BEN MORTIMER, PRESIDENT, POLYDOR LABEL GROUP NAMED RECIPIENT OF THE “SEYMOUR STEIN – GLOBAL A&R AWARD” TO BE PRESENTED AT MUSEXPO 2027
MUSEXPO (www.musexpo.net), the globally respected annual international music business conference and showcase event, revered as the “United Nations of Music” – in association with leading artist discovery, development, and global consulting firm A&R Worldwide, proudly announces Ben Mortimer, President of Polydor Label Group (PLG), as the 2027 recipient of the prestigious Seymour Stein – “Global A&R Award.”
The honor will be presented during the International Music Industry Awards gala dinner on Wednesday, March 24th, 2027, as part of a separate ticketed event, at the 27th global edition of MUSEXPO in Burbank, CA, “The Media Capital of the World.” In addition to receiving the award, Ben will also receive official proclamations from the Mayor and City of Burbank, the County of Los Angeles, and the State of California. Ben will also participate in a special keynote interview, offering a rare and insightful look into his remarkable journey – from his roots in music journalism to becoming one of the most influential and successful A&R and creative executive leaders in the global music industry.
The Seymour Stein “Global A&R Award” commemorates the late Stein’s monumental legacy by honoring visionary executives who continue to shape the global musical landscape through innovation, creativity, and an unrelenting passion for artists and their craft. Past recipients include Wendy Goldstein, President & Chief Creative Officer, Republic Records (2024); Michael Goldstone, Founder & Co-Owner, Mom+Pop Music (2025); and Kim Frankiewicz, Executive VP, Worldwide A&R at Concord Music Publishing (2026). The award was conceived by Sat Bisla (President & Founder, A&R Worldwide / MUSEXPO), Richard Gottehrer (Co-Founder of Sire Records), and Mandy Stein (Seymour’s daughter), with the full support of the Stein family to honor Seymour’s lifelong dedication to artist development and groundbreaking music discovery.
Ben Mortimer is widely respected as one of the U.K.’s most successful and influential record label groups leaders, encompassing Polydor Records, Capitol U.K., and 0207 Def Jam within Universal Music Group U.K. With a career spanning journalism, A&R, and senior leadership, he is celebrated for his instinctive ear for talent, collaborative approach, and long-term commitment to artist development.
Mortimer began his career as a music journalist, writing for titles including The Face and Mixmag, before moving into A&R at Virgin Records, where he worked with culture-defining artists including Jamie T and The Chemical Brothers. He joined Island Records in 2009, playing a key role in the launch of Florence + The Machine, before becoming Director of A&R at Polydor in 2012, where he worked with an extraordinary roster of talent such as HAIM, James Blake, Lana Del Rey, Ellie Goulding, The 1975, and Michael Kiwanuka.
Appointed Co-President of Polydor in 2016 and sole President in 2021, Mortimer has led the label group through a period of sustained creative and commercial success. He has overseen a series of landmark releases, including The Rolling Stones’ Grammy Award-winning Hackney Diamonds in 2023 and their critically acclaimed new album Foreign Tongues. His tenure has been marked by historic milestones, such as Sam Fender’s 2025 Mercury Prize-winning album People Watching, which became the U.K.’s fastest-selling vinyl album of the century by a British artist, and Sam’s record-breaking chart collaboration with Capitol U.K.’s Olivia Dean on “Rein Me In.”
Under Mortimer’s leadership in 2025, the label group achieved a No.1 album with Florence + The Machine, a No.1 single with Lewis Capaldi, and multiple No.1s with Olivia Dean, who became the first British female solo artist to place four songs simultaneously in the U.K. Top 10. PLG’s momentum has continued to surge with recent Grammy nominations for artists including HAIM, The Cure, and Olivia Dean – who went on to win the prestigious Best New Artist accolade – alongside massive 2026 BRIT Awards success for Sam Fender and Olivia Dean, who both took home multiple trophies.
In 2023, Mortimer further diversified the group’s portfolio by creating the dance imprint Chaos. The label has delivered numerous successes, including breakout Irish artist Jazzy, BRIT-nominated Confidence Man, and the global dance smash Chrystal ‘The Days’ (Notion Remix), which secured a Top 10 record in the U.K., Germany, and Australia, and went No.1 in New Zealand.
Known for his artist-first philosophy, Mortimer continues Polydor’s powerhouse transatlantic legacy, supporting U.S. superstars such as Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo in building sustained U.K. success, while championing British talent on the global stage.
The late Seymour Stein, revered for his legendary signings such as Madonna, Talking Heads, The Ramones, The Pretenders, Depeche Mode, and The Cure, serves as the spiritual foundation for this award – a symbol of enduring excellence in A&R and the power of music to shape culture on a global scale.
Further announcements regarding MUSEXPO 2027 will be revealed in the coming months.
To register to attend the event before the early bird registration expires, or for more information regarding MUSEXPO 2027, please visit www.musexpo.net.
DAVID GOLDSEN ELEVATED TO EVP, A&R FOR WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC
Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has promoted David Goldsen to Executive Vice President of A&R, recognizing his longstanding contributions to the publisher’s creative roster and songwriter development.
Based at WCM’s Los Angeles headquarters, Goldsen will continue to report to Ryan Press, President of North America, as he helps lead the company’s A&R strategy across the region.
Since joining Warner Chappell in 2009, Goldsen has played a key role in signing and developing a roster of hitmaking songwriters and artists. His work spans the breakthrough success of Zach Bryan, Sleep Token, and Teddy Swims, as well as the continued growth of acclaimed talents including Mitski, Vance Joy, the Red Clay Strays, and Tones and I.
Throughout his tenure, Goldsen has championed a songwriter-first approach while creating new international opportunities and fostering creative collaborations across markets. His impact on the industry was recognized in 2024 when he was named to Billboard‘s prestigious 40 Under 40 list.
Ryan Press commented, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with David for over 15 years. He has a rare ability to spot talent ahead of what’s hot before it breaks mainstream and to guide them toward not just their personal dreams, but real cultural impact. Watching him turn that instinct into massive wins for our songwriters and our team has been incredibly rewarding. He’s become a key leader in Warner Chappell’s continued evolution.”
David Goldsen added, “I’ve been extremely lucky to work with many of the best songwriters in music. Thank you to Ryan for being a mentor and for trusting me all this time, and to Guy [Moot], Carianne [Marshall], and the entire WCM team who have always put songwriters first. I’m forever grateful to all of them for continuing to support me and allowing our global team to champion great songwriting, bring our ideas to life, and follow our passions to create the best home for creatives.”
Goldsen’s promotion comes amid a wave of powerful momentum for the publisher. WCM’s genre-diverse roster continues to move culture and lead the global charts, anchored by Amy Allen’s consecutive Songwriter of the Year Grammy wins. Among the company’s recent achievements, WCM hitmakers MAG and Scott Dittrich made history this year with Bad Bunny’s record-breaking global Latin anthem, “DtMF,” while the publisher has also scored chart-topping releases by Cardi B, Don Toliver, and ROSÉ, among others.
ALTA MUSIC GROUP LAUNCHES MUSIC PUBLISHING DIVISION
Alta Music Group has expanded its business with the launch of Alta Publishing, a new music publishing division focused on discovering, developing, and supporting songwriters and producers from around the world.
The division will be led by Zeb Berg as Head of Publishing. Berg joins from Electric Feel, where he served as Head of Producers and Songwriters, overseeing a roster that included Devin Workman, Star Boy, and Pebles & Tam Tam. During his tenure, he contributed to the publishing of hits including 21 Savage’s “Redrum” and The Weeknd and Playboi Carti’s “Timeless,” signed writers and producers AyoPeeb and Twisco, and assisted in the creation of BLACKPINK‘s global hit “Jump.”
Founded in 2025 by former Universal Music Group, Interscope, and Spotify executive Jeremy Erlich, Alta Music Group now operates across recorded music, music publishing, and artist management.
Based in Los Angeles, Alta Publishing will be supported and administered by Sony Music Publishing. The company launches with the signings of Finnish singer-songwriter ALMA, through Alta’s creative partnership with Evan Baker’s Silqscreen, and producer/songwriter Elise Eriksen. As part of the collaboration, Alta and Silqscreen will continue to jointly discover and develop songwriting and production talent under the leadership of Berg and Silqscreen’s Emmett Power.
Katie Welle, President, Head of U.S. A&R, Sony Music Publishing, said, “We are excited to partner with Jeremy, Zeb, and the entire Alta team as they launch Alta Publishing. They are cultivating an environment that puts creators at the center, and we are proud to support that vision and champion Alta’s next wave of global talent.”
TOO LOST ACQUIRES GYRO GROUP TO ACCELERATE GLOBAL EXPANSION
Too Lost has entered a partnership with Australia’s Gyro Group, marking its first acquisition since securing an investment from GoldState Music and TA Associates.
The deal strengthens Too Lost’s presence across the Asia-Pacific region, with both companies committing to long-term investment in the independent music ecosystem through expanded technology, artist services, and rights management capabilities.
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Brisbane, Gyro Group operates a portfolio of businesses spanning music distribution, marketing, artist services, and label operations. Its brands include independent distribution platform Gyro, white-label infrastructure provider DistroDirect, boutique marketing agency Group Speed, and invite-only distribution and recorded music service Soothe Sounds.
Gyro Group’s leadership team will remain in place, with Co-Founders Viv Mellish and Alex Wilson continuing to oversee day-to-day operations alongside executives Matthew Rogers and Adrian Burke. As part of the partnership, Co-Founder and CEO Andy Irvine will also take on the role of Head of APAC at Too Lost, leading the company’s regional growth and expansion strategy.
According to the companies, the partnership will significantly increase investment in independent artists, DistroDirect partner advances, and catalog acquisitions, while accelerating the development of Gyro Group’s technology and service offerings.
UTA ELEVATES AGENT JAMES WRIGHT TO CO-HEAD OF U.K. MUSIC GROUP
UTA has promoted James Wright to Co-Head of its U.K. Music division, where he will lead the London-based team alongside longtime executive Neil Warnock. In his expanded role, Wright will help shape the division’s strategic direction, overseeing both its long-term growth and position within the global live music industry.
Wright represents a roster of artists including Lizzo, Take That, John Legend, David Byrne, Jacob Collier, Underworld, The Marías, Rita Ora, and Jon Batiste.
He joined UTA in 2015 following the company’s acquisition of The Agency Group, having previously worked as an agent at Elastic Artists and as an A&R Manager at Candid Records before transitioning into the live music business in 2009.
Wright’s promotion follows his recent appointment as a UTA Partner alongside fellow London-based music agent Jules de Lattre, part of a broader round of promotions across 23 departments at the global talent, entertainment, sports, and advisory company. UTA’s music roster also includes artists such as Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Karol G, FKA twigs, Halsey, Giveon, Arlo Parks, Sammy Virji, Megan Moroney, and Sombr.
“UTA’s global music business is built on collaboration across genres, disciplines and territories, and London is a cornerstone of that network,” said Global Music Co-Heads Sam Kirby Yoh and David Zedek. “The team there is critical to everything from identifying the next wave of international touring talent to executing complex global runs for established stars. By elevating James, we’re investing further in London as a strategic base for our worldwide touring ambitions and unlocking even more opportunities for our artists.”
“Leading the London music group with Neil at such a pivotal time is incredibly exciting,” said Wright. “Our focus is on signing exceptional artists and continuing to build a team culture that is inclusive, collaborative and accountable, where a colleague’s win or an artist’s success genuinely feels like a win for everyone.”
UTA’s roster also includes acts such as Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Halsey, Karol G, Sombr, Arlo Parks, FKA Twigs, Sammy Virji, Giveon, Megan Moroney, Underworld, and many others.
ANDI ARYA DWI PUTRA ELEVATED TO HEAD OF TUNECORE INDONESIA
TuneCore has promoted Andi Arya Dwi Putra to Head of TuneCore Indonesia, expanding its leadership team in the country as it continues to grow its support for independent artists and labels.
The appointment was announced by TuneCore Chief Business Officer Brian Miller and Cyrus Chen, Regional Head of TuneCore APAC, with Andi reporting directly to Chen.
In his new role, Andi will oversee TuneCore’s Indonesian artist roster, lead market growth initiatives, and develop programs designed to help independent creators access global distribution, marketing support, and career development opportunities. He will also work closely with digital service platforms and strategic partners to help Indonesian artists reach wider international audiences while strengthening TuneCore’s presence in the region.
TuneCore has highlighted the recent success of several Indonesian artists on its platform, including indie/folk-pop group Fourtwnty, whose track “Mangu” achieved global momentum years after release, reaching the Spotify Global Top 10, earning nearly 300 million streams, and topping Billboard’s Indonesia Songs chart for multiple weeks. The company also noted that TuneCore artist Barasuara reached No. 1 across Spotify’s Viral 50 Indonesia, Apple Music’s Today Hits, and Viral Hits charts in late 2025.
Brian Miller said, “Artists outside of the US continue to make up a majority of TuneCore’s new releases, and having Heads of TuneCore who are experts in their local music scene allows us to provide specialized guidance and best serve artists in their home markets, while helping them find fans around the world. Andi’s extensive knowledge of the Indonesian music landscape makes him the ideal candidate to drive our business in the region and ensure our Indonesian artists are getting the attention and resources they need to thrive!”
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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!
Undoubtedly, two of some of the most talented music executives and A&R minds in the U.K. are Christian Tattersfield and Nick Raphael, who have held senior positions between them at some of the U.K.’s key major labels. Christian as CEO, Warner Music U.K., and as Chairman, Warner Bros. Records U.K., and Nick as President at both Capitol Records and Epic Records.
Between them, Christian and Nick Raphael have been involved with signing Jay-Z to his first-ever record deal, as well as individually signing artists like Sam Smith, David Gray, Damien Rice, The 1975, Biffy Clyro, Freya Ridings, 5 Seconds of Summer, and many others.
Meanwhile, Bisla has helped with the signing of artists including Keane, Muse, Temper Trap, Sheppard, Gavin James, Forest Blakk, LMFAO, Bonnie McKee, Missy Higgins, Picture This, and many others, as well as being a key early supporter of artists like Adele, Coldplay, Dido, Faithless, Sia (helping secure her key sync with HBO’s Six Feet Under), Frank Turner, and many others before their U.S., and/or global signings.
D’MASIV
As one of Indonesia’s most successful and enduring bands, D’MASIV have spent more than two decades building a devoted fanbase and a catalog of anthems that have resonated across Southeast Asia. Now, with “On Our Own,” the Jakarta outfit takes a decisive step toward the global stage, pairing their trademark emotional songwriting with a bigger, more expansive sound than ever before. Built around themes of resilience, independence, and perseverance, “On Our Own” is a soaring, cinematic anthem that balances heartfelt vulnerability with arena-sized ambition. The track captures a band embracing a new chapter while remaining true to the connection and authenticity that have defined their career. To help bring that vision to life, D’MASIV have assembled an impressive international creative team, including Grammy-winning mixer Mark Needham (The Killers, Imagine Dragons), legendary mastering engineer Howie Weinberg (Nirvana, U2), and producer-songwriter Ryan Benyo (Sheppard, Forest Blakk). The result is a polished and powerful statement that feels tailor-made for a worldwide audience. Discover “On Our Own” HERE, and for all inquiries on behalf of D’MASIV, contact Sisil.
ROYEL OTIS
Royel Otis continue their rapid ascent with “Sweet Hallelujah,” a sweeping, emotionally charged anthem that finds the Aussie duo stretching their sound into something bigger, bolder, and unexpectedly cinematic. Released as their first new music since 2025’s acclaimed hickey, the track arrives at a moment when Royel Otis feels less like rising stars and more like a band fully stepping into global headliner territory. Premiered as BBC Radio 1’s coveted “Hottest Record in the World,” “Sweet Hallelujah” balances the laid-back charm that first made the band impossible to resist with a newfound emotional scale. Lyrically, it plays like a love letter wrapped in a goodbye. There’s longing woven through every line, but also acceptance: a recognition that even when people drift apart, the feelings attached to them don’t always fade. That emotional push-and-pull gives “Sweet Hallelujah” its real staying power, elevating it far beyond a standard indie-pop anthem. Produced by acclaimed studio visionary Shawn Everett, the track also signals a subtle evolution in the duo’s sound. There’s more texture, more ambition, and a deeper emotional pull beneath the breezy exterior. It’s the sound of a band growing without losing the chemistry and instinct that made them connect in the first place. The release lands amid a massive run for Royel Otis, following appearances at Coachella and Lollapalooza South America, and ahead of a packed European and U.K. tour that includes festival stops at Pinkpop, Hurricane, Southside, and Rock Werchter, along with arena dates supporting Foo Fighters. Add in recent praise from BBC Radio 1, Elton John, and a string of standout live performances everywhere from The Tonight Show to the Rolling Stone U.K. Awards, and it’s clear “Sweet Hallelujah” arrives at exactly the right moment: a band leveling up in real time, with a song big enough to meet the moment. Check out the visual for “Sweet Hallelujah” HERE, and reach out to Dan Connelly for additional information on behalf of Royel Otis.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, July 19th, 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.
OVERPASS – “Is This Real?” (Communion Records, U.K.)
BALU BRIGADA – “Politix” (Warner Music Group, Australasia)
CASSIA – “Lemon Gelato” (Love Sundays/Universal Music, U.K.)
TEMPLES – “Vendetta” (Heavenly Recordings, U.K.)
CATTY – “Pavlov’s Dog” (Unsigned, Wales)
CHLOE SLATER – “Ugly” (AWAL, U.K.)
RUM JUNGLE – “Lowlife” (Sureshaker, Australia)
D3LTA – “Daydream” (Unsigned, Greece)
PARK RD – “Burn Away” (Loop Recordings, New Zealand)
RAGING LINES – “Yamaha 237” (Unsigned, Norway)
TOVE LO – “I’m Your Girl Right” (Pretty Swede Records, Sweden)
ADMT – “Burn Brighter” (BMG, U.K.)
D’MASIV – “On Our Own” (Unsigned, Indonesia)
NOTHING BUT THIEVES – “Evolution” (RCA Records, U.K.)
SEX MASK – “Cold” (Unsigned, Australia)
JERUB – “Stay” (Elevate Music, U.K.)
SPACEY JANE – “Do You Really Love Her” (Dew Process, Australia)
UNPEOPLE – “Clouds” (SharpTone Records, U.K.)
LUSAINT – “Love Bites Back” (Heavenly Fire, U.K.)
MASTER PEACE – “My Guitar” (PMR Records, U.K.)
SOFT LOFT – “F U Want It” ([PIAS], Switzerland)
WASIA PROJECT – “Bleeding Gold” (LaoLao Records, U.K.)
THE SOOKS – “Take It Slow” (Good Intent, Australia)
MEDUZA FT. HENRY CAMAMILE – “Don’t Wanna Go Home” (Island Records, U.K.)
MATTHEW MOLE – “In My Head” (Universal Music, South Africa)
GIRL SCOUT – “Crumbs” (AWAL, Sweden)
DOTAN – “Last Goodbyes” (Universal Music, Holland)
SLY WITHERS – “Sick” (Unsigned, Australia)
ROYEL OTIS – “Sweet Hallelujah” (Ourness, Australia)
ALEXA KATE – “Good for Long” (Groundwork Records, U.S.)
FALSE HEADS – “Leader for Now” (Unsigned, U.K.)
SEAFRET FT. JAMES MORRISON – “Driftwood” (Nettwerk, U.K.)
MUSIC SUPERVISOR KATIE ROMANOVICH LAUNCHES SUNDAZE MEDIA, A LOS ANGELES-BASED MUSIC SUPERVISION COMPANY: Music supervisor Katie Romanovich has announced the launch of Sundaze Media, a Los Angeles-based music supervision company providing creative music strategy, sync licensing, and music clearance services for film, television, digital content, and advertising. Founded to support storytellers at every stage of production, Sundaze Media offers end-to-end music supervision services, from song selection and placement to licensing negotiations, rights clearance, and soundtrack strategy. The company works with filmmakers, production companies, agencies, and brands to develop music solutions that enhance storytelling while navigating the complexities of music licensing. Prior to launching Sundaze Media, Romanovich worked alongside Grammy-winning Music Supervisor Julia Michels at Format Entertainment, contributing to projects including The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Accountant 2, Back in Action, and Unfrosted. Recently she supervised Wet Under Blue Sky, directed by Law & Order: SVU’s Octavio Pisano and starring Pisano alongside hip-hop icon Ice-T. Her experience spans major studio films, streaming releases, and independent features, with a focus on aligning creative vision with practical licensing solutions. The launch comes as demand for experienced music supervision continues to grow across traditional entertainment and the emerging short-form media space. Sundaze Media tells A&R Worldwide that it is positioned to provide flexible music supervision services for projects ranging from independent productions to larger commercial campaigns. Sundaze Media is now accepting inquiries for upcoming film, television, and visual media projects. Katie Romanovich will also be participating in MUSEXPO 2027 to meet with composers, labels, publishers, songwriters, managers and creatives.
MICHELLE BRANCH SIGNS WITH BMG: Michelle Branch has signed a new global recordings agreement with BMG. The partnership arrives alongside the release of a newly reimagined version of “The Game of Love” with New Radicals, produced by Gregg Alexander, and ahead of Branch’s upcoming EP Everywhere and Back Again, arriving November 6. The project will feature newly recorded versions of key songs from across her catalog, including selections from her debut album The Spirit Room, along with special guest collaborations to be announced. Originally released as the lead single from Santana’s multi-Platinum album Shaman, “The Game of Love” became one of Branch’s biggest global successes, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, topping the Adult Contemporary chart, and earning her a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. The upcoming release celebrates Branch’s lasting impact as one of the defining voices of early 2000s pop-rock. Her 2001 debut, The Spirit Room, introduced hits including “Everywhere,” “All You Wanted,” and “Goodbye to You,” earned 2x Platinum certification from the RIAA, and spent 86 weeks on the Billboard 200. Branch will support the new project with the Everywhere and Back Again fall headline tour, launching this September.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC SOUTHEAST RECORDS AND VENTURA RECORDS SIGN DHURATA DORA: Universal Music Southeast Records and Ventura Records have entered an exclusive international partnership with Dhurata Dora. The collaboration will focus on a dedicated marketing and A&R strategy aimed at expanding Dora’s international reach while building on the growing worldwide popularity of Balkan pop. According to the labels, the partnership reflects their shared commitment to elevating the genre on the global stage. Daniel Schmidt, Sr. VP of Polydor/Island/Ventura Records, said the agreement underscores a joint ambition to strengthen Dora’s presence in international markets while further growing her influence across Southeast Europe. Born in Nuremberg, Germany, to Kosovar Albanian parents, Dora launched her career in 2011 before breaking through internationally with the 2019 hit “Zemër” alongside Soolking. She currently attracts more than two million monthly listeners on Spotify. The new agreement builds on Dora’s existing relationship with Universal Music, which previously handled the international distribution of collaborations including “Zemër” with Soolking and “Te Quiero” with Murda. The first release under the new partnership is “Toka,” her collaboration with DJ Snake, which arrived on July 10. “Dhurata Dora has built an impressive international career with a sound that works far beyond regions and languages,” said Tom Bohne, President, Music Domestic, Universal Music. “She is one of the most relevant artists to emerge from Southeast Europe, and together with Southeast Records we want to further expand her reach and support the next phase of her career. I am very pleased about this partnership and look forward to the first joint releases.”
IRON MAIDEN SELLS STAKE IN MUSIC RIGHTS TO POPHOUSE ENTERTAINMENT: Iron Maiden has entered a landmark partnership with Pophouse Entertainment, selling a stake in its music publishing and master recording rights, as well as its name, image and likeness (NIL) rights. The agreement will see the global entertainment and music investment company work with the rock band to develop new creative projects aimed at engaging long-term fans while introducing Iron Maiden’s catalog to new audiences. The partnership, which was shaped over the past year in collaboration with the band’s co-manager Andy Taylor, is rooted in a shared vision to expand Iron Maiden’s legacy beyond music. Its first project, the Infinite Dreams Museum Experience, debuted during the band’s EddFest event at Knebworth, featuring immersive exhibits, themed attractions and interactive fan experiences. Looking ahead, Pophouse and Iron Maiden are also collaborating on a cinematic production documenting the band’s ongoing Run For Your Lives world tour. Future plans include new interactive fan experiences and the creation of a digital universe built around the band’s mascot, Eddie. Founded by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and EQT Co-Founder Conni Jonsson, Pophouse has built a portfolio that includes Tina Turner, KISS, Cyndi Lauper, Avicii and Swedish House Mafia, alongside entertainment ventures such as ABBA Voyage, the Avicii Experience, ABBA The Museum and Mamma Mia! The Party.
DYNAMITE SONGS ACQUIRES CATALOG OF THE ASSOCIATION’S TERRY KIRKMAN: Dynamite Songs has acquired the music catalog of the late Terry Kirkman, the co-founder, multi-instrumentalist, and principal songwriter of folk-rock group The Association. The acquisition includes 71 compositions from the Kirkman estate, highlighted by the band’s signature hit “Cherish,” which reached No. 1 in the U.S. and has been recognized by BMI as one of the most-played songs on American radio and television during the 20th century. The deal also encompasses classics including “Everything That Touches You,” “Six Man Band,” and “Requiem for the Masses.” Under the agreement, Dynamite Songs has acquired 100% of the U.S. publishing copyrights for Kirkman’s key works recorded by The Association during the 1960s, along with worldwide non-PRO songwriter royalties, the writer’s share of public performance income, artist royalties from Kirkman’s performances on the band’s recordings, and neighboring rights income. “Terry Kirkman wrote songs that have been in the air for 60 years and show no sign of leaving,” said Dynamite Songs CEO Alan Wallis. “Heidi’s decision to entrust Terry’s legacy to us is not something we take lightly, and we are committed to caring for his music and ensuring that it continues to reach the audiences it deserves.” Kirkman passed away in 2023. His catalog now joins Dynamite Songs’ growing portfolio of more than 1,700 works spanning six decades, featuring songs performed by artists including Ed Sheeran, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Avicii, The Black Eyed Peas, Joan Osborne, and Tinie Tempah.
SHOOT MUSIC EXPANDS INTO EUROPE WITH KEY APPOINTMENT: Shoot Music has expanded into mainland Europe with the launch of a new Amsterdam office, marking the latest phase of its international growth strategy. The expansion comes as the intersection of music and sport continues to grow, with sporting events providing increasingly powerful platforms for artists and music discovery. Building on the success of its U.K. operation, Shoot Music aims to strengthen connections between artists, record labels, and the sports industry to drive audience engagement across the European market. The Amsterdam office will be led by Diederik Van Zessen, an AFC Ajax and KNVB commentator who also brings extensive music industry experience, having previously served as Music Director at Dutch national radio station NPO 3FM. Throughout 2026, Shoot Music has been quietly establishing its presence across the Benelux region, promoting new music through sports media, live events, and football club channels in the Netherlands and Belgium, while developing collaborative campaigns tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026. The European business has already secured a roster of campaigns, working with artists including Shakira and Lost Frequencies, Dutch rock band Kensington, and the official FIFA World Cup 2026 album. The agency has also demonstrated its growing presence in the live sports sector by booking Dimitri Vegas as the headline performer for the EuroLeague Basketball Finals in Athens earlier this year.
BMG ACQUIRES REMAINING INTERESTS IN HAL DAVID, JOHN LEE HOOKER, AND ARC MUSIC CATALOGS: BMG has completed its acquisition of the remaining publishing interests in the catalogs of Hal David, John Lee Hooker, and ARC Music, bringing three of the most influential collections in American music fully under its ownership. The transaction marks the final stage of a partnership that began in 2010, when BMG teamed with Fuji Music Group to administer the ARC Music catalog. In 2016, BMG acquired a majority stake in the catalog from Fuji, and this latest deal completes that acquisition. Among the highlights is the remaining interest in the publishing catalog of Grammy and Academy Award-winning lyricist Hal David, whose songwriting partnership with Burt Bacharach produced some of the most enduring songs in popular music. David’s catalog includes classics such as “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” “Walk on By,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?,” “Don’t Make Me Over,” and “What’s New Pussycat?” The acquisition also gives BMG full ownership of the publishing catalog of blues pioneer John Lee Hooker. BMG previously co-acquired the rights alongside Fuji Music Group from Hooker’s estate in 2022, and the new agreement consolidates the entire catalog under BMG. Hooker’s songwriting legacy includes classics such as “Boom Boom,” “Boogie Chillen’,” “Dimples,” and “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.” Also included in the deal is the complete music publishing catalog of ARC Music, the publishing arm associated with Chess Records. Established in 1948 by brothers Leonard and Phil Chess, ARC Music aided in the evolution of blues, rock & roll, and American popular music. Its catalog features songs recorded by artists including Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Etta James, and John Lee Hooker, among many others.
BANDLAB ACQUIRES AI-POWERED DIGITAL MUSIC STUDIO AIODE: BandLab Technologies has acquired Aiode, an AI-powered digital music creation platform, expanding its portfolio of tools for artists and creators. Aiode enables users to create music through fully licensed audio-to-audio AI models developed in collaboration with professional session musicians and producers. The company states that all audio used to train its proprietary models is licensed, traceable, and sourced transparently. Following the acquisition, Aiode will continue operating as an independent product, with Co-Founders Idan Dobrecki and Blue Dobrecky remaining in their respective roles as CEO and COO. Existing users will continue to have uninterrupted access, while current artist partnerships and licensing agreements will remain unchanged. The deal adds Aiode as a third music creation platform within BandLab Technologies, joining BandLab and Cakewalk. The Singapore-based company, part of Caldecott Music Group, also operates creator platforms including ReverbNation and Airbit. Future updates to Aiode are expected to include native audio recording capabilities and expanded DAW functionality, with additional details to be announced.
CUTTING EDGE GROUP ACQUIRES MUSIC RIGHTS OF BRIAN TYLER: Cutting Edge Group (CEG) has acquired the music rights and royalty streams to composer Brian Tyler’s extensive catalog of film and television scores. The deal covers more than 60,000 minutes of music from one of Hollywood’s most prolific composers, including scores from major franchises and productions such as Fast & Furious, Now You See Me, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Crazy Rich Asians, Iron Man 3, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Thor: The Dark World, Rambo: Last Blood, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe, and Formula 1’s first official theme. According to CEG, the transaction ranks among the largest-ever acquisitions involving the works of a single composer. Tyler’s catalog will become part of CEG’s expanding portfolio of more than 400,000 owned and managed media music rights, valued at over $1 billion. The acquisition follows CEG’s recent partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery and AMC Studios. Tyler has earned 51 BMI Music Awards, three Emmy nominations, five ASCAP Music Awards, a BAFTA nomination, and 12 Goldspirit Awards, including Composer of the Year. He was also named Film Composer of the Year at the 2014 Cue Awards and received BMI’s Icon Award in 2022. “This investment reflects our unwavering commitment to securing the very best rights in media music, and our ability to complete deals of this caliber is a testament to the reputation we have established within the composer community over many years,” said Tim Hegarty, Head of M&A at Cutting Edge Group. “Film and television music remains one of the most resilient asset classes in the rights market, and this acquisition is a further demonstration of our ability to identify and secure its very best catalogs.”
CINQ MUSIC ACQUIRES D’BANJ’S CATALOG IN C.R.E.A.M TALENT PARTNERSHIP: Cinq Music Group, a GoDigital Music company, has entered a partnership with C.R.E.A.M, the talent discovery and artist development platform founded by Nigerian superstar D’Banj. The collaboration aims to identify, develop, and elevate emerging African artists for global audiences, while also bringing D’Banj’s catalog into the Cinq Music ecosystem. Both companies emphasized that the partnership’s primary focus is creating new opportunities for the next generation of African talent, with the catalog addition serving as a key milestone within the broader initiative. Founded in 2016, C.R.E.A.M, short for Creative, Reality, Entertainment, Arts, and Music, connects artists with fans through talent discovery, content monetization, audience engagement, and career development, with more than seven million subscribers across Nigeria. A central part of the partnership is C.R.E.A.M.’s Best of The Streets (B.O.T.S.) talent competition, returning in October to spotlight emerging creatives across Africa. Through fan voting, mentorship, live performances, and development programs, selected artists will gain access to new industry opportunities. As part of the agreement, Cinq Music will sign and support 10 artists chosen through the program, providing global distribution, marketing, funding, and long-term career development. The wider C.R.E.A.M community will also gain access to distribution and monetization services through Octiive, another GoDigital Music company.
SHARPTONE RECORDS SIGNS NATIVE JAMES: SharpTone Records has signed U.K. artist Native James, adding the grime, rap, punk, rock, and metal innovator to its roster. The Ipswich-born musician joins fellow SharpTone artists including Loathe, Unpeople, and Dying Wish, with his latest single, “Never Been Scared” featuring Frisco, marking his first release through the label. The signing follows a standout year for Native James, who has performed at U.K. festivals including Download, Latitude, and 2000 Trees, as well as international events such as Paaspop in the Netherlands, Rock La Mureș in Romania, and Pohoda in Slovakia. His Download Festival appearance featured a surprise performance alongside Professor Green of their collaboration, Block – RR. James has also toured with acts including Enter Shikari, Don Broco, Nova Twins, and Hyphen, while continuing to build momentum through a series of high-profile releases and performances. In 2025, he released the Confessions of a Sinner EP, earned a MOBO Award nomination for Best Alternative Act, made his Glastonbury debut with two performances, supported Letlive on the band’s farewell London shows, appeared on the cover of Spotify‘s Misfits 2.0 playlist, and landed a sync placement for his track “Power” in a Co-op advertising campaign.
KREPT SIGNS WITH YMU FOR MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATION: YMU has signed artist, entrepreneur, and Krept & Konan member Krept for management, expanding its roster of talent across music, business, and culture. In addition to his music career, Krept has established himself as an entrepreneur through ventures including the baby skincare brand Nala’s Baby, which he co-founded. The company was recently recognized in The Sunday Times 100 list of the U.K.’s fastest-growing private businesses. Under the new partnership, Krept will leverage YMU’s expertise across talent management, commercial partnerships, brand strategy, digital, live, broadcast, publishing, and intellectual property as he continues to grow his profile across multiple industries. The signing comes as YMU continues to broaden its support for entrepreneurial talent, following the launch of its investment fund earlier this year, created to back creator- and talent-led businesses across media, sport, culture, and commerce. With headquarters in London, YMU also operates offices in Manchester, Washington, D.C., New York, and Los Angeles. “Krept is the definition of a modern entrepreneur,” said Mary Bekhait, CEO of YMU. “He has built an extraordinary career by combining creativity with commercial instinct, and he continues to challenge what it means to be an artist today.”
RESERVOIR MEDIA ACQUIRES NACIONAL RECORDS AND PUBLISHING ARM: Reservoir Media has expanded its Latin music business with the acquisition of independent label Nacional Records and its publishing division, Canciones Nacionales, while also launching a new joint venture to sign and develop recording artists and songwriters. Founded in Los Angeles in 2005 by Tomas Cookman, Nacional Records has built a reputation as a leading home for Latin alternative music, developing artists across a wide range of Spanish-speaking markets and genres. Its catalog includes acts such as Ana Tijoux, Bomba Estéreo, Nortec Collective, Aterciopelados, El Mató a un Policía Motorizado, Tom Tom Club, La Vida Boheme, YADAM, Jungle Fire, DJ Bitman, and Cheo. Over the past two decades, the label has also released music from artists including Manu Chao, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Jarabe de Palo, and Los Amigos Invisibles. Nacional earned its first Latin Grammy in 2007 for Aterciopelados’ Oye and has since amassed more than 100 Grammy and Latin Grammy wins and nominations. As part of the transaction, Reservoir and Cookman will collaborate through a new joint venture focused on discovering and developing the next generation of Latin recording artists and songwriters. Cookman, who also manages artists and is a partner at Magnus Talent Agency, is the founder of the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC), which returns to New York later this month with Reservoir participating as a sponsor.
ARTIST LEGACY GROUP TO REPRESENT ESTATE OF RAUL MALO: Artist Legacy Group (ALG) has been appointed to represent the Estate of Raul Malo, the late singer-songwriter and founding frontman of The Mavericks. Under the partnership, ALG will manage the estate’s intellectual property, business interests, and archival assets while developing new opportunities across media, brand partnerships, licensing, and consumer products to preserve and expand Malo’s enduring legacy. Malo, who passed away in December 2025 at the age of 60, was widely celebrated for his genre-defying songwriting, blending country, Latin, rock, blues, and pop influences. As the creative force behind the Grammy Award-winning band The Mavericks, he helped shape a distinctive sound that produced hits including “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down” and the UK Top 5 single “Dance the Night Away.” “We are so grateful to the Malo Family for allowing us to be part of this next chapter,” said ALG Founder and CEO Ashley Austin. “Raul had that once-in-a-generation voice, but what made him truly extraordinary was his ability to bridge styles, cultures, and generations. Our role is to protect that legacy while developing authentic, enduring ways to keep his music in conversation with the world.”
MARCELA MOREIRA APPOINTED AS BELIEVE’S NEW COUNTRY DIRECTOR IN BRAZIL: Believe has appointed Marcela Moreira as its new Country Director for Brazil, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to one of its most important global markets. Effective July 16, Moreira will oversee Believe’s operations across Brazil, leading its Artist Services, Label & Artist Solutions, and TuneCore businesses. Based in the company’s Rio de Janeiro office, she will be responsible for driving the next phase of Believe’s growth and supporting artists and labels across the country’s evolving digital music landscape. Moreira brings more than 16 years of music industry experience, having held senior roles at Sony Music and Warner Music in Brazil as well as international positions in London and Miami. Throughout her career, she has led artist development, commercial strategy, digital transformation initiatives, and global campaigns for emerging Latin artists. Her appointment comes as Believe marks 20 years of global operations while continuing to expand across key international markets. In Brazil, the company has established a strong presence across multiple genres, particularly forró, representing leading artists including João Gomes, Nattan, Felipe Amorim, Xand Avião, Iguinho & Lulinha, Manim, Taty Girl, and Priscila Senna. Alongside its success in regional music, Believe continues to focus on helping independent artists and labels build sustainable careers through digital-first strategies that drive audience growth, engagement, and long-term success.
CHRISTOPHER “TRICKY” STEWART SIGNS NEW GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH BMG: Five-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer Christopher “Tricky” Stewart has signed a new global publishing administration agreement with BMG, adding another milestone to a career that has helped define modern pop, R&B, and hip-hop. The announcement follows Stewart’s induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s 2026 class. He also serves as Chairman of the Recording Academy’s Atlanta Chapter and Co-Chair of its Songwriters & Composers Wing. Over the past three decades, Stewart has built one of the industry’s most celebrated songwriting and production catalogs, creating global hits including Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” Justin Bieber’s “Baby,” Mariah Carey’s “Touch My Body,” and Tyla’s “Water.” His work includes six Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, 18 Top 10 hits, and more than two billion Spotify streams in 2025 alone. Beyond his chart success, Stewart has collaborated with artists including Mary J. Blige, Ciara, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Alicia Keys, and BTS. His credits also extend to film and television, serving as Executive Music Producer on Burlesque and The Lorax, while most recently contributing Alicia Keys’ “Lifeline” to The Color Purple. Recent highlights include co-writing and co-producing Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning “Break My Soul,” executive producing Muni Long’s 2024 album, and working with K-pop group P1Harmony. In addition to his creative work, Stewart has built a reputation as an executive and mentor. A former President of A&R at Epic Records, he has helped discover and develop artists including The-Dream, Frank Ocean, and Ester Dean. Through his creative hub, SESSIONS ATLANTA, he continues to invest in the next generation of songwriters, producers, and music entrepreneurs.
LAYLO HIRES BRIAN SHIN AS HEAD OF GROWTH: Laylo has appointed Brian Shin as its new Head of Growth, bringing on the former Perplexity executive to lead the company’s next phase of expansion. Based in Los Angeles, Laylo has tapped Shin to drive growth strategy as it scales adoption of its AI-powered marketing platform across artists, promoters, festivals, and entertainment brands. Used by more than 10,000 artists, promoters, and live events, including Rosalía, Robyn, IDLES, The xx, Suki Waterhouse, Circoloco, and Teletech, Laylo has evolved from its early SMS “drop” campaigns into a comprehensive fan engagement platform. The company now integrates with Instagram, WhatsApp, Spotify, Shopify, and ticketing platforms such as DICE. Over the past year, Laylo has introduced a suite of AI-powered tools, including automated Ticket Sales and Abandoned Cart agents, an AI Tour Builder, and enhanced email marketing templates designed to improve fan conversion and engagement. According to the company, early customer results have shown strong performance, with one Canadian indie rock band recovering nearly $8,000 in merchandise sales by converting 28% of abandoned carts, while an independent promoter generated more than $9,000 in recovered ticket sales in a single day. Laylo also reports that its AI Ticket Sales Agent re-engaged hundreds of fans who had RSVP’d but did not purchase tickets, delivering conversion rates significantly above industry benchmarks.
SOFI TUKKER LAUNCH NEW ANIMAL TALK PUBLISHING & EXTEND PUBLISHING ADMINISTRATION DEAL: SOFI TUKKER has partnered with Third Side Music (TSM) to launch a new publishing joint venture with their company, Animal Talk, expanding their longstanding relationship with the independent music publisher. Under the agreement, Third Side Music will provide global publishing administration, rights management, synchronization, and creative services for Animal Talk’s roster, supporting the company’s efforts to develop and grow emerging talent. The partnership builds on a successful collaboration that began in 2017, with TSM also extending its exclusive worldwide publishing administration agreement with SOFI TUKKER. Over the years, the publisher has helped secure more than 450 sync placements for the duo’s music across film, television, video games, trailers, and advertising campaigns for brands including Apple, Peloton, Smartwater, Absolut Vodka, Acura, Lancôme, and the U.S. Open. Comprised of Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern, the two-time Grammy-nominated duo has amassed billions of streams and more than 7.5 million monthly Spotify listeners. Their catalog includes the albums Treehouse, WET TENNIS, BREAD, and butter, alongside Platinum and Gold-certified hits including “Best Friend,” “Purple Hat,” “Summer in New York,” “Original Sin,” and “Drinkee.” Recent releases continue to build on the duo’s global success, with “Cook,” featuring J Balvin, reaching the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart, while “Pick Up the Phone” climbed into Beatport’s Top 10 Tech House chart. Widely recognized as one of electronic music’s leading live acts, SOFI TUKKER has headlined venues including Red Rocks and Forest Hills Stadium and performed at festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, Tomorrowland, Ultra, Electric Forest, and Bonnaroo.
MERLIN APPOINTS DAN NEVIN AS VICE PRESIDENT OF INDUSTRY RELATIONS: Merlin has named Dan Nevin as its new Vice President of Industry Relations, strengthening the organization’s efforts to support and expand the global independent music community. In the newly created role, Nevin will lead Merlin’s relationships with independent trade associations and strategic partners worldwide while working alongside the Global Membership Development team to drive membership growth and diversification, with a particular focus on Asia, Africa, Oceania and other emerging music markets. Reporting to CEO Charlie Lexton, Nevin will also oversee several of Merlin’s key initiatives, including its global trade association sponsorship program and Merlin Engage, the organization’s executive development initiative designed to support the next generation of female leaders in the independent music sector. Now in its fourth year, Merlin Engage has built an international network of emerging female executives through mentoring, education and peer collaboration, reflecting Merlin’s ongoing commitment to leadership development, diversity and inclusion. Nevin’s appointment is part of Merlin’s wider strategy to deepen its relationships across the independent music ecosystem and create greater opportunities for emerging rights holders to access its global licensing network. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Nevin began his career managing an independent record store before spending over a decade at one of Australia’s leading independent record companies. He later moved into senior digital music and streaming roles before serving as CEO of the Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR), where he helped champion Australia’s independent recorded music sector. Since relocating to London in 2016, Nevin has worked as a consultant and adviser to music companies, labels and distributors.
COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION NAMES BRITTANY SCHAFFER AS CEO: The Country Music Association (CMA) has appointed Brittany Schaffer as its next CEO, succeeding Sarah Trahern, who will retire at the end of the year after leading the Nashville-based organization for 13 years. Schaffer joins the CMA from Belmont University, where she serves as Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. Her career also includes more than a decade in the music industry, with roles as an entertainment attorney at Loeb & Loeb LLP and later as Spotify‘s Head of Artist & Label Partnerships in Nashville. “Country Music meets people where they are, and it changes lives every day. That starts with songwriters and artists and everyone who carries this music to fans around the world,” Schaffer said. “Serving them is the honor of a lifetime.” She will begin at the CMA on September 8, as part of a planned leadership transition before officially assuming the CEO role on January 1, 2027. Her appointment follows an extensive executive search led by a committee of the CMA Board of Directors in partnership with executive search firm Buffkin Baker.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Nick Burgess, Brian Message, AJ Weaver, Michael Parker, Cassandra Gracey, Atul Churamani, Charlie Pinder, Jaime Hindlin, Evyen Klean, Ron Broitman, Jason Iley, Viv Mellish, Daniel Glass and Satya Hinduja. 
