresh ideas, creative instincts, and a deep passion for music and culture. His contributions have already made a meaningful impact, and we look forward to what’s ahead.”
Daniel is a graduate of the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Arts (LAMDA), one of the U.K.’s most prestigious performing arts institutions. His diverse background in storytelling, creative performance, and music culture brings an authentic and impactful perspective to his work in the music business.
Each week, A&R Worldwide shares a snapshot of creatives and executives that we have collaborated or worked with in various music markets around the world, albeit in recent or previous times!
A&R Worldwide is known for bringing together some of the “best in class” from around the world, from executives to creatives. At the inception of A&R Worldwide’s inaugural MUSEXPO Europe in London, England in 2008, one of the highlight keynote interviews was with the Founders of XL Recordings (which has been home to artists like Adele, M.I.A., The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, Beck, Radiohead, the White Stripes, Vampire Weekend, the xx and many others), and Mute Records (which has signed artists including Depeche Mode, Erasure, Nick Cave, Goldfrapp, Moby, Inspiral Carpets and much more). Pictured (L-R) at an A&R Worldwide keynote interview at MUSEXPO Europe were Ajax Scott (former Editor, Music Week UK), Richard Russell (Founder, XL Recordings), and Daniel Miller (Founder, Mute Records).
RHETT REPKO
Independent singer-songwriter Rhett Repko dials up the swagger on his latest single “Somewhat Famous”—a bluesy, synth-kissed pop track that oozes vintage cool while staying firmly grounded in the now. The song, produced by Grammy-nominated and RIAA Diamond-selling Mark Needham (The Killers, Imagine Dragons), was recorded at Red Bull Studios in Santa Monica, where Repko took full advantage of the studio’s world-class gear—blending analog synths, live alto sax, a real Fender Rhodes, and Prince-inspired falsettos into a smooth, swampy groove. “I imagined something gangsters in a 1920s speakeasy would listen to,” Repko explains. “Something that just makes you feel cool.” “Somewhat Famous” follows in the thematic footsteps of his previous single “How Cold,” offering a playful warning—wrapped in charisma—for anyone who’s crossed paths with someone coasting on half-earned fame. It’s a sonic shift into funkier, more playful territory, while still showcasing Repko’s signature songwriting and crisp, cinematic production. With 6.2M+ career streams, viral success on Facebook (3M+ views for “Thnx for the Ride”), and licensing credits with Netflix, MTV, USA Network, TLC, and more, Rhett Repko has steadily built a loyal following as a fiercely independent artist. From topping college radio charts to working with industry heavyweights, he’s making big moves on his own terms. Listen to “Somewhat Famous” HERE, and contact info@anrworldwide.com
CASSIA
Cassia’s new album everyone, outside (via love sundays) sees the band returning to their roots in Macclesfield, crafting their most personal and expansive work yet. Built in a countryside studio they designed themselves, the record blends their trademark indie-pop warmth with deeper emotional weight and global influences—from a creative stint in Berlin to a groove-filled writing trip to Mexico. The title reflects both the healing power of nature and a call to live more freely and authentically. Singles like “friends,” “heat,” and the soaring ‘“forever” channel Cassia’s signature optimism while showcasing their growth as songwriters and producers. Known for their immersive soundscapes and visual storytelling, Cassia continue to evolve—balancing dreamy, sun-soaked textures with introspective depth. With their biggest tour to date, including debut U.S. shows and a return to Mexico, everyone, outside marks a bold new chapter for a band unafraid to expand their world while staying grounded in their unique vision. Experience their video for “everyone, outside” that they shot in New York City, just an hour before a show HERE, and contact Tabeah Berler at tabeah.berler@
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, June 1st, 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:
SEAFRET – “Wait” (Nettwerk, U.K.)
CVC – “Bonnie & Clyde” (CVC Recordings, Wales)
MONOTRONIC – “Close Enough” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE LOTTERY WINNERS – “Ragdoll” Featuring Chad Kroeger (Modern Sky, U.K.)
SHOBSY – “Hold Me Up” (Pangea Int’l Music, Ireland)
PICTURE THIS – “Let’s Try Love” (RCA Records, Ireland)
THE AMAZONS – “Night After Night” (Fiction Records, U.K.)
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE – “Scatterbrain” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE MOLOTOVS – “More, More, More” (Marshall Records, U.K.)
COYLE GIRELLI – “True Love Forever” (Unsigned, U.K.)
CALUM BOWIE – “Anthem” (Polydor Records, U.K.)
UNPEOPLE – “The Garden” (SharpTone Records, U.K.)
LIME CORDIALE – “Love Is Off The Table” (Chugg Music, Australia)
CIRCA WAVES – “Let’s Leave Together” (Lower Third/[PIAS], U.K.)
RHETT REPKO – “Somewhat Famous” (Unsigned, U.S.)
DAMIANO DAVID – “Next Summer” (Sony Music, Italy)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Stay Gold” (Unsigned, U.S.)
VELLA – “All My Love” (Universal Music, Sweden)
WAITING FOR SMITH – “I Like Life” (Four One Seven Records, U.K.)
BRKN LOVE – “Diamonds” (Spinefarm, U.S.)
CASSIA – “Miles Out” (Distiller, U.K.)
THE MOVING STILLS – “Running Out” (Unsigned, Australia)
SUNDAY (1994) – “Rain” (RCA, U.K.)
THE PALE WHITE – “Lost In The Moment” (Propeller Recordings, U.K.)
REEM MITTEN – “Back To The Start Of It” (Unsigned, U.K.)
ZIMMER 90 – “Yours & Mine” (Humming Records, Germany)
PYNCHER – “Get Along” (Unsigned, U.K.)
KINGFISHR – “Gloria” (B-Unique, Ireland)
MOOD BORED – “Out Loud” (Mattan Records, Holland)
JEREMY LOOPS – “Wolves” (Universal Music, South Africa)
MASI MASI – “The Rain” (Pangea Int’l Music, U.K.)
CAT SERRANO – “Fantasy” (Unsigned, U.S.)
ADAM REESE – “Days Like This” (Unsigned, U.S.)
GIZMO VARILLAS – “Still Holdin’ On” (Sonteca Records, Spain)
A&R VETERAN KENNY “TICK” SALCIDO DEPARTS RED BULL RECORDS AND LAUNCHES RENAISSANCE ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY: Kenny “Tick” Salcido, former Head of A&R at Red Bull Records, has launched a new venture called Renaissance Entertainment Company (REC), which officially begins operations today. REC is a creative services firm that will work across music, entertainment, and media by offering strategic support and development for artists, managers, labels, publishers, and related companies. With over two decades of industry experience, Salcido has been involved in the careers of artists such as Wiz Khalifa, Terrace Martin, Blxst, Beartooth, The Aces, and more recently with acts like House of Protection, James Vickery, and Morgan. REC will serve as a platform for collaboration between creative and business sectors. Salcido will focus on artist development, A&R services, and strategic partnerships. The company is currently in discussions with various industry partners regarding new projects and rosters. Alongside REC, Salcido has launched Dragon Lair Studios, a private recording and creative space equipped with vintage production tools and equipment. The studio is intended for use by Salcido and a select group of artists and collaborators. It will support writing, recording, and production across a range of projects and genres. Salcido sees REC and Dragon Lair Studios as complementary efforts—one focused on broader strategy and industry connection, the other on creative development and execution. His early career included time at Grand Royal Records, the Beastie Boys’ label.
JAMIE SCOTT & RICK WILSON LAUNCH WRITERS, A HUB FOR SONGWRITING TALENT: Writers has officially launched as a creative powerhouse for songwriters and music makers. The company is co-founded by songwriter, producer, and artist Jamie Scott, alongside his manager and collaborator Rick Wilson. Following a successful decade at the helm of their previous venture, Catherine Songs, the duo is now setting out with a new identity and forward-thinking approach to music publishing. Jamie Scott brings a legacy of success to the new venture, having sold over 100 million albums and singles worldwide. A Grammy-nominated, Ivor Novello Award-winning songwriter, Scott’s credits include collaborations with Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, One Direction, Calvin Harris, Rag‘N’Bone Man, and David Guetta. He contributed more than 30 songs to One Direction’s catalog, helping shape the sound of one of the most successful pop acts of the decade. His work has earned 31 U.K. Top 10 Albums and nine Top 10 Singles, including 14 No.1 Albums and three No.1 Singles. Building on the legacy of Catherine Songs—which fostered hits like Niall Horan’s “This Town,” Tom Grennan’s “Little Bit of Love,” and Zoe Wees’ “Control”—Writers aims to provide a modern and community-driven space for both emerging and established talent. The company is backed by strategic partnerships and continues its close collaboration with Sony Music Publishing, including David Ventura, Tim Major, and Felix Canetty-Clarke. The launch roster features a blend of industry mainstays and rising voices including, Mike Needle (Tom Grennan, Calvin Harris, Joel Corry), Dan Bryer (One Direction, Niall Horan, Kawala), René Miller (Topic, Zoe Wees), Jack Britten (Caity Baser), Itamar Lapidot (Joel Corry), Michael Hemmings (Lucy Blue, Dolores Forever), and Stars.
DANCE LEGEND BOB SINCLAIR SIGNS GLOBAL DEAL WITH WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC: DJ, producer, and remixer Bob Sinclar has entered into a worldwide administration and sub-publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music, the publishing arm of Warner Music Group. The newly inked deal encompasses over 350 titles from Sinclar’s songwriting and production catalog, many of which are published, or co-published under his Mighty Bop Sessions banner. Included in the agreement are some of dance music’s most iconic anthems like “World Hold On,” “Love Generation,” and “The Beat Goes On,” as well as key releases from the Africanism project. Christophe Le Friant, known globally as Bob Sinclar since adopting the alias in 1998, has been a pivotal figure in bringing the sounds of French House (or French Touch) to audiences worldwide. Over the past three decades, he has balanced commercial success with deep-rooted credibility in the underground scene, consistently releasing music through his own label, Yellow Productions. Sinclar’s collaborations have included work with stars such as Dita Von Teese, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, and Sean Paul. His remix credits span a range of artists, from Madonna and Rihanna to Jamiroquai and Moby. In addition to his solo work, he played a central role in the Africanism collective, which was a trailblazing project that began in 2001 and united DJs and producers from around the world to create a distinct Afro-influenced sound that left a lasting mark on club culture. Still active on the global stage, Bob Sinclar continues to tour internationally and release new music.
MAX MARTIN HELPS MAIA UNIVERSE CLOSE €1M INVESTMENT ROUND: Swedish music-tech innovator MAIA Universe has announced the successful close of a €1 million (Euros) investment round, bringing on board a lineup of investors — including acclaimed songwriter and producer Max Martin, who joins via his company, MxM. Founded to simplify the process of sync licensing for visual content creators, MAIA Universe is led by CEO David Wille and aims to streamline music discovery and licensing across digital platforms. The fresh funding marks a milestone for the company as it gears up to scale its operations and broaden its market presence. The investment round attracted support from venture capital firm Zenith Ventures, as well as contributions from the Jochnick family, Aligned, Wildfire, FWB, HDR Partners, and the founding team of SeenThis AB. Alongside the funding news, MAIA Universe also revealed newly signed licensing agreements with Sony Music Publishing U.K., Sony Records U.K., and Warner Chappell Music Publishing. These deals expand MAIA’s music catalog grants the platform access to a vast library of songs for sync opportunities. The company described the dual milestones, funding, and licensing as “game-changing,” reinforcing its mission to revolutionize the sync licensing process for creators, producers, and rights holders alike. MAIA Universe says this will, in turn, allow them to “rapidly and significantly increase the number of licensable songs on the platform and continue to grow its licensed music catalog on an ongoing basis.”
TRANSGRESSIVE RECORDS SIGNS NADIA KADEK: Transgressive Records has officially welcomed 22-year-old British-Indonesian artist Nadia Kadek to its roster, before the release of her debut single. Despite not having any music out yet, Kadek has already captured the attention of the industry. She earned a spot-on last year’s Glastonbury Emerging Talent shortlist, which led to her first appearance at the festival. Since then, the buzz around her has only grown — most recently, NME spotlighted her as one of the standout performers at The Great Escape 2025. Kadek has upcoming slots at BST Hyde Park, Latitude, Pitchfork London, and a highly anticipated return to Glastonbury. Her first official release, “Feeling It All,” dropped May 28 via Transgressive. A full project is already in the works, with more details to be revealed soon. The signing comes during a busy stretch for Transgressive, as the label currently chases a Top 5 chart position with the new Sparks album. In a joint statement, Mike Harounoff, Senior A&R manager & Associate Director, and company directors Tim Dellow, Toby L and Lilas Bourboulon stated, “In the earliest demo recordings through to the first shows, and then subsequent time spent together, we felt an immediate connection to Nadia’s storytelling, emotive wisdom and warming presence. As anyone that has thus far witnessed Nadia perform will attest, hers is an extremely rare gift. We are honored to welcome Nadia Kadek to Transgressive Records and are pleased to share her beautiful songs with the world.”
AVEX MUSIC GROUP LAUNCHES JV WITH ELKAN: Avex Music Group has announced a partnership with producer and artist Elkan, signing him to a global publishing deal as well as launching a new joint venture: Toibox by Elkan. Under the agreement, Avex will publish Elkan’s entire catalog—past, present, and future—while also powering the launch and growth of Toibox, a creative hub dedicated to signing and nurturing the next generation of writer-producers. Additionally, Toibox has already signed Kavin “Kavin” Smith and Luke “Cobali” Gobrial. The new venture is being steered by Elkan in close collaboration with his manager Kasual Kas and business partner Kristina Mazzola, with Avex providing creative and strategic support to grow Toibox into a destination for top-tier talent. Behind the scenes, Elkan’s business affairs are managed by Gary Fuhrman and teams at GF Capital and TAG Associates, with legal handled by Kwame Kandekore and the Kandekore Law team. Elkan, who rose from producing music in Freetown, Sierra Leone, to landing international credits, has worked with Metro Boomin, Lecrae, and most recently, Rihanna, co-producing her new single “Friend of Mine” for the upcoming Smurfs movie soundtrack. He also produced “Nokia,” the global hit from Drake. Now based in London and signed as a recording artist to Atlantic Records, Elkan is turning his focus toward building community and opportunity with Toibox—creating a space where producers and songwriters can thrive with the backing of a forward-thinking major like Avex. “Elkan is without a doubt one of the most talented and successful new producers in music today,” said Avex Music Group CEO Brandon Silverstein. “In addition to some very exciting projects of his own, Elkan has identified a number of key creatives to build Toibox with. We’re thrilled to be in business with such a promising visionary in Elkan, and I have tremendous belief in Kasual Kas, who continues to prove himself to be a real visionary in this business.”
KOBALT SIGNS GLOBAL DEAL WITH K MUSIC PUBLISHING: K Music has announced a global publishing partnership with Kobalt Music Publishing, which will manage publishing administration for all future works from K Music Publishing and select titles from its back catalog. This alliance gives K Music access to Kobalt’s global infrastructure and technology-driven services, enabling the label to better support its roster and expand its global footprint. Founded in 2019 by Alfredo Becerra, Leonardo Soto, and Carlos Santos, K Music has positioned itself as a leading force in the new wave of Música Mexicana. Its roster features Luis R. Conriquez, Joel De La P, Tony Aguirre, Dinamicos Jrs, Novillos De La Sierra, and Said Norzagaray. Luis R. Conriquez, one of the label’s flagship artists, has consistently been among the Top 10 most-streamed Mexican artists on Spotify for more than two years. Also, he made history as one of the few Mexican artists to appear on the cover of Billboard magazine and charted on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Si No Quieres No.” His single also dominated Spotify Mexico’s Top 200 for over six months. Furthermore, Tony Aguirre has over seven million monthly listeners on Spotify and his music blends regional Mexican with modern pop. He’s also recognized for co-writing hits like “Me Metí En El Ruedo,” and “Buenas Rachas,” and for mentoring stars such as Xavi and Luis R. Conriquez. His recent collaboration with Víctor García on “Ayer Te Pedí” earned a spot in YouTube’s Top 10 daily video charts. Another artist of K Music, Joel De La P, is a singer-songwriter known for his work with Peso Pluma and Tito Double P, including the track “Dembow Bélico,” which he co-wrote and performed alongside both artists.
LICKD LAUNCHES LICENSED MUSIC PLATFORM FOR BRANDS’ SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS: Lickd has introduced a new platform tailored specifically for brands, allowing them to legally integrate popular, chart-topping music into their organic social media content across platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and Snapchat. Previously known for its role in helping content creators license mainstream music, Lickd is now expanding its capabilities to the brand marketing space. This new offering gives companies a straightforward and legal way to use commercial music in their campaigns—solving a growing industry challenge amid a surge in copyright infringement lawsuits filed by major record labels and publishers. Recent legal actions have targeted brands including Crumbl, DSW, Gymshark, Bang Energy, Marriott Hotels, and several NBA franchises. One example of the platform in action is the popular short-form series Life on Film, which recently used Lickd’s service to feature “Tondo” by Disclosure (licensed through Universal Music Group) in a branded collaboration with L’Oréal. This launch positions Lickd as a much-needed bridge between brands and the music industry, offering a scalable and compliant solution for music usage in social content.
HARBOURVIEW ACQUIRES CATALOG ASSETS FROM RODNEY “DARKCHILD” JERKINS: HarbourView Equity Partners has finalized a deal to acquire a portion of the catalog belonging to Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins. The acquisition was made possible through a collaboration with Swedish music tech company Chapter Two, which specializes in royalty analytics and music rights transactions. Financial terms of the agreement remain confidential. Jerkins is one of the most influential producers of the past three decades, with a body of work that spans collaborations with artists like Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Drake, SZA, Monica, Toni Braxton, and Mary J. Blige. His hit list features classics such as “Don’t Wanna Be a Player” by Joe, “I Can Love You” by Mary J. Blige and Lil’ Kim, “The Boy is Mine” by Brandy & Monica, “Angel of Mine” by Monica, “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child, “As Long As You Love Me” by Justin Bieber, “Telephone” by Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, “Hard Place” by H.E.R., and “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith. Sherrese Clarke, Founder & CEO of HarbourView, stated, “At HarbourView, our mission is to curate a canon of work that represents the very best of global culture which is why it is essential that the contributions of legendary creators like Rodney Jerkins continue to be recognized, preserved and celebrated. We are honored to welcome him to the HarbourView family and humbled by his decision to join us.”
LIVE NATION ACQUIRES DOMINICAN REPUBLIC PROMOTER SD CONCERTS: Live Nation has broadened its footprint in Latin America through the acquisition of SD Concerts, a premier promoter of live events in the Dominican Republic. Founded by Saymon Diaz in 2001, SD Concerts has played a key role in bringing both Latin and global artists to stages across the Dominican Republic, as well as in Aruba, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, and Puerto Rico. Diaz will remain at the helm of SD Concerts as it integrates into Live Nation’s global operations. A crucial part of this acquisition is SD Concerts’ ticketing platform, which has powered all its events to date. This platform will now merge with Live Nation’s Ticketmaster network, laying the groundwork for expanded ticketing services throughout the region. This move comes as Live Nation reports a surge in Latin American live entertainment attendance, with fan numbers up more than 25% in the first quarter of 2025. Live Nation attributes this growth in part to the global rise of non-English language artists, who now make up twice as many of its top 50 tours compared to 2019. Live Nation’s strategic expansion in Latin America also includes recent plans to manage Arena Cañaveralejo, a 15,000-capacity venue in Colombia, through its affiliates OCESA and Grupo Páramo. Live Nation acquired a controlling stake in OCESA in 2021 for $416 million and expanded further with a majority stake in Páramo last year.
ROUND HILL STRIKES FLURRY OF CATALOG ACQUISITIONS: Round Hill Music has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of multiple music catalogs. The purchases include the songwriting catalogs of Terry Shaddick, Linus Eklöw, and Carmine Appice, as well as the publishing rights of Dirty Heads and a portion of master recordings by Al Stewart. Among the tracks in these acquisitions are Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical,” Icona Pop’s “I Love It” (featuring Charli XCX), Doja Cat and SZA’s “Kiss Me More,” Rod Stewart’s “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy,” and “Vacation” by Dirty Heads. Altogether, these acquisitions are estimated to be valued at more than $25 million (USD). Round Hill said on Thursday (May 29th) that the deals push the total value of its managed music assets above $1 billion again ($1.1 billion), following the $468.8 million sale of its publicly listed U.K. fund to Concord last year. These moves come just after Round Hill strengthened its executive team by appointing Katie Kowinski as Chief of Investor Relations & Business Development, Jeff Bunder as Global CFO, and James King as Chief of Capital Markets. The deal brings in Linus Eklöw’s full catalog, which includes “Runaway (U & I),” and “No Money” by Galantis, both of which have surpassed a billion streams on Spotify. Linus Eklöw’s work on “I Love It” helped catapult Charli XCX to global fame in 2012. Terry Shaddick’s catalog includes co-writing “Physical,” which hit No.1 in multiple countries in 1980, along with administrative control of the song’s copyright. Shaddick’s share of Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More” and Benson Boone’s “Mystical Magical” are also part of the acquisition. Carmine Appice, known for his tenure with Vanilla Fudge and his songwriting work with Rod Stewart on tracks like “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy,” and “Young Turks,” has also sold his publishing rights to Round Hill. Additionally, Dirty Heads’ “Vacation” has generated hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify and has become a viral hit on TikTok. The acquisition includes both publishing and artist royalty rights. Al Stewart’s “Year of the Cat,” a staple of yacht rock playlists, rounds out this haul for Round Hill Music.
HYBE LAUNCHES SUBSIDIARY IN CHINA: HYBE has announced the establishment of a new subsidiary in China, marking its official entry into the world’s fifth-largest recorded music market. A HYBE spokesperson confirmed that the company opened an office in Beijing last month. According to Yonhap News, the Beijing-based office is intended to support the expansion of HYBE’s artists, including BTS, ENHYPEN, and Seventeen, into the Chinese market. This move marks HYBE’s fourth major international expansion outside of South Korea, following the launch of operations in Japan, the United States, and most recently, Latin America. The news of HYBE’s expansion into China comes shortly after Yonhap also reported that the company plans to open an office in Mumbai, India. In a statement, HYBE clarified that while they aren’t ready to finalize plans for India just yet, they continue to conduct market research in various regions. HYBE’s entrance into the Chinese market aligns with reports that Beijing is preparing to lift a longstanding unofficial ban on South Korean cultural imports, which began around 2016 or 2017. If that ban is lifted, it could open substantial opportunities for HYBE and other South Korean entertainment companies to grow revenue from live performances, album sales, and merchandise in China. The timing of this expansion also comes as BTS, HYBE’s flagship K-pop group, is expected to make a comeback later this year following a break for military service.
BUCKS MUSIC SIGNS SNORRI HALLGRIMSSON: Bucks Music Group has inked an exclusive global publishing agreement with Icelandic composer and producer Snorri Hallgrimsson. Hallgrimsson has made his mark as a solo artist, film composer, and collaborator, including his work on the BAFTA-winning score for the TV drama Broadchurch alongside Ólafur Arnalds. Hallgrimsson’s journey began as a classical guitarist, later honing his craft in composition at the Iceland Academy of the Arts and Berklee College of Music. His debut solo album, Orbit, was released in 2018, followed by the double EP Landbrot in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, Hallgrimsson scored the Netflix thriller Jaula/The Chalk Line and composed the award-winning soundtrack for the documentary Innocence, earning Best OST at the Icelandic Music Awards. His second full-length album, I Am Weary, Don’t Let Me Rest, dropped in June 2023 and won “Production of The Year” at the 2024 Icelandic Music Awards, after three nominations. Later in 2024, Hallgrimsson joined the Deutsche Grammophon roster, releasing the Longer Shadows, Softer Stones EP in October. He currently has over 2.5 million monthly streams across digital platforms and has three new Icelandic Music Award nominations for 2025. His most recent score for the feature film Words of War, directed by James Strong (Mr Bates v The Post Office), was released on May 16, ahead of the film’s U.K. cinema release in June. Looking ahead, Hallgrimsson’s new single for Deutsche Grammophon arrives on May 30, with a series of autumn live shows across the U.K. and Europe, including a stop at Zürich’s Kirche Neumünster on November 12. Hallgrimsson plans to continue releasing singles throughout the year in the lead-up to an EP launch in September.
GRESHAM RIGHTS MANAGEMENT SECURES SOCAN’S PUBLIC PERFORMANCE RIGHTS FOR SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: Gresham Rights Management (GRM) has shared that it has secured an exclusive agreement to represent the public performance rights of SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors & Music Publishers of Canada) throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa. This deal enhances GRM’s reputation as a leading music rights management force in the region. SOCAN’s catalog features songwriters and composers whose works have become part of the global cultural soundtrack. Through this partnership, GRM will ensure that licensing in Africa’s rapidly growing music sector is conducted fairly and efficiently, opening doors to new opportunities for direct licensing. This agreement further strengthens GRM’s portfolio, which includes existing relationships with SESAC, The Harry Fox Agency (HFA), and SUISA. Combined, these partnerships grant GRM access to a vast catalog of music for direct licensing across Africa. GRM is committed to delivering transparency, accurate royalty collection, and prompt payments to rights holders, fostering a culture of trust and innovation within the licensing community.
RECOGNITION MUSIC GROUP NAMES MATT SPETZLER AS CHAIRMAN: Recognition Music Group, the company formerly known as Hipgnosis, has announced the formation of a Senior Advisory Group to guide its strategic direction and long-term growth in the music rights space. Leading the newly formed council is Matt Spetzler, who has been appointed Chairman. Spetzler, a seasoned investor and founder of Jamen Capital, brings experience from his tenure as Co-Head of Europe at Francisco Partners, where he remains a Senior Advisor. He currently serves on the boards of multiple companies in the music and audio sectors. Joining him on the advisory panel are Lisa Alter and David H. Johnson. Alter, a founding partner at Alter, Kendrick & Baron, has spent over three decades as a legal expert in the music industry. Her background in copyright law, rights reversion, and deal structuring makes her a key asset for navigating complex music rights issues and protecting intellectual property in an increasingly digital world. Johnson brings executive experience from the highest levels of the music business. Over the course of his 40-year career, he has held senior leadership positions including General Counsel at both Sony Music and Warner Music, Chairman and CEO of Warner Chappell Music, and CEO of EMI Music Publishing Management. He adds significant operational expertise in music publishing, digital licensing, and royalty systems to the group. The creation of the Senior Advisory Group follows the companies rebrand from Hipgnosis to Recognition Music Group in March.
JUTES SIGNS GLOBAL RECORD DEAL WITH POSITION MUSIC: Tyler Bacon, President & CEO of Position Music, tells A&R Worldwide that the company has officially welcomed Jutes to the label’s roster. The signing for the Canadian-born, Los Angeles-based musician, commenced with his single, “Left on Dilworth,” dropping on May 21. After relocating to Los Angeles, Jutes signed with Capitol Records, carving out a space with his blend of trap-laced pop-punk. However, Jutes’ 2023 grunge-rock release Ladybug signaled a shift, setting the stage for the darker tones of his 2024 album Sleepyhead. That record, propelled by the viral success of its title track which climbed to No.23 on both Billboard and Mediabase charts, racked up over 85 million global streams. In addition, Jutes’ recent singles like “Red Velvet” (featuring Ari Abdul), “House of Cards,” and “SMUT” are driving record engagement. His first U.S. headline tour sold out, and he’s slated to perform at both East and West Coast Warped Tours this summer. Jutes is represented by Mike Maloian of 25/7 Management. “Jutes has experienced a meteoric rise over the past year, an achievement that reflects more than a decade of hard work. I love this man’s music, his journey, and the artist he’s become. He is one of the most exciting performers out there, and I’m beyond thrilled that his music is now on the Position roster,” stated Joe Brooks, A&R, Position Music.
CHERRY RED ACQUIRES DOME RECORDS: Cherry Red Records has officially acquired Dome Records, the U.K.-based soul and R&B label, from founders Peter and Santosh Robinson. Established in 1992 by Peter Robinson, Dome Records built a reputation for supporting soulful and R&B-driven releases. Its catalog includes a lineup of U.K. and international talent such as Lulu, Beverley Knight, Incognito, Shaun Escoffery, Hil St Soul, and the James Taylor Quartet, as well as Brenda Russell, George Duke, Jarrod Lawson, Anthony David, and Andrew Gold from the United States. One of Dome’s standout tracks, “Mutual Feeling” by Beverley Knight from her 1995 debut The B-Funk, was recently sampled on “Backdoor” by Kendrick Lamar and Jhene Aiko—a track featured on Playboi Carti’s album Music, currently the most-streamed release of the year. Robinson’s own career spans decades. He started as a music journalist and contributor to BBC Radio 1 in the late 1960s, later transitioning to key roles at major labels. He served as Press Officer and U.K. Head for MCA Records, before being recruited to CBS in 1976 as International A&R Director, where he was instrumental in bringing Prelude Records to CBS’s roster. He later held senior A&R positions at RCA, where he helped shape the careers of artists like Rick Astley, Five Star, and Fairground Attraction, and at Chrysalis Records, working with acts such as The Proclaimers, Chesney Hawkes, and Paul Carrack. Under the Dome banner, Robinson delivered a string of successes including, Beverley Knight’s “Flavor of the Old School,” U.K. chart hits from Lulu and Sinclair, a Top 5 Australian single with Newton, and Hil St Soul’s “Until You Come Back To Me,” which became the most-played track on US smooth jazz radio in 2000.
HYBE SELLS STAKE IN SM ENTERTAINMENT TO TENCENT MUSIC FOR NEARLY $180M (USD): HYBE, the company behind BTS and NewJeans, is officially exiting its investment in K-pop rival SM Entertainment. The company has confirmed the sale of its full 9.38% stake—equating to 2.21 million shares—to Tencent Music Entertainment (TME) in a deal valued at 243.35 billion KRW (approximately $177 million USD). HYBE disclosed the transaction via a regulatory filing on Tuesday (May 27), noting that TME will acquire the shares at ₩110,000 per share (about $80 USD). The sale will be executed via an after-hours block trade following market close on May 30, 2025. Tencent Music, the leading music streaming company in China, operates platforms such as QQ Music, Kugou, Kuwo, and WeSing. With this acquisition, TME becomes the second-largest shareholder in SM Entertainment, a label known for managing K-pop acts including EXO, NCT, aespa, Red Velvet, Girls’ Generation, and Riize. This move brings an end to HYBE’s controversial relationship with SM Entertainment, which began in 2023 when HYBE launched a hostile takeover bid. That effort fell short, though HYBE retained a minority holding—until now. HYBE said the decision to sell its stake is part of a strategic realignment focused on “choice and concentration,” describing the SM shares as “non-core assets.” The company stated that funds from the sale will be redirected toward “securing future growth engines.” In response to the acquisition, SM Entertainment indicated it plans to “strengthen ties” with Tencent Music going forward—an indication of closer cross-border collaboration in music and tech between South Korea and China. Following this deal, Kakao Corp., through its entertainment division, remains SM’s largest shareholder with a combined 40.28% stake.
WASSERMAN MUSIC ACCELERATES GROWTH OF HIP-HOP AND R&B DIVISION: Wasserman Music has expanded its global team with the appointment of two new executives, spotlighting the company’s commitment to the continued growth of its Hip-Hop and R&B division worldwide. Jazmyn Griffin has been named Director on the Global Festivals team and will be based in New York. In this role, she will spearhead strategy for hip-hop and R&B-centered festivals and concerts, while also playing a key role in launching a new dedicated marketing division within the department. Griffin brings experience from previous talent buying and festival programming roles at Live Nation and C3 Presents, where she contributed to the development and success of prominent music events with a strong contemporary and hip-hop focus across the U.S. Joining the team in Los Angeles is Tessie Lammle, who comes on board as a Director and booking agent, working with hip-hop and R&B acts, among other genres. Lammle brings close to 10 years of agency experience from UTA, where she represented a range of rising and established artists globally. She is also a committed advocate for gender equity in the music industry and has led several initiatives aimed at supporting and mentoring the next generation of women in music.
NETEASE CLOUD MUSIC STRIKES DEAL WITH RBW: South Korean entertainment company RBW has inked a strategic copyright agreement with China’s NetEase Cloud Music, aiming to strengthen cultural and musical ties between the two countries. Home to K-pop acts like MAMAMOO, ONEUS, ONEWE, and PURPLE KISS, RBW will now make its full music catalog available to Chinese audiences via NetEase Cloud Music. This includes solo work from MAMAMOO members Solar and Moon Byul. As part of the deal, upcoming releases from RBW’s roster will debut exclusively on the platform, giving Chinese listeners early access to new content and positioning the collaboration as a significant step forward in expanding K-pop’s reach within China. According to the press release, the “alliance goes beyond conventional music distribution, aiming to foster deeper industry cooperation and cultural exchange between Korea and China. Built on mutual trust, the partnership reflects both parties’ commitment to long-term collaboration and shared strategic goals in the Asian music ecosystem.” An RBW representative commented, “Our partnership with NetEase Cloud Music is a strategic collaboration built on trust, not just a copyright deal. We are committed to expanding the global competitiveness of K-POP through various forms of future cooperation.”
MARLON HOFFSTADT SIGNS TO CAPITOL RECORDS: Marlon Hoffstadt who is better known to clubgoers as DJ Daddy Trance, has officially signed with Capitol Records in a new deal forged alongside Goodlife Management and MC3. The partnership was confirmed last week, with Hoffstadt represented by Invisible Hand Agency. Hoffstadt’s breakout hit “It’s That Time” has surpassed 53 million streams on Spotify and received a remix from Fisher. In 2024, he was crowned the most-played artist in DJ sets at Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE). Capitol spotlighted their newest signee by releasing his double single “Supersonic / Hands Up in The Sky.” The tracks, produced with longtime collaborator Morten Aamodt, feature vocals from Swedish artist Emma Skøien. Hoffstadt co-wrote the tracks with Free Jimi, Xoro, and Rhys, blending rave nostalgia with a polished, future-facing sound. As Co-Founder of the label Club Heart Broken, Hoffstadt continues to shape the trance and techno underground. His stateside debut at EDC Las Vegas saw him closing out the main stage. Furthermore, he headlined Brooklyn’s Knockdown Centre on May 24th and has a sold-out 20,000-capacity show in Belgium lined up this August alongside Amsterdam-based DJ/producer Ki/Ki. More dates in Barcelona and London are also on the horizon. Tom March, Chairman & CEO, Capitol Music Group, said, “Marlon and his team have been building something incredibly special; he has risen to become one of the most exciting artists in dance music. We’re thrilled to become part of the team and help amplify his global presence.”
WARNER CHAPPELL EXTENDS JV PARTNERSHIP WITH LILLY RAYE MUSIC: Warner Chappell Music has renewed its joint venture with Lilly Raye Music, the management and publishing outfit led by Founder Edward Matthew and A&R Manager Justin Martinez. Originally launched in 2020 and expanded in 2023, the partnership continues to focus on connecting talent and fostering collaborations across Asia, Europe, and North America. Lilly Raye Music recently earned a nomination for Publisher of the Year at the 2024 MMF Awards in Sweden. Now, the joint venture is doubling down on its efforts in Germany and the Netherlands—particularly within the dance and electronic music spaces—while expanding its U.K. A&R operations to better support British songwriters and their international ambitions. The partnership has already delivered a strong track record, with recent highlights including Grammy recognition for work with Summer Walker and Janelle Monáe, and a streak of ten No.1 singles in Sweden over the past three years. It has also been instrumental in driving growth throughout the Asian market and facilitating collaborations with artists such as Banks, Doechii, GloRilla, and FLO. Lilly Raye and Warner Chappell have also placed an emphasis on cross-continental creative exchanges, particularly between Atlanta and Stockholm, which has resulted in projects involving Mike Will Made-It, Dababy, and Swae Lee. The joint venture has landed sync placements as well, including an Apple Beats by Dre campaign featuring Blackpink’s Jennie and a fashion campaign for Acne Studios with K-pop group ILLIT. On the management side, Lilly Raye has played a role in the breakout success of acts like Ayra Starr, Cian Ducrot, Raye, and Renee Rapp.
KAZUMBA PARTNERS WITH TELAMO: Cologne, Germany-born artist Kazumba has officially partnered with BMG imprint Telamo, teaming up with the creative collective behind singer and entertainer Oli.P. The announcement arrives alongside the release of his debut single, “Vino Bianco,” signaling a shift in his future collaborations. Work on Kazumba’s first full-length studio album is already well advanced, with most of the tracks—roughly 80%—nearing completion. Ken Otremba, Managing Director, Telamo, commented, “Kazumba’s set is a blast, and club fans everywhere go crazy as soon as he takes the stage. The fact that Oli.P and his team support this project gives you an idea of what’s possible. The entire Telamo team is already in full party mode, and we are looking forward to this exciting collaboration over a glass of ‘Vino Bianco.’” Oli. P added, “Kazumba blew me away right away. What a voice, what a guy, what a great person! I’m thrilled to collaborate with him on his music career. One thing’s for sure: he’s going to rock the parties.”
SOUNDCLOUD JOINS TIKTOK’S ADD TO MUSIC APP MUSIC DISCOVERY FEATURE: TikTok and SoundCloud have inked a new partnership that brings SoundCloud into TikTok’s Add To Music App feature. The integration allows users to instantly save tracks they discover on TikTok directly to their SoundCloud Liked Tracks playlist, creating a bridge between viral moments and personal music libraries. Since launching globally in 2024, Add To Music App has become essential for music discovery, driving over a billion track saves and fueling billions of streams across streaming platforms. SoundCloud, known for its catalog of over 400 million tracks from 40 million artists across every genre imaginable, adds a fresh layer to TikTok’s music ecosystem—especially for fans seeking out emerging artists and underground sounds. The integration will roll out to TikTok users worldwide in the coming weeks. This announcement coincides with another major update from SoundCloud: the launch of Move Your Music, a new tool that lets users transfer their libraries—including playlists and liked songs—from services like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, Deezer, and Amazon Music.
INVERTED MUSIC U.K. SIGNS PUBLISHING DEAL WITH THINKING FELLERS UNION LOCAL 282: Inverted Music U.K. has announced an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with experimental rock outfit Thinking Fellers Union Local 282, securing the rights to administer the band’s full catalog and future works. Emerging from San Francisco, CA’s underground scene in the late 1980s, Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 became known for their psychedelia and lo-fi aesthetics into something original. Though often flying under the mainstream radar, the band’s influence has rippled across generations, with artists like The National (4AD) and Yves Tumor sampling their work in recent years. The deal grants Inverted Music Publishing U.K. exclusive global administration of the band’s discography, including seminal releases Lovelyville, Strangers From The Universe, and Mother Of All Saints. It also extends to future compositions, laying the groundwork for a renewed chapter in the band’s legacy.
PAYDAY PUBLISHING AGREES TO CATALOG DEAL WITH ESTATE OF KENNY YOUNG: Payday Music Publishing has finalized an exclusive publishing agreement with the estate of songwriter, producer, and artist Kenny Young. Young’s career spanned decades and genres, with his enduring classic “Under the Boardwalk,” co-written with Arthur Resnick, earning a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Originally recorded by The Drifters in 1964 and later reimagined by The Rolling Stones, the song remains a cultural touchstone and one of the most covered tracks in pop history. Young’s songwriting breakthrough came with “Please Don’t Kiss Me Again,” recorded by The Charmettes in 1963. Soon after, he became a fixture of New York’s famed Brill Building scene. He penned numerous hits throughout the ’60s and ’70s, including “Captain of Your Ship” for Reparata and the Delrons, “Arizona” (a U.S. Top 10 hit for Mark Lindsay), and U.K. chart favorites “Only You Can” and “S-S-S Single Bed” with his band Fox. His track “Just One More Night” with Yellow Dog also became a U.K. Top 10 hit in 1978. In the 1980s, Young co-wrote “Ai No Corrida” with Chaz Jankel—a track later popularized by Quincy Jones and recognized with a Grammy win. Alongside this major catalog acquisition, Payday continues to grow its contemporary roster. The publisher recently signed BRIT-nominated artist and songwriter Sarah Close, known as Bbyclose, who hit streaming gold with “Kisses” (BL3SS & Camwrin Watson) and scored again with Subfocus on “On & On.” Also, Payday’s U.K. writers, R14, Mason Beats, and Pete Iskander collectively contributed four songs to Can’t Rush Greatness, the No.1 album from Central Cee. Other recent signings include Chris Stussy, Ross Quinn, Rome Fortune, Killowen, and Nathan Dawe.
LISANNE DORN BOTA NAMED SR. VP, COMMERCIAL AT SONY MUSIC GSA: Sony Music has appointed Lisanne Dorn Bota as Sr. VP, Commercial, for Germany, Switzerland, and Austria (GSA). In this role, Dorn Bota will lead a broad spectrum of commercial functions, including Commercial Sales, Commercial Services/LPM, Catalog/1991, Sync & Rights Management, and Brand Partnerships. She will become part of the regional leadership team and report directly to Christoph Behm, CEO, Sony Music GSA. The appointment follows Behm’s promotion to CEO in September, marking a period of strategic realignment and growth across the region. Dorn Bota commercial and leadership expertise across multiple industries. From 2008 to 2017, she held key positions at IMG. She later joined Zalando, where she spent seven years (2017–2024) shaping the company’s marketplace expansion by building and scaling its Partner Acquisition Team. Most recently, she served as Sr. VP Commercial at Contorion, a B2B industrial retail platform. There, she was responsible for overseeing a portfolio that included Sales, Category Management, Private Label & Sourcing, Pricing, Business Analytics, Inventory Management, and Retail Media strategy.
JOE JAEGER ELEVATED TO VP, INTEGRATED MARKETING & STRATEGY AT AEG PRESENTS: AEG Presents has announced the promotion of Joe Jaeger to Vice President, Integrated Marketing and Strategy, within its Global Partnerships division. In his new capacity, Jaeger will broaden his scope to include strategic development across AEG’s portfolio of live music properties, while continuing to lead the company’s integrated marketing team. The promotion was confirmed by AEG Presents on May 20. Based in Los Angeles, Jaeger will continue reporting to Alexandra McArthur, Sr. VP, Global Partnerships. Over his seven-year tenure with AEG Presents, Jaeger has played a key role in shaping brand partnerships and marketing initiatives for festivals such as Stagecoach and Portola, as well as for numerous AEG venues across the U.S. Prior to joining AEG, Jaeger held marketing roles at iHeartMedia in New York, where he focused on national live events. His early career includes experience with Fiur Productions and MTV, where he contributed to branded content and sponsorship activations within MTV’s Integrated Marketing division, helping to connect brands with music-centric audiences.
FRONTIERS LABEL GROUP NAMES TIM BAILEY AS HEAD OF LABEL, INTERNATIONAL: Frontiers Label Group has tapped Tim Bailey to lead its international operations as Head of Label – International. The appointment comes during a period of growth and high-profile signings for the Italy-based rock powerhouse. Bailey began his career in 2006 as a U.K. concert promoter, overseeing events ranging from club shows to arena-level tours. When the live sector was disrupted during the pandemic, Bailey shifted focus to large-scale live streams — including a high-demand reunion show for folk group Bellowhead and a major online production with Gary Numan. In 2021, he joined Earache Records as Head of Label, steering the independent imprint to unprecedented commercial success. Under his leadership, Earache delivered a U.K. No.1 album with Those Damn Crows, secured five Top 5 chart placements — including Skindred’s chart-topping No.2 album — and notched 17 Top 40 albums in under four years. Bailey’s arrival at Frontiers coincides with the release of The Painful Truth, the first new album from Skunk Anansie since signing to the label. Founded in 1996 by Serafino Perugino in Naples, Frontiers Label Group has long championed classic and hard rock, working with artists including Def Leppard, Journey, Whitesnake, Mr. Big, Megadeth, and ELO, while also cultivating emerging talent across rock’s many subgenres. Now operating under a multi-imprint structure — including Frontiers Music Srl (classic/mainstream rock), FLG Records (alternative), and BLKIIBLK Records (metal/hard rock) — the group maintains a global presence through digital and physical distribution with The Orchard. Headquartered in Italy, Frontiers also has executive teams in London, New York, Boston, Raleigh, and Nashville.
TICKETS FOR GOOD ANNOUNCES DEREK DEVEAUX AS GLOBAL COO: Tickets For Good has appointed Derek DeVeaux as Global Chief Operating Officer. The announcement comes as the company marks a record-breaking year in 2025, having now distributed over one million tickets and edging close to 500,000 registered users across its operations in the U.K., U.S., and Europe. Based in the U.S., DeVeaux will report directly to CEO Steve Rimmer. In his new role, he will oversee global operations, product development, and the expansion of strategic partnerships. With two decades of experience across tech and operations, DeVeaux previously served as Head of Technology at Sports Business Journal, and held key roles at Citibank, AmerisourceBergen, and Passport. He also founded Chasm Analytics, a consultancy focused on scalable tech and business strategy. As part of its international expansion, Tickets For Good has also strengthened its leadership team. Jess Nesbitt has joined to lead Ticketing Operations, while Alex Deadman heads up Communications. In the U.K., the team has welcomed Aaron Taylor as New Business Lead, George Webb as Ticketing Operations & Customer Service Lead, and Laura Harmer as Community Partnerships Lead. The company continues to build momentum with a growing list of music and event partners in 2025, including Pixies, Robbie Williams, Yungblud, Sherelle, Phoenix Arts Club, Melody Garden, and The Sun Festival.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Monte Lipman, Craig Kallman, Shridhar Subramaniam, Kirk Sommer, Lisa Worden, Barry Weiss, John Cleary, Josh Sarubin, Anita Chinkes-Ratner, Anjula Acharia, Preston Rodie, Allan Klepfisz, Jonathan Dickins, and James Celentano. 
