SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING PROMOTES MARGHERITA GNECH AS MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR ITALY
Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has named Margherita Gnech to the role of Managing Director, Italy, effective immediately.
In her new position, Gnech will lead both the creative and operational sides of Sony Music Publishing’s Italian division, focusing on expanding the company’s local presence and spearheading new growth initiatives. She will remain based in Milan and report to Guy Henderson, President of International at SMP.
Since joining the company in 2020 as Senior Manager of Legal & Business Affairs, Gnech has been instrumental in shaping SMP Italy’s trajectory. She was later promoted to Head of Legal & Business Affairs, where she helped establish the legal framework for the company and enhanced songwriter services through a collaborative and artist-centric approach.
Prior to joining Sony, Gnech worked as a copyright lawyer in the Intellectual Property and TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecommunications) sectors at Osborne Clarke and Simmons & Simmons in Milan.
Margherita Gnech said, “Taking on the role of managing director is a proud and meaningful milestone in my journey. I believe in a music publishing model that is bold, collaborative, and deeply committed to putting songwriters first. I’m excited to lead this new chapter alongside a team of exceptionally talented colleagues, whose passion and dedication are at the heart of everything we do.”
Guy Henderson added, “I am delighted to announce Margherita Gnech as SMP Italy’s new Managing Director. Margherita brings a wide range of skills and calm intelligence to the role. She has a clear vision about the creative future of our company and will be a major contributor to Italy’s music publishing business. Her relationships across our global network will be instrumental as we continue to expand Italian songwriters’ presence around the world.”
Sony Music Publishing Italy represents a plethora of songwriters and composers, including Ennio Morricone, Pino Daniele, Franco Battiato, Måneskin, Andrea Laszlo De Simone, Ditonellapiaga, Cosmo, La Rappresentante di Lista, and others.
KOBALT SIGNS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH FKA TWIGS
Kobalt has inked a worldwide publishing agreement with the boundary-defying artist FKA twigs. Widely known for her visionary artistry, twigs is a singer-songwriter, dancer, actress, and model whose work continues to challenge conventions and redefine modern music.
Her latest album, EUSEXUA, released earlier this year, has garnered widespread critical acclaim and secured spots on numerous mid-year “Best Of” lists. Publications including The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Variety, and Consequence have praised the record for its originality and emotional depth.
Beyond music, FKA twigs has continued to expand her artistic reach. In 2023, she appeared on the cover of British Vogue and made her solo debut with the Martha Graham Dance Company, performing “Satyric Festival Song” at their 98th season gala in New York. She also starred opposite Bill Skarsgård in a modern retelling of The Crow, directed by Rupert Sanders, released last year.
Twigs was recently honored with the Music Producers Guild Award for “Outstanding Contribution to U.K. Music,” recognizing her influence and innovation across the creative industries.
“FKA twigs stands as a truly singular talent, a prolific songwriter and artist whose work consistently pushes boundaries. It’s a privilege to welcome her to the Kobalt family, and we are absolutely thrilled she has placed her trust in us as her publishing partner,” said Jeannette Perez, President & Chief Commercial Officer of Kobalt. “We are eager to collaborate with her and her team, dedicating ourselves to safeguarding her unique artistry and amplifying her music’s reach across the globe.”
Jon Lieberberg (manager of FKA twigs) added, “Kobalt has proven repeatedly to be an incredible strategic partner offering top-tier A&R and sync support, along with some of the most clear and transparent administrative services in the industry. We’re excited about this partnership with Kobalt.”
FKA twigs is currently taking her EUSEXUA World Tour across North America and Europe, further highlighting her multidisciplinary talents on stage.
IDOL NAMES JOHANN BÖHRINGER AS GENERAL MANAGER FOR GERMANY, AUSTRIA & SWITZERLAND
IDOL has named Johann Böhringer as General Manager for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (GAS), effective July 1. Based in Berlin, Böhringer will lead IDOL’s strategic growth in the region, identifying new business opportunities while supporting the distributor’s roster of local partners, which includes City Slang, Kabul Fire Records, NOTON, Kommerz Records, and Squama Records.
One of his first major initiatives will be spearheading the rollout of the upcoming album from Irish post-punk band SPRINTS, following the success of their 2024 debut Letter to Self, which entered the UK’s Official Albums Chart Top 40.
Böhringer will collaborate closely with Victor Coridaß (DSP Editorial & Partnerships Manager) from IDOL’s Berlin office to strengthen relationships with digital service providers across the GAS region. He will report to the Paris-based executive team: Sylvain Morton (Director of Distribution), Constance de Bosredon (Head of International – Marketing & Label Services), and Christophe Mauberqué (Head of International A&R Development).
With over ten years of experience in A&R, marketing, and label leadership, Böhringer brings an understanding of both independent and major label operations. Before joining IDOL, he led the label arm at Berlin-based A Million Music, where he helped shape the careers of artists in the German pop, hip-hop, and electronic scenes. His achievements include managing the marketing campaign for Apache 207 and CÉLINE‘s Gold-certified single “Tränen aus Kajal,” as well as expanding the label’s international presence with acts like Funk Tribu and DJ HEARTSTRING.
Earlier in his career, Böhringer held product management roles at Columbia Records Germany and B1 Records, where he worked on campaigns for both local and international artists.
In tandem with Böhringer’s appointment, IDOL has signed Austrian electronic artist Dorian Concept, and his imprint Play Instinct. Under the agreement, IDOL will provide global digital distribution, marketing, and audience development services, with a focus on the GAS, U.K., and U.S. markets.
SPACE SHOWER FUGA JOINT VENTURE NAMES SATOSHI TANAKA AS CEO
Space Shower Fuga, an alliance between Japan’s Space Shower Networks and global music distribution platform FUGA, has appointed Satoshi Tanaka as its new CEO, effective July 1. Tanaka, who has served on the company’s board since 2022, steps into the role following decades of experience within Space Shower Networks.
With 20 years at Space Shower Networks, Tanaka has overseen various key areas, from content production and corporate planning to international expansion. As CEO, he will now lead Space Shower Fuga’s client relations and business development initiatives, building on the company’s momentum in the digital distribution space.
Tanaka succeeds Koichi Sato, who has transitioned to Chairman of the Board. Sato played a crucial role in launching the venture in 2021, establishing its market presence, and building its early client base.
Space Shower Fuga was formed to bridge local expertise with global technology, leveraging Space Shower’s longstanding cultural presence and FUGA’s robust backend infrastructure. The result is a uniquely positioned service offering royalty reporting, promotional support, and worldwide digital distribution, tailored to the specific demands of the Japanese market.
Christiaan Kröner, President, Fuga, said, “It’s been an honor working alongside Tanaka-san, and I have no doubt he will continue to thrive in his new role as CEO. His leadership, vision, and deep understanding of Space Shower Fuga will help shape the company’s next chapter and future growth. Sato-san has brought the company a long way during his time as CEO, his impact has been significant, and I look forward to seeing him continue to guide our direction in his new role as chairman.”
Rooted in Space Shower TV’s legacy of championing independent and emerging Japanese music, the company’s reach now extends across artist management, music publishing, content services, and large-scale events like Pop Yours (hip-hop) and Sweet Love Shower (rock). Its music distribution efforts date back to 2004, with the acquisition of digital distributor BounDee.
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 enjoyed many milestone moments and conversations over its past 24 years as a global leader of relationships, innovation, music pre-discovery, A&R, sync, evolving technologies, events, and so much more.
A few years back iconic global promoter Harvey Goldsmith CBE, and also a previous recipient of the “International Music Person of the Year” award at MUSEXPO invited his longtime friend Sat Bisla to share an in-depth A&R conversation with rock legends Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) and the late Jeff Beck, which evolved into broader music topics, soccer, and Sat and Robert Plant’s fond memories of their hometown Wolverhampton, England.
Harvey is renowned for being a key figurehead of global concert events including Live Aid, Live Earth, television broadcasts for the Prince’s Trust, Teenage Cancer Trusts, as well as his early work with Queen, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Sir Elton John, U2, Yes, Genesis, and countless others!
WAITING FOR SMITH
A&R Worldwide championed British-born, Netherlands-based singer-songwriter Waiting for Smith (WFS), aka Harry Lloyd, continues his radiant rise with the release of “I Got That Smiling,” a breezy, acoustic-driven indie-pop anthem that doubles as a joyful call to reclaim your peace. Co-written with Jara de Weerd and released via Four One Seven Records, the track blends tribal rhythms, warm bass, and low backing vocals with WFS’s signature sincerity. What started as a pitch song transformed into a personal favorite, its essence encapsulated in a powerful lyric; it serves as a reminder to step away from what no longer serves us and embrace a lighter, freer, and more connected existence with nature. Since his 2019 debut, Waiting for Smith’s uplifting songs and soul-stirring vocals have earned support from the influential syndicated Passport Approved radio show (broadcasting on over 50 radio stations on six continents worldwide), BBC Radio 1, 2, 6 Music, KROQ Los Angeles, with praise from The Line of Best Fit for his motivational, melody-rich storytelling. Known for transforming personal adversity into musical optimism, he’s steadily built a catalog that feels like a golden-hour conversation on a good day. With his upcoming EP on the horizon, “I Got That Smiling” is another vibrant step forward, crafted for the airwaves, but destined for the heart. Listen to “I Got That Smiling” HERE. For all inquiries worldwide on behalf of Waiting For Smith, contact James Ellett at james@outsett.com.
ADMT
With his signature blend of raw honesty and dance-pop uplift, rising U.K. artist ADMT unveils “Come Along,” a poignant anthem of heartbreak, growth, and quiet triumph. It’s his first release via BMG Records and a statement of intent from an artist who has lived every lyric he writes. Raised in Doncaster, England, and forged through real-life struggles, from mental health battles to growing up in a challenging home, ADMT’s music doesn’t just tell stories; it feels them. That authenticity, combined with his soulful vocals and grounded Northern grit, has earned him over 1.5 million followers, sold-out U.K. tours, and viral acclaim, thanks in part to a shout-out from 50 Cent himself. The track, written on a train ride to London, captures that bittersweet ache of wishing someone you once loved could see how far you’ve come. “They were there when I said, ‘I’m going to do this,’ and most people didn’t believe me. Now I’ve done it, and they’re not here to see it,” ADMT shares. The video, drenched in emotional realism and vulnerability, brings this sentiment to life, highlighting the spaces people leave behind and the echoes they leave in our victories. From busking in the pandemic to playing Reading & Leeds and supporting the likes of Anne-Marie and James Arthur, ADMT’s journey is anything but ordinary. Experience the visual for “Come Along” HERE, and contact Moritz Friedenberg at moritz@propellerrecordings.com for all inquiries on behalf of ADMT.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, June 29th, 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.)
THE LOTTERY WINNERS – “Ragdoll” Featuring Chad Kroeger (Modern Sky, U.K.)
LIME CORDIALE & RUEL – “Melodramatic Fanatic” (Chugg Music, Australia)
KIDS RETURN – “My Hero” (Hamburger Records, France)
BLACK HONEY – “Psycho” (Foxfive Records, U.K.)
MASI MASI – “The Rain” (Pangea Int’l Music, U.K.)
PICTURE THIS – “Let’s Try Love” (RCA Records, Ireland)
THE KITES – “16” (Unsigned, U.K.)
THE VANNS – “Up All Night” (123 Music/Sony Music, Australia)
ADAM REESE – “Days Like This” (Unsigned, U.S.)
UNPEOPLE – “The Garden” (SharpTone Records, U.K.)
FINN WOLFHARD – “Objection!” (AWAL, Canada)
SOFY – “Front Seat Honey” (Chess Club, U.K.)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Stay Gold” (Unsigned, U.S.)
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE – “Teleport” (Unsigned, U.S.)
RHETT REPKO – “Somewhat Famous” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE MOVING STILLS – “Running Out” (Unsigned, Australia)
THE AMAZONS – “Night After Night” (Fiction Records, U.K.)
RUBY FIELDS – “Half The Laugh” (Space 44 Records, Australia)
LUVCAT – “Lipstick” (AWAL, U.K.)
WAITING FOR SMITH – “I Like Life” (Four One Seven Records, U.K.)
THE PALE WHITE – “Nostradamus” (Propeller Recordings, U.K.)
MIA WRAY – “Only Love” (Ivy League Records, Australia)
CASSIA – “Miles Out” (Distiller, U.K.)
PYNCHER – “Get Along” (Unsigned, U.K.)
ZIMMER 90 – “Yours & Mine” (Humming Records, Germany)
KAI BOSCH – “Popstar of Your Dreams” (LAB Records, U.K.)
THE MOLOTOVS – “More, More, More” (Marshall Records, U.K.)
JEREMY LOOPS – “Wolves” (Universal Music, South Africa)
KINGFISHR – “Gloria” (B-Unique, Ireland)
VELLA – “Freedom” (Universal Music, Sweden)
SHOBSY – “Hold Me Up” (Pangea Int’l Music, Ireland)
CAT SERRANO – “Fantasy” (Unsigned, U.S.)
PULSE RECORDS & BRENT FAIYAZ/ISO SUPREMACY SIGN AMA: Ama (formerly known as Ama Lou) has officially joined the roster of PULSE Records and ISO Supremacy, the label founded by Brent Faiyaz, in a deal announced by PULSE Music Group Co-CEOs Scott Cutler and Josh Abraham, along with President Ashley Calhoun. This marks the second signing under the PULSE Records and ISO Supremacy joint venture, following the breakout success of Tommy Richman in 2023. Born in London, Ama made her return to music on May 30 with the release of her new single “My Girl,” her first in two years, under the PULSE Records/ISO Supremacy banner. Though “My Girl” introduces a new era, Ama’s influence across music, fashion, and visual culture is well established. Her work has appeared in Vogue, i-D, Paper, V Magazine, Elle, and WWD, and she’s fronted the covers of publications including 10 Magazine, Notion, POP, Puss Puss, and Exit. Her collaboration with Louis Vuitton and artist Takashi Murakami for 10 Magazine spotlighted her growing role at the intersection of high fashion and music. Ama’s earlier work, including “Northside” and “DDD,” helped define her genre-fluid sound, attracting a devoted audience and racking up millions of YouTube views. Also, her 2023 debut project, I Came Home Late, was entirely self-produced. From her 2020 Vogue feature “At Home with Ama Lou,” which highlighted her immersive approach to songwriting, to early co-signs from Drake and Virgil Abloh, Ama has long been viewed as a forward-thinking voice in both music and culture. “My Girl” marks the beginning of her next act.
UTA APPOINTS DARNELL STROM AS HEAD OF AGENCY’S U.K. OFFICE: United Talent Agency (UTA) has named Darnell Strom as the new head of its U.K. operations. Strom, a UTA partner, will relocate from Los Angeles to London to assume the role, overseeing the agency’s U.K. division and spearheading its continued growth across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Prior to this appointment, Strom led UTA’s Culture & Commerce division, where he helped shape cross-industry partnerships across entertainment, fashion, sports, and media. His appointment follows a string of investments by UTA in the region, including the acquisitions of literary and talent agency Curtis Brown, ROOF Football Agency, and consultancy firm MediaLink. UTA launched its current London office two years ago as part of its international expansion. With a global client roster that includes Malala Yousafzai, Michaela Coel, Jonathan Anderson, Grace Wales Bonner, i-D Magazine, and others, Strom brings a broad, cross-sector perspective to the role. He has played a key role in UTA’s global strategy, connecting talent with international brands and opportunities. In his new position, Strom will focus on deepening the agency’s integration across the U.K. and EMEA regions, unlocking new commercial avenues, and building collaboration between UTA’s UK teams in music, comedy, creators, production arts, brand partnerships, and advisory services. He will also work closely with UTA affiliates Curtis Brown and ROOF to strengthen the company’s presence and influence throughout the region.
BROKE RECORDS SIGNS ZHU TO DISTRIBUTION DEAL: Grammy-nominated electronic artist Zhu has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Broke Records. Broke Records, known for cultivating viral hits, operates in partnership with Create Music Group and recently launched a joint venture with Isekai, a label behind tracks from rising acts like Ndotz and Stepz. The first release under Zhu’s new deal is a reimagined version of his breakout 2014 single, “Faded (Blacklizt Version),” remixed by Canadian techno producer HNTR. The remix, which has been quietly building buzz through underground edits and major festival sets, including at Coachella, has received support from tastemakers such as Kaskade, and has been lighting up venues like Floyd Miami and The Brooklyn Mirage. Label Co-Founders Andre Benz and Brandon De Oliveira hailed Zhu’s signing as a “milestone moment” for Broke Records. “Zhu represents the caliber of artist we built Broke to support,” said Andre Benz, Co-Founder of Broke. “This moment is not only a full-circle reinvention of one of the most defining electronic records of the 2010s, it’s also a statement of intent for what comes next. Partnering with him on this next chapter is an honor, and we’re excited to help bring his world to life on his terms.”
BMG SIGNS PUBLISHING DEAL WITH JAMES ARTHUR: BMG has announced a worldwide exclusive publishing agreement with James Arthur, the multi-platinum British singer-songwriter known for his lyricism and genre-blending sound. Recognized as one of the U.K.’s leading contemporary music talents, Arthur has garnered a massive global audience, currently drawing over 38 million monthly listeners on Spotify. BMG described him as a “masterful storyteller” whose work resonates across genres thanks to its raw emotional depth and wide-ranging appeal. The agreement covers Arthur’s latest album, Bitter Sweet Love, which debuted at No. 3 on the U.K. Albums Chart last month. Arthur now joins a BMG U.K. publishing roster that includes the likes of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Lenny Kravitz, George Ezra, CMAT, and Kamille. James Arthur commented, “I’m delighted to be joining BMG and look forward to working with Lisa Cullington and all the team.” Lisa Cullington, Vice President, Creative, Publishing, BMG, added, “James Arthur is an exceptional talent whose songwriting resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. We’re thrilled to be working closely together on James’ creative journey moving forward and we are immensely proud to welcome him to the BMG roster.”
BOSWORTH & RANDOM MUSICK PUBLISHING SIGN GLORIA DE OLIVEIRA: Gloria de Oliveira has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Bosworth Music and Random Musick Publishing, both part of Wise Music Group. Known for her distinct sonic palette, de Oliveira blends dream pop, experimental electronics, and classical textures, creating immersive works that are often accompanied by her own self-directed visual art. Her unique aesthetic has found international acclaim across audiences and media platforms. Random Musick Publishing, founded in 2022, extended its global footprint through a 2023 administration partnership with Bosworth Music, Wise Music Group’s long-standing German arm. De Oliveira first gained attention after winning the Krach + Getöse Prize in 2018, Hamburg’s award for emerging musical talent. Her 2020 full-length debut, Fascination, compiled earlier EP material and featured remixes by artists like Gudrun Gut and Tellavision. Currently crafting her third studio album with producer Randall Dunn, de Oliveira continues to expand her creative reach. Recent projects include her reinterpretation of Sergio Díaz De Rojas‘ Cherry Blossom (via Nettwerk) and a remix of Flying Moon In Space‘s Dissoziation (via Fuzz Club). Her artistic contributions extend into film and theatre as well; she composed the score for Peter Thiers‘ stage production Paradiesische Bauten at Hamburg’s Thalia Theater and has acted in series like Babylon Berlin.
AUDIOSALAD STRIKES PARTNERSHIP WITH RECOCHOKU: AudioSalad has entered into a partnership with Japanese music tech company RecoChoku. Through this collaboration, AudioSalad will gain access to RecoChoku’s local distribution network and partnerships across Japan. The move builds on the momentum of AudioSalad’s existing alliance with Japanese rights management agency NexTone, which began in December 2023 to broaden the global reach of Japanese content. Since launching its partnership with NexTone, AudioSalad says it has established a solid presence in Japan’s music distribution, data analytics, and supply chain services space. The new agreement with RecoChoku is intended to accelerate that growth, deepening AudioSalad’s integration into the region’s music ecosystem. RecoChoku, established in 2001 and based in Tokyo, specializes in digital music distribution services for both consumers and businesses, with a catalog of over 26 million tracks available across platforms including smartphones, PCs, and the Nintendo Switch. According to RecoChoku General Manager Kaz Aida, the company will provide “meticulous distribution operation support services” as part of the partnership. Japan continues to evolve in its music consumption habits, blending traditional models with streaming growth. In 2024, it remained the world’s second-largest recorded music market, trailing only the United States, according to IFPI. AudioSalad, founded in 2010 by Clayton Blaha and Iain Catling and acquired by SESAC Music Group in 2023, views the RecoChoku partnership as a key step in reinforcing its presence in the Japanese digital music space.
KOBALT PARTNERS WITH CHORDAL TO MAXIMIZE SYNC OPPORTUNITIES FOR ITS CATALOG: Kobalt Music Publishing has partnered with Chordal to power its global sync licensing operations. Under the agreement, Kobalt will entrust its entire catalog of one million songs to Chordal’s enterprise platform, marking the first time the publisher has fully integrated a third-party platform to manage its global creative sync workflow. This move strengthens Kobalt’s global sync team by equipping them with Chordal’s advanced rights infrastructure, including the InstantClear licensing engine, which officially launched in March 2025 after six years of development. The patent-pending system accelerates the historically complex task of licensing songs with fractional ownership, offering automated clearance, real-time rights validation, and faster payment workflows. Kobalt now joins a growing list of music companies using Chordal’s technology, including [PIAS], Reservoir Media, Primary Wave, Believe, and others. Through direct integration with Chordal’s first-party rights API, sync buyers, from music supervisors and ad agencies to film and TV producers, can now access Kobalt’s catalog with real-time ownership updates, streamlining the licensing process and reducing clearance friction. The deeper visibility into ownership data simplifies collaboration between rights holders and helps accelerate clearances across multi-stakeholder works. With this partnership, Chordal becomes an extended arm of Kobalt’s sync division, enhancing its global capabilities with advanced tools that allow supervisors to explore tracks, understand rights splits, and license music more efficiently. It also opens the door for more strategic engagement with managers, co-publishers, and songwriters during the clearance process, potentially leading to faster deals and more sync placements across film, television, advertising, games, and digital content.
J HUS PARTNERS WITH INDEPENDENT LABEL EMPIRE: U.K. rap star J Hus has officially partnered with independent label Empire, alongside the release of a brand-new single, “Gold,” featuring Nigerian artist Asake and produced by P2J. J Hus first burst onto the scene in 2017 with his debut album Common Sense, which went Platinum and earned him a BRIT Award nomination. The record has moved over 472,000 units in the U.K., according to the Official Charts Company. His 2020 follow-up, Big Conspiracy, debuted at No. 1 on the U.K. Albums Chart. Just last week, Hus celebrated the album’s five-year anniversary with a sold-out one-night-only performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall. In 2023, J Hus returned to the top of the charts with Beautiful And Brutal Yard, released via Black Butter, giving him his second U.K. No.1 album. Empire’s partnership with J Hus follows the label’s expansion across Europe. Earlier this year, Empire appointed Guillermo Ramos as Managing Director for Europe and Ted May as Sr. VP of International Marketing, two seasoned executives with prior roles at Virgin Music and MNRK/eOne. Over the years, J Hus has amassed a list of U.K. Platinum-certified singles, including “Did You See” (2.2 million sales), “Who Told You” featuring Drake (666,000+), “Bouff Daddy” (1.09 million), “Disaster” (847,000), and “Fisherman” with MoStack and Mist (621,000+).
JIM SCHOLEFIELD APPOINTED CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER OF LEGENDS: Jim Scholefield has been named Chief Technology Officer of the newly combined entity formed by Legends and ASM Global. His appointment follows Legends’ acquisition of ASM Global in August 2024. ASM Global, which was created through the 2019 merger of AEG Facilities and SMG (owned by Onex), operates a wide array of stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and performing arts venues worldwide. While now under the Legends umbrella, ASM continues to operate under its original name. Scholefield brings more than three decades of experience in technology leadership to the role, having held senior positions at companies including Merck & Co., Nike, and The Coca-Cola Company, where he led major digital transformation and modernization initiatives. Most recently, he served as Global Chief Information & Digital Officer at Marriott International. During his five years there, Scholefield was instrumental in overhauling the company’s tech infrastructure, supporting both its core hospitality operations and expansion into new business areas. In his new position, Scholefield will oversee the unified company’s technology vision, innovation roadmap, and digital operations. Legends says he will focus on driving high-performance solutions and scalable growth strategies across its global partner network and digital ecosystem.
SPLICE STRIKES PARTNERSHIP WITH AVID: Splice has announced a new integration with Avid‘s Pro Tools, enabling access to its library of samples, including millions of loops, one-shots, and sound effects, directly within the popular digital audio workstation. The integration is designed to streamline the creative process for music producers and artists by removing the need to toggle between Splice and Pro Tools when searching for and adding samples. With the release of Pro Tools 2025.6, users can access roughly 2,500 samples at no cost, while the full library becomes available via a subscription. One standout feature allows users to drag audio clips from the Pro Tools timeline into Splice’s AI-driven “Search with Sound” panel, which will then find samples that match in rhythm, key, and tempo. From there, users can drag matching samples directly back into their session, with no need for manual importing. The update also introduces a new AI-powered speech-to-text feature. This tool transcribes spoken words and lyrics in audio clips, displaying them in-line with the waveform, which helps editors quickly locate and navigate dialogue or vocal content within a project.
LOST HIGHWAY NAMES CASEY THOMAS VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING: Lost Highway has expanded its Nashville-based team with the addition of two new hires. Casey Thomas has been appointed Vice President of Marketing, while Vincent Masino takes on the role of Manager, Audience Development and Content Strategy. Thomas brings extensive industry experience, joining Lost Highway after seven years at Monument Records, where she most recently served as Vice President of Marketing & Commercial Partnerships. Before her time at Monument, she worked in the development department at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Masino steps into his new role following two years at Universal Music Group in Nashville, where he served as a digital content specialist. His background includes freelance work in digital marketing and artist management for various labels. “Casey has built a reputation in Nashville as an innovative music marketer with a deep understanding of artistic vision and how to effectively bring that vision to life,” said Robert Knotts, Co-Head of Lost Highway. “Similarly, Vinny has a unique skill set in connecting an artist’s vision with a receptive audience across an ever-changing digital landscape. Together they will play an integral role in serving Lost Highway’s longstanding vision as a springboard for music’s most important and culture-defining artists.”
UMPG’S JODY GERSON APPOINTED TO BOARD OF ANCESTRY.COM: Jody Gerson, Chair & CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), has been appointed to the board of directors at Ancestry.com, the world’s leading commercial genealogy platform. Gerson will take on this new role alongside her ongoing leadership at UMPG, where she has served as CEO since 2015. Her appointment marked a historic moment as she became the first woman to lead a major global music publisher. Prior to UMPG, she held senior roles at Sony/ATV and EMI. In addition to her role at Ancestry.com, Gerson serves on several other boards, including the National Music Publishers Association, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and organizations focused on social impact, such as the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, Project Healthy Minds, and New Roads School. Her trailblazing work in the music and nonprofit sectors has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2025 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons and the ICMP Ralph Peer II Award for Outstanding Contribution to Global Music Publishing. “I’m honored to join Ancestry’s board at a time when the connection between storytelling and identity is more meaningful than ever,” Gerson said in a statement. “As someone who has dedicated my career to helping artists tell their stories through song, I deeply value Ancestry’s commitment to empowering individuals to discover and share their own. By connecting families and bridging generations through personal history, Ancestry is making a profound cultural and personal impact, and I look forward to contributing to that mission.”
TRADE ASSOCIATION MUSIC TECHNOLOGY U.K. NAMES CLIFF FLUET AS INAUGURAL CHAIR: Music Technology U.K. (MTUK), the national trade body championing the U.K.’s music tech start-up ecosystem, has named Cliff Fluet as its first-ever Chair, as part of a broader strategic leadership rollout. Fluet will head a newly formed board of directors, steering MTUK’s vision to establish the U.K. as a global hub for innovation in music technology. A well-known figure at the intersection of music, law, and technology, Fluet is a Partner at Lewis Silkin and Managing Director of Eleven Advisory. He also holds leadership roles as Chair of Music Minds Matter and Vice Chair of Help Musicians, bringing experience in governance, legal strategy, and artist support to the new position. Fluet’s appointment comes as MTUK implements a new governance framework, with its board of directors now serving as the organization’s primary decision-making body. Joining him on the board are Helen Sartory, Chief Revenue Officer, Beatport, Claire Mas, CMO, Spitfire Audio, Gareth Deakin, Founding Partner, Sonorous Global, and Matt Cartmell, CEO, MTUK. The organization will officially debut its inaugural State of the Nation report on July 10, presenting new data and insights on the U.K.’s music tech sector, including investment trends and market developments. The event, to be held at Lewis Silkin, will feature guest speakers such as Hannah Williamson (Edge VC), Kimberley Dickson (Hypertribe), Tom Fiddian (Innovate U.K.), and Helena Kosinski, a member of the MTUK advisory board. Currently representing over 100 member companies, MTUK provides a platform for networking, industry leadership, investment, and innovation. Based at the House of Music and Entertainment (H.O.M.E) in Shoreditch, London, the organization offers a collaborative workspace, educational programming, and events including roundtable discussions and fireside chats designed to foster cross-sector connection and talent development.
OAK VIEW GROUP NAMES SIMON HANNA AS SR. VP OF OPERATIONS: Oak View Group (OVG) has named Simon Hanna as its new Sr. Vice President of Operations. Bringing over 15 years of experience in strategic leadership across hospitality, live events, and venue management, Hanna most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at Freemans Event Partners. Throughout his career, he has led operations for international events, including the Paris 2024 Olympics and the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, as well as overseeing activities at venues such as Wembley Stadium, Murrayfield, Cheltenham Racecourse, and Lord’s. In his new role at OVG, Hanna will be responsible for overseeing operational delivery across the group’s growing portfolio of live entertainment venues, including Manchester’s Co-op Live. He will collaborate closely with Rebecca Kane Burton, Executive VP of Venue Management for OVG International, and Michalis Fragkiadakis, Sr. VP of Hospitality Strategy for OVG International, with a focus on enhancing fan experiences, maximizing commercial outcomes, and spearheading innovation throughout the organization.
BUCKS MUSIC GROUP SIGNS PUBLISHING DEAL WITH BIGO & TWIGETTI: Bucks Music Group has entered into an administration agreement with London, England-based independent label Bigo & Twigetti. Known for its genre-blending catalog, Bigo & Twigetti fuses classical music with elements of electronica, sound design, and more. The label has been a digital pioneer in the classical music space whilst embracing platforms like Bandcamp and Spotify well before they became standard across the industry. Today, Bigo & Twigetti’s artists collectively generate tens of millions of monthly streams, with over 500 million streams amassed in the past two years across platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and Deezer. In addition to its strong streaming presence, the label’s music enjoys regular airplay both in the U.K. and internationally. The label’s roster includes names such as Curve Ensemble, Franco Robert, Koshun Nakao, Marika Takeuchi, Christopher Dicker, Wilson Trouvé, Rael Jones, Fiona Brice, and Ed Harcourt. Label founder Jim Perkins, also a composer and producer, has released music under the Bigo & Twigetti banner. His work has been performed at venues including London’s Southbank Centre, The National Portrait Gallery, the ICA, and The Turner Contemporary. Perkins’ compositions have been streamed more than 50 million times and have aired on BBC Radio 3, BBC 6 Music, NPR, WNYC, and RTE. His discography includes four full-length albums: Grains, Constance, Pools, and Imprints.
SNAPCHAT USERS CAN NOW REMIX TRACKS WITH HOOK: Hook has unveiled two innovative Snapchat lenses, bringing its music remixing capabilities to the popular social media platform for the first time. The new lenses let Snapchat users remix songs directly within the app, introducing an entirely new layer of interactive music engagement. This marks Hook’s debut outside its own ecosystem, making music remixing through Snapchat lenses possible for the first time. One of the lenses, the Hook Remix Lens, offers swipeable remix filters that transform a featured track into a wide range of genres, such as house, drill, Afrobeats, country, jungle, Latin, and more. As users swipe through the filters, both the music and accompanying visuals adapt in real time, creating a fully immersive remixing experience. The second lens, Hook Bitmoji Remix Lens, blends Hook’s audio filters with animated Bitmoji avatars. Users can remix a track while their Bitmoji dances along, with visuals and effects shifting to match the tempo and style of each genre applied. Every remix can be recorded and shared via Snap Stories, Spotlight, or direct message, and all remixes are rights-cleared. Currently, the Hook Remix Lens features “Trippin on a Yacht” by Cash Cobain with Bay Swag and Rob49, while the Hook Bitmoji Lens includes “Perdido” by Poo Bear featuring J Balvin. These remix tools are powered by AI trained with ethical standards, allowing real-time genre shifts, tempo adjustments, and sound customization. Crucially, all remixes are fully licensed and trackable, ensuring fair compensation for artists and rights holders. Since launching, Hook has partnered with dozens of music companies, bringing in music from over 1,200 artists. Notable collaborators include Blond:Ish, Kshmr, Hardwell, Swae Lee, Soulja Boy, Sadie Jean, Jaden Smith, and Killer Mike. Hook’s catalog also includes tracks featuring stars like Justin Bieber, Charli XCX, Teddy Swims, Ty Dolla $ign, Migos, Big Sean, and Playboi Carti.
IMPALA LAUNCHES LABEL CAMP INITIATIVE FOR CROSS-BORDER COLLABORATION: IMPALA is rolling out a new project aimed at strengthening the independent music sector in Europe through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and skill development. Titled Label Camp, the initiative is part of IMPALA’s European Union-backed network program, which helps fund strategic activities to empower the indie music community. The program will run from 2025 to 2028, featuring eight camps in total, two per year, each pairing two independent labels from different European countries. The matches will be arranged through national association proposals, with IMPALA overseeing coordination. Each Label Camp will offer a dedicated space for peer-to-peer learning, encouraging labels to share practical experiences and explore forward-thinking approaches to label management. Topics will span rights and royalties, distribution, operations, marketing, and networking strategies, tailored to the evolving needs of the independent sector. The camps may also be hosted alongside key music industry events such as conferences or showcase festivals, allowing participants to connect with wider industry audiences. According to IMPALA, the initiative is designed to boost innovation, expand access to funding, and equip indie labels with the tools and partnerships needed to thrive in today’s competitive market.
WISE MUSIC GROUP’S EDITION PETERS SIGNS LUKAS LIGETI: Edition Peters, a division of Wise Music Group, has added Austrian composer and percussionist Lukas Ligeti to its publishing roster. Celebrated for his genre-defying approach and international collaborations, Ligeti has built a career at the intersection of contemporary classical music, experimental improvisation, and cross-cultural musical exchange. His body of work spans orchestral and chamber music, electronic compositions, and original pieces written for his own ensembles. He has appeared at leading festivals and venues around the world, gaining recognition for his innovative contributions to modern music. Ligeti currently serves as Professor of Composition at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. Under the new agreement, Edition Peters will publish and promote his recent and forthcoming works on a global scale.
AI MUSIC PLATFORM SUNO ACQUIRES WAVTOOL: AI music startup Suno is moving deeper into the music production ecosystem with the acquisition of WavTool, a browser-based digital audio workstation (DAW). The deal comes just one day after Suno’s competitor Udio unveiled its own visual editing interface for AI-generated music, marking a new phase in the race to integrate AI with traditional music production tools. By bringing WavTool into its platform, Suno gains access to advanced web-based DAW technology that includes professional-grade features such as VST plugin support, live recording, and sample-accurate editing. WavTool also offers integrated AI tools, including stem separation, automated MIDI creation, and a built-in chatbot that assists with real-time music editing tasks. The acquisition strengthens Suno’s position as it continues enhancing its core AI music generation tools. Earlier this month, the company rolled out several new features, including the ability to upload up to eight minutes of audio, rewrite lyrics, revise song sections, and remix compositions.
BROADWICK GROUP PARTNERS WITH TROXY VENUE: Broadwick Group has entered into a strategic partnership with East London’s venue, Troxy, aiming to broaden its event portfolio to include brand activations, cultural programming, film and television production, and corporate functions. Despite the collaboration, Troxy will retain its independent branding and existing team, preserving its distinct identity within the live events landscape. Broadwick Group, known for managing spaces such as Drumsheds, Magazine London, Printworks, and Landing 42, will work alongside Troxy’s landlords to co-invest in a £1.5 million (GBP) refurbishment project. The renovation, now in progress, marks the latest step in the ongoing restoration of the Grade II-listed venue.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Evan Lamberg, Satinder Sartaaj, Dan Rosen, Tom March, Natascha Augustin, Justin Kalifowitz, Cat Kreidich, David Hoffman, Nora Felder, Jodie Field, Liz Goodwin, Nick Raphael, and Gene Salomon. 
