BELIEVE ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF BELIEVE MUSIC PUBLISHING
Believe Music has officially launched Believe Music Publishing. This new digital-first publishing service is designed to support and empower artists, independent songwriters, and publishers at every stage of their careers.
Built on the foundation of Believe’s 2023 acquisition of Sentric, Believe Music Publishing combines the technological innovation and digital expertise of both companies. The result is a publishing platform, aiming to be one of the industry’s most advanced suites of tools and services for rights holders. This new venture will leverage a robust global collection infrastructure backed by long-standing relationships with collection societies.
With a team of 160 publishing team members spanning multiple disciplines, creative, sync, and revenue optimization, Believe Music Publishing operates globally, focusing on deep local expertise. The integration of publishing and recording activities allows teams to share data to identify new opportunities for both artists and rights holders. The approach has already delivered results: in 2024, songwriters represented by Believe saw digital revenue grow thirteen points above the market average. Existing publishing offerings within the Believe ecosystem will continue.
To lead this new division, Believe has appointed Chris Meehan as CEO of Publishing. Meehan, who founded Sentric in 2006 and guided its evolution into a global independent publisher, now heads the global rollout of Believe Music Publishing. Alongside him, several executives have been named to lead efforts in key markets like Ismaël Kané, a key figure in French rap and former head of BlueSky‘s publishing operations, who now leads Believe’s publishing efforts in France. He recently signed R2, whose hit “Ruinart” dominated the French Top 50. In Germany, Alexandra Ziem, formerly Creative Director at Sony/ATV, brings her industry knowledge as Head of Publishing. She has already signed artists like Ben Zucker and Holy Priest. Sunil Gursahani, with a background in rights management and publishing at Tips Music, now heads operations across India and South Asia. His recent signings include Punjabi sensation Garry Sandhu. Chris Dampier, previously with BMI and TuneCore Publishing, now leads the North American publishing team. Under his leadership, Believe signed rising alt-pop duo VOILÀ, whose single “Figure You Out” is gaining international traction. Monthira Tunthagadh, based in Thailand and formerly with GMM Grammy, joins as A&R Manager for Southeast Asia. She has signed YOUNGOHM, a key figure in Thai hip-hop.
Denis Ladegaillerie, Founder & CEO, Believe, said, “The launch of Believe Music Publishing consolidates Believe’s position as an integrated global music company. With digital now being the biggest driver of collections for creators, and the publishing market exceeding €4 billion (Euros) after a decade of double-digit growth, we are uniquely positioned to lead the evolving publishing market, where growth continues to be increasingly driven by digital, with a publishing arm that now matches and complements our leadership in recording.”
Believe’s publishing arm has already made inroads in various markets. It builds on Sentric’s catalog and global partnerships, working with names like Cooking Vinyl Publishing, Source Audio, and Rough Trade Publishing. The company also continues to develop partnerships, such as its collaboration with Tileyard Publishing in the U.K.
HYBE AMERICA LAUNCHES HYBE LABEL SERVICE
Hybe America has officially launched Hybe Label Service (HLS), its first global initiative aimed at accelerating the international success of its artists. The new venture will offer expanded support in distribution, manufacturing, and marketing & promotion (M&P) across key global markets.
To lead this strategic rollout, Hybe America has promoted Ryan Hyeong Woo Noh to Chief Business Officer. Formerly the company’s Chief Strategy Officer, Noh will now take on broader responsibilities overseeing critical business operations from Hybe’s Los Angeles headquarters. He will report directly to Hybe CEO Jason Jaesang Lee and Hybe America CEO and Chairman Isaac Lee.
HLS will serve as a centralized support hub for all Hybe-affiliated labels and their artists, structured around global distribution and global marketing & promotion.
To head these newly established divisions, Hybe has announced two appointments, both reporting to Noh. Mike Rittberg has been named President of Global Distribution. In this role, he’ll oversee strategic planning and execution of global distribution for both catalog and new releases. Rittberg previously served as COO at Big Machine Label Group, a Hybe America subsidiary, where he led efforts in marketing, streaming, and release operations. Mark Flaherty joins as President of Global Marketing & Promotion, tasked with crafting and implementing worldwide marketing and promotional strategies to expand artist reach and boost fan engagement globally. Flaherty brings experience from senior roles at Warner Records, Interscope, Sony Music, and 88rising. He most recently co-owned Fanatical Music & Marketing, where he played a key role in elevating Southeast Asian artists such as BINI on the international stage.
Looking ahead, Hybe intends to broaden the reach of HLS by scaling operations into additional territories and reallocating resources to support regional priorities as part of its long-term global growth strategy.
“The creation of Hybe Label Service, under Ryan’s stellar leadership, marks a pivotal moment in our global strategy,” said Isaac Lee, CEO and Chairman of Hybe America. “By centralizing our essential global support functions and bringing in top-tier leaders like Mike Rittberg and Mark Flaherty, we are providing our artists with an unparalleled platform for continued worldwide success.
DANNY JACOBSON PROMOTED TO HEAD OF A&R AT HALLWOOD MEDIA
Hallwood Media,the entertainment company led by former major label head Neil Jacobson and home to recording, management, publishing, distribution, and merch divisions, announced the promotion of Danny Jacobson to Head of A&R. Jacobson, who had been serving in A&R and management roles at the company since its launch in 2020 will now oversee A&R across Hallwood, guiding a roster of over 100 artists.
Neil Jacobson, Hallwood Media founder & CEO, stated, “Danny has been an integral part of Hallwood since day one, building our research department, signing incredible artists, and proving himself as a visionary. To be promoted to this role at such an early age is a testament to his uncanny eye for talent, deep understanding of youth culture, and relentless work ethic.”
Danny Jacobson, Hallwood Media Head of A&R, added, “I’m thrilled to step into this new role and continue pushing the boundaries of what A&R can be. At Hallwood, we move first and fast, spotting talent early and helping them turn momentum into careers.”
Hallwood’s recorded music division has already surpassed one billion streams year-to-date and is on track to reach two billion by year’s end. Hallwood artists landed five records on the U.S. Spotify Viral 50 chart, further underscoring the label’s fast-growing footprint. On top of operating as a fully independent company, Hallwood has also established a range of non-exclusive joint-venture and distribution partnerships with Warner Records, Atlantic Records, 10K Projects, Create Music Group, and others.
Jacobson has played a key role in shaping Hallwood’s A&R strategy, charged with building its research department and developing a pipeline for discovering and supporting emerging artists, leading to the signing of some of the company’s most interesting new talent, including AI-Assisted artist Xania Monet. Monet’s single “How Was I Supposed to Know” reached No.1 on Billboard‘s R&B Digital Song Sales chart and was the No.1 most-added song at R&B Radio last week, racking up millions of streams. Beyond Monet, Danny has also pioneered additional signings across a range of AI-powered talent, including China Styles, Bleeding Verse, Drew Meadows, Lone Star Lyric House, David Sven, and several other projects still to be announced.
KONSTANTINOS ARGIROS LAUNCHES PENTAGON RECORDS
Konstantinos Argiros, Greece’s most-streamed male artist, is stepping into a new role as label founder with the launch of Pentagon Records, a venture created in collaboration with Panik Records and 10K Projects / Atlantic Music Group. This alliance marks a first-of-its-kind joint venture between a Greek artist and a major U.S. label group.
With a career defined by platinum-selling albums including five in a row, 380 million views across YouTube, a record for the most simultaneous singles from one album on Greek radio charts, many of them reaching No.1, and sold-out shows at venues including London’s Royal Albert Hall, the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens and O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Argiros has established himself as a Mediterranean artist with global influence. His collaborations with names like 50 Cent, and his dominance across platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, and social media in Greece, have positioned him as one of the few Greek artists driving consistent global traction.
Now, with the creation of Pentagon Records, the label will serve as a creative hub aimed at discovering and nurturing new artists with the potential to make waves beyond local borders. It will operate in close alignment with Panik Records, Argiros’ long-standing label partner in Greece, while leveraging the global reach and industry insight of 10K Projects / Atlantic Music Group.
At the heart of this vision is Panik Records, Greece’s leading independent label. Founded in 2011 by George Arsenakos and Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis, Panik has become synonymous with innovation, star-making, and modern Greek music. The roster spans pop, hip-hop, laïko, and dance, and includes stars like Eleni Foureira, Josephine, and Konstantinos Argiros himself.
“I am very excited to work with Konstantinos and Panik Records, and to be part of the journey in building Konstantinos into an even greater global superstar,” says 10K Projects President, Nico Ziangas. “His talent, vision, and ability to connect with audiences worldwide make this partnership an incredible opportunity to bring the sound of the Mediterranean to an even larger stage.”
Paris Kasidokostas Latsis, Co-Founder of Panik, shares, “We at Panik Records warmly salute the exciting news of a prospective collaboration between Konstantinos Argiros, who is one of the most successful Greek artists of his generation, and 10K Projects, one of the world’s leading independent music labels.”
NAV SIDHU SIGNS DEAL WITH VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP TO LAUNCH NEW LABEL KILLABOP
Nav Sidhu, U.K. label manager at Hopeless Records, has unveiled his latest venture, the launch of a new record label called Killabop in collaboration with Virgin Music Group.
The newly formed label aims to spotlight U.K. alternative-rock talent, with a mission to develop artists on a global scale through an exclusive worldwide distribution partnership with Virgin Music Group (VMG). Killabop will focus on tailoring to the evolving needs of artists.
Sidhu brings experience to the new label, having played a key role in the U.K. success of alternative acts like Avenged Sevenfold, All Time Low, and Neck Deep, helping them achieve Gold, and Silver, certifications in the market.
Speaking on how the partnership with VMG came about, Sidhu said, “A chance encounter with Nick Roden (President of Europe, VMG) and Bonita McKinney (Head of Business Development Europe, VMG) in Brighton back in May was the start of a real conversation. It turned out both Nick and Bonita are real fans of the work I’m doing with Hopeless Records in the U.K. I was looking for a partner to make Killabop a reality, so it felt like the stars aligned. They work with some great alternative labels, and they share my vision of investing in British alternative music, meaning they’re the perfect partners for Killabop.”
While spearheading Killabop, Sidhu will continue in his role at Hopeless Records, maintaining his position within the label that has long been a cornerstone of the alternative music scene.
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!
Enjoying some sunshine and good musical vibes in Palma, Spain last week were three independent and entrepreneurial A&R and leadership executives who were building authentic personal bridges, by meeting face-to-face the good ole fashioned human way.
Benjamin Budde is one of the most impressive young global music and publishing executives who has honored and elevated his family musical legacy by inspiring and expanding the third generation of Budde’s by continuing its growth through a combination of managing its classic catalog and a focus on new talent and creative partnerships, as well as evolving the company across recorded, sync, management, live events, and more worldwide.
Maximillian Paproth prior to rejoining Budde Group where he got part of his early career start was previously Vice President A&R Central Europe & International Marketing Germany, Universal Music Group, and prior to that held a senior A&R role at Sony Music Publishing Germany. He continues to be one of the most versatile, talented, and impactful A&R executives in the European market, adding fresh perspectives and abilities to the artist and songwriter development ecosystem.
Prior to joining Cooking Vinyl, British executive Ryan Farley was an A&R executive and consultant at F Block Studios & Publishing, A-List Management, Boy Wonder Publishing, and Saulty Songs. He also spent a number of years as an A&R Manager at Warner Chappell Music Publishing, as well as working across radio, management, production, publishing, and recorded music in his early years as an intern. Ryan continues to “cook up” new opportunities for Cooking Vinyl internationally.
DEAF HAVANA
British alt-rock mainstays Deaf Havana return with their powerful new single “Carousel,” taken from the seventh album We’re Never Getting Out released via SO Recordings/Silva Screen Records. Across the record, frontman James Veck-Gilodi confronts cycles of self-doubt, acceptance, and transformation, finding strength in laying bare the realities of addiction, relationships, and rebirth. On “Carousel,” Veck-Gilodi wrestles with destructive repetition and the feeling of being trapped in a downward spiral. The result is a raw, hard-hitting anthem that packages hopelessness and catharsis into a soaring, full-throttle rock track. We’re Never Getting Out capturing this spirit of reckoning with unflinching honesty. Produced by George Glew and featuring Ross MacDonald of The 1975 on bass and Freddie Sheed (Lewis Capaldi, Take That) on drums, the record reframes Deaf Havana’s trademark, emotional grit, with daring new textures and modern pop sensibility. From the timeless storytelling of Springsteen to the intimate vulnerability of Bon Iver, the album’s influences expand their sound while sharpening its impact. With “Carousel,” Deaf Havana prove once again why they remain one of the most compelling voices in British rock, spinning pain into power, and repetition into renewal. Listen to “Carousel” HERE, and contact Jed Morgans for all inquiries on behalf of Deaf Havana.
CAT SERRANO
Puerto Rican rising star Cat Serrano returns with “Sculpture,” a dazzling new single and video that reimagines the Greek myth of Pygmalion and Galatea through her own voice. Where the original tale centers on a man sculpting his “perfect” woman, Serrano flips the narrative, giving the statue and goddess their own agency, voice, and power. Produced, mixed, and mastered by Paul “Echo” Irizarry and engineered by Johnathan Ramos Capellan, “Sculpture” pulses with Latin rhythms, glimmering harmonies, and Serrano’s piercing yet vulnerable vocals. At once sun-soaked and defiant, the track explores themes of identity, autonomy, and awakening, an anthem of resistance wrapped in radiant pop textures. For Serrano, the single represents not just a bold artistic statement but also her remarkable growth as a songwriter and performer. Since her 2024 debut “You Don’t Know Me,” she has evolved from stripped-back storytelling into lush, confident soundscapes that merge pop casualness, R&B rawness, and indie-style lyricism. “Sculpture” is both deeply personal and universally resonant, an ode to carving out one’s voice in a world eager to shape you. With boundless creativity, fierce femininity, and fearless honesty, Cat Serrano is quickly proving herself a force in modern pop, sculpting dreams into reality, one song at a time. Experience the brilliance of Cat Serrano with the video for “Sculpture” HERE. For inquiries, contact Carmen Irene Bigles, as Cat Serrano is available for live, co-writing, sync, brand, and label opportunities.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, October 12th, 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:
ROYEL OTIS – “Car” (Ourness/Capitol, Australia)
DEAF HAVANA – “Lawn Tennis” (SO Recordings, U.K.)
ST. LUNDI – “Mercury” (Good Taste, U.K.)
SKAAR – “Missing Out” (RMV Grammofon/Universal, Norway)
GOOD NEIGHBOURS – “Suburbs” (Polydor Records, U.K.)
A THOUSAND MAD THINGS – “Local Guys” (Nettwerk, U.K.)
THE TULLAMARINES – “Idiot” (Broken 8 Records, Australia)
ADAM REESE – “Tattooed Soul” (Unsigned, U.S.)
CIRCA WAVES – “Cherry Bomb” ([PIAS], U.K.)
BLOW – “Her World” (DDM, France)
SEA FEVER – “Able Eyes” (Kartel Music Group, U.K.)
SALARYMEN – “We Could Be Together” (Unsigned, Australia)
VERONICA FUSARO – “Gold Rush” (Deepdive, Switzerland)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Nobody, Nobody” (Unsigned, U.S.)
LENNY – “Told Ya.” (Unsigned, Czech Republic)
RHETT REPKO – “Don’t Delay” (Unsigned, U.S.)
SEAFRET – “Five More Seconds” (Featuring KT Tunstall) (Nettwerk, U.K.)
GLASS CITIES – “Issues” (Unsigned, U.S.)
KINGFISHR – “Next To Me” (B-Unique Records, Ireland)
THE ROYSTON CLUB – “Glued To The Bed” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
GORDON’S GRANDSON – “Kissing” (Anti-Dismal, 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?” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
THE AMAZONS – “Night After Night” (Fiction Records, U.K.)
SHOBSY – “Not Another Love Song” (Pangea Int’l Music, Ireland)
HARD LIFE – “Y3llow Bike” (Island Records, U.K.)
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)
WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC SIGNS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH SAM HALES: Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has announced a global publishing agreement with Australian songwriter Sam Hales. The deal covers Sam’s full catalog as well as all future compositions. A creative force behind seven albums from both The Jungle Giants and Confidence Man, Sam has established himself as a key figure in Australia’s music scene. As the frontman of The Jungle Giants, he’s helped the band garner nearly a billion streams globally, land a No.1 album on the ARIA charts, earn multiple Platinum and Gold certifications, and build an international fanbase through extensive touring. Beyond his band work, Sam has co-written with artists like Hermitude and RENEE and has collaborated on remixes with electronic acts including Odd Mob, Joe Goddard (Hot Chip), Chromeo, and Tom Trago. He also recently produced the lead single for Love Fame Tragedy, the solo project of The Wombats‘ Murph. John Halstead, Senior A&R Manager at Warner Chappell Music Australia said, “Sam is a phenomenal songwriter. His ability to craft songs that feel both deeply personal and universally anthemic is rare. We’re proud to welcome him to Warner Chappell and excited to help take his music to even greater global heights!” Dan Rosen, President, Warner Music Australasia added, “I am thrilled to welcome Sam Hales to our international roster of songwriters and producers at Warner Chappell. Sam is an exceptional talent with a global vision. His songwriting has not only shaped the Australian music landscape but continues to make an impact on a global scale. At Warner Chappell Music, we’re excited to support the next chapter of Sam’s creative journey.”
POSITION MUSIC SIGNS MICKEY BRANDOLINO TO A WORLDWIDE PUBLISHING DEAL: Tyler Bacon, Founder & CEO of Position Music, has officially announced the signing of songwriter, producer, and artist Mickey Brandolino to a worldwide publishing agreement. Brandolino first made waves as a founding member of the Canadian alt-pop band Valley, where he played a key role in both songwriting and production. His creative contributions were instrumental in earning the band a Gold-certified single with “Like 1999,” double Platinum certification in Korea for their Last Birthday EP, multiple Juno Award nominations, and the title of Pop Album of the Year in 2024. The band was also spotlighted as Apple‘s “Next Up Artist.” Beyond his success with Valley, Mickey has built a career collaborating with Conan Gray, Johnny Orlando, Lauv, ELIO (featuring Charli XCX), Chase Atlantic, and No Rome. His recent projects span collaborations with Mico, Will Linley, Kevian Kramer, and Knox, among others.
TESSERACT MUSIC AND HAWKEYE MUSIC PUBLISHING ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP: Tesseract Music and Hawkeye Music Publishing have announced a partnership focused on acquiring and managing music-related intellectual property rights, including name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights, for licensing and merchandising purposes. The alliance brings together two experienced leadership teams in music rights and IP strategy. Hawkeye Music Publishing was founded by Richard Stumpf, known for his previous roles as Founder & CEO of Atlas Music Publishing, President of Imagem Music U.S., and Sr. VP at Cherry Lane Music. Stumpf’s client roster spans Van Halen, Quincy Jones, John Legend, The Black Eyed Peas, Mark Ronson, Ludacris, and Swizz Beatz, along with estates including Elvis Presley, John Denver, and Sammy Cahn. Tesseract Music, an IP management company, was founded by Richard Seet, an entrepreneur with a history of building and scaling ventures with backing from private equity and investors such as United Business Media (Informa PLC), Angelo Gordon & Company, and Brookfield. Seet is joined by Charles Riotto, former President of the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), who brings expertise in global brand licensing and commercialization. Together, Tesseract and Hawkeye have secured $50 million (USD) in equity capital from a network of family offices and high-net-worth individuals to execute their acquisition and growth strategy. The partnership is also actively in discussions with debt financing partners to expand their capital stack and is currently in negotiations with several music catalog owners to acquire rights and copyright libraries.
PARKER MCCOLLUM RENEWS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC: Warner Chappell Music Nashville (WCM) has officially renewed its global publishing agreement with Parker McCollum. McCollum’s career continues to gain momentum with the release of his self-titled album earlier this year, a project praised as one of his most inspired efforts to date, and one that climbed into the Top 10 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart. Known for singles like “Pretty Heart” and “Burn It Down,” both RIAA Platinum-certified, McCollum’s ability to fuse raw emotion with mainstream appeal has positioned him as one of Nashville’s most compelling modern storytellers. A native of Conroe, Texas, McCollum started writing songs and performing locally as a teenager, building a grassroots fanbase. His breakout moment came with the release of his 2015 debut The Limestone Kid, an album that pulled from country, folk-rock, and Americana. His major label debut, Gold Chain Cowboy (2021), spawned hits like “Pretty Heart,” which marked his first No.1 on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart, and “To Be Loved by You.” In 2022, McCollum was named ACM‘s New Male Artist of the Year and followed up with Never Enough in 2023. His 2024 song “Burn It Down” earned him a CMA Song of the Year nomination, among other accolades. Recorded in just one week with producers Frank Liddell and Eric Masse, McCollum’s latest self-titled album highlights a stripped-down, focused creative process, one that reflects his evolution as both a songwriter and performer. Recognized early on as an Artist to Watch by outlets like Rolling Stone and Billboard, McCollum has now fully realized that early promise. He’s currently on a nationwide tour that runs through the end of the year.
BMG AND SPOTIFY SIGN NEW U.S. DIRECT LICENSING AGREEMENT: Spotify and BMG have signed a new multiyear U.S. publishing licensing agreement aimed at delivering increased value to songwriters and their teams. The deal represents a joint commitment by both companies to foster a more direct and transparent partnership, one that allows songwriters to benefit more equitably from the value their music generates. It marks a move toward a more adaptable licensing model, one that better aligns with the evolving needs of publishers and creators in the streaming era. This agreement follows BMG’s late-2023 decision to take full control of its digital operations, giving the company the ability to manage direct relationships with streaming services. That shift allows BMG to harness data more effectively, enhance services for its artists and songwriters, and streamline management of its extensive catalog. Thomas Coesfeld, CEO of BMG said, “Working directly with Spotify helps us reinforce our mission to ensure songwriters are fairly represented and rewarded for their work. We’re pleased to agree on a progressive licensing model that reflects the real-world use of music across digital platforms and are excited to take our partnership to the next level as we continue to redefine what a modern music company can be. We applaud their momentum and support their position on developing new AI protections. While we support the use of AI to enhance human creativity, these policies align with BMG’s philosophy and will help ensure that fair remuneration and protection of artists’ work remain non-negotiable.”
PULSE MUSIC GROUP TEAMS WITH MARK RONSON ON PUBLISHING JOINT VENTURE: Pulse Music Group has entered into a publishing joint venture with artist, producer, and songwriter Mark Ronson. As part of the partnership, Pulse and Ronson’s publishing arm, Zelig Music, have signed Swedish artist and producer Thea Gustafsson, known professionally as Becky And The Birds, to a global publishing deal. Gustafsson has received significant recognition in her home country, earning four nominations at the Swedish Grammis Awards, including a win for Producer of the Year. Ronson originally launched Zelig Records in 2018 as a joint venture with Sony Music, working with a roster that includes King Princess, Eli, Tiberius b, Raissa, and Issy Wood. This new collaboration with Pulse Music Group expands Zelig’s presence in the publishing space and reinforces its commitment to supporting innovative global talent. Pulse Music Group Co-CEO Josh Abraham said, “I have known Mark since the early ’90s in the New York club scene, and Brandon [Brandon Creed, Good World Management] back since his A&R days. Recently, I was talking to Brandon, and we knew the timing was right for this joint venture. Mark is an exceptional partner that knows how to cultivate culture-defining moments for songwriters, producers, and artists. He has a lot of integrity, creativity, and is effective in the way that he works to build careers for others. Working together to help launch the next generation of talent, our JV platform provides a creative community that these songwriters/producers will thrive in. We’re thrilled to be in partnership with Zelig and to welcome Becky And The Birds to the Pulse Music Group / Zelig Music family.”
TUNED GLOBAL ACQUIRES LONDON-BASED FIGARO.AI: Tuned Global has acquired Figaro.ai, a London-based audio AI company created by FeedForward and known for its advanced music catalog search and discovery capabilities. This acquisition is the latest in Tuned Global’s push into AI-powered music technology, following its 2023 purchase of Swedish company Pacemaker, which brought AI-driven DJ tools into its ecosystem. That deal also paved the way for the launch of Tuned Global’s Social Radio in November 2024, a platform that was upgraded in June 2025 with a real-time tipping feature. With the integration of Figaro’s audio intelligence tools, Tuned Global strengthens its cloud-based infrastructure used by businesses to build and scale their own music streaming services and applications. Figaro’s tech automates tagging and content recognition, improving how music catalogs are searched and utilized, particularly across sync licensing, DSPs, user-generated content platforms, and distribution channels. While financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, Tuned Global has confirmed that Figaro will continue to support its existing clients, now with expanded resources. The technology will remain a distinct element within Tuned Global’s open platform, working alongside third-party integrations and other services. Founders Lydia Gregory and Kevin Webster, along with their team, will join Tuned Global as part of the acquisition.
OSCAR MAYDON’S LABEL SIGNS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC: Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has entered into a global publishing agreement with Oscar Maydon‘s label, Rico o Muerto, the company confirmed to Billboard. This marks the first publishing deal for the label since its launch in 2024, which was co-founded by Maydon alongside manager and songwriter Alexis “Chachito” Fierro. Headquartered in Mexico with offices in Mexicali, Mexico City, and Tijuana, and with a presence in Los Angeles, Rico o Muerto has built a solid roster of talent. Its latest signing is Víctor Mendívil, joining a growing lineup that includes Omar Camacho, Regulo Molina, Carlos Manjarrez, and Fernando Angulo. The announcement comes on the heels of Maydon’s third studio album, Rico o Muerto, Vol. 1, which landed at No. 6 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums and No.3 on the Top Regional Mexican Albums chart. As part of his rising profile in the música mexicana scene, Maydon is also slated to appear at Billboard Latin Music Week 2025 in Miami, where he’ll join the panel The Future of Regional Mexican Music on October 22. “I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Chachito and Oscar Maydon, and it’s clear that beyond being gifted songwriters, and in Oscar’s case, a super talented artist – they have a remarkable instinct for discovering and developing promising talent,” added Gustavo Menéndez, President of U.S. Latin & Latin America, WCM.
FKP SCORPIO UPS TIM SALVESEN TO INTERNATIONAL PROMOTER ROLE: FKP Scorpio has named Tim Salvesen as its new international promoter within the company’s international touring and artist development division. Based in Oslo, Norway Salvesen brings years of experience from FKP Scorpio Norway, where he’s cultivated a varied artist roster including Olivia Dean, Mac DeMarco, Ethel Cain, and Berlioz. In his expanded role, he will collaborate with teams across FKP’s international offices on global touring initiatives, while continuing his promotional work in Norway. Joining the international team alongside Salvesen are Lisa Lindfors in Stockholm and Veera Valtonen in Helsinki, both stepping in as project coordinators. Lindfors has collaborated with Communion One in the U.K., Jubel in Sweden, and Culture Think in South Korea. Valtonen’s experience spans European touring and festival operations, most recently touring with Manowar and working at Fullsteam Agency. These strategic hires reflect FKP Scorpio’s ongoing global expansion. Central to this growth is a collaborative network of lead promoters collaborating with the international team to strengthen touring and festival activities across the organization. The current team includes Filip Potocki, Gideon Karting, Xenia Grigat, Aino-Maria Paasivirta, Inga Esseling, Stephan Thanscheidt, Age Versluis, Stian Pride, Chris Rotenius, Daniel Ealam, Scott O’Neill, Carlo Scarampi, and Mazin Tappuni. In 2025 alone, FKP Scorpio sold over one million tickets for twenty-two Ed Sheeran concerts, generating €100 million (Euros) in ticket revenue. FKP Scorpio’s Founder & CEO, Folkert Koopmans, said, “With the strengthening of our international team, we are taking a decisive step closer to our goal of expanding the global presence of the FKP Scorpio Group. With the people and structure now in place, we can identify and pursue new touring opportunities across Europe and worldwide even more strategically and effectively in close partnership with other industry leaders.”
ISABEL GARVEY TO STEP DOWN AS COO AT WARNER MUSIC U.K.: Isabel Garvey will be stepping down from her position as Chief Operating Officer at Warner Music U.K. In an internal memo circulated to staff, Garvey cited her decision because of the recent restructuring at Warner Music U.K., which followed the departure of former CEO Tony Harlow. Under the new leadership model, Atlantic and Warner Records presidents now report directly to U.S.-based executives, while Warner Music U.K.’s remaining teams fall under the oversight of Simon Robson, President of EMEA, Recorded Music. Garvey, who took on the COO role in May 2023, will exit the company at the end of December. She has not yet announced her next professional move. Prior to joining Warner, she served as Managing Director of Abbey Road Studios, a position she held from 2014 under Universal Music Group. Her time at Warner Music U.K. coincided with a period of notable change, driven by Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl‘s broader strategy of streamlining operations. This included both staff reductions and major investments, particularly in technology and global expansion. In mid-2024, the company outlined the final phases of its transformation, including $300 million in annual cost savings and a $1.2 billion acquisition fund launched with Bain Capital. Reflecting on her tenure, Garvey pointed to a shift toward more strategic and globally integrated artist campaigns, citing success stories such as Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, and Ed Sheeran, as well as domestic growth for US artists like Alex Warren, Benson Boone, and Teddy Swims, alongside a focus on catalog development.
VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP PARTNERS WITH MIPROMO: Virgin Music Group (VMG) has announced a new worldwide distribution agreement with MiPROMO, one of Ghana’s most established digital distribution and creative media companies. With more than ten years of experience in the Ghanaian music industry, MiPROMO is known for its expertise in digital and video distribution, social media promotion, web content management, branding, and event activations. This partnership marks a significant move in Virgin Music Group’s broader mission to invest in Africa’s creative ecosystem through enhanced distribution, marketing solutions, and artist development. Globally recognized for empowering independent talent, Virgin Music Group continues to expand its presence across the African continent. This collaboration with MiPROMO is designed to offer Ghanaian artists greater visibility on international platforms, access to world-class promotional tools, and stronger positioning within the global music scene. MiPROMO has earned its place as a digital media leader in Ghana, providing a range of services including music and video distribution, social media strategy, branding, digital advertising, and event production. Over the years, it has helped artists convert their creative output into sustainable income streams while navigating the complexities of the digital space. Rather than replace MiPROMO’s existing operations, this partnership enhances its local strengths by integrating Virgin Music Group’s global capabilities. The joint effort aims to elevate Ghanaian music further and build long-term, global opportunities for the country’s artists.
WASSERMAN APPOINTS CHRISTA D’ALIMONTE AS CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER: Wasserman has appointed veteran attorney Christa D’Alimonte as its new Chief Legal Officer, succeeding longtime executive Mike Pickles, who will retire at the end of the year. Pickles will remain with the company through 2025 to support a smooth leadership transition. D’Alimonte will be based in Wasserman’s New York office and officially steps into her new role on October 14. In this position, she will oversee the agency’s global legal operations and serve as a key advisor to senior leadership on legal strategy, regulatory matters, and broader business initiatives. Bringing more than three decades of legal experience to the role, D’Alimonte previously held senior positions at Paramount Global and its predecessor, Viacom. Most recently, she served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary. Before her in-house roles, she spent nearly 20 years at international law firm Shearman & Sterling, where she was a partner in the M&A group, advising clients across media, entertainment, and finance.
LAUREN WIRTZER JOINS EVEN AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER: Direct-to-fan music platform EVEN has named Lauren Wirtzer as its new Chief Operating Officer. Wirtzer brings two decades of experience at the intersection of music and technology, having held senior roles at SoundCloud, UnitedMasters, Instagram, Def Jam, and Beyoncé‘s Parkwood Entertainment. In her new role, Wirtzer will oversee day-to-day operations, drive strategic partnerships, and lead the platform’s global expansion, EVEN announced on October 9th. Her industry background includes spearheading artist and brand initiatives at some of the biggest platforms in music. At SoundCloud, she served as Chief Content and Marketing Officer, where she aided in launching the fan-powered royalty model and strengthening artist engagement. Prior to that, she was President of UnitedMasters, growing the artist platform to over a million users and securing a partnership with TikTok. At Instagram, Wirtzer led music partnerships and worked directly with stars such as Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga to bridge the gap between artists and Instagram’s massive user base. Her earlier career includes a decade at Def Jam and a role as Head of Digital at Parkwood Entertainment, where she helped orchestrate the surprise release of Beyoncé’s 2013 visual album. Recognized for her impact, Wirtzer has appeared on Fast Company‘s Most Creative People in Business, Billboard‘s Power 100, and Women in Music lists. She also served as chair of the Music Business Association‘s board. Launched in April 2024 and based in New York, EVEN offers a direct-to-fan platform now used by over 500,000 artists from more than 3,000 labels and distributors across 110+ countries. The company supports over 30 payment methods and 140 currencies, enabling artists to monetize their fan bases more directly. EVEN also claims to be the only superfans-focused platform that reports sales to Luminate for Billboard chart eligibility. Its growing roster of artists includes J. Cole, 6LACK, Chance the Rapper, Mt. Joy, and LaRussell, many of whom reportedly earn 2–3 times their typical streaming income per release through the platform.
U.K. BOOKING AGENT JAMIE WADE LAUNCHES LOLA ARTISTS: U.K. booking agent Jamie Wade has unveiled Lola Artists, a new independent agency focused on live music representation. The agency, according to an official statement, will prioritize an “artist-first” ethos, supporting musicians across live tours, custom events, and distinctive performances. With over two decades of experience in the live music industry, Wade brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record from both the U.K. and international scenes. He launched Lola Artists with the personal roster he carried over from his 14-year tenure at X-ray Touring. The initial lineup at Lola Artists includes acts such as Kate Nash, We Are Scientists, Connie Constance, Tennis, The Futureheads, Badly Drawn Boy, and Binki. Based in London, the agency will operate across the U.K., Europe, and global markets. Jamie Wade said, “I wanted to build an agency where service and creativity come first, one that collaborates closely with artists and managers to help them grow meaningful, sustainable careers. Lola Artists will be focused and collaborative, and I’m excited to take this next step with an incredible roster of artists.”
HOARE ASSOCIATES ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS: Hoare Associates, known for its work with clients such as FUGA, Warner Music Group, Involved Group, NCS, Mark Ralph, AEI, and The Other Songs, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a series of key leadership moves. Founded in 2015 by Richard Hoare, the firm operates out of Somerset and London, offering specialist business and legal support to professionals and companies across the music and creative sectors. To mark a decade in business, the company has announced three internal promotions. Ridley Waterhouse has stepped into the role of Business Affairs Director. Giselle Allier has been named Legal Affairs Director. Sophie Day has been promoted to Operations Director. In addition, David Turnbull, the former Sr. VP of Legal & Business Affairs at Sony Music U.K., has joined Hoare Associates as its first non-executive director.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sir Lucian Grainge CBE, Tommas Arnby, Ric Salmon, Harri Davies, Ashley Calhoun, Clive Dickens, Lisa Li, Louis Bloom, Sylvain Gazaignes, Brandon Silverstein, Colin Lester, Vanessa Angiuli, Jovan Martins, and Magesh Rajendran.
