A&R Worldwide Newsletter Vol. 904

MUSEXPO TO HOST A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND TEAM SYNC PANEL
WITH RENOWNED MUSIC SUPERVISION TEAM FROM FORMAT

The global music and media communities are set to converge in the “Media Capital of the World” as Format Entertainment (www.formatent.com), the preeminent creative agency and music supervision collective, will present a first-of-its-kind group panel at the 26th global edition of MUSEXPO (www.musexpo.net) taking place March 22–25, 2026, in Burbank, California.

The panel will provide a rare look behind the scenes of this music powerhouse. From their work across the entirety of the Marvel film, TV, and soundtrack universe to their supervision efforts on films at Netflix, Paramount, Amazon, and many more, as well as Formats publishing work across the global media landscape.

This highly anticipated forum marks the first time Format Entertainment’s core executive and creative team will take the stage together – offering an unprecedented opportunity for music creators, artists, producers, composers, songwriters, managers, music supervisors, A&R executives, publishers, sync reps, and industry stakeholders to engage directly with one of the most influential forces in music for visual media.

With film and television credits spanning the world’s most franchises, Format Entertainment is a driving force behind the soundtracks of our time. From billion-dollar Marvel blockbusters and acclaimed television dramas to innovative animation and cultural brand campaigns, the Format team has helped define the emotional and cultural resonance of storytelling through music.

The Format panel will unpack the intricate world of music supervision and original content creation; from spotting sessions and rights clearance to creative direction, custom music development, and building lasting relationships between storytellers and music makers.

This session promises to be impactful, candid, highly educational, and a must-attend for any industry professional looking to better understand the modern sync and scoring ecosystem. The panel will feature an elite lineup of Format’s senior leadership, each bringing unique expertise and a portfolio of world-class projects:

Dave Jordan, Founder & CEO, Format Entertainment. Widely recognized as the most commercially successful music supervisor in film history, Dave Jordan has shaped the sound of Hollywood for over two decades. As the exclusive music supervisor for Marvel Studios since its inception, Dave has overseen the music for all 37 Marvel Cinematic Universe films and 14 Disney+ shows, including Guardians of the Galaxy, Iron Man, Black Panther, Avengers, and Captain Marvel. He also supervised the award-winning soundtracks for Transformers, Fast and Furious, and Paw Patrol, Dave is a founding member of the Guild of Music Supervisors and a former member of the Grammy Los Angeles Board of Governors.

Justine von Winterfeldt, Head of Music Supervision, Format Entertainment. An Emmy Award-winning music supervisor, Justine brings a rare combination of creative instinct and strategic vision. She has led music supervision for Mike Flanagan‘s acclaimed horror series Midnight Mass, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Midnight Club, and The Fall of the House of Usher, as well as Netflix‘s Lost Ollie, Amazon‘s Invincible, and Marvel’s series Hawkeye, Agatha: Coven of Chaos, and Daredevil: Born Again. Justine’s work reflects a deep commitment to character-driven storytelling and bold sonic identities across genres.

Amanda Grocky, Head of Publishing, Format Entertainment. Amanda leads publishing operations and original music development at Format, overseeing a vast catalog used in hit series including Euphoria, The White Lotus, Empire, Atlanta, This Is Us, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and Grown-ish. She also runs The Math Club‘s publishing arm, coordinating the creative and business development of custom music created in-house. Her strategic vision has helped Format emerge as one of the most impactful sync companies in the world.

Christian Zabala, Lead Music Supervisor, Format Entertainment. Christian brings a deep background in music curation and supervision to the Format team, with a focus on tentpole franchises and innovative series. He is currently involved in supervising several Marvel Studios titles including X-Men ’97, Echo, Vision Quest, and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, while also contributing to projects such as The Rookie, Devil May Cry, and The Fall of the House of Usher. His work bridges the gap between contemporary culture and fan-driven storytelling.

Cheapshot, Founder, The Math Club / Lead Producer, Format Entertainment. From the underground hip-hop scene to the mainstream music-for-media world, Cheapshot is a pioneering music producer and creative director. After breaking through with Styles of Beyond and the Billboard hit “Remember the Name” (Fort Minor), he founded The Math Club, a collection of incredible artists who focus on creating music in visual media. His credits include Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Shazam, Empire, Euphoria, Atlanta, and Power. His conceptual project History Class features collaborations with hip-hop legends such as Onyx, Masta Ace, and Special Ed — reinforcing Format’s dedication to genre authenticity and innovation.

This Format Entertainment panel offers a rare opportunity to understand how the most in-demand music supervisors, and creators in the business think, work, and choose music.

For over 20 years, MUSEXPO has brought together leaders across the global music, media, tech, and sync industries. This year’s event in Burbank — home to Warner Bros. Studios, Disney Pictures, Netflix Animation, Hulu, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, ABC, Universal Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, and many others — sets the perfect stage for this landmark session.

For more information about MUSEXPO 2026, including registration to attend the event, and artist showcase opportunities, visit www.musexpo.net.

There’s limited attendance for this first-of-its-kind Format group panel at MUSEXPO. To secure your participation, sign up to attend MUSEXPO HERE.

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

 

 

 

 

Veteran Australian executive Dan Rosen has been appointed to lead Warner Music Group‘s (WMG) recorded music businesses in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam), as well as continuing to have responsibility for its recorded music and music publishing businesses in Australia and New Zealand.

In his role as President of Warner Music Australasia & Southeast Asia, Rosen will continue to report to Lo Ting-Fai (known as Lofai), President, Warner Music APAC, and collaborate with a network of local experts across the eight territories.

The markets under Rosen’s leadership have a population of over 550 million people, with young passionate fanbases that engage heavily with music via digital services and social media. Some of WMG’s biggest stars generate up to a third of their worldwide streams in the combined region, and it also comprises many “trigger markets” with the power to propel artists up the global charts.

WMG is focusing its investment behind the most talented artists in the region, and strengthening its network of local partners, while offering accelerated access to its global ecosystem. The company is already successfully running more pan-regional campaigns, including for Vũ, dubbed “the Prince of Vietnamese indie music,” who will be undertaking the biggest-ever tour by a Vietnamese artist in Australia.

As part of WMG’s investment in the region, Warner Music Australasia is evolving its domestic artist structure. This will build on the team’s recent success of taking Aussie and Kiwi artists to the global stage, including Balu Brigada, Boy Soda, Budjerah, Kita Alexander, and Thelma Plum.

Lofai commented, “This region is richly diverse, full of extraordinary artists, talented entrepreneurs, and young enthusiastic fans, who are highly engaged with a booming music ecosystem. Breaking more artists and turbocharging our business here is one of WMG’s top global priorities. Under Dan’s skilled leadership, our artists will tap into both the economic value and weight of population across all eight countries, providing a powerful springboard to global fame and fortune. Change is never easy, but this is about doing something bold and winning big over the long term.”

Dan Rosen added, “Our mission has always been to find dynamic ways to help our local artists go global, and for our global artists to grow passionate local fanbases. I’m honored to lead a talented, focused team, and work with our amazing local partners, in these six diverse and exciting markets in Southeast Asia, while reinforcing our commitment to Australian and NZ artists. This move comes at an incredible time as there is a wealth of talent from this region that deserves a bigger global stage.”

Rosen will continue to lead Warner Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group in Australia and New Zealand, while the publisher’s operations in Asia, including Southeast Asia, will still be run by Arica Ng, President of Warner Chappell Music APAC, with both reporting to Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music.

 

Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has announced it has acquired a significant stake in the Finnish company Elements Music, as well as the company’s music publishing catalog of approximately 10,000 works.

In addition, both parties have established a long-term creative partnership which will see Element’s roster receiving enhanced local support through SMP Scandinavia and gaining access to the company’s global network and resources, strengthening the position of Finnish music internationally.

Founded in 2005, Elements Music is Finland’s leading independent music publisher and one of the most respected copyright companies in Northern Europe. The company represents many of Finland’s most successful songwriters such as Axel Ehnstrom, Johannes Brotherus (KUUMAA), OLGA, Jonas Olsson, Timo Kiiskinen, Kyosti Salokorpi, Samuli Sirvio, and BESS.

Tommi Tuomainen and Eero Tolppanen, Owners, Elements Music stated, “We are proud and excited about this collaboration, which is a significant milestone for the entire Finnish music industry. It is also essential that SMP shares our view of creator-driven publishing. Artificial intelligence and global platforms are changing the ways music is used and how compensation models work, and it is important that our partner has enough influence and resources to defend creative professionals. Through this deal, the position of Finnish music creators and the future of their works are now better protected.”

Johnny Tennander, Managing Director of Sony Music Publishing Scandinavia said, “We’ve always admired what Tommi, Eero, and the Elements team have built up in Finland, it’s hugely impressive what they have achieved. Having had a great dialogue for a long time, this feels like a natural next step for both of us and we are proud and excited to welcome Elements to the SMP family.”

Guy Henderson, President, International, Sony Music Publishing, added, “It is such a pleasure to welcome Tommi, Eero, and the Elements team to SMP. With Tommi and Eeros’ domestic credibility and their renowned creativity, together with SMP’s international reach, we look forward to nurturing and growing the careers of their incredible roster of songwriters in Finland and around the globe.”

The company’s publishing catalog includes the works of several Finnish music legends such as Eppu Normaali, Yö, and Popeda. The Elements team will continue business operations as usual, but now with the broader support of SMP.

 

 

 

Armed with raw vocal fire and undeniable emotional gravity, Czech Republic powerhouse LENNY is stepping confidently onto the global stage with her electrifying new single “Told Ya.” Blending pop immediacy, with an alt-leaning edge, the track is cinematic yet deeply personal, a gripping portrait of love, regret, and fallout that solidifies LENNY as one of Europe’s most exciting breakout voices. A seven-time Anděl Award winner and chart-topping force in her native Czech Republic, LENNY’s rise has been anything but ordinary. She’s shared stages with Imagine Dragons, LP, Mike Shinoda, and Emeli Sandé, while earning praise from Vanity Fair Italy and a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30. With “Told Ya,” LENNY channels that same fearless ambition into a sound built to resonate far beyond borders. Her global impact is already underway, with radio support spanning the U.S., U.K., Australia, South America, India, and beyond. Most recently, LENNY was invited to join the Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce podcast, whose guest list includes Taylor Swift, Ciara, and Jennifer Hudson, further proving that the world is finally tuning in. With commanding vocals, emotional honesty, and an instinct for bold, genre-defying pop, LENNY’s single “Told Ya” is not just a new track – it’s a statement from an artist ready to conquer the world on her own terms. Listen to “Told Ya” HERE, and email HERE, as LENNY is available for global booking, licensing, and label opportunities.

 

UMPG SIGNS MILES CLINTON JAMES: Universal Music Publishing Group(UMPG) has announced the signing of songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Miles Clinton James to an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement. James has earned a reputation as one of the U.K.’s most forward-thinking creatives, best known for producing and co-writing Little Simz‘s 2025 album Lotus. His list of collaborators includes Kokoroko, Cleo Sol, Sault, Tom Odell, Yussef Dayes, Yazmin Lacey, Foals, and Tom Misch, among others. Renowned for his musicality, technical precision, and creative instincts, James has become a trusted collaborator to some of today’s most innovative artists. His ability to bridge genres, from alternative R&B and soul to jazz and indie, has made him one of the most sought-after producers in contemporary British music. Working out of his analogue studio within Ray Davies‘ Konk Studios, James is known for crafting sonic experiences that challenge his collaborators and bring out their most authentic performances. His records are known for their depth, texture, and emotional resonance, and hallmarks of his production style. George Quann, UMPG International A&R Manager, stated, “I’ve admired Miles from afar for many years, always seeing him as totally in a league of his own as a creative. When he brought on Lucy Francis of 17Days Music and Theo Oliver as management, it only solidified what we knew would be an exciting relationship. Miles has already worked on an array of world-class projects and we’re looking forward to amplifying the next phase of his journey.”

 

WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC SIGNS RISING PORTUGUESE STAR MANINHO: Warner Chappell Music (WCM), the global publishing arm of Warner Music Group (WMG), has announced the signing of Maninho, one of Portugal’s most in-demand singer-songwriters and a leading force in contemporary Portuguese pop. Maninho, who is also signed to Warner Music Portugal as a recording artist, first captured national attention in 2021 with his breakout debut single “Pode Tentar.” The track quickly became a cultural phenomenon, earning four-times Platinum certification and ranking among the year’s biggest hits. In just four years, Maninho has achieved 7× Platinum and two-times Gold certifications across his catalog, establishing himself as one of Portugal’s most consistent hitmakers. As a songwriter, he has collaborated with some of the country’s top artists, including Bárbara Bandeira, D.A.M.A, Héber Marques, and Mariza. The deal aligns with Warner Chappell Music’s strategic focus on expanding its footprint in Portugal and nurturing artists with strong international potential. The company is actively investing in Portuguese talent amid the growing prominence of the country’s music scene within the wider Latin and global markets. Santiago Menéndez-Pidal, President of Southern Europe at Warner Chappell Music, and Carmen Picado, A&R Manager at WCM Spain, are leading the company’s efforts in the region. Collaborating closely with colleagues in both Spain and Portugal, they are focused on developing opportunities for emerging writers and amplifying the reach of WCM’s existing roster.

 

KARMA ARTISTS CONTINUES TO MAKE WAVES IN ASIA: Karma Artists is celebrating a wave of recent creative successes and unveiling new initiatives designed to strengthen its growing presence in the fast-expanding Asian music market. Founded in 2012 by former Universal Music Group A&R executive Jordan Jay, Karma Artists has built its reputation on developing long-term, impactful collaborations between songwriters, producers, and international artists. The company operates across talent management, music publishing, and creative consultancy, and continues to cultivate deep commercial and artistic partnerships throughout the global music ecosystem, with a particular focus on the K-pop sector. Karma Artists’ roster features a plethora of writers and producers, including Red Triangle, Cutfather, PhD, James Reynolds, Benji, Jez Ashurst, and Jimbo Barry, among others. Many of these creators have increasingly turned their attention to the South Korean and wider Asian markets, collaborating with some of K-pop’s biggest acts, such as Aespa, EXO, NCT, Riize, Shinee, Heart2Heart, Twice, Fifty Fifty, WayV, Nayeon, Taeyeon, Taemin, and BTS. Building on its momentum, Karma Artists is in discussions with several partners, including U.K. trade bodies and government agencies, to launch an annual writing camp that will bring South Korean artists, producers, and songwriters to the U.K. to collaborate with the company’s roster. The initiative aims to deepen cross-cultural creative exchange and amplify the success Karma Artists has already achieved within the South Korean market where a number of its projects have gone on to achieve global chart success and U.S. crossover recognition. 

 

PRESCRIPTION SONGS NAMES BROOKE WEBSTER AS A&R MANAGER: Prescription Songs announced the promotion of Brooke Webster to the role of A&R Manager. Los Angeles-based Webster oversees a list of artists, songwriters, and producers, which includes DallasK, Slush Puppy, David Pramik, Nick Bailey, Anthony Watts, Chloe Angelides, and numerous others. In her new role, she’ll report to Rhea Pasricha, Head of A&R, West Coast. Booke stated, “Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate to grow surrounded by a team that values creativity and collaboration as deeply as I do. The support at Prescription has empowered me to trust my instincts, and I’m excited to continue evolving in this next chapter.” Rhea added, “Brooke’s passion for working with our writers and producers, and her knowledge of both the Nashville and Los Angeles music scenes, has been invaluable to Prescription. We are so excited to see her take on this new A&R Manager role and help shape the future of the company.” Webster is a Pennsylvania native who attended Belmont University where she earned a degree in music business. Post graduation, she began her career as A&R Coordinator at Back Blocks Music before joining Prescription Songs in 2021. She relocated to Los Angeles and was involved with the signings of Greyson Chance and Gino The Ghost (Saweetie, Ca7riel & Paco, ENHYPEN).

 

KOBALT & UMN ENTERTAINMENT PARTNER TO ACQUIRE THE CATALOG OF PETER PLATE & ULF LEO SUMMER: Kobalt has joined forces with Berlin-based umn Entertainment to acquire the publishing and writers’ rights to the complete catalog of Peter Plate and Ulf Leo Sommer, the award-winning German songwriting duo responsible for shaping much of Germany’s pop landscape over the past 35 years. The deal encompasses the pair’s entire creative output, including their work as Rosenstolz, one of Germany’s most successful and influential pop acts, as well as hit songs crafted for artists such as Sarah Connor, Roland Kaiser, Max Raabe, and Zweiraumwohnung, among others. It also includes their contributions to the Bibi & Tina film soundtracks, which have generated over one billion streams, and the music from their stage productions at Berlin’s Theater des Westens. Altogether, the duo’s work has amassed close to three billion streams. This acquisition covers both the publishing and authors’ shares, marking one of the most significant catalog deals in Germany’s recent music history. Plate and Sommer’s repertoire features singles, multi-Platinum albums, and pop classics that have defined German pop since the early 1990s. As Rosenstolz, they released numerous No.1 albums and sold over four million records domestically. In addition to their own success, the duo has written hits for Sarah Connor’s million-selling 2015 album Muttersprache. Although financial terms of the sale remain confidential, the transaction will allow Plate and Sommer to further invest in their creative ventures as composers, producers, and theatrical innovators. In their role as artistic directors of Berlin’s Theater des Westens, they have developed a string of musicals including Ku’damm 56, Ku’damm 59, Romeo & Julia – Liebe ist alles, and Die Amme, which together have drawn millions of theatergoers. Proceeds from the sale will fuel the development of new productions, including their upcoming original musical Wir sind am Leben, set in 1990s Berlin. 

 

VENU INKS PARTNERSHIP WITH PRIMARY WAVE: Venu Holding Corporation, a leading venue operator and premium hospitality company, has formed an alliance with Primary Wave Music to deliver “artist-inspired” experiences and immersive content across its venues nationwide. The collaboration is designed to establish a scalable and sustainable stream of premium entertainment offerings that cater to ongoing audience demand. Primary Wave represents over 200 artists and estates, including Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, and James Brown. Its catalog has more than 1,000 Top 10 singles and 400 No.1 hits. In addition, the partnership will enable the development of multi-faceted programming such as live residencies, theatrical shows, and original productions, all aimed at transforming the traditional live concert experience into something more dynamic and interactive. Venu is also expanding its national presence, with three new amphitheaters slated to open in 2026 in Tulsa (Oklahoma), El Paso (Texas), and the Dallas metro area. Each will feature the company’s proprietary Multi-Seasonal Configuration Technology, an innovation incorporating radiant heating, large-scale fans, wind walls, and canopied roofing to ensure comfort year-round. By 2030, Venu plans to operate as many as 40 venues nationwide, creating a broad platform for artist-driven experiences in partnership with Primary Wave.

 

TOO LOST PARTNERS WITH XPOSURE MUSIC TO CO-FUND CATALOG ACQUISITIONS: Independent music distribution platform Too Lost has entered into a new commercial partnership with music financing firm Xposure Music, aiming to expand opportunities in catalog acquisitions and artist investment. As part of the agreement, Too Lost will collaborate with Xposure to distribute and co-fund music catalog purchases that are sourced and underwritten through Xposure’s financing platform. Founded in Montreal in 2021, Xposure Music leverages machine learning to assess the value of music catalogs and provide funding to artists. The company reports having already invested “over eight figures” (between $10 million and $99 million USD) in music rights and plans to deploy additional “tens of millions of dollars” toward upcoming catalog acquisitions. Xposure will lead deal sourcing and financial underwriting using its proprietary technology, which evaluates both recorded music and publishing assets to identify investment opportunities. Once transactions are finalized, Too Lost will oversee global distribution, rights management, and royalty administration. The partnership has already committed several million dollars across multiple catalog deals, including works from Tskinz, Fukkit, Fly Rich Double, FLVME, and Secret!, underscoring the company’s shared mission to invest in both emerging and established independent creators.

 

RESERVOIR AND POPARABIA GROW MENA CATALOG WITH TWO NEW ACQUISITIONS: Reservoir Media, in partnership with PopArabia announced two new acquisitions aimed at further strengthening their presence across the region. The companies have acquired all compositions and master recordings owned by HFM Production, an Iraqi music production powerhouse, as well as the publishing and recorded rights to the catalog of Kuwaiti artist Essa Almarzoug. Founded in 2011 by Iraqi composer Humam Hassan, HFM Production has become a cornerstone of the Arabic music landscape. Initially focused on media production for music videos and TV commercials, the company has evolved into a full-scale record label and frontline release operation. To date, HFM has produced more than 500 recordings and YouTube videos, featuring artists such as Ahmed Al Maslawi, Zaid Al Rashed, Ahmed Fadel, and Salma Rachid. The label’s YouTube channel has over 3.1 million subscribers and nearly 1.4 billion views. The acquisition also encompasses a slate of upcoming HFM releases scheduled for the coming year. In addition to the HFM deal, Reservoir and PopArabia have acquired the publishing and recorded rights to the catalog of Essa Almarzoug, one of Kuwait’s most successful contemporary artists. Known for blending traditional Khaleeji sounds with modern Arabic pop, Almarzoug rose to fame in 2013 following his appearance on Star Academy 9, the popular regional music reality show. Since then, he has starred in films and stage productions while building a solo career. His music has amassed over 619 million views on YouTube, with standout hits including “Qanabel,” “Thamen Ageba,” and “Akher Hebah.”

 

MUSICBIRD ACQUIRES PRODUCER INCOME FROM ESTATE OF RICK PARASHAR: MusicBird has finalized an acquisition agreement with the estate of Rick Parashar, the Grammy-nominated producer and influential architect of the 1990s Seattle grunge movement. The deal encompasses Parashar’s producer income from landmark albums by Nickelback, Alice In Chains, Blind Melon, and 3 Doors Down. With this acquisition, MusicBird’s portfolio now exceeds 2,000 songs spanning hundreds of artists across multiple genres and regions. Since its market debut in 2021, MusicBird has established itself as a global investor in music rights, actively partnering with publishers, labels, and other stakeholders to manage and develop its collection of works. Rick Parashar (1963–2014) was a celebrated American producer, mixing engineer, and musician, best known for shaping the sound of the Seattle grunge era. In 1985, he co-founded London Bridge Studios with his brother Raj Parashar, a recording space that became home to some of the era’s most influential artists. Parashar co-produced multi-platinum records, including Pearl Jam‘s Ten, Temple of the Dog‘s self-titled debut, and Blind Melon’s eponymous album. His later work expanded beyond grunge, producing hit records such as 3 Doors Down’s “Away from the Sun” and Nickelback’s “Silver Side Up,” the latter selling over ten million copies worldwide and earning him a Grammy nomination for the single “How You Remind Me.” The acquired catalog includes Parashar’s producer income from these landmark projects, representing a body of work that has collectively achieved more than 20 million album sales and over four billion Spotify streams. Among its standout hits are “How You Remind Me” (Nickelback), “No Rain” (Blind Melon), “Here Without You” (3 Doors Down), and “Would?” (Alice In Chains).

 

IDRIS ELBA EXTENDS GLOBAL PUBLISHING AGREEMENT WITH UMPG: Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has announced the renewal of its exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement with Idris Elba, the multi-hyphenate talent whose artistry spans music, film, and live performance. Described by UMPG as an “adept songwriter, producer, musician, actor, director, and DJ,” Elba continues to expand his creative reach across the global music scene. He first broke through with his 2022 single “Boasty” (with Wiley, Stefflon Don, and Sean Paul), which climbed to No.1 on the U.K. Indie Chart and No.5 on the R&B Chart, and has now surpassed 180 million streams worldwide. Elba has since continued to push musical boundaries, releasing “Vroom” with The FaNaTiX, Lil TJay, Davido, Koffee, and Moelego for Gran Turismo 7. His collaborations also include an EP, Cordi Elba, with A&R Worldwide-supported Australian band Lime Cordiale, as well as projects with Defected, Dirtybird, and Ultra. In addition to his success as a recording artist and producer, Elba has his own labels, 7Wallace and Sound International. Since launching in November 2024, Sound International has hosted stages and showcases at ADE, SXSW London, Glastonbury, Nairobi, and Accra. In 2025 alone, Elba performed back-to-back with Kaskade at Coachella, played four DJ sets at Glastonbury, and dominated the Ibiza summer season with performances at Ibiza Rocks, Hï Ibiza, Ushuaïa, and Pacha. Looking ahead, Elba is set to headline the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, following an appearance at Silverstone earlier this year. Pete Simmons, Head of A&R, UMPG U.K. said, “People might think Idris is an actor who sometimes makes music, but he’s a songwriter who sometimes acts. His curiosity and commitment to his craft are inspiring and there aren’t many writers I’ve met who can deliver club records, amapiano records, and melancholy folk records all in one WhatsApp group.”

 

PYTHAGORAS MUSIC FUND ACQUIRES CATALOGS OF PETER SINFIELD AND JOE JANIAK: Amsterdam-based investment firm Pythagoras Music Fund has announced the acquisition of the music catalogs of songwriter Joe Janiak and the late lyricist Peter Sinfield, in two separate transactions. The acquisitions, which include both writers’ shares and publishing rights, significantly broaden Pythagoras’s portfolio, bringing together contemporary pop successes and classic progressive rock compositions under one umbrella. Financial details of the deals were not disclosed. Joe Janiak has contributed to hits for global stars including Ellie Goulding, Britney Spears, Tove Lo, Snakehips, Lewis Capaldi, Noah Cyrus, and Kygo, among others. His songs have collectively garnered billions of streams worldwide and achieved multiple Platinum and Gold certifications across major markets. The fund’s second acquisition celebrates the legacy of Peter Sinfield (1943–2024), a pioneering figure in British rock music. As a founding member and chief lyricist of King Crimson, Sinfield penned enduring works such as “The Court of the Crimson King” and “Epitaph.” He later transitioned into mainstream pop, co-writing the UK hit “The Land of Make Believe” for Bucks Fizz and the global chart-topper “Think Twice” for Celine Dion.

 

PRIMARY WAVE MUSIC PROMOTES TWO ACROSS THEIR SYNC AND CREATIVE TEAMS: Primary Wave Music has announced two promotions within its Sync and Creative divisions. Peter Kurczaba has been elevated to Vice President, Sync, and Cleome Barber has been promoted to Director, Creative A&R. Both will continue to report to Marty Silverstone, President of Global Sync, and Justin Shukat, President of Primary Wave Music, and will remain based in the company’s Los Angeles office. Kurczaba began his journey as an intern and most recently served as Sr. Director, Creative Sync. In this new capacity, Peter will continue overseeing sync activity across all media platforms. Kurczaba has been instrumental in securing placements and driving sync success for the company. He was part of the team behind the Emmy-winning song “A Beautiful Game” by Ed Sheeran. Over the past year, Peter has landed placements, including Chris Isaak‘s “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing” in Apple TV‘s Bad Monkey trailer, as well as uses featuring songs from Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytals, Gerry Goffin, and KT Tunstall. Also, Peter helped develop Tom Petty cover versions featured both in-show and on the accompanying soundtrack, highlighting performances by Stephen Marley, Goldford, and Chiiild. His recent sync successes span titles such as Shrinking, Caught Stealing, The Smashing Machine, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Dexter: Resurrection, Yellowjackets, The Irrational, Tracker, Mickey 17, and more, alongside campaigns for Dr. Pepper, Universal Studios Resorts, the US Open, and the PGA Tour. Peter continues to collaborate closely with the creative team on remixes and covers from the Sun Records, Sly and the Family Stone, Isaac Hayes, and David Porter catalogs. Barber, who joined Primary Wave’s creative team as an intern in 2020, has been brought on full-time as A&R Coordinator. She advanced to A&R Manager in 2022 and now steps into the role of Director, Creative A&R. Cleome has been an integral part of projects involving artists like Benson Boone, KATSEYE, Hozier, Doja Cat, and Anne-Marie. Her A&R credits include tracks such as “The Dinner” (Ryan Linvill & ROLE MODEL), “On & On” (Dante Jones & FLO), “Just Can’t Get Enough” (Teddy Pendergrass & Channel Tres), and “Kicking My Feet” by M-Phazes and Ruel. 

 

ROAM APPOINTS JESS KINN AS SENIOR AGENT: Global live booking agency Roam has announced the appointment of Jess Kinn as Senior Agent. Roam officially launched last month following the merger of ATC Live and Arrival Artists, creating a unified, global agency representing a range of artists across genres and territories. Kinn brings her roster to Roam, representing artists including Olly Alexander (Years & Years), Africa Express, The Aces, Moonchild Sanelly, Mallrat, Beth McCarthy, Swim School, Katie Tupper, Catty, Aleksiah, Boyish, Ruby Waters, Babymorocco, Priyanka, and Jessie Buckley & Bernard Butler. Prior to joining Roam, Kinn was a founding member, and the first agent hire at One Fiinix Live, where she played a leading role in expanding the company’s artist roster. During her tenure, she delivered Years & Years’ Night Call arena tour and a series of headline festival performances. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kinn pivoted to digital live entertainment, leading event programming for livestreaming platform LiveNow. There, she was instrumental in the success of Dua Lipa‘s record-breaking Studio 2054 show, as well as major livestreams for Gorillaz and The Pete Tong Heritage Orchestra. Kinn began her career at The Leighton Pope Organization before joining Coda/Paradigm (now Wasserman), where she rose through the ranks from reception to agent over nine years. While there, she oversaw major international tours for artists such as Shawn Mendes and Halsey.

 

DISTROKID LAUNCHES “DIRECT,” THE NEXT STEP IN EXPANDING BEYOND DISTRIBUTION: DistroKid announced the launch of Direct, a new direct-to-fan platform that marks an expansion of the company’s services beyond music and video distribution. Direct allows independent artists to easily create an online store and begin selling merchandise within minutes, all integrated into the DistroKid experience. Artists can instantly transform their album or single artwork into custom t-shirts, tote bags, and mugs, which are produced on demand and automatically shipped to fans worldwide. Artists have full creative and financial control: they can set their own prices and retain 100% of their earnings. The new feature is currently in beta, available to select DistroKid users, with a broader rollout scheduled in the coming weeks. Direct is available to artists for under $6 (USD) per month. The platform is powered by technology from Bandzoogle, the industry-leading direct-to-fan company acquired by DistroKid in 2023. Built on Bandzoogle’s proven e-commerce infrastructure, Direct will continue to evolve in the coming months, offering new merchandise options and innovative tools that help artists engage directly with their audiences. “Direct is one more way DistroKid helps artists at every step — before, during, and after they release music,” said Matthew Ogle, Chief Product Officer. “We’re building simple tools that let artists share what they create, from music to merch and beyond, and connect directly with the people who care about them most.”

 

SOURCEAUDIO PROMOTES WESTON MCGOWEN TO GLOBAL HEAD OF CATALOG SERVICES: SourceAudio has announced the promotion of Weston McGowen to Global Head of Catalog Services. Based in New Orleans, McGowen will report directly to Andrew Harding, SourceAudio’s Co-Founder & CEO. Previously serving as VP of Music Partnerships, McGowen will now manage SourceAudio’s worldwide catalog operations, encompassing client relations, metadata systems, and rights-management infrastructure that support a vast network of rightsholders, publishers, broadcasters, and media companies. He will also lead the company’s Rights and Royalties Division, including SourceAudio Collect, its publishing-administration branch that represents more than 1.6 million musical works. SourceAudio’s platform currently hosts over 50 million assets and supports more than 140 broadcasters and entertainment networks, such as Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and Audacy. Before joining SourceAudio, McGowen served as Global Head of Commercial Partnerships at Endel, the Germany-based functional music and soundscape company named Apple Watch App of the Year (2019). There, he led strategic collaborations with Wells Fargo. He also held the role of Director of Commercial Partnerships at Create Music Group, where he managed relationships for The Nations, a YouTube network and label group with over 70 million subscribers, as well as its sister label, Lowly. Beyond his work at SourceAudio, McGowen co-founded Equal Songs with multi-Platinum producer and songwriter Stefan Skarbek. The boutique publishing and label venture represents a roster of artists, writers, producers, and engineers, with catalogs tied to Amy Winehouse, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, the Spice Girls, and Sugababes. McGowen also serves as Chief Catalog Officer at Mirrorball Entertainment, founded by Skarbek and Grammy-winning mixer Tony Maserati, which oversees publishing for global hits such as “Watermelon Sugar” and “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles.

 

STACEY TANG ANNOUNCED AS BRITS COMMITTEE CHAIR: With the recent announcement that The BRIT Awards will move to Manchester, England’s Co-Op Live, it has also been confirmed that Stacey Tang Co-President of RCA Records U.K. will serve as Chair of the 2026 BRITs Committee. In this position, she will guide all elements of the show’s planning and production, from its creative vision to its execution, working closely with the Committee, which includes representatives from the U.K.’s major and independent record labels, BRITs TV, and the BPI. Stacey is widely regarded for her global marketing leadership. She has driven campaigns for Cat Burns, Myles Smith, JADE, Tems, and Bring Me The Horizon, while also contributing to the international success of acts such as Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, P!NK, SZA, Sleep Token, and Future. Earlier in her career, she aided in launching the early careers of Ed Sheeran, Calvin Harris, and George Ezra. A strong advocate for social justice and diversity across the music industry, Stacey serves on the board of Sony Music‘s Social Justice Fund, is a trustee of the Ed Sheeran Foundation, a member of ESEA Music, and holds an advisory position with The Evamore Music Project (Cancer Awareness Trust). Her influence and leadership have been widely recognized: she was featured on Billboard‘s U.K. Power Players 2025 list and named the fifth most influential woman in music on BBC‘s Women in Music ranking, following Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Adele.

 

PRIMARY WAVE MUSIC PARTNERS WITH PATTI LABELLE: Primary Wave Music has announced a partnership with Patti LaBelle. The partnership encompasses LaBelle’s artist royalties across her entire catalog, which spans 18 studio albums, three live albums, 14 compilations, and 47 singles. Over her career, LaBelle has sold more than 50 million records worldwide, earned two Grammy Awards, and received 13 nominations. She has also been honored with multiple Image Awards, an American Music Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. LaBelle has achieved 42 singles on Billboard‘s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and 20 albums on the Billboard 200, including two top ten placements. The deal includes many of LaBelle’s most iconic hits, such as “Lady Marmalade,” “If Only You Knew,” “New Attitude,” “On My Own,” and more. Released in 1974 by the group Labelle, “Lady Marmalade” topped the Billboard Hot 100. The song became an enduring cultural touchstone, later reimagined in 2001 by Christina Aguilera, Mýa, P!nk, and Lil’ Kim for the Moulin Rouge! soundtrack. In 2021, the Library of Congress honored the original by adding it to the National Recording Registry for its lasting cultural significance. Another signature hit, “If Only You Knew,” marked a milestone for LaBelle upon its release in 1983 as the lead single from her sixth studio album. The track spent four weeks at No. 1 on the U.S. R&B chart, her first chart-topper as a solo artist, and crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100. In 1984, the Grammy-nominated “New Attitude” introduced LaBelle to a broader pop audience. Featured in the film Beverly Hills Cop, the track climbed into the Billboard Hot 100 Top 20. Also included in the partnership is “On My Own,” LaBelle’s duet with Michael McDonald. Written by Burt Bacharach, the single topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks, becoming the most successful record for both artists. It later earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group.

 

DOWNTOWN ARTIST & LABEL SERVICES BUILDS PARTNERSHIPS WITH INTERNATIONAL PHONK LABELS: Downtown Artist & Label Services(DA&LS) has strengthened its presence in the rapidly expanding phonk scene. The company has renewed and extended its partnerships with two key players in the phonk community: UK-based Polaris Records, led by Ethan Hawley, and Australia’s Enarma Records, founded by Malak Hanani. Phonk, a hybrid sub-genre blending elements of hip hop and trap, has surged in popularity, fueled by viral trends across social media platforms. Beyond these renewed collaborations, Downtown continues to collaborate closely with several other major contributors to the genre, including Phonk Records/Funk Records (part of Kurate Music), Purple Crunch Records, and Phonk Monsta. These alliances enable Downtown to distribute music from a wide range of rising and established phonk artists, among them Scythermane, DJ Fnk, DJ Anxvar, JXM, DJ Fku, Trxveler, and TokyoSleep.

 

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