MUSEXPO 2026 HIGHLIGHTS KEY MUSIC SUPERVISORS, STUDIO EXECUTIVES, BRAND & SYNC LICENSING LEADS IN ITS WORLD-CLASS EVENT PROGRAM
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 its popular sync and licensing panels, and conversations, at this year’s event.
For over the past two decades, MUSEXPO has stood at the forefront of global sync and brands innovation and conversations, making it an essential destination for labels, publishers, artists, composers, songwriters, producers, managers, and creatives seeking to better understand the evolving landscape of sync across film, TV, gaming, trailers, promos, advertising, brands, and more. In addition, to hear from and meet some of the most inspiring and influential voices in this sector of the international music business.
Since its inception in 2005, sync 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 introduce many great artists, songs, and composers to the music supervisors in every sector of the visual media business. In fact, A&R Worldwide’s Founder Sat Bisla for many years was the global manager for the composer behind one of the most popular sync’d tracks – “Clubbed to Death” by Rob Dougan, whose music was licensed for The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, Mrs. Davis, Succession, CSI: Miami, America’s Got Talent, Love Island (U.K.), Top Gear, Lincoln LS, and many other media projects worldwide.
MUSEXPO 2026 will feature exclusive team panels from Format Entertainment, Fox Sports Music, and Netflix, as well as various other panels, keynotes, and interactive conversations with music supervisors and sync licensing executives who work across film, TV, videogames, promos, trailers, brands, and advertising in the U.S. and worldwide.
In addition, Amy Dunning, VP Music, Netflix will be honored as the “Global Media Executive” and Dave Jordan, Founder & CEO, Format Entertainment will be recognized as “Global Music Supervisor” of the year at this year’s A&R Worldwide “International Music Industry Awards,” which take place post MUSEXPO; both will also receive special proclamations from the City of Burbank, County of Los Angeles, and State of California officials.
MUSEXPO will also feature an exclusive one-on-one interview with Bob Bowen, Worldwide Head of Music, Film & Series, Amazon MGM Studios in conversation with George Garner, Editor-In-Chief, Music Week (U.K.).
Some of the confirmed studio executives, music supervisors, and sync licensing aficionados appearing at this year’s MUSEXPO include Adam Weitz – Vice President, Film & TV, APM Music; Alexandra Nickson – Sr. Vice President, Television Music, DreamWorks Animation; Amanda Grocky – Head of Publishing, Format Entertainment; Amy Dunning – Vice President, Music, Netflix; Ana Capuano – Music Coordinator, American Idol; Andy Gowan – Music Creative + Production, Netflix; Anurag Rao – Founder & CEO, Chain Reactor Music & Media (India); Bekki Newton – Manager, Music Clearance & Licensing, FOX Sports; Bob Bowen – Worldwide Head of Music, Film & Series, Amazon MGM Studios; Chase Butters – Vice President, Sync & Ads, Concord Music Publishing; Cheapshot – Founder, The Math Club / Music Producer & Creative Director; Christian Zabala – Music Supervisor, Format Entertainment; Danica Bates – Vice President, Music, Paramount; Dave Jordan – Founder & CEO, Format Entertainment; Jamar Richardson – Manager, FOX Sports Music; Jarred Causly – CEO & Sr. Music Supervisor, Synch Different; Jason Bentley – President, Bentley Media Ventures; Jennifer Insogna – Head of Music 360, A+E Global; Jill McCutchan – Music Creative + Production, Netflix; Jim Thacker – Owner, Kazen Music Group; Justine von Winterfeldt – Head of Music Supervision, Format Entertainment; Laura Katz – Founder & Music Supervisor, Supe Troop; Lauren Danielak – Music Creative Executive, Netflix; Livy Rodriguez-Behar – Music Supervisor & Founder, Dreamboat Music; Lyndsie Chlowitz – Music Creative, Live Action Original Films, Netflix; Mason Cooper – Music Supervisor & President, Songrunner Entertainment; Melissa Stern – Director, Music Supervisor & Tech Operations, FOX Sports Music; Michael Turner – Music Supervisor & Partner, Clearly Music Supervisors; Michaela Green – Music Creative, Feature Film, Netflix; Nick Haussling – Head of Music, Walton Isaacson; Nick Robelotto – Music Clearance, FOX Sports Music; Nicole De La Torriente – Vice President, FOX Sports Music; Nora Felder – Music Supervisor & CEO, Picture Music Company; Paige Stokes – Music Coordinator, Dreamboat Music; Robert Navarro – Creative Director, APM Music; Russell Manning – Manager, Creative Music Strategy, Paramount Global; Samantha Hilscher – Music Creative + Production, Netflix; Sanjeeta Khullar – Music Coordinator, Format Entertainment; Sean Mulligan – Music Supervisor, The Music Dept.; Stephanie Urcheck – Sr. Manager, Music Supervision & Clearance, FOX Sports Music; Subramanian Iyer – Founder & CEO, Sponco (India), and more to be revealed soon.
Collectively, the aforementioned executives have worked across the following: Avengers Infinity War, Stranger Things, Juno, (500 Days of Summer), Avengers Endgame, Ginny & Georgia, Spider-Man No Way Home, Sinners, Oppenheimer, Marty Supreme, Severance, K-Pop Demon Hunters, Wicked: For Good, Zootopia 2, Anora, Jurassic World: Rebirth, The Bear, Bird Box, Euphoria, Crazy Rich Asians, The White Lotus, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Bosch, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Atlanta, Bel-Air, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, Life of Pi, Don’t Look Up, Citadel, Pinocchio, Carry On, Maestro, A House of Dynamite, The Hunger Games, Trolls, Tires, Monster: The Anthology Series, How I Met Your Mother, BoJack Horseman, Daisy Jones & The Six It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Empire, Daredevil: Born Again, Black Panther, Dallas Buyers Club, Semi-Pro, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Harold & Kumar: Go To White Castle, Blade, Transformers, Iron Man, A Star is Born, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Pitch Perfect, Thor: Ragnarok, Criminal Minds, Guardians of the Galaxy, S.W.A.T., Wedding Crashers, Elf, Loki, The Lisa Lisa Story, Straight Outta Compton, Edge of Tomorrow, Final Destination 3, Cocaine Bear, Rush Hour 2 & 3, The Greatest Showman, WandaVision, Ms. Marvel, Out of the Furnace, Hawkeye, One Piece, Outer Banks, Austin Powers in Goldmember, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Beekeeper, Invincible, Shameless, Fantastic Four: First Steps, My Dead Friend Zoe, The Rip, Lilo & Stitch, Jim Henson Idea Man, Freakier Friday, Beauty and the Beast, Superbowl, FIFA Women’s World Cup, Flight Risk, Under the Silver Lake, The Piano Lesson, They Cloned Tyrone, The Diplomat, Man on Fire, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, American Idol, Love Island, Fancy Dance, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, The Real World, Apple, H&M, Lexus, Home Depot, American Airlines, Corona, NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL, Fruit of the Loom, Meta, Nike, Motorola, Hulu, BBC, HBO Max, Paramount, Peacock, Netflix, Disney, ABC, Warner Bros., Hasbro, and countless other projects.
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.” Tommas Arnby worldwide manager of Yungblud and Founder, Locomotion Music Group & CEO, Special Projects will be bestowed with the “Global Manager Award.” Position Music and its President & Founder Tyler Bacon will receive “Global Music Publisher” recognition, while iconic music and entertainment attorney Arnold Peter, will receive “Global Music & Entertainment Attorney” honors as the Founder & Managing Partner, Peter Law Group.
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.
A&R Worldwide readers are eligible for a 10% discount from the current posted MUSEXPO delegate rate (offer expires March 1st, 2026). Contact dusty@anrworldwide.com for your discount code.
For hotel, schedule, and additional details, visit www.musexpo.net.
HYBE AMERICA LAUNCHES BLUE HIGHWAY RECORDS IN NASHVILLE AND NAMES JAKE BASDEN AS CEO
HYBE AMERICA has rebranded its Nashville-based country, Americana, and roots rock division as Blue Highway Records (formerly BMLG), appointing veteran executive Jake Basden as CEO.
Basden, who previously served as President of Sandbox Management, brings experience guiding the careers of multi-platinum artists including Kacey Musgraves, Brandi Carlile, and Kelsea Ballerini. He also returns to HYBE AMERICA after a tenure as Sr. VP of Communications at Big Machine Label Group, where he worked with Taylor Swift, Sheryl Crow, and Tim McGraw, delivering award-winning campaigns across music, TV, and film.
Blue Highway Records will house marquee talent including Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Midland, Justin Moore, Carly Pearce, and others, with distribution support for acts under Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. The label now absorbs The Valory Music Co., while Big Machine Music publishing remains under HYBE AMERICA.
“As we were searching for a leader for our new Nashville record label, it was important to choose someone that thought of artists first. We found someone that would not only connect with our team and build our company culture, but has profound ties to this community,” said Isaac Lee, Chairman & CEO of HYBE AMERICA. “Jake’s long history of devoted service to artists, his time with our company, and his deep roots in Nashville, along with his fresh and modern take on what will make the label successful in the digital age made him the ideal candidate for this role. We are excited for what is ahead for Blue Highway Records and for all that Jake will do to further expand our company’s footprint in Music City.”
Jake Basden added, “We are starting with a diverse roster of enthusiastic creators. Each is singular in who they are, but also how they write and realize their sound. From Thomas Rhett, a superstar who’s still filled with unmet potential to Jackson Dean, a songwriter with raw charisma and a gritty sound, Blue Highway is a place where to be yourself invites originality and inspires listeners to find their own path. For CMA and ACM “Female Vocalist of the Year “Carly Pearce, Western-leaning progressives Midland, and staunch American Justin Moore, country music is the bedrock for labelmates who have defined their own lane. When you factor in Preston Cooper, Brett Young and Mae Estes, the tradition of being your own kind of country remains in strong hands. Blue Highway is going to deliver the sound for country for the coming years.”
MINISTRY OF SOUND HIRES OLI WELCH AS HEAD OF A&R
Ministry of Sound has appointed Oli Welch as its new Head of A&R. Welch will report directly to Negla Abdela, Managing Director of the label, and will take charge of its A&R strategy. His responsibilities include leading new signings, nurturing artist development, and shaping the creative vision of the frontline roster.
According to a press statement, the label is moving toward a more “tastemaker-led approach,” designed to fortify its presence across alternative, electronic, and crossover genres. As part of the refreshed A&R structure, Anton Powers will remain in his longstanding consultancy role, collaborating closely with the team on forthcoming releases and artist growth initiatives.
Welch joins the company following roles at Defected Records and Positiva. Among his recent highlights are overseeing Sub Focus’s Top 10 album Contact, commissioning Chris Lake‘s Grammy-nominated remix of The Chemical Brothers‘ “Galvanize,” and signing Morgan Seatree. During more than seven years at Defected, Welch collaborated with artists including Girls Don’t Sync, Max Dean, and K Motionz.
Negla Abdela said, “Oli brings exceptional A&R instincts and deep expertise across dance music. His energy and vision align perfectly with where we are taking Ministry of Sound. We are thrilled to have him join the team and help shape the next chapter of the label’s creative evolution.”
Oli Welch added, “Ministry of Sound has long been a legendary imprint within dance music culture and I am excited to drive the label into a new era alongside such an established and hungry team. I look forward to what the future holds as part of the team at Ministry!”
Ministry of Sound’s momentum this past year includes Milky‘s resurging single “Just the Way You Are,” currently in the Top 25 on the U.K. Official Singles Chart, alongside standout campaigns from Tate McRae, whose catalog has delivered eight U.K. Top 10s and sixteen U.K. Top 40s to date.
This builds on track record that spans global artists such as Doja Cat, who has achieved one U.K. No.1, four Top 10s and twenty Top 40 singles, including the Ministry-backed chart-topper “Paint the Town Red”, as well as past successes with London Grammar, Sigala, Riton, Cassö‘s “Prada,” and Paul Woolford & Diplo‘s “Looking For Me” featuring Kareen Lomax.
WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC ITALY APPOINTS HEAD OF A&R
AND STRENGTHENS CREATIVE LEADERSHIP
Warner Chappell Music (WCM), the global music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has announced a strategic evolution of its Italian creative leadership team in Milan. WCM Italy’s Lodovico Pagani has been promoted to Head of A&R, Rossella Lorello transitions to the Sync & Licensing team, Giacomo Domenichelli joins as A&R Manager, and Francesca Rossi is upped to Head of Legal.
In his new role, Pagani will lead WCM Italy’s A&R strategy, reporting to Santiago Menéndez-Pidal, President, Southern Europe. He will oversee the creative development of the publisher’s acclaimed roster, including the likes of Annalisa, Carl Brave, Federico Nardelli, Frah Quintale, Ghali, Gianna Nannini, Joan Thiele, Laura Pausini, Mace, Michele Canova, Raige, Sadturs & Kiid, and Sick Luke.
These leadership changes follow a streak of chart-topping success for WCM Italy, including the recent signing of Geolier, whose January album Tutto è possibile dominated the Italian charts, securing No.1 spots across the Physical, Digital, and Spotify charts. To help support Pagani, Giacomo Domenichelli joins the team from management company Intera Music. He will focus on scouting and creative development within WCM Italy’s A&R team.
Santiago Menéndez-Pidal, President, Southern Europe, Warner Chappell Music, said, “Lodovico possesses an intuitive understanding of Italy’s creative heartbeat. By elevating him to lead A&R, hiring Giacomo and Francesca, and moving Rossella’s deep creative knowledge into our Sync division, we are creating a more integrated and creative ecosystem for our songwriters. We are evolving WCM Italy to meet a market where domestic talent is more prominent – and more globally exportable – than ever before.”
Lodovico Pagani, Head of A&R, WCM Italy, added: “I am honored to lead our A&R efforts at such a pivotal moment for Italian music. Having worked closely with our roster for years, I know the incredible potential we have to redefine the Italian songbook. My focus is to provide a bespoke, creative-first environment where our songwriters can push boundaries and reach new audiences.”
Furthering the company’s creative-sync synergy, Rossella Lorello moves into the Sync & Licensing team, reporting to Leonardo Germinario, WCM Italy’s VP of Sync & Licensing. Lorello will function as a bridge between A&R and licensing, focusing on placing WCM Italy’s catalog across global film, television, advertising, and gaming sectors, with sync continuing to be a growth engine for the company.
VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF DOWNTOWN AND NAMES PIETER VAN RIJN, COO
Virgin Music Group (VMG) has finalized its acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings, advancing its vision of building a comprehensive, global platform tailored to the evolving needs of independent artists, entrepreneurs, and rights holders. As part of the transition, Pieter van Rijn, who has served as Downtown’s CEO since last year, has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of VMG. Based in Amsterdam, he will report to co-CEOs Nat Pastor and JT Myers. Downtown Founder Justin Kalifowitz will step away from the company he launched in 2007, while former Chairman Andrew Bergman moves into a senior advisory position.
Founded in 2007, Downtown supports more than 5,000 business clients and over four million creators across 145 countries, spanning Artist & Label Services, Distribution, and Music Publishing. Its portfolio includes FUGA, CD Baby, Downtown Music Publishing, and Songtrust.
Van Rijn, who has held senior leadership roles across both Downtown and FUGA, has played a leading role in building scalable, tech-driven services for the independent sector. As COO, he will lead global operations, technology, product development, and strategic integration across the combined companies, ensuring continuity for Downtown’s clients and brands while driving new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Nat Pastor said, “Pieter’s appointment signals our intent to bring these businesses together thoughtfully and strategically. This is about making both Virgin Music Group and Downtown even better, and preserving their distinct strengths while increasing the investment, technology, and global resources available to independent entrepreneurs. Pieter’s experience and leadership make him the right person to help guide us forward.”
Pieter van Rijn commented, “This combination enhances the choice, service, and global reach available to the independent community. I’m grateful to Justin and Andrew for their vision of building Downtown, and to Nat and JT for their trust as we enter this next chapter. Our focus is clear: strengthen what makes both companies special and deliver even greater value to the entrepreneurs we serve.”
JT Myers added, “Today recognizes the extraordinary company the Downtown team has built. Justin’s pioneering spirit — and the leadership of Andrew, Pieter, and colleagues worldwide — created an organization defined by its powerful belief in independent creators. We deeply respect what this team has built and are committed to backing it, protecting what makes Downtown successful, and expanding opportunities for the global independent community.”
CZECH FILM COMPOSERS TO DEBUT NEW WORKS AT MUSEXPO 2026 IN BURBANK
Czech film music will take a prominent global spotlight at MUSEXPO 2026 with “Echoes of the Czech Cinema,” a special concert event scheduled for March 23rd at the historic Colony Theatre in Burbank, California, which is widely regarded as the media and sync capital of the world. Presented by Composers Summit Prague, the evening will feature world premieres of new compositions inspired by classic Czech and Czechoslovak films, performed live by the Hollywood Chamber Orchestra before an audience of leading film, television, and music industry executives, as well as MUSEXPO speakers, and delegates.
Taking place during MUSEXPO, the influential global conference organized by A&R Worldwide, the program will highlight works by Tomáš Borl, Jiří Hradil, Petr Wajsar, Tomáš Živor, Guillaume Cochard-Lemoine, Zuzana Michlerová, Dominik Svoboda, Elia Cmiral, and Martin Klusák. Conducted by Svoboda, the performance integrates newly composed scores with curated visual sequences from nearly thirty landmark films, assembled by directors Jiří Andrle and Michal Mocňák into thematic, mood-driven segments exploring symbolism, narrative, and emotional depth.
“These are not reconstructions of original scores, but entirely new compositions reflecting the dramaturgy and emotional significance of selected scenes,” says Alexandr Smutný, Director of Composers Summit Prague and the evening’s musical director. He emphasized the event’s mission to connect Czech creators with international decision-makers while highlighting the breadth and competitiveness of Czech film music.
Supported by the PPF Foundation, the City of Prague, SoundCzech, and OSA, the initiative underscores a national commitment to exporting Czech cultural excellence. In addition to the concert, MUSEXPO and SoundCzech will co-host a Czech music industry presentation and networking reception prior to the concert for MUSEXPO attendees, designed to foster new professional relationships, exchange expertise, and encourage long-term collaboration in audiovisual music.
A&R Worldwide has been a key partner for Composer Summit Prague for the past several years and has been instrumental in organizing, curating, and moderating the event’s debut synch sessions, and recommending music supervisors from around the world to be a part of the annual event in Europe.
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!
A&R Worldwide is known for bringing together some of the “best in class” from around the world, from executives to creatives.
At the inception of A&R Worldwide’s inaugural MUSEXPO Europe in London, England back in 2008, it hosted one of its highlight keynote interviews with Richard Russell, the Founder of XL Recordings, which has been home to artists like Adele, M.I.A., The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, Beck, Radiohead, the White Stripes, Vampire Weekend, the xx and many others.
In addition, the legendary Daniel Miller, who is the Founder of Mute Records, has helped artists including Depeche Mode, Erasure, Nick Cave, Goldfrapp, Moby, Inspiral Carpets, and much more).
COACH PARTY
Coach Party return with visceral force on “Nurse Depression,” a raw, roaring new single that reasserts the Isle of Wight quartet at their most uncompromising. The track marks their first new music since the release of their acclaimed second album Caramel. True to form, “Nurse Depression” hits hard and fast, with face-melting guitars, relentless drums, and a palpable sense of frustration tearing through every bar. Produced by drummer Guy Page, the song takes direct aim at the modern obsession with metrics and algorithms, pushing back against the reduction of music to numbers rather than feeling. At the center is Jess Eastwood‘s unmistakable voice, delivering a clear rallying cry that emphasizes “Don’t trust the numbers, put your faith back into art.” It’s a mission statement as much as a song, capturing Coach Party’s refusal to sand down their edges or dilute their intent! Following the release of Caramel, the band have played Reeperbahn Festival in Germany, wrapped a packed U.K. in-store tour ending at Rough Trade East, and kicked off 2026 with a standout set at Rockaway Beach Festival. With summer festivals on the horizon and their largest-ever headline tour across the U.K., Europe, the U.S., and Canada launching this month, “Nurse Depression” lands as a fierce, necessary reminder: Coach Party are louder, sharper, and more resolute than ever. Discover “Nurse Depression” HERE and contact Dan Carson for available opportunities on behalf of Coach Party.
LUSAINT
Lusaint returns with striking intensity on “Shoot You Dead,” a sultry, slow-burning new single and video lifted from her forthcoming EP The Apothecary (Pt. 2), due April 17th. Following her recent releases “Blind” and “Waterfalls,” the track dives headfirst into the darker corners of the mind, where dependency, control, and the fantasy of escape collide. Built on a rich blend of pop melody and Nashville-inflected instrumentation, “Shoot You Dead” unfolds with quiet emotional revelations in its verses before rising into a controlled, icy crescendo. Lusaint’s vocals are steady and certain, capturing the moment of clarity when letting go becomes inevitable. Guitars, percussion, and drums slowly converge beneath her voice, creating a sense of both tension and release. The result is a track that feels modern yet nostalgic, echoing the smoky, slightly haunted elegance of Fleetwood Mac while remaining unmistakably her own. As Lusaint explains, the song explores “the darker corners of dependency and control, where the mind invents dramatic ways to imagine freedom.” It is a powerful statement from an artist who continues to balance emotional vulnerability with quiet authority. The release arrives as Lusaint prepares for her first-ever European and U.K. headline tour, where she’ll debut new material from The Apothecary EPs. Already a breakout force, her journey from singing jazz and blues covers in Manchester bars to amassing over 250 million streams has been nothing short of remarkable. From viral moments with her rework of En Vogue‘s “Don’t Let Go (Love)” to widespread radio support at BBC Radio 1, major festival appearances, and tastemaker acclaim, Lusaint has steadily built a world around her timeless voice. Discover the visual for “Shoot You Dead” HERE, and contact Robert Davies for available opportunities worldwide with Lusaint.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, February 22nd, 2026: The weekly new music radio show is heard on over 50 radio stations worldwide on six continents weekly including the U.S., Germany, U.K., Canada, Peru, India, Australia, Uganda, Zambia, South Africa, Egypt, Bolivia, Indonesia, Philippines, Holland, Dominican Republic, and many other territories. More information can be found HERE.
CHLOE QISHA – “So Sad So Hot” (Columbia Records, U.K.)
THE ENEMY – “Not Going Your Way” (The Enemy, U.K.)
MAX ALLAIS – “Everywhere” (Real Thing Records/Universal Music, New Zealand)
NEIKED FT. CIRCA WAVES – “Sweet Emotion” (Columbia Records, Germany)
LUSAINT – “Blind” (Heavenly Fire, U.K.)
SEAFRET – “Signal Fire” (Nettwerk, U.K.)
BALU BRIGADA – “Backseat” (Warner Music Group, Australasia)
VELLA – “Somebody Else” (Universal Music, Sweden)
THE STARIDERS – “Hey! All The Lovers” (Unsigned, France)
CASSIA – “Miles Out” (Love Sundays / Universal Music, U.K.)
CHANIN – “Whisper” (Universal Music, Germany)
CAMBER – “Paranoia” (Fierce Panda, U.K.)
D’MASIV – “Side By Side” (Unsigned, Indonesia)
KARIN ANN – “All My Money” (3AM Records, Slovakia)
RED RUM CLUB – “American Nights & English Mornings” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
RHETT REPKO – “Bad At Love” (Unsigned, U.S.)
FINN FORSTER – “Pablo” (Interval Records, U. K.)
GIRL SCOUT – “Same Kids” (AWAL, Sweden)
PICTURE THIS – “Yours Forever” (Sony Music, Ireland)
STREELIGHTS – “What’s Your Name?” (Unsigned, Australia)
ALESSI ROSE – “Get Around” (Capitol/Polydor, U.K.)
SEX MASK – “Cold” (Unsigned, Australia)
MICHAEL ALDAG – “3 Minutes” (3 Beat Records, U.K.)
NEWPORT – “Slow Down” (Liberation Records, Australia)
HORROR DISCO – “Asteroid Fields of Regret” (Neon Genesis Records, Germany)
GIRLI – “Better Undressed” (Virgin EMI Records, U.K.)
JERUB – “Kumbaya” (Elevate Music, U.K.)
FOOL NELSON – “Bad Dream” (AWAL, Australia)
EKKSTACY – “If I Had A Gun” (Dine Alone Records, Canada)
CAT SERRANO – “Sculpture” (Unsigned, U.S.)
ROYEL OTIS – “Who’s Your Boyfriend” (Ourness/Capitol, Australia)
LENNY – “Told Ya” (Unsigned, Czech Republic)
SHOBSY – “Smalltown Boy” (SO Recordings, Ireland)
NATHAN EVANS AND THE SAINT PHNX BAND GLOBAL RISE REACHES THE U.S.: When Nathan Evans uploaded daily sea shanties to TikTok from his home during lockdown, few could have predicted the scale of what would follow. The Scottish postman’s rendition of “Wellerman” quickly became a global phenomenon, amassing more than two billion streams and reaching No.1 in 11 countries. Despite early claims that he would be a one-hit wonder, Evans chose reinvention over retreat. Teaming up with Scottish brothers Alan and Stevie Jukes of Saint PHNX, he formed Nathan Evans & The Saint PHNX Band, fusing traditional folk influences with a bold, arena-ready sound. Three weeks ago, the band released their new album, Angel’s Share, which debuted with a triple No.1 on the U.K. Album Chart, the Scottish Album Chart, and the U.K. Folk Chart. Originally signed to Polydor Records, Evans has remained within the Universal Music Group family, moving through Electrola in Germany and EMI North in the U.K., and now partnering with Republic Records in the United States. An expanded edition of the album will soon follow, featuring “HOME,” their anthem for the Scottish National Football Team. The band is also set to perform the track at the opening ceremony of this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Nathan Evans & The Saint PHNX Band are currently on their debut U.S. tour, with sell-out shows in Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville, signaling a significant breakthrough in the American market ahead of further dates across Europe, Asia, and Australia. Additionally, last November, they sold out Glasgow’s OVO Hydro (14,000 capacity), and next summer they are set to headline their own festival in Edinburgh for 35,000 fans. Today, Nathan Evans & The Saint PHNX Band stand among Scotland’s biggest-selling global artists.
LOUD LUXURY EXPANDS MANAGEMENT TEAM SIGNING WITH THE SHALIZI GROUP: After surpassing four billion global streams, Canadian DJ/producer duo Loud Luxury (Andrew Fedyk and Joe De Pace) have expanded their team, signing with Moe Shalizi and Scott Marcus of The Shalizi Group. The firm, led by manager Moe Shalizi and known for representing artists such as Marshmello, Alesso, and Afrojack, will join Loud Luxury’s longtime partners at Northside Artist Management, where the duo has been managed since 2015. On the label front, they recently finalized a new deal with Republic Records and Casablanca Records. The announcement follows the standout 2025, highlighted by a new Las Vegas residency with Wynn Las Vegas, with performances across XS Nightclub and Encore Beach Club beginning in March. The duo also made headlines with their remix of Taylor Swift‘s “The Fate of Ophelia,” which surpassed four million streams in its first week and continues to gain momentum after a surprise onstage appearance by Travis Kelce during Super Bowl Weekend.
SONY MUSIC GROUP FRANCE ACQUIRES LABEL AND PUBLISHER SPOOKLAND: Sony Music Group France has acquired Spookland, the independent label and publishing company behind globally acclaimed French artist Jain. Founded in 2012 by songwriter-producer Yodelice and managed by Marc Nouchy, Spookland’s catalog spans Jain’s three albums, four albums by Yodelice, 28 published tracks by Johnny Hallyday, and emerging talent like Barry Moore. Under the new partnership, Spookland will operate as Bleu Revolver in collaboration with Sony Music Group France. “This acquisition strengthens a long-standing artistic relationship, reinforcing our collaboration with Jain, an international priority whose creative vision and global reach we deeply value,” the company said. Jain first rose to international fame with her debut Zanaka (2015), certified Diamond with over 1.2 million sales, driven by the six-times diamond single “Makeba.” Her follow-up Souldier (2018) went double Platinum, and her third album, The Fool (2024), is certified Gold.
GIGANTIC TICKETS & CROSSTOWN CONCERTS ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP: Gigantic Tickets has revealed a new long-term primary ticketing partnership with Crosstown Concerts. The multi-year deal, covering both ticketing services and CRM marketing support, marks the largest standalone contract in Gigantic’s history and comes off the back of its most successful year to date in 2025. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, Crosstown Concerts has a slate of upcoming UK shows featuring artists including Super Furry Animals, Ash, The Cardigans, Alexisonfire, Billy Talent, Agnes Obel, Franz Ferdinand, The Vaccines, Belle & Sebastian, and The Fratellis. The promoter also works with acts such as Snow Patrol, Paul Weller, Jack Savoretti, Bellowhead, Jamie Cullum, Idles, and First Aid Kit, among many others. Simon Carpenter, CEO of Gigantic, said, “We are delighted to now be in partnership with Crosstown Concerts. We have worked with Crosstown since their first shows in 2016 and to join them as their primary agent as they enter their second decade is incredibly exciting. I thank Conal and his team for the opportunity to collaborate with them. This new deal highlights the journey we have been on at Gigantic and how we continue to grow to provide an industry-leading service to national promoters, venues, and festivals.” Conal Dodds of Crosstown Concerts added, “I am delighted to have completed this long-term ticketing deal with Gigantic. They are great advocates and supporters of independent voices in the U.K. concert industry, and we look forward to a long and fruitful working relationship.”
MUSICBIRD ACQUIRES PUBLISHING CATALOG OF MAJID JORDAN: MusicBird has acquired the publishing catalog of Toronto R&B duo Majid Jordan. The deal includes both the publisher and writer shares of their works, spanning tracks such as “Her,” “Gave Your Love Away” and “Stars Align,” alongside major co-writes including “Hold On, We’re Going Home” by Drake and “For Free” by DJ Khaled. The acquisition follows MusicBird’s recent agreement with the estate of producer Rick Parashar and expands its portfolio by more than 2,000 songs from hundreds of artists. The company says it works closely with publishers, labels, and industry partners to maximize income and long-term value. Formed in 2011, Majid Jordan, comprised of Majid Al-Maskati and Jordan Ullman, are signed to OVO Sound. Beyond their own releases, the duo has collaborated as writers and producers with artists including Beyoncé and Justin Bieber. “With proven, long-term success across genres underpinned by dedicated fanbases, Majid Jordan’s catalog aligns with MusicBird’s strategy as we continue to build a diverse, hit-driven collection of music rights,” said Paul Brown, CEO of MusicBird. “With Jordan and Majid producing chart hits with some of the world’s biggest names and having a huge influence on modern R&B and pop music, their catalog adds further pedigree, commercial success, and diversity to our growing portfolio. Their music also has plenty of potential to find new fans, providing a significant opportunity to grow the value of these songs in the coming years.”
HENRIK BERNDTSON NAMED HEAD OF NORDICS AT AEG TICKETING DIVISION AXS: AXS, the ticketing arm of AEG, has bolstered its European leadership team with the appointment of Henrik Berndtson as Head of the Nordics, as the company continues its expansion across Europe and other international markets. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Berndtson will manage AXS’s operations across the Nordic region, working closely with both local partners and international teams to advance the company’s European strategy. AXS says this underscores its approach of combining global scale with experienced regional leadership to drive long-term growth. Berndtson brings senior experience from Värmeverket Studios, All Things Live, TV4 Group, and Stockholm Globe Arenas/AEG. He will report to Peter Quinlan, AXS Europe’s Managing Director, balancing the company’s global objectives with a strong local focus. Blaine Legere, President of International at AXS, said, “As AXS continues to expand its international footprint, strong local leadership is essential to delivering consistent, high-quality experiences for our clients and partners. Henrik’s deep understanding of the live entertainment ecosystem and the Nordic market will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our presence in the region.”
SOCIAL MUSIC PLATFORM HOOK RAISES $10 MILLION IN FUNDING: Hook has secured $10 million (USD) in Series A funding led by Khosla Ventures, with backing from existing investors including Point72 Ventures, Imaginary Ventures, and Waverley Capital, co-founded by former Warner Music Group CEO Edgar Bronfman Jr.. Additional support comes from music-focused investors such as Palm Tree Crew, Three Six Zero, Avex, The Raine Group, and DJ/producer KSHMR. The raise brings Hook’s total funding to $16 million. Designed to shift music from passive listening to active participation, Hook enables fans to remix licensed tracks using intuitive AI tools and instantly share their creations across social platforms. Since launching in 2025, the company has prioritized an artist-first model, partnering directly with rights holders to ensure ownership, control, and monetization remain intact. Campaigns with partners including Universal Music Group have generated more than 250 million views, while deals with Downtown Music/FUGA, Too Lost, Primary Wave, and Avex provide access to over 20 million licensed songs. Over the past year, active users have grown more than forty-five times. With integrations spanning TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and SoundCloud, Hook plans to use the new capital to accelerate user growth, roll out an Android app, expand community features, and introduce enhanced creation and native video tools, while maintaining its open ecosystem approach. As part of this next phase, Simmi Singh has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer & Chief Product Officer. Having joined in 2023 and previously held leadership roles at Spotify and JioSaavn, Singh will now oversee product, growth, and operations as Hook scales its vision of a creator-driven, artist-controlled social music platform. Gaurav Sharma, Founder & CEO, Hook will be a key participant at MUSEXPO 2026 as part of its focus on evolving technology, AI, digital, and streaming keynote panel.
VARIOUS ARTISTS MANAGEMENT UNVEILS RAFT OF U.K. APPOINTMENTS: Various Artists Management (VAM) has unveiled a raft of senior appointments at its London headquarters. Rebecca Dixon steps into the newly created role of Global Head of Marketing & Strategy, where she will help define the company’s broader vision and build international strategies for its client roster. George Shepherd has been promoted to Associate Director after playing an integral role in the careers of artists including Ashnikko, Rose Gray, and Sad Night Dynamite. He will now guide the creative and strategic direction of the full VAM roster while continuing to manage his own clients. Elsewhere, Kayleigh Ramchand-Bentley joins as General Manager, U.K., and Kelley Fox comes on board as Senior International A&R, working across both VAM and Alternative Songs. David Bianchi, joint CEO, VAM & Alternative Songs, said, “With New York recently added to our offices in London, Los Angeles, Sydney, and the Middle East expansion in progress, implementing a formal global structure is essential for our next phase of growth. These appointments reflect the incredible internal talent we have nurtured over the years and our commitment to bringing in fresh expertise. This new leadership team ensures that as we scale, we continue to provide the infrastructure necessary to support our artists’ global ambitions. I am incredibly proud to see our team evolve into these global roles; their collective vision and operational excellence are what will drive our success as we move into 2026 and beyond.”
CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS TOM TYKWER: Concord Music Publishing has signed internationally acclaimed filmmaker and composer Tom Tykwer to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal covering his forthcoming musical works. A defining figure in German and European cinema, Tykwer is celebrated for films such as Run Lola Run and Cloud Atlas, as well as the series Sense8, created with The Wachowskis. Alongside his longtime collaborator Johnny Klimek, he has composed numerous film scores, including The Matrix Resurrections, extending their creative partnership into major international productions. His distinctive compositional voice has also been showcased in the globally successful series Babylon Berlin, sold to more than 140 countries. Music for the show’s fifth and final season, set to premiere in 2026, will be the first major project under the new agreement. Beyond his directorial work, Tykwer has co-written scores for a wide range of international films, with orchestral compositions created with Klimek performed by leading ensembles including the Berlin Philharmonic under conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle and Kristjan Järvi. Under the deal, Concord will represent and develop Tykwer’s global catalogue and future works across its international network, including its classical arm Boosey & Hawkes and stage division Concord Theatricals. Tykwer is also Co-Founder and CEO of Berlin-based production company X-Filme Creative Pool and remains one of Europe’s most influential filmmaking voices as he continues to expand his work as a composer.
ARTIST FIRST AND AWAL ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT: Artist First has entered into a strategic alliance with AWAL. Under the agreement, Artist First’s roster will gain access to AWAL’s international growth infrastructure and global distribution network, backed by parent company Sony Music Entertainment. In return, Artist First will bolster AWAL’s footprint in Italy, offering local marketing and promotional expertise to AWAL’s artists, while continuing to operate independently. Founded in 2009 by Claudio Ferrante, Milan-based Artist First has become a cornerstone of Italy’s independent sector, delivering distribution, management, merchandising, and live services through A1 Concerti. The company has helped launch and develop artists including Salmo, Gemitaiz, Dark Polo Gang, Dardust, and Gazzelle. AWAL offers artists and labels services spanning marketing, A&R, creative strategy, and radio promotion, and has significantly expanded its international presence since joining Sony Music. Claudio Ferrante, Founder & CEO of Artist First said, “This new strategic partnership with AWAL will add global reach to our distribution and services capabilities, allowing the Italian artists we represent to engage with new markets and audiences around the world. At the same time, this alliance will enable us to develop new synergies with AWAL’s roster, leveraging A1’s fully integrated and holistic structure to create opportunities that go beyond distribution. With Artist First remaining fully independent and focused on providing artists with an environment in which to enjoy creative freedom, we will continue to live up to our name and always put the artist first. The AWAL team are also keen to tap into our proven expertise in Italy to create opportunities for their fantastic roster in this fast-growing market, and we are really excited about the possibilities that this new partnership holds.”
JILLIAN WEBBER PARTNERS WITH BROKE RECORDS AND INNOVO MANAGEMENT TO LAUNCH WBBR.: Broke records has entered a joint venture with Innovo Management and Jillian Webber to introduce wbbr., a new label built to connect the worlds of music and the creator economy. The label’s inaugural signing is JEYEM. wbbr. was co-founded by Sam Saideman, CEO & Co-Founder of Innovo, alongside longtime client and prominent creator Jillian Webber. The label is rooted in the idea that creators should be integral to how music is discovered, shaped, and amplified, serving as creative collaborators from day one. At launch, wbbr. is prioritizing sustained artist growth, cultural awareness, and storytelling driven by creators. The model blends Innovo’s creator network and social content expertise, Webber’s proven ability to spark virality, and Broke’s established infrastructure across distribution, A&R, and marketing. Innovo has emerged as a leader in talent management and music-focused creator campaigns, running hundreds of promotional activations each month. Its roster has helped fuel sound promotions for dozens of songs on the Billboard Hot 100 annually, with Saideman overseeing some of the most impactful organic music moments across TikTok and other platforms. Webber’s involvement in launching wbbr. reflects the tangible results behind its mission. In 2025, she aided in breaking DC The Don‘s “Get Naked” on broke records, with her content generating more than 93.5 million organic TikTok views and inspiring over 55,000 user-generated videos featuring her choreography, including participation from Charli D’Amelio. She also contributed to the renewed momentum behind Robin Scott & M‘s “Pop Muzik,” helping drive more than 250 million organic views through her content. With over 4.3 million TikTok followers and more than 3.5 billion total views, Webber continues to help redefine how artists and creators collaborate in today’s music landscape.
YOUTUBE MUSIC ROLLS OUT AI-POWERED PLAYLIST GENERATOR TOOL FOR PREMIUM USERS: YouTube Music has launched a new AI-powered playlist generator for Premium subscribers on iOS and Android. The feature is available via the Library tab’s “New” button and allows users to create playlists simply by describing what they want, using either text or voice prompts. The move brings YouTube Music in line with competitors including Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer, all of which have introduced similar AI-driven playlist tools in recent years. For YouTube Music, the rollout forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen its Premium offering, following recent tests that limit lyrics access for some free users, as reported by 9to5Google. The company described the change to TechCrunch as a small-scale experiment affecting a limited number of ad-supported listeners. The update comes as parent company Alphabet Inc. continues to see strong subscription growth. YouTube’s subscription business, spanning YouTube Music, YouTube Premium, YouTube TV, and NFL Sunday Ticket, now generates roughly $20 billion (USD) annually. In Q4 2025, Google reported 325 million paid subscribers across Google One and YouTube Premium, highlighting how AI is increasingly shaping the platform for creators and viewers alike. Alongside playlist generation, YouTube has also introduced an “AI music host,” which adds voice commentary between selected tracks, sharing trivia, stories, and context about the music, enhancing playlists without creating entirely new ones.
TARGA SAHYOUN AND MORGAN DORR LAUNCH FILE EATERS SOFTWARE: Former Capitol Records executive Targa Sahyoun and Sony Music Publishing producer and composer Morgan Dorr have unveiled File Eaters, a new software platform designed to transform music file management and remove the administrative burden of delivering audio and video assets to creatives and companies worldwide. The app embeds key metadata, including writer splits, publishing details, IPI numbers, and PRO information, directly into files. Operating without an internet connection, it prioritizes data security and does not collect or use user data for AI training. Features such as stem recognition, automated naming conventions, file grouping, and customized sharing workflows allow assets to be delivered automatically according to recipients’ preferred specifications. Since launching in 2026, File Eaters has raised over $1 million (USD) in seed funding and assembled an advisory board that includes Simon Bouton, CXO of Google DeepMind, along with executives from United Talent Agency and DreamWorks Animation. The company is currently working with 26 beta clients to build tailored workflows and redefine delivery standards across the industry. Its debut coincided with Grammy week, where it co-sponsored the annual Producers & Engineers Wing celebration hosted by the Recording Academy. Sahyoun brings more than 17 years of global music industry experience, having led creative and content strategy initiatives across major hubs including New York, London, Toronto, Sydney, and Los Angeles, collaborating with artists at Capitol Records and Columbia Records. Dorr, best known as the singer and bassist of multi-platinum band Boys Like Girls, has built a parallel career as a producer and composer for film and television, specializing in custom tracks, catalogue reinvention, and sync solutions that leverage Sony’s publishing repertoire for independent film.
CHRIS WELZ NAMED PARTNER AT SECRETLY DISTRIBUTION: Secretly Distribution (SD) has promoted longtime Chief Operating Officer Chris Welz to Partner. The milestone comes after a record-breaking year in which SD supported thousands of releases from more than 100 independent labels and partners committed to creative autonomy. The company championed Grammy-nominated and critically acclaimed projects from artists including Bon Iver and Japanese Breakfast, as well as label partner Hayley Williams/Post Atlantic. It also expanded its roster with new or renewed agreements with Third Man Records, Org Music, Ubiquity Records, Asthmatic Kitty Records, Invada Records, and Ipecac Recordings. In addition to earning multiple Gold and Platinum certifications, SD launched a new APAC division, introduced a bespoke repertoire management system, and partnered with Cargo Records U.K. and Beggars Group to establish Cargo Independent Distribution, creating a strengthened independent route to market for physical music in the U.K. During his tenure as COO, Welz has overseen the evolution of Secretly’s global physical operations while building out its digital services and DSP partnerships, a business that now drives tens of billions of streams and hundreds of billions of social views annually. As Partner, he will work alongside CEO Darius Van Arman to further expand SD’s global, hands-on distribution model for leading independent artists, labels, and affiliates worldwide.
ANGRY MOB PRESENTS BAILEY BRYAN WITH PLATINUM AWARD FOR SHABOOZEY’S “WHERE I’VE BEEN, ISN’T WHERE I’M GOING”: On February 17 in Los Angeles, Angry Mob‘s Marc Caruso (Co-Founder & CEO), Sean Harrison (Co-Founder & Executive Director, Creative Sync, AM2), Patrick Conseil (A&R Consultant), and Ralph Torrefranca (Executive Director, Writer Creative) honored Bailey Bryan with her Platinum Award. Bryan co-wrote “My Fault (featuring Noah Cyrus),” a standout track that helped drive Shaboozey‘s Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going to No.1 on Billboard‘s U.S. Americana/Folk Albums and US Independent Albums charts, No.2 on U.S. Top Country Albums, and No.5 on the Billboard 200, ahead of its Platinum certification in July 2025. Upon release, “My Fault” secured placement on every global New Music Friday playlist on Spotify, amassed more than 200 playlist adds, and has since surpassed 59 million streams on the platform.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stu Bergen, Charlie Pinder, Daniel Lieberberg, Chloe Weise Donovan, Barry Weiss, Matt D’Arduini, Preston Rodie, Alex Hardee, Pete Ganbarg, Brian Schall, Sulinna Ong, Troy Carter, Devraj Sanyal, and Marian Wolf.
