COCA-COLA LAUNCHES REAL THING RECORDS WITH UMG
The Coca-Cola Company has teamed up with Universal Music Group to unveil Real Thing Records (RTR), a newly formed, genre-fluid record label.
RTR’s first two signings reflect its global ambition: Max Allais, a French-New Zealand artist affiliated with Better Now Records/Universal Music Germany, and Aksomaniac, an Indian singer-songwriter and producer signed to Def Jam Recordings India/Universal Music India.
The creative vision for the label is being shaped by multidisciplinary director Ibrahem Hasan, with branding developed by Forpeople and immersive brand and digital storytelling crafted by Explorers Club.
“The Coca-Cola Company has a rich legacy, one of deep human connection and cultural resonance – breaking barriers and bringing people together across borders and generations,” said Joshua Burke, The Coca-Cola Company’s Global Head of Music & Culture. “Real Thing Records is designed to unlock greater potential for artists, fans, and our brands, where creativity fuels growth, and the combined power of our network and key global music partners create value greater than the sum of its parts. It’s our intention to let artists shine and give them the flexibility to develop their identities with the support of global reach and expertise. It’s a long-term commitment to music, which enables us to reinvest in our programs, champion the next generation of talent, and stay rooted in what matters most: music and fandom.”
“For years, Universal Music Group and The Coca-Cola Company have shared a belief in the power of music to spark connection and shape meaningful experiences,” said Richard Yaffa, Executive VP, Universal Music Group for Brands (UMGB). “With the launch of Real Thing Records, we are taking that vision further by joining forces to build a modern label that champions artistry and amplifies emerging voices on global and local stages, while giving fans the cultural moments they crave. Both companies recognize the long-term value of investing in artistic innovation, and our past work together has consistently demonstrated how music can move people and create lasting impact. The evolution and continued success of our several collaborations stands as a testament to what’s possible when we align creativity with cultural relevance.”
WES DONEHOWER NAMED SR. VICE PRESIDENT A&R
FOR BIG LOUD RECORDS AND MERCURY RECORDS
Wes Donehower has been appointed Sr. Vice President of A&R in a newly created role shared between Big Loud Records and Mercury Records. The appointment formalizes and expands the partnership between the labels, which has already yielded notable success with artists such as Morgan Wallen and reflects Big Loud’s broader distribution alliance with Mercury.
Donehower transitions into the new role from Republic Records, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President of A&R. During his tenure at Republic, he played a pivotal role in the label’s signing of genre-blending artist Jelly Roll via a unique partnership with BMG and Broken Bow Records. Donehower also spearheaded A&R efforts on Jelly Roll’s most recent studio album, Beautifully Broken.
The announcement was jointly made by Seth England, Partner & CEO of Big Loud Records, and Tyler Arnold, Chairman & CEO of Mercury Records.
“Wes has an exceptional history of discovering and signing game-changing talent, and he’s firmly established himself as one of the industry’s top A&R executives,” said England. “I respect his work ethic, his creative instincts, and the cultural impact he brings to every project. We’re honored to welcome him into the Big Loud family through our partnership with Mercury.”
Arnold added, “Wes is an incredible A&R executive with the rare ability to operate seamlessly across genres. His instincts are sharp, but even more impressive is his capacity to build lasting, authentic relationships with artists. We’ve already had meaningful success together, and I’m thrilled to continue that momentum in this next chapter.”
Following his graduation from University of Pennsylvania, the Baltimore, MD native pursued a lifelong passion for music obtaining a master’s degree in music business at New York University. During that time, he parlayed an internship at Columbia Records into a full-time job, working his way through the ranks to Director of A&R. Throughout his stint at the label, he signed Lil Nas X contributing to his rise into a Diamond-certified Grammy Award-winning superstar. He also inked deals with multi-Platinum genre-busting artists, including Russ, Koe Wetzel, and Quinn XCII, among others. In 2021, Donehower joined the team at Republic Records in 2021.
DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORING RIGHTS SIGNS
DON TOLIVER, ZERB AND LABEL INNERGROUND MUSIC
Downtown Neighboring Rights (DNR) has announced a slate of new global signings, welcoming Don Toliver, Zerb, and drum & bass imprint Innerground Music to its roster. Under the agreement, DNR will administer and collect neighboring rights royalties for each new partnership across their back catalogs and future releases.
Houston native Don Toliver, known for his fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and trap, rose to prominence with his 2018 debut Donny Womack and the 2020 album Heaven or Hell. He has since earned billions of streams, multi-Platinum hits, and high-profile collaborations with the likes of Justin Bieber, Gunna, NAV, and Internet Money.
Zerb, based in São Paulo, Brazil has seen his international profile soar due to viral tracks like “Mwaki” and “Addicted.” His single “Location” has generated over 43 million streams, contributing to a staggering half-billion total streams in 2024 alone. Working in partnership with Th3rd Brain and Downtown’s distribution arm FUGA, Zerb’s breakout “Mwaki,” featuring Sofiya Nzau, surpassed 250 million streams by the end of 2024 following a globally coordinated campaign.
Also joining DNR is Innerground Music, the drum & bass label founded by DJ Marky in 2003. A recent addition to FUGA’s client base, the label has assisted in championing both rising and established names within the genre, helping shape the sound’s international evolution.
“Downtown Neighboring Rights’ global expertise and deep industry knowledge make them a trusted partner to represent Don Toliver’s catalog,” said Randall “Sickamore” Medford of Cactus Jack Management. “We look forward to working closely with the DNR team to ensure his rights are maximized and his work is represented with the attention it deserves.”
“We’re delighted to welcome Don Toliver, Zerb, and Innerground Music to the Downtown Neighboring Rights family,” added Dean Francis, Sr. VP of Downtown Neighboring Rights. “Each represents unique, forward-thinking artistry, and we’re proud to make sure their rights are properly represented worldwide.”
BELIEVE INDIA LAUNCHES MAHRA TORA LABEL
AND NAMES ROMAIN BECKER AS CHIEF PRODUCT,
OPERATIONS AND MARKETING SERVICES OFFICER
Believe has introduced Mahra Tora, a new imprint created to support and amplify the rising Haryanvi music movement in India. As part of the launch, the label has already signed eight artists from the region’s music scene, including, Kabira, Ajay Bhagta, Kaka Wrld, GP Ji, Hashtag Pandit, Amit Saini Rohtakiya, Amit Dhull, and Renuka Panwar.
The rollout of Mahra Tora continues Believe’s strategy of nurturing local and independent music cultures across the globe, following recent hip-hop-focused imprint launches in Thailand, Italy, and France.
Vivek Raina, Managing Director, Believe India, said, “Haryanvi music has seen a meteoric rise in popularity, resonating with audiences beyond its regional roots. With Mahra Tora, we aim to provide a strong platform for Haryanvi artists, ensuring they have the right tools to reach wider audiences and build sustainable careers.” Shilpa Sharda, Director of Artist Services, Believe India, added, “The energy and authenticity of Haryanvi music is unparalleled. Mahra Tora is our way of investing in this vibrant scene, empowering artists with the best-in-class support to scale new heights in the industry.”
In addition, Believe has named Romain Becker for the newly established position of Chief Product, Operations, and Marketing Services Officer. A ten-year veteran of the company, Becker has held several key roles, most recently serving for six years as President of Artist and Label Solutions. In that capacity, he oversaw Believe’s distribution and marketing offerings for independent artists and labels across more than 50 global markets.
In his expanded role, Becker will now oversee the company’s product, operations, and marketing services divisions. He is also tasked with strengthening cross-functional collaboration across the organization to drive strategic alignment and innovation.
Denis Ladegaillerie, Founder & CEO of Believe, said, “Romain is the perfect candidate to connect product, operations and marketing services at Believe. With his extensive experience and strategic vision, I am confident that he will drive innovation across our services and help further elevate Believe’s position as a leader in artist and label development globally. His leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of Believe and how we deliver the tools and services to help artists and labels build their long-term success.”
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 helped bridge the international gap last week with some globally impactful music supervisors, and curators of sonic identity within film, television, and soundtracks in Hollywood.
Dave Jordan is the Founder & CEO, Format Entertainment and one of Hollywood’s top music supervisors, known for his work on blockbuster film franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy, Iron Man, Avengers, and countless others. As the top-grossing music supervisor in film history, Dave has overseen numerous chart-topping soundtracks, including Guardians of the Galaxy, A Star is Born, and Black Panther. Since founding Format in 2001 he has grown it into the largest theatrical and television music supervision company in the world, working with major clients like Marvel Studios and Netflix.
Justine von Winterfeldt, Head of Music Supervision, Format Entertainment, oversees music for hit series like Midnight Mass, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and Hawkeye. She has worked on diverse genres, from comedies like Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin to dramas like The Rookie: Feds, and more. With a background in music coordination for films like Trolls and Bad Moms, she is highly respected for her impeccable taste and industry expertise.
Ramprasad “Ram” Sundar, Head of Music, Amazon MGM Studios, India & Asia Pacific, is an internationally educated composer with a diverse background in electronics and music.
Ram has collaborated with industry giants such as Remote Control Productions (Hans Zimmer), Cutting Edge Group, Ramin Djawadi, Cliff Martinez, and many more. Despite his successful start in the US, Ram seized the opportunity to return to India, where he joined Netflix and played a crucial role in establishing their Music Vertical. Ram has now taken over as the Head of Music at Amazon Prime Video handing the India/APAC region. In this capacity, he oversees the creative and production aspects, contributing significantly to enhancing original content from the region.
THE MOVING STILLS
Fresh from a run of standout releases and electric live shows, Central Coast favorites The Moving Stills return with “Can’t Be Like This Forever,” a shimmering indie pop anthem that captures the urgency of now with heart, hope, and undeniable hooks. Pairing driving drums and dreamy guitar lines with reflective vocals, the track uses the breakdown of a relationship to explore bigger themes of injustice, climate anxiety, and the need for change. It is both deeply personal and quietly political, made for festival singalongs and introspective late-night drives alike. “This song is a reflection on the state of the world,” the band shares. “Injustice, climate change, the need for progress. We told that story through the lens of a relationship, and we love how uplifting it feels. We can’t wait to play it live.” Currently on tour with Spacey Jane, The Moving Stills continue to build momentum with appearances at The Great Escape, Woodford Folk Festival, and SXSW Sydney, as well as past shows alongside Nothing But Thieves, Ocean Alley, and The Rubens. Discover “Can’t Be Like This Forever” HERE, and contact Nathan Tito at tito@gyrostream.com for additional information and available opportunities with The Moving Stills around the world.
UNPEOPLE
Fueled by fury and fearless conviction, unpeople unleash “the garden,” a blistering single and video that plunges straight into the chaos of modern existence. Equal parts anthemic and confrontational, the track finds power in vulnerability, pairing raw emotion with punishing riffs, razor-sharp hooks, and harmonies that hit with surgical precision. Unpeople have quickly become a vital new voice in heavy music; made up of guitarists Jake Crawford and Luke Caley, bassist Em Lodge, and drummer Richard Rayner, the band channels discontent into cathartic anthems that feel both urgent and unflinchingly human. “the garden” follows the band’s widely praised self-titled debut EP, which Metal Hammer called “U.K. metal’s most promising first impression of 2024.” All three singles from the EP, plus “the garden,” have earned support across BBC Radio 1 from Daniel P. Carter, Alyx Holcombe, and Jack Saunders, who described their sound as “leaving battle scars on your mind… unpeople are the extreme feelings in life.” Internationally, the band has broken through on Italy’s Radio Freccia and MTV’s New Zone Chart, as well as SiriusXM’s Octane and Triple J in Australia. Their debut London headline show sold out in a single day, following dates on the road with VUKOVI across the U.K. and Europe earlier this year. They have major festival slots lined up throughout summer, including Germany’s Rock Am Ring and Download Festival in the U.K. Enjoy the visual for “the garden” HERE, and contact Paul Craig at paul.craig@nostromomanagement.com or Tash Brooks at tash.brooks@nostromomanagement.com for all inquiries on behalf of unpeople.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, June 22nd, 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:
SUNDAY (1994) – “Still Blue” (RCA Records, U.K.)
MONOTRONIC – “Close Enough” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE LOTTERY WINNERS – “Ragdoll” Featuring Chad Kroeger (Modern Sky, U.K.)
MASI MASI – “The Rain” (Pangea Int’l Music, U.K.)
KIDS RETURN – “My Hero” (Hamburger Records, France)
BLACK HONEY – “Psycho” (Foxfive Records, U.K.)
FINN WOLFHARD – “Objection!” (AWAL, Canada)
PICTURE THIS – “Let’s Try Love” (RCA Records, Ireland)
THE AMAZONS – “Night After Night” (Fiction Records, U.K.)
THE VANNS – “Up All Night” (123 Music/Sony Music, Australia)
UNPEOPLE – “The Garden” (SharpTone Records, U.K.)
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE – “Scatterbrain” (Unsigned, U.S.)
SEAFRET – “Wait” (Nettwerk, U.K.)
SOFY – “Front Seat Honey” (Chess Club, U.K.)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Stay Gold” (Unsigned, U.S.)
ADAM REESE – “Days Like This” (Unsigned, U.S.)
RHETT REPKO – “Somewhat Famous” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE MOVING STILLS – “Running Out” (Unsigned, Australia)
THE MOLOTOVS – “More, More, More” (Marshall Records, U.K.)
RUBY FIELDS – “Half The Laugh” (Space 44 Records, Australia)
MIA WRAY – “Only Love” (Ivy League Records, Australia)
WAITING FOR SMITH – “I Like Life” (Four One Seven Records, U.K.)
DJO – “Charlie’s Garden” (AWAL, U.S.)
THE PALE WHITE – “Nostradamus” (Propeller Recordings, U.K.)
CASSIA – “Miles Out” (Distiller, U.K.)
PYNCHER – “Get Along” (Unsigned, U.K.)
ZIMMER90 – “Yours & Mine” (Humming Records, Germany)
KAI BOSCH – “Popstar of Your Dreams” (LAB Records, U.K.)
MOOD BORED – “Out Loud” (Mattan Records, Holland)
JEREMY LOOPS – “Wolves” (Universal Music, South Africa)
BRKN LOVE – “Diamonds” (Spinefarm, Canada)
CAT SERRANO – “Fantasy” (Unsigned, U.S.)
SHOBSY – “Hold Me Up” (Pangea Int’l Music, Ireland)
VELLA – “Freedom” (Universal Music, Sweden)
RENOWNED MUSIC BUSINESS CONFERENCE PLANS AN IMPACTFUL 26TH GLOBAL EDITION: MUSEXPO, the globally recognized music business event known as “The United Nations of Music,” will return to Burbank, California for its 26th global edition from March 22 – 25, 2026. As it enters its third decade, the event continues to serve as a unique nexus for the worldwide music, media, and technology sectors. The 2026 edition is already in development and promises an ambitious and elevated program, building on the momentum of its impactful 2025 conference. Attendees can expect high-level A&R, sync, and tech summits; the revered International Music Industry Awards; and exclusive VIP networking experiences in association with Visit Burbank and the City of Burbank. New additions include a special 2026 World Cup sync focus, a global film composer showcase, and deep-dive industry workshops spanning A&R, publishing, sync, management, digital, marketing, distribution, AI, streaming, radio, songwriting, artist development, and more. MUSEXPO will also spotlight emerging global talent through curated showcases. Hosted at the iconic Castaway venue, MUSEXPO 2026 will bring together key executives, creatives, and innovators for four days of meaningful exchange, as it continues to be a leader in the evolution of the worldwide music industry across music, media, technology, and emerging talent. Registration is now open at www.musexpo.net.
FRONTIERS MUSIC SIGNS ROCK SUPERGROUP ASIA: Frontiers Music has re-signed British rock supergroup Asia, marking a renewed partnership following a previous decade-long stint with the label that lasted until 2015. The band’s current lineup brings together original keyboardist Geoff Downes with drummer Virgil Donati, guitarist John Mitchell, and vocalist/bassist Harry Whitley. Asia first emerged in 1982, founded by prog-rock veterans John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Carl Palmer, and Steve Howe. Their debut album Asia became the best-selling release in the U.S. that year, spawning enduring hits like “Heat of the Moment,” “Only Time Will Tell,” and “Sole Survivor.” The original quartet reunited in 2006, going on to release several studio albums. Gravitas, released in 2014, marked their final studio effort with Wetton, who passed away in 2017. Mario de Riso, A&R and Business Affairs Vice President, Frontiers Music, stated, “So proud and excited for the label to be able to bring back this iconic band. There was certainly unfinished business to deal with and, thanks to this fabulous new line-up, new music from Asia can now come to fruition. It will be a blast!”
CREATE MUSIC GROUP STRIKES JV WITH STAR TRAK ENTERTAINMENT: Create Music Group (CMG) has announced a new joint venture with Star Trak Entertainment and its Co-Founder Rob Walker, marking the official revival of the label. Founded in 2001 by Rob Walker alongside Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes, Star Trak became synonymous with early-2000s hip-hop and R&B, launching influential projects from artists like Clipse, N.E.R.D., and Snoop Dogg. The label was behind major hits including “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Grindin’,” and “She Wants to Move.” Rob Walker, a veteran of the music and fashion industries, not only helped shape Star Trak’s identity but also managed The Neptunes, served as a talent agent with UTA, and co-founded the Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream brands with Pharrell and Nigo. Under this new partnership, CMG will offer Star Trak global distribution, marketing, and technology services as part of its broader strategy of aligning with culturally significant labels and artists. The collaboration aims to reintroduce Star Trak’s distinct creative legacy to a new generation while expanding its influence through modern tools and global infrastructure.
WISE MUSIC GROUP SIGNS RAQUEL GARCÍA TOMÁS: Wise Music Group’s Union Musical Ediciones has entered into a long-term publishing deal with Spanish composer Raquel García Tomás. With this signing, García Tomás becomes part of a catalog that includes Spanish classical figures such as Albéniz, Granados, Turina, Mompou, and Vives, as well as modern composers like Benet Casablancas, Joan Valent, Ramón Paus, and Ricardo Curto. Recognized for her innovative compositions, García Tomás was recently honored with the Premio Nacional de Cultura by the Government of Catalonia. Her orchestral piece Ceci N’est Pas Une Valse debuted last November with the Real Filharmonía de Galicia, under the baton of Baldur Brönnimann. Her latest composition, Vols Brisés, written for cello and choir, was premiered by cellist Nicolas Altstaedt this May at Barcelona’s Palau de la Música. Oscar Zepeda Arias, Head of Wise Music Classical France, stated, “We warmly welcome Raquel García Tomás to Unión Musical Ediciones, an incredibly talented and engaged interdisciplinary artist. Her unique creativeness will take us to an exciting journey of outstanding musical creation.”
SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT JAPAN ACQUIRES RIGHTS TO SPOOKIZ FRANCHISE: Sony Music Labels, a division of Sony Music Entertainment Japan, has made a significant move outside its traditional music business by acquiring full ownership of the Spookiz animated franchise. This acquisition marks Sony Music Labels’ first venture into animated character IP, giving it full control over the Spookiz brand, which has garnered a global following with more than 6.1 million subscribers and over 3.1 billion views on YouTube alone. The deal encompasses all rights to the existing video content, as well as official Spookiz social media accounts across Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook, plus the franchise’s official website. Created by South Korea’s Keyring Co. Ltd., Spookiz follows five quirky monster characters, Cula the cheeky vampire, Frankie the snack-loving Frankenstein, Kebbi the unpredictable goblin, Kongkong the ghost, and Zizi the zombie, as they stir up after-hours mischief at a school. The show’s short, dialogue-free episodes (typically 1–3 minutes) have found popularity across a wide range of international audiences, including in the US, U.K., Japan, India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia. Sony Music Labels plans to work closely with Keyring to produce new Spookiz content, with a new season expected to launch later this year. The company also aims to expand the franchise by introducing new characters and weaving music more deeply into the storytelling, leveraging its strengths in artist development, production, and cross-media marketing.
WME NAMES LAURA RUIZ AS AGENT WITH FOCUS ON ELECTRONIC MUSIC: WME has added Laura Ruiz to its Contemporary Music division as an agent, with a focus on the agency’s expanding presence in the electronic music scene. Based in London, Ruiz will play a key role in developing WME’s footprint across Spain and Portugal, two increasingly vital territories for the genre. Ruiz joins WME with a roster of electronic acts, including Oguz, Joyhauser, Don Woezik, Diøn, and Milo Spykers, who will now be represented under the WME umbrella. Prior to this move, she was Managing Director for the Americas at The Bliss Office, where she oversaw global strategy and led a team representing talent across both hemispheres. Her experience also includes founding her own agency and working at The Bullitt Agency’s Barcelona office, giving her a deep knowledge of the European and North American electronic music landscapes. “This appointment further strengthens WME’s commitment to the global electronic music sector, building on a foundation of strategic talent development and market-specific leadership,” said a statement.
TUNED GLOBAL EXPANDS SOCIAL RADIO PLATFORM WITH REAL-TIME TIPPING FEATURE: Tuned Global is introducing a live tipping feature to its Social Radio platform, enhancing interactivity and monetization for artists, DJs, and content creators. Originally launched in November 2024, Social Radio is a real-time, fan-driven broadcast layer designed to integrate into DSPs, allowing users to host live sessions with music and voice commentary, like interactive digital radio. The new tipping tool, set to debut in Q3 2025, allows fans to send financial support to performers during these broadcasts through animated paid emojis or direct payments. Inspired by monetization features from platforms like Twitch and TikTok, this update gives DSPs a plug-and-play revenue stream while providing creators with a new income avenue. Users can buy emojis ahead of a stream or on the fly, depending on the platform’s configuration. When a tip is sent, it appears on-screen with the sender’s name and amount, creating a more engaging experience. Platforms can further customize the interface with options like live tip counters, floating visuals, and highlights of top contributors during a session. Social Radio runs on technology from Pacemaker, a music AI company acquired by Tuned Global in 2023. Its patented DJ tech powers live mixing, while Tuned Global’s proprietary AutomixIQ engine handles track transitions without generating derivative works. This upgrade continues the company’s push into interactive, creator-led music experiences, turning fans into participants while opening fresh monetization channels for digital service providers.
GLOBAL APPOINTS ALEX DUNCAN AS CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER: Global has named Alex Duncan as its incoming Chief Technology Officer, with her appointment set to begin on September 1, 2025. Duncan brings experience from her current role as CTO at the British Heart Foundation, where she has served since 2022. Her career also includes senior technology leadership roles at the Ambassador Theatre Group (as CTO), QVC (as Director of IT), and lastminute.com, where she began as a software engineer and later became Head of Online Development. At Global, Duncan will join the board and report directly to Group CEO Simon Pitts. She will be responsible for leading a 200-person technology team across key areas including broadcast engineering, advertising technology, cybersecurity, data infrastructure and analytics, and enterprise systems. Simon Pitts, Group CEO at Global, said, “I’m delighted to welcome Alex Duncan as Global’s new Chief Technology Officer. This is a critical role at Global, where technology, innovation and building brilliant products is very much in our DNA. Alex brings over two decades of deep technical expertise, leadership, and a real passion for media. She has led large-scale, transformative projects with remarkable success and knows how to build exciting products, while her recent successful delivery of a significant organization-wide transformation at the British Heart Foundation has demonstrated both leadership and vision. She’s also no stranger to audio, having launched the U.K. arm of streaming station PulseRadio 25 years ago. We’re extremely excited to have Alex on board.”
KATE BOWLING NAMED DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE AT THE CORE ENTERTAINMENT: Kate Bowling has been named Director of Creative at The Core Entertainment. In her new position, Bowling will spearhead all aspects of visual branding and creative strategy for the company. Her responsibilities will include directing photo shoots, music videos, digital content, and shaping long-term creative direction in collaboration with The Core’s artist roster, which includes Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, Josh Ross, Hannah McFarland, and Nickelback. She will report to Jamie Younger, Vice President of Artist Development, and operate out of the company’s Nashville headquarters. Bowling joins The Core from Warner Music Nashville, where she assisted in visual creative for Bailey Zimmerman’s debut project Religiously. The Album. Her past work also includes directing music videos and leading creative direction for album campaigns involving artists such as Ashley McBryde, Avery Anna, Braxton Keith, The Castellows, and Redferrin. Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of The Core, commented, “Kate is a powerhouse creative who understands how to translate an artist’s vision into powerful, resonant visuals. Her instincts, experience, and passion for storytelling make her an incredible addition to our team. As we continue to grow The Core, bringing in talent like Kate ensures we’re building a creative infrastructure that matches the ambition of our artists.”
SPOTIFY INTEGRATES WITH JAPANESE TICKETING PLATFORM ZAIKO: Spotify has expanded its Live Events feature by partnering with Japanese ticketing platform ZAIKO, integrating the service’s concert listings directly into artist profiles and discovery sections within the app. ZAIKO, led by CEO and former Warner Music Japan COO Kazuhiro Shimada, offers digital ticketing and live streaming services for both domestic and international music events. The partnership adds substantial event inventory from Japan and other Asian territories to Spotify’s platform, an increasingly valuable move as live music revenue in Asia is expected to hit $5.18 billion (USD) this year, according to Statista. This marks Spotify’s latest move to deepen its live event integration, following similar partnerships with the U.K.’s Skiddle and the Netherlands-based Stager earlier this year. With the new ZAIKO integration, Spotify users browsing an artist’s page can now view upcoming concerts and access ticket links without leaving the app. The connection is powered by Spotify’s artist tools and auto-syncs tour information for acts featured on ZAIKO. Since March 2020, ZAIKO has managed over 40,000 events, both in-person and virtual, strengthening its foothold across Asia’s vibrant live music ecosystem. For artists and promoters, the partnership provides a direct channel to reach engaged fans, helping to surface tour information to those already streaming their music on a regular basis.
HARBOURVIEW LEADS $85M INVESTMENT IN ANIMAJ: HarbourView Equity Partners is spearheading an $85 million (USD) funding round in Animaj, a Paris-based entertainment company specializing in kids and family content. Animaj blends proprietary generative AI tools with a multi-platform strategy to acquire, develop, and scale intellectual properties. The company leverages data-driven insights and automated animation workflows to expand content across platforms like YouTube, Roblox, TikTok, and Spotify. With a reported 242 million unique monthly viewers on YouTube, Animaj ranks among the top five digital kids’ content providers globally. This funding round also saw participation from Bpifrance, Left Lane Capital, Daphni, XAnge, and Marquee. J.P. Morgan and Bootstrap Europe contributed debt financing. The fresh capital will go toward enhancing Animaj’s AI-driven content production engine and expanding its reach across digital platforms and FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) channels. The company also plans to accelerate IP acquisitions, building on its 2023 purchase of the Pocoyo franchise, as it continues to grow its global footprint.
SPOTIFY EXPANDS MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE WITH BACKLINE PARTNERSHIP: Spotify is expanding its long-running mental health initiative through a new partnership with the nonprofit Backline, aiming to provide broader and more accessible support for creators and music industry professionals worldwide. First launched in 2018, Spotify’s Heart & Soul program is now evolving into Heart & Soul, Mental Health for Creators, an international effort that includes direct funding for therapy, an online global resource hub, and enhanced wellness programming tailored to the unique pressures of life in the music business. At the center of this expansion is Backline, an organization that has already distributed over $236,000.00 (USD) in mental health grants, built a network of over 1,300 vetted clinicians, and supported thousands of music professionals with custom care plans, discounted wellness services, and regular support groups. The collaboration will debut a multilingual mental health directory, offering access to regional crisis lines and local services across countries, along with a dedicated concierge service via global@backline.care to help creators navigate often complex healthcare systems. Spotify is also covering therapy costs for participants in its EQUAL, GLOW, and RADAR programs in the U.S. and U.K., and will continue to invest in on-site wellness activations at music festivals. One such initiative includes a partnership with The Busyhead Project, led by artist Noah Kahan, which provides backstage mental health spaces at live events. Additional Heart & Soul offerings include Mind the Music, a digital guide for mental wellness while touring, as well as songwriter-focused resources such as residencies and discussion panels.
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: John Janick, Sam Mumford, Rachel Kurstin, Andy Kipnes, Saurabh Abbi, Panos Panay, Jen Malone, Josh Sarubin, Tim Toth, Shivam Malhotra, Steve Schnur, Alex Hackford, Danny Garcia, and Rafael Pereira.
