A&R Worldwide Newsletter Vol. 900

MARK CHIPELLO NAMED PRESIDENT OF POSITION MUSIC AMIDST COMPANY’S RECORD GROWTH

 

 

 

Tyler Bacon, Founder & CEO, Position Music, has announced the promotion of Mark Chipello to the role of President, as the independent music company continues a banner year of industry milestones, creative success, and global recognition.

Chipello joined Position Music in 2011 when the company operated out of a West Los Angeles condo with just six employees. He was named VP of A&R in 2017, promoted to VP, Head of A&R in 2019, and became Partner, Head of A&R in 2023, which coincided with the Vesper Group joining as a minority investor to support the company’s strategic expansion.

In his new role, Chipello will partner with Bacon in leading the company’s overall direction as they continue to focus on growing both the music publishing and record label divisions.

Bacon tells A&R Worldwide, “I’m proud to recognize Mark’s accomplishments and overtly expand his role in helping me run this company. We have worked together for over 20 years now. In addition to doing an excellent job as an A&R and continuing to build a highly effective A&R team, he has been a strategic thinker and an important sounding board for me in decision-making. He’s played a crucial role in growing this company. Mark is an incredibly hard worker, well-equipped in building relationships and maximizing opportunities, and highly focused on the foundational elements of what is needed to continue to build a world-class independent music company. We are completely aligned that the heart of this company is creative and serving clients. I am honored by and appreciate how committed he is to Position Music and trust him in moving into this larger role in our leadership.”

Chipello added, “I am grateful for the trust and belief Tyler has placed in me and for the foundation that we’ve built together with our partners, Emily Weber and Jake Versluis. We’ve created a destination where artists and writers are choosing to entrust their careers with us. My mission is to serve artists and songwriters and amplify their talents by building a world-class team that services them at the highest level. It is a tremendous responsibility and opportunity, and I am humbled to help lead this company into the future side by side with Tyler.”

Position’s A&R team has grown into a dynamic group of sixteen, with members specializing in records, publishing, synch, and remixes, with each contributing to creative opportunities for the company’s artists, writers, and producers. The A&R team will jointly report to Chipello and Bacon.

The department heads Emily Weber (Partner, Head of Synch), J Scavo (GM, Recorded Music), Lacey Chemsak (VP, Head of Administration), and Melanie Ainshworth (CFO) will all continue to report to Tyler Bacon.

 

Universal Music U.K. has officially relaunched the Fontana label, positioning it as the company’s new dedicated home for jazz, folk, blues, soul, and alternative music in the U.K. Leading this next chapter is Tom Lewis, who has been appointed President of Fontana following his tenure as Co-President of Decca Records. The move signals a significant shift for Universal’s label strategy, with Fontana set to take on a refreshed identity rooted in musical depth and genre diversity.

The revitalized Fontana will include artists previously signed under Decca, such as Jacob Collier, Aurora, Jeff Goldblum, Melody Gardot, Jordan Rakei, Victor Ray, The Teskey Brothers, and Dodie. Also, it will serve as the U.K. home for a selection of international acts from imprints including Blue Note, Verve, and Impulse.

As Lewis transitions to his new role, Laura Monks steps into sole leadership at Decca Records, continuing as President. Monks has been with Decca for 14 years and has assisted in shaping its modern success. She will now oversee Decca Records, Decca Classics, Mercury KX, and Hyperion, managing a roster that includes Ludovico Einaudi, Andrea Bocelli, Max Richter, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Lise Davidsen, and Yunchan Lim.

Universal noted that Decca will now enter a new phase focused on innovation and excellence across a wide range of musical genres, spanning classical, electronic, ambient, instrumental, film/TV scores, gaming, and original compositions. Decca will also continue as the U.K. base for affiliate labels Deutsche Grammophon and Decca U.S.

These changes come in the wake of a broader structural reorganization at Universal Music U.K., which included the merger of Island and EMI last year. The relaunch of Fontana and realignment of Decca follow the appointment of Dickon Stainer as Chairman & CEO of Universal Music U.K. in September 2024. Stainer previously served as President & CEO of UMG’s Global Classics and Jazz division for a decade, during which he oversaw major deals including the acquisition of the Hyperion label.

 

 

 

 

 

 

South London, England-based R&B talent James Vickery unveils his boldest statement yet with JAMES., his new self-titled album on Red Bull Records. Following a run of acclaimed singles including “All In,” “Right Side,” “Butter,” and “Hotel Lobby,” the new record sees Vickery join forces with JD Reid, Larrance Dopson, and Jonah Christian to craft a sound that fuses classic R&B, ’70s funk, and early-2000s pop into something wholly his own. At the heart of the album is “Fall in Your Arms,” a stripped-back piano ballad that highlights the raw intensity of his voice. Vulnerable and cinematic, it closes the record on a note that’s both intimate and unforgettable. Vickery’s journey is as remarkable as his music. Deaf in one ear since childhood, he turned a potential silence into a soaring career, from A COLORS SHOW performance with nearly 40 million views to collaborations with Musiq Soulchild, EARTHGANG, and SG Lewis. Now, with JAMES., he fully embraces his truth: authentic, fearless, and impossible to ignore. This fall, he takes the album worldwide with a headline tour across North America, the U.K., and Europe. Listen to “Fall In Your Arms” HERE, and contact Matt Ott for additional information and all opportunities pertaining to James Vickery.

 

 

INFLUENTIAL MUSIC SUPERVISOR NORA FELDER TO INTERVIEW KIM FRANKIEWICZ, EVP WORLDWIDE CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING DURING A SPECIAL KEYNOTE INTERVIEW AT MUSEXPO 2026: MUSEXPO has revealed that one of its marquee moments at its 26th global edition, which takes place in Burbank, CA from March 22 – 25 next year, will be a live, in-depth conversation with Kim Frankiewicz, Executive VP of Worldwide A&R at Concord Music Publishing, conducted by veteran award-winning music supervisor Nora Felder. Frankiewicz is also the recipient of the 3rd Annual “Seymour Stein – Global A&R Award,” to be presented during a gala dinner at the close of the conference. Overseeing A&R strategy across Concord’s offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, Berlin, Nashville, Miami, and Melbourne, Frankiewicz has guided the publisher’s creative vision while balancing a global scale with tailored artist development. Her roster has spanned rising voices like Tyla and Omar Apollo, alongside collaborators and catalogue strengths in the likes of A. G. Cook, J Hus, Fraser T. Smith, Jin Jin, and Amy Wadge. Her journey, from early roles in her native Australia (working with INXS and The Models) to senior leadership at Universal, Imagem, and now Concord, which has marked her as a deeply seasoned and strategic voice in publishing. The highly influential Nora Felder, whose supervision credits run through standout series such as Stranger Things, Yellowjackets, What We Do in the Shadows, Ray Donovan, and more, brings to the stage a perspective that straddles music and media in today’s sync-driven climate. This is a rare opportunity to see two of the world’s leading female executives across A&R and music supervision share an authentic, inspiring, and impactful conversation with each other. For more information, or to attend this rare keynote interview, log on to www.musexpo.net.

 

WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC SIGNS MC SOLAAR: Warner Chappell Music France (WCM France) has signed an exclusive global administration agreement with French rapper MC Solaar and his company, Sentinel Sud. The deal covers Solaar’s entire catalog, spanning more than 35 years of music. A pioneer and cultural icon in French hip-hop, MC Solaar has shaped the genre since the release of his debut single over three decades ago. With eight albums and over five million records sold, he remains one of the most respected and influential figures in French rap history. Now under the administration of WCM France, Solaar’s catalog includes a wealth of genre-defining tracks such as “Nouveau Western,” “Solaar Pleure,” and “Hasta la vista.” The deal also includes his notable international collaborations, including the hit “All N My Grill” with Missy Elliott, as well as work alongside artists like Guru and Urban Species. MC Solaar’s cultural impact continues to resonate today, most recently, his track “Nouveau Western” was featured in a global campaign for Adidas. The campaign stars international names such as Doechii, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennie, and Missy Elliott. Matthieu Tessier, Managing Director, Warner Chappell Music France, said, “We are incredibly proud to welcome a visionary legend like MC Solaar to Warner Chappell Music. His lyrical genius and poetic storytelling have not only shaped French hip-hop but have left an indelible mark on music all over the world. We are honored to partner with him and the Sentinel Sud team and will continue to build on his extraordinary legacy.”

 

ANGRY MOB MUSIC GROUP SIGNS STEVE STOUT & JORDAN SHERMAN: Angry Mob Music Group has finalized a pair of global administration agreements with producers, artists, and songwriters Steve Stout and Jordan Sherman. Steve Stout’s worldwide administration agreement applies exclusively to his solo work and his ØZWALD project with Jason Wade. It does not include material from his tenure with the rock band Lifehouse. Meanwhile, Jordan Sherman’s global admin deal encompasses both current and future works, while also including select special projects and works for hire. Steve Stout has built a career at the crossroads of arena-rock, indie exploration, and modern folk storytelling. Best known as the longtime guitarist for Lifehouse, he has toured internationally and contributed to one of the most recognizable rock bands of the 2000s. Outside of Lifehouse, Stout co-founded the indie duo ØZWALD, releasing seven full-length albums through their own Allswell Records. His solo records, Dairy Made and Sunday Stars, display his knack for combining lo-fi textures with expansive, atmospheric production. Jordan Sherman, based in Los Angeles, is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter, and performer with a knack for crafting genre-blending soundscapes rooted in a breezy California aesthetic. As both a solo artist and co-founder of indie pop outfit Yeti Tactics, he’s earned millions of streams. His music has been featured across platforms including MTV, BBC, and HGTV. In addition to producing and writing for artists such as Dylan Dunlap, Sam DeRosa, and The Paper Jackets, Sherman has collaborated with major names like OneRepublic, Aloe Blacc, Pitbull, Kelly Clarkson, Lauren Spencer Smith, and Niall Horan. With over a decade in the Los Angeles music scene, Sherman continues to thrive across pop, indie, and singer-songwriter genres, earning a reputation as one of the industry’s most adaptable and sought-after creatives.

 

AWAL LAUNCHES IN MIDDLE EAST: AWAL has officially launched its Middle East operations, marking its entry into the region with the signing of Egyptian star Wegz and his independent label, Raad Records. The expansion is based out of Dubai and operates in partnership with Sony Music Middle East. The new regional hub will offer independent artists a full suite of music services, while allowing them to retain ownership of their master recordings. Heading up the new division is Issa Outa, who steps into the role from his position as A&R Director at Sony Music Middle East. Outa brings experience across the region’s music landscape, having previously served as Managing Partner and VP of Business Development at Chabka, as well as leading roles at Anghami Productions and Vibe Records. In his new joint capacity, Outa will continue to report to Sony Music Middle East Managing Director Rami Mohsen, while also collaborating closely with Ben Akinbola, AWAL’s Head of Growth, to shape and implement the company’s strategic vision in the Middle East. Wegz’s signing arrives alongside the release of his new 12-track album, which blends regional and international influences. The project includes a collaboration with French artist Tayc and a local feature from Egyptian rapper Ziad Zaza. Raad Records, co-founded by Wegz with Asem Tag (CEO) and Malik Tag (Managing Director), is positioned to champion the diversity and richness of Arabic music, with a mission to bring it to audiences on a global scale.

 

UNIVERSAL & SONY MUSIC PARTNER WITH NEW PLATFORM TO DETECT AI MUSIC COPYRIGHT THEFT: Universal Music Group (UMG) and Sony Music are stepping up their efforts to protect intellectual property in the age of AI, announcing new partnerships with research lab SoundPatrol to develop advanced tools for detecting copyright infringement in AI-generated music. The two music giants are backing SoundPatrol’s development of what they describe as “groundbreaking neural fingerprinting technologies.” Unlike traditional audio detection systems that rely on exact audio matches, SoundPatrol’s approach uses a patent-pending “forensic AI model” that can identify not only direct copies, but also AI-created covers, remixes, and derivative works, regardless of how altered they may be. SoundPatrol emerged from Stanford University and claims its tech marks a significant leap forward in music copyright detection. According to the company, its system uses neural embeddings, a method that converts elements of a song, such as melodies or chord progressions, into numerical representations. This enables the system to assess the underlying structure and semantics of a piece of music, making it capable of recognizing when AI-generated content borrows from or imitates human-created works. The announcement comes at a time of increasing tension between music rightsholders and AI developers. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) currently has legal actions underway against AI music startups Udio and Suno, accusing them of training their models on copyrighted material without permission. Just last week, UMG and Sony Music joined in filing an amended complaint against Suno, alleging unlawful “stream-ripping” practices. SoundPatrol was co-founded by Michael Ovitz, the entertainment figure, and Co-Founder of Creative Artists Agency, along with linguist and tech entrepreneur Walter De Brouwer. Music producer Oak Felder and Milk & Honey President Lucas Keller are also among the company’s founding partners and remain stakeholders.

 

VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP EXPANDS INTO VIETNAM VIA JV WITH THE METUB COMPANY: Virgin Music Group is expanding its global footprint with the launch of Virgin Music Group Vietnam (Virgin MGV), a new joint venture in partnership with The Metub Company, one of Vietnam’s most prominent digital entertainment and creator platforms. Established in 2014, Metub is recognized as a leader in Vietnam’s creator economy, supporting a network of more than 5,000 artists and content creators across sectors including music, gaming, entertainment, live commerce, and merchandise. The newly formed VMG Vietnam will focus on identifying and developing local artists and independent labels, with the aim of elevating Vietnamese talent on both the domestic and international stage. Nam Nhu Nguyen has been appointed to lead VMG Vietnam and will be based in Ho Chi Minh City. His role will be central to building the label’s presence in the country and driving its artist-focused initiatives. The move comes as part of Virgin Music Group’s broader strategy to grow across Southeast Asia. Earlier this month, Cindy Gu was appointed General Manager for the region, overseeing operations in Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. According to Virgin Music Group, the partnership with Metub aligns with its mission to empower independent artists and labels by providing localized support backed by a global infrastructure. Nam Nhu Nguyen, Director of VMG Vietnam, said, “By providing artists and labels with the tools, resources, and creative independence they need to succeed, this joint venture is not only supporting local talent, but we’re also amplifying it. With Thuan Tran as VMG Vietnam Label Manager, and with the support of Metub’s ecosystem, we are building a solid foundation to connect Vietnamese talent with the world.”

 

BLUE RAINCOAT MUSIC PUBLISHING RENEWS GLOBAL DEAL WITH SELF ESTEEM: Blue Raincoat Music Publishing, in partnership with Reservoir, has extended its worldwide publishing agreement with artist Self Esteem. Rebecca Lucy Taylor, known professionally as Self Esteem, first gained recognition as one half of indie duo Slow Club before carving out her distinct identity as a solo artist. Since launching her solo career, she has released three albums under the Self Esteem moniker: Compliments Please (2019), Prioritize Pleasure (2021), and her latest, A Complicated Woman (2025). Encompassing roles as a singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and actor, Taylor was named BBC Music Introducing “Artist of the Year” in 2021. Her breakthrough album Prioritize Pleasure earned a Mercury Prize nomination in 2022, alongside a BRIT Award nod, and she was recently honored with the Ivor Novello Visionary Award in 2025. In addition to her recording career, Taylor has made notable strides in theatre. Between September 2023 and March 2024, she took on the lead role of Sally Bowles in the West End revival of Cabaret. She also composed the original score for Prima Facie, a one-woman show starring Jodie Comer. Taylor’s live performances have continued to attract attention, with highlights including a sold-out multi-night run at London’s Eventim Apollo in 2024, a series of shows at the Duke of York’s Theatre in spring 2025, and a set at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. She is set to hit the road again for a tour throughout October and November.

 

JOSE CEDEÑO PROMOTED TO EXECUTIVE VP/GM OF INTERSCOPE CAPITOL MIAMI: Interscope Capitol has officially promoted Jose Cedeño to Executive Vice President and General Manager of its Miami division, the company recently. In his expanded role, Cedeño will continue to partner closely with Nir Seroussi, Head of Interscope Capitol Miami, while taking charge of the label’s day-to-day operations during what has become a standout era of success for the division. Launched in 2019, Interscope Capitol Miami marked a milestone as the first Latin-focused division housed within a major U.S. label. Since its inception, it has seen remarkable growth, bolstered by emerging artists like Ivan Cornejo, Bad Gyal, and Xavi, as well as high-profile deals with Latin music powerhouses KAROL G and J Balvin. The label has also championed in-house stars like Capitol’s Kali Uchis and Interscope’s Selena Gomez. Its achievements earned it Billboard‘s 2024 “Hot Latin Songs Label of the Year” recognition. Cedeño steps into the role with more than 20 years of cross-industry leadership experience, particularly in Latin and international markets. Before joining Interscope Capitol Miami, he served as Senior Vice President at Sony Music Latin, where he aided in the careers of artists such as Nicky Jam, Shakira, Ozuna, Maluma, Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Becky G, and others. Before entering the music industry, Cedeño led integration and transformation projects across global firms in consulting and consumer goods.

 

BDI MUSIC SIGNS RAPPER AND POET DAN WHITLAM: BDi Music has inked an exclusive global publishing agreement with rapper and spoken word artist Dan Whitlam. Currently signed to Needwant for his recording output, Whitlam has nearly 170,000 monthly Spotify listeners, with his breakout track “Juliette” racking up over 2.5 million streams following viral traction on TikTok. His growing discography includes tracks such as “Satellite (featuring Julia Church),” “Young Minds,” “Lights Down,” and “Quick Intimacy.” Whitlam has attracted praise from artists like Fred Again.. and Arlo Parks, and recently completed a sold-out U.K. tour, performing at venues including London’s Koko. He is set to launch his debut European tour, followed by a North American leg in October and November 2025, and will headline his biggest U.K. show yet at the Roundhouse in London. Outside of music, Whitlam has been dubbed “Gen Z’s poet laureate.” He has served as resident poet for luxury fashion house Hermès and contributed his voice to campaigns for the NFL and YSL Beauty‘s Abuse Is Not Love initiative. He has also signed with Bonnier to release his debut poetry collection, which will be available both in print and as an audiobook.

 

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GREATER CHINA INKS GLOBAL DEAL WITH NANA OUYANG: Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) has announced a new global agreement with artist Nana Ouyang, marking her official return to the label a decade after the release of her debut album under Universal. The new deal encompasses music development, international distribution, brand partnerships, and global artist representation, focusing specifically on music-centered initiatives. UMGC says the partnership aims to support Ouyang’s “genre-defying creative evolution” by leveraging Universal Music Group’s expansive global network and label infrastructure. Ouyang first joined Universal Music China in 2015, releasing her classical debut album 15, which achieved platinum status across Asia. Since that early success, Ouyang has built a career that spans classical and pop music, acting, and fashion. Known for her virtuosic cello skills and wide creative reach, she has amassed over 50 million followers across social platforms. Her influence earned her a spot on Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 list, recognizing her unique ability to balance artistic depth with broad commercial appeal. In 2017, she collaborated with Disney on Cello Loves Disney, becoming the first artist from Greater China to take part in such a project. She has since released a series of original albums in both English and Chinese, including Live Today and The Star. Her most recent release, the cello-driven EP Love Letter, marks what Ouyang has called her “25” milestone, a personal project featuring her own compositions and arrangements.

 

ZEBRALUTION ANNOUNCE RAFT OF NEW LABELS & ARTIST DEALS: Zebralution has unveiled a series of new artist and label partnerships as it continues to expand its mission of delivering high-quality services to artists and labels across the globe. The company’s London, England-based division, led by Head of International Business Development, William Hallström, has signed international deals with several independent labels and a rising artist: 8 Head, Casa Nueve, Folded Music, and Bawo. 8 Head is the newly launched imprint from U.K. underground electronic producer Gerry Read. Known for his Pete Tong “Essential Tune of the Year” It’ll All Be Over, collaborations with DJ Koze, and the album Jummy, Read’s new label will focus on a carefully curated stream of releases. More signings are expected to be announced soon. Casa Nueve, based between London and Barcelona, operates as both a record label and a global creative studio. With a focus on collaboration and cross-cultural dialogue, Casa Nueve supports multidisciplinary artists through music, literature, visual arts, and immersive community experiences. Its roster includes rising alt-pop artist Uma, known for her work with Puma Blue, Nilüfer Yanya, Rosie Lowe, and SALPA, who brings a mix of jazz, indie, and experimental electronics. Folded Music, originally founded in Brighton and now operating out of the UK and Paris, is a label and publisher run by Alex McCall. The label’s roster reflects a blend of electronic and jazz-influenced sounds, featuring artists such as Asta Hiroki, Bon-Psy, Catch92, Fthmlss, Tristan De Liege, and Woodini. Also joining the Zebralution fold is Bawo, one of London’s most compelling new voices. Merging rap, garage, grime, and soul, Bawo’s genre-fluid style has drawn praise for its depth and lyrical finesse. His 2023 breakthrough project Legitimate Cause captured attention for its introspective storytelling and sharp wordplay.

 

ORCA NAMES PATRICK CLIFTON AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: The Organization for Recorded Culture and Arts (ORCA) has named Patrick Clifton as its new Executive Director. In his new role, Clifton will lead the globally focused think tank and advocacy body, supported by a network of prominent independent record labels, as it gears up to release its second major report in 2025. Clifton started his career in the U.K. independent music scene with positions at Jive Records, Independiente, and the nightclub The End. In 2012, he joined Amazon, where he played a key role in launching and expanding the company’s music streaming operations, eventually heading up Amazon Music U.K. After leaving Amazon, Clifton transitioned into the vinyl space, and in 2023 launched a strategy consultancy focused on music and technology. Later this year, ORCA will unveil its second research paper, which will examine the economic and cultural contributions of independent record labels. This follows the organization’s inaugural 2024 report, Setting the Stage: How Music Works, developed in collaboration with the Centre for Music Ecosystems, who are also authoring the upcoming study. Founding supporters of ORCA include a wide range of indie labels such as Because Music, Beggars Group, City Slang, Domino Recording Company, Everlasting Records!, Exceleration Music, Hopeless Records, !K7 Music, Ninja Tune, Partisan Records, Playground Music, Secret City Records, Secretly Group, and Sub Pop.

 

ARMADA MUSIC GROUP LAUNCHES NEW LONDON HQ: Armada Music Group has unveiled its brand-new, multi-purpose headquarters in London, England. Located on Old Street in the heart of Shoreditch, the 7,000-square-foot facility spans six floors and is designed to serve both as a creative hub for artists and an expanded base of operations to better support local and international talent. The new complex includes two high-end recording studios equipped with custom infrastructure, PMC and Barefoot Sound monitors, and an array of synthesizers from Roland, Nord, and Sequential, a 130-capacity event space with a club-grade L-Acoustics sound system and livestreaming setup, dedicated listening rooms tailored for A&R sessions, workspace, and facilities for up to 60 full-time staff. The studios will also host in-house writing camps, further integrating creative and operational efforts under one roof. Described as a key pillar in Armada’s long-term growth strategy, the new London HQ aims to provide specialized support for dance music artists, producers, and songwriters within one of the music industry’s most vital markets. Armada also plans to expand its U.K.-based publishing operations with a dedicated creative team, boosting the headcount of Armada Music Publishing. Since opening its first London office in 2017, Armada has increased its presence in the U.K., now the company’s second-largest streaming market. Over the past two years, the team in London has doubled in size. The UK arm has been instrumental in campaigns for artists like D.O.D. and the re-release of Mason & Princess Superstar‘s Perfect (Exceeder), while also supporting global acts including Armin van Buuren, Joris Voorn, Lilly Palmer, Themba, and Arty.

 

OPENPLAY SIGNS FIRST DEAL IN JAPAN: OpenPlay has entered the Japanese market through a new partnership with leading independent label Toy’s Factory. Under the new agreement, OpenPlay will deliver end-to-end content management services, offering Toy’s Factory a centralized platform to organize and oversee its vast library of digital assets, including audio files, video content, artwork, and metadata. This deal marks a milestone in OpenPlay’s international expansion, giving the company a foothold in Japan, the world’s second-largest music market. It comes on the heels of a recently completed multi-million-dollar strategic funding round aimed at accelerating global growth. Established in 1990, Toy’s Factory is one of Japan’s most prominent labels, known for cultivating a roster that spans pop, rock, and genre-defying acts. Its catalogue includes the first four albums by internationally acclaimed group Babymetal, as well as a range of artists influential in shaping modern Japanese pop culture. The partnership gives Toy’s Factory access to OpenPlay’s robust infrastructure, allowing the label to consolidate data and manage its digital assets efficiently, all while retaining full control of its intellectual property. As the label pursues greater international exposure for its artists, OpenPlay’s technology will help power streamlined workflows and global content distribution. While physical media like CDs still play a significant role in Japan’s music economy, the rapid growth of streaming services has created a timely opening for platforms like OpenPlay to support the industry’s digital transformation.

 

THIRD SIDE MUSIC ANNOUNCE 20% GROWTH & $25 MILLION IN ANNUAL REVENUES: As it celebrates two decades in business, Third Side Music (TSM) is marking a milestone year with up to 20% year-over-year growth, a 99% client retention rate, and over 95% of deals fully recouped, figures that speak to the company’s sustained success and artist-first approach. What began in 2005 as a startup with a $150,000 (USD) investment has since evolved into a global music publishing force, now generating more than $25 million in annual revenue, and having paid out hundreds of millions in royalties to its artists and songwriters. TSM has remained independent, offering an artist-centric model designed to help creatives realize the full value of their work. The company was co-founded by Jeff Waye, then fresh off a decade leading Ninja Tune‘s North American operations, and Patrick Curley, an indie guitarist with a law degree and a vision to reshape music publishing. Together, they built TSM in the spirit of the independent labels they admired, crafting a home for career artists outside the constraints of traditional models. Today, Third Side Music stands as one of the most successful independent publishers in the world, with a catalog of more than 75,000 titles and a global footprint that includes offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, Montreal, and Mexico City. Its roster features acts such as SOFI TUKKER, Courtney Barnett, BadBadNotGood, Sky Ferreira, Future Islands, Surf Curse, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Kurt Vile, and Cults. The company also manages legacy catalogs, including Studio One/JamRec, Galt MacDermot, The Clyde Otis Music Group, Alan Watts, and more. In a consolidating industry driven by investor capital and catalog acquisitions, Waye and Curley have remained committed to full ownership and independent control.

 

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