CONCORD ACQUIRES MOTHERSHIP MUSIC PUBLISHING
Concord has completed the acquisition of the assets of Los Angeles–based Mothership Music Publishing, bringing its catalog and songwriter roster under Concord’s umbrella. As part of the deal, Concord will continue existing agreements with Mothership’s active songwriters, honoring the current terms while integrating them into its broader global publishing infrastructure. The acquisition encompasses a catalog of more than 5,000 copyrights spanning a wide range of genres, including pop, indie pop, rock, alternative, indie folk, Latin, and singer-songwriter.
Founded in 2013, Mothership Music Publishing was established through a partnership between Brett Gurewitz of Epitaph Records, Lionel Conway, Doug Mark, and Hein van der Ree. Over the years, the company has built a roster featuring artists and songwriters such as The Marías, Falling In Reverse, Architects, Pam Sheyne, The Tallest Man On Earth, Andy Shauf, Son Little, Hunny, Robert DeLong, David Cowell, Sean Rowe, Nascar Aloe, The Menzingers, Matt Malpass, Andrew Wade, Bright Lights, Jesca Hoop, Charles Massabo, Finish Ticket, and Wargirl, among others.
Mothership has also maintained a long-standing sub-publishing relationship with Concord outside of the United States, through which its songwriters have already benefited from Concord’s global administration capabilities. With this acquisition, those writers will now gain expanded access to Concord’s worldwide A&R, sync, marketing, and licensing teams. Concord received legal counsel from Cynthia Katz of Fox Rothschild LLP, while Mothership was advised by Doug Mark and Eric Morris of Mark Music & Media Law, along with Steven Barlevi of Citrin Cooperman.
“Having known and worked with the Mothership team over the years, I have watched them build a company dedicated to elevating great artistry,” said Jim Selby, Chief Publishing Executive, Concord. “They have assembled a fantastic catalog and great roster of songwriters. Thanks to Brett, Lionel, Doug, and Hein for entrusting Concord to continue supporting great songwriting.”
“It has been a wonderful 13-year ride,” said Lionel Conway, Co-President, Mothership Music Publishing on behalf of his partners Brett Gurewitz, Doug Mark, and Hein van der Ree. “Mothership was built on a simple belief: great songwriters deserve real, long-term support and a publisher who understands their vision. We are fortunate to have built something special together, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved. Concord has been part of that journey since the beginning, and there is no better home for our songwriters as they continue to grow globally. I also want to thank our incredible team at Mothership for giving our writers so much care and attention over the years.”
TIMES MUSIC ACQUIRES INDIA’S PUNJABI MUSIC COMPANY CATRACK ENTERTAINMENT
Times Music, a company owned by The Times Group, has announced the acquisition of Catrack Entertainment, marking its third major catalog play in two years. The deal secures a definitive era of Punjabi music history, further cementing Times Music’s status as a dominant force in India’s regional music landscape. This also adds to Times Music’s on-going acquisitions since securing $100 million (USD) in strategic investment from Primary Wave Music.
Established in 1990, Catrack is a cornerstone of the “Golden Era” of Punjabi music. The catalog features legendary icons including Babbu Maan, Malkit Singh, and Dolly Singh, alongside early career recordings from Manmohan Waris and Sukhwinder Panchhi. This legacy repertoire offers immense scale for global digital growth, sync licensing, and contemporary reinterpretation.
“At The Times Group, we have always championed the voices that define India’s cultural fabric,” said Vineet Jain, Managing Director, The Times Group. “This acquisition reaffirms our commitment to amplifying the rich heritage of Punjabi music worldwide.”
The move follows Times Music’s successful integrations of ARC Musicq and Symphony Recording Co., signaling an aggressive expansion strategy fueled by its JV with Primary Wave.
“Catrack is a cultural treasure,” added Mandar Thakur, CEO of Times Music. “This strengthens our commitment to re-energizing India’s most iconic music for a new generation.”
David Loiterton, President, Indo & Asia Pacific at Primary Wave Music, noted that Catrack perfectly aligns with their pursuit of “iconic music IP that transcends generations.”
As Punjabi music continues its meteoric rise on global streaming charts, the acquisition positions Times Music to leverage its massive distribution network, anchored by its partnership with Speed Records, to bring these classic hits to a worldwide audience.
BMG AND CONCORD COMBINE TO CREATE WORLD’S LEADING INDEPENDENT MUSIC COMPANY
Last week, BMG and Concord announced a binding agreement to merge their operations, forming what will become the world’s leading independent music company. The unified business will operate under the BMG name, combining two highly complementary organizations into a larger, globally scaled company dedicated to delivering exceptional service to artists, songwriters, and partners. At its core, the new entity will remain passionately committed to an independent, artist-first philosophy.
This merger comes at a time of rapid change in the global music industry, where success increasingly depends on scale, international reach, and sustained investment in technology. By joining forces, BMG and Concord will create a fully integrated music company with capabilities spanning publishing, recorded music, theatrical rights, and digital distribution. The expanded scale will support greater investment in creative output, advanced technologies, and top-tier talent, while maintaining the ambitious spirit that creators value.
As music consumption continues to evolve, particularly in high-growth markets, the combined company will be strategically positioned to strengthen its global footprint, build deeper relationships with artists and songwriters, and unlock new revenue opportunities across platforms and formats. The business is also expected to generate strong cash flow, enabling continued reinvestment and long-term growth. It is targeting a medium-term goal of reaching $1.2 billion in EBITDA, building on a projected pro forma EBITDA exceeding $730 million in 2026, supported by organic expansion, acquisitions, and operational synergies.
Together, the two companies have invested billions in music rights and cultivated one of the industry’s most diverse and culturally impactful rosters. This includes artists and creators such as Jelly Roll, Paul Simon, Lainey Wilson, will.i.am, Jason Aldean, Tina Turner, Diane Warren, and Jean-Michel Jarre, alongside iconic acts and works like Creedence Clearwater Revival, Daddy Yankee, Denzel Curry, Hamilton, Phil Collins, R.E.M., and The Sound of Music.
“We believe this is a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity to bring together two world-class teams and rosters at the right moment, as scale in rights ownership becomes increasingly critical to long-term growth,” said Thomas Coesfeld, Chief Executive Officer, BMG, and designated Chairman of the combined company. “This transaction accelerates our successful BMG Next strategy by enabling a more ambitious and sustained approach to investing in artists and songwriters, as well as in rights, technology, AI tools, and the talent shaping the industry. As a unified business, we will further deepen our position as a preferred global partner to artists, songwriters, and platforms, combining scale with the agility and independence they value. We look forward to this next chapter and to the opportunities it creates for artists, songwriters, and partners.”
“We are excited to begin working together to build something truly exceptional,” said Bob Valentine, Chief Executive Officer, Concord, and designated CEO of the combined company. “Both companies were founded to support great artistry and with a deep sense of responsibility to the performers, songwriters, and playwrights we serve. We share a philosophy grounded in artist development, strategic long-term management of IP, and operational discipline. Our greater scale will allow us to invest more in creative talent, global reach, accretive acquisition opportunities, and technology, while preserving the nimble, entrepreneurial spirit that artists and songwriters value most. This is not about replicating the major label model; it is about using scale to strengthen independence. Together, we will build a company that gives artists more reach and more flexibility – all designed to support their distinct visions.”
A&R WORLWIDE TAPS INTO KEY U.K. A&R CONVERSATIONS & BRINGS MUSIC SUPERVISORS TO COMPOSER SUMMIT IN PRAGUE
Spend enough time in label offices across London, England right now and a pattern emerges: the conversation has shifted. Not away from streaming or data, but away from over-reliance on it.
In a week of A&R Worldwide meetings with U.K. label presidents, publishers, frontline A&R executives, managers, producers, and songwriters – one theme came up repeatedly: the industry is rediscovering patience, and with it, guitars.
After more than a decade dominated by algorithmic pop, hip-hop, EDM, etc., and short form virality, rock and alternative acts are quietly re-entering the center of the U.K. market. The commercial backdrop supports the shift. The British recorded music sector grew to £1.57 billion (GBP) in 2025, its 11th consecutive year of growth, fueled by both streaming and a continued vinyl resurgence. But executives say the type of success is evolving.
“There’s a difference between a moment and a movement,” one senior A&R told Sat Bisla, President & Founder, A&R Worldwide. “We’re back to building movements.”
That philosophy is being validated by a new generation of globally resonant British artists. Olivia Dean and Lola Young (both BRIT and Grammy winners) have helped power a broader U.K. resurgence, with streaming success translating into sold-out tours and international chart impact. Their rise has not been purely data-led; it has been rooted in identity, storytelling, and live connection.
The same applies to emerging names like Skye Newman, Jerub, and Sienna Spiro, as well as genre-blurring acts including Sleep Token, Myles Smith, and Sam Fender, whose success in alternative and rock spaces underscores a widening lane for guitar-driven music.
Even beyond pop, artists like Meek, part of a new wave cut through via grassroots momentum, are being cited by A&Rs as examples of careers built outside pure algorithmic lift.
The recalibration is also structural. Multiple executives pointed to a renewed emphasis on touring, radio, sync, and press, traditional levers that had been partially eclipsed by platform metrics. “If they can’t headline 500-cap rooms, we’re not interested,” one A&R executive said bluntly.
Ironically, the shift is happening just as grassroots infrastructure faces pressure. The U.K. has lost thousands of small venues in recent years, threatening the very ecosystem that develops live-ready artists. That tension, and between a renewed focus on authenticity and a shrinking live circuit, is now central to industry strategy.
Still, the direction is clear. The U.K. market is not abandoning data; it is contextualizing it. And in doing so, it may be rediscovering something it once exported better than anyone: artists who do not just trend but endure!
After leaving the British shores, A&R Worldwide, once again teamed up again with Europe’s leading Composer Summit in Prague, Czech Republic, to bring together over a dozen leading music supervisors to be a part of conversations, panels, workshops, and masterclasses with both established and burgeoning music composers from around the globe.
Composer Summit Prague also teamed up with A&R Worldwide back in March to bring together a first of its kind symphony orchestra performance in North America, which was held at the highly regarded annual global music business and showcase event MUSEXPO in Burbank, CA.
Joining A&R Worldwide in association with MUSEXPO at the Composer Summit in Prague were companies including Netflix, Constantin Films, Black & White Music, Picture Music Company, Format Entertainment, the largest theatrical and television music supervision company in the world who are behind the sound of Marvel blockbuster films, amongst others. In addition, A&R Worldwide also helped facilitate the first of its kind performance by award-winning songwriter Diane Warren with the Czech National Orchestra for the opening night concert at the summit in Prague.
Below are some of the pictorial highlights from last week’s U.K. and Czech Republic excursions.
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 has had an incredible run with pivotal early support, or securing label and publishing deals for numerous Irish artists over the years, which includes the likes of Picture This to their first global major label deal with Republic Records; Gavin James to his worldwide signing with Christian Tattersfield‘s Good Soldier music firm; Laura Izibor to her international signing to Atlantic Records; Irish singer/songwriter Tara Lee‘s global publishing deal with BMG; Irish multi-talented vocalist Shoby‘s signing to Pangaea Int’l Music Publishing with its administration deal with Sony Music Publishing; helping Hozier garner his first global audio support (ex-Ireland) before his major label deal; the first global support for Mono Band (the group founded by Cranberries guitarist Noel Hogan), and key early support for Irish rock band The Academic to name but a very few. This has all been driven by A&R Worldwide’s early belief and passion for supporting great new talent.
Last year, one of the best new vocalists on the planet, Dave Lofts – a singer-songwriter who is selling out shows in his native Ireland, showcased at the 25th global edition of MUSEXPO. Dave garnered an incredible response from everyone in the room, and because of his performance at MUSEXPO with support from his talented manager Edison Waters courted numerous conversations and offers and eventually signed a global deal with Dave now seeing the fruits of his talent and hard work paying off significantly!
SEAFRET
Seafret continue their quietly powerful return with “Driftwood,” a deeply affecting new single that captures the emotional core of their fourth album, Fear of Emotion. Written alongside James Morrison, who is featured on the song, the track began as what the band describes as an “end of the world” song, grappling with the helplessness that comes from witnessing global suffering and unrest. But instead of giving in to despair, “Driftwood” gently shifts perspective, becoming a tender reminder to hold close the people who matter most. Built on the duo’s signature blend of intimate lyricism and cinematic swell, the song drifts between fragility and quiet strength, offering a sense of comfort without losing its emotional weight. Taken from Fear of Emotion, the band’s fourth studio album, “Driftwood” arrives as a companion to the BBC Radio 2-supported “Signal Fire,” further revealing a project shaped by reconnection and creative freedom. Produced by longtime collaborator Steve Robson, the album finds Jack Sedman and Harry Draper pushing their sound while staying true to the honesty that has defined their journey. With additional collaborations from KT Tunstall and Katie Gregson-MacLeod, and a European tour set for May, Seafret are stepping into this new era with clarity and purpose. Discover “Driftwood” HERE, and contact Helen Gilliat or Susannah Garrad for additional information, and James Crosley for press inquiries regarding Seafret.
LUSAINT
Fast-rising U.K. artist Lusaint returns with “Love Bites Back,” a sultry, slow-burning standout from her new EP The Apothecary (Pt. 2), a project that continues to showcase her gift for turning raw emotion into timeless, genre-blurring pop. Co-written with hitmaker Jonny Lattimer, “Love Bites Back” captures the quiet unraveling of a relationship, that moment when comfort is mistaken for boredom, and the truth only lands once it is too late. Lusaint’s vocals arrives front and center from the first line, rich with control and feeling, as subtle piano gives way to a swelling, cinematic chorus layered with guitar, brass, and sweeping harmonies. It’s restrained, then explosive, mirroring the emotional push and pulling at the heart of the song. The single arrives alongside a striking visual that leans into the track’s moody intensity, further pulling listeners into Lusaint’s world, one where vulnerability and strength sit side by side. Raised in Greater Manchester and inspired by the jazz and blues records of her childhood, Lusaint’s journey was anything but conventional. From viral breakout moments, including her cover of En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go” becoming the U.K.’s most Shazamed track in a single day, to amassing over 250 million streams, she has steadily carved out a space defined by her unmistakable voice and emotional clarity. Following the success of Self Sabotage and The Apothecary (Pt. 1), Lusaint now steps into her next chapter with momentum firmly behind her, including her first-ever U.K. and EU headline tour that recently concluded, and the upcoming tour supporting Calum Scott, bringing this new music to stages across four countries. Experience her brilliance with the visual for “Love Bites Back” HERE, and contact Robert Davies for available opportunities with Lusaint.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, May 3rd, 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.
ALEX SPENCER – “Farewell to Forever” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
RUM JUNGLE – “Coal Dust” (Sureshaker, Australia)
TOVE STYRKE – “Prayer” (Bud Fox, Sweden)
DOTAN – “Last Goodbyes” (Universal Music, Holland)
MEEK – “Fabulous” (BMG, U.K.)
CHLOE PARCHE – “Silver Bullet” (AWAL, Australia)
TEMPLES – “Jet Stream Heart” (Heavenly Recordings, U.K.)
JOHNNY ORLANDO – “Have Your Lovin’” (Position Music, U.S.)
BALU BRIGADA – “Politix” (Warner Music Group, Australasia)
SEAFRET FT. JAMES MORRISON – “Driftwood” (Nettwerk, U.K.)
MASTER PEACE – “My Guitar” (PMR Records, U.K.)
VELLA – “Somebody Else” (Universal Music, Sweden)
THE HAUNTED YOUTH & MAX FRY – “Deathwish” ([PIAS], U.K.)
AINA – “Soon You’ll Be Mine” (Unsigned, U.S.)
RHETT REPKO – “Bad At Love” (Unsigned, U.S.)
YONAKA – “Trouble Follows” (Distiller Records, U.K.)
SEX MASK – “Cold” (Unsigned, Australia)
LOUIS OLIVER – “Tell Me” (Unsigned, U.K.)
MIA WRAY – “When We Were Young” (Ivy League Records, Australia)
OVERPASS – “Sandman” (Communion Records, U.K.)
CAROLINE ALVES – “Something’s Wrong” (SOAP Music, Sweden)
GIRL SCOUT – “Operator” (AWAL, Sweden)
JERUB – “Kumbaya” (Elevate Music, U.K.)
THE SOOKS – “Take It Slow” (Good Intent, Australia)
LIME GARDEN – “All Bad Parts” (So Young Records, U.K.)
CARDINALS – “St. Agnes” (So Young Records, Ireland)
LUSAINT – “Blind” (Heavenly Fire, U.K.)
DAILY J – “Don’t Smile” (Unsigned, New Zealand)
MICHAEL ALDAG – “Superstar” (3 Beat Records, U.K.)
THE ENEMY – “Trouble” (The Enemy, U.K.)
FAVOURITE DAUGHTER – “You but Different” (Unsigned, U.K.)
D’MASIV – “Side by Side” (Unsigned, Indonesia)
GOOD NEIGHBOURS – “Somebody” (Polydor, U.K.)
AVEX MUSIC GROUP ANNOUNCE PHASE ONE $100 MILLION GLOBAL PUBLISHING ACQUISITION STRATEGY: Avex Music Group (AMG) has announced that it is committing an initial $100 million (USD) toward the acquisition of high-quality music publishing catalogs, publishing companies, and culturally important copyrights over the coming 12 months. This marks the first phase of AMG’s broader global strategy focused on expanding its publishing catalog holdings. With this move, AMG is formally positioning catalog acquisitions as a central pillar of its global publishing operations. This development builds on the company’s strong and growing presence in frontline publishing across North America, Asia, and other major international markets. The expansion into catalog acquisitions comes after a period of notable success for AMG, including its recently unveiled global publishing administration partnership with Bruno Mars, as well as its involvement in major global releases and strong chart performances throughout the past year. AMG’s publishing roster has contributed to influential tracks such as the Grammy Award–winning “Folded” by Kehlani (Kamal Wilson), “Nokia” by Drake (Elkan), and several releases by Tate McRae, including “Sports Car,” “Tit for Tat,” and “Revolving Door” (Grant Boutin). The first deal under this new catalog acquisition initiative is the purchase of the publishing catalog belonging to producer and songwriter Infamous (Marco Rodriguez). His body of work has amassed billions of streams worldwide and includes hits such as “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims, a multi-Platinum track that reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stands as one of the most commercially successful songs of the past year. The catalog also features collaborations with artists like Lil Wayne and Charlie Puth. This acquisition strategy is being led by Brandon Silverstein, CEO, AMG, in partnership with CFO Ryusuke (Ryan) Kamada and Spencer LeBoff, Sr. Vice President and Head of Publishing & Acquisitions.
BELIEVE MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS LOREEN: Believe Music Publishing, the publishing division of global distribution and artist services firm Believe, has entered into a worldwide publishing agreement with multi-Platinum artist Loreen, covering her upcoming musical projects, including her new album. In 2026, Loreen makes her return with her album Wildfire, which was released on March 27. The album’s lead single, “Feels Like Heaven,” was co-written by Loreen alongside Grammy-nominated songwriter Sia and produced by Jesse Shatkin. Loreen’s global reach is reflected in her metrics, including more than 2.5 billion streams across platforms, 8.13 million monthly listeners on Spotify, over ten billion views on top-performing videos, and 4.7 million user-generated posts on TikTok featuring her music. She has also accumulated more than 772 million views on YouTube, 20.5 million Shazams, and a combined social media following of 4.5 million. Also, Loreen is one of only two artists in history to have won the Eurovision Song Contest twice, first in 2012 with “Euphoria” and again in 2023 with “Tattoo.” “Euphoria” marked her international breakthrough, becoming one of the most successful Eurovision songs ever, charting in over 20 countries, achieving 10-times Platinum certification in Sweden, and reaching nearly 180 million streams on Spotify. “Tattoo,” following her 2023 Eurovision win, has also seen major global success, surpassing 870 million Spotify streams, with additional remixes and covers pushing it to over a billion total streams across its copyright.
DIRTY HIT APPOINTS NOURA LABBANI TO LEAD EUROPEAN EXPANSION: Dirty Hit, the powerhouse independent label behind The 1975 and Beabadoobee, is officially expanding its footprint into mainland Europe. The British-born label announced the opening of its first continental office in Berlin, Germany marking a strategic move to deepen its ties with European artists and audiences. The Berlin operation will be spearheaded by Noura Labbani, who joins as EU Label Manager. Labbani is a seasoned industry veteran with over 15 years of experience at digital and live-music heavyweights like Beatport, DICE, and Patreon. In her new role, she will oversee operations for the label’s entire roster, including Bleachers, Rina Sawayama, and The Japanese House, while supporting the growth of dh2, the electronic imprint led by George Daniel. Company founder Jamie Oborne noted that Berlin’s status as a cultural incubator made it the “instinctive” choice for the label’s next chapter. He added, “Berlin has always been a city where new ideas take shape and culture moves forward, and opening our EU office here feels instinctive, it’s about being part of that energy and building closer relationships with artists and audiences across Europe.” The move is backed by long-term distribution partner Virgin Music and comes as the German market sees a significant uptick in recorded music revenues, which reached €2.42 billion (Euros) in 2025. With established hubs in London, Los Angeles, and Tokyo, Dirty Hit’s arrival in Berlin signals a renewed commitment to scaling its unique brand of independent artistry across the European mainland.
INDIE LABEL GROUP FUTURES MUSIC RAISES $6 MILLION: Futures Music Group, the independent label group launched in 2024 by Neon Gold’s Derek Davies and Avenue A’s Dave Wallace, has secured $6 million (USD) in seed funding from a group of music industry investors based in both the U.S. and the United Kingdom. While the full list of investors has not been disclosed, the round includes Ben Blackburn, founder of Common Knowledge and manager of girl in red. According to the company, the newly raised capital will be used to strengthen its core infrastructure, support artist development, expand operational capabilities, and invest in in-house technology, as well as to pursue growth in catalog partnerships. Futures Music Group’s roster features a range of established and emerging artists, including Lykke Li, Mt. Joy, Cavetown, Phantogram, The Knocks, and Barns Courtney. The label’s debut release, “Home” by Good Neighbours, achieved Platinum certification within just nine months of its release in 2024. Meanwhile, Mt. Joy has continued its upward momentum, reaching the top five on U.S. alternative radio with “Lucy” and selling out live shows across Australia and the U.K., including a performance at London’s Hammersmith Apollo. Derek Davies, Co-CEO of Futures Music Group, said, “This fundraise has been instrumental in allowing Futures to achieve proof of concept in creating a new standard for how artists and managers work alongside labels equitably.” Davies co-founded Neon Gold, the independent label known for artists like Charli XCX, Tove Lo, HAIM, Marina & The Diamonds and more.
KOBALT SIGNS HOWARD DONALD TO GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL: Kobalt has announced that it has entered into a global publishing agreement with singer, songwriter, DJ, and record producer Howard Donald. Over a career that has extended for more than 30 years, Donald has remained a prominent figure in British music, best known as a member of the pop group Take That. Since the band’s formation in 1989, they have achieved eight BRIT Awards, selling upwards of 45 million records globally, and performing to audiences totaling more than eight million ticket buyers. As a lead vocalist on several of the group’s most memorable tracks, including “Never Forget,” Donald has been instrumental in defining and sustaining the group’s lasting impact. In addition to his accomplishments with Take That, he has cultivated a versatile solo career, gaining recognition both as a songwriter and as an internationally acclaimed DJ, performing at venues around the world. His creative pursuits have also extended into television, where he has hosted Channel 4’s “Mission Ignition” and taken on the role of judge in the German dance competition series Got to Dance. In 2026, he is set to reunite with Take That for an extensive series of stadium performances across the U.K. and Ireland, marking the much-anticipated revival of The Circus tour. That same year will also see the release of the band’s tenth studio album.
SOTA SIGNS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH NOTTING HILL MUSIC: Notting Hill Music has entered into a new global publishing agreement with drum & bass artist SOTA. Under the terms of the deal, Notting Hill Music will represent both SOTA’s existing catalog and all future works worldwide. SOTA has built a reputation as one of the most sought-after names in drum & bass, propelled by high-energy live performances, an ever-growing catalog of releases, and a steadily expanding international fanbase spanning the U.K., Europe, Australia, Asia, and North America. In 2023, he was awarded Best Newcomer at the Drum & Bass Arena Awards. He was also recognized as a BBC Radio 1 Future Star for 2025. On the touring front, his State Of The Art shows collectively sold tens of thousands of tickets worldwide, including a sell-out of London’s Roundhouse in under an hour. He has appeared at some of the world’s leading festivals, including Glastonbury Festival, Reading & Leeds Festival, Boomtown Fair, Let It Roll, and Tomorrowland. Internationally, he has continued to expand his reach, selling more than 10,000 tickets across Australia and New Zealand in 2024, and recently announcing his first arena headline show in Perth scheduled for September 2026. Through this partnership, Notting Hill Music will focus on advancing SOTA’s catalog on a global scale, broadening his songwriting opportunities, and supporting the continued evolution of the project as it enters its next phase. The collaboration will see both parties working closely to unlock new opportunities in songwriting partnerships, sync placements, international repertoire development, and overall catalog growth.
UTA SIGNS KT TUNSTALL ACROSS LIVE AND BRAND PARTNERSHIPS: United Talent Agency (UTA) has signed KT Tunstall for worldwide representation outside North America, where the agency will focus on expanding opportunities across recorded music, live touring, and brand partnerships. Tunstall continues to be represented by Curtis Brown for theatre, as well as by Shelter Music Group. Tunstall is currently marking two decades since the release of her breakthrough debut album Eye to the Telescope, which has sold over five million copies worldwide. As part of the celebrations, she is set to tour Australia and New Zealand in May, alongside additional U.S. dates with O.A.R. and Gavin DeGraw, and will also appear as a special guest for Brandi Carlile on her arena tour across the U.K. and Europe. Over the course of her career, Tunstall has toured and collaborated with artists including The Pretenders, Simple Minds, Hall & Oates, Roger Daltrey, and Barenaked Ladies. Her achievements include winning an Ivor Novello Awards honor for Outstanding Song Collection. In 2025, she performed a series of special anniversary shows celebrating Eye to the Telescope, including performances at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall and Barrowland Ballroom as part of Celtic Connections, as well as a headline show at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Beyond her recording and touring career, Tunstall has also expanded into theatre, writing music for the stage adaptation of the film Clueless, which premiered in London’s West End in February 2025 and is set to tour in 2026, alongside several additional projects in development. She is currently working on music and lyrics for a new musical titled “The Singer,” which is scheduled to debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in July.
WARNER CHAPPELL RENEWS GLOBAL DEAL WITH QUEVEDO: Warner Chappell Music has renewed its worldwide publishing agreement with Spanish singer-songwriter Quevedo, following the release of his latest studio album El Baifo. Since its release last Friday, tracks from El Baifo have dominated streaming platforms, sweeping the Spotify Spain Top 10. The single “La Graciosa,” featuring Elvis Crespo, debuted at No. 1, while every track from the album secured a place within the country’s Top 50. The lead single “Ni Borracho” also entered at No. 1 on the official Spanish charts, and follow-up releases such as “Scandic” have further strengthened Quevedo’s presence across Southern Europe and Latin America, consistently landing in the Top 10. The album shows a carefully selected lineup of emerging urban artists, including La Pantera and Lucho RK, alongside Juseph, Nueva Linea, and Tonny Tun Tun. Its sound has been shaped by a team of producers signed to Warner Chappell Music, such as Blvck Reyes, Garabatto, Gio, and Izak BDP. The global rollout of El Baifo has been supported by ADA, which managed international distribution and infrastructure. Quevedo previously made history in 2022 as the first Spanish artist to top Spotify’s Global Chart with Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52, while his debut album Donde Quiero Estar set records as the most-streamed album in Spain within its first 24 hours. Looking ahead, Quevedo is preparing to embark on an international tour, with performances scheduled in leading arenas across Europe and the Americas.
BELIEVE LAUNCHES LABEL & ARTIST SOLUTIONS BUSINESS IN U.S. HEADED BY THOMAS MAXWELL: Believe has officially launched its Label & Artist Solutions (LAS) division in the U.S., marking a significant expansion into one of the world’s most important music markets. The new U.S. operations will be led by industry executive Thomas Maxwell, who joins as Vice President, U.S. Label & Artist Solutions, reporting directly to Romain Vivien, Believe’s Global Head of Music. In his new role, Maxwell will be responsible for building and scaling Believe’s LAS business across the U.S., developing relationships with independent labels, and driving strategic partnerships to strengthen the company’s presence in the market. He will operate across New York, Nashville, and Los Angeles as he works to position Believe as a leading partner for independent music companies in the region. Before joining Believe, Maxwell held senior roles at IDOL, where he helped establish the company’s first U.S. office. During his time there, he led signings with labels including Mexican Summer, Young Art, The Ray Charles Foundation, HighNote Records, Old Soul Music, Roundhill, and Acrophase Records, and contributed to major releases from artists such as Erick the Architect, Tokimonsta, Cate Le Bon, Channel Tres, Yaeji, George Clanton, and Drugdealer.
UMPG INKS PUBLISHING AGREEMENT WITH MARIAH THE SCIENTIST: Universal Music Publishing Group has signed U.S. R&B artist Mariah The Scientist to an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement, highlighting her as “one of the most compelling new voices in contemporary R&B.” Her latest album, Hearts Sold Separately, made a strong commercial impact upon release, debuting at No. 1 on the U.S. Top R&B Albums chart, No. 11 on the Billboard 200, and No.8 on the Top Streaming Albums chart. The project has also delivered major streaming and chart success, led by the single “Burning Blue,” which became her first Top 40 entry on the Hot 100, reached No.1 on Apple Music, and is now RIAA Platinum-certified as her third platinum record. The track’s music video has also surpassed 33 million views, while additional album cuts including “Sacrifice” and “Is It a Crime?” featuring Kali Uchis have charted in the U.S. Mariah also collaborated with Summer Walker on “Robbed You,” which reached No. 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Her Hearts Sold Separately Tour spanned four continents, selling out every North American, European, Australian, and South African date. Looking ahead, she is set to join Kali Uchis on a U.S. tour in May, with 2026 festival appearances confirmed at events including Governors Ball Music Festival, Bonnaroo Music, and Arts Festival, Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival, Afro Nation in South Africa and Portugal, Ottawa Bluesfest, and Roots Picnic. Omar Teagle, Sr. Director of A&R at UMPG, said, “Mariah is one of the most compelling songwriter-artists working today. Her music is intimate, fearless, and incredibly relatable, and she has a gift for capturing emotions in a way that instantly connects with listeners. She is building something incredibly special, and we are thrilled to support her next chapter.”
NEBULA PARTNERS WITH SUPPLY CHAIN MUSIC: Music tech startup Nebula has teamed up with Supply Chain Music, the white-label distribution service founded by Ghazi Shami, to introduce what they describe as an “earn-before-you-stream” distribution model. The newly announced platform allows fans to purchase a stake in upcoming tracks via Nebula’s marketplace, effectively investing in songs prior to their official release. Once a track is ready, Supply Chain Music handles distribution to major streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. After release, participating fans receive a share of the royalties generated by the song. Nebula positions itself as a first-of-its-kind platform enabling fans to own rights tied to royalty payouts, creating a more direct financial and emotional connection between artists and their audiences. The initiative is designed to provide artists with upfront capital without relying on debt, while also eliminating the traditional delay associated with streaming revenue. The partnership builds on earlier collaborations between Nebula and Ghazi, including a 2023 project with EMPIRE involving artist Money Man. Founded by Alessandro De Luca and Fuad Hawit alongside Startup Incubators, Nebula aims to expand the overall music economy by unlocking new financial opportunities for artists, fans, and industry stakeholders. Meanwhile, Supply Chain Music, launched in 2023 as a standalone platform separate from EMPIRE, offers SaaS and API-based distribution solutions, allowing businesses to integrate music distribution capabilities directly into their own products rather than signing artists themselves.
THE ORCHARD ACQUIRES BRAZILIAN CHRISTIAN MUSIC LABEL ONIMUSIC: The Orchard has completed the acquisition of OniMusic, a Brazil-based Christian music label, distributor, and digital intelligence firm. According to a statement, this deal represents a significant milestone in expanding into the Latin American gospel sector, which is currently among the most rapidly growing areas within the global music business. Established in September 2004 by Nelson Tristão and Christie Tristão in Belo Horizonte, OniMusic has grown into a comprehensive music and technology platform, supporting a network of more than 120 affiliated artists. Its artist lineup includes a wide range of styles, such as worship music, contemporary Christian, and gospel, spanning audiences throughout Brazil and the broader Latin American region. Sylvia Medeiros, Sr, VP, The Orchard Brazil, said, “For years, I have followed OniMusic’s work with great admiration. Over the past two decades, Nelson has built a team, a body of expertise, and an impeccable reputation. His competence and vocation have merged to create a business with both purpose and incredible results. The Orchard will provide OniMusic with all the infrastructure it needs to grow even further.”
SYMPHONIC LAUNCHES SYMPHONIC NEXT: Symphonic has introduced a new initiative called Symphonic NEXT, aimed at supporting independent artists, labels, and managers with access to catalog financing, royalty advances, and potential acquisition opportunities. The program, which represents Symphonic’s first formal entry into catalog deals and strategic partnerships, will be led by Michelle Garramone, who joined the company earlier this year as Head of Strategic Partnerships. It also signals an expansion of Symphonic’s business beyond its core distribution services into broader financial and rights-based solutions for the independent music community. Symphonic NEXT is structured around three main pillars. The first provides royalty advances tied to catalog performance, designed to supply capital for growth, operations, or reinvestment while allowing creators to retain ownership of their rights. The second focuses on catalog optimization for those preparing for potential transactions, including metadata improvements, revenue audits, DSP visibility enhancements, marketing and playlist strategy development, and rights administration support. The third pillar covers partial or full catalog acquisitions, which Symphonic will facilitate either directly or in collaboration with aligned investment partners, expanding options for creators seeking liquidity or long-term strategic exits.
PRIMARY WAVE MUSIC PARTNERS WITH THE ESTATE OF HARRY CHAPIN: Primary Wave Music has announced a partnership with the estate of singer-songwriter Harry Chapin, known as one of the defining voices of the 1970s. The agreement will see both parties collaborate on managing Chapin’s music catalog, as well as his name, image, and likeness rights, while tapping into Primary Wave’s marketing expertise and publishing network to develop new opportunities across branding, digital platforms, sync licensing, and film and television. The partnership includes Chapin’s most celebrated work from his decade-long career, during which he released 11 albums and 14 charting singles, selling over 16 million records worldwide. Among his best-known songs are “Cat’s in the Cradle,” “Taxi,” “W.O.L.D.,” “Sunday Morning Sunshine,” and “I Wanna Learn a Love Song,” all of which contributed to his widespread international success. Chapin first gained major recognition with “Taxi” in 1972, featured on his debut album Heads & Tales. The song charted on the Billboard Hot 100 for 16 weeks and led to a Best New Artist Grammy nomination, further boosted by standout performances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He continued to build momentum with hits like “Sunday Morning Sunshine” and “W.O.L.D.,” the latter inspired by radio personality Jim Connors and achieving Platinum certification. His most iconic song, “Cat’s in the Cradle,” released in 1974, became a defining cultural touchstone. Originally based on a poem by his wife Sandra, the track topped the Billboard Hot 100, earned a Grammy nomination, and was later certified double platinum. Its emotional themes resonated widely, leading to covers by artists including Johnny Cash, Judy Collins, and Ugly Kid Joe. The song remains a folk-rock classic, recognized on the RIAA’s “Songs of the Century” list and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 1980, Chapin released “Sequel,” considered a continuation of “Taxi,” which performed even better on the charts than its predecessor. Beyond music, Chapin was also known for his humanitarian efforts, and in 1987 he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his work fighting world hunger.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Andreas Katsambas, Rob Markus, Matthew Greer, Nadja Kuppel, Devraj Sanyal, Chris Dashwood, Atul Churamani, Ric Salmon, Ed Howard, Kim Frankiewicz, Kai Røbele, Christophe Becker, Tom Corson, and Ben Mawson.
