MUSEXPO 2026 UNVEILS MORE
SPEAKERS FOR ITS 26TH GLOBAL EDITION
WITH AUDEZE, CONCORD, FORMAT, FOX SPORTS,
LIVE NATION, NETFLIX, POSITION MUSIC, SAATCHI & SAATCHI,
SILVA SCREEN, TIMES MUSIC (INDIA), WARNER MUSIC, WME,
AND MORE WITH A SPOTLIGHT ON INDIA
MUSEXPO “The United Nations of Music” (www.musexpo.net), the pioneering global music business conference renowned for its transformative impact on the industry, which will take place March 22 – 25, 2026, in Burbank, California has unveiled a growing list of speakers, and will showcase a spotlight on India, which is one of the world’s fastest growing music markets.
Marking over a quarter-century of influence, MUSEXPO 2026 will highlight the continued evolution of the worldwide music business landscape across all key sectors including A&R, music publishing, live, sync (film, TV, videogames, advertising, promos, trailers), radio/streaming, digital, technology, AI, distribution, management, and more. In addition, the event will highlight a special forum and panelists across the narrative “All About India” throughout the event.
MUSEXPO will also return with its esteemed “International Music Industry Awards” (which originally launched back in 2012) in association with A&R Worldwide and will recognize the contributions of some of the most influential executives and creatives across core areas of the global music business in association with Visit Burbank and City of Burbank “The Media Capital of The World” during the private VIP Gala Dinner presentations.
The highly coveted “International Music Person of the Year” honorarium will be presented to one of the most influential booking agents in the world – Kirk M. Sommer, Senior Partner/Global Co-Head of Music, WME. In addition, the annual Seymour Stein “Global A&R Award,” will be bestowed upon the highly respected and influential Kim Frankiewicz, Executive VP, Worldwide A&R, Concord Music Publishing. Also, the “Lifetime Achievement Award” will be presented to one of the world’s leading Indian-born, and British-raised music executives, who also celebrates 50 years of contributions to the worldwide music business – Reynold D’Silva, Founder & CEO, Silva Screen Group. MUSEXPO will also feature its popular Global Sync Summit, and A&R Summit, as part of its overall 2026 event program. In addition, A&R Worldwide will also be unveiling next year’s recipients of the “International Music Industry Awards,” which will take place at the conclusion of the event.
MUSEXPO has unveiled a growing list of inspiring and influential executives, creatives, and companies that will participate during its 26th global edition of what is one of the world’s most impactful global music business and showcase events, which has remained independently organized by A&R Worldwide. More speakers from the U.S., and around the world have solidified their participation and will be unveiled in the next few weeks.
Confirmed speakers for next year’s event already include Alexandria Schammel, Manager, Music, Fox Sports Music; Allan Klepfisz, Chairman & CEO, FENIX360; Amanda Grocky, Head of Publishing, Format Entertainment; Amy Dunning, Vice President, Music, Netflix; Ana Capuano, Music Coordinator, American Idol; Arnold P. Peter, Founder & Managing Partner, Peter Law Group; Bekki Newton, Sr. Coordinator, Music Clearance & Licensing, Fox Sports; Cheapshot, Founder, The Math Club / Music Producer & Creative Director, Format Entertainment; Christian Zabala, Music Supervisor, Format Entertainment; Clive Dickens, Founder & CEO, The Meliora Company; Dave Jordan, Founder & CEO, Format Entertainment; David O’Connor, Vice President, Artist & Business Development, Live Nation; Eugene Galushchenko, Founder & CEO, onestop music; Gary Spivack, Sr. Executive, Eventim Live Global; Jamar Richardson, Sr. Music Coordinator, Fox Sports Music; Jarred Causly, Sr. Music Supervisor, Saatchi & Saatchi; Jason Bentley, President, Bentley Media Ventures; Jennifer Insogna, Vice President & Head of Music 360, A+E Global; Jim Thacker, Owner, Kazen Music Group; Justine von Winterfeldt, Head of Music Supervision, Format Entertainment; Kabiru Bello, Head of A&R EMEA / Vice President Global A&R, Warner Recorded Music; Katie Romanovich – Associate Music Supervisor, Format; Kim Frankiewicz, Executive VP, Worldwide A&R, Concord Music Publishing; Kirk M. Sommer, Senior Partner/Global Co-Head of Music, WME; Laura Katz, Founder & Music Supervisor, Supe Troop; Mandar Thakur, CEO, Times Music Group (India); Marek Hojda, Board Member, Music Export Poland & President, Society of Polish Audiovisual Composers SPACe; Mark Sutherland, Presenter, The Money Trench: The Music Industry Podcast With Mark Sutherland; Mason Cooper, Music Supervisor & President, Songrunner Entertainment; Matt Logan, Sr. Coordinator, FOX Sports Music; Melissa Stern, Director, Music Supervisor & Tech Operations, FOX Sports Music; Nick Robelotto, Sr. Coordinator, Music Clearance, FOX Sports Music: Nicole De La Torriente, Vice President, Music Business Affairs & Operations, FOX Sports Music; Nora Felder, Music Supervisor / CEO, Picture Music Company; Reynold D’Silva, Founder & CEO, Silva Screen Group; Ritch Esra, Publisher & Founder, Music Registry & Co-Founder, MUBU TV; Rodrigo Contreras, Head of Sync & Creative Strategy, onestop music; Sankar Thiagasamudram, Founder & CEO, Audeze; Sat Bisla, President & Founder, A&R Worldwide / MUSEXPO; Satya Hinduja – Artist & Founder, Alchemic Sonic Environment; Sean Mulligan, Music Supervisor, The Music Department; Stephanie Urcheck, Sr. Manager, Music Supervision & Clearance, FOX Sports Music; Tyler Bacon, President & CEO, Position Music, and many more to be unveiled in the coming weeks and months.
To register to attend MUSEXPO, sign up HERE.
For artist showcase submissions, apply HERE.
For details on sponsorships, partnerships, panelists, or additional information, contact info@anrworldwide.com.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GREATER CHINA ANNOUNCES TWO EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) has announced the appointment of Cora Lam as Head of Legal & Business Affairs, while Mark Gao steps into the role of Sr. Vice President of Brand Partnerships, both effective immediately. Both executives will be based in Hong Kong and report directly to Timothy Xu, Chairman & CEO of UMGC.
Lam’s role follows the planned departure of Patsy Chan, who is stepping down after more than 20 years with Universal Music Group. Chan, who served as Sr. VP & Head of Legal & Business Affairs for Asia, will remain with the company through the end of the year to support Southeast Asia operations and ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Bringing over two decades of legal and industry experience, Lam will lead all legal and business affairs functions across Greater China. She most recently held the role of General Counsel & Sr. VP of Legal & Business Affairs at Warner Music Asia, where she oversaw legal strategy across 11 markets.
During her tenure, she assisted in Warner’s acquisition and integration of Gold Typhoon‘s catalog and artist roster and was instrumental in securing deals with digital platforms, artists, and brand partners. Lam also previously held senior roles at EMI Music Asia and is a qualified solicitor in both Hong Kong and England and Wales.
In his new role, Gao will drive UMGC’s brand partnership initiatives, focusing on aligning music with lifestyle, culture, and sports. With 25 years of experience across the international sports, entertainment, and media sectors, Gao brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the team. He previously founded and led Momentum Sports, an award-winning business according to UMGC. Before that, he served as President of CAA Sports China, where he helped grow the agency’s regional footprint through sponsorships and brand alliances.
Earlier in his career, Gao held the position of Vice President at NBA China, where he was instrumental in elevating the league’s brand presence and commercial success in the market.
IAN HARRISON NAMED CEO OF A2IM
A2IM (The American Association of Independent Music) has named Ian Harrison as its next Chief Executive Officer. He will officially step into the role on Wednesday, October 1, succeeding Dr. Richard James Burgess, who announced last summer that he would be stepping down after a decade at the helm. Harrison will collaborate with Burgess and A2IM’s Board throughout the remainder of the year to ensure a smooth and effective leadership transition.
Harrison brings over 20 years of experience in the independent music space, most recently serving as Executive Vice President at Hopeless Records. During his time there, he played a key role in transforming the label from a niche indie outfit into a globally recognized force. Under his leadership, Hopeless Records launched over 300 releases, sold more than 15 million records, earned upwards of 20 Gold and Platinum certifications, and secured multiple No.1 chart positions in both the U.S. and the U.K.
Beyond his work at the label, Harrison also helped lead the Hopeless Foundation (Sub City), which has raised over $3.5 million (USD) for charitable causes focused on music and mental health. A longtime advocate for the independent music community, Harrison has been actively involved with A2IM since 2012, contributing as a committee member for Indie Week, a frequent speaker, and a mentor. His industry leadership also includes positions on the board of the Worldwide Independent Network and a past board role with the Music Business Association.
A2IM highlighted Harrison’s vision and influence, noting his inclusion on Billboard‘s Indie Power Players lists for both 2024 and 2025, as well as his earlier recognition on the publication’s 30 Under 30 list.
Harrison stated, “The independent community is stronger and more dynamic than ever yet also facing accelerating challenges that will test our resilience and adaptability. A2IM exists to ensure our members can grow independently in the face of these changes and thrive on their own terms. I am grateful to the A2IM Board for their trust as I step into the CEO role at such a pivotal moment. I take on this responsibility with a deep commitment to serving our community. I am especially grateful to Dr. Richard James Burgess for a decade of exceptional leadership that established A2IM as a vital voice in our industry, and to Lisa Hresko and the entire A2IM team whose dedication makes our work so impactful. This includes remembering our colleague Alex Machurov, whose contributions and spirit will remain part of A2IM’s legacy. I also want to thank Louis Posen and my colleagues at Hopeless Records, where I spent the past two decades, for shaping me as a leader and deepening my commitment to this community. Independent music has been my life’s work, and I am excited to serve in this new capacity.”
SPOTIFY ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE CHANGES
Spotify has unveiled a major leadership restructuring. In an announcement made on September 30th, the company confirmed that Founder and current CEO Daniel Ek will step down from his CEO position and transition to the role of Executive Chairman, effective January 1, 2026.
Alongside this change, Spotify has appointed Gustav Söderström (currently Co-President and Chief Product and Technology Officer) and Alex Norström (Co-President and Chief Business Officer) as its new Co-Chief Executive Officers.
Both Söderström and Norström will report to Ek and are expected to join Spotify’s Board of Directors, pending shareholder approval. According to the company, this shift formalizes the leadership structure that has effectively been in place since 2023, with the Co-Presidents already steering Spotify’s strategic direction and day-to-day operations.
Spotify noted that Ek’s future role as Executive Chairman will resemble the European model of leadership. In this position, he will oversee capital allocation, shape the company’s long-term vision, and continue to guide and support the senior leadership team.
“I always believed that Spotify could play an important role in revolutionizing listening around the world, and with more than 700 million users, we’ve truly charted a new course bringing creativity to every corner of the globe,” said Daniel Ek. “Over the last few years, I’ve turned over a large part of the day-to-day management and strategic direction of Spotify to Alex and Gustav – who have shaped the company from our earliest days and are now more than ready to guide our next phase. This change simply matches titles to how we already operate. In my role as Executive Chairman, I will focus on the long arc of the company and keep the Board and our co-CEOs deeply connected through my engagement.”
The new co-CEOs said in a joint statement, “We’ve worked together for a very long time and have seen Spotify through many different chapters. Nearly three years ago, when we stepped into our roles as co-Presidents, we charged our teams with relentlessly focusing on building the best and most valuable experience available anywhere and that ambition hasn’t changed. While we bring different experiences and perspectives to the CEO role, we both have a strong bias to action and can’t wait to get started knowing that we will have Daniel’s full partnership and ongoing support.”
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!
Originally hailing from Brisbane, Australia, the band Sheppard has been one of the most successful groups from the Australasian region in the past dozen years. After struggling to get any measurable results when they first formed, the band were introduced to A&R Worldwide by their co-manager Michael Chugg (the legendary Australian promoter), who was working with his management partner, the late Steve Strange (Booking Agent for Coldplay, Eminem, and others). Michael Chugg was also a business partner with A&R Worldwide Founder Sat Bisla, and worked with his team members Monte Malone and Joe Arnold in launching the One Movement for Music festival and MUSEXPO Asia Pacific in Perth, WA back in 2008 – 2010.
Michael knew of A&R Worldwide’s ability to make a difference in the band’s career because they had been instrumental in securing label, publishing, sync placements, and generating other pivotal early strategic support for Australian artists including Wolfmother, Gotye, Missy Higgins, The Temper Trap, Rob Dougan, Sia, John Butler Trio, All Mankind, Lime Cordiale, Vance Joy, Sam Sparro, and many others before they signed to their U.S., and/or other global deals.
A&R Worldwide helped introduce Sheppard to many of its A&R and publisher relationships across the U.S., U.K., and Germany. However, it was the first-ever worldwide radio and streaming support of Sheppard’s single “Let Me Down Easy” on the influential syndicated radio show Passport Approved (currently broadcasting on over 50 radio stations worldwide) which landed the band regular airplay on the show’s affiliate station KNRK “94/7” in Portland, OR. This was thanks to the Program Director Mark Hamilton hearing the song on Passport Approved, and adding it into their daytime rotation, which generated significant digital sales and streaming activity. An Australian blogger discovered the band through Passport Approved and KNRK in Portland, and because of his blog, Australian radio and Spotify finally came on board to support the band.
Record labels and publishers from around the world started chasing after the band to sign them, whereas they eventually signed to Scooter Braun‘s School Boy Records in partnership with Republic Records, and the rest as they say is history.
Sheppard’s debut album Bombs Away peaked at No.2 on the ARIA Albums Chart and their single “Geronimo” reached No.1 on the ARIA Singles Chart and achieved 5x Platinum status in Australia, as well as garnering chart success around the world. Their 2018 album Watching the Sky also hit No.1 on the ARIA Albums Chart, and their third album, Kaleidoscope Eyes reached No.2 in Australia.
CAMBER
With the release of their debut single “What Would You Do?” in July, teenage alt-rock trio Camber quickly marked themselves as one of the U.K.’s most exciting new discoveries. Now the Kent-born band return with “Somebody’s Orders,” the second single from their forthcoming EP What Would You Do? due Friday on Fierce Panda Records. Written by lead singer Elliot Graham, “Somebody’s Orders” captures the restless energy of youth and the unease of mistrust, its lyrics exploring the rejection of help during tough times out of suspicion and self-doubt. The track sharpens Camber’s signature mix of frenetic drive and melodic depth, delivering alt-rock, with a maturity far beyond their teenage years. Formed in 2023, while still at school, Graham, bassist Joe Payne, and drummer Patrick Horan bonded over shared heroes from Big Thief to Bruce Springsteen, channeling those influences into songs that pulse with raw honesty and dynamic edge. Their early promise has already drawn heavyweight collaborators including producer Sebastian Sternberg (Goldfrapp, Imelda May) and Grammy-winner Matt Lawrence (Mumford & Sons, Adele, Beyoncé), shaping a debut EP that is equal parts storm and subtlety. Listen to “Somebody’s Orders” HERE, and contact Chris Wilson for all inquiries pertaining to Camber.
GRANDSON
Los Angeles, CA-based indie-rock powerhouse grandson (aka Jordan Benjamin) recently released a blistering new single and video for “SELF IMMOLATION,“ taken from his new album INERTIA (XX Records/Create Music). A sonic gut punch of gritty guitars and pummeling percussion, “SELF IMMOLATION” finds grandson confronting the weight of protest and sacrifice head-on. “Self Immolation was inspired by movements across college campuses, inspired by the late Aaron Bushnell who gave his life in protest of the actions of the very military he served, inspired by the dead students of Kent State 1970, and written about what it means to have a cause to live for, to die for,” he shares. The single follows “BRAINROT,” the sharp and uncompromising first release from the record, which has already racked up over six million views across socials and landed grandson a Kerrang! cover feature. Produced by Mike Crossey (The Killers, The 1975, Twenty One Pilots), INERTIA highlights grandson at his most urgent, unfiltered, and unapologetic, leaning harder than ever into his mix of angst-dripped songwriting and fearless social commentary. With acclaim from Kerrang! (“Hit play, go out, and change the world”), Billboard (“grandson has been making bold statements with his music for the last few years”), and Interview Magazine (“angst-dripped, polemical songwriting”), grandson continues to cement himself as one of the most vital and uncompromising voices of his generation. Enjoy the visual for “SELF IMMOLATION” HERE, and contact Finola Doran for additional information regarding grandson.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, October 5th, 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:
ST. LUNDI – “Mercury” (Good Taste, U.K.)
DEAF HAVANA – “Lawn Tennis” (SO Recordings, U.K.)
SKAAR – “Missing Out” (RMV Grammofon/Universal, Norway)
GOOD NEIGHBOURS – “Suburbs” (Polydor Records, U.K.)
SALARYMEN – “We Could Be Together” (Unsigned, Australia)
A THOUSAND MAD THINGS – “Local Guys” (Nettwerk, U.K.)
THE ROYSTON CLUB – “Glued To The Bed” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
GLASS CITIES – “Issues” (Unsigned, U.S.)
CIRCA WAVES – “Cherry Bomb” ([PIAS], U.K.)
BLOW – “Her World” (DDM, France)
SEA FEVER – “Able Eyes” (Kartel Music Group, U.K.)
VERONICA FUSARO – “Gold Rush” (Deepdive, Switzerland)
HARD LIFE – “Y3llow Bike” (Island Records, U.K.)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Nobody, Nobody” (Unsigned, U.S.)
SHOBSY – “Own The Night” (Pangea Int’l Music, Ireland)
ADAM REESE – “Tattooed Soul” (Unsigned, U.S.)
SEAFRET – “Five More Seconds” (Featuring KT Tunstall) (Nettwerk, U.K.)
KINGFISHR – “Next To Me” (B-Unique Records, Ireland)
BLACK HONEY – “Shallow” (Foxfive Records, U.K.)
GORDON’S GRANDSON – “Kissing” (Anti-Dismal, Australia)
ROYEL OTIS – “Car” (Ourness/Capitol, Australia)
LAWN CHAIR – “War Machine” (Unsigned, Germany)
KIDS RETURN – “Teenage Dreams” (Hamburger Records, France)
CALUM BOWIE – “The World Outside” (Polydor, U.K.)
INHALER – “X-Ray” (Polydor, U.K.)
KARIN ANN – “I Was Never Yours” (3AM Records, Slovakia)
ALEX SPENCER – “Where Do We Go From Here?” (Unsigned, U.K.)
RHETT REPKO – “Don’t Delay” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE AMAZONS – “Night After Night” (Fiction Records, U.K.)
SPACEY JANE – “Estimated Delivery” (AWAL, Australia)
CAT SERRANO – “Sculpture” (Unsigned, U.S.)
FOOL NELSON – “Bad Dreams” (Unsigned, Australia)
CARISSA SUMMER ROSE – “Teleport” (Unsigned, U.S.)
THE MOVING STILLS – “Can’t Be Like This Forever” (Unsigned, Australia)
AVEX MUSIC GROUP SIGNS GLOBAL HITMAKER KAMAL WILSON: Avex Music Group (AMG) led by CEO Brandon Silverstein, has announced the signing of rising songwriter and producer Kamal Wilson. Wilso is best known for co-writing Kehlani‘s single “Folded,” which reached number one on both Rhythmic and Urban radio. “Folded” has become a hit across streaming platforms, climbing to number three on Apple Music and sparking a viral vocal challenge on social media. The track has captured the attention of fans and artists alike, with covers from Grammy winners Brandy and Eric Bellinger. Wilson’s talent spans R&B, hip-hop, and pop, and his songwriting instincts have positioned him as one of the most sought-after collaborators of the moment. Originally from Orange County, California, Wilson began writing music at just 11 years old. The signing was spearheaded by Nevin Sanitsky, Director of A&R at AMG, with additional support from Brennen Bryant, Senior Director of A&R. “Kamal represents everything we believe in at Avex – global talent, creativity, and cultural impact,” said Brandon Silverstein, CEO of Avex Music Group. “His ability to craft timeless records while connecting deeply with artists is exactly the type of energy we want to champion. We’re excited to support him as he continues shaping the sound of today and tomorrow.”
MORGAN EVANS TEAMS UP WITH VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP FOR NEW MUSIC: Virgin Music Group has announced a new collaboration with country music star Morgan Evans as he enters a new chapter in his career. Their partnership kicks off with the release of his latest single, “Beer Back Home,” arriving on all major digital streaming platforms on October 10th. A full-length album is slated for release in early 2026. Originally from Australia, Morgan Evans made his debut with a self-titled album in 2014 and has since released several albums and EPs, accumulating over 800 million streams worldwide. Praised by Rolling Stone for his charisma and talent, the publication once wrote, “Morgan Evans has the gravitational effect of a star in the sky.” “Morgan is an artist dedicated to the continued growth of his loyal fanbase and country music around the world,” stated Jen Bontusa, Sr. VP of Label Management for Virgin Music Group. “The Virgin Music Group global team will play a vital role in helping to expand that fanbase with an incredible collection of new music. We can’t wait to get started.” Evans added, “I’m stoked to partner with Virgin Music Group on this record. They’ve built a global team that gets Nashville, Europe, Australia, and they get me.”
CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING ANZ SIGNS THE BELAIR LIP BOMBS: Concord Music Publishing ANZ has announced a worldwide publishing deal with rising Australian indie-rock outfit The Belair Lip Bombs. The signing coincides with the upcoming release of the band’s second album, Again, set to drop on October 31st via Third Man Records. Currently on a North American tour, The Belair Lip Bombs will head to Europe in November before returning for a run of performances at Laneway Festival across Australia and New Zealand. Hailing from the coastal suburb of Frankston in Melbourne, the four-piece, Maisie Everett (vocals/guitar), Mike Bradvica (guitar), Jimmy Droughton (bass), and Daniel “Dev” Devlin (drums), have cultivated a loyal fanbase with their lyricism, live shows, and a signature sound they describe as “yearn-core.” Over the past eight years, they’ve grown from local favorites into a standout act on the global indie radar. Their forthcoming album Again builds on the success of their 2023 debut Lush Life, refining their jangly, hook-filled sound across ten tracks. The record draws inspiration from icons like Television and The Rolling Stones while channeling contemporary indie influences such as Waxahatchee and Julia Jacklin. Co-produced with Nao Anzai (The Teskey Brothers) and Joe White (Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever), Again captures the band’s DIY spirit and creative vision as they step onto the world stage. Hazel Gordon, Sr. A&R Manager at Concord Music Publishing ANZ, said, “We are over the moon to welcome Maisie, Jimmy, Mike, and Dev to the Concord family. The band’s disarming 2023 album Lush Life is brimming with instant classics; it was an immediate no-brainer that we wanted to collaborate with them. With a massive few months ahead, the band will wrap up their North America run supporting Spacey Jane, take their headline shows to Europe, and drop their highly anticipated sophomore album, all before the year’s end. We’re so excited to be joining Team Lip Bombs for this next chapter of their career!”
BERNIE LEADON INKS GLOBAL DEAL WITH WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC: Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has entered into a global, long-term publishing deal with Bernie Leadon, a founding member of the Eagles and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Leadon is preparing to release Too Late to Be Cool, his first solo album in over 20 years, on October 10th. Leadon recently took the stage as a featured performer at AMERICANAFEST in Nashville, Tennessee. He wrote every song on the upcoming record, including the already-released singles “Too Many Memories,” “Just a Little,” and “Go on Down to Mobile.” The album reunites Leadon with producer and engineer Glyn Johns, also a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, whose credits include work with The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Eric Clapton. The project was recorded live to analog tape with the entire band performing together in-studio, avoiding any overdubs for a raw, authentic sound. Leadon co-founded the Eagles in 1971 alongside Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Randy Meisner. Warner Chappell highlighted his contributions to guitar, banjo, mandolin, and harmonies as essential to shaping the band’s early sound. His work is forever etched into music history on Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975, the best-selling album of all time in the United States. After parting ways with the Eagles in 1975, Leadon collaborated with artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Stephen Stills, and Alabama. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Eagles in 1998. Greg Sowders, Sr. VP, A&R and Catalog, WCM said, “As an expert musician, songwriter, and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Bernie inspired me to start my first real band. And now as his music publisher, I continue to be inspired by his writing and playing, particularly by his new album Too Late To Be Cool. His legend continues.”
PRESCRIPTION SONGS SIGNS GINO THE GHOST: Prescription Songs has announced the addition of Gino The Ghost to its growing roster. The Los Angeles-based producer, songwriter, and artist, with two Grammy Awards and 14 Platinum certifications, joins the roster through the efforts of A&Rs Brooke Webster and Caitlin LoPilato. The news comes at a pivotal moment in Gino’s career, following the September 17th announcement that he’s received five Latin Grammy nominations this year for his work with Argentine duo CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso. Their album Papota, which features several tracks co-written by Gino, is nominated for “Album of the Year” and “Best Alternative Music Album.” His work on tracks like “El Día del Amigo” and “#Tetas” has landed him nods in categories including “Record of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” “Best Pop Song,” “Best Alternative Song,” and “Best Short Form Music Video.” The duo’s short film for Papota is also up for “Best Long Form Music Video.” Originally from Detroit, Gino’s breakout came with Saweetie‘s hits “My Type” and “Back to the Streets” featuring Jhene Aiko. Since then, he’s gone on to shape the global soundscape, co-writing not only Papota but also Baño María, both viral debuts from CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso that are redefining Latin alternative music. Additionally, Gino’s credits also include “Kills You Slowly” by The Chainsmokers, featured on their No. 1 album World War Joy, along with tracks on Nathy Peluso‘s Calambre (“Delito,” “Trio,” “SANA SANA”) and Christina Aguilera‘s Aguilera, both of which earned him Grammy wins. In the K-pop arena, Gino has made waves with contributions to CORTIS, the new boy band from HYBE/BIGHIT MUSIC (home to BTS and TXT). He also played a role in ENHYPEN‘s DESIRE: UNLEASH and TXT’s The Star Chapter: TOGETHER, both of which hit #1 on the Billboard World Albums chart in 2025. Furthermore, Gino co-founded Blocktones, a Web3 music project with a sold-out NFT collection, and serves as Head of A&R at Hume, a virtual artist label backed by CAA. He also hosts the podcast Good Luck! with Gino, where he explores music, technology, and pop culture through candid conversations.
NOTTING HILL MUSIC SIGNS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH AS IT IS: As It Is have entered into a global publishing partnership with Notting Hill Music. Under the new agreement, Notting Hill will take on the administration of the band’s back catalog, including multiple albums and anthology releases, while also supporting their upcoming fifth studio album and future projects. The deal also opens the door to new sync opportunities and wider international growth for the band. This announcement follows a string of developments for As It Is, including their recent signing to FLG (Frontiers Label Group), a label focused on alternative and modern rock, and the release of their brand-new single, “Lose Your Way & Find Yourself.” The track marks the first new material from the band’s original lineup since 2018, signaling a return to their roots with renewed energy and momentum. The publishing deal was officially sealed during a sold-out headline show at London’s Electric Ballroom, the final stop on their U.K. tour. The tour celebrated the 10th anniversary of their debut album, Never Happy, Ever After, with full performances of the album, the new single, and a career-spanning second set. As It Is lead vocalist and Co-Founder Patty Walters said, “13 years after starting the band, we’ve never felt more alive, ambitious, and impassioned about making music together, and we can’t wait for this exciting new chapter of the band to begin. Many members of the band’s team are still with us more than a decade later, and we’re overjoyed that Notting Hill Music will be with us moving forward. We want to say the most humble and wholehearted thank you to John [Saunderson], Roy, Dave, and the entire team at Notting Hill Music for their belief in the past, present, and future of our band.”
POSITION MUSIC SIGNS HENRY VERUS TO A WORLDWIDE RECORD DEAL: Tyler Bacon, Founder & CEO, Position Music, tells A&R Worldwide that Henry Verus has signed a global label deal with the company. From Chicago, Verus is capturing attention with his growing fanbase and distinct voice in the alternative pop and R&B space. Crafting songs that feel like overheard secrets, Verus invites listeners into an intimate world of late-night truths and emotionally charged melodies. Since making his debut in 2020, Verus has delivered tracks such as “Your Guilty Pleasure,” “Down for You,” and “He Hit Her,” each one pushing deeper into his artistic expression. In making the announcement, Chris Tecca, Position Music A&R said, “From the first moment I heard Henry Verus, I knew there was something truly special about him. His ability to channel complex, deeply human themes with such eloquence and artistry at 21 years old is nothing short of remarkable. He’s the kind of artist who makes you stop, listen, and feel every word. He’s a generational talent, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.” Henry Verus added, “Getting close to everyone here at Position has been a very refreshing experience, thanks to how intimate and focused everyone on board seems. Ever since my management introduced me to the team, it’s been clear how passionate they are about my music and vision. Garrett and Chris both have already been incredible resources for me, and Tyler and Mark seem like the kind of leaders that stop at nothing to make sure their artists are taken care of. Not only do I feel protected and well-represented at Position, but I feel like I can get peace of mind knowing art that I work so hard on will be actively accounted for and supported.”
SESAC AND GMR JOIN ASCAP & BMI’S ‘SONGVIEW’ COPYRIGHT DATABASE: ASCAP and BMI have teamed up to launch Songview, a public performance copyright database they described as a “groundbreaking collaboration” designed to be a unified, comprehensive resource for music rights data. Now, as of September 29th, the platform is undergoing an evolution, in what’s being called a “landmark expansion,” Songview will soon incorporate data from all four major U.S. PROs, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR, for the first time. According to the organizations, this expansion will make Songview the most complete source of public performance copyright information in the U.S., featuring details on more than 38 million musical works. Over the next several months, Songview will begin integrating catalog data from GMR and SESAC, beginning with songs that they represent 100%. Additionally, the platform will soon display publisher names for GMR and SESAC works that are co-owned with ASCAP or BMI, a feature frequently requested by users. Ownership percentage data for these jointly represented works is also planned for future inclusion. The Songview system, developed by a cross-disciplinary team from ASCAP and BMI, ingests, processes, and reconciles song ownership data based on agreed standards. The verified data is then fed back into the public databases on ASCAP’s and BMI’s websites. Each entry includes detailed information such as songwriters and their affiliations, publishers, performers, alternate titles, and standardized codes like ISWC and IPI. Works that have been verified across all organizations are marked with a green checkmark, signaling agreement among the PROs. The database is freely accessible to the public through the ASCAP and BMI websites.
WARNER MUSIC ITALY SIGNS DEAL WITH HONIRO: Warner Music Italy (WMI) has revealed a new distribution partnership with Honiro, one of the most influential independent labels in Italy’s music landscape. Under this new agreement, ADA Music Italy, the distribution arm of Warner Music Italy, will manage the distribution of Honiro’s full catalog and upcoming releases. Founded in 2009 by Jacopo Lavecchia and headquartered in Rome, Honiro has assisted in shaping the Italian rap and urban music scene. The label has been instrumental in launching and supporting the careers of artists such as Briga, Gemitaiz, Il Tre, Ultimo, lowlow, MadMan, Mostro, Shiva, and Vegas Jones. Known for its focus on discovering and nurturing emerging talent, Honiro has become a key player and trusted name within Italy’s independent music community. Through this collaboration, Honiro will gain access to Warner Music Italy and ADA’s distribution infrastructure, marketing, and resources, creating growth opportunities for its artists and amplifying their reach both in Italy and internationally. “We are happy to announce this new collaboration with Honiro, a label that over the years has demonstrated an exceptional ability to discover and nurture talent, building a prestigious catalog full of success stories,” stated Pico Cibelli, President of Warner Music Italy. “Together, we aim to develop new projects, further enhance its repertoire, and create opportunities that can strengthen and evolve the careers of the artists. It is a pleasure to be able to share skills, visions, and strategies with an independent label as rooted and authoritative as Honiro.”
SPOTIFY AND MERLIN INK MULTI-YEAR GLOBAL LICENSING DEAL: Merlin and Spotify have extended their global, multi-year licensing deal. The renewed agreement, announced on September 30th, aims to strengthen the presence of independent music on Spotify and ensure Merlin’s members retain access to a worldwide audience through the platform. Merlin represents independent labels and distributors operating in over 70 countries and accounts for approximately 15% of the global recorded music market. Its membership includes names such as !K7, AEI Music, Anjunabeats, Armada Music Group, AudioSalad, Better Noise, Cinq Music Group, Curb Records, Epitaph Records, Exceleration Music, Freeme Digital, GYROstream, Hopeless Records, IDOL, ONErpm, Secretly, Stones Throw, Sub Pop, Symphonic, UnitedMasters, Zebralution, and others. Highlighting a 17-year relationship, both companies emphasized their joint efforts in supporting the growth and success of independent artists and labels, across both established and emerging music markets. They also noted the pivotal contribution of the independent sector in driving the popularity of genres like Afrobeats and Amapiano, reviving interest in rock, and fostering the growth of alternative, electronic, rap, Latin, and other genres traditionally championed by indie labels. “Merlin’s mission is to empower our members to own their future,” said Jeremy Sirota, CEO, Merlin. “Spotify remains a key and forward-looking partner in advancing that mission. In a rapidly changing industry, this isn’t just about securing terms that value the contributions of our members’ artists; it’s about building frameworks that unleash creativity and ensure our dynamic global membership, which accounts for 15% of the market – can continue to grow, thrive, and lead. Together, we are committed to a future where independent music drives discovery and value for artists and fans.”
VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP, WAKEONE & SAWHORSE PRODUCTIONS PARTNER TO COLLABORATE FOR REC ROOM: Virgin Music Group teamed up with K-Pop label WAKEONE and creative studio Sawhorse Productions to launch a week-long fan experience on the hit gaming platform Rec Room, celebrating the release of ZEROBASEONE‘s (ZB1) debut full-length album NEVER SAY NEVER (released September 1st, KST). Marking a first for a K-Pop group, ZEROBASEONE hosted an immersive Rec Room takeover that brought fans into a fully interactive digital world. The event featured a variety of exclusive activities including a live AMA (Ask Me Anything) with the group and popular influencers, custom mini-games, a quest with unlockable prizes, and special access to ZB1-themed virtual merchandise, all designed to deepen fan connection and boost engagement. The collaboration generated over 4.4 million impressions. Fans logged more than one million total plays and racked up over 50,000 hours of gameplay during the week. Rec Room, which has over 100 million lifetime users, offers a social gaming experience accessible on mobile devices, PCs, game consoles, and VR headsets, making it the perfect platform for global fans to meet, play, and connect.
ANTHEM MUSIC PUBLISHING BUYS CATALOG OF GRAMMY NOMINATED SONGWRITER MARK HOLMAN: Anthem Music Publishing has announced the acquisition of the song catalog of Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Mark Holman, who is based in Nashville. While the financial terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, the deal includes a range of Holman’s hits across country and pop music. Among the tracks in the acquisition are the country singles “Single Saturday Night” by Cole Swindell, “Simple” by Florida Georgia Line, and “I Ain’t Sayin'” by Jordan Davis, the latter of which has amassed nearly 93 million streams on Spotify and appears on Davis’ latest album. Holman also contributed three songs to Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album, including “Neon Eyes,” “Me on Whiskey,” and “Whatcha Think of Country Now.” Originally from Ewing, Illinois, Holman has built a versatile songwriting résumé, penning tracks for artists including Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Post Malone, and more. Earlier in his career, he made his mark in the Christian rock world by co-writing “Faceless” and “Feed the Machine” for RED‘s Until We Have Faces, which topped Billboard‘s Christian Albums chart. Holman’s work has also been featured across various media platforms, including American Idol, The Biggest Loser, and Disney‘s animated feature Planes. His ongoing collaboration with Anthem Music Publishing is reflected in his contributions to fellow Anthem-signed artist Jordan Davis. Noah Dewey, VP, Creative, at Anthem Music Publishing Nashville was involved with helping with the signing of the deal.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jeffrey Remedios, Annette Barrett, Paul Wiltshire, Ryan Farley, Florian Mueller, George Ergatoudis, Sarah Liversedge, Colin Lester, Sarah Naas, Dipesh Parmar, Ichiro Asatsuma, Thomas Duval, and Nick Gatfield.
