DAVE ROCCO ELEVATED TO CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER AT ATLANTIC MUSIC GROUP
Atlantic Music Group has promoted Dave Rocco to the newly created role of Chief Creative Officer. In this expanded position, he will shape the company’s global creative direction while continuing to oversee the team responsible for artists’ visual creative output, from overall strategy to video, artwork, advertising, and more. Rocco, who joined AMG in 2024 as President of Creative, will continue reporting to Chairman & CEO Elliot Grainge.
Since joining Atlantic Music Group, Rocco has guided creative campaigns for artists including Cardi B, FKA twigs, Don Toliver, Bailey Zimmerman, and ROSÉ. Before arriving at AMG, he served as Executive Vice President of Creative at Universal Music Group, working across various divisions on creative initiatives.
Rocco previously spent several years at Spotify, where he launched the Artist Marketing division and later became Global Head of Label & Artist Relations and Marketing. There, he developed global creative campaigns for artists and introduced programs such as Spotify’s Best New Artist Party and Fans First.
Before his time in streaming, Rocco spent a decade in advertising at Deutsch LA as Executive Vice President, following an earlier stint as a Creative Director at BBDO New York.
He began his career remarkably early, at 14, working as a producer at New York’s Z100 radio station, later moving into roles as a talent scout for Epic Records and in A&R at Atlantic Records.
Throughout his career, Rocco has earned numerous accolades, including Cannes Lions and Clio Awards, and has served on the Board of Directors for GLAAD.
“For the last year, Dave has played a crucial role in reenergizing and reimagining Atlantic Music Group,” said Elliot Grainge. “His creative contributions to our organization and to our artists have been immeasurable. I’m happy to be able to promote him to this important new leadership role.”
MUSEXPO 2026 TO FEATURE A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND SYNC PANEL WITH LEADING EXECUTIVES FROM FOX SPORTS MUSIC
MUSEXPO “The United Nations of Music” (www.musexpo.net), the pioneering global music business conference renowned for its transformative impact on the industry, has unveiled its landmark 26th edition which will take place March 22 – 25, 2026, in Burbank, California. For the first time ever, the leading FOX Sports Sync licensing team will do a group panel exclusively at MUSEXPO to share key insights into the impactful work they do with music integration into sports culture.
Marking over a quarter-century of influence, MUSEXPO 2026 will highlight the continued evolution of the worldwide music business landscape across all key sectors including A&R, music publishing, live, sync (film, TV, videogames, advertising, promos, trailers), radio/streaming, digital, technology, AI, distribution, management, and more.
FOX Sports is the sports division of FOX Corporation, operating leading channels including FOX, FS1, FS2, and FOX Deportes, as well as its digital platforms. The network delivers live coverage across a wide spectrum of sports, from the NFL, MLB, and college football to NASCAR, UFC, and international soccer. FOX Sports is also the exclusive U.S. English-language broadcaster of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, bringing fans unprecedented live coverage, analysis, and original programming around the world’s most-watched sporting event.
Eight executives from FOX Sports Music are slated to participate in a first-of-its-kind synchronization (sync) panel at MUSEXPO 2026. The panel will include conversation and insights into the daily aspects of the executive roles, music rights, licensing, clearances, creative partnerships, and the mechanics that power music in live sports programming. This is a must-attend panel for anyone interested in music and sports.
Participating in this exclusive panel will be Nicole De La Torriente, Vice President, Music Business Affairs & Operations, FOX Sports Music; Alexandria Schammel, Manager, Music, FOX Sports Music; Bekki Newton, Senior Coordinator, Music Clearance & Licensing, FOX Sports; Jamar Richardson, Senior Music Coordinator, FOX Sports Music; Matt Logan, Senior Coordinator, Music, FOX Sports Music; Melissa Stern, Director, Music Supervision & Tech Operations, FOX Sports Music; Nick Robelotto, Senior Coordinator, Music Clearance, FOX Sports Music, and Stephanie Urcheck, Senior Manager, Music Supervision & Clearance, FOX Sports Music. Read the full bio and role of each executive HERE.
Sports programming presents unique challenges for music synchronization: tight timelines, live content, multi-platform distribution, rights clearances, and the need for creative relevance under such constraints. Attendees at MUSEXPO 2026 will gain rare insight into how FOX Sports Music balances those pressures, and how sync practitioners can adapt in a rapidly changing media landscape.
To attend the FOX Sports Music panel and other great panel sessions, events, keynotes, networking receptions, awards luncheons, Global Sync, and A&R Summit at MUSEXPO 2026, you can register at HERE.
For details on sponsorships, partnerships, panelists, artist showcase opportunities, or additional information visit www.musexpo.net.
For more information contact info@anrworldwide.com.
ALEX BLACK JOINS PEERMUSIC AS VP OF A&R
Peermusic has named seasoned A&R executive Alex Black as its new Vice President of A&R for the United States.
The announcement came recently from Jamie Cerreta, President, U.S. & Canada. peermusic. Based in Los Angeles and reporting directly to Cerreta, Black will lead efforts to sign and develop songwriters and producers across Peermusic’s U.S. roster. He will continue running his management company, Home Run Management, whose clients include cktrl, Banshee The Great, and Eli Keszler.
Bringing more than 18 years of A&R experience, Black joins Peermusic after serving as Vice President of A&R at Hipgnosis Songs Group (formerly Big Deal Music Group). During his tenure, he helped build the company’s frontline publishing arm and signed artists such as Beach House, Amber Mark, Lucy Dacus, Weyes Blood, Phoelix, Mick Jenkins, Loren Humphrey, Hatchie, Dean Reid, Kieron Menzies, and Cam Avery of Tame Impala. He also helped forge creative partnerships with Godmode and Stomp Down and contributed to the expansion of the company’s creative division.
Before Hipgnosis/Big Deal, Black held the role of Director of A&R at Warner Records, where he worked with Twin Shadow, Banks & Steelz (The RZA & Paul Banks), Tegan and Sara, and Death From Above 1979. Earlier in his career, he held A&R positions at Interscope Records, collaborating with TV on the Radio, Major Lazer, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and commissioning remixes such as A-Trak‘s “Heads Will Roll.”
Jamie Cerreta said, “I am pleased to welcome Alex to the Peermusic team. I have worked with Alex for many years, first at Big Deal Music Group and then at Hipgnosis Songs Group, and I know that he is a talented A&R executive whose dedication, creativity, and expertise will help to bring our songwriters even more success artistically and commercially.”
Black’s path in A&R began early, he interned at Warner Bros. Records while still in high school. His broader industry experience includes assisting a Goldenvoice Founder on Coachella and Stagecoach, serving as a Warner Music Group college representative, and scouting talent for Capitol Music Group. He is an Emerson College graduate with a BA in Media Studies, where he also hosted a weekly new-music program on WERS.
TOPLINE BRITISH SONGWRITER KATIE SUTHERLAND SIGNS WITH KASSNER MUSIC
Kassner Music has announced that it has signed topliner Katie Sutherland to a global publishing agreement.
Glasgow-born Katie began her career as the artist Pearl & The Puppets, signed to Universal Republic. During this time, she had enormous success touring with Elton John, Alphabeat, Sugababes, The Hoosiers, and had many of her songs placed in advertising, TV, and film campaigns for brands such as Vodafone, Orange, Google, and Victoria’s Secret amongst others.
After taking some time out to start a family, Katie returned to what she loved most, creating infectious songs with unforgettable hooks. A versatile songwriter, she has contributed to projects spanning dance, rock, pop, and singer-songwriter genres.
Her co-writing credits on The Hunna‘s Silver certified album 100, including the single “Piece by Piece”, has led her to collaborate with the likes of Sigala, Sub Focus, Dan Smith (Bastille), DYLAN, Becky Hill, and MEEK whilst securing releases with Jonas Blue, Sam Feldt, and Izzy Bizu.
Katie is a gifted vocalist and multi-instrumentalist and continues to expand her impressive portfolio with upcoming cuts planned with Armin Van Buuren, Poppy Bascombe, MEEK, Roger Sanchez, and Gabry Ponte.
Cathy Mathalone, Katie’s manager, stated, “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Katie for over ten years since her time with Pearl & The Puppets at Elton John’s Twenty First Artists. From the outset, her exceptional talent has been clear, and her versatility allows her to thrive in any creative environment, bringing empathy, honesty, and emotional depth to her lyrics and music. Kassner have proven to be an extremely resolute and proactive team on the A&R side, and we’re delighted to make the relationship official!”
Flo Langhorn, A&R Manager at Kassner Music, added, “We couldn’t be happier that Katie has chosen to join the Kassner roster. Her outstanding songwriting quality was unmistakable from the day that we met her. We are excited at the prospect of helping to elevate her to the next level in her already successful career alongside her manager, Cathy Mathalone.”
CHRIS GRANGER CONFIRMED AS CEO OF OAK VIEW GROUP
Oak View Group (OVG) has appointed Chris Granger as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
The decision follows Granger’s five months as Interim CEO and signals a major leadership shift for the company, which has been rapidly growing its presence in the global live entertainment sector.
Granger previously led OVG360 as President, overseeing major expansion before stepping into the interim chief executive role in July 2025. As CEO, he will direct all facets of OVG’s worldwide operations, including venue development, hospitality services, and sponsorship initiatives.
With more than 30 years of experience in sports and live entertainment, Granger joined OVG in 2021 after serving as Group President of Sports and Entertainment for the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, and earlier as President and COO of the Sacramento Kings.
He also spent 14 years with the NBA, becoming Executive Vice President of Team Marketing and Business Operations. Granger earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Cornell University and his MBA from Yale University.
“Chris’s performance during his tenure as Interim CEO has been exceptional,” said Lee Wittlinger, Chairman of the OVG Board of Directors. “He seamlessly stepped into the role during a pivotal time and demonstrated tremendous leadership. Chris understands the entire ecosystem of sports and live entertainment and the Board is confident that he is the right executive to lead OVG into its next phase of global growth.”
OVG Senior Partner, Irving Azoff, commented, “I have known and worked with Chris for 20 years. No one is better for the CEO job. He is uniquely qualified to lead OVG as we continue to build it bigger and better. He shares our passion to deliver for all our clients, fans, and artists.”
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!
Paul Spraggon is the legendary U.K. music industry lawyer who grew up in the heart of the indie music culture during the 1970s and 1980s. He is renowned as a long-standing lawyer in the music industry who has represented many prominent names including Adele, Ellie Goulding, Lana Del Rey, The Clash, The Prodigy, Headie One, Rag’n’Bone Man, Dua Lipa, and countless others. He has also helped the careers of many Finnish artists, such as Lxandra, Isac Elliot, and Joalin.
Paul Spraggon has been deeply committed to his work and sees people and music at the core of the music industry. He first met A&R Worldwide Founder Sat Bisla back in 1997 through his business partner and then fellow attorney Sarah Stennett – who has since gone on to become one of the world’s most influential managers and behind-the-scenes executives. Sat helped Sarah make many of her key early U.S. label executive relationships and helped secure her first-ever U.S signing with the Welsh artist Jem to influential U.S. A&R executive Bruce Flohr (he signed Foo Fighters and Dave Matthews Band)
Paul and Sat have built a mutual respect for each other through their introspective conversations in London, chats at the infamous Carlton Hotel in Cannes, France, and collaborative travels to Tampere, Finland, as well as their blue-collar sense of humor…which is too cheeky to mention any further!
STREETLIGHTS
Boorloo/Perth, Western Australian indie-rockers Streetlights close out a breakthrough year with “What’s Your Name Again?,” which is a wide-eyed, bittersweet rush of a single that captures the spark of falling for a stranger on the morning commute. Built on wiry guitars, kaleidoscopic synths, and John Toplis‘ buttery, harmony-laden vocals, the track bottles that fleeting moment when you lock eyes with someone across a crowded bus and lose them just as quickly. Since emerging in 2021, Streetlights have carved out a sharp upward path, releasing their debut EP Bad Actors (2024), dropping a fan-favorite cover of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” and lighting up stages alongside DICE, Surf Trash, The Stamps, and Death by Denim. Their momentum has earned praise from triple j, Spotify, Happy Mag, global radio support on Passport Approved, and more, including a premiere on Home & Hosed and editorial playlisting on Spotify‘s Local Noise. Toplis describes the spark behind the song as – “You’re catching the bus, and someone sits directly across from you. You lock eyes and BAM! You’ve fallen in love with a stranger, only for them to get off at the next stop!” Both restless and romantic, “What’s Your Name Again?” lands as an irresistible indie-rock anthem about the kind of connection that hits hard and disappears fast, a reminder of how quickly something extraordinary can slip through your fingers. Listen to “What’s Your Name Again?” HERE, and contact Michael Gill for additional information and worldwide opportunities pertaining to Streetlights.
YONAKA
YONAKA launch a bold new chapter with their electrifying single “Problems,” the first release under their new deal with Distiller Records, taken from their upcoming album, Until You’re Satisfied, due March 13th, 2026. Fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Theresa Jarvis, alongside George Edwards (guitar) and Alex Crosby (bass), the track sees the trio exploring love’s darker corners, the moment when passion begins to twist into something messier, more human. “‘Problems’ is about when love starts to turn a little bit ugly,” shares Jarvis. “It was the only song that could open up this new era of YONAKA.” Marking the first time Jarvis has guided YONAKA through the complexities of the heart, the song introduces a rawer, more emotional side to the band. “This records about love, but it’s not all gooey, it’s the dirty bits and the harsh bits that happen to everyone whether you admit it or not,” she adds. Following their acclaimed debut Don’t Wait Til Tomorrow and breakout Seize The Power mixtape, which has racked up over 200 million streams and a global No.1 on Shazam – YONAKA continue to evolve with fearless honesty. With “Problems,” the band turns vulnerability into strength, signaling an era defined by both heart and grit. Watch the visual for “Problems” HERE, and contact Finola Doran for available global opportunities and additional information pertaining to YONAKA.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, December 7th, 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:
GOOD NEIGHBOURS – “Walk Walk Walk” (Polydor Records, U.K.)
SKAAR – “Medicine” (RMV Grammofon/Universal, Norway)
SHOBSY – “Smalltown Boy” (SO Recordings, Ireland)
CAMBER – “What Would You Do?” (Fierce Panda Records, U.K.)
TAMPLE – “Visions” (Yotanka Records, France)
BENNY MORELL – “Where Did The Time Go” (Kumo Records, Australia)
PICTURE THIS – “Yours Forever” (Sony Music, Ireland)
FOOL NELSON – “Big Shot” (AWAL, Australia)
FELIX GREEN – “Dirty Cigarette” (Unsigned, Sweden)
ADAM REESE – “Loser” (Unsigned, U.S.)
ZOCCO – “Restless” (Z3 Records, Switzerland)
RED RUM CLUB – “American Nights & English Mornings” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
HORROR DISCO – “Asteroid Fields of Regret” (Neon Genesis Records, Denmark)
RHETT REPKO – “Home Is Where Her Heart Is” (Unsigned, U.S.)
NONĒ SUNSHINE – “Nobody, Nobody” (Unsigned, U.S.)
KARIN ANN – “All My Money” (3AM Records, Slovakia)
GORDON’S GRANDSON – “Sunlight” (Anti-Dismal, Australia)
KIDS RETURN – “Time To Time” (Hamburger Records, France)
MIA WRAY– “Ghost In My Machine” (Mushroom Music, Australia)
HARPER FINN – “Satellite” (Warner Records, New Zealand)
THE ROYSTON CLUB – “Glued To The Bed” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
ST. LUNDI – “Mercury” (Good Taste, U.K.)
STREELIGHTS – “What’s Your Name?” (Unsigned, Australia)
ANNA OF THE NORTH – “Waiting for Love” ([PIAS], Norway)
DAILY J – “Rosie’s Friend” (Unsigned, New Zealand)
ALEX SPENCER – “Where Do We Go From Here?” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
THE TULLAMARINES – “Gimme Luv” (Broken 8 Records, Australia)
DEAF HAVANA – “Carousel” (SO Recordings, U.K.)
FLORENCE ROAD – “Break The Girl” (Warner Records, Ireland)
GLASS CITIES – “Issues” (Unsigned, U.S.)
CAT SERRANO – “Sculpture” (Unsigned, U.S.)
D’MASIV – “November” (Musica Studios, Indonesia)
LENNY – “Told Ya” (Unsigned, Czech Republic)
NOTTING HILL MUSIC SIGNS DECLAN WELSH: Notting Hill Music has announced the signing of Scottish songwriter Declan Welsh (of Declan Welsh and The Decadent West) to its roster. Originally from East Kilbride, Welsh has emerged as one of Scotland’s most striking contemporary voices. Together with The Decadent West, Welsh has built a solid body of work that has earned consistent praise. Their debut album, Cheaply Bought, Expensively Sold, was shortlisted for the Scottish “Album of the Year Award,” and subsequent EPs and their second LP solidified their reputation as one of Scotland’s most essential modern bands. Their performances have taken them to sold-out venues across Europe and to festivals such as TRNSMT, Glastonbury, and Reeperbahn. Welsh has amassed over 16 million total streams, including 4.5 million for their breakout single “Absurd.” The band has received dedicated support from tastemakers, including BBC Radio 1, where they earned BBC Introducing “Track of the Week,” and high-profile playlists like New Music Friday U.K., as well as playlists across Europe and South America. Welsh’s latest release, “Feeble,” a collaboration with Helicon and Al Lover, serves as the final standalone track before the band’s upcoming third album. Produced by Tony Doogan (Mogwai, Belle & Sebastian, Jesus and Mary Chain), “Feeble” highlights a new direction while retaining the incisive lyrics and punk-fueled intensity that have won the band fans across the globe.
WME PROMOTES ROB MARKUS TO HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL MUSIC TEAM: WME revealed today that Rob Markus has been appointed Head of International for the agency’s contemporary music division. The news was shared by Lucy Dickins, Global Head of Contemporary Music & Touring, alongside Kirk Sommer, Global Co-Head of the division (who is the recipient of the “International Music Person of the Year Award” at the 26th global edition of MUSEXPO in March). In this expanded position, Markus will guide the global touring operations and international strategy for WME’s contemporary music clients. He will continue to be based in the agency’s Beverly Hills office. A Sr. Partner with more than two decades at WME, Markus has played a key role in developing the agency’s powerhouse Latin Music department, representing artists such as Danny Ocean, Gustavo Mioto, Humbe, J Balvin, Juanes, Maluma, Nathy Peluso, Paulo Londra, and Pedro Sampaio, among others. His broader roster also includes A Perfect Circle, Avenged Sevenfold, Depeche Mode, Kygo, Måneskin, Nine Inch Nails, Paul Anka, The Flaming Lips, The Hives, Toto, and Will Smith. Markus has additionally been a driving force behind Lollapalooza‘s international growth, helping establish the festival in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. Before joining WME, he led EMI and Virgin Records in Hungary and launched EMI Music Publishing across Eastern Europe. “Rob understands the international touring business and its increasing complexities and importance to an artist’s career better than anyone,” said Dickins and Sommer. “Having lived and worked around the world, Rob possesses a deep knowledge of the nuances of the live music space in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and South America, as well as emerging tour markets like the Middle East, Africa, and India. This expansion of his role fortifies our global music presence and elevates the best-in-class services we offer our clients and partners.”
JARRED CAUSLY LAUNCHES SYNCH DIFFERENT, EXPANDING HIS ROLE AS A LEADING CREATIVE MUSIC SUPERVISOR: Jarred Causly, a respected music supervisor with 15 years of experience shaping the sound of major brands, has announced the launch of his new company, Synch Different, marking the next phase in his career following the structural dissolution of Saatchi & Saatchi‘s in-house music department. Causly, formerly Sr. Music Supervisor at the agency, will now operate independently while partnering with top advertising agencies and creative teams across the United States. Causly’s transition to Synch Different builds on a career defined by his ability to integrate musical narrative with visual storytelling – an approach that has guided his work across advertising, network promos, and entertainment marketing. His portfolio includes contributions to campaigns for Toyota, Norwegian Cruise Line, Café Bustelo, Qdoba, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Triscuit, Nerds Candy, and Pokémon Go, as well as promo work for Viacom, FOX, A&E, and CNN. He has also led sync initiatives at Winogradsky/Sobel (WinSo), contributing to major television series including How I Met Your Mother and Criminal Minds. He went on to establish the Illiad Music Library, support independent creators, and deliver custom compositions for APM. His subsequent roles were across various music companies, including Universal Music Group and Trailer Park Group. Most recently at Saatchi & Saatchi, Causly oversaw music strategy for automotive campaigns, bringing a nuanced and contemporary perspective to Toyota’s national marketing efforts. Jarred will also reveal additional details about his new company and initiatives during the 26th global edition of MUSEXPO, taking place March 22–25, 2026, in Burbank, CA.
SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS SIENNA SPIRO: Sony Music Publishing has inked a global publishing deal with rising U.K. singer-songwriter Sienna Spiro. Spiro, newly nominated for the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award, has quickly built an audience, drawing more than 6.6 million monthly Spotify listeners and 1.5 million TikTok followers. Her music has already caught the attention of SZA, Snoh Aalegra, Finneas, and Mark Ronson. Signed to Capitol/Method, Spiro made her debut last year with the single “Need Me.” Her first EP, Sink Now, Swim Later, released in February 2025, has accumulated over 122 million Spotify streams. Her track “Maybe” has topped Spotify viral charts in four countries and generated more than 600 million views on TikTok. She recently scored her first U.K. Top 10 hit with “Die on This Hill,” her third charting single to date. After a sold-out headline tour across the U.K. and Europe, Spiro performed during Sam Smith‘s To Be Free: New York City residency. She has also appeared at festivals such as All Points East and BBC Radio 1‘s Big Weekend, and joined Teddy Swims as a tour support across the U.S. Sony Music Publishing VP, Creative A&R Scout Easley and Director, Creative A&R, Adam Ikner, said, “It’s clear Sienna’s vocals are undeniably special, but her voice as a songwriter is its own quiet force. Her instinct for emotional storytelling makes listeners not just hear her but feel every moment with her. We’re so excited to be a part of Sienna’s team and for everything that’s in store.”
POSITION MUSIC SIGNS ALEXANDER STEWART TO A GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL: Tyler Bacon, Founder & CEO of Position Music, tells A&R Worldwide that the company has signed singer-songwriter Alexander Stewart to a global publishing deal. The Toronto, Canada-born artist has surpassed a billion streams worldwide and was recently highlighted as one of Spotify’s “Pop Rising Artists to Watch.” His latest album, What If?, earned spots in NPR and Stereogum‘s weekly notable releases and was accompanied by a performance of “The Way A Heart Breaks” on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Stewart’s debut album, bleeding heart, featured the viral hit “i wish you cheated,” which racked up more than 45 million TikTok views and led to his late-night debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The track also earned him the Viral Song Award at the SOCAN Awards and secured his first MTV VMA nomination for “Video for Good,” as well as JUNO Award nods for “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” and “Pop Album of the Year.” Having previously toured with Benson Boone and Charlie Puth, Stewart is now performing across Europe and the U.K. on the headlining What If? World Tour, with North American dates set for February. Shannon Corsi, A&R, Position Music, said, “Meeting Alexander Stewart in person is electric. There’s an intensity to his energy that’s impossible to ignore – you just know he’s destined to win on a global scale. It’s a real honor to A&R an artist with such an extraordinary level of talent, and I’m excited for the creative boundaries we’ll continue to push together.”
RESERVOIR ANNOUNCES PUBLISHING DEAL WITH SAY SHE SHE: Reservoir Media has announced a global publishing agreement with Nya Gazelle Brown, Sabrina Cunningham, and Piya Malik, the trio behind the Brooklyn-based band Say She She. The deal covers each member’s full catalog as well as future compositions. Say She She, whose name nods to Chic‘s 1978 classic “Le Freak,” is fronted by Brown, Cunningham, and Malik, joined by musicians from the cult funk group Orgone. All three vocalists are classically trained, and together they’ve shaped a signature “discodelic soul” sound that blends disco, soul, funk, pop, and more. Their 2022 debut album, Prism, received a five-star review from The Guardian, which hailed it as “boundary-busting.” Singles from the album also appeared on lists from NPR and The LA Times, helping the group attract a global audience. In late 2023, the band appeared on CBS Mornings ahead of releasing their second album, Silver, which went on to top KCRW‘s “Best Albums of 2023” list. The project was supported by touring across Europe and the U.S., including performances at the Hollywood Bowl, London’s Roundhouse, and festivals such as Glastonbury, Austin City Limits, and Pickathon. Say She She recently made their U.S. late-night TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, performing “Disco Life” from their third album, Cut & Rewind, released in October. The New Yorker praised the record as “a bona fide disco album that feels urgently of the moment.” The band is now on an international tour supporting Cut & Rewind, with dates scheduled well into 2026.
XPOSURE MUSIC SECURES $42.5M (USD) IN CAPITAL FOR INDIE CATALOG ACQUISITIONS: Xposure Music has raised $42.5 million (USD) in a new combination of debt and equity funding. The round includes debt financing from Andalusian Credit Partners, alongside equity contributions from a group of private investors and family offices. With this latest raise, Xposure Music’s total funding now exceeds $50 million. Founded in Montreal, Canada in 2021, the company positions itself as a technology-powered platform focused on financing and investing in independent music rights. According to its website, Xposure has provided funding to nearly one hundred artists over the past 18 months. The company says the fresh capital will allow it to expand its reach, supporting more artists and increasing the scale of its catalog acquisitions. Driven by proprietary valuation tools and machine-learning underwriting, Xposure reports deploying “over eight figures into catalogs” across a broad range of genres. The investment news follows its recently announced partnership with independent distribution platform Too Lost. Under that agreement, Too Lost will co-fund and distribute catalog acquisitions sourced and underwritten by Xposure. As outlined in last month’s announcement, Xposure intends to invest “tens of millions of dollars” in forthcoming catalog deals. Xposure will lead sourcing and underwriting, through its rights-analysis technology, while Too Lost will manage global distribution, rights administration, and royalty processing once transactions are completed.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC BENELUX CEO KEES VAN DER HOEVEN TO RETIRE: Kees van der Hoeven, CEO and President of Universal Music Benelux, will step down at the end of the year, the company has confirmed. Van der Hoeven has overseen UMG’s operations in the Netherlands for more than 25 years and has led the broader Benelux region since 2013. Under his leadership, the company achieved major chart success with acts such as Kensington, Ilse DeLange, Tiësto, and others. Throughout his time at Universal, he also helped forge key partnerships with Dutch hip-hop powerhouse TopNotch/Noah’s Ark and with NRGY. His career included collaborations with global stars like Lady Gaga, Lionel Richie, and Sting. Frank Briegmann, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Central Europe and Deutsche Grammophon, will take over his duties on an interim basis “until further announcement,” according to UMG. Commenting on his departure, Kees van der Hoeven said, “First, a heartfelt thank you to all the fantastic artists who I’ve had the pleasure to work with. You are the heart and soul of our company, and it has been an absolute joy. I want to thank Frank for his support during all these years and of course to all my colleagues in the Benelux, Central Europe, and globally. It’s been a great ride.”
CARÍN LEÓN SIGNS WITH WME: Carín León has inked a deal with WME‘s Global Co-Head of Music, Kirk M. Sommer, for representation across all facets of his career. Collaborating with his manager, Jorge Juarez, the team aims to expand León’s reach and business footprint well beyond his current strongholds. A five-time Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, León has become a dominant force on the touring circuit. He made history as the first Latin artist to perform at both Coachella and Stagecoach in the same year, and he’s set to become the first Latin act to headline The Sphere, where he has seven shows scheduled for next year. Earlier this year, he also broke attendance records at RODEOHOUSTON, drawing more than 70,000 fans. Last month in Las Vegas, León picked up a Latin Grammy for Palabra De To’s (Seca), awarded “Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album.” The project is also nominated for a 2026 Grammy in the “Best Música Mexicana Album” category. Hailing from Hermosillo, Sonora, León began his musical path at age 15, and his 2018 debut Desvelada con Banda y Mariachi established him as a leading figure in Regional Mexican music. His 2021 release Inédito topped several charts and earned a spot on Billboard’s list of the “25 Best Latin Albums of the Year.” Over the course of his career, he has garnered a lengthy list of nominations and honors, including an ASCAP Award, multiple Premios Lo Nuestro trophies, and both Grammy and Latin Grammy wins.
FABER ALT REVEALS SERIES OF NEW SIGNINGS TO PUBLISHING ROSTER: Faber Alt has announced three new additions to its publishing roster. Joining the company are Swedish composer–pianist Peter Sandberg, Italian modern classical pianist and composer Olivia Belli, and British singer-songwriter Sam Wills. Peter Sandberg has released seven albums to date, building a catalog that also includes music featured in major TV series such as Stranger Things (Seasons 3 and 4). His next album, Temporary Coexistence Of Humans, will arrive on Warner Classics on May 1, 2026, marking a return to the piano as his primary instrument. Two singles, “Waltzing With a Stranger” and “Routine,” are already out. Olivia Belli, based in Italy’s Marche region, has earned a global audience through millions of streams and frequent airplay on BBC Radio 3, Classic FM, BBC 6 Music, KEXP, and Radio France. She has performed at venues including the Royal Albert Hall, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and London’s Hyde Park (BST with Andrea Bocelli). Her Sony Classical debut, Daimon, arriving February 20, 2026, broadens her sound with string orchestra arrangements and a range of soloists. Sam Wills, a future-soul and R&B vocalist and songwriter from Hastings, has co-written and collaborated with artists such as Jorja Smith (“Where Did I Go?”), Tom Misch (“In The Midst Of It All”), Joe Hertz, Barney Artist, and Phairo. His contributions to Lucky Daye‘s Candydrip helped earn him a Grammy nomination. Wills released his new album Speak last month.
DISTILLER MUSIC PUBLISHING & ALTERNATIVE SONGS INK POPPY BASKCOMB TO GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL: Distiller Music Publishing and Alternative Songs have jointly signed Poppy Baskcomb to a worldwide publishing deal. Baskcomb just earned her first U.K. Top 40 hit as an artist with “Think About Us,” her collaboration with Sonny Fodera and D.O.D. As a songwriter, this marks her third Top 40 entry, adding to previous successes such as Joel Corry‘s “I Wish” featuring Mabel and Hannah Laing & RoRo‘s “Good Love.” Baskcomb is also celebrating Top 10 album chart success through her contributions to Sub Focus‘s new album Contact. She appears both as an artist and songwriter on “So Many Colors” and holds a writing credit on “Roll Too Deep.” She has also worked with Tiësto and Meduza. Her catalog has amassed over 1.5 billion streams, and she currently reaches seven million monthly listeners. Fresh off supporting Sonny Fodera on his recent U.K. arena tour, Baskcomb will join Pete Tong‘s Ibiza Classics Arena Tour this month, concluding with two nights at London’s O2 Arena. Claire Bianchi, Head of A&R at Distiller Music Publishing, said, “I am thrilled to welcome Poppy Baskcomb to Distiller Music Publishing and Alternative Songs. She’s a rare talent whose songwriting versatility, spanning multiple genres from dance to pop and alternative and beyond, truly sets her apart. Along with the powerhouse A&R teams we have across both Distiller Music Publishing and Alternative Songs, we’re excited to be working together with Poppy and her fantastic manager, Chris McIlvenny.”
GENE SIMMONS TO SENATE HEARING ON CAPITOL HILL: Gene Simmons is set to appear before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee‘s Intellectual Property Subcommittee on Tuesday, December 9th. He will participate in a hearing on the American Music Fairness Act (S.326/H.R.861), a proposal aimed at ending the long-standing “radio loophole” by requiring radio broadcasters to compensate performers when their music is played. Joining Simmons at the hearing will be Michael Huppe, President & CEO of SoundExchange, the nonprofit organization designated by Congress to administer digital performance royalties. Huppe has been a central advocate in the push to pass the American Music Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation designed to hold AM/FM radio to the same royalty standards that already apply to streaming services and other music platforms. While companies like Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM, YouTube, and TikTok pay performers, terrestrial radio broadcasters continue to generate billions annually without compensating artists. The U.S. is the only democratic nation that still fails to pay performers for radio airplay, a distinction it shares only with countries such as North Korea, Iran, and Cuba, while even Russia and China provide such royalties. Simmons was among more than 300 artists who signed a letter earlier this year urging Congress to approve the legislation. His involvement has helped re-energize the campaign; next week’s session will be the first Senate hearing on the bill in over ten years. The American Music Fairness Act, introduced by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA), seeks to ensure performers are compensated for radio broadcasts of their music, require major radio companies to contribute fairly, and support small independent stations. This measure has attracted broad support from artists, broadcasters, labels, and music industry advocates.
WISE MUSIC SIGNS GOGO PENGUIN TO PUBLISHING DEAL: Manchester, England-based trio GoGo Penguin have inked a new publishing agreement with Campbell Connelly & Co, a subsidiary of Wise Music Group. Formed in 2021, the group features pianist Chris Illingworth, double bassist Nick Blacka, and drummer Jon Scott. Blending elements of trip-hop, jazz, rock, and classical music, GoGo Penguin has built a catalog that includes seven studio albums, two EPs, and three live recordings. Their most recent release, Necessary Fictions (XXIM Records), arrived in June. After wrapping a string of U.S. shows, the band kicked off the European portion of their tour this month, with more than 40 performances scheduled, including a stop at London’s Barbican on December 3. Dirk Lange, Managing Director, U.K. rights at Wise Music Group, commented, “GoGo Penguin are a prolific and genre-defying ensemble whose innovative sound continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The band’s principal writers, Christopher Illingworth and Nick Blacka, have created a distinctive musical voice that pushes musical boundaries with precision and depth. We are honored to collaborate with such exceptional talent. Their latest album, Necessary Fictions, marks a significant milestone in their already impressive catalog.”
SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING PROMOTES JEFF SMARR TO SVP, GLOBAL COPYRIGHT: Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has elevated Jeff Smarr to Sr. Vice President, Global Copyright, a promotion that takes effect immediately. Working from SMP’s Nashville headquarters, Smarr will remain under the leadership of Dale Esworthy, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Administration. In his expanded role, Smarr will be more deeply involved in strategic projects as well as the integration of significant deals and acquisitions. He will continue to lead both the global and North American copyright administration teams. Over his 31-year tenure with the company, Smarr has been instrumental in advancing major catalog acquisitions, including ATV, Acuff-Rose, Famous, and EMI. Dale Esworthy, Sony Music Publishing Executive Vice President, Worldwide Administration, commented, “Jeff is our go-to expert for any copyright question or concern and is unwavering in his commitment to our songwriters and team. I am continually impressed by Jeff’s encyclopedic knowledge of our catalog, and I’m delighted to recognize his work with this well-deserved promotion.”
RUPERT HOLLIER NAMED COO OF ATLANTIC SCREEN GROUP; ROSIE HILL PROMOTED TO PRESIDENT OF NIGHTJAR: Atlantic Screen Group (ASG) has unveiled a set of senior leadership promotions and new strategic alliances as the London-based music and media company accelerates the growth of its publishing, sync, and screen-music divisions. Rupert Hollier has been elevated to Chief Operating Officer – a role the company says recognizes his influence in driving ASG’s worldwide expansion across music publishing and film/TV music services. Rosie Hill has been promoted to President of Nightjar Music and Nightjar Songs Publishing, ASG’s creative services arm and frontline publishing unit. Hill joined ASG in 2021 as its inaugural Global Director of Sync and has since overseen substantial development within the division, including the launch of its frontline publishing imprint earlier this year. Prior to ASG, Hill held senior positions at Warner Chappell, Sentric Music, and Imagem (now part of Concord), where she led the U.K. sync team for eight years. She also serves on the Guild of Music Supervisors‘ Rightsholders Committee. As part of the company’s ongoing expansion, former Decca Records sync executive Tom Paul has joined Nightjar’s sync team, further enhancing its creative and operational sync strength. ASG CEO Simon Fawcett noted that these updates reinforce the company’s mission to scale its creative ecosystem while preserving its independence and artist-first approach in a rapidly evolving global industry.
A2IM PROMOTES LISA HRESKO TO CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER: A2IM (The American Association of Independent Music) has elevated General Manager Lisa Hresko to Chief Operating Officer. The organization’s board has also named Hresko the inaugural President of the Foundation of Independent Music. During her eight-year tenure, Hresko has played a key role in A2IM’s continued expansion, strengthening its advocacy efforts, extending its international footprint, and developing initiatives that meaningfully support the independent music community. The Foundation of Independent Music, a newly launched nonprofit from A2IM, focuses on providing education and resources to empower independent rights holders. Over the past year, Hresko has been instrumental in creating A2IM’s Star Certification, the first-ever sales certification designed specifically for the independent sector. She has also overseen the growth of A2IM’s annual Indie Week.
MERLIN AGREES TO LICENSING DEAL WITH KARAOKE TECHNOLOGY COMPANY SINGA: Merlin has entered into a new partnership with karaoke technology company Singa, a deal that will bring thousands of original master recordings to the Singa platform. In a statement, the companies called the agreement “a historic step in the evolution of karaoke, shifting the experience from an analogue tradition to a modern, high-quality, rights-focused digital format.” Merlin serves as the digital licensing partner for independent labels and distributors worldwide. The collaboration allows karaoke users, both at home and in Singa-enabled venues, to perform using the actual master recordings from Merlin’s global member repertoire. This gives singers access to a broader catalog, more diversity, and higher-quality performances built on authentic masters rather than re-recorded or imitation tracks. For Merlin’s members and their artists, the partnership opens new revenue opportunities. It follows closely on the heels of Merlin’s recent licensing agreement with Warner Music covering both recordings and publishing. According to the announcement, the partnership highlights a mutual dedication to innovation, transparency, and fair compensation for creators. “This partnership is about unlocking new opportunities for independent music and maximizing a space that has an immense impact on music discovery,” said Jeremy Sirota, outgoing CEO of Merlin. “Merlin’s mission is to empower our members to own their digital future. By collaborating with innovative partners like Singa, we’re creating new revenue streams for our members and ensuring their artists’ work is valued properly.”
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Harri Davies, Ben Adelson, Clio Massey, Alaap Gosher, Clark Adler, Leslie Grullón, Brandon Silverstein, Lawrence Engel, Mark Dennis, Ludvig Andersson, Shabs Mohammad, Karl Kongkham, Jenn Tolman-Hurst, and Kabiru Bello.
