SONY MUSIC DENMARK NAMES JANUS BARNEWITZ MANAGING DIRECTOR FOLLOWING ONE SEVEN MUSIC ACQUISITION
Sony Music has named Janus Barnewitz as the new Managing Director of Sony Music Denmark, succeeding Henrik Daldorph, who departs after more than two decades leading the company.
The announcement comes alongside news that Sony Music has acquired full ownership of Copenhagen-based label One Seven Music, including its publishing division, signaling a strategic move to strengthen its position in the global electronic and dance music space.
Launched in 2018 by Janus Barnewitz and Morten Vilhelm, One Seven Music has grown into an influential force within the international dance music scene. Following the acquisition, Barnewitz steps into his new role as Managing Director, while Vilhelm will continue to guide the label’s growth under the Sony Music Denmark banner, focusing on creative direction and artist development. In his new position, Barnewitz will report to Daniel Lieberberg, President of Sony Music for Continental Europe and Africa, and will oversee the company’s overall strategy, A&R, and creative output in Denmark.
Barnewitz previously served as Managing Director of Disco:wax and No3, companies acquired by Sony Music Denmark in 2012 and 2018, where he played a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing some of the country’s most successful artists.
His contributions to the careers of acts such as Gilli (MXIII), The Minds Of 99, and Martin Jensen helped drive significant success both domestically and internationally. Under his leadership, Disco:wax and No.3 became major players in the Scandinavian market, reaching a 10% market share in Denmark.
SEEKER MUSIC GROUP CLOSES $267 MILLION ABS TO FUEL GROWTH, SCALE CATALOG
Seeker Music Group has completed its first asset-backed securitization (ABS), raising $267 million (USD). The offering, backed by Seeker’s music portfolio, received ratings from Fitch Ratings, Kroll Bond Rating Agency, and S&P Global Ratings.
Structured by M&G’s finance team, the deal positions Seeker to further grow its catalog, invest in artists, and enhance rights management through technology. At the same time, it offers M&G’s clients access to diversified returns and new growth opportunities.
Since launching in 2020, Seeker has established itself as a forward-thinking player in the music industry, built on the idea that music holds both cultural and long-term financial value. Now valued at over $400 million, its catalog spans more than 19,000 copyrights and master recordings, including works by major artists such as Beyoncé, Drake, Miley Cyrus, Lewis Capaldi, One Direction, Run the Jewels, SWV, Joan Jett, and Christopher Cross, among others.
The company says that a differentiator for Seeker is its direct, creator-driven strategy for reimagining catalog music. One standout initiative, “Samplémoose,” brings together songwriters, producers, and artists to reinvent classic tracks into contemporary hits. Notable successes include Shaboozey‘s chart-topping “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which reworks J-Kwon‘s “Tipsy,” as well as a 2025 update of JoJo‘s “Too Little Too Late,” reimagined as “2 Little 2 Late” by Levi featuring Mario.
Evan Bogart, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, of Seeker Music, said, “This is an important moment for Seeker and for the music we champion. This partnership is the fuel behind our mission to transform how music rights are managed, valued, and celebrated. Together with M&G, we have created a home where songs and legacies get the respect they deserve – and this capital empowers us to move even faster. We are expanding our creative footprint and proving that a creator-led model is the future of music rights management and the standard the modern industry demands.”
Beyond producing new material, Seeker has built a reputation for revitalizing older songs and introducing them to new audiences. Its approach includes songwriting camps centered on reworks, inventive social media strategies, fan engagement initiatives, new visual content for legacy tracks, and direct-to-consumer releases. These efforts have helped drive record streaming numbers for artists like Christopher Cross and renewed cultural relevance for acts such as Run the Jewels and Joan Jett.
PRIMARY WAVE TO ACQUIRE KOBALT
Primary Wave Music has officially announced its acquisition of Kobalt, following reports of a potential deal that surfaced last month.
The finalized agreement includes backing from Brookfield, which serves as a strategic partner to Primary Wave. Together, the combined strength of these two independent music powerhouses is expected to carry a valuation exceeding $7 billion (USD).
As part of the arrangement, Kobalt will continue to operate independently under the leadership of CEO Laurent Hubert and its existing management team. The company will remain a standalone entity, focusing on its role as a technology-driven publishing administrator and creative partner within the music industry.
The acquisition covers Kobalt’s global business operations, its extensive catalog of owned copyrights, and its digital collections platform, Amra. The deal is subject to standard closing conditions and is anticipated to be finalized in the third quarter of 2026. Once the transaction is completed, Kobalt Founder Willard Ahdritz will step down as chairman of the board.
“Over the many years Laurent and I have known each other I have always been impressed by the remarkable team he has built, as well as the extraordinary growth Kobalt has experienced under his leadership,” said Larry Mestel, CEO & Founder, Primary Wave Music. “This acquisition will only enhance his efforts to provide creators individualized attention and specialized support at every stage of their journey and to provide a very significant amount of capital to Kobalt for continued growth.”
Laurent Hubert, CEO of Kobalt, added, “Primary Wave understands our vision of independence and the importance of our ‘creator first’ mindset driven by service, technology, and creativity. We are incredibly excited about our next chapter with them as our partner. Larry and the Primary Wave team are true champions of the music community, and their support underscores the value of the independent ecosystem we are all building.”
KAKAO ENTERTAINMENT APPOINTS JUNGHEE KO AS CO-CEO ALONGSIDE JOSEPH CHANG
South Korea-based Kakao Entertainment has named JungHee Ko as co-CEO, effective March 25th, where she will join Joseph Chang, who has held the same title since 2024.
In addition to her new leadership role, Ko will serve as Chief Platform Officer, taking charge of a newly formed division dedicated to the company’s platform services. This unit will oversee key assets including music streaming platform Melon, the web novel and webtoon business KakaoPage, and fandom-focused K-culture platform Berriz, which launched in March last year.
Meanwhile, Chang will head up the newly established Global Growth Center, a division designed to accelerate Kakao Entertainment’s international expansion.
Ko brings experience within the Kakao ecosystem. At Kakao Bank, she progressed from Head of Channels and Services in 2016 to leading its AI Group by 2025. Earlier in her career, she worked within Kakao’s Strategy Support Division and was part of Daum Communications prior to its merger with Kakao Corp. in 2014. She also held roles at Korea Information & Communications Co., Ltd., and Star Bridge Communication.
Chang, for his part, has built a strong history across both strategy and executive leadership roles. Before becoming co-CEO of Kakao Entertainment, he served as Global Strategy Officer at the company. His previous experience includes leadership positions at Sony Music Entertainment, where he rose from Vice President in 2015 to CEO of SME Korea in 2018 and later CEO of SME Korea/Asia in 2019. He also served as Chief Business Officer at SM Entertainment. Kakao remains a major shareholder in SM Entertainment, the K-pop powerhouse behind acts like Super Junior and aespa, having secured control of the company in 2023 following a high-profile bidding contest with HYBE.
Under this new leadership structure, Kakao Entertainment aims to strengthen the integration between its intellectual property and platform businesses while expanding its global fan base. In his new role, Chang will focus on enhancing the competitiveness of the company’s IP operations by aligning the planning, production, and distribution of content across music, storytelling, and media. He is also expected to drive the development of globally impactful IP through diversification and expansion, while pursuing new business opportunities, particularly in the US, through partnerships, distribution strategies, and localized initiatives.
MUSEXPO’S 26TH GLOBAL EDITION DELIVERS A COMPELLING AND IMPACTFUL EVENT WITH LEADERS FROM THE GLOBAL MUSIC BUSINESS AND MUCH MORE
The A&R Worldwide organized and curated MUSEXPO 2026, “United Nations of Music” held in Burbank, California, from March 22 – 25, delivered a dynamic convergence of global music industry leaders, creatives, and visionaries from across the globe, as well as some burgeoning musical talent. The event, hosted in the “Media Capital of the World” lived up to its reputation, featuring an array of engaging panels, exclusive keynote interviews, showcases, and networking opportunities.
MUSEXPO delivered on its promise to bring together some incredible panels, keynotes, awards events, artist performances, and networking opportunities. The event brought together power players from across the global including companies such as Netflix, Amazon MGM Studios, Billboard (U.S., U.K. & Canada), Rolling Stone, Warner Music Group, Facet House, Republic Records, Concord Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Sony Music Entertainment, FOX Sports, Malsons Media, Paramount Global, DreamWorks Animation, Format Entertainment, A+E Global, Disney Music Group, Live Nation, WME, iHeartMedia, PRG, Silva Screen Music Group, APM Music, BMG, Seeker Music, Position Music, FENIX360, Audacy, Chartmetric, Onestop Music, Position Music, Zooly.ai, and many others operating across the global music, film, television, brand, technology, and live entertainment sectors.
Some of the awards events included the annual Seymour Stein “Global A&R Award,” which was 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” was presented to one of the U.K.’s most inspiring independent entrepreneurs, Reynold D’Silva, Founder & CEO, Silva Screen Group and SO Recordings. The “International Music Person of the Year” recipient was one of the world’s most influential booking agents, Kirk M. Sommer, Senior Partner/Global Head of Contemporary Music, WME who has helped discover and break countless artists in the live arena worldwide – working with Adele, Billie Eilish, The Killers, Sam Smith, Hozier, NIN, Teddy Swims, Benson Boone, Lewis Capaldi, Sam Fender, Lola Young, Portugal The Man, and countless others. MUSEXPO also featured the return of the A&R Worldwide “International Music Industry Awards” gala dinner, and its popular Global Sync Summit, and A&R Summit, as a part of its overall 2026 event program.
Sat Bisla, President & Founder, MUSEXPO stated, “On behalf of our entire A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO team, we would like to thank all of the showcase artists, speakers, partners, delegates, sponsors, wineries, City of Burbank, Visit Burbank, and friends for their gracious participation, support and for being a part of what is truly a global music family and community that is so unique to what embodies the genuine passion and true spirit of music at MUSEXPO.
I would also like to thank my amazing team including Monte Malone, Joe Arnold, Dusty Bisla, Daniel Bisla, Andrew Boone, William Aman, Jenna Bisla, Gabe Stevanus, Andreas Voll, Ryan Benyo, and our volunteers for their tireless efforts, selflessness, and support to ensure MUSEXPO was an exceptional experience for all who attended and one of our most seamless events ever!
MUSEXPO 2026 proved to be a resounding success, fostering innovation, collaboration, and insights that are poised to shape the future of the music industry on a global scale. MUSEXPO 2027, which will be the event’s 27th global edition, will return next year, for what is already anticipated to be another phenomenal event.
Here’s a short pictorial overview of this year’s event:
A full recap of the event, with all the photos of the panels, keynotes, awards events, gala dinner, networking receptions, artist showcases, wine events and more will be posted soon on the official MUSEXPO website, and social media platforms.
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‘s Founder Sat Bisla has enjoyed a longstanding friendship and mutual respect with the legendary Folkert Koopmans, Founder & CEO, FKP Scorpio since the two first met back in 2005 at the inaugural MUSEXPO in West Hollywood, CA..
Since launching the company in 1990 in Hamburg, Koopmans has transformed it from an independent startup into one of Europe’s largest concert and festival promoters. His portfolio includes iconic events like the Hurricane and Southside festivals, and his agency serves as a primary touring partner for superstars such as Ed Sheeran, The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Taylor Swift, Tash Sultana, and many others.
Beyond traditional music tours, Koopmans has aggressively diversified into immersive exhibitions, family entertainment, and spoken word events. With offices spanning ten European countries, he remains a pivotal figure in shaping the modern festival landscape, known for balancing large-scale commercial success with a genuine passion for the indie music scene. Today, FKP Scorpio consistently ranks among the top promoters worldwide, reflecting Koopmans’ enduring influence on the international cultural stage.
Clotaire Buche is the Co-Founder, Head of booking & Creative at Junzi Arts, a prominent Paris-based artist development agency and tour promoter. Founded in 2013 alongside Jeremie Charbonnel, the agency is renowned for its “artist-focused” and long-term development strategy, specifically tailoring live performance experiences to unlock a musician’s full potential.
Buche, who previously led booking at Caramba Spectacles, has been instrumental in growing a diverse and prestigious roster that includes international acts like Woodkid, Dita Von Teese, Chassol, as well as early A&R Worldwide supported artists including Thomas Azier and Tony Ann (who Sat Bisla co-managed with Cathy Mathalone when Tony was in The Swoons). His expertise earned him the title of “International Booking Agent of the Year” at MUSEXPO 2016. Today, Junzi Arts continues to thrive by managing global tours and producing unique live shows like Drag Race France Live.
LIV BLOORE
British Alt folk-rock artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Liv Bloore returns with “Her Flowers,” a tender and deeply personal single reflecting on the girls who have shaped, and sometimes quietly disappeared from, her life. Part nostalgic, part grieving, the song traces memories of faded high-school friendships, past relationships, and the recent loss of a childhood friend, capturing the complicated emotional landscape of queerness, girlhood, and growing up. Entirely self-produced, “Her Flowers” begins as a lilting folk ballad before slowly expanding into an ethereal shoegaze haze. Echoing trumpet, slide guitar, spacey harmonies, and delicate piano textures build toward a dreamlike finale that mirrors the song’s emotional arc. Liv’s poetic storytelling shines throughout, including a subtle nod to one of her biggest inspirations, Phoebe Bridgers, in the line, “I listened to Punisher alone (I gave you the moon).” Raised in rural Suffolk and classically trained at Cambridge, Liv brings together an unusual mix of influences, from medieval choral music to the emotional pull of indie rock and alternative folk. The result is a sound that blends layered harmonies, cinematic arrangements, and raw guitar textures into something both intimate and expansive. Early support has come quickly. Record of the Day, Ones to Watch, BBC Introducing, Chess Club Records and Loud Women have all championed Liv’s emerging sound, with Record of the Day noting that “Her Flowers showcases Liv’s poetic songwriting and growing confidence behind the production,” while previously praising her single “Sing For Me,” adding that “Liv Bloore is an artist that needs to be on your radar.” As anticipation builds for her debut EP, Liv will play her first full-band headline show on April 24 at The Lower Third in London, performing the EP in full alongside unreleased material, an exciting next step for an artist quietly carving out her own luminous corner of the indie-folk world. Discover her talent HERE with “Her Flowers,” and contact Liv directly for additional information and available collaborations.
STEFAN LALCHEV
London, England-based British-Bulgarian singer-songwriter Stefan Lalchev returns with “Won’t Let Go,” a sweeping cinematic pop ballad about holding on to love, and hope, even when it feels just out of reach. The track pairs heartfelt vulnerability with soaring pop drama, building from intimate verses into an uplifting, anthemic chorus. Produced by Jamie Sellers (Elton John, Ed Sheeran) and mastered by Mike Hillier (Cian Ducrot, Bastille), “Won’t Let Go” highlights Stefan’s powerful vocal range and instinct for emotional storytelling. The song blends classic pop sensibilities with cinematic scope, creating a love song that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. Stefan’s musical journey began early. Born in Bulgaria, he first rose to national prominence as a teenager when he finished fourth in the inaugural season of Music Idol (Pop Idol Bulgaria), leading to record deals, national touring, and major live performances. In 2009 he moved to London to deepen his craft, later earning both BA and MA degrees from the London College of Music and continuing to develop as a songwriter and performer. Drawing inspiration from artists like John Legend, Adele, and Coldplay, Stefan’s music sits at the intersection of pop, soul, and cinematic storytelling, songs built around big emotions and even bigger vocals. Watch the visual for “Won’t Let Go” HERE, and contact Stefan directly for additional information, and available collaborations worldwide.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, March 29th, 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.
SEAFRET – “Signal Fire” (Nettwerk, U.K.)
TOVE STYRKE – “Prayer” (Bud Fox, Sweden)
SEX MASK – “Cold” (Unsigned, Australia)
YONAKA – “Trouble Follows” (Distiller Records, U.K.)
BALU BRIGADA – “Backseat” (Warner Music Group, Australasia)
GIRL SCOUT – “Operator” (AWAL, Sweden)
MAX ALLAIS – “Everywhere” (Real Thing Records/Universal Music, New Zealand)
NEIKED FT. CIRCA WAVES – “Sweet Emotion” (Columbia Records, Germany)
LOUIS OLIVER – “Tell Me” (Unsigned, U.K.)
LUSAINT – “Shoot You Dead” (Heavenly Fire, U.K.)
CHANIN – “Whisper” (Universal Music, Germany)
OVERPASS – “Union Station” (Communion Records, U.K.)
VELLA – “Somebody Else” (Universal Music, Sweden)
RED RUM CLUB – “American Nights & English Mornings” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
KARIN ANN – “All My Money” (3AM Records, Slovakia)
RHETT REPKO – “Bad At Love” (Unsigned, U.S.)
AINA – “Soon You’ll Be Mine” (Unsigned, U.S.)
D’MASIV – “Side By Side” (Unsigned, Indonesia)
GIRLI – “Slap on The Wrist” (Virgin EMI Records, U.K.)
RUEL – “Only Ever” (Giant Music, Australia)
SOLYA – “Born Wicked” (Version III, U.S.)
CAMBER – “Paranoia” (Fierce Panda, U.K.)
KID KAPICHI – “Worst Kept Secret” (Spinefarm, U.K.)
MICHAEL ALDAG – “3Minutes” (3 Beat Records, U.K.)
NEWPORT – “Slow Down” (Liberation Records, Australia)
JAMES BRUNER – “I Get Everything” (Maroon Records, N. America)
BIRD – “The Boy And The Swan” (Pop Fiction/AWAL, Belgium)
FOOL NELSON – “Bad Dreams” (AWAL, Australia)
JERUB – “Kumbaya” (Elevate Music, U.K.)
THE ENEMY – “Trouble” (The Enemy, U.K.)
PICTURE THIS – “Yours Forever” (Sony Music, Ireland)
LENNY – “Told Ya” (Unsigned, Czech Republic)
THE STARIDERS – “Hey! All The Lovers” (Unsigned, France)
CAT SERRANO – “Sculpture” (Unsigned, U.S.)
POSITION MUSIC SIGN JUTES TO A GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL & RE-UP LABEL DEAL: Position Music has announced that artist and songwriter Jutes has signed a new worldwide publishing deal along with a label extension, facilitated by Position Music A&R, Joe Brooks. This updated partnership signals an exciting new phase in Jutes’ artistic journey, giving him the freedom to further refine his signature mix of gritty alternative rock and deeply emotional songwriting, while continuing to collaborate closely with the Position team on future releases and creative ventures. Coinciding with the announcement, Jutes releases his latest single, “Disassociate,” on March 25th. The rising alt-rock force delivers a moody, captivating track that blends raw vulnerability with a dark, atmospheric edge. “Disassociate” dives into the magnetic tension between desire and emotional detachment, reinforcing Jutes’ reputation for bold, unfiltered storytelling. Driven by haunting melodies and candid lyrics, the song captures the disorienting sensation of losing yourself, whether in a fleeting moment or another person, when everything else feels like it is falling apart. It walks the line between sensual intensity and emotional depth, examining how intimacy can serve as both an escape and a coping mechanism during overwhelming times. Speaking on the track, Jutes shares, “This is about the world crumbling around me and me needing a break from empathizing and taking on everyone’s pain by disassociating with someone else. Sometimes you have sex to feel something and sometimes you have it to feel nothing.” Looking ahead, Jutes is set to take his music overseas this May with his Far from Dilworth tour.
WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC SCANDINAVIA SIGNS LYKKE LI: Warner Chappell Music Scandinavia (WCM) has announced a new signing with internationally acclaimed Swedish singer-songwriter Lykke Li. The partnership centers around her upcoming sixth studio album, The Afterparty, which is scheduled for worldwide release on May 8th. The deal focuses specifically on this new project, marking a return for the multi-platinum artist. Created in Stockholm alongside a 17-piece string orchestra, the album represents what Li has described as her “existential era.” Early reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, especially following the debut of the lead single, “Lucky Again.” The record dives into themes of mortality and indulgence, paired with her signature unconventional style, something she has playfully referred to as “apocalyptic bongos.” Since breaking onto the scene with Youth Novels in 2008, Lykke Li has established herself as one of Sweden’s most distinctive and influential artists, recognized for her raw lyricism and experimental sound. Over the years, she has collaborated with Drake, Mark Ronson, and U2, while amassing billions of streams worldwide. This latest signing highlights WCM Scandinavia’s ongoing dedication to supporting standout talent from the region. Although the agreement is centered on her forthcoming album and does not include her earlier catalog, the WCM team will collaborate closely with her management to expand the project’s reach across sync opportunities, digital platforms, and global markets.
BUCKS MUSIC GROUP SIGNS BELLE CHEN TO EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE DEAL: Bucks Music Group has entered into an exclusive global publishing agreement with pianist, composer, and producer Belle Chen. Based in London, Chen is known for blending classical influences with electronic elements. Her 2024 album Ravel In The Forest debuted at No.7 on the U.K. Specialist Classical chart and reached No.15 on the ARIA Classical chart. As a composer, she has received commissions from leading U.K. ensembles, including the BBC Concert Orchestra and BBC Philharmonic. Her work has also featured on BBC Radio 3 programs such as Music and Meditation and Postcards from Composers. Chen’s music extends to international audiences through syncs and collaborations, with commissions and placements spanning London and Shanghai Fashion Weeks, as well as choreography for The Cincinnati Ballet and The Joffrey Ballet. An accomplished classical pianist, her recording of Maurice Ravel‘s Un Barque Sur L’Ocean has also been featured in the Gucci Archive. She has performed at EartH Theatre (EFG London Jazz Festival), Kings Place Hall One, Polygon LIVE, the Royal Albert Hall‘s Steinway Series, LSO St Luke’s, Shambala Festival, OzAsia Festival, Latitude Festival, Melbourne Recital Centre, Cafe OTO, and Piano City Milano. Currently signed to Platoon, she is preparing for a major release in 2027 featuring collaborators including the BBC Philharmonic. She is also set to tour the U.K. and Europe this spring, followed by dates across the Asia-Pacific region later in the year.
ANGHAMI PARTNERS WITH CYANITE TO ENHANCE MUSIC DISCOVERY WITH AI-POWERED METADATA ACROSS 2.5 MILLION SONGS: Anghami, the top music and entertainment streaming service in the MENA region with more than 120 million registered users, has teamed up with Cyanite to enhance 2.5 million tracks using AI-powered music metadata. Through the integration of Cyanite’s auto-tagging API, Anghami has enriched its library with detailed, audio-driven insights, covering elements like mood, genre, energy, and instrumentation. This added layer of structured metadata feeds into its recommendation engine, making music discovery more accurate and scalable. When you are working with millions of songs, the quality of metadata becomes essential for delivering strong personalization. Consistent, well-structured tagging helps platforms connect listeners with the right tracks, highlight lesser-known music, and create more tailored listening experiences across a wide range of styles. This collaboration also highlights Anghami’s focus on authentically representing Arabic music. Much of its catalog features regional content that is often overlooked by Western-focused AI systems. Since Cyanite’s technology analyzes the audio itself, rather than relying on user behavior or language-based data, it can deliver consistent results across diverse cultures and musical traditions. Markus Schwarzer, CEO, Cyanite, said, “Anghami operates one of the most culturally diverse music catalogs in the world. Ensuring that Arabic repertoire is tagged with the same precision as Western music is not trivial. We are proud that our audio-based AI can support music discovery at this scale and across such a rich regional landscape.”
RAÚL HERNÁNDEZ JR SIGNS PARTNERSHIP WITH WARNER MUSIC MEXICO AND FM ENTERTAINMENT: Raúl Hernández Jr. has unveiled a new partnership with Warner Music Mexico and FM Entertainment. The deal brings together both his recording projects and live touring strategy, ushering in a new phase for the norteño and corridos artist. As part of the agreement, Hernández will create and release new music under Warner Music Mexico, with his first batch of tracks expected to arrive this spring. At the same time, he will tap into FM Entertainment’s strong cross-border network to expand his touring presence, taking his well-known live shows to larger venues throughout the U.S. and Mexico. Widely recognized for his contributions to norteño and corridos, Hernández recently dropped his album Si Te Vuelves a Enamorar (2026), along with a reimagined version of the Bronco classic bearing the same title. This partnership also reflects a broader strategic collaboration between Warner Music and FM Entertainment, aimed at developing both established artists and the next wave of Música Mexicana talent. Tomas Rodriguez, President of Warner Music Mexico, said, “Raúl Hernández Jr. is a vital talent at the heart of the Música Mexicana movement. By aligning Warner Music’s international creative network with FM Entertainment’s live expertise, we are ensuring Raúl’s voice reaches the widest possible audience. This is not just a signing; it is a commitment to the future of the genre.”
IDOL SIGNS LEX RECORDS AND TRU THOUGHTS: Independent distributor IDOL, known for delivering top-tier services to a carefully selected roster of artists and labels, has partnered with U.K.-based imprints Lex Records and Tru Thoughts, both recognized for their genre-defying releases across hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music. Under the agreement, Lex Records, home to artists such as BADBADNOTGOOD & Ghostface Killah, Danger Mouse, Eyedress, Kae Tempest, and the late MF DOOM, will benefit from global digital distribution. The label will also tap into IDOL’s dedicated marketing and audience development teams, coordinated through its London office and supported by the company’s international network. Tru Thoughts Records will receive digital distribution worldwide, excluding North America and Japan. Based in Brighton, the label will also gain access to IDOL’s comprehensive services, including rights management, catalogue growth, and tailored DSP strategies aimed at boosting the visibility of both its catalog and future releases across streaming and digital platforms. Its roster features artists such as Flowdan, Quantic, Hot 8 Brass Band, and Moonchild. For both labels, IDOL will leverage its proprietary platform, Labelcamp, offering in-depth analytics on streaming performance, playlist placements, and audience engagement. These new partnerships coincide with IDOL’s 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of supporting independent music. As part of the milestone, the company will serve as an official sponsor of A2IM‘s Indie Week in June and plans to host anniversary events for artists, labels, and partners in Paris, New York, London, and Berlin, with further details to be announced.
THE ORCHARD APPOINTS HEATHER VASSAR AS SR. VP NASHVILLE: The Orchard has named Heather Vassar as its new Sr. Vice President of Nashville operations. She will be based in the city and report directly to President and COO Colleen Theis. In this position, Vassar will lead and shape the strategic direction of The Orchard’s Nashville division, with a strong emphasis on expanding the company’s presence and influence in the region. Her responsibilities will include cultivating new partnerships within Nashville’s independent music scene, as well as overseeing the division’s daily operations. Before joining The Orchard, Vassar served as Sr. VP at Empire, where she established the company’s Nashville division and played a key role in signing, and developing emerging artists such as Shaboozey, CeCe, and Wyatt Flores. Alongside her new role, Vassar will continue to run Casual Media Partners, her own venture that integrates record label services, artist management, content production, and forward-thinking initiatives across AI, technology, and cross-platform storytelling.
UNITED TALENT AGENCY PROMOTES 35 EXECUTIVES TO PARTNER WITHIN MUSIC DIVISION: United Talent Agency (UTA) has elevated 35 executives to partner, representing 23 departments across its worldwide operations, as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen and expand its leadership team. Among those promoted are seven executives from the agency’s music arm, UTA LIVE: Christian Bernhardt, Alisann Blood, Brandi Brammer, Jules De Lattre, Sara Schoch, Elisa Vazzana, and James Wright. The broader group of promotions spans multiple divisions across the company, including Filmed Entertainment, Creators, Klutch Sports Group, Sports and Brand Insights, Sports Media, Publishing, Technology, Strategy and Corporate Development, The Curtis Brown Group, Corporate Communications, IQ, and Business Affairs. These advancements come during a period of transition for UTA, following David Kramer’s recent appointment as CEO, succeeding Jeremy Zimmer. The move reflects the agency’s continued evolution as it reshapes its leadership across music, creator-focused businesses, and brand partnerships. In a statement, CEO David Kramer said, “Congratulations to our new partners, whose contributions have been at the center of our momentum, championing clients, building teams, and pushing our business forward in a rapidly evolving industry. Their achievements exemplify what differentiates UTA: ambition paired with integrity, collaboration at the highest level, and a commitment to always looking ahead. Partnership is more than a title, it is a recognition of impact, trust, and dedication to our clients and one another. As we enter our next phase of growth, their partnership will play a critical role in shaping the future of our agency.”
WARNER CHAPPELL RENEWS GLOBAL DEAL WITH AYA NAKAMURA: Warner Chappell Music has renewed its global publishing deal with multi-Diamond selling artist Aya Nakamura, extending a partnership that first began in 2017 and now approaches the 10-year mark. Since breaking through internationally with her 2018 hit “Djadja,” which achieved platinum status in 17 countries, Nakamura has played a key role in bringing French-language music to a wider global audience. Her distinctive blend of pop, Caribbean zouk, R&B, and Afrobeats has driven more than seven billion streams, cementing her status as the most-streamed French female artist of all time. She has also built a massive digital following, with over 25 million fans across social platforms. The renewed agreement follows a major run of success over the past two years. During that time, Nakamura scored her second consecutive No.1 album with Destinée and delivered a performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, where she appeared alongside the French Republican Guard in front of an audience estimated to exceed one billion viewers. Looking ahead, Nakamura is set to take the stage for a three-night residency at Paris’ Stade de France at the end of May. With all 240,000 tickets selling out instantly, she is poised to become the youngest artist ever to headline three consecutive sold-out shows at the iconic venue.
GYRO GROUP EXPANDS INTO LATIN AMERICA: Global music company GYRO Group has officially expanded into Latin America with the launch of its first physical office in Brazil, established through a partnership with local operator Music Stream. The company, known for its white-label distribution platform DistroDirect and Australian DIY service G.Y.R.O. (Get Your Record Out), said the new headquarters in Santos, São Paulo, underscores its commitment to supporting artists, labels, and music businesses in the region with a strong local presence. According to GYRO, the new space is intended to serve as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and professional growth, helping creatives develop sustainable careers with global reach. The move comes as Brazil’s music market continues to surge, with projections suggesting it could hit $1 billion by 2027. More broadly, Latin America remains the fastest-growing music region, posting a 17.1% year-over-year increase in 2025, marking its 16th straight year of growth, while Brazil climbed to No. 8 in the global rankings with a 14.1% rise. The Santos office will be led by Samuel Fernandes, CEO of Music Stream and Head of Operations for DistroDirect in Latin America. DistroDirect currently supports more than 500 partners across 40 markets worldwide, with Music Stream operating as its premium services arm in the region. Together, they aim to provide hands-on support, strategic guidance, and industry access to artists, labels, and distribution partners throughout Latin America, positioning the new office as a key step forward for the independent music sector in Brazil.
CAA RECRUITS JAMES SIMMONS AS AGENT IN GLOBAL TOURING DIVISION: CAA has brought on James Simmons as an agent within its Global Touring division, with the role based out of the agency’s London office. His appointment follows a series of recent hires at CAA’s London branch, including Lucy Dickins, as well as David Bradley and Nikos Kazoleas, all strengthening the Global Touring team. Simmons joins from WME, where he worked with a roster of notable artists such as Mumford & Sons, Little Simz, James Blake, Nilüfer Yanya, Louis Dunford, and Rex Orange County. He originally got his start in the industry at International Talent Booking (ITB). CAA’s Global Touring division is known for handling high-profile tour negotiations, bookings, and global coordination. Recent highlights include Garth Brooks set to headline BST Hyde Park in June 2026, major performances at London’s All Points East featuring artists like Lorde, Twenty One Pilots, Jorja Smith, and Tems, a large-scale headlining tour for David Guetta, and sold-out stadium runs for Harry Styles, The Weeknd, and System Of A Down. “We’re very pleased to welcome James to the team,” said Emma Banks, CAA’s Co-Head of Global Touring. “He has built strong momentum in the live space, with experience supporting arena tours across the UK and Europe and contributing to major stadium shows, including Wembley and key venues in Australia. He brings fresh perspective, great instincts, and a strong network, which will be invaluable as we continue to grow opportunities for our artists across the U.K. and beyond.”
FEATURE.FM LANDS NEW DEALS WITH CONCORD, RESERVOIR, A24, AND MORE: Feature.fm has unveiled a wave of new and renewed enterprise partnerships spanning the independent music landscape. The marketing and fan data platform has inked deals with a wide range of companies, including Concord, Reservoir Recordings, A24 Music, Horus Music, EmuBands, Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, Big Machine Rock, Curb Records, Wildlife Entertainment, Artlist, Metropolitan Groove Merchants, Silverback Music, Thirty Tigers, and Big Loud Rock. According to the company, these agreements highlight the growing demand for Feature.fm’s marketing infrastructure among independent labels, distributors, and artist services firms looking for scalable solutions to power release campaigns, capture fan data, and track performance more effectively. Feature.fm emphasized that first-party fan data is increasingly essential for long-term artist growth. Concord, home to more than 125,000 artists, songwriters, composers, and playwrights, is using the platform to enhance digital marketing efforts across its roster. Meanwhile, A24 Music, the music division of independent entertainment company A24, has integrated Feature.fm into its workflows to support releases and deepen fan engagement across its expanding catalog. Reservoir Recordings is also leveraging the platform for both new releases and catalog campaigns. These partnerships are fueled by tools such as ownership of first-party fan data, automated pre-save and release campaigns, multi-team account management, detailed performance analytics, and cross-platform fan acquisition. Today, Feature.fm supports nearly 550,000 artists each year, continuing to strengthen its role as a key marketing partner within the independent music sector.
FIREBIRD ACQUIRES MAJORITY STAKE IN GOODLIFE MANAGEMENT: Firebird has struck a partnership with U.K.-based artist management firm Goodlife Management, whose roster includes Fred again.., The Blessed Madonna, Ki/Ki, and ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U, among others. According to reports, Firebird has acquired a majority stake in the company as part of the deal. The agreement brings Goodlife’s founders, Oliver Sasse, Lucy Sasse, Ellie Shaw, and David Watters, along with their team and artist roster, into Firebird’s growing network of management companies. That network already spans firms such as Mick Management (U.S./U.K.), Red Light Management (U.S./U.K.), JET Management (U.S.), Hills Artists (U.S.), and Special Projects (UK). Firebird says the partnership meaningfully strengthens its position within the electronic music sector. As part of the arrangement, Oliver Sasse will step into a Senior Adviser role at Firebird, where he will focus on identifying new acquisition opportunities across the dance and electronic space, including catalogs, labels, management companies, live events, and broader “Artist Inc.” ventures. Firebird CEO Nathan Hubbard noted that the company plans to invest more than $500 million into artist partnerships over the next two years, building on the $300 million it has already deployed. The transaction applies specifically to Goodlife Management. Alex Gibson, who co-manages Fred again.. alongside Sasse, is not included in the deal, both will continue working together in managing the artist.
SYMPHONIC ACQUIRES DISTRO NATION: Symphonic has acquired Distro Nation, a platform specializing in music distribution and YouTube monetization. Through the deal, Symphonic adds a range of high-profile YouTube channels to its portfolio, including those of artists such as Lindsey Stirling, Sabaton, Yanni, Good Charlotte, Bryant Myers, and Switchfoot. The acquisition also covers the management and monetization of Chappell Roan‘s YouTube content released prior to her 2023 debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. As part of the transition, Distro Nation’s CEO and Co-Founder Jon Baltz will join Symphonic’s executive ranks as Head of UGC & Rights Management, bringing his team with him. Originally founded in 2011 as INDMUSIC, Distro Nation built its reputation managing YouTube channels for independent artists. A breakthrough came in 2016 when the company successfully monetized Baauer‘s viral hit “Harlem Shake,” helping Mad Decent capitalize on the track’s explosive popularity. Later that year, the business was acquired by Live Nation and rebranded as Live Nation Video Network. It spun out again in 2024, returning to independence and continuing to offer services such as a proprietary dashboard, royalty reporting, monthly payouts, and premium YouTube account status for its clients. Since becoming independent once more, Distro Nation has expanded its network to represent more than 200 artists on YouTube.
WARNER MUSIC GROUP & NETFLIX FORM PARTNERSHIP FOR DOCUMENTARIES ON LABEL’S ARTIST AND SONGWRITER ROSTER: Warner Music Group (WMG) has entered into an exclusive multi-year first-look agreement with Netflix, launching a creative collaboration that will bring documentary series and films to the platform. These projects will spotlight the stories, music, and cultural impact of WMG’s iconic and current artists and songwriters. Additionally, WMG is teaming up with Unigram, led by Amanda Ghost and Gregor Cameron, which will act as the production partner for its long-form content. Together, WMG and Unigram will develop each project closely alongside the artists themselves or their estates, ensuring authenticity and creative alignment. Robert Kyncl, CEO of Warner Music Group, said, “The combination of Warner Music Group’s IP with Netflix’s global reach is an incredible opportunity to introduce new fans to our artists and songwriters all around the world.” Adam Del Deo, VP, Documentary Films & Series, added, “We’ve seen how music inspires incredible fandom on Netflix so we’re excited to partner with Warner Music Group and the best-in-class artists they work with to bring even more indelible music storytelling to our members.”
MUSIC MESSAGING APP FEELS LAUNCHES WITH LICENSING DEALS FROM ALL THREE MAJORS: Feels Music Messaging, also known simply as Feels, officially launched on iOS and Android on March 24th, backed by licensing agreements with Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group. In addition, the company has secured publishing deals with Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, and Warner Chappell Music, giving the app access to millions of licensed songs, videos, and lyrics. Among its early supporters is Eminem‘s long-term manager Paul Rosenberg, who joins as both an investor and board member, alongside backing from venture firm Reign Ventures. Feels allows users to send short-form audio and music video clips, up to 15 seconds long, enhanced with lyric overlays, custom fonts, and personalized backgrounds. These clips can be shared directly within text messages, DMs, and group chats via a keyboard extension. The concept is designed to function similarly to GIF, enabling users to search content by artist, mood, song title, or specific lyrics. The platform is also positioned as a creative tool for artists, songwriters, and fans to collaborate and build new audiences. Each “Feels” message is designed to generate revenue opportunities for creators, although the company has not disclosed detailed royalty structures. Powered by AI and machine learning, Feels aims to better understand users’ emotional connections to music, building what it describes as a deeper sense of “emotional musical intelligence.” The app was founded by Anthony (Tony) Seyler, a two-time Grammy-nominated executive with more than 20 years at Interscope Records, where he served as Executive VP and established the label’s film, television, and video game licensing divisions. He also played a role in launching Beats by Dre alongside Jimmy Iovine and produced Billie Eilish‘s documentary The World’s A Little Blurry, which was shortlisted for an Academy Award.
MUSIXMATCH LAUNCHES ‘SENTINEL’ SERVICE TO DETECT WHEN COPYRIGHTED MUSIC AND LYRICS ARE USED IN AI AND UGC: Musixmatch has introduced a new solution designed to identify the use of copyrighted music and lyrics within both AI-generated and user-created content. The Bologna-based music data and lyrics company says the surge in content produced by AI tools, and rapidly uploaded across digital platforms, has made it increasingly difficult to detect unauthorized use of copyrighted material. This, in turn, raises legal risks for platforms and leaves rights holders more vulnerable. To address this, Musixmatch has developed Sentinel, a music fingerprinting technology capable of spotting even small portions of copyrighted lyrics in milliseconds, enabling platforms to respond to potential infringements in real time. The tool is the latest addition to Musixmatch Pro, the company’s suite of services aimed at helping artists, songwriters, labels, publishers, and enterprise partners manage, distribute, and monetize music and lyric content. At launch, Sentinel focuses on advanced lyric fingerprinting, an area Musixmatch identifies as particularly exposed to risk. The system is powered by the company’s extensive lyrics database, which is used by more than 200,000 publishers and covers content in over 250 languages. Designed for seamless integration, Sentinel connects to existing platforms via API and can differentiate between original, licensed, copyrighted, and public-domain material. Looking ahead, Musixmatch plans to expand Sentinel’s capabilities beyond lyrics, with the goal of offering broader copyright detection and rights management tools across additional types of content.
PRIMARY WAVE MAKES INVESTMENT IN VIETNAM’S POPS MUSIC: Primary Wave Music has announced a strategic investment in POPS Music, a leading Vietnam-based music company. POPS describes itself as the home of the largest catalog of Vietnamese and Indonesian music, and under the agreement, Primary Wave will inject capital into the business while also offering additional support to drive further catalog acquisitions across Southeast Asia. The goal is to accelerate the company’s intellectual property growth throughout the region. In a statement released on March 26, POPS was highlighted as a major force in regional music, with a vast catalog of Vietnamese and broader Southeast Asian repertoire. Over the past 20 years, the company has played a significant role in shaping one of the region’s most influential music ecosystems. Founded as part of the digital media and entertainment network POPS K.K., the company is headquartered in Vietnam and operates across multiple territories, including Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. Its catalog includes more than 45,000 recordings. POPS also reports a substantial digital footprint, with over 15 million monthly active users across its music channels, alongside a combined audience of 850 million subscribers across platforms and almost 67 million monthly active users on its owned channels.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Josh Sarubin, Matt Gudinski, Anita Chinkes-Ratner, Marian Wolf, Golnar Khosrowshahi, Alain Veille, Mamie Coleman, Satinder Sartaaj, David Vodicka, Diane Warren, Denis Ladegaillerie, Shunsuke Muramatsu, Jamie Oborne, and Ric Salmon.
