CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS HIT SONGWRITER AMY WADGE TO GLOBAL DEAL
Concord Music Publishing has entered into a worldwide publishing agreement with Amy Wadge. The deal, effective immediately, spans her latest releases as well as upcoming works, including new singles from The Jonas Brothers, Noah Cyrus, Halestorm, and more.
Wadge is widely regarded as one of the U.K.’s most versatile and accomplished songwriters. Across her career, she has contributed to 16 Grammy-nominated projects and earned a Grammy Award for “Song of the Year” in 2016 for co-writing Ed Sheeran‘s global hit “Thinking Out Loud.”
Her catalog bridges genres from pop and rock to country, Americana, and alternative, with active collaborations in London, Nashville, and Los Angeles. She has written with artists including Alicia Keys, John Legend, Dua Lipa, Kylie Minogue, Keith Urban, Camila Cabello, Ed Sheeran, and P!nk.
Recent credits feature songs for Ed Sheeran, Jennifer Lopez, David Guetta, Benny G, Anthony Ramos, Kingfishr, Aaron Rowe, Myles Smith, and The Jonas Brothers. In the country space, Wadge co-wrote “New Country” by Noah Cyrus featuring Blake Shelton, and Benny G’s debut single “I Gotta Feeling.” She also contributed to Madi Diaz and Kacey Musgraves’ Grammy-nominated track “Don’t Do Me Good” and co-wrote Halestorm‘s single “Everest,” alongside the Jonas Brothers’ latest album Greetings from Your Hometown.
Beyond her work with established names, Wadge continues to support rising talent, collaborating with artists such as Jake Wesley Rogers, Benny G, Bebe Stockwell, and Mike Sabbath. She is also developing three original musical theatre projects, writing for major film and TV productions, and recently teamed with Twiggy to pen an original song for her documentary.
As a solo artist, Wadge has released five albums and multiple EPs, and is preparing to return to the stage with new music and an international tour. Alongside her Grammy win, her accolades include two Welsh Music Awards for “Best Female Artist” and ASCAP‘s “Songwriter of the Year” (2016).
Kim Frankiewicz, EVP Worldwide A&R at Concord Music Publishing, said, “Amy is a formidable writer, and we are absolutely thrilled to welcome her to the Concord family. Her passion for songwriting is truly infectious, and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with her on this next chapter of her career.”
Anna Carpenter, Sr. Director A&R, Concord Music Publishing, added, “Amy is one of the most creative, driven & energetic writers I’ve ever worked with. Her talent speaks for itself and I’m immensely proud to be on her team for this next chapter of her career.”
IAN HOLDER & TARIQ STEWART NAMED SR. VICE PRESIDENT’S A&R AT CAPITOL RECORDS
Capitol Records has expanded its creative leadership team with the appointments of Ian Holder and Tariq Stewart as Sr. Vice Presidents of A&R, where the two industry veterans will co-lead the label’s Urban A&R division and drive the signing and development of new talent across Capitol’s evolving artist roster.
Holder joins Capitol following eight years at Sony Music Publishing, where he held the position of Sr. VP of Creative. During his time there, he played a key role in the careers of some of today’s most influential artists and songwriters, including Lil Mabu, Jack Harlow, Lil Durk, Polo G, Lil Tjay, and Moneybagg Yo. He also worked with a host of hitmakers behind the scenes, such as Felisha King (Justin Bieber‘s “Peaches”), AXL Beats (Drake, Fivio Foreign, A$AP Ferg), LilJuMadeDaBeat (Megan Thee Stallion), Buddah Bless (Migos, Chris Brown, Youngboy Never Broke Again), Ronny J (Juice Wrld, Kanye West, Lil Pump, XXXtentacion), Tate Kobang (Nicki Minaj), Spades Saratoga (Cardi B, Glorilla), and BNYX (Drake, Travis Scott, Yeat, Youngboy Never Broke Again).
Holder’s music industry journey began as an A&R intern at Columbia Records in 2003 before taking a role at BMI, where he contributed to the development of artists like Post Malone, Frank Ocean, Desiigner, Rae Sremmurd, Tyga, and the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League production team.
Stewart comes to Capitol from RCA Records, where he worked closely with label President Mark Pitts and played an integral role in the development of Chris Brown’s Grammy-winning album 11:11 (Deluxe). At RCA, Stewart also signed rising stars like Libianca, whose Afrobeat sound gained global traction, and Skillibeng. His A&R credits also include work with A$AP Ferg, Rich The Kid, and Flo Milli. A relative newcomer to the executive side, Stewart entered the music business in 2020 after transitioning from a successful football career at Florida A&M.
“Ian and Tariq have both had remarkably successful careers identifying and developing career artists,” said Lillia Parsa, President of Capitol Music Group. “As we continue to build the team at Capitol, Ian and Tariq will play crucial roles in shaping the label’s culture through the artists we sign. We’re thrilled to have both in these important roles at Capitol.”
ATLANTIC MUSIC GROUP INKS JOINT VENTURE WITH LIMOSA NOSTRA RECORDS
Atlantic Music Group has entered into a joint venture with Limosa Nostra Records, the label founded by artist, entrepreneur, and designer Ricky Hil. This partnership not only highlights Hil’s own music but also sets the stage for upcoming releases from rising talents, including New York City-based hip-hop innovator SosMula, formerly of City Morgue. The collaboration is built around a shared artist-first ethos, with both Atlantic Music Group and Limosa Nostra committed to fostering talent and developing unique musical visions.
Ricky Hil has carved out a distinctive place for himself in the underground music scene, steadily amassing a devoted fanbase with a prolific output of albums. His catalog includes Same Shit Different Day (2021), Suicidal Hil (2022), Problem Children (2022), Limosa Nostra Act 5 (2023), Heavenly (2023), The Stories (2024), and Problem Children 2 (2025). Blending alternative rock with hip-hop influences, Hil’s collaborated with artists like The Weeknd and the late Lil Peep. Through Limosa Nostra, he has created a platform that champions artists unafraid to break boundaries.
SosMula is the first artist to drop new music under this partnership. As one-half of City Morgue, SosMula assisted in popularizing trap metal, amassing billions of streams and consistently breaking the charts with projects like CITY MORGUE VOL. 2: AS GOOD AS DEAD (2019). He’s also cultivated a successful solo career, releasing projects such as 13 SONGS 2 DIE 2 (2021), 2 HIGH 2 DIE (2022), and SLEEZ RELIGION (2024), which featured collaborations with G Herbo and Kim Dracula. In addition to his musical pursuits, SosMula has ventured into fashion with his VLONE drops and his own clothing line, Klean Up Krew, continuing to push creative boundaries in multiple arenas.
As part of the joint venture, Ricky Hil is gearing up to release his new album 10,000 Grams, a follow-up to his 2011 mixtape 500 Grams, produced by multi-platinum hitmaker Lex Luger. Meanwhile, SosMula is preparing his solo album KAMP KRYSTL LAKE, set for release this fall. To celebrate their partnership, SosMula and Ricky Hil will hit the road together on the Killa Season Tour starting in February 2026, with tickets already on sale for 15 dates across the U.S.
Under the new joint venture, Ricky Hil will continue to serve as CEO of Limosa Nostra Records. His manager Louie Reed, also the founder and CEO of Welcome To The Hotel, has been named President of the label. Sam Cohen, General Manager of 10K Projects and Senior Vice President at Atlantic Records, will oversee Limosa Nostra’s operations within Atlantic. Grammy-winning engineer Mike Gaydusek, who’s worked on hits like Rihanna‘s “Stay” and Camila Cabello‘s “Havana,” as well as Ricky Hil’s projects, will take on the role of Chief Engineer and head of Limosa Nostra Studios in Woodland Hills, California.
DAVE AYERS NAMED EXECUTIVE VP, A&R, PEERMUSIC
Peermusic has announced the appointment of Dave Ayers as Executive Vice President, A&R. The news was announced by Mary Megan Peer, CEO, peermusic, and Jamie Cerreta, President of U.S. and Canada operations. In his new position, Ayers will continue to build on his history of discovering and nurturing talent. He will aid in shaping peermusic’s creative direction and supporting its roster of artists, songwriters, and producers. Ayers will lead the company’s East Coast contemporary creative team out of New York and report directly to Cerreta.
With over 40 years of experience as a manager, music publisher, and A&R executive, Ayers has been pivotal in developing groundbreaking artists. His career includes stints at Twin/Tone, Capitol Records, Chrysalis, and later at Big Deal Music Publishing, which he co-founded with Cerreta and others. Throughout his career, Ayers has been responsible for bringing in acts such as The Jayhawks, Ween, Soul Asylum, Babes in Toyland, the Mekons, Uncle Tupelo (Wilco/Son Volt), Helmet, Sparklehorse, The Jesus Lizard, Robbie Williams, Bon Iver, the Black Keys, TV on the Radio, St. Vincent, The Black Angels, Dr. Dog, Nathaniel Rateliff, Kamasi Washington, Sharon Van Etten, Sylvan Esso, Pussy Riot, Amber Mark, Nick Lowe, Sleater-Kinney, Charles Bradley & Tom Brenneck, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the Flight of the Conchords, and Pavement. Following the sale of Big Deal in 2020, Ayers joined Hipgnosis Songs as Executive Vice President, where he has been involved with rising talents like Model/Actriz and Cameron Winter/Geese.
Mary Megan Peer said, “Dave’s passion for finding, developing, and nurturing talent is legendary. His deep experience, creative vision, and commitment to independent publishing make him a perfect fit for our team. I know our current writers and future signings will benefit by collaborating with him.”
Jamie Cerreta commented, “I am so pleased to have Dave join us here at peermusic. Dave and I have shared a long history together, and I’m so proud to continue collaborating with him. Dave is an extraordinary A&R man who brings exceptional taste and a unique ability to build careers repeatedly. His deep devotion to his writers makes him a perfect match for what Peermusic stands for and what we want to continue to foster.”
Dave Ayers concluded, “I’m grateful and excited to be able to do what I do in a place that’s set a standard of bravery and excellence for nearly 100 years. It’s all about finding and supporting truly special people—singular and tireless and dedicated to creating work that connects and lasts.”
HARDY SELLS SELECT COMPOSITIONS TO SPIRIT MUSIC
Spirit Music Group has struck a deal with country-rock hitmaker HARDY, acquiring a portion of his publishing catalog and securing an exclusive, forward-looking songwriting agreement with Spirit Music Nashville.
While financial details remain undisclosed, the agreement underscores HARDY’s standing as one of Nashville’s most successful contemporary songwriters. To date, he has penned 16 No.1 singles, including the triple-Platinum hit “ONE BEER” (feat. Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson), with cuts recorded by Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, Jelly Roll, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, and many more. However, the deal does not include “JACK,” HARDY’s first No.1 at rock radio.
HARDY, born Michael Hardy, continues his association with Relative Music Group, the Nashville publishing company that first signed him in 2017, though Spirit will now publish all his new material. Relative Music Group, co-founded by Dennis and Jesse Matkosky, maintains its existing partnership with Sony Music Publishing, which retains stakes in portions of the catalog sold to Spirit. Spirit now owns HARDY’s share of the acquired works.
The Mississippi native has become one of country music’s most decorated modern writers, with accolades including five ACM Awards, two CMA Awards, three consecutive AIMP Songwriter of the Year honors, and recognition as BMI‘s 2022 Country Songwriter of the Year.
As an artist, HARDY continues to build momentum. His 2024 album Quit!! topped the charts, and his upcoming project COUNTRY! COUNTRY! arrives September 26 via Big Loud Records, led by current single “Favorite Country Song,” recently performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He is also in the midst of his JIM BOB World Tour, which will conclude with his first-ever headline show at Madison Square Garden, coinciding with the album’s release. Earlier this year, he made his Grand Ole Opry debut, attended by Metallica‘s James Hetfield.
Derek Wells, Vice President, A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville/2Mix, said, “After years of making music together, I couldn’t be prouder to start this new chapter with my friend HARDY here at Spirit. Great music with great people is the business we want to be in here, and HARDY hits that nail on the head. He is truly a ‘one of one’ talent and human that elevates every room he’s in.”
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!
Recently, A&R Worldwide brought together an inspiring group of executives from across the A&R, publishing, management, legal, live, sync, digital, radio, and technology sectors for an intimate and impactful gathering on the rooftop on top of the awe-inspiring and decadent L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills.
Whilst there were many local executives from the burgeoning Los Angeles music, media, and technology sectors – a number of guests flew in from Asia, Australia, New York, and Ohio to partake in the legendary A&R Worldwide gathering, which first launched back in 1998, and has been hosted on six continents worldwide (in over 60 cities), bringing together thousands of professionals and creatives in an authentic and meaningful manner, whilst providing priceless new relationships, and opportunities for those in attendance.
SKAAR
Born on Norway’s wild western coast, SKAAR is a force of nature, an artist whose music reflects the raw beauty of her surroundings: expansive, haunting, and impossible to ignore. With a voice that commands attention and lyrics that cut straight to the core, she crafts songs that are both deeply vulnerable and undeniably powerful. It’s this rare blend of strength and sensitivity that earned her the title of Songwriter of the Year at the Norwegian Grammys. Following the cinematic intensity of her Mad Woman era, SKAAR opens a new chapter with “Missing Out.” Warmer, unfiltered, and vividly alive, the single marks a rebirth, both playful and personal, yet rooted in her uncompromising honesty. Written with Fanny Hultman and Kerstin Ljungström at a secluded cabin in Värmdö, “Missing Out” channels a hard-earned liberation. SKAAR explains: “I realized I had wasted so much time being ashamed of who I was, trying to change myself to fit in. Writing this song felt like reclaiming that power, a declaration that the ones holding me back, or my inner critic, were the ones missing out.” You can catch SKAAR on her Still Mad Tour 2025 with upcoming November dates in Norway, including Haugesund, Bergen, Oslo, and Trondheim, and listen to “Missing Out” HERE. For additional information and available opportunities with SKAAR, contact Elena Cabal.
KARIN ANN
Critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, and actress Karin Ann opens a bold new chapter with “i was never yours,“ a wistful, genre-defying blend of folk, country, rock, and cinematic textures. Produced by Benjamin Lazar Davis (Maya Hawke) and co-written with Harrison Whitford (Phoebe Bridgers), Chelsea Balan, and Suki Waterhouse, the track pairs a stomping rhythm and lush acoustic guitars with atmospheric pedal steel and fiddle, crafting a rustic yet ethereal backdrop for Karin Ann’s raw exploration of heartbreak, detachment, and the fear of settling. Following the widespread acclaim of her 2024 debut album through the telescope, praised by NME as “a confident and unflinching debut,” this release signals a sonic and personal evolution, weaving in influences from her Central European and Middle Eastern heritage. Beyond music, Karin Ann began to conquer the film industry with cameos in the acclaimed miniseries The Tattooist of Auschwitz (2024), and in the sci-fi thriller Orion (2025). With more original music and film projects on the horizon, “i was never yours” cements Karin Ann’s status as a fearless, multifaceted artist unafraid to cross genres, cultures, and creative boundaries. Experience the visual for “i was never yours” HERE, and contact George Trabelssie for all booking, licensing, sync, and all other inquiries and opportunities on behalf of Karin Ann.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, September 21st, 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:
SKAAR – “Missing Out” (RMV Grammofon/Universal, Norway)
GLASS CITIES – “Issues” (Unsigned, U.S.)
GOOD NEIGHBOURS – “Suburbs” (Polydor Records, U.K.)
DEAF HAVANA – “Lawn Tennis” (SO Recordings, U.K.)
GORDON’S GRANDSON – “Kissing” (Anti-Dismal, Australia)
CIRCA WAVES – “Cherry Bomb” ([PIAS], U.K.)
BLOW – “Her World” (DDM, France)
ROYEL OTIS – “Say Something” (Ourness/Capitol, Australia)
LAWN CHAIR – “War Machine” (Unsigned, Germany)
THE ROYSTON CLUB – “Glued To The Bed” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
SEA FEVER – “Able Eyes” (Kartel Music Group, U.K.)
HARD LIFE – “Y3llow Bike” (Island Records, U.K.)
KARIN ANN – “I Was Never Yours” (3AM Records, Slovakia)
ADAM REESE – “Tattooed Soul” (Unsigned, U.S.)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Nobody, Nobody” (Unsigned, U.S.)
WAITING FOR SMITH – “I Got That Smiling” (Four One Seven Records, U.K.)
THE VANNS – “Accomplice” (123 Music/Sony Music, Australia)
KINGFISHR – “Next To Me” (B-Unique Records, Ireland)
VLADS – “Waste It On Me” (Unsigned, Australia)
FOOL NELSON – “Bad Dreams” (Unsigned, Australia)
KIDS RETURN – “Teenage Dreams” (Hamburger Records, France)
SHOBSY – “Not Another Love Song” (Pangea Int’l Music, Ireland)
INHALER – “X-Ray” (Polydor, U.K.)
ALEX SPENCER – “Where Do We Go From Here?” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
NEWDAD – “Roobosh” (Atlantic Records, Ireland)
KAI BOSCH – “Summer Of Love” (LAB Records, U.K.)
CALUM BOWIE – “The World Outside” (Polydor, U.K.)
SPACEY JANE – “Estimated Delivery” (AWAL, Australia)
THE AMAZONS – “Night After Night” (Fiction Records, U.K.)
RHETT REPKO – “Don’t Delay” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE MOLOTOVS – “Today’s Gonna Be Our Day” (Marshall Records, U.K.)
CAT SERRANO – “Sculpture” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE MOVING STILLS – “Can’t Be Like This Forever” (Unsigned, Australia)
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE – “Teleport” (Unsigned, U.S.)
SQREAM MANAGEMENT SIGNS HRVY FOR WORLDWIDE REPRESENTATION: Sqream Management has added U.K. pop artist HRVY to its global roster. With more than two billion streams worldwide and a combined social media following of 15 million, HRVY has become one of the U.K.’s most prominent new-generation pop voices. His career highlights include international touring, television appearances, and collaborations with global acts, cementing his appeal across both domestic and international markets. Founded by industry veteran Johan Söderholm, Sqream operates out of Los Angeles, London, and Stockholm, and has developed a reputation for tailoring long-term strategies for artists with cultural impact. The company’s roster includes Darin, who notched his eighth No.1 album and headlined Gothenburg’s Ullevi Stadium this summer; Elliphant, known for collaborations with Diplo, Skrillex, Major Lazer, Doja Cat, and Charli XCX; and Eagle-Eye Cherry, whose hit “Save Tonight” reached No.6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and whose debut album went platinum worldwide. Johan Söderholm, Founder of Sqream Management, said, “HRVY is an exceptional talent with an already impressive career, but we believe his true potential is only just beginning to unfold. At Sqream we are committed to further building HRVY’s brand globally, strengthening his artistic vision and positioning him as one of the most influential young artists of his generation.”
REPUBLIC RECORDS INKS PARTNERSHIP WITH NOTHING PROJECTS INTERACTIVE: Republic Records has entered a new partnership with Nothing Projects Interactive to launch OnlyHands, a real-time mobile fighting game where music directly shapes the player experience. Set for release in Q4 2025, the game allows fans to battle with avatars modeled on Republic artists, with gameplay powered by their music. Winning a fight will trigger full-track plays, turning matches into both competitive moments and streaming opportunities. While the roster of featured artists has not yet been revealed, Republic’s lineup includes artists like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, Pearl Jam, Stevie Wonder, Lorde, and more. OnlyHands builds on Republic’s continued push into interactive entertainment. In 2023, the label introduced Boombox on Roblox, letting players soundtrack their in-game experiences, and collaborated with Karta and JYP Management to launch TWICE Square in the metaverse. Nothing Projects describes OnlyHands as a “music-first” title, designed to keep pace with cultural trends in real time. Its framework is built around four key pillars including combat-driven streaming: victories trigger official artist tracks, generating streams on and off-platform. Playable avatars: artist-inspired characters evolve with new moves and aesthetics tied to their catalogs. Instant content injection: new music, cosmetics, and abilities can be dropped into the game instantly. Fan-driven economy: blending streaming, digital drops, and in-game purchases into one ecosystem. By weaving music into the core mechanics rather than leaving it in the background, OnlyHands positions itself at the intersection of gaming, fandom, and artist engagement. Avery Lipman, Founder, Republic Records & Vice Chairman and COO, REPUBLIC Collective, said, “When we first met with Nothing Projects Interactive, we bonded over a similar commitment to pursuing innovation in our respective worlds. They’ve created a new paradigm with OnlyHands. It’s a seamless platform for the integration of gaming, music, and culture.”
ATLANTIC RECORDS SIGNS GRAMMY-NOMINATED ARTIST CLAIRO: Clairo, the Grammy-nominated American indie singer-songwriter, has signed with Atlantic Records. The signing follows the success of Clairo’s latest album, Charm, which spent 14 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart and helped the artist amass over 7.5 billion global streams. Born Claire Cottrill in Atlanta, Clairo first gained attention with her lo-fi hit “Pretty Girl” and signed to Fader Label in 2017. Her signing to Atlantic was led by Elliot Grainge, Chairman & CEO of Atlantic Music Group, alongside Zach Friedman (COO), Tony Talamo (General Manager), and other senior executives. Clairo’s manager, Mike Ahern of Good Buddy Management, and her attorney, Peter Lewit of Davis Shapiro Lewit & Grabel, negotiated the deal, though financial terms were not disclosed. Clairo’s most recent album, Charm, which was released last year, earned her a Grammy nomination for “Best Alternative Album” at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. Over the course of her career, Clairo has worked with a range of notable producers. She teamed up with Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend for her 2019 album Immunity, Jack Antonoff on 2021’s Sling, and Leon Michels of El Michels Affair on Charm. Starting at age 13, she self-recorded music and created music videos, gaining an early following on YouTube before transitioning to streaming platforms. In addition to her recording success, Clairo has become an established live performer, gracing stages at festivals like Coachella and The Newport Folk Festival and making appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
EPIDEMIC SOUND HAS LAUNCHED A NEW AI-POWERED MUSIC EDITING TOOL: Epidemic Sound has launched a new AI-powered music editing tool called Adapt, allowing content creators to “reshape tracks made by real artists.” The tool gives creators the ability to extend songs, remove specific instruments, or adjust musical arrangements, all while preserving the original publishing rights and ensuring compensation for the artists behind the music. Adapt is designed exclusively for human-made music from Epidemic’s catalog, avoiding the AI-generated tracks that are increasingly populating other platforms. For instance, Deezer recently revealed that AI-created music now accounts for 28% of daily uploads to its platform, a steep increase from earlier this year. In contrast, Epidemic aims to address the growing concerns around AI in music by focusing on amplifying human creativity rather than replacing it. This follows the rising tension surrounding platforms like Suno and Udio, which face legal challenges for using unlicensed artist material to train their AI models. Epidemic’s new tool is part of a broader effort to ensure that AI is used to enhance artistic expression, rather than exploit it. To further support artists, Epidemic has also announced a 43% increase in artist bonus payments starting in 2026. The company will raise its annual Soundtrack Bonus from $3.7 million (USD) to $4.2 million and introduce a $1 million fund specifically for AI-related adaptations of their music. Epidemic’s business model continues to emphasize fair compensation, splitting royalties 50-50 with artists. Since its founding in 2009, the platform has grown its catalog through partnerships with independent musicians, providing a broad and diverse selection of music for creators worldwide.
BMG ANNOUNCES THE ACQUISITION OF JASON ALDEAN’S RECORDED MUSIC CATALOG: BMG has announced the acquisition of Jason Aldean‘s recorded music catalog, along with shares in the recorded catalogs and publishing rights of a group of 23 artists and songwriters. This deal encompasses over 1,000 songs spanning multiple genres. This acquisition marks BMG’s largest catalog investment to date. The company recently reported that its total investment in music rights since the launch of its parent company Bertelsmann‘s Boost program in 2021 has now surpassed $1.5 billion (USD). With this acquisition, BMG now owns the entirety of Aldean’s music career, which originally began building in 2017 when it acquired BBR Music Group. The catalog includes nine studio albums by the country superstar, from his Platinum-certified debut in 2005 to his number 9 in 2019. Following the deal, BMG’s BBR Music Group imprint, which operates under the Broken Bow Records label, will continue to release his more recent albums, including Macon, Georgia (2021-2022), and Highway Desperado (2023). Thomas Coesfeld, BMG CEO, said, “This landmark deal sets a new level of catalog acquisitions at BMG, while underscoring our commitment to the music and the discipline of our approach. By bringing together the iconic catalog of Jason Aldean, we are strengthening our footprint in Country music while expanding across genres and deepening our investment in the U.S. – the world’s largest music market. This move highlights our ability to maximize the value of music rights and represents a powerful step in BMG’s strategy to be the most effective, artist-first music company in the world.”
KOBALT SIGNS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH DISCO NEIL: Kobalt has announced a global publishing agreement with Disco Neil, a rising producer best known as one half of the duo Bashment Sound, alongside Silent Addy. Disco Neil has recently captured international attention for his work on MOLIY‘s viral hit “Shake It to The Max,” including a series of remixes that have sparked a global wave of dancefloor energy. Notably, the “FLY Remix” of the track is currently charting in the Top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100, signaling his growing influence in global pop and club culture. Based in Miami, FL, and deeply rooted in Caribbean music traditions, Disco Neil is recognized for his blend of dancehall, afrobeats, and electronic music. His production style has positioned him as a sought-after collaborator among artists across the U.S., U.K., and West Africa. Kobalt praised the signing as a strategic addition to their roster, aligning with their commitment to supporting boundary-pushing talent on a global scale. With a reputation for spotting emerging sounds and helping shape the future of music, Disco Neil has become a trusted figure in both underground scenes and mainstream studios alike. He is currently represented by the Miami-based Super Music Group. “Neil and his creative partner in Bashment Sound have created the song of the summer with ‘Shake It to The Max,'” said Kate Loesch, Sr. Director of Creative at Kobalt. “We’re excited to welcome him into the Kobalt family and look forward to the world hearing what else he has in store.”
CKTRL SIGNS PUBLISHING DEAL WITH WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC: Cktrl has signed a global publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music, the publishing division of Warner Music Group. The deal covers his full catalog to date, as well as future compositions. The London, England-born artist, whose moniker cktrl stands for “Can’t Keep to Reality,” began releasing music in 2015. Raised in Lewisham, South-East London, he developed his musical foundation through free community-funded programs, learning to play the clarinet, piano, and saxophone. Later, he taught himself music production while working in a record store and DJing. Cktrl gained wider recognition with his 2020 breakout EP Robyn, an emotional, instrumental exploration of heartbreak told through arrangements rooted in jazz, contemporary classical, and ambient music. The project helped to solidify his reputation as a boundary-pushing composer and even led to a feature in Beyoncé‘s visual album Black Is King. He followed Robyn with the EPs Zero and Yield, earning praise for his cinematic soundscapes and voice within the modern classical-jazz-electronic space. His rising profile has earned him performance invitations, including an appearance at a Dior x Denim Tears runway show held against the backdrop of the pyramids of Giza in Cairo. Amber Davis, Sr. VP and Head of A&R, Warner Chappell Music U.K., said, “Bradley’s work as cktrl truly rewrites the rulebook when it comes to fusing genres and telling stories through the power of sound alone. Seeing him playing the saxophone and clarinet was simply stunning and his classically trained experience will be a unique asset in any room. He’s a hugely in-demand talent and we’re excited to work with him on a range of projects he’s got in the pipeline.
RIVER HOUSE ARTISTS & SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGN SPENCER JORDAN TO GLOBAL DEAL: River House Artists, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, announced today the signing of multi-genre songwriter Spencer Jordan to a global publishing agreement. Nashville-based hitmaker Spencer Jordan has quickly established himself as a dynamic force in the songwriting world, achieving success across a variety of genres and collaborating with talent including Knox, Shaboozey, Austin Snell, gavn!, Blake Proehl, Zach Seabaugh, Sara Kays, LØLØ, Livingston, Taylor Acorn, and Arrows In Action. In 2024, Spencer earned his first Top 40 radio single with Knox’s “Not The 1975,” which also broke into the Top 10 on Mediabase‘s Hot AC chart. He also contributed extensively across Knox’s debut album Going, Going, Gone. Beyond his work with Knox, Jordan’s credits include Shaboozey’s “Fire and Gasoline,” LØLØ’s “The Devil Wears Converse,” Alex Coles & Mary Jo‘s “Sick of Me,” and most recently Blake Proehl‘s “Miss Carolina.” Spencer Jordan said, “River House has been family to me well before I ever signed there, now it’s just official. I’ve seen firsthand that no one works harder than this crew, and I couldn’t feel more blessed and excited to be on this team.”
MONGOLIA’S SONSY LAUNCHES AS COUNTRY’S FIRST WORLD-CLASS MUSIC STREAMING SERVICE: Mongol Content LLC has partnered with Tuned Global to launch Sonsy, a new music streaming service tailored specifically for the Mongolian market. Dubbed the country’s “first world-class” digital service provider (DSP), Sonsy is powered by Tuned Global’s white-label streaming technology, which now operates in over 70 countries. Tuned Global supplies the streaming infrastructure that enables local partners to develop music platforms without the need to build the underlying technology themselves. Sonsy will directly compete with global DSPs like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, as well as the local MMusic Mongolia, which primarily offers Mongolian music content. The service launches with various subscription options, Individual, Duo, and Family plans, alongside a freemium model and offline listening capabilities. Tuned Global’s technology supports all backend functions, including content delivery, security, licensing, and data analytics. Mongol Content, with nearly two decades of experience in Mongolia’s digital media scene through platforms such as gogo.mn, yolo.mn, and maamuu.mn, brings valuable local knowledge and relationships with Mongolian artists and labels. Sonsy is committed to supporting Mongolian talent by offering per-stream royalties, promotional tools, and opportunities for both local and international collaborations. The platform promises to deliver an “international-grade” listening experience with features like “CD-quality sound” and robust security measures.
FRED GILLHAM PROMOTED TO COO AT CONCORD LABEL GROUP: Concord has announced the promotion of U.K. executive Fred Gillham to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer for the Concord Label Group. Gillham will report directly to Tom Becci, CEO of Concord Label Group, and will join the group’s senior leadership team. He will be based in Concord’s Los Angeles office. In his new position, Gillham will oversee the company’s label services teams, ensuring that each label retains global responsibility for their release campaigns. The labels under his purview include Concord Records, Easy Eye Sound, Fearless Records, Loma Vista Recordings, Pulse Records, Rounder Records, Concord Theatricals Recordings, Craft Recordings, and the Kidz Bop brand. Gillham’s team will collaborate closely with the labels to create and execute coordinated strategies across all major global markets. He first joined Concord in 2019 as Managing Director of the U.K., where he established the company’s first UK office. During his tenure, he played a key role in managing campaigns for artists like Ghost, Chase Atlantic, The Offspring, Tears For Fears, Tommy Richman, and Sierra Ferrell. Prior to his time at Concord, Gillham spent over a decade at Universal Music Group, serving as Vice President of International, where he managed global campaigns for a range of artists from both UMG’s labels and its partners.
SONY MUSIC GROUP AND SPOTIFY REVEAL GLOBAL LICENSING DEALS WITH DIRECT PUBLISHING AGREEMENT: Spotify and Sony Music Group have announced an extension and expansion of their long-term global partnership. This agreement follows similar deals made with Universal Music and Warner Music in 2025, each of which aims to introduce innovative product offerings. A key element of the new partnership is a direct licensing agreement between Spotify and Sony Music Publishing in the U.S., marking a significant departure from the traditional Copyright Royalty Board model. With this deal in place, all three major music labels now have direct publishing agreements with Spotify. The deal is designed to ensure that songwriters are more directly aligned with the growing revenue from streaming services, enabling them to share more equitably in the financial benefits, according to the announcement. “Through their continued collaboration, both Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Publishing have entered into multi-year agreements with Spotify, aimed at driving growth and innovation in the music streaming space,” the companies stated. “Together, they will focus on enhancing the user experience, while creating new opportunities for artists and songwriters to connect with global audiences.” As part of the deal, new product features will be introduced, including advanced audio and visual formats that offer fans a more immersive way to engage with their favorite artists and content. “Our partnership with Sony is built on a shared drive to shape the future of music,” said Daniel Ek, Spotify’s Founder and CEO. “Together, we’re accelerating the pace of innovation to create powerful new opportunities and increasing revenue for artists and songwriters. These agreements aren’t just a milestone; they’re a catalyst for building a more dynamic and prosperous music ecosystem for everyone.”
THIRD MAN RECORDS INKS GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH SECRETLY: Third Man Records, the independent music label founded by Jack White in Detroit, has entered into a global distribution partnership with Secretly Distribution. Through this collaboration, Secretly Distribution will manage the physical and digital distribution, retail marketing, and technology infrastructure for all future releases from Third Man Records. The first albums to be distributed under this new agreement will come from artists Snõõper and The Belair Lip Bombs. Originally established in 2001 by White, Third Man Records has since expanded with offices, vinyl pressing plants, and retail locations in both Detroit and London, while its headquarters are now based in Nashville. The Nashville location is home to a record store, the label’s offices, a distribution center, a photo studio, and a unique live venue with direct-to-acetate recording capabilities, which the company claims is the only one of its kind in the world. In Detroit, the Cass Corridor facility houses a vinyl pressing plant that has been operational for over ten years, along with a record store and an in-store performance stage. Meanwhile, the Blue Basement location in London combines retail and live venue operations. Ben Swank, Co-Founder, Third Man Records, said, “Third Man is incredibly happy to be welcomed into the Secretly Distribution family. We have so much respect for their work; they lead creatively with artists’ and labels’ vision at the forefront. We’re excited about Third Man’s future working alongside the Secretly Distribution team, and proud to be included in their roster of legendary and heavyweight independent labels.”
WATERBOUTUS EXTENDS DEAL WITH BMG GERMANY & ANTHRA MUSIC: The Hamburg, Germany-based production duo WATERBOUTUS has extended their publishing deal with BMG and Anthra Music. The agreement highlights the long-standing and successful partnership between The Cratez‘s publishing company and BMG. Through their collaborations with artists such as Makko, Boondawg, and Souly (whose No.1 album traence was largely produced by the duo), WATERBOUTUS have grown to become one of the most successful production teams on the German new wave scene in recent years. Also, as co-producers of the GZUZ album Scherbenhaus, they reached No.1 on the German Albums Chart this year. Since September 5th, WATERBOUTUS has been featured in Spotify‘s RADAR Songwriters campaign. This recognition is evident in their inclusion in the Spotify RADAR playlist and their prominent placement in a campaign in New York’s Times Square. WATERBOUTUS said, “From the very beginning, the collaboration has been cooperative, productive, and full of creative energy. The extension is the next logical step for us…thank you for your trust and support.” Marcel Valin, BMG, Director of A&R Publishing/Domestic Repertoire, added, “WATERBOUTUS are one of Germany’s most innovative producer duos, and we look forward to many more creative projects and joint successes in the future.”
JULES PARKER JOINS MUSICINFRA AS CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER: MusicInfra, a music rights infrastructure startup, has appointed Jules Parker as its new Chief Business Officer. Parker, formerly Spotify‘s Global Head of Songwriter and Publisher Partnerships, brings a decade of experience in developing tools and programs that support music creators and rightsholders. Based in New York City, MusicInfra made the announcement alongside the closing of its second funding round, led by MiddleGame Ventures, a fintech-focused VC firm known for backing companies that digitize global financial systems. While the funding wasn’t disclosed, industry insiders suggest the round landed in the high seven-figure range. Returning investors Raine, Snö Ventures, and UTA Ventures also participated. Parker played a key role at Spotify, where he launched numerous creator-facing innovations, including Songwriter Pages, Written By playlists, clickable song credits, Songwriter Wrapped, and tools like Spotify for Publishing and Noteable, aimed at enhancing transparency and recognition for songwriters and publishers across the platform. In his new role, Parker will help steer MusicInfra’s efforts to build a “global clearinghouse” for music rights, a platform designed to streamline licensing processes for digital service providers, rightsholders, and collecting societies. The company operates across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America, working to untangle the complex backend of music licensing and royalties. Parker joins a leadership team packed with executives, including CEO Björn Lindvall (co-founder of Hipgnosis), Greg Quillard (ex-YouTube, now Chief Technology and Product Officer), Ryan Seay (VP of Product, formerly YouTube), Joe DiPalo (VP of Operations), Aileen Atkins (Head of Partnerships, formerly at Meta), and engineers with experience at Gracenote and Google.
YOUTUBE MUSIC LAUNCHES NEW TOOLS TO CONNECT ARTISTS WITH SUPERFANS: YouTube has unveiled a range of new tools aimed at helping artists connect with and monetize their most dedicated fans, as announced during the company’s Made on YouTube event on Tuesday, September 16th. The new features include countdowns and album pre-saves on YouTube Music, along with exclusive video and merchandise drops for top fans. The countdown and pre-save tools are designed to build excitement ahead of an album release. Artists can set up a countdown on their official YouTube artist channel, and when they drop a new music video or visualizer, fans can pre-save the album, which triggers automatic notifications on release day. Fans who engage with these countdowns will earn special badges to display on their profiles and share off-platform, marking them as early supporters. Additionally, YouTube is experimenting with exclusive merchandise offers for top fans, expanding on its existing merch integration. Artists will be able to schedule merchandise drops during live events like video premieres or after-parties. YouTube is also introducing “just-for-fans” video drops, allowing artists to share exclusive content, such as special messages, with their most dedicated supporters. These features are currently in a “trusted tester” phase, with select artists, their managers, and labels taking part before a broader rollout. The merchandise program will begin with a U.S. launch, with plans to expand to other English-speaking markets and globally in 2024. The new countdown and pre-save features will be available on YouTube Music in the coming weeks, while the “just-for-fans” video drops will launch for artists early next year. YouTube began testing exclusive merchandise offers earlier in 2023 and plans to extend the program in the future.
NOCTIL APPOINTS FIONA HAM AS VP OF METADATA PARTNERSHIPS: Metadata platform Noctil has named Fiona Ham as its new Vice President of Metadata Partnerships, as the company sharpens its focus on improving the accuracy, transparency, and efficiency of music metadata across the industry. According to Noctil, Ham’s appointment represents a step in its mission to strengthen metadata infrastructure for all rights-holders, from major labels and publishers to PROs, indie artists, and emerging creators. In her role, Ham will lead the company’s global strategy for metadata partnerships, tackling long-standing industry issues like incomplete registrations, misattributions, and delayed royalty payments. Her work will center on resolving metadata conflicts and bringing overlooked or improperly documented catalogues into the fold. The goal: to ensure every asset is correctly credited and positioned for maximum discoverability, monetization, and revenue across physical, digital, and live performance platforms. Ham will also take charge of developing new use cases for Music Recognition Technology (MRT), starting with DJ sets and live event tracking in Canada, a key area where metadata gaps continue to hinder accurate rights attribution. This appointment also launches a formal collaboration between Noctil and HausOfHam, Ham’s consultancy focused on supporting rights-holders across electronic, underground, and independent music scenes. Through this partnership, HausOfHam clients will gain access to Noctil’s technology to better manage and enrich their metadata assets. Beyond her new role at Noctil, Ham is also known for her contributions to Canada’s music scene, currently serving as Chair for the Underground Dance Single of the Year category at the Juno Awards. Founded in 2016, Noctil operates out of the U.S. and India and is a member of DDEX and the Music Business Association, aligning itself with key industry standards for data exchange and music rights.
HOLD TIGHT EXPANDS MARKETING TEAM WITH NEW SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT DIVISION: Hold Tight has welcomed James Hingle as its new Social Media Manager. Hingle joins the agency’s newly formed social media management division, where he will work on campaigns for clients including Danny Wimmer Presents festivals like Inkcarceration, Sonic Temple, Louder Than Life, Welcome To Rockville, and Aftershock. Danny Wimmer Presents is a major U.S. live event producer behind some of the most prominent rock, metal, and alternative festivals. Hingle will also manage social media for additional clients at Hold Tight, such as Island Records (Australia), U.K. prog-metal band Tesseract, Armed For Apocalypse, and Raphael Weinroth-Browne. Hingle brings with him a decade of experience as a music journalist and content creator, having spent much of his career at Kerrang! magazine. This appointment follows the recent launch of Hold Tight Broadcast, a dedicated division for radio, TV, and content services. In line with the expansion, Hannah Gillicker has been promoted to co-director of Hold Tight Broadcast, joining Lydia Hoyle, who was already serving as co-director. Gillicker, who joined Hold Tight as an intern in 2014, has built the agency’s radio services from the ground up, spearheading successful campaigns for artists like Arch Enemy, Holding Absence, and Creeper. Lydia Hoyle, with over a decade of experience in rock, metal, and mainstream radio and TV, has worked with artists such as Sleep Token, LL Cool J, and Kate Hudson. Together, Gillicker and Hoyle lead Hold Tight Broadcast, which has executed campaigns for acts like The Horrors, Red Rum Club, Coheed and Cambria, Josh Ross, Sammy Hagar, and The Hunna, along with labels including Nuclear Blast, Century Media, Virgin Music Group, and Spinefarm.
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: Ben McLane, Peymon Maskan, Caroline Elleray, Ben Schecter, Asi Meskin, Samantha Sklar, Clark Adler, Eric Clinger, Sarah Naas, Cathy Mathalone, Satinder Sartaaj, Becca Watchter, Greg Donovan, and Rachel Kurstin. 
