A&R Worldwide Newsletter Vol. 909

CRAIG KALLMAN APPOINTED CHIEF MUSIC OFFICER OF WARNER MUSIC GROUP

 

 

 

 

 

Warner Music Group (WMG) has announced the appointment of veteran music executive Craig Kallman as the company’s new Chief Music Officer. Kallman, who will remain based in New York, will report directly to Robert Kyncl, CEO, WMG.

In this expanded position, Kallman will bring his decades of A&R leadership to WMG’s global roster and label network. The promotion follows nearly 35 years at Atlantic Records, where he spent twenty years as Chairman & CEO before transitioning into the role of Chief Music Officer.

Kallman will also continue his long-running connection to Big Beat, the influential label he launched in 1987. Big Beat’s artists will now be supported by one of WMG’s U.S. labels, while Kallman continues to scout and sign new talent.

His first signing under the new structure is rising artist-producer Elkan, best known for producing Drake and PartyNextDoor‘s hit “NOKIA.” Elkan’s debut EP, The Baby Bundle, arrived on December 12, via Atlantic Records.

Kallman was appointed Chief Music Officer of Atlantic Music Group in October 2024, where he has been actively shaping the creative direction of numerous projects. Across his tenure as Atlantic’s Chairman & CEO (2005–2024), he championed and developed the careers of major acts such as Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Death Cab for Cutie, Lizzo, Wiz Khalifa, Kodak Black, Shinedown, Lil Uzi Vert, Janelle Monáe, and many more. His work also includes stewarding acclaimed cast recordings like Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen, as well as blockbuster soundtracks such as The Greatest Showman. A hands-on collaborator, he co-produced Cardi B’s No.1 single “I Like It,” the first track by a female rapper to exceed one billion Spotify streams.

Craig Kallman said, “I’m deeply grateful for my time at Atlantic, where I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the careers of so many remarkable artists. It’s been great seeing Elliot take the helm and open a bold new chapter in the label’s illustrious history. I am excited to take on this new role and work alongside our outstanding A&R teams around the world, while reimagining the Big Beat brand as a force across genres. As my first signing, Elkan is a statement of intent, which underscores my commitment to nurture and champion extraordinary, trailblazing talent.”

Kallman’s music journey began in his teens as a DJ in New York City’s top clubs. After graduating from college, he launched Big Beat Records from his bedroom in 1987, selling vinyl from a shopping cart, before Atlantic acquired the label four years later. Rising through Atlantic’s A&R ranks, he became known for the signing of groundbreaking artists including Aaliyah, Junior M.A.F.I.A., Lil’ Kim, Sean Paul, T.I., and P.O.D. In addition to his executive accomplishments, Kallman is recognized as one of the world’s premier audiophiles and vinyl collectors, boasting a personal archive of over 2.2 million recordings.

 

As the global music industry continues to evolve, few markets are commanding as much attention as India. Reflecting this momentum, the 26th global edition of MUSEXPO will feature a dedicated focus on the Indian music ecosystem, led by a special A&R Worldwide–curated panel titled “All About India.”

India today represents one of the fastest-growing music markets in the world, fueled by a young, mobile-first population, rapid digital adoption, and the global rise of Indian artists, soundtracks, and cross-cultural collaborations. With hundreds of millions of music listeners and streaming growth outpacing many mature markets, India is increasingly viewed as a long-term growth engine for labels, publishers, tech platforms, live companies, and investors alike.

Mo Ghoneim, President of Billboard U.K. & Billboard Canada, and Founder of ArtsHouse Media Group (AMG) will moderate the “All About India” panel. Joining him are influential Indian executives Alaap Gosher (Co-Founder & Director, TM Ventures – representing some of India’s biggest superstar artists including Arijit Singh, Neha Kakkar, Badshah, and more), Anurag Rao (Founder & CEO, Chain Reactor Music & Media – one of India’s burgeoning sync and brands firms) Subramanian Iyer (Founder & CEO, Sponco – a leading sponsorship agency who helped align brand partnership for Coldplay‘s last massive Indian tour), Tarsame Mittal (Founder TM & Host, The Music Podcast – considered one of India’s most influential executives who has helped shape the country’s modern music business across various sectors – and most influential podcasters), and Vivek Paul (Business & Strategic Advisor to the Founder & CEO, Malsons Media – a global thought leader in media-tech Innovations, and focuses on intellectual capital to drive transformational change to India and beyond). Each executive will bring frontline insight into India’s recorded music, A&R, publishing, digital, live, sync, brands, management, media, radio, and rights ecosystems.

India’s presence at MUSEXPO extends well beyond a single panel. Gaurav Sharma (Founder & CEO, Hook – who also co-founded one of India’s largest music streaming services JioSaavn) will contribute to the Global Digital, AI & Technology forum, while Mandar Thakur (CEO – Times Music Group – and one of the most trusted voices in India’s record label, publishing, digital, rights and overall industry thought leaders), and Sankar Thiagasamudram (Founder & CEO, Audeze – one of the global pioneers of headphone, wearables, and consumer audio evolution) will appear on the opening Global Keynote panel, moderated by Billboard‘s Melinda Newman. Satya Hinduja (Founder, Alchemic Sonic Environment) will deliver a special keynote exploring the power of ASE – arts, science, and environment, and how her pioneering platform will impact and influence global music experiences, technology, environmental engagement, and mental health. Leading artist manager, media, and live events executive Shivam Malhotra (Founder & CEO, Malsons Media – a dynamic serial entrepreneur and visionary) will participate in the Global Artist Management & Live Business forum, offering perspective from one of India’s most dynamic live markets. Shivam represents A-list global Indian music artists like Shubh, Jxggi, Jubin Nautiyal, Gravity, and more, and has helped shape the future of music, films, OTT, and live concerts with an astounding 40 billion-plus digital footprint.

A&R Worldwide will also recognize Arnold Peter (Founder & Managing Partner, Peter Law Group) as “Global Entertainment Attorney” during the “International Music Industry Awards” taking place after the conclusion of MUSEXPO. Arnold served as Vice President of Legal and Business Affairs at Universal Studios before launching his own firm. In 2025, Chambers USA ranked him in its prestigious Spotlight Guide for Media & Entertainment – California, underscoring his status among the industry’s top legal minds. He’s served as President of YRF Entertainment (U.S.), where he helped launch Hollywood productions for Yash Raj Films, including Grace of Monaco and The Longest Week. He has advised Bollywood leaders such as Vinod Chopra Films and Reliance MediaWorks on global distribution, U.S. compliance, and international co-productions. He has also served on the advisory board of Taj Hotels (Tata Group) and represented award-winning films such as Chittagong by Bedabrata Pain, and worked with Bollywood superstars Priyanka Chopra, Madhuri Dixit, Gulshan Grover, and others.

The event will also honor Indian-born, U.K.-based executive Reynold D’Silva (Founder & CEO, Silva Screen Group) with the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Paul Rennie OBE, British Consul General Los Angeles, alongside official proclamations from the City of Burbank, County of Los Angeles, and the State of California. With a remarkable career spanning over five decades, D’Silva has shaped the landscape of music, film, and television soundtracks with unparalleled passion, innovation, and global influence.

Sat Bisla, Founder & President of A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO, a British-born executive of Punjabi and Indian descent has, for over four decades, quietly played a pivotal role in connecting Indian artists, executives, and companies with the global music community. From his early work and support to Indian-heritage artists like Bally Sagoo, Apache Indian, White Town (Jyoti Mishra), and countless others, to his early support of British rock band Muse (originally managed by Indian manager Safta Jaffrey) to some of India’s most influential artists, songwriters, executives, companies, and business leaders – to also being one of the most influential A&R executives and radio DJs in the world. This year’s expanded focus underscores India’s growing influence – not as an emerging market, but as an essential one.

 

 

Warner Records Group has elevated Jeff Sosnow to President of Reprise Records, while he continues in his current position as Executive Vice President of A&R for Warner Records.

In his expanded role, Sosnow will lead the continued evolution of Reprise Records, the iconic label founded by Frank Sinatra in 1960 and brought into the Warner Bros. family in 1963, while simultaneously steering A&R strategy across Warner Records’ roster.

Sosnow will remain in Los Angeles and report to Aaron Bay-Schuck, Co-Chairman & CEO, Warner Records Group.

Aaron Bay-Schuck stated, “Jeff has been essential to Warner Records’ A&R success, and I’m thrilled he’ll continue to lead A&R efforts on behalf of Benson Boone, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Nessa Barrett, Billy Strings, The Neighbourhood, and more, as he now takes the reins at Reprise. Reprise stands in a league of its own, with a legacy of groundbreaking artists and timeless records, and Jeff brings the vision, taste, and experience to honor that history while leading it into its next chapter.”

Jeff Sosnow added, “From the start of my career, my passion has always been championing artists – helping them turn their stories, struggles, and dreams into music that reaches people everywhere. I’m incredibly honored to do that at Warner Records, and deeply grateful to Aaron and Tom [Corson] for their belief, guidance, and trust. It’s a privilege to now lead Reprise – a label I’ve long admired, and I’m excited to build on its legacy.”

Jeff Sosnow began his career at American Recordings (Rick Rubin‘s label) and ARTISTdirect in 1996, then moved to Revolution Records, followed by a seven-year A&R role at Dreamworks Records. He then jumped to Interscope Records when Dreamworks merged with Geffen in 2004, spending eight years there before his significant move to Warner Records.

 

 

 

 

Warner Music Australasia and Southeast Asia have unveiled a series of major leadership promotions aimed at strengthening their domestic artist development efforts and boosting the global reach of talent from the region.

The refreshed structure underscores the company’s commitment to building a more agile, specialist-driven organization, one that prioritizes homegrown artists, expands international support, and enhances fan-engagement capabilities.

Alex Young has been promoted to VP, Domestic Artists, Warner Music Australasia. In this expanded role, she will lead all domestic operations, spanning A&R, creative, and marketing, with a focus on cultivating local talent. Dan Ellis steps into the role of VP, International Artist Strategy, Warner Music Australasia, and SE Asia. He will guide the global strategy for international artists across both regions, strengthening Warner Music’s worldwide artist offering. Both Young and Ellis will report directly to Dan Rosen, President of Warner Music Australasia and SE Asia.

Charlotte Kindred becomes Head of Domestic Artist Strategy, Warner Music Australasia, overseeing day-to-day execution of domestic and export initiatives. Sarah Thomas is promoted to Artist Relations & Promotions Manager, Australasia Export. Based in New York, she will build new global pathways for artists from Australia and New Zealand.

Lucy Baker rises to Head of PR, Artist Relations & Wellbeing, leading PR, artist relations, and radio promotion across Australia and New Zealand. Jordon Dionatos becomes International Artist Strategy Lead, Australasia. Lisan Yee has been appointed International Artist Strategy Lead, SE Asia, based in Singapore. Manny Kupelian is named Head of Creator Strategy, reporting to both Ellis and Young, and will oversee the regional Creator & Influencer team. Mat Buck steps up to GM, Streaming, Social & Community. Luke Vespa is promoted to Streaming & Partnerships Lead, reporting to Buck.

Australian alt-pop riser Gordon’s Grandson, the creative alias of 20-year-old Melbourne/Tasmania artist Harry Prior, returns with “GREEN LIPS,” the standout new single from his KISSED EP and the latest evolution of his heartfelt, bedroom-crafted sound. Known for pairing raw vulnerability with atmospheric, DIY production, Harry once again pulls listeners into his world with a track that blends intimate storytelling, vivid emotion, and the textured indie-pop palette that has become his signature. Following a breakout run across triple j and streaming platforms, “GREEN LIPS” arrives on the heels of a major year. His recent single “6pm” earned a first play on triple j and landed on five editorial playlists, including the cover of Spotify‘s Fresh Finds AU & NZ, while the track’s TikTok sound has already sparked thousands of uses. Before that, “SUNLIGHT” received a triple j premiere, a spot add, Unearthed Radio support, and placement across both Spotify and Apple Music‘s flagship indie playlists. As a triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Gordon’s Grandson has quickly become one of Australia’s most promising young voices. His music has also found a home well beyond streaming, appearing in major series on Netflix, Amazon Prime, STAN, ABC, SBS, and Binge, including Deadloch and Love Me. His song “My Mother Said” was recently synchronized in ABC’s Bay Of Fires, where Harry also appears onscreen. Entirely self-written, recorded, and produced in his bedroom, Gordon’s Grandson has built a deeply engaged community around his authenticity, with 35k TikTok followers, 29.4k Instagram followers, and an active Discord at the center of his world. With KISSED, he continues to expand that universe: reflective, cinematic, and unmistakably his. Discover “GREEN LIPS” HERE, and for available global opportunities with Gordon’s Granson please contact Nathan Tito.

 

SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS GLOBAL DEAL WITH BIGXTHAPLUG: Sony Music Publishing has inked a global publishing agreement with Texas-born rapper and singer BigXthaPlug. Known offstage as Xavier Landum, BigXthaPlug has become one of the most compelling new voices in contemporary music. To date, he has released two albums, Amar and Take Care, along with a run of multi-Platinum singles that have fueled his breakthrough. His hits “Texas” and “Levels” are now double-Platinum, “Mmhmm” has reached triple-Platinum status, and “The Largest” has gone Platinum. His latest album, I Hope You’re Happy, was released in August. The project debuted at No.2 on both Billboard‘s Top Country Albums and Top Rap Albums charts and reached No.7 on the Billboard 200. The album includes collaborations with Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Thomas Rhett, Jelly Roll, and Shaboozey, and produced the hit “All The Way” with Bailey Zimmerman, a single that peaked at No.5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and made history as the first track ever to top both the Hot Rap Songs and Hot Country Songs charts simultaneously. In late November, he surprised fans with “Cold” featuring Post Malone, released as part of the album’s deluxe edition. Alongside an upcoming Take Care Tour across the U.S. and Canada, BigXthaPlug has already appeared at festivals including Rolling Loud, Dreamville Fest, Wireless, Openair, Slottsfjell, and Lollapalooza Berlin. This year alone he was named Billboard‘s Country Power Players Innovator, Variety‘s Hip-Hop Disruptor of the Year, and XXL‘s Best New Artist. He previously received Amazon Music‘s Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist honor, joined the 2024 XXL Freshman Class, earned a BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Award for “Mmhmm,” and secured Best New Artist nominations at both the iHeartRadio Music Awards and the BET Awards.

 

BMG ACQUIRES RECORDINGS CATALOG OF GERMAN ROCK BAND LIQUIDO: BMG has purchased the recordings catalog of the influential 1990s German rock band Liquido. The deal includes all recordings contributed by three of the group’s four founding members, while the fourth member’s material has been secured through a separate licensing arrangement. The acquisition spans the band’s full studio output, beginning with their 1999 self-titled debut Liquido, home to their enduring global hit “Narcotic,” and continuing through their four follow-up albums: At the Rocks (2000), Alarm! Alarm! (2002), Float (2005), and Zoomcraft (2008). Formed in 1996 by Wolfgang Maier, Wolfgang Schrödl, Stefan Schulte-Holthaus, and Tim Eiermann, Liquido broke through internationally in 1998 with “Narcotic.” The single became a major European hit, reaching the Top 10 in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Its iconic keyboard hook has helped the song maintain long-term popularity, generating more than 295 million streams on Spotify to date. Ironically, A&R Worldwide Founder Sat Bisla played a pivotal part in the band’s early success including label A&R conversations, media support, and international exploitation before they were signed. Sat worked closely with the band’s original manager Deville Schober in helping Liquido with their early opportunities.

 

WME SIGNS ROSÉ FOR GLOBAL REPRESENTATION: Grammy-nominated artist Rosé has officially signed with WME for global representation across all areas of her music career. In announcing the deal, the agency praised the BLACKPINK star as “one of the most influential voices of her generation,” highlighting her worldwide impact, artistic identity, and massive appeal. Rosé’s recent achievements include the Bruno Mars collaboration “Apt,” which topped Apple Music‘s Global Songs year-end chart in 2025. Her debut solo album Rosie also made history as the highest-charting album by a female Korean artist in the United States. She is currently up for three 2026 Grammy Awards, “Record of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” and “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance,” all for “Apt.” The hit track also earned “Song of the Year” at the 2025 MTV VMAs and shattered YouTube records, becoming the fastest music video by a lead female artist to reach 2 billion views, and the fourth fastest video overall to do so. Beyond music, Rosé continues to be a sought-after global ambassador, representing luxury and lifestyle brands such as Saint Laurent, Tiffany & Co., Rimowa, and Puma. “Rosé is a creative force with a voice that transcends borders and languages,” said Lucy Dickins, Global Head of Contemporary Music and Touring at WME. “We are honored to welcome her to WME and excited to support her as she continues to shatter records, break new ground as a solo artist, and reach even greater heights in her music career. She is unstoppable.”

 

GODIGITAL MUSIC BUYS MARC ANTHONY CATALOG IN EIGHT-FIGURE DEAL: GoDigital Music has announced the acquisition of multiple Latin music catalogs in a deal valued at approximately $115 million (USD). The transaction, financed by Regions Bank and Corrum Capital, adds more than 30,000 assets to the company’s catalog. Alongside the broader acquisition, GoDigital Music also confirmed it has purchased the publishing catalog of Marc Anthony, describing him as “one of the most influential Latin artists of all time.” The Marc Anthony deal, completed separately, was valued in the eight-figure range. His catalog, which includes global hits such as “Vivir Mi Vida,” “Rain Over Me,” and “Ahora Quién,” continues to generate hundreds of millions of monthly streams across digital platforms, underscoring its lasting global resonance. These acquisitions come just one month after GoDigital, parent company of Cinq Music, secured $230 million in new capital, pushing its total funding raised to more than $1 billion. The investment round coincided with a major rebrand: the company dropped its “Media Group” label and unveiled three new divisions, GoDigital Music, Networks, and Brands, signaling a more focused strategic vision. The latest catalog deal, which also includes works from Saving Abel and Slum Village, highlights GoDigital Music’s ongoing mission to invest in culturally significant music IP across eras and genres. The newly acquired assets contribute a wide-ranging selection of Latin, rock, and hip-hop recordings to the company’s portfolio. Among the standout components of the acquisition is a substantial Regional Mexican collection spanning the 1980s through the 2000s, covering genres such as Ranchera, Norteño, Banda, Corridos, and Cumbia, with strong, long-term earning power. The catalog features acts including Los Socios del Ritmo, Marisela, 3BallMTY, Tierra Cali, and LDNE.

 

BDI MUSIC SIGNS EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE PUBLISHING DEAL WITH JACK CRITCHLOW: BDi Music has announced the signing of Jack Critchlow to an exclusive global publishing agreement. The 22-year-old’s music has drawn strong early support from Mollie King and Jodie Bryant on BBC Radio 1 Future Pop, John Kennedy on Radio X’s X-Posure, and Jess Iszatt on BBC Introducing. His track “So Easy” was also selected as BBC Introducing’s “Track of the Week.” Remarkably, Critchlow completed his first U.K. tour in 2023 before releasing any music, performing at venues such as Manchester Academy, The Deaf Institute, The Amersham Arms, and even London’s Royal Albert Hall. He has supported and shared stages with Tim Burgess (The Charlatans), Cian Ducrot, and Finn Forster, and was longlisted for Glastonbury Festival‘s Emerging Talent Competition. This past September, Critchlow unveiled his debut EP, Two Sides Of The Same Coin, which earned 10 plays on BBC Radio 1, two on Radio X, and secured major streaming platform backing with placements on Spotify‘s Fresh Finds and Fresh Finds Pop, as well as Apple Music‘s Heartbreak Pop playlist. Beyond his work as a solo artist, Critchlow has generated over two million Spotify streams as a producer and topliner, collaborating across genres such as dance, R&B, lo-fi, and electronic. His co-writing credits include Connor Ball (The Vamps), Mark Maitland (James Hype, Low Steppa), KiD RAiN, Pablo Miller, Danae Livieratou, Nyah Grace, Olivia Diafferia, Rory Hope, Tiggi Hawke, Ellyse Mason, Zac Pajak, Sumner, Raven, Brodie Kelly, Hetta Falzon, Tayte Nickols, Eastland Park, Maya Blandy, Emile Almira, Holly Rolfe, Thomas Graham, PINKFISH, Pure Cold, and Jos Rivers.

 

WARNER MUSIC INDIA & RTHYMS.LIFE JOIN FORCES TO AMPLIFY THE NEXT GLOBAL SOUND: Warner Music India has unveiled a strategic alliance with Rthyms.Life, a trailblazing creator-first music ecosystem, with the aim of elevating India’s musical talent onto the global stage. The partnership reinforces Rthyms.Life’s role as a dependable, transparent, and artist-centric platform, offering a complete ecosystem where creators maintain full control of their careers, from collaborations and studio work to bookings and overall career management. At the forefront of this movement is a collective of artists helping shape India’s emerging global sound, including Guru Randhawa, Savi Kahlon, Sardar Khehra, Aastha Gill, Zehr Vibe, Guri, Youngveer, Aaryan Bidada, Bob.B Randhawa, and Siroyi. As part of the collaboration, Warner Music India will deliver global distribution, tapping into its expansive network to elevate artists on both international and domestic charts. With bases in India and Dubai, Rthyms. Life is transforming how music is conceived, promoted, and experienced. Together, the two entities will champion artists who embody a new wave of independent music, rooted in culture, resonating worldwide, and driven by creative freedom. Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Warner Music India & SAARC, said, “We’re excited to partner with Rthyms.Life to support its unique creator-first music ecosystem. This also aligns with Warner Music India’s ethos of creating a 360 ecosystem for artists. This collaboration will help the Rthyms team and their artists reach their full global potential.”

 

FUTURE HISTORY MANAGEMENT NAMES JAMESON ROPER AS PARTNER & PRESIDENT OF U.S. OPERATIONS: Future History Management has named Nashville executive Jameson Roper as a partner and the new president of its U.S. operations. In his expanded role, Roper will lead all North American initiatives for the company. Alongside bringing over his longtime client Bilmuri, he has also added metalcore group Wage War to Future History’s global management roster, one of the company’s most significant new signings. This move comes on the heels of a landmark year for the international management firm, led by Ryan Richards, Founder & CEO. The company guided Sleep Token to a simultaneous No.1 album in both the U.K. and U.S., achieved one of the strongest U.S. streaming weeks ever for a British rock band, secured multiple entries on the Billboard Hot 100, and inked a deal with RCA Records. Roper noted that Future History’s mission is to champion “best-in-class artists.” “I first crossed paths with Jameson ahead of bringing Bilmuri out on Sleep Token’s European tour last year,” said Ryan Richards. “We connected quickly through a deep love of music and a real passion for the artists we represent, and it was clear from the outset that we shared the same drive and commitment to the people we work with. With him now flying the flag for us stateside – and with the addition of two hugely exciting U.S. acts in Bilmuri and Wage War – we’re genuinely thrilled to offer our roster a truly global set-up. We’re looking forward to everything we can build together from here.”

 

BUCKS MUSIC GROUP APPOINTS RICK LANSDELL AS COO ALONGSIDE KEY PROMOTIONS: Bucks Music Group has revealed a leadership update with the appointment of Rick Lansdell as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer, alongside a series of significant staff promotions across its A&R, copyright, and sync departments. Lansdell joins Bucks Music Group with an extensive background in the music industry, having held roles at Sanctuary Records, Universal Music Group, Universal Music Publishing Group, Fremantlemedia, and peermusic. Before arriving at Bucks, he spent nine years at peermusic, serving as Head of U.K. Administration. Throughout his career, he has also contributed to several industry bodies, including PRS for Music‘s Licensing Commercial Advisory Group (LCAG), IMPEL‘s Working Group and Technical Online Working Group Europe (TOWGE). Lansdell steps into the role following the retirement of former COO Shaun Hendry earlier this year. Bucks Music Group has also announced a wave of internal promotions, strengthening its global and U.K. teams. Flash Taylor was promoted from Senior A&R to Head of International A&R at Bucks, and James Paterson was elevated from A&R to Head of U.K. A&R at both Bucks and BDi Music, Rhiannon Bramley was promoted from A&R to Senior A&R at Bucks and BDi Music, Maria McDonald moves from Copyright Manager to International Copyright Manager, Sevana Mehrunnesa steps up from Copyright Assistant to U.K. Copyright Manager, and Andrea Loizidou is promoted from Sync Film & TV to Sync Executive.

 

BELIEVE NAMES DARYA POURSHASB AS CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER AND ACQUIRES HER COMPANY, AMPD METHOD​: Believe has announced the appointment of Darya Pourshasb as its new Chief Marketing Officer, reporting directly to Founder & CEO Denis Ladegaillerie. Her arrival coincides with, and confirms, Believe’s acquisition of ampd Method, the deep-data music marketing platform founded by Pourshasb. In her new position, Pourshasb will lead Believe’s overall marketing strategy, execution, and performance, while also shaping and driving the company’s global catalog marketing initiatives. She brings a strong history in streaming optimization, artist-fan engagement, and end-to-end campaign development that consistently delivers measurable ROI. Her expertise will play an integral role as Believe enhances its advanced digital marketing and catalog service capabilities. Pourshasb joins the company with more than 15 years of leadership experience across music, tech, and web3. Prior to founding ampd Method, she served as Global Head of Premium Content at Spotify, where she oversaw more than 300 campaigns for independent artists and labels, boosting ROI, subscriber acquisition, and fan engagement. Before Spotify, she was VP of Streaming Partnerships at Sony Music Entertainment, managing global licensing and marketing relationships with major digital platforms and leading digital marketing activity in over 60 markets. She also served as Global Head of Music at Royal.io, the web3 music platform. Pourshasb began her career in capital markets at Citi and holds an MBA from The Wharton School.

 

SPOTIFY LAUNCHES MUSIC VIDEOS IN U.S. AND CANADA: Spotify is officially launching music videos in beta for Premium subscribers in the US and Canada, marking the feature’s debut in North America. Describing the addition as one of its users’ “most anticipated,” Spotify confirmed to Music Business Worldwide via email that all Premium users in both countries will gain access by the end of December. During the beta phase, subscribers will be able to watch a select catalog of official music videos, as well as explore new video formats such as live sessions and cover performances. As part of the rollout, Premium users in the US and Canada will be able to view videos from artists including Ariana Grande, Olivia Dean, BABYMONSTER, Addison Rae, Tyler Childers, Natanael Cano, and Carín León. Spotify first began testing music videos in March 2024 across 11 international markets, excluding North America. The company then significantly broadened the beta in October 2024, adding 85 more countries. Commenting on the expansion, Charlie Hellman, Head of Music at Spotify, said, “Music videos are often the moment when an artist’s world really clicks for a listener — when the song and the visuals come together and turn a stream into fandom. By bringing official music videos to Premium listeners in the US and Canada, we’re bringing a richer discovery experience to fans, and providing additional revenue for publishers and songwriters.”

 

VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP PROMOTES NICOLE THOMAS TO MD FOR SOUTH AFRICA: Virgin Music Group has announced the promotion of Nicole Thomas to Managing Director, South Africa. Thomas previously served as Co-Country Manager for Virgin Music Group in the region. Under her leadership, the company’s artists have achieved significant recognition, including South African Music Awards for Dlala Thukzin and Lwah Ndlunkulu, while a cappella group Just 6 earned a Grammy nomination in 2024 for their rendition of “Angels We Have Heard on High.” Dlala Thukzin was also nominated for Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards. Virgin Music Group has expanded its roster with Zimbabwean stars Saintfloew, Freeman HKD, and Naledi Aphiwe, whose single “Romeo & Juliet” won “Best African Pop Song” at this year’s Metro FM Awards. Additionally, the label signed America’s Got Talent Season 14 finalists Ndlovu Youth Choir, releasing their re-imagined isiZulu version of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” supported by Queen‘s remaining members and the Freddie Mercury Foundation, garnering international coverage from BBC News, The Times, and NPR. Thomas joined Virgin Music Group from the independent distributor Electromode, where she was General Manager. Prior to that, she worked in studio management at CSR Studios, overseeing client relations, marketing, promotions, business development, and operations. Alongside her promotion, Thomas has announced several internal leadership changes within Virgin Music South Africa: Gareth Wilson promoted to General Manager, Nicola Chadwick promoted to Head of Business Affairs & Royalties, Hlompho Motana promoted to Senior Business Development Manager and Waide Lemos promoted to Head of Label Operations.

 

TERRACE MARTIN SIGNS WORLDWIDE PUBLISHING DEAL WITH PEERMUSIC: Peermusic has inked a worldwide publishing administration agreement with Terrace Martin. As part of the deal, Peermusic will also manage Martin’s global neighboring rights. Martin’s latest projects include two full-length releases: Albion Files and Come As You Are, the latter created with Kenyon Dixon. Come As You Are earned a 2026 Grammy nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album, while the single “WeMaj” (with Kenyon Dixon featuring Rapsody) received a nod for “Best Melodic Rap Performance. “Across his career, Martin has amassed eight Grammy nominations, 17 billion streams, and 16 million album sales. A Los Angeles native, Martin’s sound, rooted in jazz, hip-hop, and R&B, has made him a defining influence in contemporary music. A skilled saxophonist, keyboardist, and producer, he has collaborated with Snoop Dogg, Lalah Hathaway, Herbie Hancock, The Game, YG, Summer Walker, Busta Rhymes, Kendrick Lamar, Ty Dolla $ign, Travis Scott, Rapsody, ScHoolboy Q, and 2 Chainz. His contributions to Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city and To Pimp a Butterfly earned him his first Grammy nomination. Martin’s solo discography includes releases such as Locke High, the Grammy-nominated Velvet Portraits, Drones, as well as a series of collaborative albums including Fine Tune, I Left My Heart in Ladera, and Nintendo Soul. In 2016, he launched his own label, Sounds of Crenshaw, which has become the home for his creative projects, including the Grammy-nominated supergroup Dinner Party, featuring Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper, and 9th Wonder. Most recently, Martin debuted Sounds of Crenshaw Live, an intimate performance series centered around Come As You Are. Hosted exclusively on the Sounds of Crenshaw YouTube channel, the self-produced series offers fans an unfiltered, immersive look at new performances released weekly.

 

POSITION MUSIC SIGNS MATT MCKINNEY TO A WORLDWIDE PUBLISHING DEAL: Tyler Bacon, Founder & CEO of Position Music, has announced the signing of Nashville-based songwriter Matt McKinney to a worldwide publishing agreement. McKinney joins Position’s Nashville roster alongside writers such as Dave Cohen, Matt Geroux, Khal Yassein, Steve Solomon, and Zach Skelton, further expanding the company’s footprint in Music City. Originally from Augusta, GA, McKinney relocated to Nashville after graduating from the University of Georgia, quickly establishing himself as one of the city’s most promising young songwriters. He began his career with a publishing deal at Sony Music Publishing, earning cuts with major artists including Jordan Davis (“Part Of It”), Elle King (“Ohio,” “Lucky,” “Tulsa”), Jon Pardi (“Beer For Santa”), Bryce Leatherwood (“Neon Does,” “In Lieu Of Flowers”), as well as placements with Ella Langley, Tim McGraw, Ernest, Kolby Cooper, Shane Profitt, and more. Chandler Thurston, A&R at Position Music, told A&R Worldwide, “I’m extremely excited to welcome Matt to the Position roster. His songwriting is honest, authentic, and genuine. He has all the qualities of a great storyteller. Can’t wait to help shape this next chapter of his career.”

 

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP ANNOUNCES NEW UMUSIC SHOPS IN NEW YORK AND LONDON: Universal Music Group (UMG) is bringing its fan-first retail vision to two of the world’s most influential music capitals. The global music powerhouse announced the opening of new UMusic Shop locations in New York and London, expanding its entertainment-driven retail concept designed to blur the lines between music, fashion, and culture. Developed in partnership with UMusic Hospitality & Lifestyle – the spaces aim to transform traditional merchandise into immersive, community-centered fan experiences. UMusic Shop New York opens today at 2 Penn Plaza, marking UMG’s first permanent brick-and-mortar superfan destination in North America. Launching with a holiday-themed takeover, the store features exclusive vinyl, apparel, and accessories inspired by UMG’s expansive artist roster, including Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Post Malone, Beastie Boys, Nas, and Kiss. The opening is punctuated by an exclusive capsule collaboration with New York streetwear staple Awake NY, alongside limited-time pop-ups celebrating Neil Diamond‘s catalog and Republic Records artist Conan Gray. Across the Atlantic, UMusic Shop Camden opens December 16th in the heart of London’s storied Camden Market. Designed to reflect the neighborhood’s rebellious spirit and musical legacy, the space blends retail with experiential programming, featuring immersive installations, live performances, a Vinyl Lounge, DJ booth, and a recording studio-inspired Sound Room. The openings built on earlier UMusic Shop launches in Madrid and Tokyo’s Harajuku district, reinforcing UMG’s strategy to cultivate a global, interconnected fan community through experiential retail.

 

SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS ODEAL: Sony Music Publishing has signed rising singer, songwriter, and artist Odeal to a worldwide publishing deal. Odeal, whose collaborations include work with Leon Thomas, has received praise from prominent artists such as SZA, Victoria Monét, Justin Bieber, and others. His summer 2025 project, The Summer That Saved Me, featuring the hit single “Miami,” has already amassed over 23 million global streams. His latest release, The Fall That Saved Us, continues to highlight his distinctive sound. In 2025, Odeal earned two MOBO Awards for Best Newcomer and Best R&B Act, along with a nomination for BET‘s inaugural “Best New International Act.” He was also highlighted in Amazon Music‘s 2025 Breakthrough Artist list, named a Spotify 2025 Artist to Watch, and selected for YouTube Music‘s 2025 Foundry program. Born in Germany and raised across Spain, the U.K., and Nigeria, Odeal settled in the U.K. at 17. His career began with the self-produced single “Be Easy,” followed by the viral hit “Soh Soh,” which sparked a TikTok dance challenge. He gained further recognition with his 2022 EP Lustropolis, which has now surpassed 80 million streams worldwide.

 

KOBALT SIGNS AUSTRALIA’S RISING SOUL ARTIST DON WEST: Kobalt has announced the signing of rising Australian soul artist Don West. Inspired by icons like Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield, as well as contemporary acts such as Jalen Ngonda and Thee Sacred Souls, West blends classic influences with a modern, fresh take on soul music. West first drew attention with his November 2024 debut EP, featuring standout tracks “Small Change” and “Friends.” He carried that momentum into 2025 with the release of singles “Send It Back,” “Julia,” and “Give Me All Your Love.” Following a sold-out European debut tour, he is returning to Australia for another headline run and a series of festival appearances. With his debut album, Give Me All Your Love, out this month and a global tour planned for 2026, the partnership with Kobalt marks an exciting new chapter as Don West continues to build his international profile. “Don is effortlessly cool and charismatic. His deep-rooted love of classic soul and blues, combined with his coastal upbringing, has shaped a sound that’s resonating with audiences around the world,” said Briese Abbott, Kobalt’s Head of Creative Services Australia & New Zealand. “His songwriting feels instantly familiar, nostalgic yet contemporary, and inherently inviting. We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Don and his team as more people discover his remarkable talent.”

 

CHINA’S MODERN SKY STRIKES PARTNERSHIP WITH STEEL WOOL ENTERTAINMENT: Modern Sky, the China-based music company, has announced a partnership with California’s Steel Wool Entertainment to bring the Chinese music festival Strawberry Festival to the United States. The collaboration includes a strategic investment and aims to develop and expand the Strawberry Festival brand in the U.S., according to a December 9th announcement. Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed. Steel Wool Entertainment, founded in 2012 by Kevin Morrow, will support Modern Sky in helping independent artists gain international exposure. Morrow, a former Vice President of Touring at Live Nation New York, brings three decades of industry experience and has collaborated with artists including Anderson .Paak, Amber Liu, Hayley Kiyoko, Jez Dior, and more. Steel Wool focuses on bridging Asian and American music markets through artist management, live production, and consulting services. Founded in 1997, Modern Sky operates as a music record company with subsidiaries covering music publishing, artist management, live music, performance venues, recording and production, visual arts, retail, and commercial spaces. The company positions itself around a “music + lifestyle” business model, blending cultural experiences with entertainment.

 

ABSOLUTE LABEL SERVICES SIGNS MATT CARDLE: Absolute Label Services has partnered with multi-Platinum U.K. singer-songwriter Matt Cardle for the release of his upcoming studio album, his first in more than seven years. Under the new deal, Absolute will oversee distribution, marketing, and project management for the project, titled The Great Escape. Cardle, who rose to prominence after winning The X Factor in 2010, has sold over three million records across a 15-year career. His debut single, “When We Collide,” became a million-seller and spent three weeks at No.1 in the U.K. He followed it with the Top 10 hit “Run for Your Life” (written by Gary Barlow) and later earned another Top 20 success with “Loving You”, his duet with Melanie C, which has surpassed seven million streams. Across four albums, Cardle has enjoyed multiple chart triumphs, including the Platinum-certified Letters (No.2) and the Silver-certified The Fire (Top 10). His third album, Porcelain, also released through Absolute, reached No.3. The Great Escape arrives on April 10, 2026, preceded by the track “Drinking Dreams,” with the first radio single “Nobody’s Jesus” released in January. Cardle crafted the new album with longtime collaborators Jim Eliot (Ellie Goulding, Kylie), Michael Champion (Champs, Wet Leg), Ben Cullum (Jamie Cullum, Gabrielle), Tim Bran (London Grammar), and Dan McDougall (Sam Ryder, Liam Gallagher, Bruno Major). Produced primarily by McDougall, the album also features one song co-written and co-produced by multiple Ivor Novello Award winner Eg White (Adele, Florence + The Machine). Recorded in London, the project was mixed by Charlie Russell (Robbie Williams, Jamiroquai).

 

WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC UNIFIES MUSIC SYNC TEAMS UNDER RICH ROBINSON: Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has announced a restructuring of its global sync operations, consolidating its frontline, catalog, and Production Music sync teams under Rich Robinson, EVP, Global Synchronization and Media. As part of this unified structure, Gavin Caroll, VP of Creative Licensing for Production Music, will now report directly to Robinson, strengthening alignment and creating a more streamlined, company-wide sync strategy. Robinson will also expand his oversight to include Warner Chappell’s Audio Asset division, led by Kailey Tenn, which manages the publisher’s archive of recordings. Integrating this division more closely with the sync department is expected to improve speed, accuracy, and efficiency when delivering assets to creative partners. In addition, Robinson will continue leading WCM’s global film, TV, and media music business. The U.S. team is headed by Christine Belden, while Faith Adams runs the U.K. sync business, reporting into Belden. This unified structure has strengthened WCM’s ties with partners such as A24, Artists Equity, Hartbeat, EA Games, and Protozoa Pictures, generating new placement opportunities for its roster of writers. Under Robinson’s leadership, the sync department has landed placements including Led Zeppelin‘s “Whole Lotta Love” in Nike‘s first Super Bowl commercial in nearly three decades, as well as key features in Bridget Jones’ Diary and Babygirl. The team has also played a vital role in bringing renewed visibility to the estates of Tom Petty, David Bowie, George Michael, and other legendary artists. Robinson, a seasoned leader in the field, joined WCM in 2018 and became the company’s first-ever dedicated global sync head when he was promoted to EVP and Global Head of Synchronization in 2019.

 

JORDYN REESE JOINS THE FELLOWSHIP ARTIST MANAGEMENT: Blaze James, who launched The Fellowship Artist Management just weeks ago, has strengthened his leadership team by partnering with Jordyn Reese, Founder of Do Better For Artists. Reese joins The Fellowship as an Artist Manager, continuing her exclusive management of Minus the Bear while collaborating with James to sign and develop new talent. In addition, Do Better For Artists will now provide comprehensive artist-services support across The Fellowship roster. Her agency brings a wide array of creative and marketing capabilities, delivering full-service in-house support for artists including Coheed and Cambria, Failure, High Vis, Militarie Gun, Soul Glo, and Matt Pinfield. With over 15 years of experience, Reese has led advertising and direct-to-fan marketing teams for global independent distributors, managed legacy artists, and executed innovative experiential and digital campaigns for both independent and major-label clients worldwide. As founder of Do Better For Artists, Reese provides full-service management and artist support, helping musicians and brands across the entertainment industry. Since launching in 2023, her agency has led campaigns for multi-platinum and Grammy-winning artists, emerging alternative acts, music festivals, tech platforms, and legacy catalogs across diverse global genres.

 

TRUST RECORDS PARTNERS WITH BAD BRAINS: The pioneering punk outfit Bad Brains has entered into a new partnership with Trust Records. Founded in 2020, Trust Records was created to preserve and champion seminal punk and hardcore releases. Its catalogue already features influential works from artists such as Circle Jerks, 7Seconds, Youth Brigade, and DFL. Through this agreement, Trust Records will continue safeguarding the band’s legacy by keeping their music accessible for generations to come. As part of the collaboration, Trust Records has also launched an Artist Advisory Board, with Bad Brains bassist Darryl Jenifer joining as a member. This board will help shape the label’s creative direction moving forward. The partnership encompasses the full scope of Bad Brains’ owned and controlled intellectual property, spanning music publishing, recorded music, trademarks, visual assets, name and likeness, with key albums such as their self-titled debut, Rock For Light, I Against I, and Quickness included. Since forming in Washington, DC in 1978, Bad Brains have gone on to influence an array of artists, among them Rage Against The Machine, Beastie Boys, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, No Doubt, Sublime, Green Day, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, and Deftones. “We started Trust Records to promote, preserve, and protect punk and hardcore music and the culture that surrounds it,” said Trust Records Founder Matt Pincus, former Co-Founder of Songs Music Publishing and Founder of investment firm Music. “Bad Brains is the absolute top of the mountain in punk and hardcore. They taught the rest of us how to do it. It is the highest honor to partner with Darryl and Bad Brains in the stewardship of their iconic work.”

 

BROKE RECORDS APPOINTS EDWARD “Q” BRICKELL AS HEAD OF LEGAL AFFAIRS: Broke Records has named Edward “Q” Brickell as its new Head of Legal Affairs. The independent label, launched by Andre Benz and Brandon De Oliveira under Create Music Group, adds Brickell as a seasoned executive whose background bridges music, law, artist management, and harm-reduction advocacy. With more than 15 years of experience across artists, labels, promoters, and non-profits, Brickell brings a multifaceted perspective to the role. He first made his mark by creating sober-support spaces at major U.S. festivals, a model later adopted by Insomniac, SuperFly, C3 Events, Live Nation, and AEG. He remains on the board of Harmonium, helping spearhead harm-reduction programs at festivals throughout the country. Brickell’s management work at Red Light Management and Cinder contributed to the growth of acts including William Black, Gammer, and Illenium, artists whose releases on Lowly (Broke’s predecessor) climbed the US dance charts. As an entertainment attorney, he has represented promoters, artists, creatives, labels, and major non-profits. His longstanding work with End Overdose includes overseeing contracts for more than 60 college chapters, industry partnerships, and thousands of live-event activations each year; the organization was recognized by the White House for its national impact in 2023.

 

ROBERT POLLARD SIGNS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH THIRD SIDE MUSIC: Robert Pollard, the frontman of indie-rock mainstays Guided By Voices (GBV), has entered into an exclusive global publishing administration agreement with independent music publisher Third Side Music (TSM). Under the new partnership, TSM will manage Pollard’s entire body of work, an extensive catalog that includes more than 40 GBV albums in addition to his numerous solo releases. Pollard has penned thousands of songs throughout his career, among them fan and critic favorites like “I Am a Scientist,” “Game of Pricks,” “Motor Away,” “Glad Girls,” “Tractor Rape Chain,” “Echos Myron,” “Hot Freaks,” “Hold On Hope,” “Everywhere with Helicopter,” “Learning to Hunt,” “Chasing Heather Crazy,” and “Teenage FBI.” Widely regarded as one of indie rock’s most prolific and influential figures, Pollard has guided GBV through a catalog of landmark albums. Their seminal 1994 release Bee Thousand remains a defining moment in indie rock history. Other celebrated titles from the band’s expansive discography include Alien Lanes (1995), Under the Bushes Under the Stars (1996), Mag Earwhig! (1997), Do the Collapse (1999), Isolation Drills (2001), Half Smiles of the Decomposed (2004), Class Clown Spots a UFO (2012), Let’s Go Eat the Factory (2012), The Bears for Lunch (2012), and Zeppelin Over China (2019).

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM A&R WORLDWIDE: As the year draws to a close, all of us at A&R Worldwide extend our heartfelt thanks to you – our readers, partners, and global music community for your continued trust, support, and collaboration throughout the year. Music has an extraordinary power to change the world for the better. It connects cultures, amplifies voices, inspires hope, and reminds us of our shared humanity. At its core, our industry is built on trust, respect, and the creation of authentic, meaningful relationships, and it is these values that continue to guide everything we do. In celebration of the holiday and Christmas season, and to allow our team time to be with family and loved ones, our offices will be closed Monday, December 22 through January 5, 2026. We wish you and your families a joyful holiday season filled with peace, inspiration, and music, and our very best for a healthy, successful, and fulfilling New Year ahead.

 

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