KIM FRANKIEWICZ, EXECUTIVE VP OF WORLDWIDE A&R,
CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING
NAMED THE RECIPIENT OF THE 3RD ANNUAL
“SEYMOUR STEIN – GLOBAL A&R AWARD”
TO BE PRESENTED AT MUSEXPO ON
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25TH, 2026 – BURBANK, CA
MUSEXPO (www.musexpo.net), the globally respected annual international music business conference and showcase event—revered as the “United Nations of Music”—in association with leading music discovery, development, and A&R firm A&R Worldwide, proudly announces Kim Frankiewicz, Executive Vice President, Worldwide A&R at Concord Music Publishing, as the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Seymour Stein – “Global A&R Award.” The honor will be presented during the International Music Industry Awards gala dinner on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, as part of the 26th global edition of MUSEXPO in Burbank, CA “The Media Capital of the World.”
In addition to receiving the award, Kim will participate in a special keynote interview earlier that day, offering a rare and insightful look into her remarkable journey—from her roots in Australia to becoming one of the most influential creative A&R executives in the world of music publishing.
The Seymour Stein – “Global A&R Award” commemorates the late Stein’s monumental legacy by honoring visionary executives who continue to shape the global musical landscape through innovation, creativity, and an unrelenting passion for artists and their craft. Past recipients include Wendy Goldstein, President & Chief Creative Officer, Republic Records (2024), and Michael Goldstone, Founder & Co-Owner, Mom+Pop Music (2025).
The award was conceived by Sat Bisla (President & Founder, A&R Worldwide / MUSEXPO), Richard Gottehrer (Co-Founder of Sire Records), and Mandy Stein (Seymour’s daughter), with the full support of the Stein family to honor Seymour’s lifelong dedication to artist development and groundbreaking music discovery.
Kim Frankiewicz is widely respected as one of the music industry’s most forward-thinking and globally impactful A&R leaders. As EVP of Worldwide A&R at Concord Music Publishing, Kim oversees a dynamic and diverse international team with a mission rooted in artist-first values, creative excellence, and global reach. Her leadership of the global A&R team has propelled Concord to become one of the largest and most innovative independent music publishers in the world—home to nearly one million copyrights and a curated roster that includes groundbreaking artists such as Tyla, Omar Apollo, A. G. Cook, J Hus, Fraser T. Smith, Jin Jin, and Amy Wadge, among others.
Kim’s journey began in Australia working with INXS at MMA Management before taking on key roles at Universal Music Publishing in New York and London. As Managing Director of Imagem Music, she signed and helped develop global success stories including Daft Punk, Kaiser Chiefs, Mark Ronson, Cathy Dennis, and Justin Parker, whilst brokering major catalog deals with Pink Floyd and Genesis/Phil Collins. Following Concord’s acquisition of Imagem in 2017, she was appointed Executive VP Worldwide Creative, guiding Concord’s global A&R strategy with integrity, intuition, and a passion for meaningful artist relationships.
She has received multiple honors including features on Billboard’s annual “Global Power Players” list as well as their inaugural U.K. Power Players. Under her leadership, Concord Music Publishing took home Independent Publisher of the Year at the 2021 Music Week Awards and 2021 Music Business Worldwide U.K. A&R Awards and is on the Roll of Honor for Music Week’s Women In Music Honors.
Frankiewicz’s commitment to fostering long-term creative growth and her ability to anticipate cultural shifts have earned her recognition as one of the most admired publishing executives in the world. Her work continues to drive forward a modern era of music publishing that bridges artistic authenticity with global commercial success.
Frankiewicz states: “I’m truly honored to receive the Seymour Stein Global A&R Award. Seymour was a legend — fearless, enthusiastic, and always ahead of the curve — so to be recognized in his name means a great deal. Huge thanks to Sat [Bisla], the MUSEXPO team, and the Stein family for this honor. And to everyone at Concord — I’m proud to be a part of such a forward-thinking company that is supporting creativity in all its forms. I genuinely believe that great music doesn’t happen in a vacuum — it takes belief, vision, and the right people around it.”
The late Seymour Stein, revered for his legendary signings such as Madonna, Talking Heads, The Ramones, The Pretenders, Depeche Mode, and The Cure, serves as the spiritual foundation for this award – a symbol of enduring excellence in A&R and the power of music to shape culture on a global scale.
Further announcements regarding MUSEXPO 2026 will be revealed in the coming months.
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.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING INKS GRAMMY-WINNING
ARTIST & PRODUCER JOEL LITTLE TO A GLOBAL ADMIN DEAL
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has entered into an exclusive global administration agreement with Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, and musician Joel Little who got his early career start in the New Zealand-based band Good Night Nurse, which formed back in 2001.
Renowned for his sleek, minimalist approach to pop production, Little has helped shape defining records for artists like Lorde, Taylor Swift, Khalid, Imagine Dragons, Noah Kahan, Gracie Abrams, and James Bay. UMPG praised his ability to craft modern pop with both emotional depth and mass appeal, citing his distinctive sonic signature as a major force behind some of the past decade’s most influential tracks.
Little’s catalog has generated over 25 billion streams worldwide. He first rose to prominence in 2014 when “Royals,” co-written and produced with Lorde, won the Grammy for “Song of the Year” and earned a “Record of the Year” nomination. That same year, he received international accolades including the Outstanding International Achievement Award from APRA and ASCAP’s Most Performed Song award for “Royals,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks.
He continued his success in 2015 with a Golden Globe nomination for “Yellow Flicker Beat” from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, and in 2019, he co-wrote and co-produced several tracks from Taylor Swift’s Lover, including “ME!” (featuring Brendon Urie), “You Need to Calm Down,” “The Man,” and “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince.”
In 2017, Little produced “Young Dumb & Broke” and two other tracks on Khalid’s debut album American Teen. The single topped Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart for 11 weeks and became a generational anthem, contributing to Khalid’s meteoric rise.
Little is also part of a rare group of creatives with two RIAA Diamond-certified songs: “Royals” and “Young Dumb & Broke,” each surpassing ten million units in the United States.
Jennifer Knoepfle, Executive Vice President and Head of US A&R, UMPG, said, “I’m so excited to be back collaborating with the talented writer/producer Joel Little. From 12 years ago when we first crossed paths, it’s been a wonderful and fruitful creative partnership that only continues to grow. Joel’s works have touched so many people’s lives, including mine, and I am beyond excited to explore this new chapter with our UMPG team. It’s also a sweet homecoming for Joel to reunite with UMPG Australia’s Head of A&R, Maree Hamblion, who was his first publisher.”
More recently, Little served as executive producer and co-writer on Niall Horan’s 2023 album The Show, contributing to eight of its ten tracks. The album debuted at No.1 in eight countries, with UMPG crediting Little’s artistic guidance for shaping its emotional and melodic core. His recent collaborations span work with Maren Morris, Vance Joy, and Tove Lo. Joel Little is represented by Ashley Page at Page 1 Management.
JÉRÉMY ERLICH LAUNCHES ALTA MUSIC & SIGNS K-POP STAR JENNIE
Former Spotify Global Head of Music Jérémy Erlich has unveiled his latest venture, the launch of ALTA Music Group, an independent, full-service music company based in Los Angeles. The company has named global K-pop artist JENNIE as its first high-profile signing.
ALTA will operate across three key areas, recorded music, publishing, and artist management, positioning itself as a multi-faceted player in the global music industry. The company has secured a distribution deal with Sony Music’s independent distributor, The Orchard, and forged an alliance with Seoul-based THEBLACKLABEL, helmed by producer Teddy Park, known for his work with BLACKPINK and other top Korean acts.
JENNIE, a member of BLACKPINK, joins ALTA’s management roster while maintaining her relationship with OddAtelier. She released her debut solo album RUBY earlier this year, following her departure, along with the rest of BLACKPINK, from their solo contracts with YG Entertainment in 2023.
In addition to JENNIE, ALTA’s early roster includes emerging talent, such as Cat Matthews, WHATMORE, and Bodhi Bleu, who will be supported through both ALTA’s recording and publishing arms.
Erlich brings experience to the table, having played a key role in Spotify’s exponential growth from 230 million to over 670 million monthly active users during his six-year tenure. Before that, he held senior roles at Universal Music Group and Interscope Geffen A&M.
He’s joined at ALTA by Nima Khalilian, who previously led international strategy at Stem and held senior marketing roles at Interscope, supporting artists like Karol G, Gracie Abrams, and Moneybagg Yo.
The founding team also includes Parker Ulry (ex-Warner and Interscope, with credits including DaBaby, Summer Walker, and Eminem), Elise Eriksen, Drake Hofer, Gillian Taugher, and Michael Seltzer, who formerly led legal and business affairs at Universal Music Group, overseeing a wide range of large deals and partnerships.
ALEJANDRO DUQUE TAKES ON DUAL ROLE AS PRESIDENT OF ADA & PRESIDENT OF WARNER MUSIC LATIN AMERICA
Alejandro Duque has been named President of ADA, the independent distribution and label services arm of Warner Music Group (WMG), expanding on his existing responsibilities as President of Warner Music Latin America. Duque will continue to be based in Miami and report to Robert Kyncl, CEO, WMG.
Duque has served as President of Warner Music Latin America since 2021. In this role, he has championed breakthrough artists such as Blessd, Danny Ocean, Elena Rose, Myke Towers, Natanael Cano, Ovy on the Drums, Tiago PZK, Tokischa, Yami Safdie, and Yandel. He has cultivated a fresh, forward-thinking approach, creating a blueprint for how to champion artists at all stages of their careers. A key driver of his success has been his ability to bring WMG closer to the independent community and spearhead the growth of its distribution business in the region.
Robert Kyncl said, “Alejandro’s leadership will help us differentiate ADA…providing independent labels and artists with opportunities at a speed and scale they won’t find anywhere else. He has a proven history of supporting the indie community, as well as a deep understanding of WMG’s reach and resources as catalysts for global superstardom. This combination is going to bring down barriers for ADA’s clients, plugging them more directly into our infrastructure, and empowering them to build their businesses.”
Alejandro Duque added, “Across the globe, there are dynamic, culture-shifting artists with a wide variety of needs to propel their careers forward. We’re committed to growing our distribution business and enhancing the ADA brand, through a combination of excellent service, flexible deal-making, and tech innovation. We’ve done this successfully in Latin America, and now we’re taking that holistic approach to the entire business by integrating our independent distribution strategy even more tightly with our teams in the US and around the world.”
Duque has more than 20 years of experience in the music industry, starting his career at Universal Music Colombia and rising to become Managing Director of Universal Music Latino, Machete, and Capitol Latin before moving to WMG.
INDIA’S SAREGAMA ACQUIRES CATALOG FROM NAV RECORDS
India’s oldest music label Saregama India Ltd. has expanded its repertoire with the acquisition of a substantial music catalog from Delhi-based NAV Records, comprising approximately 6,500 tracks.
The acquisition, disclosed via a regulatory filing on July 17, includes a wide range of music across genres such as Haryanvi, Punjabi, Ghazals, Devotional, and Indie Pop. While the financial terms of the deal were not revealed, the catalog includes content from YouTube channels like NAV Haryanvi and Nupur Audio, which together have more than 24 million subscribers.
Some of the standout tracks now under Saregama’s umbrella include viral hits like “Coco Cola” (900M+ views), “Parvati Boli Shakar Se” (500M+ views), “Loot Liya” (400M+ views), “Dabya Ni Karde” (140M+ views), and “Gunehgar” (140M+ views).
This move comes on the heels of Saregama’s strategic acquisition of Pocket Aces Pictures, a digital content firm it fully acquired in August 2024. Initially buying a 51.8% stake for ₹1.66 billion (approx. $19 million USD), Saregama later completed the purchase with an additional 48.2% for ₹2.09 billion (approximately $24 million USD), totaling an investment of around ₹3.75 billion ($43 million USD).
Saregama stated in a press release, “This cements Saregama’s No.1 position in the only language where the Company was not dominant. Going forward, Saregama and NAV will jointly work towards new Haryanvi and Punjabi content creation.”
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!
Paul Spraggon is the legendary U.K. and global music industry lawyer who grew up in the heart of the indie music culture during the 1970s and 1980s. He’s evolved into one of the most trusted, knowledgeable, and impactful music lawyers in the world.
He is renowned for his exceptional work representing many prominent names over the years, including Adele, Ellie Goulding, Lana Del Rey, The Clash, The Prodigy, Headie One, Rag‘n’Bone Man, and Dua Lipa to name but a very few.
Sat and Paul first met in 1997 in London, England when he was legal partners in a firm called SSB (Spraggon, Stennett, Brabyn) with renowned global executive Sarah Stennett (who also became business partners with Sat Bisla with her first global management company called Bond Mist back in 2001), and Andrew Brabyn (since retired from music law).
GLASS CITIES
Hailing from the cultural crossroads of Miami, Glass Cities are a boundary-breaking alt-rock trio redefining what it means to be a global band in 2025. Composed of first-generation immigrants Luis Salazar (vocals/guitar), Sam Ross (bass), and Omar Gonzalez (drums), the group fuses genre, border, and identity into a striking, genre-fluid sound that’s impossible to box in but instantly recognizable. Their latest single, “Issues,” hits with urgent emotion and cinematic intensity, highlighting their signature blend of raw vocals, razor-sharp instrumentation, and bold production. The track dives headfirst into themes of internal conflict and modern disconnection, all while wrapped in a hook-laden, alt-rock-meets-indie-pop package that lingers long after the first listen. Already turning industry heads, Glass Cities have landed nine consecutive placements across Vevo’s official playlists, including New Music Friday, Incoming Alternative, DSCVR, and Alt Live Indie, and seen their music light up Spotify mainstays like Rock Discovery, GYM ROCK, Daily Top Hits, and even FIFA Songs and H&M Playlist 2023. “Issues” was also picked up by the prestigious Apple Music’s editorial playlist New In Alternative. With radio support from influential platforms like the globally syndicated Passport Approved program (heard weekly on 50+ radio stations worldwide), KCRW Los Angeles and WFNM, their reach continues to rise on a global scale. Inspired by the likes of Twenty One Pilots, Foals, Arctic Monkeys, and Chet Faker, Glass Cities continue to push sonic boundaries, making “Issues” not just a single, but a statement. It’s an anthem for the restless, the reflective, and anyone navigating the chaos of being human. Listen to the track HERE, and contact David Parnes for all available opportunities with Glass Cities.
HUMOUR
Glasgow, Scotland’s Humour return with “In The Paddies,” a thrillingly unhinged visual companion to their upcoming debut album Learning Greek, due August 8th via So Young Records. Known for their jagged guitars, lurching dynamics, and vocalist Andreas Christodoulidis’ unmistakably alien delivery, the band pushes their distinct brand of avant-rock further into the weird and wonderful. “In The Paddies” is another glimpse into Learning Greek’s chaotic, emotionally volatile world, an album produced by Idlewild’s Rod Jones and packed with sharp contrasts: sleek riffs give way to throat-ripping catharsis, tenderness unravels into noise. Following a year of writing, Humour burst back with recent singles “Neighbors” and “Plagiarist,” earning a BBC 6 Music playlist spot and praise from Stereogum, Loud & Quiet, NME, and CLASH alike, and “In The Paddies” was recently added to the playlist at BBC 6 Music. With previous EPs Pure Misery and A Small Crowd Gathered To Watch Me already cementing their cult appeal, Learning Greek finds Humour poised for a breakthrough, equal parts bracing, bizarre, and impossible to look away from. The band are getting ready for their in-store shows coming up in Liverpool, Nottingham, Bristol, Kingston, Leeds, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, along with other shows scheduled throughout November and December. Experience the music visual for “In The Paddies” HERE, and contact Humour for all inquiries.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, July 27th, 2025: The weekly import show is heard on more than 40 radio stations on six continents weekly including: Flux FM Berlin (Germany); NINETYSIX Radio (Indonesia); Radio Doble Nueve, Lima (Peru); Radio C Luxembourg; KWSS “93.9FM” Phoenix, AZ; KRML “102.1FM” Carmel, CA; KFRR “New Rock 104.1FM” Fresno, CA; Radio 1, Mumbai (India); WCNR Charlottesville, VA; KIWR “The River” Council Bluffs, IA; RTÉ 2XM Ireland (national radio); 96.2 ZFM The Netherlands; WAPS/WKTL “91.3 The Summit” Akron–Canton-Youngstown, OH; PUK–FM Johannesburg (South Africa); Rock 96.5FM Zambia; 897 FM Bratislava, Slovakia; WITH “90.1FM” Ithaca, NY; UCFM 87.8FM Australian Capital Territory, Australia; WSHR Long Island, NY, WRUR 88.5FM Rochester, NY; WCRU–FM Hamilton, NY; KZND Anchorage, AK; KQCJ Quad Cities, IL; Allgauhit–FM Bavaria Germany; Indie X FM Los Angeles, QCIndie Saskatchewan, Canada; WJSE Cape May/Atlantic City, NJ and on The Independent FM (iHeartRadio) in the United States, as well as many others internationally.
Listen to this two hour show by clicking HERE:
SEAFRET – “Five More Seconds” (Featuring KT Tunstall) (Nettwerk, U.K.)
VELLA – “Freedom” (Universal Music, Sweden)
VLADS – “Waste It On Me” (Unsigned, Australia)
BLOW – “Her World” (DDM, France)
MASI MASI – “The Rain” (Pangea Int’l Music, U.K.)
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE CULT OF THE SUN – “Crystal Kites” (10K Projects, U.S.)
THE VANNS – “Up All Night” (123 Music/Sony Music, Australia)
WAITING FOR SMITH – “I Got That Smiling” (Four One Seven Records, U.K.)
UNPEOPLE – “The Garden” (SharpTone Records, U.K.)
RIIKI REID – “Indulgent (Fruit)” (Warner Music, New Zealand)
LIME CORDIALE & RUEL – “Melodramatic Fanatic” (Chugg Music, Australia)
THE ROYSTON CLUB – “Glued To The Bed” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
DAVE LOFTS – “Just A Man” (Unsigned, Ireland)
THE MOVING STILLS – “Can’t Be Like This Forever” (Unsigned, Australia)
RHETT REPKO – “Don’t Delay” (Unsigned, U.S.)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Stay Gold” (Unsigned, U.S.)
BLACK HONEY – “Psycho” (Foxfive Records, U.K.)
THE AMAZONS – “Night After Night” (Fiction Records, U.K.)
VERONICA FUSARO – “No Rain, No Tears” (Unsigned, Switzerland)
ADMT – “Come Along” (BMG, U.K.)
KIDS RETURN – “My Hero” (Hamburger Records, France)
INHALER – “X-Ray” (Polydor, U.K.)
AVA JOE – “Try Me” (Au Contraire Music, U.K.)
HUMOUR – “Memorial” (So Young Records, U.K.)
ADAM REESE – “Days Like This” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE LOTTERY WINNERS – “Ragdoll” Featuring Chad Kroeger (Modern Sky, U.K.)
SHOBSY – “Dance Or Cry” (Pangea Int’l Music, Ireland)
JEREMY LOOPS – “Wolves” (Universal Music, South Africa)
LUVCAT – “Lipstick” (AWAL, U.K.)
SUNDAY (1994) – “Still Blue” (RCA Records, U.K.)
THE MOLOTOVS – “More, More, More” (Marshall Records, U.K.)
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE – “Teleport” (Unsigned, U.S.)
KINGFISHR – “Gloria” (B-Unique, Ireland)
CAT SERRANO – “Fantasy” (Unsigned, U.S.)
CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS THAI ARTIST WIM: Concord Music Publishing has entered into its first-ever deal in Thailand and Southeast Asia, signing Thai singer, songwriter, and producer WIM to a global publishing agreement. WIM, the moniker of Karn Kasidej Hongladaromp, first made waves as one half of the pop-soul duo HYBS, who built a strong following across Asia and internationally. Since stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist in 2024, he has continued to grow his presence with a string of headline shows throughout Southeast Asia, Korea, and Taiwan. Under this new partnership, Concord will represent WIM’s full songwriting catalog moving forward, including his forthcoming second solo album Honeymood, slated for release on August 13. Matt Tanner, VP A&R, Concord Music Publishing, Australia & New Zealand said, “WIM is leading the wave of Thai artists making a global impact – his ability to create work that resonates across borders is rare, and we’re incredibly proud to welcome him to the Concord family.” In a statement, WIM said, “So much of this journey started in a small room – just me, a laptop, and feelings I didn’t know what to do with. So, getting to work with a global team like Concord feels like a meaningful step forward – not just for the music, but for the stories I’m trying to tell. I’m incredibly excited for the chance to share these stories with more ears, more hearts, and even a few strangers who need the same songs I needed while writing them.”
ANDREW CUSHIN SIGNS WORLDWIDE PUBLISHING DEAL WITH NOTTING HILL MUSIC: Andrew Cushin has inked a global publishing agreement with Notting Hill Music. The partnership will see Notting Hill represent Cushin’s full catalog, while actively supporting upcoming releases, sync placements, and global growth strategies. Known for their long-standing reputation as a leading independent U.K. publisher, Notting Hill Music will work closely with Cushin to help elevate his artistry to new heights. The Newcastle-born artist has drawn widespread praise from artists such as Noel Gallagher, Sam Fender, Louis Tomlinson, and Peter Doherty, all of whom have backed his rise in recent years. Since making his debut in 2020, Cushin has steadily built momentum. His 2023 debut album Waiting For The Rain laid the foundation, while its follow-up, Love Is For Everyone, propelled him further, landing in the U.K.’s Top 40 Albums Chart and reaching No.3 on the Official Independent Albums Chart. His live résumé continues to grow with performances alongside Noel Gallagher, Louis Tomlinson, and slots at major U.K. and European festivals. Earlier this summer, he headlined a homecoming show at the Mouth of the Tyne Festival. Offstage, he’s caught the attention of brands too, securing partnerships with Aston Martin F1, YETI, and Weekend Offender. Looking ahead, Cushin has a packed touring calendar, including support slots with Robbie Williams and Pet Shop Boys, a headline U.K. and European tour in October, culminating at Newcastle’s O2 City Hall, and a North American tour this November.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP TEAMS WITH LIQUIDAX CAPITAL: Universal Music Group (UMG) has entered into an alliance with intellectual property and investment firm Liquidax Capital to bolster the development and commercialization of its growing portfolio of music-related AI technologies. Since 2020, UMG has been innovating in the AI space, creating proprietary tools designed to enhance areas such as artist marketing, data analytics, and music distribution. This new partnership aims to fast-track those efforts by leveraging Liquidax’s expertise in patent strategy, licensing, and product commercialization. As part of the collaboration, UMG and Liquidax have already filed fifteen patents covering areas such as collaborative music creation, multimedia content and campaign tools, music and health applications, AI-driven rights management, and protective measures against AI threats. Two of those patents have already been granted. To manage and license this expanding intellectual property portfolio, a new entity, Music IP Holdings, Inc. (MIH), has been established. MIH will serve as the platform through which UMG’s AI patents and technologies are introduced to the broader global market. Daniel Drolet, Founder of Liquidax and Partner in MIH, said, “We are honored and excited to partner with UMG, the global leader in music innovation and ethical AI. We are laser-focused on advancing UMG’s leadership and their innovative technologies, especially AI, to empower their artists, protect creative rights, foster partnerships, and enhance UMG’s fan experiences worldwide. We are thrilled to be working with UMG to shape the future of music.”
FRONTIERS MUSIC SIGNS ROCK VOCALIST JOHN CORABI: Frontiers Music has signed rock vocalist John Corabi to its artist roster. Best known for his work with acts such as Mötley Crüe, The Dead Daisies, Union, and The Scream, Corabi is now gearing up for a new chapter with upcoming solo music produced and co-written by hitmaker Marti Frederiksen. Corabi’s career took flight in the early ’90s with The Scream, whose debut on Hollywood Records was backed by MTV and rock radio, earning them a dedicated following across the U.S. In 1992, Nikki Sixx tapped him to front Mötley Crüe following Vince Neil’s departure. Corabi went on to co-write and record the band’s 1994 self-titled album, a release that has since achieved cult status among fans. After Neil rejoined Mötley Crüe during the making of Generation Swine, Corabi formed Union with former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick, releasing three records between 1998 and 2001. He later joined Ratt for their 2001 tour, taking on guitar and backing vocal duties, and remained active with the band for much of the 2000s. In 2015, Corabi became a key member of The Dead Daisies, a rotating supergroup of seasoned rock musicians. With them, he toured globally and contributed to a series of albums, while also maintaining a steady solo acoustic career. Over the last decade, Corabi has brought his live performances to audiences across Europe, North and South America, Japan, Australia, and the UK. In 2022, he chronicled his wild ride through rock ‘n’ roll in his autobiography, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades. Tom Lipsky, Head of A&R, North America, Frontiers Label Group, tells A&R Worldwide, “It is exciting to bring John into the Frontiers Label Group. He has fans around the world, and he is respected by the artist community as a musician, singer, and songwriter. John’s latest music will take his accomplished career to an even higher level.”
EMPIRE APPOINTS JENNIFER WAY AS EXECUTIVE VP OF NASHVILLE OPERATION: Empire has named Jennifer Way as its new Executive Vice President of Nashville, as the company continues to grow its presence in the country music capital. In this senior role, Way will be responsible for shaping the strategic vision of Empire’s Nashville operations. She will oversee the division’s daily business, signing and nurturing new talent, and identifying opportunities to expand the company’s impact across the country and Americana music markets. Her appointment follows the success of Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” a global streaming juggernaut with over one billion streams to date. The track also recently made history as the longest-running No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the top spot for 19 consecutive weeks. Way brings 20 years of industry expertise to the role. She most recently served as Sr. Vice President, Marketing, Sony Music Nashville, where she led campaigns for top-tier artists including Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Old Dominion, and Megan Moroney.
WISE MUSIC SIGNS DEAL WITH MEMBERS OF ICELAND’S SIGUR RÓS: Chester Music Limited, a division of Wise Music Group, has finalized a new agreement with the members of Sigur Rós to collaborate on a range of creative publishing projects. Under the deal, the Icelandic band will partner with Chester to develop and release new arrangements, adaptations, and classical interpretations of their work, in addition to publishing original classical compositions. Universal Music Publishing Group will continue to represent the existing Sigur Rós catalog. Separately, band member Kjartan Sveinsson has also inked an exclusive deal with Chester Music to publish his upcoming classical repertoire. This includes his opera Der Klang der Offenbarung des Göttlichen (The Explosive Sonics of Divinity), a collaborative piece with visual artist Ragnar Kjartansson, which premiered at the Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg Platz in Berlin. “Sigur Rós are one of the rare, completely original bands of our time and there is enormous potential for what we can do with their music in partnership with our creative team. We will be attempting some groundbreaking work together to bring their music to entirely new markets,” stated Marcus Wise, CEO of Wise Music Group. “We are also pleased to collaborate with Kjartan, building on the achievements of his opera Der Klang, and assisting him in his continued success in classical music.”
KOBALT NAMES DEREK COURNOYER SR. VP OF GLOBAL DIGITAL BUSINESS: Kobalt has promoted Derek Cournoyer to the position of Sr. Vice President, Global Digital Business. In his new capacity, Cournoyer will lead negotiations on key strategic partnerships with digital platforms including YouTube, TikTok, and Meta. He will also spearhead Kobalt’s efforts in emerging areas such as the creator economy, web3 technologies, and AI-driven innovation, according to a statement from the company. Cournoyer has built most of his professional career at Kobalt, initially joining the sync department in 2011. After a brief tenure at social music platform Smule, he rejoined Kobalt in 2019 as Senior Director of Sync & Business Development. He began his industry journey at Artist Publishing Group. “As a tech-forward music company, it is crucial that our songwriters are protected and are positioned to earn income from emerging technologies,” said Bob Bruderman, Chief Digital Officer at Kobalt. “Derek has played a vital role in forging innovative deals with new partners while ensuring that we have strong relationships with the major digital services and platforms. I am pleased to be able to recognize his contributions by expanding his role at Kobalt.”
SECRETLY DISTRIBUTION ANNOUNCES GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH ORG MUSIC: Secretly Distribution has entered into a global distribution partnership with Los Angeles-based Org Music, an independent label renowned for its audiophile-grade vinyl reissues and cutting-edge new releases. The collaboration will see Secretly taking on worldwide responsibilities for Org’s physical and digital distribution, retail and digital marketing efforts, and backend tech support. The partnership kicks off with two major reissue projects: a series of classic Funkadelic albums remastered from the original tapes, and a curated collection of releases from punk pioneers the Descendents. Produced in direct collaboration with the band, the Descendents reissues will be available in several color variants, featuring original artwork as well as Org Music’s special “Punk Note” deluxe editions, complete with new liner notes and alternate covers. This alliance also positions Secretly Distribution to support Org Music’s catalog partnerships across multiple genres. That includes catalogs like Brunswick Records, Black Lion, Westbound Records, and the GHB Jazz Foundation, as well as releases from artists such as Bad Brains and Tav Falco.
JIM KING NAMED TO CEO OF AEG PRESENTS U.K. & EUROPEAN FESTIVALS: Jim King has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of AEG Presents U.K. & European Festivals. In his expanded role, he will now lead both the company’s festival operations across Europe and its U.K. concert promotions business, spanning everything from stadium and arena tours to grassroots club shows. He will report directly to Adam Wilkes, President & CEO, AEG Presents Europe and Asia Pacific. Alongside King’s promotion, industry veteran Steve Homer will move into a new role as President, U.K. Touring. Reporting to King, Homer will bring his experience and industry relationships to steer AEG’s U.K. touring strategy. Jim King, who first joined AEG Presents in 2008, was instrumental in launching festival brands including BST Hyde Park, which has hosted artists like Elton John, Adele, Bruce Springsteen, and Olivia Rodrigo, as well as All Points East, Lido in London’s Victoria Park, and Rock en Seine in Paris. He also co-founded Bristol’s Forwards Festival with Team Love in 2022. Before joining AEG, King played a key role in shaping the U.K. festival landscape, having worked on events like Creamfields, RockNess, and Bestival.
ANGRY MOB MUSIC LAUNCHES NEW CREATIVE SYNC DIVISION, AM2: Angry Mob Music Group has unveiled AM2, a newly established in-house creative sync division. This new arm brings together sync production, sync A&R, and licensing into a cohesive and agile unit, designed to better serve the evolving needs of media clients and creative partners. Spearheaded by Angry Mob’s Co-Founder and Executive Director of Creative Sync, Sean Harrison, AM2 is built to be a centralized hub for music solutions tailored to visual media. As part of its launch, the company has named Jessie LaBelle as Director of Creative Sync and Ashleigh Coulter as Manager of Creative Sync, joining current Creative Sync Manager Ryan Brooks. The trio is strategically located across creative markets, Chicago (LaBelle), Los Angeles (Coulter), and New York (Brooks), and will report directly to Harrison. AM2 is purpose-built to serve the full range of sync needs across advertising, film and TV, gaming, trailers, and promos. It offers services including custom music composition, music supervision, strategic licensing, and sync A&R. The team takes a collaborative, direct approach, whether crafting original scores or sourcing the perfect track from curated catalogs. At the heart of AM2 is a global network of boundary-pushing songwriters, producers, and composers. Their client roster includes brands like Marvel, Google, Toyota, PlayStation, Walmart, WNBA, and more.
PRODUCER LEX LUGER AND LEMONAIDE LAUNCH “CREATOR-FIRST” AI MODEL WITH BEATSTARS: Hip-hop and trap producer Lex Luger has teamed up with BeatStars and Lemonaide to launch his own AI-driven music creation tool. Released via BeatStars’ Collab Club, the Lex Luger AI Model provides producers with royalty-free WAV and MIDI loops crafted in Luger’s distinctive style. Priced at $49.99 (USD) for a limited time, the model includes a curated library of 4- and 8-bar loops, an exclusive bonus sound pack for early adopters, and entry into a global beat-making competition that features mentorship opportunities and prizes. The content is pre-cleared for commercial use on projects generating up to one million streams or for major label placements. Luger, a founding member of the influential 808 Mafia collective, is celebrated for producing tracks like Waka Flocka Flame’s “Hard in Da Paint” and “H•A•M” by Jay Z and Kanye West. This launch continues the ongoing collaboration between BeatStars and Lemonaide, who announced an alliance in 2023 aimed at setting new ethical standards for AI tools in music production.
SUPERIOR MUSIC PUBLISHING PARTNERS WITH DIONYSUS RECORDS: Superior Music Publishing has entered into a global publishing administration agreement with Southern California’s Dionysus Records, a storied independent label known for its wide-ranging and unconventional catalog. Founded in 1983 by Lee Joseph, Dionysus has built a distinctive repertoire that spans decades and genres, from 1950s garage rock to experimental electro-pop and contemporary indie sounds. As part of the partnership, Superior will handle worldwide publishing administration for the label’s extensive catalog. In addition, Superior has also inked a separate global deal with genre-blending artist Jesika Von Rabbit. The agreement covers her solo material, including the recently released Bunnywood Babylon on Dionysus, as well as works from her time as frontwoman of Gram Rabbit, the cult desert electro-rock band known for five critically praised albums released between 2004 and 2012.
DJ-BUILT LIVESTREAMING PLATFORM LFG.TV TO LAUNCH SOON: LFG.TV is set to debut as a dedicated livestreaming platform built specifically for the global dance music scene. Launching worldwide on September 1, 2025, LFG.TV has been developed by a collective of veteran DJs, technologists, and music industry professionals. The platform arrives with strong backing from key players in the dance music ecosystem, including inMusic (home to Denon DJ, Rane, Numark, Stanton, and EngineDJ), Technics, Beatport, Toolroom, Defected, Sultra Records, Freeze/InHouse Records, and others. Designed with DJs and fans in mind, LFG.TV offers round-the-clock livestreams, curated genre-specific channels, and interactive features that allow real-time engagement between performers and viewers. DJs benefit from customizable profiles, discovery tools, and a framework of pre-cleared licensing, enabling seamless and legal streaming. Optimized for mobile use, LFG.TV is free to access and is currently hosting a registration competition that includes cash prize incentives.
NICKI SHAMEL APPOINTED HEAD OF TUNECORE, U.S.: Nicki Shamel has been appointed as Head of TuneCore in the United States, a newly created role at the Believe-owned music distribution platform. Shamel will oversee TuneCore’s U.S. operations from its New York City headquarters, reporting directly to Chief Revenue Officer Brian Miller. Her appointment comes as the company intensifies its emphasis on artist development and aims to strengthen its presence in the U.S. market. In her new position, Shamel will lead efforts to support independent artists through TuneCore’s suite of services, including the TuneCore Accelerator program and the recently launched ‘Advanced Trends and Analytics’ dashboard. The platform, introduced earlier this year, is designed to provide artists with detailed performance insights to help accelerate their careers. According to the company, songs featured on the Accelerator platform have generated over 21 billion streams in 2024, with participation nearing 450,000 artists. Shamel will also oversee a U.S.-based team focused on artist acquisition and growth and will collaborate closely with the Artist Success and DSP Partnerships teams to deliver enhanced support for TuneCore creators. Before joining TuneCore, Shamel served as Sr. Vice President at AWAL, where she led the Global Commercial Partnerships team and helped drive strategic relationships with key streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music. During her tenure, she aided in elevating the careers of artists like Laufey, Jungle, and Little Simz. Shamel’s background also includes seven years at Sony Music in international marketing and sales roles, and she began her career in digital marketing at Primary Wave Music.
ONERPM SIGNS VERZACHE: ONErpm has officially welcomed Verzache to its roster, marking a milestone for the Toronto-based artist hailed by NME as the “bedroom pop titan” and described by Flaunt Magazine as “a trailblazer of the modern, angst-fueled acoustic sound.” Verzache has built an expanding audience, his catalog approaching one billion global streams, and with the support of ONErpm’s global infrastructure, he will receive a full-scale, customized marketing approach tailored to his unique artistic vision. For the first time, Verzache will be supported by a global team focused on amplifying his reach through a coordinated, multi-platform strategy. This includes worldwide distribution, digital marketing campaigns, fan-focused activations, and direct-to-consumer engagement, all carefully aligned to support his creative direction and connect with fans across every touchpoint. “It feels unbelievably full circle that almost a decade since I initially reached out to Verzache as a huge fan, he is now part of the ONErpm family,” states Yasmin Damoui, Sr. A&R and Business Development, ONErpm. “Zach [Verzache] and the whole Raw Material team have been incredible long-standing partners, and we’re thrilled to build upon the success that he’s already accomplished. 2025 is the year that fans will not only continue to admire Zach’s artistry, but they will also get to know the genuine & hilarious human behind the art.”
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Anurag Rao, Atul Churamani, Jon Vlassopulos, Kerri Drootin, Nora Felder, John McGrew, Catherine Wharton, Paul Wiltshire, Chris Taylor, Sean Mulligan, Jochen Schuster, Matt Marshall, Ben Maddahi, and Johnny Minardi. 
