REYNOLD D’SILVA
FOUNDER & CEO, SILVA SCREEN MUSIC GROUP,
TO RECEIVE THE “LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD”
AT THE 26TH GLOBAL EDITION OF MUSEXPO
ON MONDAY, MARCH 23RD, 2026, IN BURBANK, CA
MUSEXPO, the esteemed global music industry conference and showcase event often heralded as the “United Nations of Music,” in partnership with the influential artist discovery and development firm A&R Worldwide, proudly announces Reynold D’Silva, Founder & CEO of Silva Screen Music Group, as the recipient of its prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the 26th global edition of MUSEXPO. The award will be presented during a special luncheon on Monday, March 23rd, 2026, at Castaway, Burbank, CA, during the event’s run from March 22–25, 2026.
Reynold D’Silva’s dynamic 50-year career in music has been defined by bold innovation, genre-defying ventures, and a relentless commitment to musical artistry and cultural preservation. From his early days performing in India’s first disco at the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai to launching one of the world’s most respected independent music companies, D’Silva’s journey is a testament to passion turned purpose.
In 1986, he founded the British record company, Silva Screen Records with a singular vision: to champion film, television, classical, and eclectic music in compelling, high-quality formats. Over the past four decades, the label has become synonymous with iconic soundtracks, revered reissues, and genre-defining compilations spanning Lawrence of Arabia to Doctor Who, and everything in between. Silva Screen has released over 1,000 albums and holds rights to music from cinematic and television staples like Sherlock, Game of Thrones, Iron Man, Gravity, The Godfather, and Wolf Hall.
Beyond soundtracks, D’Silva spearheaded other influential ventures including the classical crossover success of soprano Lesley Garrett, the contemporary jazz label HipBop, and rock imprint SO Recordings, home to Placebo, Enter Shikari, Band of Skulls, Deaf Havana, and Public Service Broadcasting who have delivered No.1’s and multiple top ten albums in the U.K. and internationally.
In 2016, he acquired the credible A Wolf At Your Door rock label. In 2023 they forged a joint venture with Fierce Panda Records, home to pivotal releases by Coldplay and Ash.
In a not entirely analogous way, D’Silva released legendary singer Englebert Humperdinck‘s 80th album ‘Calling’, with duets including Elton John, Willie Nelson, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, Smokey Robinson, and many more, and not forgetting, filming, and recording sixties icon Petula Clark at the Paris Olympia in 2004.
Alongside Silva Screen Music Publishers, his publishing interest, Supreme Songs, controls or administers over 200,000 works and represents major South Asian catalogs such as Times Music, Speed, and Zee Music. It also owns the esteemed British house music publisher, Haripa.
D’Silva’s passion for storytelling has extended into film production through Ren/oir Pictures and Silva Screen Productions, with acclaimed credits such as General Magic, Audrey, The Beatles and India, and This Search for Meaning (Placebo). He also owns the legendary Montagu Square flat once owned by Ringo Starr and occupied by music icons John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Jimi Hendrix.
A former Council member of the BPI (British Phonographic Industry) and currently a patron of the renowned Crouch End Festival Chorus, Reynold has interests in companies in the U.K., U.S.A., France, and India, ranging from recorded music and music publishing, artist discovery, royalty software, live events, musicals, fashion, sponsorship, and film production. A recent venture is Mumbai headquartered Sponco, a company revolutionizing the sponsorship journey for brands in India and beyond.
MUSEXPO 2026 will honor Reynold D’Silva’s extraordinary global contributions to the music and entertainment industries with official proclamations from the City of Burbank, County of Los Angeles, and the California State Assembly. His legacy stands as a beacon for independence, creativity, and cultural celebration in a rapidly evolving global music landscape.
For more information about MUSEXPO 2026, including registration to attend the event, and artist showcase opportunities, visit www.musexpo.net.
For details on sponsorships, partnerships, or additional information, contact info@anrworldwide.com.
CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING PROMOTES TOM COULSON-SMITH TO VICE PRESIDENT OF A&R
Concord Music Publishing has named Tom Coulson-Smith to Vice President of A&R. Based in London, England Coulson-Smith steps into the new role after serving as Senior Director of A&R since joining the company in 2020.
Throughout his tenure at Concord, Coulson-Smith has been instrumental in shaping the publisher’s U.K. and international A&R strategy. His work has been central to signing and nurturing a roster of songwriters, producers, and artists, including Zach Nahome (Olivia Dean, PinkPantheress, Celeste), Mount Kimbie, Wesley Joseph, Biff Cyro, Fred Ball, Justin Parker, and Yazmin Lacey.
He’s also contributed to the development of Concord’s relationships with The 1975, who recently headlined Glastonbury, as well as Ivor Novello Award winner Yussef Dayes, Bombay Bicycle Club, Nick Mulvey, and Everything Everything. His most recent signings include Ed Thomas, co-writer, and producer of Jorja Smith‘s The Way I Love You, and rising writer-producer Kurisu, whose credits include Mahalia, Charlotte Plank, and Cat Burns.
Coulson-Smith will continue to report to Kim Frankiewicz, Executive VP of Worldwide A&R, and will maintain a focus on identifying and cultivating creative talent in the U.K. and globally.
Kim Frankiewicz said, “Tom’s promotion is truly well-deserved. Over the past decade, he has become a genuine A&R powerhouse who has made an enormous contribution to where Concord sits today – of which I am immensely proud. Tom cares deeply – not just about the music, but about the people who create it. His experience proves he is supporting talent with an unwavering, artist-first commitment. This promotion reflects his dedication, sharp instincts, and the real impact he has made on our roster.”
Prior to Concord, Tom served as A&R Manager at Warner Chappell Music, where he collaborated closely with artists such as Celeste, Lianne La Havas, and Marina. Earlier in his career, he worked under Frankiewicz at Imagem.
SONY MUSIC CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN STRIKES DEAL WITH DOMINICAN REPUBLIC’S ALOFOKE MUSIC
Sony Music Central America and the Caribbean (CAC) has entered into a partnership with Alofoke Music, the Dominican label founded by media entrepreneur Santiago “Alofoke” Matías.
As part of the deal, Sony Music CAC becomes the exclusive distributor of all future Alofoke Music releases. In addition, Sony has acquired a substantial portion of Alofoke’s catalog, more than 700 tracks released over the past decade. The long-term agreement goes beyond catalog and distribution. It also paves the way for collaborative projects between the two companies, including potential global rollouts under a shared rights model, designed to help emerging and established acts break into international markets. The first two collaborative releases under this new arrangement are already underway, with official release dates to be confirmed shortly.
Founded in 2006, Alofoke Music is a division of Alofoke Media Group, a media platform that began as a hub for promoting Dominican talent online. Over the years, it has grown into a major force in Latin music production, artist development, and cross-platform content creation. It’s popular “Alofoke Music Sessions,” a blend of live studio performances and interviews, has become an essential stage for urban artists from the Dominican Republic and beyond.
Today, Alofoke Music has an expansive digital reach across YouTube, social media, and all major DSPs, and is credited with launching viral tracks like “Que Linda” by Lomieel, Donaty, and Papera, “Con Sonido” by Bulin 47 and Ceky Vicini, and “Baje Con Trenza” by El Cherry Scom and Ozuna.
Sony Music CAC noted that Alofoke’s influence stretches well beyond its home country, playing a key role in shaping Latin urban culture in major diasporic communities, including New York, Miami, and Madrid.
EMPIRE LAUNCHES IN NORDIC REGION
EMPIRE is continuing its global growth with the launch of a new division in the Nordic region, marking another milestone as the company approaches its 15th anniversary in 2025.
The newly formed Nordic branch will be led by Iman Hazheer, who has been appointed Territory Manager for Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. Based in Stockholm, Hazheer will oversee EMPIRE’s regional strategy, including artist development, local partnerships, and market expansion efforts.
In his new role, Hazheer will collaborate with EMPIRE’s international teams to grow the company’s influence in what it describes as “one of Europe’s most dynamic and forward-thinking music ecosystems.”
Hazheer spent seven years at Spotify, where he served as Senior Editor for the Nordics. There, he was instrumental in shaping editorial direction, curating playlists, and crafting a cohesive music narrative for the region.
Before Spotify, he held a role in Nike‘s Entertainment division in Amsterdam, Holland where he collaborated directly with artists across Northern Europe, bridging music and brand culture. Hazheer began his career in music journalism at Sveriges Radio, where he focused on youth culture and emerging talent, helping to spotlight underrepresented voices in Sweden’s creative scene.
POSITION MUSIC SIGNS STEVE SOLOMON TO WORLDWIDE PUBLISHING DEAL
Tyler Bacon, President & CEO of Position Music, tells A&R Worldwide that the company has signed songwriter and producer Steve Solomon to a worldwide publishing agreement.
Known for his versatility across pop and alternative genres, Solomon has penned and produced hits that have resonated on a global scale. He is best known for co-writing James Arthur‘s “Say You Won’t Let Go,” which held the U.K. No.1 spot for four consecutive weeks and remains one of the most-streamed tracks worldwide. The success of the song earned Solomon two Brit Award nominations and helped solidify his creative partnership with Arthur, including production work on the U.K. No.1 album Bitter Sweet Love.
Solomon’s credits also include co-writing and producing the long-term A&R Worldwide developed and supported Canadian artist Forest Blakk‘s song “If You Love Her,” and most recently contributing to Perrie‘s debut single “Forget About Us,” co-written alongside Ed Sheeran and David Hodges. He also co-wrote “Love of Mine” from Benson Boone‘s latest album.
Mark Chipello, Partner & Head of A&R, Position Music, stated, “I’ve been a fan of Steve for years. He is a dynamic producer, songwriter, guitar player, and just a creative force all around. He came up touring, so he has a deep understanding of artists and how to meet them where they are, something that really shows in the way he works. Getting to partner with someone that I have respected for so long is exciting and doing it with Lucas Keller and the Milk & Honey team makes it feel like we are positioned to do something meaningful in this next chapter of Steve’s career.”
The Burbank, California-based company is home to artists, songwriters, and producers such as Cannons, Tinashe, Jack LaFrantz,Erik Ron, Hunter Metts, Joe Kearns, eaJ, Austin Powerz, Jutes, Khalid Yassein (Wild Rivers), NoMBe, Elohim, Kyle Dion, Layto, Welshly Arms, ¿Téo?, Judah and the Lion, Fantastic Negrito, Yonatan Watts, Dru “Falconry” DeCaro, and more.
SYMPHONIC DISTRIBUTION EXPANDS EUROPEAN A&R CLIENT DEVELOPMENT TEAM WITH NEW HIRES
Symphonic Distribution is deepening its commitment to the European market with an expansion of its A&R and client development team across the continent. The U.S.-based music tech and services company, which specializes in empowering independent artists, labels, and managers, has onboarded a new slate of executives to strengthen its regional strategy and artist relations.
Leading the new team is Thomas Williamson, who steps into the role of Director of A&R / Client Development, E.U. & U.K. Joining him are Sander Stijnen as Director of Business Development, E.U., Romain Dilouya as Director of A&R & Client Development, E.U., Henry Burke as Associate, A&R & Client Development, E.U. & U.K., and Brunno Constante, who will serve as Associate, A&R & Client Development for Portugal and Angola. In addition, Gui Morais has been elevated to Manager, A&R & Client Development, European Union.
These appointments are part of Symphonic’s ongoing expansion efforts and are designed to enhance its ability to deliver localized artist support and strategic growth opportunities. Each team member brings expertise in A&R, label development, and market-specific insight. They will report to Chief Creative Officer Randall Foster, alongside VPs Oz McGuire and Jakub Alexander.
Williamson, based in the U.K., arrives from VIERLIVE and has prior experience as Head of Streaming at 3Beat Productions and Senior Streaming Account Manager at Universal Music Group. He also founded Liverpool-based Ripe Records earlier this year.
Stijnen, located in the Netherlands, comes with over a decade of industry experience. He played a key role in launching ADA in the Benelux region while at Warner Music and most recently served as Head of Marketing at XITE, leading global music video campaigns.
Based in Paris, Dilouya has held influential roles at Kuroneko Media and Redeye Worldwide, where he specialized in A&R, artist services, and international business development.
Burke, working from the U.K., brings a strong background in artist development, marketing, and A&R from his time at Liberty Music PR, with past collaborations including Jax Jones, Dimitri Vegas, and Greyson Chance.
In Lisbon, Constante brings two decades of experience in music sales and strategy, having worked at Believe, ONErpm, Kondzilla, and MTV Brasil. His expertise spans sales, analytics, and digital music strategy.
Ireland-based Morais has helped drive Symphonic’s European presence over the last two years. He is also a Latin Grammy voting member and an acclaimed producer, recognized for his work with MARTTE by Red Bull Music Brazil.
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!
The legendary A&R Worldwide dinners which first were launched by our company President & Founder, Sat Bisla back in 1998 with his friend and colleague Dave Holmes (who managed Coldplay worldwide for over 23 years) have played a pivotal part in helping creatives, executives and companies build authentic, meaningful, and impactful relationships around the world.
The real impact of these gatherings is truly priceless, as the personally curated gatherings have left an indelible mark on so many around the world and generated untold hundreds of millions of dollars in business deals, but more importantly life-changing friendships, creative collaborations, and other outcomes.
Pete Giberga, President / Head of A&R, AWAL, first met A&R Worldwide Founder Sat Bisla in the late 90s whilst both were young aspiring music industry executives in Los Angeles. Pete worked as an aspiring young A&R executive with legendary manager Jim Guerinot, Founder, Time Bomb Recordings (who managed the likes of Nine Inch Nails, The Offspring, Social Distortion, No Doubt and others), and Sat was an A&R scout and consultant for the label heads and senior A&R executives at Interscope Records, Atlantic, EMI Records, Arista, Island, Warner Bros., Epic, Columbia, Nettwerk, and a number of other labels and publishers on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as a being a DJ on KCRW Los Angeles, and music and media journalist at the Network Magazine Group).
Adam Greenup first met the A&R Worldwide team in 2007 when he was a young lawyer who had just joined Reynold D’Silva, Founder & CEO, Silva Screen Group, and rapidly ascended into a more prominent executive role working with A&R Worldwide on various projects, whilst making everyone around him laugh hysterically with his cheeky sense of humor.
Austin Rosen ascended from being a young music and pop cultural entrepreneur who worked closely with the iconic Lyor Cohen (now Global Head of Music, YouTube) and Pete Giberga in New York City at 300 Entertainment, but eventually launched his multi-faceted music management, recording, publishing, fashion, and investment business including representing Post Malone and others. Austin first met the A&R Worldwide team as a guest of Pete Giberga at our dinner in Cannes, France back in 2014, and continues to be a rising global entrepreneur.
THE VANNS
The Wollongong rock band The Vanns, led by Jimmy Vann on vocals and guitar, Cameron Little on guitar, keys, and vocals, Tom Switlek on bass, and Andrew “Banjo” Banovich on drums, is thrilled to release their new single “Accomplice.” This electrifying track is a powerful addition to their upcoming third album, All That’s In My Head, set to be released on August 1. Already gaining traction with spins on Australia’s Nova and UCFM, “Accomplice” has landed key DSP support across Spotify (New Music Friday AU & NZ, All New Rock, Local Noise), Apple Music (New Music Daily, Today’s Rock #1), and Amazon Music (Brand New Music). It follows the band’s breakout single “Up All Night,” which saw major radio rotation (triple j, Triple M), over 450 spins across 40+ stations, and standout DSP coverage including a Spotify Local Noise cover. Fresh from their U.S. debut at SXSW, The Vanns have toured with The Kooks, The Wombats, and Inhaler, and played major festivals like Splendour in the Grass, Yours & Owls, and The Great Escape U.K. With their biggest headline tour ahead and a Wanderer Festival slot alongside Missy Higgins, Boy & Bear, and Cut Copy, The Vanns are louder, tighter, and more ready than ever. Listen to “Accomplice” HERE, and contact Nathan Tito for additional information and available opportunities with The Vanns.
COYLE GIRELLI
Romanticism, longing, and cinematic beauty collide in the new video for “Pretty,” the spellbinding lead single from Coyle Girelli‘s upcoming album Out of This Town, a hauntingly intimate country-folk record co-written with late songwriting legend Mac Davis, and due August 29th. Via the iconic Sun Records. Shot with a moody, dreamlike elegance, the “Pretty” video reflects the emotional ache at the heart of the song, a slow-burning, soul-baring meditation on unrequited love. Directed by Jon Danvovic, the video places his soaring vocals and layered guitar work at center stage, mirroring the album’s stripped-back sound and stark vulnerability. Out of This Town marks a stunning new chapter for the British-born, New York City-based artist, known for his shape-shifting career that spans chart-topping alt-rock (Your Vegas, The Chevin), musical theater, and even co-writing for global superstars like BTS. The album began as a series of songwriting sessions with Davis, the force behind Elvis Presley‘s “In the Ghetto,” and was completed by Girelli after Davis’ passing, blending personal loss with timeless storytelling. The result is a moving collection of songs that feel both intimate and mythic, featuring A-list guests like KT Tunstall, Jaime Wyatt, and Cassandra Lewis. With Out of This Town, Girelli dives headfirst into a dusty, romantic Americana, and “Pretty” is the perfect entry point. Experience the visual HERE, and contact Erica Ramon for all inquiries on behalf of Coyle Girelli.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, July 20th, 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:
PICTURE THIS – “Let’s Try Love” (RCA Records, Ireland)
ADMT – “Come Along” (BMG, U.K.)
VELLA – “Freedom” (Universal Music, Sweden)
MASI MASI – “The Rain” (Pangea Int’l Music, U.K.)
VLADS – “Waste It On Me” (Unsigned, Australia)
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE CULT OF THE SUN – “Crystal Kites” (10K Projects, U.S.)
THE VANNS – “Up All Night” (123 Music/Sony Music, Australia)
ADAM REESE – “Days Like This” (Unsigned, U.S.)
KIDS RETURN – “My Hero” (Hamburger Records, France)
UNPEOPLE – “The Garden” (SharpTone Records, U.K.)
LIME CORDIALE & RUEL – “Melodramatic Fanatic” (Chugg Music, Australia)
BLACK HONEY – “Psycho” (Foxfive Records, U.K.)
DAVE LOFTS – “Just A Man” (Unsigned, Ireland)
RHETT REPKO – “Somewhat Famous” (Unsigned, U.S.)
CAT SERRANO – “Fantasy” (Unsigned, U.S.)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Stay Gold” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE MOVING STILLS – “Can’t Be Like This Forever” (Unsigned, Australia)
THE AMAZONS – “Night After Night” (Fiction Records, U.K.)
VERONICA FUSARO – “No Rain, No Tears” (Unsigned, Switzerland)
THE K’S – “The Bends (Here We Go Again)” (LAB Records, U.K.)
THE LOTTERY WINNERS – “Ragdoll” Featuring Chad Kroeger (Modern Sky, U.K.)
RUBY FIELDS – “Half The Laugh” (Space 44 Records, Australia)
AVA JOE – “Try Me” (Au Contraire Music, U.K.)
WAITING FOR SMITH – “I Got That Smiling” (Four One Seven Records, U.K.)
HUMOUR – “Memorial” (So Young Records, U.K.)
SHOBSY – “Dance Or Cry” (Pangea Int’l Music, Ireland)
SUNDAY (1994) – “Still Blue” (RCA Records, U.K.)
WHITE LIES – “Nothing On Me” ([PIAS], U.K.)
JEREMY LOOPS – “Wolves” (Universal Music, South Africa)
LUVCAT – “Lipstick” (AWAL, U.K.)
THE MOLOTOVS – “More, More, More” (Marshall Records, U.K.)
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE – “Teleport” (Unsigned, U.S.)
KINGFISHR – “Gloria” (B-Unique, Ireland)
MIA WRAY – “Only Love” (Ivy League Records, Australia)
ATLANTIC RECORDS U.S. SIGNS RISING U.K. BAND SOUTH ARCADE: U.K. alt-pop outfit South Arcade has officially signed to Atlantic Records in the U.S. in a new partnership with BKM Artists and LAB Records. The signing is announced alongside the release of their latest single, “Fear of Heights,” and follows a recent publishing deal with Kobalt. The group’s upward momentum has resulted in the band selling out headline shows in Manchester and London earlier this year. Also, they’ve hit the road internationally, joining Bilmuri on tour across Europe and Australia and supporting Magnolia Park on a 25-date run through the United States. South Arcade will perform on the main stage at Reading and Leeds Festivals this August. After that, they’ll head back to the U.S. for their first headline tour, with early shows in New York City and Los Angeles already sold out. They’re also set to appear at Austin City Limits Music Festival in October. The band has quickly developed a loyal and growing fanbase, racking up over 11 million likes on TikTok and seeing fast growth on YouTube. On the radio front, they’ve been championed by BBC Radio 1, named a “Future Artist of the Month,” and secured playlist support for their previous single, “Supermodels.” Their 2024 EP, 2005, has already surpassed 35 million Spotify streams. Johnny Minardi, Sr. Vice President of A&R, Atlantic Records Group said, “From the very first chorus I heard from South Arcade, I was completely hooked! As I dug deeper into their songs and world, it felt like stepping into a modern take on a nostalgic era. I’m incredibly excited for what’s ahead as South Arcade teams up with Atlantic to take on the world.”
WARNER MUSIC ITALY SIGNS DEAL WITH MACE: Warner Music Italy has added Milan-based producer and DJ MACE to its roster. Known offstage as Simone Benussi, MACE has aided in shaping Italy’s hip-hop and electronic music scenes over the past 20 years. MACE has worked with a who’s who of Italian rap, collaborating with Fabri Fibra, Gemitaiz, Gué, Ghali, Marracash, Noyz Narcos, and Salmo. His productions blend rap, pop, indie, and electronic styles, creating a distinctive sonic identity that has fueled both commercial and critical success. His debut solo album OBE was a triple Platinum triumph, followed by the Platinum-certified MAYA. One of his biggest hits, “La canzone nostra,” sat atop Italy’s singles chart for seven weeks straight and has been certified six times Platinum. MACE’s journey began in 1999 producing beats before forming the duo La Crème with Jack the Smoker and releasing L’Alba in 2013. He also co-founded RESET! in 2007, a Milan-based club night that evolved into an internationally recognized collective of producers and DJs. RESET! earned global acclaim through releases on labels like Cheap Thrills, Dim Mak, and Ministry of Sound Australia, as well as through their extensive touring. Pico Cibelli, President, Warner Music Italy, tells A&R Worldwide, “MACE’s beats have been the backbone for many artists in the Italian hip-hop and electronic scene for decades, so it’s a joy to announce that he’s signed with Warner Music Italy. We’re going to hit the ground running in building on his successful artist career and take his music to the world stage.”
PRESCRIPTION SONGS NAMES CHRISTIAN CONANT AS SR. DIRECTOR A&R: Prescription Songs has announced the promotion of Christian Conant to Senior Director, A&R. Christian, who is based out of the company’s Nashville office, looks after a diverse roster of artists, songwriters and producers including Maggie Rose, Fly By Midnight, Joy Oladokun, Zella Day, Nick Bailey (Lana Del Rey, Sum 41), Brett Truitt (Vincent Mason, Waylon Wyatt) and more. Recent signings include artist/songwriter Anderson East and Platinum-selling producer Ryder Johnson. “We are so proud to promote Christian to Senior Director of A&R,” says Rhea Pasricha, Head of A&R, West Coast, Prescription Songs. “He has proven himself to be a valuable part of not just our Nashville team but far beyond. He is the epitome of hustle and integrity mixed with great creative passion and talent. Excited for this next chapter at Prescription for him and the team!” Chris Martignago, VP of A&R Nashville, added “We’re super excited to see Christian step into this new role. His hard work, great ear for talent, and passion for music have made a sincere impact on Prescription Songs. In a place like Nashville, it’s all about teamwork and creativity, and Christian really brings both to every conversation he’s a part of. Can’t wait for this next step in his career here!” Conant landed at Prescription Songs in late summer 2019 where he rose up the ranks to A&R Manager in 2022. Akron, Ohio native moved to Nashville in 2015 and got his start working in digital marketing before finding his calling on the road tour managing various artists including Mitchell Tenpenny and The Band Camino. Post touring, he found himself working in the publishing and A&R department of Riser House Entertainment prior to landing at Prescription Songs.
IRISH BREAKOUT ARTIST “SHOBSY” TO PLAY EXCLUSIVE SHOWCASE IN LONDON, ENGLAND THIS WEEK: Rising Irish artist SHOBSY will perform an exclusive London showcase on Thursday, July 24th at The Green Room at The Devonshire (17 Denman Street, London W1D 7HW), with a live performance slated for 8:30 PM. The show comes on the heels of a breakout year for SHOBSY, who recently signed a global publishing deal with Pangea Int’l Music Publishing via a joint venture administration deal with Sony Music Publishing following a standout performance at this year’s MUSEXPO in Burbank, CA. Known for his soaring vocals and magnetic stage presence, SHOBSY has been praised by EARMILK, Hot Press, and influential Irish radio station Today FM, and has built a fast-growing radio fanbase across the U.S., UK, India, Germany, and more. The showcase also marks SHOBSY’s recent signing to leading U.K. indie label SO Recordings, home to artists like Placebo, Enter Shikari, Public Service Broadcasting, and Big Special. His debut EP, Own The Night, is set to drop soon, with lead single “Dance or Cry” arriving this Friday, July 25th. The London performance offers a rare intimate chance to witness one of Ireland’s most compelling new voices who is available for global booking, sync, and licensing, ahead of what promises to be a major release. Industry and media are invited to attend by RSVP’ing to David Reid at davereidmusic@gmail.com by Wednesday, July 23rd.
RISING U.K. ARTIST & SONGWRITER FLEUR SIGNS TO LIMITED EDITION & WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC PARTNERSHIP: Limited Edition Music Publishing tells A&R Worldwide that it has signed rising England-based artist, singer, and songwriter Fleur, in partnership with Warner Chappell Music. With a voice that is both timeless and distinctive, Fleur has quickly emerged as a standout talent in today’s landscape. Known for her emotionally resonant lyrics and genre-spanning versatility, she is fast becoming a go-to collaborator in sessions across Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, and beyond. Fleur is currently developing her own artist project while continuing to write for pitch and collaborate with top-tier talent. “We’re thrilled to welcome Fleur to the Limited Edition family,” said Marc Wilson and Greg Sowders Co-Presidents of Limited Edition Music Publishing. “Her voice, vision, and work ethic are world-class, and we believe she’s just getting started.” With a growing circle of collaborators and an authentic creative voice, Fleur is poised for an exciting next chapter. She is currently available for select writing sessions.
UNIVERSAL AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES REVAMPED ‘CONNECT’ CATALOG DIVISION: Universal Music Australia (UMA) is giving its catalog division a major revamp, with Liam Dennis and Garret Haakma stepping into new leadership roles to spearhead the initiative. Announced on July 15, Dennis will serve as General Manager, Catalog, while Haakma takes on the role of General Manager, Marketing. Together, the duo will focus on driving growth across UMA’s deep well of classic releases through strategic marketing, tech innovation, brand partnerships, and immersive experiences designed to connect with today’s music fans. The division’s refresh comes as catalogue music becomes increasingly powerful in the streaming era, where older releases can enjoy long-term popularity and consistent revenue. “Catalog is a force, especially when it comes to albums,” said Sean Warner, President & CEO, UMA, noting the significance of both local and international legacy recordings in a digital-first market. To reflect the shifting landscape, the ARIA Charts are undergoing their own transformation. Starting September 1, any album more than two years old will be excluded from the main albums chart. These older releases won’t disappear however, they’ll move to a newly created ARIA On Replay Chart, designed to track and celebrate the most streamed and best-selling catalog titles in the country.
ORLA LEE-FISHER NAMED HEAD OF DUAL CATALOG STRATEGY AT WMG: Warner Music Group (WMG) has appointed Orla Lee-Fisher to the newly created position of Head of Dual Catalog Strategy, a cross-division role designed to align and amplify campaigns across WMG’s recorded music and publishing assets. Based in London, England, Lee-Fisher will report jointly to Kevin Gore, President of Global Catalog, Recorded Music at Warner Music, and Carianne Marshall and Guy Moot, Co-Chairs of Warner Chappell Music. In this role, she’ll lead high-impact initiatives that tap into WMG’s catalog where the company holds both master and publishing rights, bringing a cohesive vision and creativity to campaigns celebrating some of music’s most iconic artists and works. Her remit will include developing integrated global marketing campaigns rooted in cultural storytelling, as well as identifying new commercial opportunities across platforms and audiences. She’ll also work closely with WMG’s M&A team, contributing to catalog acquisition efforts and helping to secure estate partnerships as Warner continues to grow its rights portfolio. Lee-Fisher brings over two decades of experience from Universal Music Group, where she held senior roles including GM of Polydor, MD of A&M Records, and Executive VP, Global Marketing. At Universal Music Group, she spearheaded worldwide campaigns for acts such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Sir Elton John, displaying a record of breathing new life into heritage catalogs through modern marketing and storytelling.
WIXEN MUSIC PUBLISHING ANNOUNCES SIGNING OF HECTOR DELGADO: Wixen Music Publishing has added Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter Hector Delgado. Renowned for his long-standing creative alliance with A$AP Rocky, Delgado has been instrumental in crafting the sound that defines the A$AP Mob. His production credits include tracks like “L$D,” “A$AP Forever,” “Praise the Lord (Da Shine),” “Purity,” “Fashion Killa, “Fukk Sleep,” and “Sundress.” Delgado’s palette has also drawn collaborations with Tyler, The Creator, Lana Del Rey, Frank Ocean, FKA Twigs, 21 Savage, Selena Gomez, Skepta, and French Montana. Among his crossover successes are co-productions on hits such as “Good for You” (Selena Gomez feat. A$AP Rocky), “Groupie Love” (Lana Del Rey featuring A$AP Rocky), and “Chit Chat” (French Montana feat. A$AP Rocky). Also, his work on “Flacko Locko” for the Cyberpunk 2077 soundtrack highlights an immersive style as he continues to shape the future of hip-hop as a key creative on A$AP Rocky’s forthcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb. Jeff Antebi of Waxploitation represents Hector Delgado globally.
AVEX MUSIC GROUP SIGNS ELYAS: Avex Music Group has officially signed Grammy-nominated producer Elyas, who is behind multiple chart-topping tracks for Drake. The deal was spearheaded by Avex Music Group’s Director of A&R, Brennen Bryant. Based in Essen, Germany, Elyas (also known as Elkan) has quickly become one of hip-hop’s most sought-after producers. His credits include some of Drake’s biggest recent records, including the current hit “What Did I Miss?,” which just debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 after hitting No.1 on both Spotify‘s U.S. chart and Apple Music. Other standout collaborations with Drake include “ON BS” featuring 21 Savage, “It’s Up” featuring Young Thug, “Solid,” and “Losses.” With a résumé that extends far beyond his work with Drake, Elyas has contributed to major releases from a roster including J. Cole, Chris Brown, Rema, Young Thug, and 21 Savage. “Elyas is one of the most sought-after collaborators in hip hop,” said Brennen Bryant. “We are thrilled to welcome him into the Avex family as he continues to do groundbreaking work with the world’s most successful artists.” Elyas commented, “I’m excited to be working with such an important global player in Avex and looking forward to working closely with Brennen and the entire Avex team on the next chapter of my career.”
PRIMARY WAVE MUSIC STRIKES DEAL WITH THE ESTATE OF FLEETWOOD MAC’S PETER GREEN: Primary Wave Music has entered into an agreement with the estate of British guitarist, singer, and songwriter Peter Green, acquiring a substantial portion of his music catalog. The deal includes the rights to Green’s publishing catalog under Rattlesnake Music, his writer’s share for compositions he penned, and select recordings by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award honoree. Peter Green, born in 1946, emerged as one of the most influential figures in British blues and rock. After picking up the guitar at the age of ten and turning professional by eighteen, Green’s career soared when he crossed paths with drummer Mick Fleetwood. By 1967, the two had formed Fleetwood Mac, initially known as “Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac”, laying the foundation for one of the most enduring bands in rock history. While revered for his soulful and inventive guitar playing, Green also left a legacy as a songwriter. Among the many classics covered in the deal are his signature compositions, “Albatross,” “Black Magic Woman,” and “Oh Well.” Green’s other landmark tracks include “The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown),” later covered by Judas Priest, and “Man of the World.” His contributions not only shaped Fleetwood Mac’s early sound but also carved out a distinct chapter in British rock history. In 1998, his legacy was cemented with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside other Fleetwood Mac members. Widely respected for his expressive playing, Peter Green was ranked No. 58 on Rolling Stone‘s list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.”
NAOKI OSADA LAUNCHES NEBULA17 TO BREAK JAPANESE TALENT IN THE US AND GLOBALLY: Naoki Osada, the former CEO of Avex USA, has officially launched Nebula17 a multifaceted new venture that combines a record label, music publishing, management, international strategy, and venture capital under one roof. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Nebula17 is designed to both foster emerging talent in the U.S. and function as a creative and strategic springboard for culturally influential Japanese artists looking to break into global markets. The company is backed by a substantial round of investment, described as “multi-million-dollar” funding, from key players across entertainment, tech, and culture. Leading the investment is Japanese entertainment firm Akatsuki Inc., with its Director and Executive VP Kazuhiko Ishikura steering the deal. Additional backing includes BMSG, founded by artist and producer SKY-HI, ASOBISYSTEM, the creative force behind ATARASHII GAKKO!, And Music, home to rapper Awich. Angel investors include Paul Bragiel (early investor in Uber and Unity), the founders of Decima Fund (a VC bridging crypto and Japan’s tech ecosystem), and top executives from gaming and Web3 innovator Gumi. Osada brings over 20 years of experience from Avex, where he led the company’s U.S. expansion. While at Avex USA, he forged strategic partnerships with Brandon Silverstein‘s S10 and Roc Nation and helped launch publishing ventures that signed songwriters like Harv (Justin Bieber‘s “Peaches”), Jasper Harris (Tate McRae‘s “Greedy”), and GENT! (Doja Cat‘s “Agora Hills”). He also collaborated with Ryan Tedder‘s Runner Music in signing producer Grant Boutin. Among Osada’s accomplishments was helping to bridge Japanese talent with U.S. creatives, introducing acts like ONE OR EIGHT to the American market, and brokering collaborations with Ryan Tedder, David Stewart, and Big Sean.
THREE SIX ZERO APPOINTS AIMEE JESSIMAN AS U.K. HEAD OF MANAGEMENT: Three Six Zero has named Aimee Jessiman as its new Head of Management in the United Kingdom. In this position, Jessiman will collaborate closely with Mark Gillespie, Founder & CEO to lead the company’s artist management operations in the United Kingdom. She’ll also play a key role in mentoring managers across the business and expanding the firm’s presence and partnerships within the region. Jessiman, who brings experience from previous roles at Tap Music and Modest Management, already collaborates with high-profile artists on the Three Six Zero roster, including Calvin Harris and Swedish House Mafia. Headquartered in Los Angeles, with additional offices in Miami and London, Three Six Zero represents a wide-ranging slate of international talent, including Willow, Kid Cudi, Jaden, and others. Mark Gillespie, Founder & CEO, Three Six Zero, said, “Aimee brings leadership and experience to Three Six Zero, and is an asset to our UK operation. I am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.” Aimee Jessiman, Head of Management (UK), added, “I’m incredibly proud to step into this new role at Three Six Zero and to collaborate with Mark on such an exceptional roster of talent. This is a pivotal time for the company, and I’m deeply motivated by the chance to help shape its future.”
BELIEVE EXPANDS ARTIST SERVICES DIVISION IN MENA REGION SIGNING ANGHAM, NANCY AJRAM, AND RAGHEB ALAMA: Believe has reinforced its footprint in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) by securing new partnerships with three of the Arab world’s most celebrated music stars including Nancy Ajram, Ragheb Alama, and Angham. These deals mark an advancement in Believe’s Artist Services division, forming what the company describes as the foundation of its next phase of growth in the MENA region. The announcement follows the company’s 2024 leadership restructuring in the territory, with the Artist Services arm now spearheaded by Celine Hitti and placing particular emphasis on Lebanon and Egypt. Nancy Ajram, often hailed as the “Queen of Arab Pop,” has collaborated with Believe for over 14 years through its Label and Artist Solutions division. Now stepping into a broader partnership via Artist Services, Ajram gains access to a deeper suite of resources, combining local and global data-driven marketing, strategic support, and technology. Her new album, Nancy 11, was released on July 17, under this enhanced agreement. Also transitioning to Believe’s Artist Services unit is Ragheb Alama, whose new album will be supported by Believe’s global infrastructure. Completing the trio is Angham, referred to as “The Sound of Egypt.” With a career spanning over 30 years, she’s among the most influential figures in the Arabic music scene. Angham had been working with Believe’s Label and Artist Solutions since 2021 under her label Soot Masr, generating multiple regional hits. Her latest project, Teegy Nsib, released in July 2024 under the new Artist Services deal, broke into Anghami’s Top 10 Arabic Albums for the year.
CTM’S ANDRE DE RAAFF PRESENTED WITH CMA CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION: André de Raaff, CEO of CTM Publishing BV and CTM Outlander Music, has been officially honored by the Country Music Association (CMA) in Nashville for his exceptional contributions to the international growth of country music over the past five decades. The recognition was marked by the presentation of a special certificate by Sarah Trahern, CEO, CMA, celebrating de Raaff’s enduring dedication to the genre and his pivotal role in its global expansion. The award also coincides with the 25th anniversary of CTM Publishing BV, the independent entertainment powerhouse founded by de Raaff. Headquartered in the Netherlands with a strong international presence through offices in Nashville, London, Miami, and Brussels, CTM has established itself as a global leader in music publishing, representing songwriters and catalogs across genres. In 2020, de Raaff expanded CTM’s reach through a strategic alliance with Dallas-based Outlander Capital, led by Les Ware. The partnership focuses on rights management, including music and patent royalty streams, as well as broader intellectual property development. Beyond publishing, CTM has become an influential force in the music industry as a record label and a producer of successful TV and film projects.
SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING UPS SARAH PICKERING TO VP CREATIVE & WRITER SERVICES AND CO-HEAD OF SYNC: Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has announced the promotion of Sarah “Pixie” Pickering to Vice President, Creative & Writer Services & Co-Head of Sync, effective immediately. Operating from SMP’s London headquarters, Pickering will continue reporting to Tim Major, Co-Managing Director U.K., and David Ventura, President & Co-Managing Director U.K. and Sr. VP International. Pickering’s promotion recognizes her impact on Sony Music Publishing U.K.’s sync success. Her expanded role will see her further shaping writer services and creative strategy, while continuing to lead the U.K. sync division in partnership with Chris Jones, VP of Licensing. Pickering began her career with EMI Production Music in 2009 as a music consultant. She moved to London in 2012 to lead the production music sales team after EMI’s merger. She later shifted into commercial sync at Sony/ATV (now Sony Music Publishing), and was named VP, Creative in 2020, taking on broader responsibilities across sync and creative development. David Ventura, President & Co-MD U.K., Sr. VP international, said, “One Sony’s initiatives are central to our ethos, being the only music company in the world with such a wide scope of activity across movies, gaming, hardware, and, of course, music. The creation of this expanded role represents a pivotal time for SMP and is a natural progression for Pixie, who has co-run the U.K. sync team consistently with excellence. With new initiatives growing exponentially across the business, Pixie’s expanded focus presents a fantastic opportunity for our songwriters.”
PEERMUSIC SIGNS U.K. WRITER, PRODUCER, AND ARTIST ADP: Peermusic has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with British producer, songwriter, and artist Amish Patel, widely known in the industry as ADP. The new deal, executed jointly by Peermusic’s U.K. and U.S. teams, encompasses a portion of ADP’s back catalog alongside future works. ADP’s credits include collaborations with artists such as Chris Brown, Marshmello, Tyga, Big Sean, and Hanumankind. ADP first rose to prominence in 2013 as the executive producer of Young Kingz, the breakout mixtape by U.K. rap duo Krept & Konan, which reached the U.K. Top 10 and helped shape the next wave of British hip-hop. Since then, his production discography has grown to include work on M.I.A.‘s AIM album and Dua Lipa‘s “Want To.” He also produced two U.K. Top 10 Platinum-certified singles, which include “Freak of The Week” by Krept & Konan and “Bestie” by Yungen featuring Yxng Bane. In the U.S., his contributions include tracks like “Frustrated,” and “If You’re Down,” from Chris Brown’s Heartbreak on A Full Moon, and “Passing Time” on the Grammy-nominated deluxe edition of Breezy. ADP has collaborated with artists across pop, hip-hop, and R&B, including Flo Milli, Ava Max, YG, Eric Bellinger, Rita Ora, Zayn, Pharrell, Snoop Dogg, Justine Skye, Charlotte Plank, Fridayy, FLO, and Nora Fatehi. As a recording artist, ADP released his debut single “No Good for Me” in 2017, featuring Jeremih and Ebenezer.
ARMADA’S PUBLISHING ARM FORMS PARTNERSHIP WITH SPECTRUM MUSIC: Armada Music Publishing has entered into an alliance with Spectrum Music, marking the official launch of Spectrum Music Publishing, a venture aimed at fostering innovative electronic music talent. Helmed by Dutch DJ and producer Joris Voorn, Spectrum Music’s publishing arm launches with Voorn as its inaugural signing. The partnership has already borne fruit, with tracks created during a collaborative writing camp set to appear on Voorn’s upcoming album Serotonin, which was released on July 18 on Spectrum via Armada Music. Among the album’s standout tracks are two collaborations between Voorn and vocalist-songwriter Nathan Nicholson, both direct outcomes of the new creative alliance. The establishment of Spectrum Music Publishing builds on a deepening relationship between Voorn and Armada Music Group, which recently formalized a joint venture between the two parties. Voorn has shared the stage with Armada Co-Founder Armin van Buuren and reimagined Eelke Kleijn‘s “Transmission,” a remix that has garnered more than 60 million streams to date. “This marks a special milestone in our long-standing relationship with Joris Voorn,” said Maykel Piron, CEO of Armada Music Group. “We’ve already seen tremendous success from our joint writing camp with Spectrum, and we’re excited to leverage Armada’s extensive network and global expertise to provide creative support for Joris and other writers under Spectrum Music Publishing.”
SYMPHONIC DISTRIBUTION SIGNS KOREAN LABEL ABYSS COMPANY TO DISTRIBUTION DEAL: Symphonic Distribution has unveiled a new strategic alliance with South Korea’s ABYSS Company, a major player in artist management and music label operations. This partnership represents a key move for both companies as they continue expanding their global reach, particularly within the Southeast Asian market. Through the agreement, ABYSS Company will leverage Symphonic’s global distribution network to amplify the international visibility of its growing roster of Southeast Asian talent. Among the first artists to benefit from this collaboration are Filipino newcomers Anthony Meneses and MATÉO, who recently joined ABYSS’s lineup. They join a roster that already includes K-pop figures such as Sunmi, Sandara Park (formerly of 2NE1), and MeloMance. Guji Lorenzana, Territory Manager, A&R and Business Development, Asia-Pacific at Symphonic, said, “We’ve been working closely with our Southeast Asia team to cultivate opportunities that matter, and this partnership with ABYSS is exactly that. It reflects a mutual commitment to elevate the region’s talent globally, and we’re proud to support artists and teams who are serious about long-term creative impact.”
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Subu Iyer, Ted Chung, Laura Katz, Aton Ben-Horin, Andrew Gould, Ron Laffitte, Steve Moir, Will Tanous, Marianne Goode, Zack Katz, Steven Gizicki, Seven Webster, Jasjeet Singh, Michael Baker, and Paul Spraggon. 
