A&R Worldwide Newsletter Vol. 915

GLOBAL LABEL, PUBLISHING, AND A&R EXECUTIVES JOIN THE MUSEXPO 2026 BURGEONING LINEUP

MUSEXPO “The United Nations of Music” (www.musexpo.net), the pioneering global music business conference and showcase event is just over one month away, and takes place March 22 – 25, 2026, in Burbank, California. Marking over a quarter-century of influence, MUSEXPO 2026 will elevate the A&R conversations and highlight the awards recognitions for executives and creatives who work across record labels, publishing companies, and creative enterprises.

For over two decades, MUSEXPO has stood at the forefront of global A&R innovation, making it the essential destination for artists, songwriters, producers, managers, and creatives seeking to understand the evolving landscape of artist discovery and development. Since its inception in 2005, A&R has been a cornerstone of MUSEXPO, reflecting the event’s deep roots in shaping the future of music, powered by A&R Worldwide – the globally respected force that has helped break countless artists and amplify careers across multiple territories.

MUSEXPO 2026 will explore game-changing A&R themes, including the impact of AI and data in talent scouting, the synergy between creative instinct and analytics, the role of A&R in global music market expansion, and how to build and elevate sustainable artist careers in the digital and technological era. As the industry continues to evolve, this unparalleled event offers attendees exclusive access to the visionaries driving the future of A&R, providing invaluable insights, networking opportunities, and actionable strategies to navigate the next wave of artist development on a global scale.

Some of the label, publishing, A&R and creative executives participating at this year’s MUSEXPO include Alexi Cory-Smith – CEO & Co-Founder, Bella Figura Music; Andrew Grant – Vice President, A&R, Seeker Music; Aton Ben-Horin – Executive Vice President, A&R, Warner Music Group; Clark Adler – Director of A&R, Sony Music Publishing; Harri Davies – Head of A&R, The Other Songs; Jasmine White – Head of A&R Operations, N. America, Warner Chappell Music; Jeffrey Remedios, President & Chief Executive Officer, REPUBLIC Collective (Republic Records, Island Records, Def Jam Recordings, Mercury Records, and Imperial Music); Jeremy Yohai – Sr. Vice President, A&R, Concord Music Publishing (U.S.); Jim Thacker – Owner, Kazen Music Group; Kim Frankiewicz – Executive VP, Worldwide A&R, Concord Music Publishing; Livy Rodriguez-Behar -Founder, Dreamboat Music; Lucas Keller – Founder & President, Milk & Honey Music + Sports; Mandar Thakur – CEO, Times Music Group (India); Reynold D’Silva – Founder & CEO, Silva Screen Group / SO Recordings; Tommas Arnby – Founder, Locomotion Music Group (worldwide manager of Yungblud); Tyler Bacon – Founder & CEO, Position Music; Wendy Goldstein – Chairwoman & Chief Creative Officer, Republic Records, and many more.

MUSEXPO also returns with its esteemed “International Music Industry Awards” (which originally launched back in 2012) in association with A&R Worldwide and will recognize the contributions of some of the most influential executives and creatives across key sectors of the global music business in association with Visit Burbank and City of Burbank “The Media Capital of The World” during the VIP Gala Dinner presentations. There are a limited number of tickets available – further details are available once you sign up HERE.

The annual Seymour Stein “Global A&R Award,” will be bestowed upon one of the most influential forces in global music publishing, Kim Frankiewicz, Executive VP, Worldwide A&R, Concord Music Publishing, and the “Lifetime Achievement Award” will be presented to one of the U.K.’s most inspiring independent entrepreneurs, Reynold D’Silva, Founder & CEO, Silva Screen Group and SO Recordings. Jeffrey Remedios, President & Chief Executive Officer, REPUBLIC Collective (Republic Records, Island Records, Def Jam Recordings, Mercury Records, and Imperial Music) will be recognized as this year’s “Global Music Executive.”

The “International Music Person of the Year” recipient is one of the world’s most influential booking agents, Kirk M. Sommer, Senior Partner/Global Co-Head of Music, WME who has helped discover and break countless artists in the live arena worldwide. International hitmaker and Grammy and Golden Globe-nominated songwriter, producer, and activist Justin Tranter (who has penned hits for Chappel Roan, Imagine Dragons, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, The Chicks, Miley Cyrus, Sam Smith, Cardi B, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, and many others) will garner the “Global Songwriter Award.”

MUSEXPO will also feature its popular Global Sync Summit, and A&R Summit, as part of its overall 2026 event program.

The full event program for the various panels, keynotes, awards luncheons, showcases, networking receptions, and more for MUSEXPO 2026 can be found HERE.

MUSEXPO is open to anyone looking to enhance their knowledge of the global music business or to amplify their network of relationships with creatives, executives, and companies from all facets of the music industry worldwide. To register to attend MUSEXPO, sign up HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has named Roslyn Pineda as President, Asia, effective immediately, succeeding Carol Ng, who will remain with the company until her planned retirement at the end of March.

Based in Hong Kong and reporting to SMP President, International, Guy Henderson, Pineda will oversee creative and business operations across Asia, strengthen relationships with clients and partners, and expand global support for SMP songwriters in the region.

Pineda joins SMP from Sony Music, where she served as General Manager, Philippines, and previously as VP of Artist Relations & Business Development, Asia. Since starting at Sony in 2001, she has worked with artists such as John Mayer, Leehom Wang, Jessi, Ricky Martin, Alicia Keys, and One Direction, led the reopening of the Philippines office, signed acts including Ben&Ben, SB19, and IV OF SPADES, and oversaw the ABS-CBN music catalog acquisition in 2024. She was also named Billboard Philippines’ first Music Industry Executive of the Year in 2025.

Ng, who joined SMP in 1998, rose through the ranks to become President, Asia in 2021, and oversaw the company’s expansion across Asia, including new offices in Jakarta, Bangkok, and Manila.

Sony Music Publishing President, International Guy Henderson stated “I am so pleased that Ros will take over the reins as President for SMP Asia, which is one of our most important and continuously expanding international regions. With Ros’s success in the artist development and creative space, as well as her experience of more than two decades in the music business, she brings a new focus to the region to further expand our business into the future.”

 

 

Kobalt has announced the signing of Balu Brigada, the alt-pop duo made up of brothers Henry and Pierre Beasley. Widely praised for their songwriting, production, and live shows, the New Zealand–born duo has emerged as one of the most compelling new acts in modern alternative pop.

Currently signed to Warner Australia/Atlantic, Balu Brigada released their debut album Portal on August 29, 2025. The album includes tracks such as “Backseat,” “So Cold,” and “Sideways,” each highlighting the duo’s knack for fusing polished pop sensibilities with raw storytelling. Their breakout single “So Cold” topped the U.S. Alternative Airplay chart at No.1 in 2024, while “Backseat” continued their momentum, reaching No.7 on the Billboard Alternative Chart and earning heavy rotation across alternative radio.

“We are thrilled to welcome Balu Brigada to the Kobalt family. Their rising global momentum makes Kobalt the perfect home, especially as our DNA has always been about working collaboratively across territories to help elevate our clients’ visions,” said Amanda Tufeld, Sr. Director A&R at Kobalt. “At their core, Henry and Pierre are exceptional songwriters and look forward to diving in together.”

“Signing Balu Brigada to Kobalt Music Publishing worldwide reflects everything we believe in – backing artists who are already resonating globally and partnering with management teams who understand their vision. The band have created an undeniable momentum through their music, cultural identity, and with their live show,” said Simon Moor, Managing Director APAC, Kobalt. “Our role now is to work alongside the band and their management, building on that success with fast global licensing, market reach, and expanded sync support to ensure their songs have the platforms they deserve around the world.”

The Kobalt deal follows a landmark year for Balu Brigada. In 2025, they were named one of SiriusXM‘s Future Five Artists, completed their first U.S. headline tour, selling out venues with capacities exceeding 1,200, and joined Twenty One Pilots as direct support on the U.S. leg of the Clancy World Tour starting in August 2024. The collaboration later expanded internationally, with additional dates across Latin America, the UK, and Europe.

 

 

 

After nearly four years away, Sweden’s Tove Styrke returns with “Prayer,” a luminous, defiant comeback that signals the start of a bold new era. Both intimate and expansive, the track unfolds as a five-minute alternative-dance odyssey, part affirmation, part invocation, glowing with anticipation and quiet power. It is the opening statement from her forthcoming album The Afterparty, due later this year, and an unmistakably confident re-introduction from one of pop’s most respected voices. Built entirely from live-recorded performances and analogue machines, “Prayer” leans into a richly tactile sound world of vintage synthesizers, live drums, and electric bass. The result is left-field pop at its most immersive: patient, hypnotic, and emotionally charged. Co-produced by Styrke alongside longtime Swedish collaborators Magnus Larsson, Joel Kiviaho, and Linnéa Martinsson, the track reflects a renewed creative freedom shaped by time away, motherhood, and a deep reconnection with nature. The response has been immediate. “Prayer” debuted as one of the most-added tracks globally on Spotify‘s New Music Friday, landed extensive playlist support across Spotify and Apple Music, and picked up early radio champions including BBC Radio 2, Sweden‘s P3, Passport Approved (globally syndicated radio show) KCRW in Los Angeles, and key tastemaker stations across Europe and Australia. Press support from FADER, NYLON, CLASH, The Line of Best Fit, and more has only amplified the sense that this is a major return. Listen to “Prayer” HERE, and reach out to manager Filip Wilén, Bud Fox Management, for available global opportunities and additional information pertaining to Tove Styrke.

 

PRIMARY WAVE ACQUIRES BRITNEY SPEARS’ SHARE OF CATALOG: Primary Wave has reportedly struck a deal to acquire Britney Spears‘ share of her music catalog, with the agreement said to have closed on December 30 for approximately $200 million (USD), a figure comparable to the reported sale of Justin Bieber‘s catalog to Hipgnosis. The move adds to a sustained surge of high-profile catalog transactions in recent years involving artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Queen, and Pink Floyd. While full terms have not been disclosed, Primary Wave’s catalog investments typically encompass an artist’s share of publishing, recorded music royalties, and neighboring rights. The company has previously secured major deals involving the estates, or catalogs of The Notorious B.I.G., Whitney Houston, and Peter Green. Spears, who has sold an estimated 150 million records worldwide, released nine studio albums following her 1999 debut. Although she did not write many of her biggest hits, she holds co-writing credits on dozens of songs, including her collaboration with Madonna, “Me Against the Music.” Sony Music continues to control the rights to Spears’ recorded catalog. Primary Wave has not publicly commented on the reported acquisition.

 

CREATE MUSIC GROUP NAMES MITCHELL SHYMANSKY AS CHIEF DATA & TECHNOLOGY OFFICER: Create Music Group has named Mitchell Shymansky as its new Chief Data & Technology Officer, bringing on board a seasoned executive with nearly 20 years at Universal Music Group. Most recently, Shymansky led UMG’s Global Data & Analytics division, reporting directly to the company’s COO and overseeing its worldwide data strategy. During his time at UMG, he spearheaded a major transformation of the company’s data infrastructure, modernizing legacy physical-era systems into a cloud-native, multi-petabyte analytics platform capable of powering advanced insights. He also led the launch of Universal Music Artists, a data and analytics application for artists, and managed UMG’s global portfolio of data products, helping embed data-driven decision-making across marketing, commercial, and artist-facing teams. Shymansky also played a vital role in integrating AI and automation into analytics and marketing workflows, including partnerships with Google to enhance AI-powered tools. Alongside this, he built and directed a strategic analytics team that informed DSP negotiations and helped shape UMG’s global licensing strategy.

 

BELLA FIGURA MUSIC ACQUIRES PUBLISHING CATALOG OF JONNY PIERCE: Bella Figura Music has acquired the publishing catalog of Jonny Pierce, the songwriter, vocalist, and driving creative force behind The Drums. Since breaking out of New York’s indie scene in 2009, The Drums have carved out a singular space in indie pop, earning a devoted global fanbase with their blend of wistful lyricism, surf-infused guitars, shimmering reverb, and synth-led melodies. The deal covers Pierce’s publishing interests in songs released up to and including Encyclopedia, spanning key projects such as Summertime!, The Drums, and Portamento. The catalog features fan favorites including “Money,” “Let’s Go Surfing,” “Days,” “Down by The Water,” and “Forever and Ever, Amen,” among others. “Jonny Pierce has created some of the most enduring and influential songs in modern indie pop,” stated Alexi Cory-Smith, CEO & Founder of Bella Figura Music. “His ability to craft melodies that feel both immediate and timeless, combined with his distinctive lyrical voice, has made The Drums’ catalog a cornerstone of the genre. At Bella Figura, we are committed to a partnership-first approach, collaborating with all existing partners to ensure these songs continue to thrive for years to come. We are honored to be stewards of this remarkable body of work.”

 

SAM SIEGLER & MIKE NUCERO NAMED CREATIVE DIRECTORS AT TRUST RECORDS: Trust Records has named Sam Siegler and Mike Nucero as Creative Directors, formalizing a partnership that has helped define the label’s identity since its launch in 2020. Working under their design banner Easy Does It, the duo has shaped Trust’s distinctive visual language and storytelling approach, elevating its archival punk and hardcore releases while spotlighting the artists, scenes, and creative communities behind the music. Their work has fueled a series of collaborations with brands and cultural leaders including Vans, Brain Dead, NTS Radio, Beyond The Streets, Ian MacKaye, Ed Colver, Atiba Jefferson, Kat Moss (Scowl), and Pat Flynn (Have Heart/Fiddlehead). A third-generation drummer from Lower Manhattan, Siegler has deep ties to hardcore, having played with Gorilla Biscuits, Youth of Today, Shelter, Judge, CIV, Rival Schools, and 7 Seconds, and performed at venues such as Radio City Music Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and Madison Square Garden. His career has also included roles within music, marketing, and artist management. Nucero brings experience across design and brand strategy, collaborating with Supreme, Nike, Adidas, Major League Baseball, Live Nation, UMG, and Warner Bros.

 

UMG’S DOWNTOWN DEAL APPROVED BY EU: The European Commission has approved Universal Music Group‘s proposed $775 (USD) million acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings, subject to the divestment of Downtown’s Curve royalty accounting business. The conditional clearance concludes a regulatory review that began after Virgin Music Group first announced the deal in December 2024. Under the agreement, Curve Royalties will be separated and sold as a standalone company to a Commission-approved independent buyer, addressing competition concerns around access to commercially sensitive data. UMG had formally proposed the full divestiture of Curve, including its platform, assets, contracts, and most employees, in December. With approval granted, UMG can move forward with acquiring Downtown’s other businesses, including FUGA, CD Baby, Songtrust, and Downtown Music Publishing, significantly expanding Virgin Music Group’s global services for independent artists and labels. Nat Pastor and JT Myers, Co-CEOs of Virgin Music Group commented, “Bringing Downtown’s exceptional team and capabilities to Virgin Music Group means greater flexibility and a sharper set of services for independent entrepreneurs, artists, and labels. By uniting two culturally compatible companies with deeply complementary strengths, we are creating a more powerful, more open ecosystem that offers independent entrepreneurs’ resources, investment, and technology to succeed on their own terms. We appreciate the European Commission’s thoughtful review and look forward to welcoming our new Downtown partners and colleagues as we continue to empower the independent community together.”

 

ELECTRIC FEEL PUBLISHING SIGNS SASHA KEABLE: Electric Feel Publishing has added singer-songwriter Sasha Keable to its U.K. roster. The RCA/Flight Club artist has already surpassed 100 million streams and built a growing reputation through collaborations with the likes of Leon Thomas, Beam, Ezra Collective, Destin Conrad, Isiah Falls, 6lack, and Jorja Smith. Keable’s recent accolades include MOBO Award nominations for Best Female Act and Best R&B/Soul Act, as well as a BRIT nomination for R&B Act. She was also featured on the BBC Sound Of 2026 longlist and previously tipped as an Amazon “Artist to Watch,” Apple Music Up Next UK, and a Deezer Global Artist to Watch in 2025. Her latest EP, Act Right, features guest appearances from Leon Thomas and Beam, and follows a run of live dates supporting Giveon on his Dear Beloved, The Tour, which culminated at Madison Square Garden. “We’re incredibly proud to welcome Sasha to Electric Feel,” said Sureeta Nayyar, Head of A&R (U.K.), Electric Feel. “She has an unmistakable voice and undeniable presence. Sasha is an artist with something real to say, and her honesty and craft continue to raise the bar. On behalf of the entire EF team, we are excited to champion her and help amplify the brilliance she brings to every record.” “Sasha is an exceptionally talented singer-songwriter and standout performer,” said Austin Rosen, CEO & Founder of Electric Feel. “The momentum around her speaks for itself. We are excited to welcome her to Electric Feel Publishing.”

 

BILLY WOOD LAUNCHES NEW LIVE AGENCY HAUS23: The U.K. live music landscape welcomes a new player with the launch of HAUS23, a boutique live agency founded by veteran agent Billy Wood. HAUS23 positions itself as an “artist-first” agency and marks Wood’s return to the music business following a short spell in football with Hastings FC. Wood brings two decades of industry experience, having previously held agent roles at WME, UTA, and CAA. Wood began his career straight out of university, where he was instrumental in breaking emerging acts such as N-Dubz, Chipmunk, and Tinie Tempah. He joined WME in 2010 and went on to represent a broad and varied roster across his time at WME, UTA, and CAA, including Alexis Jordan, Angel Haze, Mindless Behavior, Pia Mia, Tinchy Stryder, and Section Boyz, later adding hip-hop icons Run-DMC to his client list. Co-founded with Scout Creatives and headquartered in London, HAUS23 launches with what it describes as a “diverse and growing roster.” Initial signings include Angel, Dutch & Graft of The Manor, Mindless Behavior, Pure Garage, and Liam C, who currently sits at No.5 on Spotify‘s Viral 50 chart. Billy Wood said, “After Covid, I was burnt out. I stepped back, took a gamble, and gave the sport I love a real go. We had some enormous success, but I never lost touch with the music world – promoters, label executives, and fellow agents. I was still getting calls from former clients and artists looking for advice. The bug never left me. That break has made me hungry again, in fact excited. After meeting Alex and Tom at Scout Creatives, it was evident they believed in my vision, and I am excited to be working with them in delivering Haus23.”

 

DOWNTOWN MUSIC PUBLISHING AFRICA TEAMS WITH ARMS PRODUCTIONS MUSIC: Downtown Music Publishing Africa has entered into a new partnership with Arms Productions Music, a boutique production music company specializing in 100% human-created compositions for use across film, television, and digital platforms. The deal combines Downtown’s global music rights infrastructure and creative services with Arms Productions Music’s curated catalog, creating new opportunities for modern media creators. According to a statement, the collaboration is focused on delivering distinctive, high-quality production music while ensuring composers are properly supported, protected, and fairly compensated on a global scale. As a full-service music rights management company, Downtown Music Publishing Africa provides publishing administration, sync licensing, neighboring rights, royalty accounting, legal services, and creative support, while actively championing African music worldwide. The partnership is effective immediately, with Arms Productions Music’s catalog now represented and supported through Downtown’s African operations and international network. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to quality, originality, and creator-first values,” said a joint statement from the companies. “By combining Arms Production Music’s distinctive musical voice with Downtown’s global network and expertise, we’re creating new opportunities for music creators and content producers alike.”

 

ONERPM APPOINTS MIKE EASTERLIN AS MD OF EXPANDED NASHVILLE DIVISION: ONErpm has appointed Mike Easterlin as Managing Director of its Nashville division, tapping a seasoned executive with decades of experience across A&R and promotion. Easterlin’s career includes senior roles at Virgin, Def Jam, and Atlantic, before going on to serve as Co-President of the relaunched Elektra Records. He later co-founded Severance Records. In his new role, Easterlin will oversee A&R, roster growth, and day-to-day operations in Nashville, leading ONErpm’s expanding distribution and label services team. Recent hires include Josh Tomlinson, who joins from BMI as Director of A&R, alongside Lindsey Terry (formerly of MCA Nashville) as Country Marketing Director and Chad Neville (formerly Warner Music Nashville) as Project Manager. ONErpm, which now employs more than 600 people globally, continues to strengthen its Nashville presence as part of its broader global expansion. “I’ve always believed in the independent spirit of artists – the drive to create, take risks and build something real,” Mike Easterlin said. “Helping talent find their voice and turn it into a lasting career has always been my passion. ONErpm embodies those same values: passion, focus, transparency, and a real commitment to giving artists a global platform to grow on their own terms.”

 

WARNER CHAPPELL NASHVILLE RENEWS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH LIZ ROSE: Warner Chappell Music Nashville (WCM) has confirmed a renewed global publishing agreement with Grammy-winning songwriter Liz Rose, further extending a long-standing and influential partnership. The deal also reaffirms Warner Chappell’s relationship with Liz Rose Music, the independent publishing company Rose founded in 2010 with her son, Scott Ponce, which represents a roster of songwriters, producers, and artists including Eric Paslay, Adam Sanders, and Cassidy Daniels. A highly decorated songwriter, Rose was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023 and made history in 2019 as one of the first two songwriters appointed to the NMPA board of directors. Her catalog spans hits for Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Bonnie Raitt, Megan Moroney, Dan + Shay, and Parker McCollum, alongside a pivotal early collaboration with Taylor Swift, co-writing 16 global hits such as “All Too Well,” “You Belong with Me,” and “Teardrops on My Guitar.” An ACM, CMA, and SESAC “Songwriter of the Year” recipient, Rose has notched multiple U.S. No.1 country songs including “Girl Crush,” “Burn It Down,” and “It All Comes Out in the Wash.” She was honored with a star on the Music City Walk of Fame in 2024 and continues to advocate for the songwriting community through her roles with CMA and NSAI. 

 

STEM DISTRIBUTION APPOINTS STEFF HUGHES AS HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL: Stem Distribution has named Steff Hughes as its new Head of International. The newly elevated role will see Hughes driving Stem’s international strategy, strengthening worldwide release campaigns, and supporting long-term career growth for artists and labels across key markets. Based in London, Hughes brings 17 years of experience spanning major and independent labels, artist services, and distribution. He joins Stem after more than six years at AWAL, where he led international marketing campaigns for independent artists including Djo, CMAT, Jungle, Laufey, Jvke, Lizzy McAlpine, Finneas, Samm Henshaw, Greentea Peng, and FKJ. His work helped deliver billions of streams and multiple gold and platinum certifications, most notably guiding Djo’s global hit “End of Beginning” to a Spotify Global No. 1, charting in over 40 territories and supporting a fully sold-out international tour. Earlier in his career, Hughes spent over a decade at Universal Music Group, overseeing international campaigns for global superstars such as Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Madonna, and Sting, as well as major film soundtracks including Moana, Frozen, and Star Wars. At Stem, he will collaborate closely with artists, labels, and local partners worldwide, building on an international roster that includes Faouzia, Dimelo Flow, Big Family Music, and a growing slate of global releases.

 

UMG UPS FRANCISCA GONCALVES TO RECORDINGS & PUBLISHING GLOBAL SYNC HEAD AT CLASSICS, JAZZ & SCREEN: Universal Music Group (UMG) has named Francisca Goncalves as Sr. Vice President, Global Head of Sync for Classics, Jazz & Screen. The newly created role brings together UMG’s publishing and recorded music operations, with Goncalves charged with shaping the global sync strategy across classical, jazz and screen music, spanning everything from contemporary instrumental and score to folk, blues, and alternative pop, across film, television, advertising, gaming, and more. Goncalves will work closely with Global Classics & Jazz labels including Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, Blue Note, Verve, Hyperion, ECM, and Fontana, as well as Universal Music Publishing Group‘s Classics & Screen roster of composers, songwriters, and electronic producers. Since stepping into the expanded remit, she has driven placements across series such as The Bear, Euphoria, and The Last of Us, alongside brand campaigns for Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Apple, while also developing original score and sync projects including campaigns tied to the 2026 Super Bowl. Her work in sync A&R has already delivered placements for artists including Gwilym Gold (Alien: Earth), Sebastian Plano (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), and Ólafur Arnalds (Outlander: The Final Season). Reporting to Natasha Baldwin, President of Global Classics, Jazz & Screen, Goncalves will lead specialist global sync teams across creative and strategy in Los Angeles and London. Goncalves joined UMG in 2015 at its London office, expanding sync opportunities for specialist divisions, before being promoted to Vice President of Sync in 2019 and relocating to Los Angeles to strengthen North American operations. In 2022, she assumed a global creative and strategy role overseeing US creative sync, global legal approvals, and cross-division strategy.

 

CONNECT MUSIC RAISES $80 MILLION (USD) TO EXPAND INDIE ARTIST FINANCING & CATALOG ACQUISITIONS: Connect Music has secured $80 million (USD) in new funding from Rockmont Partners and Variant Investments. According to a press release issued on February 5, the capital will be used to support catalog acquisitions and scale the company’s music licensing operations, while further developing its technology platform for independent artists and labels. Connect Music says it leverages proprietary AI models to help creators monetise and safeguard their intellectual property across streaming services and other digital channels. Founded in 2020 by President & CEO George Monger, Connect Music provides artists with access to financing and data analytics typically reserved for major-label systems. The company launched a $10 million fund for independent artists in 2022 and acquired London-based artist and label services firm MTX Music later that year. Its roster includes Grammy-nominated producer duo Mike & Keys, alongside artists Sauce Walka, Don Trip, Boosie Badazz, Nless Entertainment, and BIG30. Monger began his career managing an international touring opera singer, later leading a non-profit music organisation before serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra in 2016, ahead of launching Connect Music four years later. Commenting on the latest investment, George Monger said, “This investment represents transformational growth capital for Connect Music and the artist partners we serve. It gives us the ability to grow aggressively while staying true to our mission: empowering creators to maximize their earnings while owning their art, their data, and their future.”

 

SOUNDEXCHANGE EXPANDS INTERNATIONAL CMO AGREEMENTS: SoundExchange has announced the addition of 17 new agreements with collective management organizations (CMOs) worldwide. These recent partnerships, spanning countries such as Kenya, Barbados, Panama, Paraguay, and several key European regions, elevate SoundExchange’s total agreements to over 90 and enhance their coverage of the global neighboring rights market to more than 91%. The SoundExchange International Services team achieved many of these agreements in 2025, securing collaborations with: Barbados: Copyright Society of Composers Authors & Publishers, Inc. (COSCAP), Paraguay: Sociedad de Gestión de Productores Fonográficos del Paraguay (SGP), and Kenya: Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP). Recent performer agreements include Norway: Gramo, Kenya: KAMP, Switzerland: SwissPerform, Poland: STOART, Netherlands: NORMA, India: ISAMRA, Lithuania: AGATA, Croatia: HUZIP, Czech Republic: Intergram, Austria: LSG. Also, recent rights owners’ agreements include Kenya: KAMP, Paraguay: SGP, El Salvador: ASAP, Denmark: MPO, Barbados: COSCAP, Portugal: Audiogest, and Panama: Produce. “Expanding our network of agreements with partner CMOs throughout the world bolsters our ability to offer premier international neighboring rights services and reflects SoundExchange’s commitment to ensuring that creators are fairly compensated for their work, no matter where their music is played,” said Michael Huppe, President & CEO of SoundExchange. “This growth strengthens our global reach and reinforces our mission to deliver transparency and efficiency for artists and rights holders worldwide.”

 

PEERMUSIC PROMOTES JODY FARBER TO CFO, ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF BILL GORJANCE: Peermusic has announced the promotion of Jody Farber to Chief Financial Officer. The announcement was made by Ralph Peer, II, Executive Chair, and Mary Megan Peer, CEO, of Peermusic. Farber, who previously held the position of Sr. Vice President, Finance and Strategy, will report directly to Mary Megan Peer and will be based in New York. In her new role, Farber will oversee all financial operations, focusing on promoting financial health and operational excellence. She will manage global treasury functions, financial planning, budgeting, accounting, management reporting, and deal analysis, while developing strategies to support Peermusic’s business objectives in collaboration with the global leadership team. Farber succeeds Bill Gorjance, who is stepping down after a 20-year tenure as CFO. During his time, Gorjance contributed to Peermusic’s growth, tripling revenues over the past decade while expanding the company’s global footprint. He will continue to serve part-time as International Vice President of Peermusic’s Classical music division. With 25 years of experience in accounting and finance within the music and entertainment industry, Farber joined Peermusic in 2024. Before that, she held various executive positions at World Wrestling Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment South Africa.

 

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