WARNER MUSIC INDIA EXPANDS REGIONAL MUSIC FOOTPRINT WITH SVF ENTERTAINMENT PARTNERSHIP
Warner Music India has expanded its regional music footprint through a strategic partnership with SVF Entertainment, one of Eastern India’s leading entertainment companies. The collaboration marks Warner Music India’s official entry into the Bengali music market, combining the company’s global reach with SVF’s deep roots in Bengali film, television, and music.
Together, the two companies aim to amplify Bengali music on both domestic and international stages, creating new opportunities for artists, original music, and film soundtracks to connect with audiences worldwide.
For more than three decades, SVF Entertainment has been a driving force in Bengali popular culture, producing over 180 films and distributing more than 1,400 titles across multiple languages. The company has also built one of the region’s most extensive music catalogs, collaborating with many of India’s top artists and entertainers. Through SVF Music, the company continues to champion independent artists, live events, and cross-border musical collaborations, helping shape the next chapter of Bengali music.
Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Recorded Music and Publishing, India and SAARC, said, “Some of India’s most enduring cultural movements have emerged from Bengal, and its music continues to inspire generations across borders. SVF has been instrumental in building that legacy, making it the ideal partner as we cement our commitment to regional music in India. Through this partnership, we are strengthening our presence in Eastern India and creating a pathway for Bengali artists, soundtracks, and stories to reach listeners worldwide. This is a landmark moment for Bengali music and a major step in our mission to take India’s regional music to the global stage.”
Mahendra Soni, Co-founder & Director, SVF Entertainment, added, “For three decades, SVF has been committed to building platforms for Bengali artists, music, and storytelling. As audiences increasingly discover regional music beyond linguistic and geographic boundaries, this partnership with Warner Music India gives us an opportunity to take Bengali music to a much wider audience. Together, we can create new opportunities for our artists and repertoire while continuing to support the creative community behind them.”
BMG ACQUIRES THE PUBLISHING CATALOG OF THE LIVING END’S CHRIS CHENEY
BMG has announced that it has acquired the publishing catalog of acclaimed songwriter, guitarist, and frontman Chris Cheney of iconic Australian rock band The Living End. The acquisition expands on BMG’s longstanding relationship with The Living End, having functioned as Cheney’s global publisher since 2016 and the band’s global label since 2018.
Formed in Melbourne, Australia, in the 1990s, The Living End emerged onto the international stage with the breakthrough success of “Second Solution/Prisoner of Society,” which became the biggest Australian single of the decade. Their self-titled debut album followed, debuting at No. 1, achieving 4x Platinum certification, and spending 83 weeks on the ARIA Albums Chart, cementing its place as one of the highest-selling Australian rock debut albums of all time. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, The Living End have remained one of Australia’s most influential and enduring bands, releasing multiple Top 10 and Platinum-selling albums and a string of iconic singles, including “All Torn Down,” “Roll On,” “White Noise,” and ”Who’s Gonna Save Us?”.
Renowned for their explosive live performances and signature fusion of punk, rockabilly, and rock ‘n’ roll, The Living End have built a formidable global reputation both on stage and on record. The band has toured internationally alongside artists including The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Green Day, and The Offspring, while achieving chart success in key international markets, including the U.K. Rock & Metal Albums Chart and Billboard’s Alternative and Modern Rock charts in the US. Their impact has been recognized with six ARIA Awards, APRA’s prestigious Song of the Year award, and, most recently, their induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame, honoring their lasting contribution to Australian music and influence on generations of artists and fans.
Chris Cheney said, “One of the great joys of being a musician is songwriting. The magical feeling you get from the process of creating something from nothing! Songs can take weeks to write, or they can appear in minutes out of nowhere; they are the most wonderful, mysterious, powerful things! The Living End has always had an incredibly strong connection with our audience around the world through our catalog of songs. I am thankful and very honored to have done this deal with BMG, who I know share the same passion and enthusiasm for music and for this catalog.”
Heath Johns, President, Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, BMG, commented, “The Living End has been the soundtrack to countless Australian stories and memories while the band has simultaneously achieved cult status internationally as one of the best live rock bands of all time. As The Living End enter the ARIA Hall of Fame, we are incredibly honored that Chris has chosen BMG as his forever home for these iconic publishing rights, and we look forward to finding new opportunities for them at home and abroad.”
The Living End continue to tour locally and internationally following the release of their 2025 No. 5 ARIA album I Only Trust Rock ‘n’ Roll, which re-entered the ARIA charts this week as the No. 3 Australian album, and were inducted into ARIA’s Hall of Fame on June 11.
SPOTIFY OPENS DIRECT UPLOADS FOR MUSIC VIDEOS AND LIVE PERFORMANCES
Spotify has officially begun allowing artists to upload full-length videos directly through the Spotify for Artists dashboard, opening a new avenue for creators to share visual content with fans without relying solely on labels or distributors.
Artists participating in the beta program can upload a variety of video formats, including live performances, studio sessions, cover songs, and official music videos. Spotify says these uploads are royalty-bearing and may also qualify for chart eligibility, further integrating video into the platform’s music ecosystem.
The move represents Spotify’s most significant push yet into music video, increasing competition with YouTube, which has long dominated the space globally. Spotify first introduced music videos in beta across 11 markets in March 2024 before expanding access to Premium subscribers in the United States and Canada in December 2025. Until now, however, music videos on the platform were primarily delivered through labels and distribution partners.
The new direct-upload feature began rolling out on June 17, with Spotify stating that tens of thousands of artists in the beta now have access. While labels and distributors remain the primary delivery method for audio and video content on the platform, Spotify says the new option gives artists greater flexibility and control over their visual content.
The company also highlighted the impact video can have on listener engagement. According to Spotify, users who watch a music video stream that song 64% more often over the following three weeks on average and are 1.4 times more likely to save the track, share it, or add it to a playlist. In addition, those listeners go on to stream the artist’s broader catalog 57% more during the same period.
Once uploaded, videos can appear in Spotify’s personalized Videos For You feed as well as editorial playlists including Today’s Top Videos, Live Performances, and Video Covers. They can also be featured on artist profiles, release pages, and within the Now Playing view, creating multiple discovery opportunities across the platform.
Several artists have already begun experimenting with the feature. Hazlett uploaded a live performance of “Blame the Moon,” while We Three shared a cover of “Drops of Jupiter.” Bebe Rexha also joined the rollout by uploading the official music video for “Hysteria.”
Spotify noted that videos must currently be uploaded in landscape 16:9 format. The company does not yet support visualizers, lyric videos, multi-song concert videos, or videos without music. After uploading, Spotify automatically generates short-form previews that can be used throughout the platform to increase discoverability and fan engagement.
The launch also marks a shift in Spotify’s broader video strategy. As the company expands support for full-length videos, it is discontinuing new uploads to Clips, the short-form video feature introduced in 2023. Existing Clips will remain available, though Spotify says the Clips tab on artist profiles will gradually transition into a dedicated Video tab as the platform evolves its video experience.
ALEXANDRIA SIGNS WITH WARNER MUSIC AUSTRALIA AND WARNER RECORDS
Warner Music Australia and Warner Records are thrilled to welcome alt-pop visionary Alexandria to their global roster.
Alexandria first captured attention with her breakout single, “Always an Angel,” a striking introduction to her distinctive approach to world-building. She continued to build momentum with her collaboration with Marino on “Lust.” Now, with the release of “The Fool” and her latest single “Justice,” Alexandria unveils her most ambitious work yet, deepening the mythology that underpins her artistry while expanding the emotional and cinematic scope of her music.
Dan Rosen, President of Warner Music Australasia and Southeast Asia, said, “I am thrilled to welcome Alexandria to the Warner Music family. Partnering with Warner Records on Alexandria reflects our ongoing commitment to make our local artists global, with global teams to provide the powerhouse backing to build successful international careers. Alexandria has a unique creative vision, and we are super excited to support her in the next stage of her career.”
Aaron Bay-Schuck, Co-Chairman & CEO, Warner Records Group, and Tom Corson, Co-Chairman & COO, Warner Records Group, commented, “Alexandria doesn’t just make music — she builds worlds. Her singular creative vision and undeniable global appeal made this partnership between Warner Records and Warner Music Australia an easy call. We are thrilled to welcome her and cannot wait for the world to hear what is coming.”
Alexandria added, “Signing with Warner Music feels like the beginning of an exciting new chapter. I have spent years writing songs and building this project piece by piece, and it means so much to have a team that believes in the vision as deeply as I do. I am incredibly grateful for the support so far, and I cannot wait to share what is coming next.”
From teaching mathematics to teenagers in Perth, Australia, to commanding global industry attention for her vivid storytelling and innovative pop sensibilities, Alexandria is rapidly emerging as one of the year’s most compelling new exports. Her work is an invitation into a sprawling universe, heavily influenced by literature, anime, and her own intricately crafted fantasy world, Alexandria writes immersive music designed to connect on a global scale.
ADAM TIRAN NAMED AS GENERAL MANAGER OF AFRICORI
Africori, the leading African music company and part of Warner Music Group’s independent distribution and label services division, has announced the appointment of Adam Tiran as its new General Manager. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tiran will report directly to Simon Robson, President of EMEA Recorded Music at Warner Music Group, as he takes the helm of the company during a pivotal phase of growth and expansion.
In his new role, Tiran will oversee Africori’s strategic vision, with a strong focus on accelerating investment in homegrown talent, expanding the company’s artist services ecosystem, and strengthening its presence across key markets in East, West, and Southern Africa. His appointment signals Africori’s continued commitment to empowering African artists and amplifying their impact both locally and on the global stage.
A founding member of Africori, Tiran brings more than 13 years of experience within the company, having played an integral role in shaping its trajectory from an independent African music pioneer into a major force within the global music industry. Most recently serving as Director of Operations and International Lead, he was instrumental in steering Africori’s expansion into strategic regional markets while also overseeing the company’s integration with Warner Music Group, which completed its full acquisition of Africori earlier this year following an initial majority investment in 2022.
Throughout his tenure, Tiran has helped drive the international success of many of Africa’s most influential artists, including Blxckie, Focalistic, Kelvin Momo, Jux, Marioo, Master KG, Rexxie, and Sjava.
Tiran’s leadership is shaped by a combination of business acumen and deep-rooted creative passion. A British-South African music executive, label founder, and DJ, he began his career immersed in London’s music scene before dedicating more than a decade to advancing the African music ecosystem and creating opportunities for emerging talent across the continent.
Beyond his executive responsibilities, Tiran is an active advocate for music entrepreneurship and artist development. He represents Africori at initiatives such as Music Business Lab, where he mentors and supports the next generation of industry leaders. He is also the founder of Outer South, an independent record label and creative collective focused on nurturing alternative Afro-fusion artists and fostering innovative creative communities.
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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!
Republic Records continues to solidify its status as a dominant powerhouse in global music, driven by an exceptional, forward-thinking creative leadership team. At the forefront of helping shape the label’s musical identity is David Wolter, who serves as the Co-Head of East Coast A&R at Republic Records out of the label’s New York headquarters.
Since joining the executive ranks at Republic Records, Wolter has leveraged his legendary industry reputation to shepherd critical releases for artists like Benee, Greta Van Fleet, Zoe Kravitz, Miranda Lambert, Jimmy Fallon, and many others. Wolter’s decades-long history is defined by a rare knack for identifying counter-culture innovators and launching them into multi-Platinum global mainstays.
During an earlier, formative tenure at Virgin Records from 1997 through 2007, he personally signed the genre-defining, animated global collective Gorillaz and spearheaded massive early campaigns for alternative icons Thirty Seconds to Mars. He later spent a dominant decade as Sr. VP of A&R at RCA Records, where he signed and cultivated cultural forces including Jack Antonoff’s solo vehicle Bleachers, chart-toppers Walk the Moon, and alt-pop sensation Elle King. After a subsequent high-profile return to Virgin Records as Executive VP in 2017, Wolter’s executive trajectory reached a new peak at Republic, where his ability to make visionaries think as big as possible has elevated him to a premier architect of contemporary popular music.
Working in lockstep with Republic’s elite roster development is Preston Rodie, the label’s Vice President of A&R. Bringing a modern, cross-genre sensibility to the team, Rodie stepped into his VP role at Republic Records to focus heavily on scouting and nurturing the next generation of global chart-toppers. Before joining Republic, Rodie spent over seven years as a Sr. Director of A&R at Warner Records and its historic Sire Records imprint, where he became highly respected as a champion for international breakout acts.
At Warner Records, Rodie was instrumental in shaping the career of Nigerian superstar Omah Lay, whose critically acclaimed projects achieved historic streaming milestones across Africa and Western markets. His versatile Warner roster also boasted Platinum-certified Canadian indie-rock veterans Mother Mother, alongside alternative sensations Cavetown and Roy Blair. This string of successes builds directly upon Rodie’s early foundational years at RCA Records, where he strongly supported global breakout campaigns for English alt-rockers Nothing But Thieves and Australian pop-singer Amy Shark, while assisting on chart-topping, multi-Platinum releases for numerous other musical stars.
A&R Worldwide continues to maintain regular interaction with global label heads and many A&R Executives in the U.S. and worldwide on emerging talent, A&R strategies, international insights, trends, movements, and much more. This includes longtime friends David Wolter (whom A&R Worldwide helped introduce to the leadership team at Republic Records) and Preston Rodie, who has enjoyed a trusted relationship with Sat Bisla and his team for many years.
WASIA PROJECT
Wasia Project steps into an exciting new chapter with “Bleeding Gold,” a luminous and emotionally resonant single that arrives alongside the announcement of their long-awaited debut album, Nocturne, due September 18th via AWAL. Formed by siblings Will Gao and Olivia Hardy, the duo has built a reputation for blurring the lines between indiepop, classical composition, soul, and electronica, and “Bleeding Gold” finds them expanding that vision into richer, more immersive territory. At its heart, “Bleeding Gold” is a meditation on nostalgia, growing up, and learning to carry the past forward without being defined by it. The track offers another compelling glimpse into Nocturne, a debut album that transforms coming-of-age uncertainty into something cinematic, expansive, and deeply cathartic. Exploring themes of identity, isolation, connection, and modern life, the record embraces a darker, more nocturnal sound palette than the duo’s earlier work, weaving together dance floor euphoria, intimate piano balladry, modern soul, and electronic textures into a world entirely their own. Since emerging in 2019, Wasia Project has steadily cultivated one of the most devoted fanbases in alternative pop, propelled by beloved releases including “ur so pretty,” “Petals on the Moon,” and the transitional EP Isotope. Their sold-out headline tours across the U.K. and U.S., alongside support dates with Laufey and growing acclaim from publications including British Vogue, Rolling Stone, NPR, and The Guardian, have cemented them as one of the most exciting young acts working today. Discover “Bleeding Gold” HERE and contact Rob Swerdlow for available opportunities with Wasia Project.
ALEX SPENCER
Alex Spencer continues his rapid ascent with “These Will Be the Days,” a euphoric indie-pop anthem that captures the excitement, uncertainty, and nostalgia of growing up. Serving as the title track to his forthcoming EP, due July 17th, the single finds the 19-year-old songwriter delivering some of his most heartfelt and mature work to date, pairing soaring melodies with lyrics that reflect on the fleeting moments that eventually become the memories we treasure most. The release arrives following a landmark year for the rising U.K. artist. After completing his biggest headline tour to date, which saw sold-out crowds across the country, Alex headed out on a major European run supporting Louis Tomlinson, further expanding his audience and cementing his reputation as one of the U.K.’s most exciting young live performers. Previous highlights have included opening for The Black Keys at Alexandra Palace Park, while his recent EP, Where Do We Go From Here? earned widespread praise, including BBC Radio 1 naming its title track Future Pop Single of the Week. Raised between the U.K., India, and Thailand, Alex brings a perspective that feels both grounded and expansive, combining sharp storytelling with an ambitious musical outlook. His street-smart lyricism, natural charisma, and self-taught musicianship continue to resonate with a rapidly growing fanbase. With a new EP on the horizon and headline dates across Cologne, Hamburg, and Berlin this September, “These Will Be the Days” feels like the perfect soundtrack to a breakthrough year, capturing an artist fully embracing the present while building an exciting future. You can watch the video for “These Will Be the Days” HERE, and contact Jamie for additional information on behalf of Alex Spencer.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, June 21st, 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.
LUSAINT – Love Bites Back” (Heavenly Fire, U.K.)
RUM JUNGLE – “Lowlife” (Sureshaker, Australia)
NOGA EREZ – “Stuck in Heaven” (Neon Gold/Atlantic Records, N. America)
ROYEL OTIS – “Sweet Hallelujah” (Ourness, Australia)
THE KELLOWS – “Eve” (Unsigned, U.K.)
ADMT – “Turn the Page” (BMG, U.K.)
BALU BRIGADA – “Politix” (Warner Music Group, Australasia)
ANA SKY – “Blvd Dreams” (Unsigned, N. America)
THE CLOCKWORKS – “Magnificent Seven” (Creation23, Ireland)
MEDUZA FT. HENRY CAMAMILE – “Don’t Wanna Go Home” (Island Records, U.K.)
MEEK – “Fabulous” (BMG, U.K.)
THESTARIDERS – “Go Somewhere” (Unsigned, France)
DOTAN – “Last Goodbyes” (Universal Music, Holland)
RHETT REPKO – “Bad at Love” (Unsigned, U.S.)
NOTHING BUT THIEVES – “Evolution” (RCA Records, U.K.)
VELLA – “Somebody Else” (Universal Music, Sweden)
SEX MASK – “Cold” (Unsigned, Australia)
MATTHEW MOLE – “In My Head” (Universal Music, South Africa)
OVERPASS – “Heaven” (Communion Records, U.K.)
SPACEY JANE – “Do You Really Love Her” (Dew Process, Australia)
CASSIA – “Lovedrunk” (Love Sundays / Universal Music, U.K.)
MASTER PEACE – “My Guitar” (PMR Records, U.K.)
YONAKA – “Miss Millennial” (Distiller Records, U.K.)
THOMAS AZIER – “Year in A Spiral” (Hylas Records, Holland)
TEMPLES – “Vendetta” (Heavenly Recordings, U.K.)
SEAFRET FT. JAMES MORRISON – “Driftwood” (Nettwerk, U.K.)
THE SOOKS – “Take It Slow” (Good Intent, Australia)
CARDINALS – “St. Agnes” (So Young Records, Ireland)
LOCAL THE NEIGHBOUR – “Are You Okay” (Unsigned, Taiwan/Australia)
MY FIRST TIME – “The Kids Are” (Parlophone, U.K.)
D’MASIV – “On Our Own” (Unsigned, Indonesia)
FALSE HEADS – “Leader for Now” (Unsigned, U.K.)
LOUIS OLIVER – “Tell Me” (Unsigned, U.K.)
CHLOE PARCHE – “Silver Bullet” (AWAL, Australia)
BUCKS MUSIC GROUP SIGNS JACK DAVID TO GLOBAL DEAL: Bucks Music Group has signed Scottish songwriter, producer, and DJ Jack McNeilage, professionally known as Jack David, to an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement. Based in London, McNeilage has more than 300 million Spotify streams across his songwriting and production credits. After being discovered by multi-platinum DJ Sam Feldt, he went on to collaborate with dance music artists including Timmy Trumpet, Vamero, Tom Enzy, and Poltergst. Among his achievements, McNeilage wrote “Renaissance of Rave” for Sub Zero Project, a track so influential that a stage at Tomorrowland 2022 was named after it. He also co-wrote and produced Nick Schilder’s Top 10 hit “Dancin’ Alone,” which received widespread radio support throughout Europe. Before launching his solo career, McNeilage found success as one half of the duo Able Faces, performing more than 200 shows at venues including London’s Royal Albert Hall and KOKO, as well as multiple appearances at Amsterdam Dance Event. Under his Jack David alias, he continues to gain momentum, with his 2024 single “Lost in The Night” surpassing 25 million streams and helping him grow to more than one million monthly Spotify listeners. Beyond dance music, McNeilage serves as musical director for Scottish comedy group Weegie Hink Ae That? and has contributed to projects ranging from charity singles featuring public figures to festival anthems, including the official anthem for the 2026 Reverze Festival.
ROBBIE WILLIAMS MOVES TO ATC AND WME: Robbie Williams has revamped his professional team, signing with ATC Management after a longstanding relationship with, ie. The move also sees Williams join WME for worldwide representation, ending a 28-year partnership with X-ray Touring agent Ian Huffam and his previous agency relationship with CAA in the United States. At ATC, Williams joins a roster that includes artists such as Nick Cave, Radiohead, PJ Harvey, The Smile, Sleaford Mods, Johnny Marr, and The Hives. The management company operates globally, with offices in London, Los Angeles, New York, and across Europe. Williams remains one of the most successful recording artists of all time, with more than 90 million albums sold worldwide, 16 U.K. No. 1 albums, and six of the 100 best-selling albums in British chart history. His latest release, Britpop, became another chart-topping success earlier this year. The British star has earned a record 18 BRIT Awards, eight German Echo Awards, three MTV Europe Music Awards, and multiple Grammy nominations. In 2025, he was also honored with the PRS for Music Icon Award at The Ivors, marking his fifth Ivor Novello Award. Expanding his influence beyond music, Williams was named FIFA’s Official Music Ambassador in 2025, co-writing and recording “Desire,” the first-ever Official FIFA anthem, which will feature at FIFA tournaments worldwide, including the FIFA World Cup 2026.
FONTANA SIGNS ALT-FOLK BAND CURIOSITY SHOP: Scottish alt-folk outfit Curiosity Shop have signed with Fontana, the Universal Music label that was relaunched last year and is home to a growing roster of artists, including Aurora, Jordan Rakei, Jacob Collier, and Jon Batiste. The signing coincides with the release of the Edinburgh-based band’s debut single, “Crows.” Formed in 2024, Curiosity Shop features Ruairidh Wallace, Sonny Scott, Duncan Biggar, Louis Taige, and Yann McAuley, blending rich folk influences with alternative sounds that have quickly earned them a dedicated following. Despite not having released music until now, the band built strong momentum on the live circuit, selling out their first four headline shows across Glasgow and Edinburgh earlier this year. They also supported Divorce on a U.K. tour and are set to perform at a number of festivals across the U.K. and Europe this summer, including Gent Jazz Festival, Deer Shed, Moseley Folk Festival, and Left of the Dial. Tom Lewis, President, Fontana, commented, “There was an incredible moment at this year’s Great Escape. The sound system was misbehaving. The band announced that they would go fully acoustic. It is that adage that if you want everyone to listen, speak quietly. The place was completely silent, and we all truly listened.
OBI ASIKA TO HEAD UP TMG TALENT: The Malachite Group (TMG) has expanded into talent representation with the launch of TMG Talent Agency, a new division focused on representing music artists and creative professionals from Africa and across the global diaspora. According to the company, the agency aims to strengthen connections between international entertainment markets and Africa’s rapidly growing creative industry. The agency will be spearheaded by The Malachite Group Founder Obi Asika, whose background includes serving as former Co-Head of United Talent Agency UK (UTA) as well as founding Echo Location Talent Agency. Asika brings decades of expertise in artist management, global talent representation, and entertainment strategy. Joining the leadership team are Jen Martin, formerly Music Operations Manager at UTA; Josh Koram, artist booker for Afro Nation, which is part of The Malachite Group’s live events portfolio; and Ishbel Macpherson, who assumes the role of Artist Booking Manager. TMG Talent Agency will work alongside international talent agencies, helping facilitate tours, live appearances, partnerships, and brand activations for global artists looking to expand into African markets. South African star Tyla has been announced as one of the agency’s first clients through a collaborative partnership with global agency The Team, alongside African Creative Agency (ACA), We Make Music, and Hype Management, all of whom represent the artist internationally. Asika has aided in Tyla’s career development for several years, including helping secure her first live performance at Piano People in London in December 2022. Following her appearance at Afro Nation in 2023, Tyla is also scheduled to return as a headliner for the festival’s 2026 edition alongside Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Asake. In addition to talent representation, TMG Talent will provide strategic consulting and touring support throughout Africa. The company is also continuing to expand its live events footprint, with new festivals and event launches planned across Europe and Africa soon.
HARBOURVIEW STRIKES CATALOG DEAL WITH CHAKA KHAN: HarbourView Equity Partners has entered a new partnership with Chaka Khan centered around catalog expansion, global licensing opportunities, and the development of future creative projects. According to reports, the agreement includes an ownership stake in portions of Khan’s catalog and arrives during a major resurgence in the artist’s career. In May 2026, Khan released “Chakzilla,” marking her first new music release in more than seven years. The announcement follows Khan’s successful Queens! 4 Legends, 1 Stage tour alongside Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, and Stephanie Mills, which Billboard recognized as one of the year’s top-grossing R&B tours. An 11-time Grammy Award winner, Khan’s career spans over five decades, beginning with her rise as the lead vocalist of funk group Rufus. Her catalog includes timeless hits such as “I’m Every Woman,” “Ain’t Nobody,” “Sweet Thing,” “Through the Fire,” “Tell Me Something Good,” “Like Sugar,” and “I Feel for You,” the 1984 crossover record featuring Grandmaster Melle Mel that is widely recognized as one of the first major R&B songs to incorporate rap. Khan’s legacy has continued to receive industry recognition in recent years, including her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023 with the Musical Excellence Award, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026, and the BET Lifetime Achievement Award. “She is not only an iconic vocalist, but a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose energy, authenticity, and sense of self continue to inspire,” Sherrese Clarke added. “As both a musical force and a fashion icon, Chaka embodies a rare blend of strength, style, and spirit. We are honored to collaborate with her as she continues to evolve her legacy in ways that feel as vibrant and resonant as ever,” said Clarke.
MÝA SIGNS WITH WME: WME has announced the signing of Mýa for worldwide representation across all areas. Under the partnership, WME will represent Mýa across music, live touring, brand partnerships, film, television, theater, documentaries, licensing, publishing, fashion, wellness, lifestyle ventures, and emerging business opportunities. The announcement arrives as she celebrates the release of her latest studio album, RETROSPECT, which debuted via Planet 9/Virgin Music Group. Marking her first full-length studio release in eight years, the album reflects the rich tapestry of influences that have defined her artistry for more than two decades, weaving together elements of funk, soul, R&B, and dance music into a contemporary body of work. Since 1998, Mýa’s catalog of hits includes “It’s All About Me,” “Case of the Ex,” “My Love Is Like… Wo,” “Free,” “Best of Me,” and “Movin’ On.” She also contributed to “Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)” alongside Pras and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, as well as the hit “Lady Marmalade” with Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, and P!nk. The latter earned Mýa a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. Beyond her music career, Mýa has established herself as a presence across film, television, and documentary storytelling. She was a member of the ensemble cast of the Academy Award-winning musical film Chicago, which also received a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Her screen credits include Cursed, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, Shall We Dance?, appearances on NCIS and Dancing with the Stars, as well as documentary projects such as Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery and Voices of Hope ~ Words of Wisdom by Dr. Jane Goodall. As an entrepreneur, Mýa has also released multiple projects while maintaining full creative autonomy and cultivating a direct connection with her global fan community. Among those releases is Smoove Jones, which earned a Grammy nomination.
GOVERNMENT GRANTS REGISTRATION TO PPL INDIA AS A MUSIC COPYRIGHT SOCIETY: Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL India) has officially been granted registration as a Copyright Society under the Copyright Act, 1957, by the Government of India. Founded in 1941, PPL India is one of the country’s oldest and most established music rights organizations. Operating as a not-for-profit entity for more than eight decades, it represents nearly 500 music labels, including T-Series, Sony Music, Universal Music, Times Music, Lahari Music, Aditya Music, Global Rhythms, and many others. PPL administers one of the world’s largest collections of sound recordings and is responsible for licensing the public performance and communication of these recordings across a broad range of commercial environments, including hotels, restaurants, retail stores, shopping malls, offices, events, radio broadcasters, and other establishments that utilize recorded music as part of their operations. As a not-for-profit organization, PPL issues licenses according to its published tariffs and distributes royalties, after deducting administrative expenses, to its member copyright owners and associated artists in accordance with applicable laws and its distribution framework. The newly granted registration establishes a clear statutory framework for the collective administration and licensing of sound recording rights in India. It is expected to provide greater legal clarity and certainty for businesses and organizations that use recorded music, while reinforcing the rights of copyright owners and performers. With its official registration now secured, PPL’s legal standing as a Copyright Society is firmly established. The organization anticipates that businesses currently using copyrighted sound recordings without authorization will take steps to regularize their usage by securing the appropriate licenses and paying the applicable fees, helping ensure that royalties are rightfully returned to the creators, artists, and rights holders who power India’s vibrant music ecosystem.
WARNER MUSIC APAC LAUNCHES ‘LISTEN UP’: Warner Music APAC has launched Listen Up, a new global artist accelerator program aimed at helping artists from the Asia-Pacific region break onto the world stage. Designed as a long-term development platform rather than a traditional promotional campaign, Listen Up will provide artists with coordinated regional support, customized career strategies, and access to Warner Music’s global network to help transform local success into international recognition. Among the program’s first featured artists is Warner Music Hong Kong’s C-pop star Gareth.T, whose latest single, “Glass,” generated more than 250 million streams within its first month and briefly placed him among Warner Music Group’s top five most-streamed artists globally, an unprecedented achievement for a Chinese artist at the company. The initiative will also feature industry showcase events in Sydney and Singapore, giving artists, brands, media, and promoters an opportunity to connect with emerging talent from across the APAC region. Through Listen Up, Warner Music aims to create a unified global pathway for artists with the potential to build lasting international careers and dedicated fanbases worldwide. Lofai Lo, President, Warner Music APAC, WMG, said, “Listen Up is about mobilizing our entire regional footprint and global partners to ensure we are not just generating streams, but building lifelong careers. An exciting example of that right now is Warner Music Hong Kong Artist Gareth.T, who has skyrocketed this year. We are focusing our resources on the talent that can move the needle, providing them with the bespoke support needed to turn emerging market opportunities into global superstardom.”
CHRYSALIS PROMOTES MARIANNE FREDERICK TO SR. VICE PRESIDENT: Chrysalis Records has elevated Marianne Frederick to the role of Sr. Vice President, Manufacturing and Distribution, expanding her responsibilities across both the label and its affiliated management company, Blue Raincoat Management. Based in London, Frederick will report jointly to Sr. VP of Catalog Development and Marketing Dermot James and Blue Raincoat/Chrysalis COO Alison Wenham. In her new position, she will oversee manufacturing and distribution strategy across the wider Reservoir-owned group, collaborating closely with artists, managers, labels, and external partners to support the company’s growing international release schedule. Frederick marks her tenth year with the company in 2026 and has been instrumental in strengthening Chrysalis’ physical manufacturing and distribution operations. She has led initiatives to improve stock management, streamline release workflows, and deepen relationships with manufacturing and distribution partners. With more than 25 years of experience across the UK and U.S. independent music sectors, Frederick has previously held senior roles at Buzzin’ Fly Records, Phantasy Sound, Koch Records, and Oyster Records. Her expertise spans manufacturing, distribution, project management, royalties, international marketing, touring, and artist operations, making her a key figure in Chrysalis’ continued growth.
SOUNDCLOUD PARTNERS WITH REPOSTEXCHANGE: SoundCloud has announced RepostExchange as its first official Community Promotion Partner, giving artists on the platform access to a trusted new avenue for audience growth and music discovery. The partnership strengthens RepostExchange’s role as a community-driven promotion platform where independent artists, DJs, producers, and labels can share music organically through reposts and engagement. By rewarding creators with credits for supporting other artists and promoting tracks they genuinely enjoy, the platform fosters authentic discovery across the SoundCloud ecosystem. As part of the collaboration, RepostExchange will gain access to SoundCloud’s Partner API, allowing for deeper integrations and the development of new creator-focused tools. The companies also plan to launch co-hosted remix competitions, editorial opportunities, and additional features designed to help artists reach wider audiences. RepostExchange users will also receive special pricing on SoundCloud subscriptions and prompt access to select new platform features. The partnership reflects SoundCloud’s continued focus on combining algorithmic discovery with community-powered promotion, giving artists more ways to build lasting connections with listeners.
AMY MACKIE APPOINTED MANAGING DIRECTOR, TICKETING AT TEG: Amy Mackie has been named Managing Director of Ticketing at Silver Lake-backed Ticketek Entertainment Group (TEG), where she will oversee ticketing strategy and operations across Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., and Asia. In her new role, Mackie will work closely with regional ticketing and membership leadership teams while also joining TEG’s Executive Committee. She will report directly to Group CEO Cameron Hoy, who recently stepped into the top executive role after previously leading the company’s global ticketing division. Her appointment follows TEG’s continued expansion across Asia, including the recent hiring of Melvin Koh as General Manager of Ticketing Asia. Based in Singapore, Koh is responsible for driving Ticketek’s regional operations, partnerships, and platform growth as the company strengthens its presence throughout the market. Hoy officially assumed the role of Group CEO on June 1, succeeding Brad Banducci, who held the position for just over a year. Prior to joining TEG, Hoy built experience across the technology, media, entertainment, and e-commerce sectors, including positions at News Corp Australia and Nine Entertainment. TEG has also continued to expand its broader entertainment and marketing footprint, including the acquisition of Twenty3 Live and the launch of Ovation amp, an in-house creative agency focused on media, digital strategy, and storytelling.
GENIUS PROMOTES JACKIE VIGNONE TO CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER: Genius has elevated Jackie Vignone to Chief Revenue Officer as the lyrics and music knowledge platform accelerates growth across music data licensing, consumer products, advertising, and brand partnerships. In her expanded role, Vignone will lead revenue strategies across the business, focusing on turning Genius’s vast audience, cultural influence, and proprietary music data into new opportunities throughout the music industry. The platform currently reaches more than 100 million monthly users. Vignone has spent the past eight years helping shape Genius’ commercial evolution, leading to the growth of its sales organization, and revitalizing its brand partnerships business following the company’s acquisition by MediaLab. She has also been instrumental in expanding Genius’s investments in data licensing, lyric sub-licensing, and consumer-focused products. As part of its next phase of growth, Genius has also appointed Sara Kern as Vice President of Marketing and Creative Strategy. Previously at Paramount, Kern helped oversee the company’s global rebrand and the launch of Paramount+. At Genius, she will lead brand strategy, communications, and go-to-market initiatives across both consumer and B2B offerings. Additionally, Gabe Silverman joins as Music Partnerships and Development Lead, bringing experience from Amazon Music and Meta to strengthen relationships with DSPs, publishers, labels, and distributors. Meanwhile, Devon Chaiken has been promoted to Vice President, Head of Sales, where she will oversee national revenue strategy for Genius’ brand partnerships division.
NEED TO MAKE CONTACT, SEND NEWS AND NEW MUSIC RELEASES?: If you have any A&R, publishing, technology, agent/promoter, international radio, management, new media or film/TV music supervisor news you’d like to share with A&R Worldwide, or need to respond to information published in the weekly newsletter please E–mail it to the attention of info@anrworldwide.com. Also, all demos and new music releases should be sent as STREAMING LINKS ONLY to info@anrworldwide.com
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jeremy Lascelles, Paul Harris, Ollie Wards, Simon Robson, Rachel Levy, Rich Castillo, Rick Rubin, Dina LaPolt, Frank Briegmann, Bob Pittman, Jason Carter, Steven Melrose, Caroline Elleray, Max Paproth, and Jennifer Insogna.
