VANTA MUSIC REBRANDS LABEL VENTURE WITH DISNEY MUSIC GROUP
Vanta Music (formerly known as Good Company Records) has unveiled its first three signings under its label venture with Disney Music Group, including Samara Cyn, India Shawn, and RÜDE CÅT.
Samara Cyn is a singer-songwriter known for her melodic and lyrical rap, hip-hop, pop, and alternative music. Her ability to consistently go viral has earned her spots on major “Ones to Watch” lists from Spotify and Complex, and Rolling Stone named her to their “Future 25 Artists” roster. Samara recently revealed that her EP, Backroads, will be out on June 20th, featuring a collaboration with Smino on the track “Brand New Teeth.” She is currently on a sold-out national tour alongside Smino.
India Shawn has built a reputation for weaving raw, relatable storytelling into her music. With songwriting credits for Chris Brown, Monica, and Keri Hilson, as well as tour experience with Anderson .Paak and 6lack, India’s music is a blend of vulnerability and soul. Her recent track “There Must Be a God,” featured as the end-credit song in the Hulu film She Taught Love. India is preparing to release new music in June.
RÜDE CÅT brings a cinematic flair to his music, blending alternative rock, pop, R&B, and orchestral elements into evocative soundscapes. His vocals soar over genre-blurring arrangements, creating experiences that are polished.
Leading Vanta Music are D’Mile, Natalie Prospere, and John Kercy. D’Mile, a songwriter and producer, has collaborated with H.E.R., Victoria Monet, Silk Sonic, and Bruno Mars. He’s the first songwriter to win back-to-back Grammys for “Song of the Year” and has an Oscar and multiple other accolades to his name. His recent work includes the theme for the Marvel Spider-Man 2 video game and the Disney Parks anthem “We Came to Play.”
Natalie Prospere, a music executive, specializes in artist development, management, and equitable partnerships across the Caribbean and Black diaspora. Her clients have earned multiple platinum RIAA Awards and chart-topping hits. She also created the project Friends Only emphasizing organic, authentic artist collaborations.
John Kercy, a Grammy Award-winning mixing and audio engineer, has collaborated with artists like Lil Wayne, GIVĒON, Ty Dolla $ign, and Lucky Daye. His most recent Grammy win was for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical for Victoria Monet’s Jaguar II.
Vanta Music has been steadily building their presence with Oscar, and Grammy Award-winning projects, high-profile soundtrack productions for Lucasfilm and Marvel Studios, as well as lending their creative genius to a bevy of artists and even a theme song for Disney Parks.
CLIO MASSEY & MATT D’ARDUINI NAMED CO-PRESIDENTS, ARISTA RECORDS
Sony Music recently announced that Clio Massey and Matt D’Arduini have been appointed as Co-Presidents of Arista Records.
Both Massey and D’Arduini will be based in New York and will report directly to Rob Stringer, Chairman of Sony Music Group. Their appointment comes as David Massey steps down from his role as President and CEO of Arista Records, a position he held for seven years af
ter spearheading the label’s re-launch at Sony.
Clio Massey previously served as General Manager for Work of Art Publishing and Vice President of A&R at Arista. She launched Work of Art Publishing from the ground up, leading its operations and supporting a roster of songwriters for over five years. She will continue to oversee the publishing arm alongside her new responsibilities at Arista.
Matt D’Arduini has been with Arista since it re-emerged in 2018 and was formerly Executive Vice President of A&R. His tenure has seen him play a significant role in artist development and identifying promising new talent in collaboration with Clio Massey.
Commenting on their appointment as Co-Presidents, Arista Records, Rob Stringer said, “We are pleased to announce a seamless transition for Arista that was creatively reborn in 2018. Clio and Matt are dynamic and forward-thinking executives who are best placed to build on the artist development they have been involved with in the first phase of the new Arista. Their skills complement each other neatly and as a partnership will lead to an exciting future for the label.”
Sony Music stated on June 3rd that Arista Records has expanded its roster significantly in recent years, working with breakout acts including Måneskin, Damiano David, JP Saxe, Paul Russell, Lola Brooke, Jonah Kagen, and Sunday (1994).
SONY MUSIC INDIA PARTNERS WITH THE HELLO GROUP TO CREATE THG INDIA
Sony Music India has entered a partnership with The Hello Group (THG), to launch THG India.
Combining Sony Music India’s deep knowledge of the Indian music market with THG’s global expertise in live touring and artist development, THG India will offer a comprehensive support system for Indian artists. Through this collaboration, artists will gain access to The Hello Group’s global network, including full-service artist management, international booking, and publishing.
This initiative is designed to provide Indian talent with a seamless gateway to international stages and audiences, bridging the existing gap in high-level artist management and live touring infrastructure within India’s rapidly evolving music industry. Sony Music India will fuel this growth with strategic investments and by opening up its creative and commercial resources.
The Hello Group’s publishing division, operated by Sony Music Publishing, has a track record of over 50 Billboard No.1 hits and numerous Platinum-certified releases across Asia, collaborating with artists like BTS, NCT 127, ITZY, IVE, Steve Aoki, The Chainsmokers, TXT, ENHYPEN, and TWICE. On the booking side, THG has orchestrated tours and live events worldwide for artists including Jeff Satur, Mark Ambor, I.M (of MONSTA X), Matt Steffanina, Sunkis, Greyson Chance, EMEI, C-Kan, Kang Daniel, and many others. Through THG India, these services will now be extended to support Indian artists ready to take their music to a global audience.
“This is a great moment for the Indian music industry and its vibrant creative community,” said Vinit Thakkar, Managing Director, Sony Music India. “THG India marks our first international collaboration of this scale right here in India, and it serves as a critical bridge. By combining THG’s strength in global live touring and their international network with our deep local expertise, we are strategically empowering Indian artists with the resources, seasoned management, and global network essential to truly accelerate their careers and resonate on the international stage.”
Taylor Jones, CEO, The Hello Group, added, “The Indian music scene boasts an incredible wealth of talent, and its global influence is undeniable. THG India reinforces our deep commitment to building a robust platform for these artists, underpinned by our experience in live touring, artist development, and publishing. With our resolute team in Mumbai and our proven track record of orchestrating worldwide tours for top-tier artists, we are uniquely poised to amplify India’s voices like never before.”
JULIAN PALMER NAMED SR. DIRECTOR, A&R AND CATALOG AT UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP U.K.
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has announced the appointment of Julian Palmer as Sr. Director of A&R and Catalog. In this role, Julian will help bridge the gap between UMPG’s core roster and its catalog, while leveraging his expertise to enhance the team’s efforts.
Julian arrives at UMPG having spent 12 years at Columbia Records, where he was instrumental in the success of artists such as Katy B, Snakehips, Shift K3Y, MK, and Rag’n’Bone Man.
Julian’s career in music spans more than 25 years, including positions at Island Records, CBS Records, Virgin Records America, and others. Over the years, he has worked with a range of artists which includes Run DMC, Stereo MC’s, Mica Paris, Tricky, and Paul Weller.
Speaking on his new role at UMPG Julian Palmer tells A&R Worldwide, “I’m honored to be joining UMPG, and an A&R team that Pete Simmons has built with an abundance of elite experience, and vibrant youthfulness – and even more so now under David Gray with his understanding, love and knowledge of British music. I can’t wait to get started.”
Pete Simmons commented, “Julian is somebody I’ve admired from a distance since I joined UMPG, and I am so excited to get to finally have the chance to collaborate with him. Not only to hear his stories from his remarkable career so far, but most importantly, to be a part of something more. Julian is a true A&R, a mentor, and one of the good guys, and we are incredibly lucky to have him joining our team.”
BRUNO CROLOT JOINS BELIEVE AS PRESIDENT OF LABEL & ARTIST SOLUTIONS
Bruno Crolot has announced that he will take on a new role at Believe. Crolot recently shared on his social media that he will step into the position of President, Label & Artist Solutions at the French-based music company, which is headquartered in Paris.
At Believe, Crolot will oversee the Label & Artist Solutions division, while managing its business and P&L, and collaborating with both regional and local general managers. He will also work closely with TuneCore, the company’s DIY distribution arm.
Crolot began his journey at Spotify in 2016, initially serving as General Manager for France and Benelux, where he was responsible for defining and executing Spotify’s growth strategy in those regions. He was elevated to Senior Director, Head of International Music in 2021.
Bruno Crolot stated, “Believe is one of the most innovative, forward-thinking, and consistently successful players in the music industry for years – a company I’ve long watched and admired. I’m deeply grateful to Denis Ladegaillerie, Founder & CEO, Believe, and to the company’s Global Head of Music Romain Vivien for their trust and for welcoming me at such an exciting and pivotal moment in Believe’s journey. Over the course of almost nine years, I had the privilege to lead incredible teams, collaborate with – and learn from – some of the most talented, passionate, and purpose-driven people in the business – both as Managing Director, France & Benelux, and later as Head of International Music.”
Before joining Spotify, Crolot spent five years leading Midem, the business-to-business music trade conference in Cannes, and collaborated with A&R Worldwide on some of the event’s programming and speaker curation. His career in the music and digital entertainment industries spans more than 20 years, including roles at Universal Music, Noos, Orange, and Sony Music.
Each week, A&R Worldwide shares a snapshot of creatives and executives that we have collaborated or worked with in various music markets around the world, albeit in recent or previous times!
A&R Worldwide has spent over twenty years building its vast network of relationships, partnerships, trust, and insights into the Indian and South Asian music markets, which are becoming incredibly important for companies and creatives seeking to grow new opportunities in the emerging markets. A&R Worldwide has helped numerous Indian artists, companies, and executives gain access to global opportunities and success, as well as helping many with building an understanding of the Indian market and diaspora. In 2023, A&R Worldwide Founder Sat Bisla invited Taylor Jones (CEO, The Hello Group) for his very first trip to Mumbai, which helped The Hello Group embrace their growth into India. India continues to be an important music market – with a few breakthrough artists on the cusp of making an impact in the global music market.
MASI MASI
Unsigned British alt-pop riser MASI MASI unveils his most striking release yet with “The Rain,” a shimmering, emotionally charged track that cements frontman Joe McGrath as one of indie-pop’s most compelling new voices. Anchored by lush textures, infectious hooks, and a cinematic undercurrent, the single captures the ache and allure of parting ways – whether you’re the one leaving or left behind. Written and recorded in a friend’s garage just before a flight home, “The Rain” carries a raw, immediate magic. It’s MASI MASI at his best, equal parts heart and polish, honesty, and atmosphere. With support from Spotify, Apple Music, and over 4,500 global radio spins for his previous single “Cigarette Smile,” MASI MASI is gaining real industry traction. He’s performed at The Great Escape, and MUSEXPO (where he received a standing ovation from Grammy Award winner John Legend during a performance at the inaugural Seymour Stein “Global A&R Award” honoring Wendy Goldstein, President & Chief Creative Officer, Republic Records) and is set to play the Isle of Wight Festival this summer. Meanwhile, McGrath continues building his world, from fashion collabs with Adidas, Reebok, and Urban Outfitters to writing sessions with Maroon 5′s Jesse Carmichael, and ongoing work on his debut album in Los Angeles. Listen to “The Rain” HERE and contact Sat Bisla sat@anrworldwide.com to inquire about worldwide signing, licensing, booking, brand, and sync opportunities for MASI MASI.
SEAFRET
Hot on the heels of their recent single “River of Tears,” British duo Seafret return with “Wait,” a moving, atmospheric track that explores the ache of distance and the quiet hope that love can outlast time apart. Blending warm, expansive instrumentation with soaring vocals, “Wait” pulses with emotional honesty. It’s a tribute to the people and places that keep us anchored; a reflection on the cost of being away and the gratitude for those who stay. Formed in Bridlington in 2011, Seafret, comprised of vocalist Jack Sedman and guitarist Harry Draper, have built a devoted global following with their emotive, folk-infused sound. To date, they’ve amassed over three billion streams across all platforms, with their breakout hit “Atlantis” surpassing one billion streams on Spotify alone last year. With major tours alongside Hozier and James Bay and acclaimed releases like Tell Me It’s Real and Most of Us Are Strangers, the duo continues to resonate deeply with fans around the world. This summer, they take “Wait” on the road with headline shows across South America and deliver a heartfelt anthem for anyone who’s ever had to leave, and longed to return. Experience the visual for “Wait” HERE, and for all inquiries, please contact Lorraine Long at lorraine@longevitypr.com.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, June 7th, 2025: The weekly import show is heard on more than 40 radio stations on six continents weekly including: Flux FM Berlin (Germany); NINETYSIX Radio (Indonesia); Radio Doble Nueve, Lima (Peru); Radio C Luxembourg; KWSS “93.9FM” Phoenix, AZ; KRML “102.1FM” Carmel, CA; KFRR “New Rock 104.1FM” Fresno, CA; Radio 1, Mumbai (India); WCNR Charlottesville, VA; KIWR “The River” Council Bluffs, IA; RTÉ 2XM Ireland (national radio); 96.2 ZFM The Netherlands; WAPS/WKTL “91.3 The Summit” Akron–Canton-Youngstown, OH; PUK–FM Johannesburg (South Africa); Rock 96.5FM Zambia; 897 FM Bratislava, Slovakia; WITH “90.1FM” Ithaca, NY; UCFM 87.8FM Australian Capital Territory, Australia; WSHR Long Island, NY, WRUR 88.5FM Rochester, NY; WCRU–FM Hamilton, NY; KZND Anchorage, AK; KQCJ Quad Cities, IL; Allgauhit–FM Bavaria Germany; Indie X FM Los Angeles, QCIndie Saskatchewan, Canada; WJSE Cape May/Atlantic City, NJ and on The Independent FM (iHeartRadio) in the United States, as well as many others internationally.
Listen to this two hour show by clicking HERE:
MONOTRONIC – “Close Enough” (Unsigned, U.S.)
SEAFRET – “Wait” (Nettwerk, U.K.)
BLACK HONEY – “Psycho” (Foxfive Records, U.K.)
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.)
DJO – “Charlie’s Garden” (AWAL, U.S.)
THE MOLOTOVS – “More, More, More” (Marshall Records, U.K.)
KIDS RETURN – “My Hero” (Hamburger Records, France)
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE – “Teleport” (Unsigned, U.S.)
UNPEOPLE – “The Garden” (SharpTone Records, U.K.)
COYLE GIRELLI – “True Love Forever” (Unsigned, U.K.)
SOFY – “Front Seat Honey” (Chess Club, U.K.)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Stay Gold” (Unsigned, U.S.)
RHETT REPKO – “Somewhat Famous” (Unsigned, U.S.)
LIME CORDIALE – “Love Is Off The Table” (Chugg Music, Australia)
WAITING FOR SMITH – “I Like Life” (Four One Seven Records, U.K.)
BRKN LOVE – “Diamonds” (Spinefarm, Canada)
CVC – “Bonnie & Clyde” (CVC Recordings, Wales)
MIA WRAY – “Only Love” (Ivy League Records, Australia)
THE MOVING STILLS – “Running Out” (Unsigned, Australia)
CASSIA – “Miles Out” (Distiller, U.K.)
THE PALE WHITE – “Nostradamus” (End of the Wall 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.)
KAI BOSCH – “Popstar of Your Dreams” (LAB Records, U.K.)
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.)
VELLA – “All My Love” (Universal Music, Sweden)
CALLUM BEATTIE SIGNS GLOBAL SERVICES DEAL WITH COOKING VINYL: Cooking Vinyl has announced a global artist services deal with Scottish singer-songwriter Callum Beattie. The partnership will see music from Beattie released in 2025, culminating in a sold-out headline show at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro in November. Originally from Musselburgh, East Lothian, and born in Edinburgh, Beattie’s music is widely regarded for its deep personal storytelling and anthemic soundscapes. His passion for music took root in his youth, singing at pub karaoke nights with his father. Beattie’s debut single, “We Are Stars,” dropped in 2017, and his track “Salamander Street,” inspired by the life of a former classmate, soared to number six on the Scottish Singles Chart. His debut album, People Like Us (2020), went straight to the top of the Scottish Albums Chart, and his second album, Vandals (2023), replicated that success, also claiming the number one spot in Scotland. Through his honest songwriting and unmistakable connection to his Scottish roots, Beattie has earned a devoted fan base that’s only growing as he continues to release more music. “Callum has always had the potential to be huge and with these new songs he has re-invented himself I can unequivocally say they eclipse anything he has released so far. Already a legend in Scotland, we aim to springboard from that into the U.K. and worldwide,” commented Rob Collins, Cooking Vinyl Managing Director. “Cooking Vinyl just feels like a natural home for me – collaborating with great people who absolutely get what I am all about. It’s a rare thing in the business, and I feel very honored to be part of it,” said Callum Beattie.
TAL MELTZER PROMOTED TO COO AT HALLWOOD MEDIA: Tal Meltzer has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer at Hallwood Media. Previously, Meltzer held the title of Sr. VP, Head of A&R and Business Affairs, where he played a key role in shaping the company’s record label and publishing branches. He spearheaded the growth of Hallwood’s A&R and Marketing departments. In his new role, Meltzer will work out of Hallwood’s West Hollywood office and will report directly to CEO Neil Jacobson. Before joining Hallwood, Meltzer had a run as a songwriter and producer, collaborating with names like Fergie, Julia Michaels, and Cash Cash. Now, in his expanded capacity, he will oversee the company’s daily operations.
WORLD GO ROUND LABEL LAUNCHES WITH BELIEVE DISTRIBUTION PARTNERSHIP: World Go Round has officially launched. Founded by music executive Dan Roy Carter, this new label and artist collective is kicking off with a global digital distribution deal with Believe. World Go Round’s inaugural roster includes Verseless (Burna Boy, Shingai, Shermanology), M.I.L.E, Dolv Gvng, and Nvjee. The label’s first official release, “Sorbet” by Verseless and Simba Tagz, arrives on June 27, and will be followed by a series of releases throughout the year. Next up is M.I.L.E’s single “Sunday,” set for release on July 18th, blending neo-soul, R&B, and amapiano. Founder Dan Roy Carter, former U.K./Europe/MENA Music Lead at TikTok, said, “There’s a lot of attention on music from the African continent, but not enough infrastructure to support sustained global careers. Too often, the industry takes more than it gives back and boxes entire regions as ’emerging markets.’ Africa isn’t emerging. It’s already here, and the world is listening. We see this same pattern play out in multiple territories, and I feel equipped to help address it with intention and action. We are building a platform that takes artist development seriously. Artists like M.I.L.E and Verseless are blending regional sounds with global influences to tell stories of resilience, diaspora, and evolution. They’re creating space for something deeper from a territory often overlooked.”
SINGA PARTNERS WITH WARNER MUSIC GROUP: Singa, the karaoke technology innovator, has struck an agreement with Warner Music Group, encompassing Warner Chappell and Warner Recorded Music. This partnership marks Singa’s first collaboration with a major label and will expand its karaoke song selection significantly. Previously limited to 120,000 soundalike tracks, Singa’s library will now feature a collection of original master recordings from Warner Music Group, offering karaoke users an unprecedented level of authenticity and choice. Beyond this milestone, Singa has also inked deals with music publishers and independent labels to broaden its catalogue even further. To ensure that all music use is properly accounted for, Singa has developed advanced rights management and reporting technology, working with back-office partners to create transparent usage tracking and revenue reporting systems that keep rights holders in the loop. Founded in Finland in 2015, Singa has expanded its karaoke streaming service to 34 countries, serving over 2,000 hospitality venues and a community of two million home karaoke enthusiasts. Singa Business supports bars and entertainment venues in delivering a seamless karaoke experience powered by Singa’s growing library.
TIKTOK FOR ARTISTS LAUNCHES GLOBALLY: TikTok has unveiled TikTok For Artists, a new music insights platform designed to provide artists and their teams with a comprehensive view of their impact on the platform. Updated daily, the platform offers detailed dashboards that track how an artist’s music and posts are performing, along with data on how the TikTok community is interacting with their content. TikTok For Artists aims to help artists and their teams maximize engagement, refine their marketing strategies, and guide content development. Key features include detailed insights into song performance, like the number of views, posts, and creator interactions for each track, and post analytics, including view counts, likes, comments, shares, and completion rates. Also, TikTok has introduced a pre-release tool that lets artists build anticipation for upcoming albums. This feature allows fans to pre-save albums to their Spotify or Apple Music libraries, making it easier to drive pre-release buzz and boost streams. TikTok For Artists is currently live in countries including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, Japan, Australia, Brazil, and more, with additional regions to be added soon. Tracy Gardner, TikTok’s Global Head of Music Business Development, said, “TikTok is already well known for being the world’s best platform for music discovery and promotion, and with the launch of TikTok For Artists, all tiers of artists will gain insights on TikTok that they can use to take their careers to a whole new level. We built the platform to give artists transparent access to useful, actionable data about their music and their fans, to help them better engage with the TikTok community and supercharge their careers both on and off the platform.”
VNYL ACQUIRES VINYL ME PLEASE: VNYL has announced its acquisition of Vinyl Me, Please (VMP), the subscription-based vinyl record service that reportedly faced liquidation earlier this year. VNYL’s Founder, Nick Alt, will assume the role of CEO at VMP, while Emily Muhoberac, VNYL’s President, will take on the dual role of President & COO at VMP. The new leadership team says they’re focused on rebuilding trust with customers and redefining VMP’s future direction. VMP, based in Denver, Colorado, had faced criticism from customers over unfulfilled orders and ongoing charges for subscriptions, even as the company was moving toward liquidation. In April, the Denver Post reported that Vinyl Liquidators LLC was appointed to manage VMP’s remaining assets. VNYL acknowledged that VMP had been plagued by fulfillment and operational issues in recent years and pledged to address these problems. The acquisition will see VMP integrated with VNYL’s other direct-to-consumer platforms, VinylBox and VNYL’s original store, each targeting different audiences. According to VNYL, VMP will cater to vinyl enthusiasts seeking premium audio quality, VinylBox will appeal to millennials who prioritize aesthetic appeal and focused collections, while VNYL will serve Gen Z and Alpha audiences with affordable, curated vinyl selections. Central to the relaunch will be addressing VMP’s outstanding customer obligations. VNYL says that leveraging its proprietary technology, which tracks listening habits across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Discogs, will improve curation and better match demand to reduce waste. Alt emphasized that, in the near term, the priority is restoring confidence and fulfilling any uncompleted orders for VMP subscribers.
TONY LATHAM LAUNCHES ROYALTY ACCESS STUDIO: Tony Latham has launched Royalty Access Studio (RAS), a platform designed to provide artists and songwriters with advances against their future royalties. Based in the U.K., RAS has secured a minimum of $20 million (USD) in committed capital to distribute in the coming year. Latham, who previously served as CFO at Wise Music Group and finance director at PPL PRS, brings experience to this new venture. His background also includes a stint as VP of Investor Services at Utopia, where he focused on catalog acquisitions and fund monetization strategies. Beyond his corporate roles, Latham has supported music accessibility as a Trustee for Orchestras Live, a U.K. charity dedicated to bringing live classical music to diverse communities. Royalty Access Studio aims to offer a transparent and ethical alternative to traditional royalty financing models. According to the company, RAS will provide a simplified application process that skips credit checks and ensures clear documentation. Operating under a “non-acquisitive” approach, the company says it allows artists and songwriters to retain full ownership of their rights while leveraging future earnings for immediate financial support. RAS targets deals ranging from as small as $10,000 to seven-figure advances, offering flexible support tailored to the needs of creators.
MUSIC NATION GRANTED PERMIT TO OPERATE A CMO IN THE UAE: Music Nation has received official approval from the UAE government to launch a collective management organization (CMO) in the country, a move it says will create an important new revenue stream for music rights holders. The UAE’s Ministry of Economy granted Music Nation the authority to license, collect, and distribute royalties related to public performance, mechanical rights, and neighboring rights. Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairwoman of Music Nation, described the authorization as a transformative moment for both Music Nation and the UAE. Moving forward, the company will oversee royalty collections within the UAE for over two million songwriters, composers, publishers, artists, and rights holders. Music Nation is collaborating with U.S. organizations BMI and SoundExchange, with which it formed a partnership earlier this year. The licensing of CMOs aligns with the UAE’s broader ambition to strengthen its creative economy. In April, the country took its first step by approving the Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA) as its inaugural CMO. Beyond licensing, Music Nation is a key partner in a pioneering project to establish the world’s first purpose-built music city in the UAE. This hub will feature recording studios and music academies and aims to support regional talent and export the distinctive sounds of the region globally.
PRIMARY WAVE MUSIC PARTNERS WITH THE CARS: Primary Wave Music has announced a partnership with the rock band, The Cars. As part of this deal, Primary Wave has acquired the band’s artist royalties, deepening its investment in the Cars’ catalog less than a year after securing a deal with the estate of the band’s late frontman, Ric Ocasek. The agreement includes many of the Cars’ hits like, “Just What I Needed,” “You Might Think,” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” “Drive,” and more. Among these, “Drive” stands out as the band’s highest-charting single in the U.S., reaching No.3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Adult Contemporary chart upon its 1984 release. It was also nominated for a Grammy for “Best Pop Performance” by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Also, “Just What I Needed,” the band’s first single from their 1978 self-titled debut album, was praised by Rolling Stone as one of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” also from their debut, became their highest-charting U.K. single, reaching number three. “You Might Think,” from their 1984 album Heartbeat City, was groundbreaking for its music video, which was among the first to feature computer graphics and won the inaugural MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year. Formed in Boston in 1976, The Cars, Ric Ocasek, Benjamin Orr, Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes, and David Robinson, merged elements of new wave, rock, and pop to create a signature sound that helped define an era. Albums like Candy-O (1979) and Panorama (1980) built on this success, cementing their place in music history. By the mid-1980s, The Cars reached their commercial peak with Heartbeat City, producing hits and filling arenas. After releasing Door to Door in 1987, the band went on hiatus, with members exploring solo work. They reunited in 2011 for Move Like This, an album that returned to their classic sound and earned critical acclaim. The Cars’ legacy was cemented with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
PAGE 1 MANAGEMENT SIGNS GIGI & HALLIE: Page 1 Management welcomes Nashville-based songwriter Gigi Rich and producer HALLIE to its roster of talent. Both Gigi and HALLIE are accomplished artists, but together as the duo Gigi & HALLIE, they have quickly become one of the most sought-after creative partnerships in the industry. Just this month, HALLIE was recognized as one of Nashville Briefing‘s “21 Songwriters You Need to Know,” highlighting their rising influence. HALLIE is known for her genre-spanning production versatility, moving between pop, country, rock, hip-hop, and K-pop. Meanwhile, Gigi’s ability to craft infectious melodies has set her apart. Their combined talents have earned them collaborations with an array of Grammy-nominated and Grammy-winning producers, including Marvin Hemmings (Justin Bieber, RAYE), Novodor (Troye Sivan), Ned Cameron, and more. Gigi & HALLIE’s writing and production credits also extend to a range of artists, such as Audrey Nuna, Nicky Youre, Siiickbrain, ATLUS, Sophie Telegadis, REI AMI, Maddox Batson, Michael Gerow, Pebbles&TamTam, GAWNE, Lilyisthatyou, Chase Wright, KiNGS, and BRELAND, among others. Nina Musolino, Manager, Page 1, said, “Alone, either of these women would be a standout client. Together, though, they are poised to change the game. I can’t wait to help them get there.”
ALLTRACK LAUNCHES NEIGHBORING RIGHTS DIVISION WITH THE ACQUISITION OF NUMBER13: AllTrack has acquired the neighboring rights portfolio of Number13, the music licensing and rights management firm founded by former SoundExchange executive Wade Metzler. Under the terms of the acquisition, Metzler has also joined AllTrack, where he will head up the company’s newly formed neighboring rights division. The new division, focused on royalties generated from public performances of sound recordings, is already operational and available to artists and labels. By acquiring Number13’s neighboring rights assets and expanding with additional recent signings, AllTrack’s neighboring rights catalog now features works by a range of artists and bands. This includes recordings by American Authors, Bad English, Billie Joe Armstrong, Bleachers, Bruce Springsteen, Counting Crows, Dinosaur Jr, Eddie Money, Elvis Costello, Face To Face, Future, Jesse Malin, Lucinda Williams, NOFX, Rancid, Spoon, Steven Van Zandt, The Wallflowers, The Cult, Tom Morello, and more. In the US, these rights cover non-interactive digital performances, such as those on SiriusXM satellite radio, digital radio, and streaming services. Internationally, neighboring rights also include royalties from traditional broadcast media (radio and TV) as well as from public venues like bars, restaurants, and hotels. AllTrack leverages its global network of relationships with local CMOs (collective management organizations) to directly collect these royalties worldwide, ensuring artists and rights holders receive their rightful share.
SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS JOE REEVES: Sony Music Publishing has announced a worldwide publishing deal with songwriter, producer, and guitarist Joe Reeves. Originally from the U.K. and now based in Los Angeles, Reeves has gained recognition as a sought-after collaborator in the music industry. He has worked with producer Charlie Handsome and co-written or produced for a lineup of artists, including Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, Ed Sheeran, Juice WRLD, Don Toliver, H.E.R., Central Cee, Lil Baby, Lil Durk, Machine Gun Kelly, Thomas Rhett, Dave, 6lack, Iann Dior, Charlieonnafriday, and DVSN. Among his credits are the Billboard Hot 100 hit “Broadway Girls” by Morgan Wallen and Lil Durk, and Juice WRLD’s “Man of The Year.” Reeves also contributed to tracks like “Losers” featuring Jelly Roll, “Goes Without Saying” with Brad Paisley, and “Ain’t How It Ends” from Post Malone’s album F-1 Trillion. Most recently, Reeves contributed to Morgan Wallen’s new album I’m The Problem, with credits on “Where’d That Girl Go,” “What I Want” (featuring Tate McRae), and “I Got Better.” “Joe is an incredible songwriter who is constantly upping his game,” said Clark Adler, Sony Music Publishing Manager, Creative A&R. “He has already made a significant impact across many genres of music, and he is poised for even greater success ahead. We’re honored to be Joe’s publisher for this next chapter in his career.”
MATTHEW ROGERS NAMED CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER AT GYRO GROUP: GYRO Group has named Matthew Rogers as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Rogers steps into the role after 14 years as COO at UNIFIED Music Group, where he aided in the company’s global growth trajectory. Under his leadership, UNIFIED evolved from a small, seven-person operation in Australia to a worldwide enterprise of 100 staff spanning Australia, Europe, and North America. During his tenure, Rogers spearheaded the strategy behind UNIFIED’s heavy music label, UNFD, and launched STL Tones, a breakthrough in the audio plugin and music software space. Rogers served on the board of the Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) for over seven years and on the board of the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) for four years, including two years as Vice President. In his new position at GYRO Group, Rogers will lead the commercial and legal strategies while overseeing the growth of DistroDirect, GYRO’s distribution and catalog management platform. With a reach across six continents and over 500 micro-distributors in more than 40 markets, Rogers will be instrumental in steering DistroDirect’s product development, accelerating its growth, and driving global market expansion. Rogers will work alongside CEO Andy Irvine to shape new label and artist product strategies.
AVEX MUSIC GROUP SIGNS WE THE BAND: Avex Music Group has officially welcomed We The Band, known for their close work with Justin Bieber, to its roster. Based in Los Angeles and Tokyo, Avex Music Group is helmed by CEO Brandon Silverstein, who leads operations from the Los Angeles office. We The Band is comprised of Harv on bass, Tay James on DJ duties, Julian Micheal on guitar, Devin “Stixx” Taylor on drums, and O’Neil Palmer on keyboards. The group has become an essential part of Bieber’s touring and recording world, collaborating with him on hundreds of performances and numerous studio sessions. Among their highlights, Harv produced “Peaches,” while Tay James has been Bieber’s trusted A&R and DJ partner since 2009. Harv joined forces with Bieber in 2010, and together with Tay, co-founded We The Band, crafting a distinctive sound that has grown organically from years of shared experience. Currently, We The Band is working on their debut album at Avex Studios in Los Angeles. The project promises to highlight their unique musical blend, built from years of constructive collaboration as both a band and a creative collective. Featuring an array of special guests, the album is expected to drop later this year.
RESERVOIR ANNOUNCES DEAL WITH FOOL’S GOLD RECORDS: Reservoir Media has entered into a comprehensive agreement with the independent label Fool’s Gold Records. This deal includes the acquisition of the catalog master rights for artists such as A-Trak, Danny Brown, Grande Marshall, The Brothers Macklovitch, and Low Pros. Under the partnership, Reservoir will exclusively manage the marketing and distribution of all other Fool’s Gold recordings, including future releases, through its label platform. Established in 2007 by DJs A-Trak (Alain Macklovitch) and Nick Catchdubs (Nick Barat), musician Dave 1 (David Macklovitch), and the late visual artist Dust La Rock (Joshua Prince), Fool’s Gold has built a reputation for its innovative artist-first ethos and roster spanning dance, electronic, and hip-hop music. Early highlights for the Brooklyn-based label include hits from Kid Cudi, Kid Sister, Flosstradamus, and Danny Brown, whose “Grown Up” and “25 Bucks” became anthems, alongside A-Trak’s own releases. In 2010, A-Trak’s project Duck Sauce (with Armand Van Helden) dropped the single “Barbra Streisand,” a global hit No.3 in the U.K. and topped Billboard‘s Dance Club Songs chart. The track earned a Grammy nomination and appeared on Duck Sauce’s Top 10 album Quack, now also distributed by Reservoir. A-Trak’s solo career has further cemented Fool’s Gold’s status, thanks to his influential remix of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs‘ “Heads Will Roll” and tracks like “Ray Ban Vision,” “Believe,” “DJ’s Gotta Dance More,” and “My Own Way.” Beyond these flagship releases, Fool’s Gold has championed music by Treasure Fingers, Hoodboi, Tommy Trash, Falcons, G-Worthy, Malaa, and Michael Christmas, among others. This acquisition, coordinated by Fool’s Gold CFO Jorge Mejias, Label Manager Nathaniel Heller, and A-Trak’s management at TMWRK, will see Fool’s Gold join Reservoir’s recorded music division alongside Chrysalis Records, Tommy Boy Music, and New State. The deal also covers the distribution of A-Trak & Friends, a new sub-label launched by Fool’s Gold, whose first release, James Juke‘s “Reaching” featuring LION BABE, dropped last month.
ARMADA MUSIC SIGNS RECORDINGS DEAL WITH SILK: Armada Music has entered into a long-term recording partnership with rising U.K. dance artist SILK. Under the agreement, Armada will manage all aspects of SILK’s career development, including A&R, distribution, promotion, and marketing, while leveraging its extensive global network to introduce SILK to new audiences beyond the United Kingdom. The collaboration begins with the release of SILK’s latest single, “I Need U,” which dropped on June 6th. The track has already gained traction on SoundCloud, surpassing 200,000 plays and securing the top spot on the platform’s electronic chart. The song also features in SILK’s viral DJ set filmed on an airplane, which has garnered over 50 million views and six million likes across social media. SILK’s previous releases have been championed by BBC Radio 1 Dance, Capital Dance, and KISS Dance, and his growing Spotify fanbase now has more than 250,000 monthly listeners.
REZONATE MUSIC RIGHTS LAUNCHES INVESTMENT PLATFORM TO ACQUIRE PRODUCERS’ CATALOGUES: Rezonate Music Rights has unveiled a new investment platform aimed at acquiring the royalty rights of music producers worldwide. The initiative was co-founded by Cam Blackwood, known for his production work on albums by George Ezra, Tom Walker, and Jack Savoretti, and Tom Tyler, a finance veteran with over 20 years at the London Stock Exchange Group. Rezonate is launching with the support of a $150 million (USD) partnership with Bridgepoint Credit. As part of this collaboration, Bridgepoint has also acquired a minority stake in Rezonate’s management company. Rezonate’s acquisition pipeline is already in motion. In addition to Blackwood’s own catalog, having over eight billion streams, Rezonate has secured royalty rights from producers such as Lorna Blackwood, Mark Crew, James Earp, and Jussi Karvinen. Collectively, these producers have contributed to works by artists including U2, David Guetta, The Weeknd, Dua Lipa, George Ezra, Lewis Capaldi, Snow Patrol, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Rag’n’Bone Man, and Bastille. According to Rezonate, producers’ catalogs account for roughly 5% of the £30 billion (GBP) global recorded music market, with a projected long-term valuation of around $20 billion. In addition to rights acquisitions, Rezonate’s team, which spans expertise in music production, finance, and data analytics, offers a suite of services to support both music creators and investors.
AUDIOMOVERS NAMES NILE RODGERS AS CHIEF COLLABORATOR & CHAIR OF ITS BOARD OF ADVISORS: Audiomovers has announced that Nile Rodgers will join as Chief Collaborator and Chair of its board of advisors. Rodgers, who is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, as well as a multiple Grammy-winning musician, will head a group of advisors featuring artists and technologists. His new role reflects Audiomovers’ commitment to empowering creators and fostering artist-led innovation, with the aim of removing technical barriers in the creative process. Audiomovers’ technology has already facilitated remote music-making for top producers and engineers, such as Aaron Dessner (Taylor Swift), Illmind (J Cole, Jay Z), Jesse Ray Ernster (Burna Boy), and Stuart White (Beyoncé). Over three million collaborative sessions have been powered by the company so far. Looking ahead, Audiomovers plans to evolve its focus beyond just remote collaboration, expanding its offerings to encompass tools for managing, moving, and creating audio.
LABELS IN LICENSING TALKS WITH AI MUSIC GENERATORS SUNO AND UDIO: The major music labels are reportedly in negotiations with the AI music platforms Udio and Suno regarding licensing agreements. According to Bloomberg, which cited unnamed sources familiar with the matter, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group are seeking licensing fees and “a small amount” of equity from both Suno and Udio. These talks come a year after the majors filed lawsuits against the AI music generators, accusing them of using copyrighted recordings without permission. The outcome of these discussions could potentially lead to a resolution of the ongoing legal disputes. However, Bloomberg noted that the talks remain tentative and could still fall apart. Both Udio and Suno use text prompts to generate fully produced audio tracks, which has raised concerns in the music industry about copyright infringement and fair use. In court filings last August, the companies acknowledged using recordings from the majors to train their models but argued that this fell under the “fair use” doctrine of US copyright law. The music companies have consistently maintained that AI firms must comply with copyright laws like any other business. In the lawsuits last year, they argued, “There is nothing that exempts AI technology from copyright law or that excuses AI companies from playing by the rules.” Bloomberg notes that the ongoing discussions highlight the balancing act between the music companies’ desire for control over their intellectual property and the AI startups’ wish for freedom to experiment and innovate. Pricing is also a sticking point, with the startups seeking affordable deals that won’t stifle their growth. The major labels have not commented publicly, and Suno and Udio did not respond to Bloomberg’s inquiries.
DEAN ORMSTON, CEO OF APRA AMCOS, ELECTED CHAIR FOR CISAC: The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) has unveiled its newly elected Board of Directors, naming Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, as the new Chair. Ormston has been at the helm of APRA AMCOS, Australia, and New Zealand’s music rights management organization, since 2018, representing more than 124,000 songwriters, composers, and publishers across the region. Joining him in leading CISAC’s Board are Urban Pappi, Director General of German visual arts society VG Bild-Kunst, who takes up the Vice-Chair role for the first time, and Jennifer Brown, CEO of Canada’s SOCAN, who has been re-elected to continue her term as Vice-Chair. The announcement was made during CISAC’s General Assembly, where it was also revealed that three new member societies, KODA (Denmark), SGAE (Spain), and DACS (UK), have joined the Board. Ormston steps into the role previously held by Marcelo Castello Branco, CEO of Brazil’s UBC, who has concluded six years of leadership as CISAC’s Board Chair.
AEG PRESENTS BUYS GARY MUSICK PRODUCTIONS: AEG Presents has broadened its portfolio by acquiring Gary Musick Productions, an event production company based in Nashville, TN. While specific terms of the transaction were not revealed, the move signals AEG Presents’ push into the corporate event and destination services space, complementing its existing expertise in concerts and festivals. The acquisition includes Destination Musick City, Gary Musick Productions’ destination management branch that caters to corporate visitors in Nashville. For the past 45 years, Gary Musick Productions has provided a wide range of services, like corporate event production, set design, scenic fabrication, branding integration, live streaming, and A/V services, to a roster of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to cruise lines and sports teams. Over its decades in operation, the company estimates it has produced more than 10,000 events. Gary Musick and his team will stay on in Nashville to lead the company, which will continue to operate under its current name. Both companies note that the deal will open new opportunities for Gary Musick Productions to branch into live music events and touring, tapping into AEG’s deep connections in the festival and concert world.
AUDIOMACK AND BEATDAPP TEAM UP TO ADDRESS STREAMING FRAUD: Audiomack has teamed up with Beatdapp to bolster its ability to detect and combat fake streams. This partnership places Audiomack among a growing list of platforms turning to independent verification to ensure accurate streaming data in an industry increasingly plagued by artificial plays. Beatdapp has been making inroads in the music space, already partnering with services like Beatport, Tuned Global, The Mechanical Licensing Collective, social music app Hangout FM, and even Universal Music Group. Beatdapp’s estimates suggest streaming fraud drains the industry of roughly $2 billion (USD) annually. For Audiomack, this move means more reliable data across its platform, particularly in terms of identifying fake activity, bot traffic, and compromised accounts. This in turn will influence key areas like internal and external chart rankings and the curation of algorithmic playlists. Audiomack’s open platform offers free and unlimited music uploads while maintaining licensing deals with all three major labels and Merlin. The partnership with Beatdapp is a step toward ensuring those uploads are met with a fair, transparent playing field for artists and listeners alike.
DICE ACQUIRED BY LIVE EVENTS DISCOVERY PLATFORM FEVER: DICE has been acquired by live events discovery platform Fever. This news comes alongside Fever’s announcement of an additional equity raise exceeding $100 million (USD), on top of the company’s $1.8 billion valuation from 2023. Although the purchase price was not revealed, it follows reports from a year ago that DICE was in advanced negotiations to sell a substantial stake, a deal potentially worth hundreds of millions of dollars. DICE has amassed over $200 million in funding, including a $65 million round last year led by Matt Pincus and LionTree‘s MUSIC investment group, with support from Structural Capital and Willard Ahdritz‘s Ahdritz Holding LLC. Back in 2021, DICE’s $122 million Series C round was spearheaded by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, with other high-profile investors including Tony Fadell‘s Future Shape, Blisce, and Mirabaud. The partnership between DICE and Fever, announced on June 5, aims to create what they describe as the world’s leading independent live entertainment technology platform. Fever’s reach spans 40 countries, tapping into an audience of 300 million people through its discovery and media channels. On the music side, Fever’s partnerships include Primavera Sound, Fabrik, Cercle, and TCE Presents, while DICE’s network includes venues and festivals such as Club Space, Newport Jazz and Folk Festival, London’s Alexandra Palace, and Sonar. DICE has seen growth, more than doubling its ticket sales in the past two years, with its user base now topping ten million monthly active users.
NEED TO MAKE CONTACT, SEND NEWS AND NEW MUSIC RELEASES?: If you have any A&R, publishing, technology, agent/promoter, international radio, management, new media or film/TV music supervisor news you’d like to share with A&R Worldwide, or need to respond to information published in the weekly newsletter please E–mail it to the attention of info@anrworldwide.com. Also, all demos and new music releases should be sent as STREAMING LINKS ONLY to info@anrworldwide.com
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jeffrey Remedios, Chris Foitel, Alex Smutny, Satya Hinduja, Danny Rukasin, Tim Youngson, Rachel Levy, Peter Ata, Kim Frankiewicz, Guy Moot, Paul Tollett, Ron Perry, Andrew Grant, and Miles Beard. 
