NEBULA17 HIRES ROB INADOMI TO HEAD U.S. LABEL & LEAD GLOBAL A&R FOR JAPANESE TALENT
Nebula17 has named former RCA Records U.S. executive Rob Inadomi as Founding Partner and President of Label and A&R.
Based in Los Angeles, Inadomi will report to Naoki Osada, Founder & CEO, Nebula 17, and will take charge of launching the company’s U.S. label operations and driving global A&R initiatives designed to broaden the reach of “culturally progressive” Japanese artists worldwide.
Founded earlier this year with multi-million-dollar investments from both U.S. and Japanese backers, Nebula17 operates across label, publishing, management, strategic consulting, and venture capital. Osada, a 20-year veteran of Avex and former CEO of its U.S. division, previously guided Avex’s American expansion and forged partnerships with Roc Nation and Brandon Silverstein‘s S10.
Inadomi’s remit will include assembling songwriter and producer collaborations tailored to Japanese acts entering the U.S. market. He is already engaged in projects with Japanese artists aimed at American audiences. A fourth-generation Japanese American, Inadomi brings deep ties to both Western and Asian music sectors.
At RCA, where he served as Vice President of A&R, he expanded the label’s presence in dance/electronic music and K-pop, working with Kygo, Martin Garrix, Alan Walker, Oliver Heldens, ATEEZ, and RIIZE. He is also credited with A&R’ing Kygo and Whitney Houston‘s global hit “Higher Love.”
Rob Inadomi said, “Partnering with Naoki to launch Nebula17 is about building a culture that truly puts artists and their music first. I have always admired his vision and the thoughtful way he built Avex USA. Together at Nebula17, we’re committed to creating an environment where artists at every stage of their careers receive true support from A&R to strategic marketing and long-term career development. Just as a nebula is a birthplace for stars, Nebula17 aims to spark the next generation of global music innovators.”
Naoki Osada added, “Rob is an exceptional executive who seamlessly blends creative intuition with a strategic mindset. His proven A&R success and genuine passion for artist development make him the ideal partner to shape the future of Nebula17’s label and create new opportunities for Japanese artists worldwide. I deeply respect his bold, mission-driven decision to join Nebula17 — a startup built with purpose — which I believe will lead to a defining moment in the future.”
Operating from a purpose-built “studio house” in West Hollywood, Nebula17 delivers bespoke A&R and marketing services for its artist roster.
WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC SIGNS GLOBAL DEAL WITH PHIL PLESTED
Warner Chappell Music has inked a worldwide agreement with singer-songwriter Phil Plested to represent his future works.
In addition to his own artist career, Plested has penned songs for a roster including Anne-Marie, Bastille, David Guetta, Jonas Brothers, Kygo, Lewis Capaldi, Little Mix, Niall Horan, and The Vamps.
Plested’s breakthrough as a songwriter came in 2016 with Little Mix’s U.K. Top Five single “Touch.” He later scored his first U.K. No.1 in 2019 with Lewis Capaldi’s “Before You Go,” which earned him ASCAP‘s “Most Performed Pop Song” award. He reunited with Capaldi for “Forget Me.”
Across his career, Plested’s songwriting credits have amassed more than nine billion streams worldwide, including global hits such as Kygo x OneRepublic‘s “Lose Somebody” and Marshmello x Jonas Brothers’ “Leave Before You Love Me.”
Emily Green, Director, A&R and Catalog Warner Chappell Music U.K., said, “I couldn’t be more excited to finally be working with Phil as I’ve been a huge fan since we first met in 2017. I can’t wait to dive in and get Phil working across even more exciting projects globally, as well as being a part of his incredible ongoing artist project. Phil has been key to a lot of Warner Chappell songs and attended most of our songwriting camps across the years, so I know that our whole team worldwide is so excited to officially have him as part of the family. Thank you to Phil, Hannan & Amar for trusting us with Phil’s publishing – we’re going to have a lot of fun!”
Shani Gonzales, Managing Director of WCM U.K. & Head of International A&R, added, “Phil is an amazing songwriter whose music has a truly global reach. For years it has felt like he has been part of the WCM extended family, having taken part in a number of our global songwriting camps and having worked closely with our teams both in the U.K. and the United States. I’m delighted we’ve made the relationship official and can work even closer with him to tap into his creative brilliance.”
CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS GLOBAL HITMAKER FRASER T SMITH TO A WORLDWIDE DEAL
Concord Music Publishing has entered into a new global publishing agreement with producer, songwriter, and musician Fraser T Smith. The partnership covers his upcoming projects alongside select works from his back catalog.
Over the course of more than 20 years in the industry, Smith has collaborated with Adele, Stormzy, Dave, Sam Smith, Kano, Celine Dion, James Morrison, and Snow Patrol. His work has earned him a Grammy, Ivor Novello, and BRIT Awards.
Smith’s songwriting and production credits include hits such as Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain,” Stormzy’s “Blinded by Your Grace Pt. 2” and “Crown,” Dave’s Mercury Prize-winning Psychodrama, and James Morrison’s “Broken Strings.” Most recently, he contributed to Snow Patrol’s 2024 album The Forest Is The Path.
Fraser T Smith said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the Concord family. Kim’s reputation and global success speak for themselves, and she’s built an exceptionally creative team and culture that feel completely aligned with our vision for this exciting new chapter.”
Kim Frankiewicz, EVP of Global A&R at Concord Music Publishing, added, “Fraser T Smith is a true expert in his craft and a trailblazer in music. His record speaks for itself, and his ability to innovate and elevate artists is unmatched. We are thrilled to partner with Fraser on this new chapter and to support his creative vision on a global scale.”
Earlier this month, Fraser T Smith co-wrote and produced multiple tracks on Kae Tempest‘s critically acclaimed new album Self Titled, which has been praised for its sharp lyricism and sonic ambition. Smith is also currently back in the studio with Dave, continuing their long-standing creative partnership.
AUSTEN ADAMS APPOINTED PRESIDENT AT WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC NASHVILLE
Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has named Austen Adams as its new President for WCM Nashville, effective September 15. In his new role, Adams will report directly to WCM Co-Chairs, CEO Guy Moot and COO Carianne Marshall.
Adams makes the move from Big Loud, where he spent the past six years as Chief Operating Officer across the company’s Publishing and Records divisions. At Big Loud, he worked closely with Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Miranda Lambert, Ernest, and Stephen Wilson Jr. He was instrumental in expanding services for both songwriters and artists, refining creative strategy, and driving significant business growth. Under his leadership, the company’s team grew from fewer than 30 to more than 100 staff, while its songwriting roster, featuring Co-Founders Craig Wiseman and Joey Moi, produced over 300 singles, earned three Grammy Awards, and celebrated 90 No.1 hits.
Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall said, “Austen is a class act, with trusted relationships across the industry, and a holistic understanding of both the creative and the commercial. Given our longstanding, successful partnership with Austen, Seth, and the Big Loud team, this is a very natural move for both him and us. We’re excited about what he’ll contribute to Warner Chappell and the songwriting community, nurturing the culture in Nashville, while finding fresh ways to bring its talent global opportunities. With Austen and our amazing team on Music Row, we know the commitment, integrity, and humanity of Ben Vaughn‘s legacy will be carried into the future.”
Adams added, “I’ve always believed that songs and songwriters are the soul of our business. Which is why I’ve been a longtime admirer of what Ben Vaughn and the Warner Chappell team have built. I’m deeply honored to be entrusted with leading the next chapter. Together, we’ll champion storytelling, protect creativity, and help songwriters share their visions in bold and impactful ways. Thank you to Guy and Carianne for their trust in me, and to everyone at Big Loud – especially Seth, Craig, and Joey – for their faith and support these last six years.”
With two decades of industry experience, Adams brings a unique blend of skills in artist management and entertainment law. Before joining Big Loud, he spent more than 15 years as an entertainment attorney, representing both artists and executives in structuring record deals, publishing agreements, and joint ventures. His work has earned him spots on Billboard‘s Country and Indie Power Players lists, as well as recognition from Leadership Music‘s Class of 2019.
FORMAT ENTERTAINMENT TO HOST GROUNDBREAKING GROUP SYNC PANEL AT MUSEXPO 2026 IN BURBANK, CA
The global music and media communities are set to converge in the “Media Capital of the World” as Format Entertainment (www.formatent.com), the preeminent creative agency and music supervision collective, will present a first-of-its-kind group panel at the 26th global edition of MUSEXPO (www.musexpo.net) taking place March 22–25, 2026, in Burbank, California.
The panel will provide a rare look behind the scenes of this music powerhouse. From their work across the entirety of the Marvel universe to their supervision efforts on films at Netflix, Paramount, Amazon, and many more, as well as Formats publishing work across the global media landscape.
This highly anticipated forum marks the first time Format Entertainment’s core executive and creative team will take the stage together – offering an unprecedented opportunity for music creators, artists, producers, composers, songwriters, managers, music supervisors, A&R executives, publishers, sync reps, and industry stakeholders to engage directly with one of the most influential forces in music for visual media.
With film and television credits spanning the world’s most franchises, Format Entertainment is a driving force behind the soundtracks of our time. From billion-dollar Marvel blockbusters and acclaimed television dramas to innovative animation and cultural brand campaigns, the Format team has helped define the emotional and cultural resonance of storytelling through music.
The Format panel will unpack the intricate world of music supervision and original content creation; from spotting sessions and rights clearance to creative direction, custom music development, and building lasting relationships between storytellers and music makers.
This session promises to be impactful, candid, highly educational, and a must-attend for any industry professional looking to better understand the modern sync and scoring ecosystem. The panel will feature an elite lineup of Format’s senior leadership, each bringing unique expertise and a portfolio of world-class projects:
Dave Jordan, Founder & CEO, Format Entertainment. Widely recognized as the most commercially successful music supervisor in film history, Dave Jordan has shaped the sound of Hollywood for over two decades. As the exclusive music supervisor for Marvel Studios since its inception, Dave has overseen the music for all 37 Marvel Cinematic Universe films and 14 Disney+ shows, including Guardians of the Galaxy, Iron Man, Black Panther, Avengers, and Captain Marvel. He also supervised the award-winning soundtracks for Transformers, Fast and Furious, and Paw Patrol, Dave is a founding member of the Guild of Music Supervisors and a former member of the Grammy Los Angeles Board of Governors.
Justine von Winterfeldt, Head of Music Supervision, Format Entertainment. An Emmy Award-winning music supervisor, Justine brings a rare combination of creative instinct and strategic vision. She has led music supervision for Mike Flanagan‘s acclaimed horror series Midnight Mass, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Midnight Club, and The Fall of the House of Usher, as well as Netflix‘s Lost Ollie, Amazon‘s Invincible, and Marvel’s series Hawkeye, Agatha: Coven of Chaos, and Daredevil: Born Again. Justine’s work reflects a deep commitment to character-driven storytelling and bold sonic identities across genres.
Amanda Grocky, Head of Publishing, Format Entertainment. Amanda leads publishing operations and original music development at Format, overseeing a vast catalog used in hit series including Euphoria, The White Lotus, Empire, Atlanta, This Is Us, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and Grown-ish. She also runs The Math Club‘s publishing arm, coordinating the creative and business development of custom music created in-house. Her strategic vision has helped Format emerge as one of the most impactful sync companies in the world.
Christian Zabala, Lead Music Supervisor, Format Entertainment. Christian brings a deep background in music curation and supervision to the Format team, with a focus on tentpole franchises and innovative series. He is currently involved in supervising several Marvel Studios titles including X-Men ’97, Echo, Vision Quest, and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, while also contributing to projects such as The Rookie, Devil May Cry, and The Fall of the House of Usher. His work bridges the gap between contemporary culture and fan-driven storytelling.
Cheapshot, Founder, The Math Club / Lead Producer, Format Entertainment. From the underground hip-hop scene to the mainstream music-for-media world, Cheapshot is a pioneering music producer and creative director. After breaking through with Styles of Beyond and the Billboard hit “Remember the Name” (Fort Minor), he founded The Math Club, a collection of incredible artists who focus on creating music in visual media. His credits include Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Shazam, Empire, Euphoria, Atlanta, and Power. His conceptual project History Class features collaborations with hip-hop legends such as Onyx, Masta Ace, and Special Ed — reinforcing Format’s dedication to genre authenticity and innovation.
This Format Entertainment panel offers a rare opportunity to understand how the most in-demand music supervisors, and creators in the business think, work, and choose music.
For over 20 years, MUSEXPO has brought together leaders across the global music, media, tech, and sync industries. This year’s event in Burbank — home to Warner Bros. Studios, Disney Pictures, Netflix Animation, Hulu, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, ABC, Universal Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, and many others — sets the perfect stage for this landmark session.
For more information about MUSEXPO 2026, including registration to attend the event, and artist showcase opportunities, visit www.musexpo.net.
Early Bird Registration Expires August 31st. Sign up HERE to save.
For details on sponsorships, partnerships, or additional information, contact info@anrworldwide.com.
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 is known for bringing together some of the most interesting people from around the world, from executives to creatives. Of course, the globally renowned A&R Worldwide dinners continue to be a must-attend event as one never knows who will be on the guest list, and where those new relationships will lead, as far as future opportunities. Attending a previous A&R Worldwide dinner at the Mr. C Hotel in Beverly Hills are (L-R): Bob Lefsetz, Publisher, The Lefsetz Letter; Eric Greenspan (Partner, Law Firm of Myman, Greenspan, Fineman, Fox, Rosenberg & Light), and Tom Windish (Booking Agent, EVPA&R and Business Development, Wasserman Music).
CIRCA WAVES
Liverpool indie titans Circa Waves are back with a bang, unleashing “Cherry Bomb,” the sun-kissed, slacker-cool anthem dripping with Strokes-esque swagger and pure-hearted devotion. It’s the second chapter from Death & Love Pt.2, released on October 24 via Lower Third/[PIAS]. The single arrives out of a whirlwind of creativity following frontman Keiran Shuddall‘s brush with mortality in early 2023, when a blocked artery led to emergency heart surgery. Part one of Death & Love, released in January, wrestled with fear, loss, and starting over. Part two, Shuddall says, “feels like the more optimistic side… coming through the other side. It’s about love, life, survival, and euphoria.” Since forming in Liverpool in 2013, Circa Waves have risen from buzzy newcomers to U.K. indie heavyweights, scoring Top Ten albums and packing out venues with their electrifying live shows. Now, with Death & Love Pt.2, they’re cementing their mission: to soundtrack nights worth remembering, dances worth losing yourself in, and the kind of friendships that make life worth living. Listen to “Cherry Bomb” HERE, and contact Ant Giannaccini for all inquiries on behalf of Circa Waves.
SHOBSY
Irish pop powerhouse Shobsy launches a bold new chapter with his hypnotic single “Dance or Cry,” unveiling the track alongside a striking music video and the announcement of his signing to influential U.K. label So Recordings. Inspired by Berlin’s late-night club scene and laced with melancholic glam, the track showcases Shobsy’s talent for emotional, genre-blurring pop, offering a first glimpse of his debut EP Own The Night, due later this year. Already hailed by EARMILK as “a multi-colored pop banger, dripping in riveting falsetto” and praised by Hot Press as a future peer to “Harry Styles, Lewis Capaldi, and Sam Smith,” Shobsy’s momentum is undeniable. He’s earned acclaim from PopMatters, Nialler9, The Late Late Show, and Record of the Day; performed sold-out headline shows across Ireland; signed a global publishing deal with Pangea International (in partnership with Sony Music Publishing); and was personally invited to perform at the Irish President’s residence alongside Dermot Kennedy and Gavin James. A captivating live performer, Shobsy recently wowed international industry leaders as a special guest at MUSEXPO‘s International Music Industry Awards gala dinner in Burbank, CA, and has shared the stage with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra at iconic venues including the 3Arena and National Concert Hall. Fans and industry alike can catch him live in London on Thursday, October 23rd at The Green Room at The Devonshire (17 Denman St, W1D 7HW). His follow-up single “Not Another Love Song” drops August 29th, building momentum toward one of the year’s most exciting pop debuts. Watch the video for “Dance Or Cry” HERE, and for guest list access or industry inquiries, including licensing, booking, sync, and brand opportunities, please contact David Reid.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, August 17th, 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:
GLASS CITIES – “Issues” (Unsigned, U.S.)
CULT OF VENUS – “Sinner” (Avenue A Records, U.S.)
DEAF HAVANA – “Lawn Tennis” (SO Recordings, U.K.)
BLOW – “Her World” (DDM, France)
THE MOLOTOVS – “Today’s Gonna Be Our Day” (Marshall Records, U.K.)
SEAFRET – “Five More Seconds” (Featuring KT Tunstall) (Nettwerk, U.K.)
VLADS – “Waste It On Me” (Unsigned, Australia)
ADMT – “Come Along” (BMG, U.K.)
THE ROYSTON CLUB – “Glued To The Bed” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
FINN FORSTER – “Broken Game” (Interval Records, U.K.)
GORDON’S GRANDSON – “Angel” (Anti-Dismal, Australia)
MASI MASI – “The Rain” (Pangea Int’l Music, U.K.)
RHETT REPKO – “Don’t Delay” (Unsigned, U.S.)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Stay Gold” (Unsigned, U.S.)
CAT SERRANO – “Fantasy” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE MOVING STILLS – “Can’t Be Like This Forever” (Unsigned, Australia)
KARIN ANN – “I Was Never Yours” (Unsigned, Slovakia)
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE CULT OF THE SUN – “Crystal Kites” (10K Projects, U.S.)
WAITING FOR SMITH – “I Got That Smiling” (Four One Seven Records, U.K.)
KIDS RETURN – “My Hero” (Hamburger Records, France)
THE VANNS – “Accomplice” (123 Music/Sony Music, Australia)
DAVE LOFTS – “Just A Man” (Unsigned, Ireland)
INHALER – “X-Ray” (Polydor, U.K.)
VELLA – “Freedom” (Universal Music, Sweden)
ALEX SPENCER – “Where Do We Go From Here?” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
THE AMAZONS – “Night After Night” (Fiction Records, U.K.)
CALUM BOWIE – “The World Outside” (Polydor, U.K.)
DANI MARCHIO – “Happy 4 U” (Patøn Place Records, Australia)
COYLE GIRELLI – “Pretty” (Sun Label Group, U.K.)
RIIKI REID – “Candy” (Warner Music, New Zealand)
ADAM REESE – “Days Like This” (Unsigned, U.S.)
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE – “Teleport” (Unsigned, U.S.)
UNPEOPLE – “The Garden” (SharpTone Records, U.K.)
SHOBSY – “Dance Or Cry” (Pangea Int’l Music, Ireland)
THG INDIA SIGNS NIKHITA GANDHI TO GLOBAL MANAGEMENT & BOOKING DEAL: THG India, a joint venture between Sony Music India and Los Angeles-based entertainment company The Hello Group has announced the signing of Indian singer Nikhita Gandhi to an exclusive global management and bookings agreement. Gandhi, whose work spans Bollywood, independent pop, and cross-genre collaborations, currently attracts approximately 12 million monthly listeners on Spotify and has amassed a combined 3.5 billion streams across platforms. She is recognized for her contributions to major Hindi film soundtracks as well as her growing catalog of original pop releases. Since debuting in 2013, Gandhi has collaborated with leading composers and artists across India’s music industry, lending her voice to chart-topping songs such as “Raabta,” “Qaafirana,” and “Ullu Ka Pattha,” while also developing a solo repertoire that blends Hindi, English, and regional influences. Her career has extended beyond Bollywood, with collaborations in pop, hip-hop, and electronic music both in India and internationally. The agreement with THG India is intended to expand Gandhi’s reach into new markets, with a focus on building opportunities that connect South Asian music to global audiences. This aligns with the company’s stated strategy of developing crossover acts who can navigate both domestic and international music landscapes. THG India, launched in 2022, has been steadily building a roster of artists from across South Asia. The joint venture combines Sony Music India’s local infrastructure and industry relationships with The Hello Group’s global artist development, branding, and live bookings capabilities.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC KOREA SIGNS LIM KIM: Universal Music Korea has announced the exclusive signing of singer-songwriter Lim Kim, adding her to a roster that includes Dean, Heyoon, Okasian, and Bryan Chase. Lim Kim first rose to fame in 2011 as part of the duo Togeworl, formed during the televised talent competition Superstar K3. She launched her solo career in 2013 with the EP, A Voice, whose title track “All Right” soared to the top of the charts. Her artistic journey continued in 2019 with the single “sal-Ki” and the genre-blending EP Generasian, which earned “Best Song” and “Best Dance & Electronic Album” at the 17th Korean Music Awards. Notably, the tracks “Yellow” and “Yo-Soul” became mission songs on the hit TV dance series Street Woman Fighter 2, with choreography by 1Million Dance Studio, a creative partnership that continued into 2024 for her single “ULT.” Outside of her musical achievements, Lim Kim has become a style and beauty trendsetter, serving as the face of luxury brand Hera and cementing her influence in both fashion and music. Calvin Wong, CEO of Universal Music Group Southeast Asia and Korea, & SVP of Asia, commented, “Lim Kim has always brought a fresh perspective to the music scene with her unique voice and creative flair. We’re thrilled to collaborate with her on the next chapter of her artistic journey, in Korea and beyond.”
GOLDSTATE ACQUIRES CATALOG OF HITMAKER YUNG LAN IN 7-FIGURE DEAL: GoldState Music has secured the catalog of Grammy-nominated producer and entrepreneur Yung Lan in a deal reportedly worth seven figures, following the company’s recent $500 million (USD) fundraising for music rights acquisitions. The acquisition covers some of Lan’s most notable works, including Fetty Wap‘s “RGF Island,” Morgan Wallen‘s “Cowgirls” and “Girl Gone Missin’,” Lil Uzi Vert‘s “That Way,” Roddy Ricch‘s “Boom Boom Boom,” and “Bacc Seat” feat. Ty Dolla $ign, as well as NBA YoungBoy‘s “Renada,” and “Nurse.” Lan’s credits also span collaborations with Lil Wayne, H.E.R., Nicki Minaj, Kevin Gates, and Khalid. His catalog has amassed more than six billion global streams, earned over 30 RIAA Platinum and Gold certifications, and contributed to over 20 Billboard No.1 singles and albums across hip-hop and country. The deal was facilitated by Ruchir Mohan, Director of Publishing A&R / Management at 1916 Enterprises. Lan first broke through with multiple credits on Fetty Wap’s debut album, including “RGF Island.” Beyond producing, he is the Founder of Defiant Studios in Richmond, Virginia, runs the educational Yung Lan Beats platform, and has expanded his ventures into real estate. “For GoldState Music, this acquisition represents a significant opportunity to support Yung Lan’s extensive back catalog, which will undoubtedly stand the test of time,” said Charles Goldstuck, Managing Partner of GoldState Music, who founded the company in 2022. “We’re excited about partnering with him and his team, not only to preserve the legacy of his impressive and genre-defying work to date, but also to further his future creative endeavors.”
KOBALT AND SPOTIFY STRIKE NEW DIRECT LICENSING AGREEMENT: Spotify has signed a new multi-year licensing deal with Kobalt, aimed at giving U.S. songwriters greater flexibility, efficiency, value, and protection. The agreement is the result of close collaboration between the two companies to create a licensing model that supports new formats and innovations, while opening fresh opportunities for connecting artists with audiences. It also marks a wider industry move toward licensing approaches that let songwriters share more directly in the value generated by their work on streaming platforms. “We’ve always believed that better partnerships lead to better outcomes,” said Alex Norström, Co-President & Chief Business Officer, Spotify. “This agreement with Kobalt boosts our support of songwriters through a licensing model that unlocks new growth and will expand the way music is made and shared today.” Laurent Hubert, CEO of Kobalt said, “As the largest independent music publisher dedicated to fighting for the rights of songwriters, this deal reaffirms our unwavering commitment to ensuring our songwriters are paid fairly for their work and underscores the importance of progressive licensing models that reflect the real-world use of music across digital platforms. This partnership is a step in the right direction, and we look forward to continuing to work with Spotify to increase the value of songwriter royalties.”
POSITION MUSIC SIGNS PRODUCER FREEDO TO GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL: Tyler Bacon, President & CEO of Position Music, tells A&R Worldwide that Swiss-born producer Freedo has signed a global publishing agreement with the company. Freedo’s track record includes chart successes with Zara Larsson, The Chainsmokers, ENHYPEN, Alok, and Ava Max, along with remixes for global stars such as Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and Demi Lovato. Known for letting his music speak louder than words, Freedo crafts a signature mix of pop and sonic textures that resonate with chart followers, club audiences, and pop culture tastemakers alike. Influenced by rave culture, European hip-hop, and the golden era when Timbaland and The Neptunes dominated airwaves with vibrant beats, Freedo focuses on creating songs designed for memorable moments. His body of work has already amassed more than eight billion streams worldwide. Mike Torres, A&R, Position Music, said “Freedo has a gift for reaching the top in any genre he works in. From massive pop anthems like ‘Lush Life’ to dance hits like ‘Takeaway,’ and heartfelt singer-songwriter tracks like Henry Moodie‘s ‘drunk text,’ Freedo has a rare ability to make any song feel both global and unforgettable. Collaborating with him is a dream, and I’m beyond excited for what’s ahead.”
CAPITOL MUSIC GROUP ANNOUNCES URBAN MARKETING PROMOTIONS: Capitol Music Group has announced the promotion of marketing executive Jessica Eason to Sr. Vice President of Marketing. Her elevation further strengthens the label’s Urban Marketing leadership team, which also includes Dante Smith, now Sr. VP/Head of Motown Digital, and Justin Grant, who came aboard last fall as Sr. VP/Head of Urban Digital. Eason, who has been with Capitol Records for over seven years, has steadily advanced within its marketing department, spearheading campaigns for artists including Doechii, JT (of City Girls) in partnership with TDE and QC, Offset, and Quavo, among others. She has also overseen numerous special projects on the label. Before joining Capitol, she built her career as a publicist at PMK*BNC, leading media initiatives for brands such as Beats by Dre, T-Mobile, WWE, and Samsung. Smith, who took on the role of Head of Motown Digital last year, now adds the Sr. Vice President title to his remit. Over the past four years, he has aided in digital campaigns for artists including Offset, Quavo, Toosii, JT, Kali Uchis, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, Ice Spice, Queen Naija, and Migos. His efforts helped propel Lil Baby’s WHAM to a Number One debut on the Billboard 200, and he is currently overseeing the rollout of Offset’s forthcoming KIARI project. Grant, with more than a decade of marketing experience, joined Capitol after serving as VP of Digital Marketing and Sports Partnerships at Atlantic Records, where he helped develop early careers for Cardi B, Lil Uzi Vert, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, PNB Rock, and NBA YoungBoy. In just a few months at Capitol, he has already contributed to the success of YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s MASA, which debuted at No.6 on the Billboard 200, and is currently working closely on Skrilla‘s upcoming fall release.
JADE LEMAC SIGNS WITH WARNER MUSIC CANADA: Warner Music Group has officially welcomed Jade LeMac to its global artist roster. Alongside the signing, Jade has announced her EP, It’s Always At Night, set for release on November 7th through Warner Music Canada / East West Records. The news arrives in tandem with her latest single, “Running Home.” Lemac’s work has already earned praise from outlets such as LA Weekly, OnesToWatch, Rolling Stone, and Wonderland Magazine, as well as a GLAAD Award nomination for “Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist.” With over 1.6 million TikTok followers, more than 410 million total streams, and 3.4 million monthly Spotify listeners, Jade has cultivated a devoted fanbase by embracing her identity as a Queer Vietnamese Canadian and redefining modern pop stardom. Her breakout hit “Constellations” not only resonated online but was also featured in the 2024 film Sidelined: The QB and Me, with its piano version appearing in Netflix‘s My Life With The Walter Boys. It’s Always At Night will feature four new tracks, alongside “Running Home” and the fan-favorite “Pink Balloon.” Through the project, Jade explores love in all its complexities, heartbreak, desire, joy, and vulnerability, inviting listeners into her world. This summer, Jade took part in Osheaga in Montreal and Lollapalooza in Chicago. Looking ahead, she will join Grammy Award-winner Maren Morris as the opening act on her upcoming North American tour this fall.
MOM+POP NAMES ZOE BARTON EVP OF DIGITAL, VIRAL, COMMERCE & MARKETING: Independent label Mom+Pop Music has named Zoe Barton as Executive Vice President of Digital, Viral (Pipes), Commerce, and Marketing. In her new role, Barton will oversee strategy and execution across multiple divisions, leveraging more than ten years of expertise in artist development, marketing, and viral growth. She will collaborate closely with Mom+Pop Co-Founders Michael Goldstone and Thaddeus Rudd. Barton most recently served as General Manager and Head of Creative at ORIGIN, where she spearheaded digital strategies and high-impact campaigns for artists such as A$AP Rocky, LISA, and ONE OK ROCK. Her career also includes senior roles at major labels, she co-led Warner Records‘ viral marketing department, driving campaigns for Zach Bryan, Omar Apollo, Dua Lipa, and Sombr, and was instrumental in launching Columbia Records‘ viral marketing arm, contributing to hits including “Mood” by 24kGoldn, “Stay” by The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, and Adele‘s “Easy On Me.” Michael Goldstone said, “Zoe joining Mom+Pop is culturally and musically impactful for us. She is an artist in her own right, a visionary, and we deeply value her acumen and creative instincts. We are looking forward to seeing her soar at Mom+Pop.”
BAMBIE THUG SIGNS TO SPINEFARM AND UMPG: Cork, Ireland-born breakout artist Bambie Thug has joined the roster of rock label Spinefarm and unveiled their latest single, “Redrum.” Produced by Shaun Lopez, the track arrives on the heels of Bambie Thug’s debut at Glastonbury and a recent European run supporting Babymetal and Poppy. “Redrum” is their first release under a global recording deal with Spinefarm, home to Bullet For My Valentine, Creeper, Dayseeker, and Black Veil Brides, and coincides with the signing of a worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group. The new single follows last year’s “Fangtasy,” and “Hex So Heavy.” In the past year, Bambie Thug completed their first headline trek, the Crown The Witch tour, with over 31 shows across Europe, alongside arena dates with Babymetal and a string of festival performances throughout the U.K. and Europe. Claire Walters, A&R Creative Manager, Universal Music Publishing, said, “We are extremely excited to be working with Bambie, they are an exceptional talent with great artistic vision, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!” Jonas Nachsin, General Manager, Spinefarm Worldwide, added, “We are so excited to welcome Bambie Thug to the Spinefarm family. When we heard that a tarot card reading had resulted in the final decision to join forces with us, we realized that even the spirit world got to weigh in on our new partnership; we then collectively exclaimed ‘Crown the Witch’ with great exuberant celebration! We can’t wait to see what BT has in store for the world in this and in the coming years.”
BENNY BROWN ACQUIRES WIDE OPEN MUSIC, LAUNCHES NEW PUBLISHING FIRM NORTH CHAPEL MUSIC: Benny Brown, a longtime figure in the country music business, has returned to the publishing arena with the launch of North Chapel Music, following his purchase of Wide Open Music Publishing‘s full catalog and songwriter roster. Brown’s re-entry into publishing comes years after he founded BBR Music Group, later selling it to BMG in 2017 in a deal valued at $100 million (USD). That sale included the group’s label family, Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, Wheelhouse Records, and Red Bow Records, as well as its publishing division, Magic Mustang Music. The Wide Open acquisition hands North Chapel Music an entire catalog that includes Brett Young‘s “In Case You Didn’t Know,” George Birge‘s “Mind on You,” and Matt Stell‘s “Prayed for You.” The company also inherits a roster of writers including Jaron Boyer, Neal Coty, Matt Gorman, Joe Hanson, Joe Haydel, Lakelin Lemmings, Tim Owens, Chris Ray, Aaron Scherz, John Stephens, and Nathan Woodard. Founded in 2013 by Ash Bowers and Steve Williams, Wide Open has now folded its publishing assets into North Chapel, while North Chapel itself is bolstering its creative lineup with signings like Matt Cooper, Spencer Hatcher, Connor Hatcher, Jason Sellers, and Runaway June Co-Founder Jennifer Wayne. Paul Compton, formerly of Wide Open, steps in as Executive Vice President to oversee daily creative and administrative operations. A 30-year industry veteran, Compton previously founded Music Highway Writer Services and The Songwriter Agency. Sellers will also serve as Senior Creative Director while continuing his own songwriting career, reuniting with Brown from their earlier collaboration at Quartz Hill Music Group. Rounding out the team, Wendy Buckner joins as Creative Director, transitioning from BSB Management.
LORENA CABRAL, DANIELA GUTIÉRREZ PROMOTED AT DOWNTOWN ARTIST & LABEL SERVICES: Downtown Artist & Label Services (DA&LS) is strengthening its footprint in the Música Mexicana market through a mix of new artist and label partnerships, alongside two senior promotions. Lorena Cabral, who joined in 2024 as Senior Manager, A&R, has been promoted to Director, A&R, Mexico, and will now oversee all A&R activity in the region. During her tenure, she has worked with acts such as Virlan Garcia, Conjunto Nuevo Amanecer, and Movic Records. Meanwhile, Daniela Gutiérrez moves up to Director, Marketing, Latin, after driving high-profile campaigns for artists like Netón Vega, Luis R Conriquez, and the late Lefty SM, including the star-packed Por Mi México Remix. Raymond Tapia, Artist & Label Services VP, A&R (Latin) at DA&LS, said, “By helping our artists stay true to themselves while reaching new global audiences, Lorena and Daniela’s leadership has been a huge part of Downtown’s success in the region. Their work has helped lay the foundation for the next generation of Música Mexicana.”
CHORD MUSIC PARTNERS SECURES INVESTMENT FROM SEARCHLIGHT CAPITAL PARTNERS: Chord Music Partners, a platform specializing in the management and acquisition of music intellectual property, has secured a strategic investment from funds advised by Searchlight Capital Partners. According to Sky News, the global investment firm has committed $400 million (USD) to the venture. Formed in 2021 through a collaboration between Dundee Partners and Universal Music Group, Chord Music Partners oversees an extensive portfolio of recorded music and publishing rights. Its catalog features work from internationally renowned artists and songwriters such as Lorde, Morgan Wallen, The Weeknd, David Guetta, and John Legend. The new partnership with Searchlight is expected to fuel Chord’s next phase of growth, enabling the expansion of its music catalogues and bolstering its capacity to identify and acquire high-value assets in both recorded music and publishing. Sam Hendel, Dundee Partners’ Managing Principal & Co-Founder of Chord, said, “Searchlight’s expertise, network, and ability to meaningfully contribute toward expanding Chord’s premier IP portfolio make Searchlight an ideal strategic partner for our company’s next chapter. We’re thrilled to welcome them into the fold and look forward to pursuing the increasingly exciting opportunity set within today’s music landscape together.”
BSI MERCH HIRES ROB ANDERSON AS HEAD OF MARKETING: BSI Merch, the global e-commerce, technology, touring, and artist services company, has named Rob Anderson as its new Head of Marketing. Operating from offices in London, Berlin, and Tokyo, with partnerships extending across North America and Australia, BSI Merch’s recent client roster includes Kneecap, Franz Ferdinand, Frank Turner, and Confidence Man, alongside numerous international acts. Anderson brings experience from senior positions at Universal, Sony, Warner, PIAS, and Nettwerk, where he contributed to major global campaigns for artists such as Tate McRae, Dermot Kennedy, London Grammar, Shania Twain, and Ateez. In his new role, he will lead the marketing division, tasked with creating community-focused strategies and delivering innovative campaigns to support upcoming product launches.
NEED TO MAKE CONTACT, SEND NEWS AND NEW MUSIC RELEASES?: If you have any A&R, publishing, technology, agent/promoter, international radio, management, new media or film/TV music supervisor news you’d like to share with A&R Worldwide, or need to respond to information published in the weekly newsletter please E–mail it to the attention of info@anrworldwide.com. Also, all demos and new music releases should be sent as STREAMING LINKS ONLY to info@anrworldwide.com
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Larry Rudolph, Ben McLane, Sabrina Del Priore, Rich Holzman, Andy Kipnes, Vinit Thakar, Benjamin Budde, Divya Ramani, Sam Riback, Brian Schall, Nick Raphael, Taylor Jones, Lyor Cohen, and Jeff Haddad R.I.P. 
