A&R Worldwide Newsletter Vol. 903

WORLD’S NO.1 BOOKING AGENT, YUNGBLUD’S MANAGER & MORE JOIN THE IMPRESSIVE MUSEXPO 2026 EVENT LINEUP

A&R Worldwide who organize the annual MUSEXPO – globally recognized as “The United Nations of Music” have revealed that Kirk Sommer, Sr. Partner & Global Co-Head of Music at WME, which is one of the most influential talent agencies in the world, will be honored as the “International Music Person of the Year” during a special awards luncheon at the 26th global edition of MUSEXPO, taking place March 22–25, 2026, in Burbank, California. Sommer will also take part in an exclusive one-on-one keynote interview with his longtime friend Sat Bisla, President & Founder of A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most powerful and respected figures in the global music industry.

Widely regarded by peers and artists alike as the world’s No.1 music agent, Kirk M. Sommer has redefined what it means to be a modern music executive. Over 25 years, he has been instrumental in shaping the global touring landscape and developing some of the most important and enduring artists of our time. Among the countless stars he represents are Adele, Billie Eilish, The Killers, Andrea Bocelli, Sam Smith, Hozier, Arctic Monkeys, Nine Inch Nails, Weezer, Neil Diamond, Morrissey, Benson Boone, Teddy Swims, Lola Young, Lewis Capaldi, Camila Cabello, Steve Aoki, the late Amy Winehouse, and many others. 

Sommer, who began his career in the mailroom at William Morris in 2000, rose to become Sr. Partner and Global Co-Head of Music at WME, where he has helped grow the agency’s music department into one of the most formidable in the industry. He has guided his artists from club stages to global stadium tours, earning recognition as Pollstar‘s 2025 “Agent of the Year,” a regular fixture on Billboard‘s Power List (2017–2024), Variety‘s Top 500, and Pollstar‘s Impact 50. PAPER Magazine has called him “the most influential booking agent in the world,” and he was inducted into the New York University Hall of Fame in 2024. Beyond music, Sommer and his family actively support numerous organizations focused on children’s health and welfare. 

“Kirk Sommer’s career is an extraordinary example of vision, passion, and commitment to artistry – which is unparalleled,” states Sat Bisla. “His ability to elevate talent globally while maintaining integrity and humanity makes him a true industry beacon. We’re honored to celebrate his legacy and impact at MUSEXPO 2026, as well as the other exceptional executives and creatives who will be recognized for their contributions and global impact in their respective areas of the music business.”

Adding to MUSEXPO 2026’s star-powered lineup, Tommas Arnby, Founder of Locomotion Music Group and CEO of Special Projects, will join the conference as a featured speaker on the Worldwide Management & Live Business panel. Arnby will also be honored during the A&R Worldwide “International Music Industry Awards” Gala Dinner with the “Global Manager Award.”

Arnby, a Danish-born, British music executive, festival promoter, and entrepreneur, has been pivotal in developing boundary-pushing artists including YUNGBLUD, whom he guided from his earliest stages to global superstardom. With a career spanning artist management, publishing, and A&R, including a tenure at Sony Music. Arnby’s artist-centric philosophy has produced numerous platinum-selling records and major brand collaborations. His leadership continues to define the evolving intersection of music, culture, and commerce.

MUSEXPO 2026 will also feature one of the world’s highly respected and most influential A&R executives – Kim Frankiewicz, Executive Vice President, Worldwide A&R, Concord Music Publishing, who will receive the prestigious “Seymour Stein – Global A&R Award” during the Gala Dinner. Frankiewicz will take part in a special keynote interview moderated by Nora Felder, CEO ofPicture Music Company and one of the most respected music supervisors in the entertainment industry. A two-time Grammy nominee and five-time Emmy nominee, Felder’s award-winning work includes Stranger Things, Yellowjackets, Californication, What We Do in the Shadows, Better Things, and Ray Donovan, and has set new creative benchmarks for music in storytelling.

Also, Reynold D’Silva, Founder & CEO, Silva Screen Group, will be recognized with the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” during a special awards luncheon for his incredible contributions to the worldwide music business over the course of the past 50 years. n 1986, he officially launched Silva Screen Records, setting out to build the world’s leading soundtrack label, an ambition realized through groundbreaking releases such as Lawrence of Arabia, Alien, The Godfather, and BBC franchises including Doctor Who and Sherlock. D’Silva’s entrepreneurial foresight led to the development of new markets – from ringtone licensing and synchronization to launching divisions like Silva Classics and Hip Bop and acquiring CMP and the alternative-leaning SO Recordings. Renowned U.K. music business journalist Mark Sutherland, Presenter, The Money Trench: The Music Industry Podcast, who has also been a media editor for Billboard, Variety, Music Business Worldwide, Music Week, and others will interview D’Silva during a special keynote conversation.

Additionally, Dave Jordan, Founder & CEO, Format Entertainment, will lead a world-exclusive “Team Format” panel, featuring senior executives and music supervisors from his globally renowned firm. Jordan, recognized as the top-grossing music supervisor in film history, has overseen the soundtracks for blockbuster franchises including Guardians of the Galaxy, Iron Man, Avengers, Black Panther, and Transformers, as well as chart-topping albums for A Star is Born, Pitch Perfect, and Black Panther. Under his leadership, Format has evolved into a creative powerhouse, collaborating with Marvel Studios, Netflix, ESPN, Mattel, and other major global brands.

Other speakers, panels, and honorees will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Now entering its 26th year, MUSEXPO continues to unite the global music and media ecosystem – bringing together leaders from A&R, publishing, management, live, film, TV, technology, AI, digital, sync, radio, streaming, distribution, marketing, and brand sectors for a week of world-class networking, keynotes, and artist discovery at the renowned MUSEXPO showcases. The International Music Industry Awards Gala Dinner will cap off the week, celebrating innovation, artistry, and excellence across the global music community.

To register to attend MUSEXPO 2026, click HERE.

For details on sponsorships, partnerships, panelists, or additional information, contact info@anrworldwide.com.

 

 

 

 

Warner Music has entered into a partnership with Merwas, a leading digital multimedia and content production company based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to launch a new record label aimed at championing artists from the MENA (Middle East & N. Africa) region and beyond.

Through this collaboration, Warner Music and Merwas will work together to sign, develop, and promote a roster of talent, including both established stars and emerging artists, leveraging their combined global networks to amplify the reach and impact of regional music on the international stage.

Merwas, known for its approach to content creation, provides artists with resources and facilities for multimedia production. In 2022, the company made headlines with the opening of what was claimed to be the world’s largest recording studio.

Ahmed Nureni, General Manager, Warner Music MENA, said, “The Middle East and North Africa are one of the fastest-growing regions for the music industry, and this deal expands our presence at the heart of it. The incredible next-generation facilities offered by Merwas, combined with Warner Music’s artist development expertise and global reach, offers artists from across the region a platform like no other.”

Rumayyan Alrumayan, Managing Director, Merwas, added, “MENA has been a sleeping giant in the global music industry, but with almost half a billion Arabic speakers and increasing sign-ups to the digital music services, we’re waking up fast. We’re delighted with the partnership and to turbocharge the careers of some of the most exciting artists from our region by providing them with the reach to the world.”

 

 

 

 

 

Irish alt-pop artist Ocean Tisdall delivers another deeply affecting moment with his new single “Making It Easy.” The track marks the second chapter in his intimate acoustic series, a masterclass in heartbreak and letting go, told through raw emotion, soulful vocals, and striking simplicity. Following comparisons to artists like Lewis Capaldi, Cian Ducrot, and Tom Odell, Tisdall continues to carve a distinct lane of his own, balancing poetic storytelling with unfiltered honesty. “Making It Easy” captures the quiet ache of love lost without blame or bitterness. “No kicking or screaming, just a sudden goodbye / I’m making it easy for you to leave me,” he sings, a line that distills the bittersweet power of acceptance. Written at home with longtime collaborator Nina after a conversation with his mother, the song was later brought to life in Edinburgh with producer Prentice. What emerged is one of Tisdall’s most personal and affecting works to date, heartbreak without theatrics, just truth, grace, and resilience. With new live dates set for later this year, Ocean Tisdall continues to affirm himself as one of alt-pop’s most exciting and emotionally resonant new voices. Discover the brilliance of “Making It Easy” HERE, and contact Stella Reid for available opportunities worldwide pertaining to Ocean Tisdall.

 

CTM OUTLANDER PURCHASES THE PUBLISHING CATALOG OF YELLOW CLAW: CTM Outlander has announced the acquisition of the music publishing catalog of Yellow Claw, an electronic music duo and one of the most influential forces in the global EDM scene over the past decade. Yellow Claw, the Amsterdam-born duo, has garnered billions of streams to their name and a string of international hits. Their catalog features tracks including the Gold-certified “2U” by David Guetta and Justin Bieber (surpassing one billion streams/views), “In My Room” featuring Ty Dolla $ign & Tyga, “Love & War,” “Till It Hurts,” “Catch Me,” and “Both Of Us.” Their music is known for its bold fusion of trap, hip-hop, hardstyle, and dubstep, often paired with memorable melodic hooks and high-profile collaborations. Since their formation in 2010, Yellow Claw has released multiple albums and collaborated with artists such as DJ Snake, Diplo, and Becky G. Their global reach is further evidenced by sold-out shows around the world and standout performances at premier festivals including Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and EDC Las Vegas.

 

WARNER MUSIC CENTRAL EUROPE COMBINES BENELUX AND GSA: Warner Music is merging its recorded music operations across Benelux (Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg) with those in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria (GSA). This expanded structure will operate under the banner of Warner Music Central Europe, creating a more unified and powerful platform for artist development, marketing, and international growth. The newly combined division will be led by Niels Walboomers, who took the helm of Warner Music’s recorded music and publishing business in Benelux in 2023. In his new role, Walboomers will split his time between the company’s offices in Amsterdam, Berlin, and Hamburg, and report to Simon Robson, President, EMEA, Recorded Music, Warner Music Group. Supporting him in this expanded leadership is Markus Holzherr, who will continue as Chief Business Officer, a role he has held at Warner Music Central Europe for the past three years. As part of the transition, Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes will be stepping down from their positions as Co-Presidents after four impactful years at the helm of Warner Music Central Europe. The integration reflects the cultural and commercial synergy between the Benelux and GSA markets, both known for their thriving hip-hop scenes, strong export-oriented dance music, and enthusiastic audiences for international pop and rock. Collectively, these territories represent the third-largest recorded music market globally, following only the United States and Japan, according to IFPI trade revenue data. On the publishing side, Natascha Augustin will continue in her role as Managing Director of Warner Chappell Music Germany, the leading domestic music publisher in the country. She will continue reporting to Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music.

 

PRESCRIPTION SONGS AND DAY ONE SONGS ANNOUNCE SIGNING OF PALE1080: Prescription Songs and Day One Songs have welcomed PALE1080 to their growing roster of talent. The Paris-born producer and sample creator, whose real name is Maxime Ramananjanahary, joins the companies through a signing led by Prescription Songs A&R Manager Cameron Kooklanfar and A&R Coordinator Will Fogarty. Known for his genre-crossing sound and atmospheric production style, PALE1080 first gained attention via his YouTube channel, which has since amassed over 100,000 subscribers. His online presence and distinctive sonic identity quickly caught the attention of artists across the hip-hop and Latin music scenes. Most recently, PALE1080 co-produced Central Cee‘s “CRG (feat. Dave)” from the rapper’s Can’t Rush Greatness album, Central Cee’s first Top 10 appearance on the Billboard charts. He also co-produced Omy De Oro‘s “Mood,” a track that went on to be certified RIAA Latin Platinum, and its subsequent remix featuring Jay Wheeler and Nio Garcia. His growing list of collaborators includes NoCap, Gabe Lucas, Kxvi, Nico Baran, Pilgrim, Genia, and Adanna Duru, among others. “Thrilled to be part of PALE1080’s signing alongside my A&R colleague William Fogarty and Manager Peter Ashley from Day One, who I’ve been lucky to collaborate with across several Prescription x Day One clients,” said Cameron Kooklanfar, A&R Manager at Prescription Songs. “Pale’s a phenomenal multi-genre producer with amazing artist relationships, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”

 

NETTWERK APPOINTS OWEN LLOYD TO CATALOG MARKETING ROLE: Nettwerk U.K. has brought on Owen Lloyd to join its London-based team, where he will take the lead on the global catalog marketing strategy and initiatives. Lloyd joins Nettwerk from Universal Music Recordings, where he spent seven years as part of the repertoire development team. During his time there, he played a key role in campaigns for acts like The Cranberries, Brian Eno, and The Spice Girls. Lloyd also helped shape the company’s approach to digital catalogue strategy, contributing to high-profile, frontline-aligned releases for artists such as Doves, Sam Smith, Glass Animals, The Chemical Brothers, and The Kooks. Owen Lloyd commented, “Nettwerk has a rich history as an independent label with a pioneering spirit. I’m delighted to be joining the team and look forward to helping shape our catalog strategy in ways that embrace that same spirit – making our artist campaigns ever more vibrant, compelling, and uniquely individual.” Lloyd was also previously the lead singer for Coldplay, Muse, and Keane inspired by the band Longfellow.

 

MINDS ON FIRE SIGNS GLOBAL ADMIN DEAL WITH SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING: Minds On Fire has announced a new global partnership with Sony Music Publishing, which will now handle worldwide administration for the publisher’s catalogue and roster of songwriters and producers. This collaboration also includes a joint venture agreement to sign and develop new songwriting talent, expanding Minds On Fire’s reach and impact in the music publishing space. The Minds On Fire roster features a mix of talent, including Rob Harvey, whose catalog boasts hits for Clean Bandit, Joel Corry, David Guetta, and Becky Hill. Other key signings include writer Tom Havelock, and a range of electronic artists such as Kolter, Obskür, Joe Ashworth, Objekt, Alan Fitzpatrick, Carlita, Sasha, and the catalog of indie-electronic pioneers New Young Pony Club. As part of its continued growth, Minds On Fire has also signed writer and producer Jay Gilbert to an exclusive publishing deal. Gilbert, a frequent collaborator with Kilimanjaro, co-wrote the 2024 hit “No Bad Vibes” with Jazzy, and has worked with Themba, Massh, Kitty Amor, Ankhoi, Eljé, Issey Cross, Nicole Blakk, and more. David Ventura, President & Co-MD, U.K., Sr. VP International, Sony Music Publishing, commented, “We have long followed the achievements of Minds On Fire, as a boutique company helmed by two great entrepreneurs – James and Simon. The great roster of songs and songwriters they have developed speaks for itself and we are delighted to partner with them to help build on and expand their global reach in the future together.”

 

FRANK SINATRA NIL RIGHTS ACQUIRED BY ICONIC ARTISTS GROUP: Iconic Artists Group, the company founded by music executive Irving Azoff, has reportedly acquired the name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights of Frank Sinatra. According to a report from Bloomberg published on October 12th, the deal marks another strategic step for Iconic as it continues to invest in legacy artists with lasting cultural impact. Azoff also revealed during an appearance at Bloomberg‘s Screentime conference last week that the company had “recently acquired a chunk of the Sinatra estate,” though specific terms were not disclosed. As part of the long-term vision, Azoff shared plans to develop a Rat Pack-themed venue in Las Vegas, paying tribute to the timeless appeal of Sinatra and his iconic collaborators. The Sinatra acquisition is the latest in a series of high-profile deals by Iconic Artists Group. In early 2021, the company acquired a controlling stake in The Beach Boys‘ intellectual property, including their sound recordings, brand, select compositions, and memorabilia, a deal Bloomberg estimated at between $100 million and $200 million (USD). Azoff highlighted the impact of Iconic’s stewardship at the Screentime conference, noting that “The Beach Boys’ revenues are up over double since [Iconic] got involved.”

 

CTM ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH SALVATORE ADAMO: CTM has unveiled a long-term collaboration with Salvatore Adamo, the singer-songwriter hailed as Belgium’s most successful musical export. This deal encompasses the majority of Adamo’s music publishing rights along with a substantial portion of his master recordings. With a career that has spanned over 60 years, Adamo has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. His body of work includes classics such as “Tombe la neige,” “La nuit,” and “Inch’Allah.” Adamo’s songs, often performed in French, Italian, Dutch, English, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Turkish, continue to transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries. As part of this partnership, CTM will work on licensing strategies, sync placements, curated reissues, and a variety of Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) projects. One of the first initiatives underway is the development of a feature film exploring Adamo’s life and career. By the late 1960s, Adamo had achieved the distinction of being the world’s second-best-selling recording artist, second only to The Beatles. Furthermore, Adamo was knighted in Belgium in 2001, appointed Officer of the French Légion d’honneur in 2005, named Commander in the Order of the Star of Italy in 2015, and received Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun in 2016 for his contributions to its music culture. In 2024, he was awarded the Grande Médaille de la Chanson Française by the Académie française, a rare and prestigious distinction that acknowledges the poetic depth and cultural value of his songwriting. Most recently, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Music Industry Awards (MIA’s) in Antwerp’s Sportpaleis.

 

SAUMIL MEHTA JOINS TICKETMASTER AS GLOBAL PRESIDENT: Ticketmaster, owned by Live Nation, has appointed Saumil Mehta as its new Global President, effective November 1st. Mehta takes over from Mark Yovich, who has led the company as President since 2020. Yovich will transition into a new role as Chairman of Ticketmaster, where he will focus on shaping the company’s long-term strategy and global expansion efforts. Reporting directly to Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino, Mehta brings a history in product innovation, technology leadership, and scaling global commerce platforms. Over the past six months, he has worked closely with a range of AI startups as both an advisor and investor, experience that Ticketmaster says will play a key role in driving the company’s AI transformation. Under Mehta’s leadership, Ticketmaster plans to accelerate the integration of AI across its operations, including empowering venue partners, enhancing anti-fraud protections, and improving the ticket-buying experience for fans worldwide. Before joining Ticketmaster, Mehta spent over nine years at Square, where he most recently served as Chief Product Officer and Head of Business Org, helping develop and scale tools used by millions of small businesses and hundreds of millions of consumers. Earlier in his career, he founded LocBox, a marketing automation startup that supported local business growth through targeted, multi-channel campaigns. Square acquired LocBox in 2015. Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation Entertainment, said, “Over the past several years, Ticketmaster has been working to build a solid foundation for the next phase of growth. Saumil brings a fresh perspective and deep product and technology expertise that will help us build on that momentum.”

 

KARMA ARTISTS UNVEILS TWO SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: Karma Artists has revealed that Jess Miller has been promoted to Senior Creative & Operations Manager, while Anne Sandig joins the team as Sr. Manager. Both will report directly to Founder & CEO Jordan Jay, contributing to the company’s continued creative leadership and strategic development. Jess Miller has been a key force behind Karma’s development, helping expand its global reach while driving success for writers and producers across an international client base. Anne Sandig joins Karma with a background in music management, having held senior roles at AAM Management and Kobalt. These appointments come as Karma Artists continue to build momentum with international projects. Highlights from their roster include Red Triangle – Grammy-nominated duo with over five billion streams; collaborators include Sabrina Carpenter, David Guetta, Charlie Puth, James Arthur, Rauw Alejandro, Halsey, and their own artist project Super-Hi (500M+ streams). Cutfather – Writer/producer behind Return of the Mack and recent work with Post Malone, Keith Urban, P!nk, Aespa, Marshmello, Kygo, Twice, NCT, and Rita Ora. PhD – Writing/production team with credits including One Direction, Demi Lovato, Katy Perry, Sigala, Zedd, Becky Hill, Red Velvet, RIIZE, and more. James Reynolds – Part of the Brit-nominated group Bl3SS with work spanning BTS, Calvin Harris, Joel Corry, Ellie Goulding, and Nathan Dawe, racking up over 22 billion streams. Benji – Afro-house DJ and artist with over 50 million streams; his hit “Shine Like Stars” has surpassed 25 million streams. Jez Ashurst – Known for Little Mix‘s “Secret Love Song” and Leona Lewis‘ “One More Sleep,” with current collaborations including Nectar Woode, Maisie Peters, and Tom Walker. Jimbo Barry – Producer and songwriter behind some of The Script‘s biggest hits, including the billion-streamed “Hall of Fame” and “Superheroes.”

 

FUNFAIR & HEATWAVE RECORDS CONTINUES EXPANSION WITH KEY APPOINTMENTS: Funfair Records and Heatwave Records are continuing their global ascent with a pair of appointments that signal their next phase of growth. Andrew Birchall has been promoted to Head of A&R across both Funfair and Heatwave, while Jade Chamiech joins the company as Head of Operations and Marketing, her first role in the music industry. Birchall, who began his journey at Funfair as an intern in February 2024, has risen through the ranks. Over the past 18 months, he’s assisted in the signing of artists like Jotta, Kendis, Fido, and Budzik, contributing to the growing influence of both labels. Heatwave Records, co-founded in August 2024 by Tyler Brown (former MD at Syco) and Harold Serero (ex-A&R at Ultra), is distributed by Too Lost and made an immediate impact with its debut release, “Awolowo” by Fido, which shot straight to No.1 on Nigerian DSPs. The label quickly followed up with more tracks, including “Hausapiano” feat. Zerry DL, and “Robando,” which topped the Mexican Viral Chart. Currently, Heatwave is enjoying international success with “Ours to Keep” by Kendis, a viral hit and one of the biggest tracks in Indonesia. Founded in 2021 by Tyler Brown in partnership with Red Light Management, Funfair Records is distributed by AWAL. The label is currently charting in Nigeria’s Top 10 with “Escaladizzy” featuring Mavo, Ayra Starr, and Shallipoppi, and has recently secured Top 10 chart positions in Poland, Switzerland, Turkey, and Austria.

 

CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS FLOODLIGHTS: Concord Music Publishing ANZ has signed rising Australian alternative rock outfit Floodlights to a worldwide publishing agreement. The Melbourne-based band made their international breakthrough with the 2019 EP Backyard and their 2020 debut album From a View. Their sophomore release, Painting Of My Time (2023), solidified their reputation as one of Australia’s most compelling emerging acts. Their latest single, “Tricky,” was self-recorded at the band’s Melbourne studio, with guitarist Archie Shannon leading production. Floodlights have toured extensively, playing sold-out headline concerts and appearing at festivals such as SXSW (Austin), Pitchfork Paris, End Of The Road, Green Man, Haldern Pop, Laneway, Meredith Music Festival, and Vivid Live. They’ve also supported acts including The Killers, Black Midi, Amyl & The Sniffers, and Pavement. Later this month, the band returns to the U.K., supporting Amyl & The Sniffers at Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse on October 22nd and London’s Alexandra Palace on October 25th. Ahead of those dates, they’ll also headline a special London release show for “Tricky” at the Shacklewell Arms on October 21. Matt Tanner, Vice President, A&R, Concord Music Publishing ANZ, said, “Floodlights are one of the most compelling bands coming out of Australia right now. Their songwriting is thoughtful, and deeply evocative – it captures something real about place, identity, and emotion. We’re excited and proud to welcome them to the roster.”

 

LOUIS BROWN AND RAJU WATTS JOIN THE OTHER SONGS: The Other Songs has strengthened its leadership team with the appointments of Louis Brown as General Manager and Raju Watts as Financial Director. These hires mark a significant step in the company’s ongoing growth, aimed at scaling operations and deepening support for its expanding roster of artists, songwriters, and catalogs. Louis Brown brings over a decade of experience spanning the major label system and the independent music world. He began his career at Island Records, rising to Sr. Digital and marketing roles where he worked on campaigns for artists such as Disclosure and Mumford & Sons. While at Universal Music, he helped launch and scale Spinnup U.K., an artist discovery platform that led to several successful signings. Brown later transitioned into label management and executive roles, leading teams at Metropolis and most recently serving as COO & GM at NQ, where he oversaw Top 40 chart releases in the U.K., Germany, and Australia, and forged partnerships with The Orchard and Sony Music. Joining alongside him, Raju Watts brings more than 20 years of experience in financial leadership across music, media, and entertainment. His past roles include Finance Director at Island Records, Finance & Commercial Director at Decca Records and Publishing, and CFO at Ministry of Sound Group, where he was instrumental in the $100 million (USD) sale of Ministry of Sound Recordings to Sony Music. Watts has also held senior financial roles at Publicis, College Hill Associates, and worked with independent labels such as Underwater Records and Southern Fried Records.

 

SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING INKS ADMIN DEAL WITH DOMAIN CAPITAL FOR SEA GAYLE MUSIC CATALOG: Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has announced a new global administration agreement with Sea Gayle Music and Domain Capital Group, further expanding its footprint in country music publishing. Under the new partnership, announced on October 14th, Sony Music Publishing Nashville will oversee worldwide administration for Sea Gayle’s full catalog and active songwriter roster. The deal covers a range of hit songs, including “You Should Probably Leave” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” Sea Gayle Music, established in 1999 by songwriter Chris DuBois, country star Brad Paisley, and songwriter/producer Frank Rogers, has grown into one of Nashville’s most respected independent publishers. In 2020, Domain Capital Group acquired the Sea Gayle catalog and entered a joint venture with the company to support its continued growth. The Sea Gayle catalog includes works by artists and writers such as Brad Paisley, Chris Stapleton, Bobby Pinson, Jerrod Niemann, and Lee Thomas Miller. The company has earned multiple accolades, including being named ASCAP Country Publisher of the Year twice. Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville, said, “Sea Gayle has long been a cornerstone of Nashville’s songwriting community, and what Chris and his team have built is truly special. We’re proud to be partnering with Sea Gayle and Domain to champion these amazing songwriters and catalogs and ensure that they continue to lead country music forward.”

 

MAJOR MUSIC PUBLISHERS INK AI LICENSING DEALS WITH MUSIXMATCH: Musixmatch, a leading platform for lyrics and music data, has signed AI licensing agreements with the publishing divisions of all three major music companies: Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, and Warner Chappell Music. Announced on October 15th, the deals grant Musixmatch access to a combined catalog of over 15 million musical works, enabling the company to develop a suite of non-generative AI tools and analytical services. These partnerships make Musixmatch the first company to formally collaborate with all three major publishers to build AI-driven products using fully licensed, ethically sourced data. “This marks a significant step forward in creating responsibly developed tools and new revenue opportunities for rights holders,” Musixmatch said in a statement. According to Billboard, the agreements are currently structured as trial arrangements, with compensation provided to the publishers for use of their catalogs. A source close to the deal told the outlet that applications could include a large language model (LLM) capable of analyzing lyrics, themes, and metadata to assist music professionals in search and discovery. For example, a film studio could ask for the tool to suggest songs from a particular decade that match a certain mood or lyrical theme. Similarly, it could be used for industry insights, such as identifying lyrical trends or tracking brand mentions across songs over time. Billboard noted that the AI tools being developed will be securely gated and designed specifically for use by music industry professionals, rather than the public.

 

UMPG SIGNS COMPOSER, PRODUCER, AND ARTIST DANIEL LOPATIN: Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has signed Daniel Lopatin, the composer, producer, and recording artist better known as Oneohtrix Point Never, to a worldwide publishing agreement via its Classics & Screen division. Celebrated for his boundary-pushing sound and experimental approach, Lopatin’s body of work spans solo albums, original film scores, gallery installations, and collaborations with FKA Twigs, Charli XCX, James Blake, David Byrne, Iggy Pop, and Anohni. Lopatin has earned critical acclaim for his ongoing partnership with filmmakers Josh Safdie and Benny Safdie, having composed the original scores for their films Good Time and Uncut Gems. He is currently scoring the upcoming A24 feature Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie and starring Timothée Chalamet. His creative reach extends well beyond film. In the music world, Lopatin served as executive producer of The Weeknd‘s 2022 album Dawn FM and co-wrote and produced on the artist’s latest project, Hurry Up Tomorrow. In 2023, he released his tenth solo album, Again (via Warp Records), and took on executive producer duties for the score of The Curse (Showtime/A24), a dark comedy series created by Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie. Natasha Baldwin, President of Global Classics & Screen at UMPG and UMG, said, “We have long been great admirers of Dan’s prolific work across composing, songwriting, producing, and scoring, and it is with genuine excitement that we join in supporting Dan on this next phase of his admirable musical journey.”

 

BELIEVE NAMES KAZUNARI IMAI AS CHAIRMAN & STRATEGIC BUSINESS RELATIONS SR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BELIEVE JAPAN: Believe has announced the appointment of Kazunari Imai to the position of Chairman & Strategic Business Relations Senior Executive Director at Believe Japan. In this new role, Imai will work closely with Erika Ogawa, Managing Director of Believe Japan, and Sylvain Delange, President of Believe APAC. He will play a key role in shaping and executing the company’s growth strategy, particularly in the Label & Artist Solutions segment. Additionally, Imai will be instrumental in identifying major M&A and joint-venture opportunities aimed at strengthening Believe’s footprint in Japan’s music market. Since launching operations in Japan in October 2023, Believe has continued to expand its local presence, investing in a team and infrastructure to support artists and labels at every stage of their journey. With a career spanning four decades, Imai brings experience across J-POP and Rock. His previous leadership roles include Director at Victor Entertainment Inc., Representative Director at JVC NETWORKS, Inc., and Promoter at rock label SPEEDSTAR RECORDS/TAISHITA. From 2020 to 2023, he served as Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Music Marketing Division at Pony Canyon Inc. In 2023, he founded KiSML Inc., a music consultancy dedicated to promoting Japanese music globally.

 

SPOTIFY PARTNERS WITH MUSIC GIANTS TO BUILD ‘ARTIST-FIRST’ AI TOOLS: Spotify has announced a collaboration with Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Merlin, and Believe to develop a new suite of generative AI tools focused on supporting artists and songwriters. While specific product details remain concealed, Spotify confirmed in a recent blog post that work is already underway on the first of these tools, designed to empower music creators and strengthen their connection with fans. At the heart of this initiative are four core principles Spotify says will guide its development of AI in music, with a clear focus on artist rights and creative integrity. Partnership-Driven Innovation: Spotify commits to working through initiative-taking agreements with labels, distributors, and publishers, not retroactive permissions, to ensure AI-driven tools are built with industry collaboration from the start. Voluntary Participation: Recognizing the diversity of opinions on AI in music, Spotify emphasizes that artists and rightsholders will retain control over whether and how they engage with these tools. Fair Compensation and Transparency: Spotify promises that its AI products will open new revenue streams for creators, ensuring that artists and songwriters are properly paid and transparently credited when their work informs or fuels AI-generated content. Enhancing, Not Replacing, Human Creativity: The platform underscores that AI tools will be designed to augment, not replace, the creative process, giving artists new ways to express themselves and engage fans, rather than automating artistry. To support this effort, Spotify has established a dedicated generative AI research lab and product team tasked with building next-generation tools that balance cutting-edge innovation with respect for the creative community.

 

THE CIRCUIT GROUP LAUNCHES RED WIRE PUBLISHING: The Circuit Group has officially launched Red Wire Publishing, a new division offering boutique music publishing services to artists and songwriters around the world. Led by Circuit Co-Founder and partner David Gray, Red Wire will be based in Los Angeles, with Gray relocating to Nashville to establish a stronger presence in one of the industry’s creative capitals. With a background in artist management and music business leadership, Gray is also the Co-Founder of AYITA Management, where he oversees the careers of artists such as Noizu, Camden Cox (Grammy-nominated), Sarah de Warren, Avedon (Grammy-winning), and Ursine Vulpine. Unlike traditional publishing giants, Red Wire is built on a boutique, artist-first philosophy, deeply rooted in the principles of creative management. Its approach emphasizes personalized development and long-term creative growth over volume-driven signings. Red Wire’s initial roster reflects its global and forward-thinking vision. Early signings include Stevie Appleton (Tiësto, John Summit, Lost Frequencies), Nariman Akrami (Chris Lake, Eli Brown, Carlita, Sammy Virji), Alex Metric (Grammy-winning U.K. producer; Dua Lipa, Daft Punk, Silk City), Secondcity, Tommy Cooperman, Galo, and RØZ. At launch, Red Wire Publishing already oversees more than 300 copyrights, with global administration powered by Kobalt. This ensures that all clients benefit from transparency, reporting, and royalty collections via Kobalt’s backend system. With Red Wire, the Circuit Group extends its commitment to nurturing talent across every level of the music industry, giving artists and songwriters the support, tools, and global infrastructure they need to thrive creatively and commercially.

 

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP U.K. CELEBRATES BRITISH TALENT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC: Last Friday, Universal Music Group U.K., celebrated British talent on the global stage with two major international moments: in the U.S., an exclusive showcase took place in Los Angeles with performances from Olivia Dean, FLO, Holly Humberstone, and Sekou, as well as a surprise appearance from Elton John. Sam Fender received a rapturous response when it was announced that he’d won the coveted Mercury Prize for his latest album People Watching. It followed a performance of the title song in front of a home crowd in Newcastle, England. Meanwhile in Los Angeles at Candela La Brea – dubbed the Abbey Road Tavern for this one-off event – there were intimate performances from four of the U.K.’s rising new stars including Olivia Dean, FLO, Holly Humberstone, and Sekou. There was also a special appearance and Q&A with British music icon Elton John. The event was held in partnership with Abbey Road Studios, one of the world’s most famous recording studios, and Globe – the award-winning creative and partnerships division of UMG U.K.

 

BEATPORT EXPANDS INTO TICKETING: Beatport has announced the debut of Beatport Tickets, a ticketing platform tailored specifically for the dance music ecosystem. Developed in partnership with Weeztix, Europe’s fastest-growing self-service ticketing provider, this launch marks a step in Beatport’s expansion from music discovery and streaming into the live event space. Launched on October 15th, Beatport Tickets will initially serve promoters, labels, and venues in the U.K. and European Union, allowing them to sell tickets directly through Beatportal, Beatport’s editorial and event discovery platform. A broader rollout is planned in the coming months, including availability to U.S. event organizers and integration of event listings into the main Beatport store. By 2026, ticketed events will also appear on artist and label profiles, creating a link between digital music and in-person experiences. Beatport aims to solve a long-standing disconnect in the music industry: the gap between recorded music consumption and live event attendance. While massive festivals thrive, many independent artists, venues, and promoters face barriers in turning online engagement into real-world revenue and relationships. Beatport Tickets is designed to bridge that gap, offering event organizers powerful new tools to amplify visibility, deepen fan connection, and monetize more effectively. With Beatport’s reach of over 40 million annual users, the platform gives promoters a direct line to a global community of dance music lovers.

 

AUTUMN LEDGIN LAUNCHES LEDGIN MANAGEMENT: Nashville, TN-based artist manager Autumn Ledgin has officially launched her own company, Ledgin Management, with breakout country artist Tucker Wetmore as the first act on the roster. The new company is launching with a partnership alongside Red Light Management. Ledgin has managed Wetmore since 2023, aiding in his ascent in the country music world. She began her career working as a promoter rep for talent buyer Greg Walton, later joining Good Company Entertainment (GCE), a joint venture with Red Light, as the company’s first hire. While at GCE, Ledgin oversaw day-to-day management for artists like Jake Owen, Larry Fleet, and Shelby Darrall. Her new venture marks a return to Red Light through the partnership, which she refers to as a “homecoming” that reconnects her with familiar collaborators. Ledgin Management’s current team includes coordinators Mikey Hernandez and Reid Staubitz. Wetmore made waves in 2024 with back-to-back Billboard Hot 100 hits, earning RIAA Platinum and multi-Platinum certifications for his debut singles “Wine into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You,” the latter becoming his first No.1 at Country radio. His debut album, What Not To, released earlier this year, became the top-performing country debut from a new artist in 2025, racking up over 1.2 billion streams worldwide. Wetmore is currently on the road as direct support on Thomas Rhett‘s Better In Boots Tour, while his latest single, “3,2,1,” continues its rise inside the Top 20 at country radio.

 

FUGA EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH NAXOS: FUGA has announced the renewal and expansion of its partnership with classical music company Naxos Music Group. Originally established in November 2022, the collaboration initially saw FUGA providing digital distribution, marketing, royalty accounting, and access to its trends and analytics platform. The updated agreement takes the partnership further, incorporating strategic marketing support, dedicated YouTube services, product, and business development, as well as enhanced royalty management solutions. As part of the expanded offering, FUGA has also integrated performance data from Presto Music, a specialist classical streaming service, into its analytics dashboard for Naxos. This marks the first time Presto Music has shared performance metrics with a distributor, offering Naxos new insight into how its repertoire performs on a platform built specifically for classical music fans. To help lead and strengthen these efforts, FUGA has appointed Amy Nelson as Sr. Strategy Marketing Manager for Classical & Jazz, based in Amsterdam. Nelson has over a decade of experience in the classical music sector, having held roles at LSO Live, The Orchard, and Pentatone, where she specialized in campaign development, artist marketing, and audience engagement.

 

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