TOM CORSON PROMOTED TO CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF WARNER MUSIC GROUP
Warner Music Group (WMG) has announced that Warner Records Co-Chairman & COO Tom Corson is promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the entire organization, reporting directly to Robert Kyncl, CEO, WMG.
Corson will now apply his deep domain expertise and operational rigor across the company, bringing global marketing, merch, D2C, supply chain and more under his purview, while continuing to drive strong momentum at Warner Records alongside Co-Chairman & CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck for a transitional period.
Robert Kyncl said, Tom is one of the most dynamic, respected, and effective executives in the music business, and a fierce champion of talent. Together with Aaron, he’s helped architect Warner Records’ resurgence, and we’ll leverage his vision, disciplined execution, and deep experience across the entire company as we continue to deliver for our artists and songwriters while achieving our top and bottom-line goals.”
Tom Corson added, “It’s an honor to step into this role during such a transformative era for both our company and the industry at large. Huge thanks to Robert for the opportunity, as well as to Aaron and the Warner Records team for the unforgettable run. I’m looking forward to building on our momentum, turbocharging operations, and creating even more impactful opportunities for our incredible artists and songwriters worldwide.”
Corson joined Warner Records in 2018 as Co-Chairman & COO and has been leading the label’s business operations, strategy, and commercial development ever since. Under Corson and Bay Schuck, the label has transformed into a powerhouse, gaining significant market share and delivering global chart-topping success for a wide range of marquee and breakout talent such as Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dua Lipa, Zach Bryan, Benson Boone, Michael Bublé, Teddy Swims, Linkin Park, Cody Johnson, and Sombr.
Prior to joining Warner Music Group, Corson spent over four decades in senior leadership positions across major music groups, most recently serving as President & COO of RCA Music Group.
WMG has also announced that Armin Zerza, CFO & COO, has decided to step down from his role for personal reasons, effective immediately. He will remain available to the company through the end of the fiscal year to ensure a seamless transition.
WMG has initiated a formal search for its next CFO. In the interim, Sr. VP, Global Controller & Chief Accounting Officer, Lou Dickler, a deeply respected finance leader within the organization, has been appointed Acting CFO. Dickler, who has previously served in this capacity, brings extensive financial expertise and deep knowledge of WMG’s operations, ensuring continuity and stability across the company’s financial operations.
MARTY DIAMOND, EVP & MANAGING EXECUTIVE THE·TEAM, NAMED RECIPIENT OF THE “INTERNATIONAL MUSIC PERSON OF THE YEAR” AWARD AT MUSEXPO 2027
MUSEXPO (www.musexpo.net), the renowned global music business conference and showcase event will celebrate its landmark 27th global edition from March 21-24, 2027, returning to the “Media Capital of the World,” Burbank, California. As part of a weeklong series of premier industry events, including the Global Sync & Brands Summit, the A&R Summit, and other exclusive programming, MUSEXPO will once again unite the world’s leading executives, creators, entrepreneurs, innovators, and artists to explore the future of music, entertainment, media, and technology.
As part of its 2027 programming, MUSEXPO is proud to announce that Marty Diamond, EVP & Managing Executive at THE·TEAM, will be presented with its prestigious “International Music Person of the Year” award.
The honor will take place on Tuesday, March 23, 2027, during a special VIP Awards Luncheon at the iconic Castaway in Burbank. The event will bring together distinguished executives, artists, managers, agents, promoters, and industry leaders from around the world to celebrate Marty’s extraordinary contributions to the live global music business. Official proclamations will also be presented by representatives from the State of California, the County of Los Angeles, and the City of Burbank in recognition of Marty’s exceptional career, enduring influence, and remarkable impact on the worldwide music industry.
Prior to the luncheon, MUSEXPO will host an exclusive keynote conversation with Marty Diamond, offering attendees an insightful look into his remarkable journey as one of the most respected and influential booking executives in modern music history. The conversation will explore his philosophy on artist development, the evolution of the global touring business, and the leadership principles that have defined his extraordinary career.
Marty Diamond is widely recognized as one of the music industry’s most legendary live entertainment executives and among its most influential booking agents. Throughout a career spanning several decades, he has earned an unparalleled reputation for identifying generational talent, building enduring artist careers, and creating the touring strategies that have transformed emerging acts into global superstars. As EVP & Managing Executive at THE·TEAM, Diamond continues to help shape the future of live entertainment while representing many of the world’s most successful touring artists.
Prior to joining THE·TEAM, Diamond served as Head of Global Music at Paradigm Talent Agency, where he played an instrumental role in expanding the agency’s worldwide presence and artist roster. His visionary approach to artist representation, combined with an unwavering commitment to long-term career development, has earned him multiple Pollstar “Agent of the Year” honors and widespread recognition as one of the industry’s most accomplished executives.
Diamond has played a pivotal role in THE·TEAM’s establishment and accelerated growth while overseeing an extraordinary roster that includes some of music’s biggest touring artists, such as Coldplay and Ed Sheeran, alongside today’s most exciting global stars, including RAYE, Tyla, and FLO. His distinguished client roster also features acclaimed artists including Alessia Cara, Bastille, Blur, Damien Rice, David Gray, Liam Gallagher, Lorde, Louis Tomlinson, Sia, Sigur Rós, and Wet Leg, as well as rising talents including Niko Rubio, Cat Burns, Dylan, Elyanna, Lovejoy, Ryan Beatty, and Slayyyter.
Driven by a lifelong passion for artist development, live performance, and global touring, Diamond has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary ability to guide both stadium-level superstars and the next generation of culture-defining artists. His leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to the artist community have made him one of the most respected figures in the international live music business.
Sat Bisla, President & Founder of A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO, stated, “Marty Diamond has helped define the modern global touring business through his exceptional vision, integrity, and unwavering commitment to artists. Throughout his remarkable career, he has played an instrumental role in developing many of the world’s most successful live acts while continually championing emerging talent destined for international success. His leadership, innovation, and lasting impact on the worldwide music community make him an exceptionally deserving recipient of MUSEXPO’s “International Music Person of the Year” honor. We are delighted to celebrate his extraordinary achievements and enduring contributions to the global music industry.”
Past recipients of MUSEXPO’s “International Music Person of the Year” honor include some of the music industry’s most influential global executives, including Kirk M. Sommer (WME), Monte and Avery Lipman (Republic Records), Jacqueline Saturn (Virgin Music Group), Mandar Thakur (Times Music Group, India), Daniel Glass (Glassnote Entertainment), Alexandra Patsavas (Netflix), Steve Schnur (Electronic Arts), Harvey Goldsmith (Live Aid, Live Earth), Lisa Worden (iHeartMedia), amongst others.
Further announcements regarding MUSEXPO 2027 will be revealed in the coming months.
To register to attend the event before the early bird registration expires in the coming weeks, or for more information regarding MUSEXPO 2027, please visit www.musexpo.net.
ARI GELAW PROMOTED TO SR. VP CREATIVE A&R AT SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING
Sony Music Publishing has elevated Ari Gelaw to Sr. Vice President, Creative A&R, expanding her leadership role within the company’s U.S. creative division.
Based in Los Angeles, Gelaw will continue reporting to Sony Music Publishing President and Head of U.S. A&R Katie Welle. In her new position, she will oversee the company’s U.S. R&B and hip-hop creative teams across Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta, while continuing to lead songwriter development, talent discovery, and global creative collaboration.
Since joining Sony Music Publishing as Vice President, Creative A&R in 2022, Gelaw has played a pivotal role in growing the publisher’s roster, signing artists and songwriters including BigXthaPlug, Monaleo, Victoria Monét, FLO, Samara Cyn, BBYKOBE, and J White. She also works closely with creators such as Mustard, INK, Yeat, Leon Thomas, and Camper.
Katie Welle, President, Head of US A&R, Sony Music Publishing, said, “Ari is an exceptional A&R and incredibly skilled at supporting talent. Her sharp creative instinct and dedication to songwriters have been key to our growth, and this promotion reflects her continued impact both creatively and as a leader. I couldn’t be more thrilled to work alongside Ari as we continue to elevate the success of our roster and our team.”
Before joining Sony Music Publishing, Gelaw served as Director of A&R at Universal Music Publishing Group, where she signed and developed talent including Megan Thee Stallion, DaBaby, and Coi Leray. Earlier in her career, she spent two years in Atlantic Records’ urban A&R department.
MILEY CYRUS SIGNS WITH ATLANTIC RECORDS
Miley Cyrus has signed with Atlantic Records, marking a significant new chapter in one of pop music’s most consistently evolving careers. The move ends her tenure with Columbia Records, where she achieved some of the biggest commercial and critical successes of her career, including the Grammy-winning global smash “Flowers.”
The signing brings Cyrus to an Atlantic roster that includes Bruno Mars, Charli XCX, Cardi B, Kehlani, and many others, positioning one of the industry’s most influential artists alongside one of Warner Music Group’s flagship labels.
Cyrus joined Columbia in 2021 following her departure from RCA Records, releasing Endless Summer Vacation in 2023. The album’s lead single, “Flowers,” became one of the defining hits of the decade, spending eight weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, breaking multiple streaming records and earning Cyrus her first Grammy Awards in 2024, including Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. Follow-up single “Jaded” further extended the album’s success, while 2025’s visual project Something Beautiful reinforced her commitment to ambitious, artist-led releases.
Few contemporary artists have reinvented themselves as frequently, or as successfully, as Cyrus. After achieving global fame as Disney’s Hannah Montana, she transformed into a pop provocateur with 2013’s Bangerz, delivering era-defining hits including “We Can’t Stop” and “Wrecking Ball.” She later explored country, psychedelic pop and glam rock, culminating in the critically acclaimed Plastic Hearts, before entering her Columbia era.
Her latest label move continues a career defined by creative independence rather than convention. While many of her peers have prioritized blockbuster touring, Cyrus has largely stepped away from the road, citing the physical and creative demands of large-scale touring. Her last full global trek was the Bangerz Tour in 2014, with only select festival and special-event performances in the years since.
The Atlantic signing signals the beginning of Cyrus’ next creative phase at a time when she remains one of music’s most commercially powerful and culturally influential artists. With multiple reinventions already behind her and a proven ability to bridge critical acclaim with global commercial success, industry attention will now turn to what her first Atlantic release reveals about the next evolution of her career.
SYMPHONIC EXPANDS GLOBAL A&R CLIENT DEVELOPMENT TEAM WITH FOUR NEW HIRES
Symphonic has expanded its global A&R team with four new appointments across Canada, the U.K., Europe, and Africa as the independent music distribution and services company continues to grow its international presence.
Reporting to Sr. Vice President and Head of A&R Ed Poston, the new hires include JD Parent as Manager of A&R and Client Development for Canada, Nick Robinson as A&R and Business Development Consultant for the U.K., Pia Eiser as Senior A&R Manager for the GSA Region in Europe, and David Niran as Manager of A&R and Client Development for Africa. Each will work closely with artists and labels in their respective markets, providing strategic support tailored to regional opportunities.
Toronto-based Parent joins from Spotify Canada, where he managed artist and label partnerships, following previous roles at The Orchard and Sony Music Canada. Robinson, based in London, brings decades of experience spanning Music Week, Island Records, EMI, BMI, and Kobalt, where he signed and worked with artists including Adele, Bon Iver, alt-J, Wolf Alice, IDLES, and Khruangbin.
Eiser arrives with a strong background in European music publishing, having held A&R and artist development roles at Universal Music Group, Kobalt Music, and Tigerspring across Germany and Scandinavia. Meanwhile, Niran joins after leading A&R and talent management at Nigerian label Jonzing World, where he helped develop major Afrobeats releases and has already overseen projects from Wande Coal while bringing Libianca to the Symphonic roster.
“One of the most important parts of global expansion is making sure you have people who understand what each individual market needs,” said Poston. “JD, Nick, Pia, and David bring strong expertise in their respective countries that will help us serve their artist communities better.”
Headquartered in Tampa, FL, Symphonic has a significant presence in key U.S. markets, including Nashville, Los Angeles, New York and Miami, as well as internationally in Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Europe, the U.K., and Africa.
Symphonic’s current roster and alumni include Imogen Heap, Sublime, OK Go, Sixpence None the Richer, New Radicals, Jon Batiste, Tokischa, Doechii, Surf Mesa, DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill, Stick Figure, El Alfa, Juan Luis Guerra, Onyx, GRiZ, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Filter, Ani DiFranco, Sister Hazel, Melissa Etheridge, CloZee, Odesza, Eddy Herrera, The Midnight, LSDREAM, Sarah McLachlan, Reel Big Fish, Matisyahu, among many others.
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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!
A&R Worldwide is known for bringing together some of the “best in class” from around the world, from executives to creatives.
At the inception of A&R Worldwide’s inaugural MUSEXPO Europe in London, England in 2008, one of the highlight keynote interviews was with the Founders of XL Recordings (which has been home to artists like Adele, M.I.A., The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, Beck, Radiohead, the White Stripes, Vampire Weekend, the xx and many others), and Mute Records (which has signed artists including Depeche Mode, Erasure, Nick Cave, Goldfrapp, Moby, Inspiral Carpets and much more).
The interview was moderated by then Editor, Music Week, U.K.’s Ajax Scott.
MATHIS AKENGIN
French pianist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Mathis Akengin continues to blur the boundaries between classical elegance and contemporary indie with his captivating single, “Mute Love.” Blending cinematic piano, subtle electronic textures, and atmospheric indie-pop influences, the track showcases an artist crafting a deeply personal sound that feels both intimate and transportive. Drawing from his French and Turkish heritage, Akengin builds rich, emotionally resonant compositions that merge classical training with modern songwriting. His new project, Passage des fleurs, channels the poetic beauty of artists such as Agnès Obel, Patrick Watson, and Chilly Gonzales, creating a dreamlike world where delicate melodies meet understated rhythm and quiet emotional intensity. A graduate of the Conservatory and the Haute École de Musique in Lausanne, Akengin has spent years performing and recording across an eclectic range of projects spanning rock, jazz, soul, and world music. With “Mute Love,” he steps confidently into the spotlight as a solo artist, revealing a distinctive musical voice that is both refined and refreshingly original, one that invites listeners to slow down, immerse themselves, and discover beauty in every note. Enjoy “Mute Love” HERE and contact Tanguy Aubrée for additional information and available opportunities internationally with Mathis Akengin.
BLOW
Paris, France-based duo BLOW usher in a bold new chapter with “Evelyn,” the second single from their forthcoming EP Post Gloom (Nettwerk), arriving September 18th. Blending shimmering synths, hypnotic grooves, and emotionally charged songwriting, the track captures the band’s signature balance of electronic precision and human vulnerability while pointing toward an exciting new era. Now streamlined as a duo, BLOW have embraced a more instinctive and direct approach to songwriting, trading excess for atmosphere, groove, and emotional clarity. “Evelyn” reflects that evolution, delivering an immersive indie-electronic sound that feels both intimate and expansive, while building on the momentum of recent single “Fool of Myself,” which earned major Spotify playlist support across Europe. Since emerging with their acclaimed debut Vertigo and expanding their sonic palette on Shake The Disease, BLOW have carved out a distinctive space where soaring pop melodies meet cinematic electronic textures. With Post Gloom setting the stage for their first full-length album as a duo in 2027, alongside a return to the live stage later this year, “Evelyn” is a compelling glimpse into a band confidently reinventing themselves while continuing to push their sound forward. See the video for “Evelyn” HERE, and contact Denique LeBlanc for available opportunities on behalf of BLOW worldwide.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, August 2nd, 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.
STAND ATLANTIC – “Velcro” (Virgin Music, Australia)
CASSIA – “Lemon Gelato” (Love Sundays/Universal Music, U.K.)
TEMPLES – “Vendetta” (Heavenly Recordings, U.K.)
OVERPASS – “Fall in Love” (Communion Records, U.K.)
CATTY – “Pavlov’s Dog” (Unsigned, Wales)
RAGING LINES – “Yamaha 237” (Unsigned, Norway)
D3LTA – “Daydream” (Unsigned, Greece)
MEEK – “Beautiful Freeks” (BMG, U.K.)
BALU BRIGADA – “Politix” (Warner Music Group, Australasia)
NOTHING BUT THIEVES – “Evolution” (RCA, U.K.)
ALEX SPENCER – “These Will Be the Days” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
BLOW – “Evelyn” (Nettwerk, France)
D’MASIV – “On Our Own” (Unsigned, Indonesia)
PARK RD – “Burn Away” (Loop Recordings, New Zealand)
MASTER PEACE – “My Guitar” (PMR Records, U.K.)
KARIN ANN – “Born to Be” (3AM Records, Slovakia)
TOVE LO – “I’m Your Girl Right” (Pretty Swede Records, Sweden)
RUM JUNGLE – “Lowlife” (Sureshaker, Australia)
DAVE LOFTS – “Where Is the Love?” (B-Unique, Ireland)
TONIX – “Stupid Things” (General Admission Entertainment, Australia)
LUSAINT – “Love Bites Back” (Heavenly Fire, U.K.)
ROYEL OTIS – “Sweet Hallelujah” (Ourness, Australia)
SOFT LOFT – “F U Want It” ([PIAS], Switzerland)
THE FALLS – “The Other Side” (Rev Pro, U.K.)
DOTAN – “Last Goodbyes” (Universal Music, Holland)
CHLOE SLATER – “Ugly” (AWAL, U.K.)
WASIA PROJECT – “1215” (LaoLao Records, U.K.)
GIRL SCOUT – “Crumbs” (AWAL, Sweden)
SEAFRET – “Oceans” (Nettwerk, U.K.)
FALSE HEADS – “Leader for Now” (Unsigned, U.K.)
ALEXA KATE – “Good for Long” (Groundwork Records, U.S.)
CARDINALS – “St. Agnes” (So Young Records, Ireland)
MEDUZA FT. HENRY CAMAMILE – “Don’t Wanna Go Home” (Island Records, U.K.)
UTA SIGNS LAUFEY FOR GLOBAL REPRESENTATION: UTA has added Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Laufey to its roster, signing the Icelandic star for worldwide representation across all areas of her career. The agency will oversee opportunities spanning live touring, media, film and television, brand partnerships, and other commercial ventures. The deal comes as Laufey continues the global success of her A Matter of Time era. The album reached No. 3 on the U.K. chart and No. 4 on the Billboard 200, while its accompanying world tour has sold out arenas across North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America. Since launching last autumn, the tour has included packed performances at venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York, Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, London’s O2 Arena, and the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. The run has also featured sold-out dates at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena and Sydney’s Afterpay Arena, alongside stops throughout South America and Mexico. Known for blending classical music, jazz, and contemporary pop, Laufey has built a devoted international fanbase. Her 2025 album A Matter of Time earned her the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. Beyond her commercial success, Laufey was recognized in 2026 with Iceland’s Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Falcon, the country’s highest national honor for citizens who have made outstanding contributions to Iceland’s culture, arts, and international reputation.
PRESCRIPTION SONGS SIGNS V8 SPLASH: Prescription Songs has signed Memphis-born, Nashville-based producer, songwriter, and mixer V8 Splash to its roster. Brought to the company by A&R Kelly White, V8 Splash has earned recognition for his Southern sound, melodic versatility, and collaborative approach in the studio. With a foundation in hip-hop and a style that spans multiple genres, V8 Splash has worked with a growing list of artists including K Carbon, Tay Money, Big Homiie G, Jayy Wick, FTO Sett, and Big Mo. “Joining the Prescription Songs family is a huge moment for me,” V8 Splash shares. “I’ve always been focused on building my own sound and seeing the diverse roster of creators they’ve built made it clear this was the right home. I’m grateful for their belief in me and the work I’ve put into getting here. I’m ready to keep working, keep growing, and bring the Memphis sound and culture that shaped me to a bigger stage.” “I’m so proud to welcome V8 to the Prescription Songs family. His sound is deeply rooted in Memphis while bringing something fresh and unique to Nashville’s creative community. Beyond his talent, it’s his work ethic and hustle that truly set him apart. Watching him break barriers and carve out his own lane has been so inspiring, and I’m grateful to be part of this next chapter. I can’t wait to see where his vision and dedication take him,” commented White.
BMG SIGNS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH SHAZNAY LEWIS: Shaznay Lewis has signed a new global publishing agreement with BMG, covering her entire songwriting catalog as well as all future works. The exclusive deal includes Lewis’ catalog of hits, featuring “Never Ever,” “Pure Shores,” “Bootie Call,” and “I Know Where It’s At.” Best known as the primary songwriter behind All Saints, the Ivor Novello and BRIT Award winner has built a career writing across pop, R&B, and soul for both the group and other artists. Under the agreement, BMG will represent Lewis’ catalog worldwide while supporting her ongoing songwriting through its international publishing network. Beyond music, Lewis continues to expand her creative portfolio, recently co-writing the score for the 2025 feature film Christmas Karma and developing a new West End musical with longtime collaborator Ben Cullum. In 2024 she returned as a solo artist with her second album, Pages, featuring collaborations with Johan Hugo, Michael Angelo, Jez Ashurst, and Ben Cullum, as well as guest appearances from Shola Ama and General Levy.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP POSTS DOUBLE-DIGIT Q2 REVENUE GROWTH: Universal Music Group (UMG) delivered another quarter of robust top-line growth, reporting second-quarter revenue of €3.29 billion (Euros), up 13.3% in constant currency (10.5% as reported), driven by continued momentum across Recorded Music, Music Publishing and the integration of Downtown Music Holdings. Recorded Music remained the company’s primary growth engine, benefiting from higher subscription streaming revenue, ongoing implementation of premium pricing initiatives tied to Streaming 2.0 agreements, and a healthy release schedule. Music Publishing also posted solid gains, supported by continued growth in digital, synchronization, and performance income. While operating profit was broadly stable year-over-year, UMG pointed to increased investment in strategic technology initiatives and the impact of the Downtown acquisition as factors influencing margins during the quarter. The company emphasized that these investments are intended to strengthen its long-term competitive position and expand its service offerings for artists, songwriters and independent labels. For the first half of 2026, UMG maintained strong growth across its core businesses, underscoring the resilience of subscription streaming and the continued diversification of revenue through publishing, licensing and artist services. Management also highlighted the early benefits of Streaming 2.0 pricing strategies, which continue to improve monetization across major digital service providers. The results reinforce UMG’s position as the global music industry’s market leader, with the company continuing to balance near-term investment with long-term growth initiatives as streaming economics evolve and its expanded portfolio, including Downtown, begins contributing more meaningfully to overall performance.
WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC & CORNMAN MUSIC SIGN GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH CALDWELL: Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville and Cornman Music have announced the signing of a global publishing deal with rising singer-songwriter Caldwell, who is redefining modern music by seamlessly blending country, rock, rap, and pop into a sound as raw and authentic as his roots. Hailing from Greenville, SC, Caldwell’s sound was forged in a diverse community grounded in hard work, respect, and authenticity. Inspired by his parents’ love for hip-hop and rock, he began playing drums at age five and turned his focus to songwriting in high school. Drawing from an eclectic range of influences, from Eminem and Elvis Presley to Bruno Mars and Morgan Wallen, he has built a signature sound fusing Southern rock grit, hip-hop energy, and country storytelling. Caldwell’s rise has been fueled by grit and undeniable momentum. From early bar gigs to sold-out shows, he has established himself as a dominant new voice in the industry. Named Rolling Stone’s No. 1 Breakout Artist to Watch in 2025, Caldwell expanded his cross-genre appeal with his breakout single “Beer & Baddies (feat. Sexyy Red),” which made its official debut at No. 31 on the Billboard Mix Show Airplay Charts. Grounded in family, faith, and football, Caldwell’s songwriting centers on real life – heartbreak, resilience, and rising above pain. As he joins forces with WCM and Cornman Music, he continues to encourage fans to live their truth, take risks, and ignore the status quo.
WME SIGNS RHIANNON GIDDENS FOR WORLDWIDE REPRESENTATION: Rhiannon Giddens has signed with WME for worldwide music representation. A founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Giddens is known as one of the leading voices in American roots music. Her career has earned her two Grammy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Music for the opera Omar, a MacArthur Fellowship, and the National Humanities Medal, with work spanning music, film, opera, literature, and education. The signing comes as Giddens embarks on her seventh solo album, Hope Is the Thing With Feathers, set for release on September 18 via Nonesuch Records. She also recently served as music supervisor and contributed original music to Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, composed new music for Ken Burns’ The American Revolution documentary, and co-authored Go Back And Fetch It: Recovering Early Black Music in the Americas with Kristina R. Gaddy. Beyond recording, Giddens stars in and executive produces the upcoming film An Ode To Mary Jo, while having sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. She is also preparing to launch American Tunes: Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing, a five-city concert series featuring Mavis Staples, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Hurray for the Riff Raff. In addition, Giddens recently launched the Biscuits & Banjos Foundation, expanding the educational mission of her festival through music programs, instrument access, and initiatives highlighting the African diaspora’s lasting influence on American culture.
TOO LOST PARTNERS WITH ROBLOX: Too Lost has entered a new partnership with Roblox, bringing its independent music catalog to the gaming platform for use by creators across games and virtual experiences. The agreement makes thousands of tracks distributed by Too Lost available through the Roblox Creator Store, allowing developers to integrate music into gameplay using sound objects, jukeboxes, and background music. The catalog includes recordings from artists such as The All-American Rejects, A$AP Ferg, Teddy Swims, Alex Warren, Jessie Reyez, Quavo, Royel Otis, Smokepurpp, Mach-Hommy, 1nonly, and Luke Chiang. The collaboration supports Roblox’s growing focus on music discovery by giving creators access to a broad range of hip-hop, pop, rock, electronic, and alternative music, while new game detail pages will also feature 15-second previews of creator-uploaded songs. Gregory Hirschhorn, Co-founder & CEO of Too Lost, said, “This partnership represents a major step forward in how independent music is discovered and experienced online. Roblox is one of the most culturally influential platforms in the world and bringing Too Lost’s catalog into that ecosystem creates a new path for artists to connect with fans in immersive, social, and interactive ways.”
PIPELINE ANNOUNCES SPENCER LEBOFF AS HEAD OF REVENUE: Pipeline has appointed music finance executive Spencer LeBoff as its new Head of Revenue, reinforcing its leadership team as the company expands its financing platform for the global music and creative industries. Effective immediately, Los Angeles-based LeBoff will lead Pipeline’s commercial strategy, overseeing relationships with record labels, music publishers, distributors, artists, and IP investment funds. He will also spearhead business development with banks, financing partners, and industry organizations, while serving on the company’s Investment Committee. The appointment follows Pipeline’s completion of its first publishing advance, marking the official launch of its publishing advance products for songwriters and music publishers. LeBoff joins from Avex Music Group, where he served as Sr. Vice President and Head of Publishing & Acquisitions, helping establish the company’s catalog acquisition business and leading its first catalog purchase. Previously, he launched and led beatBread’s songwriter advance and catalog acquisition division as General Manager of Publishing, following earlier A&R roles at BMG Music Publishing and Warner Bros. Records.
JENNI PFAFF PROMOTED TO CHIEF PEOPLE & TRANSFORMATION OFFICER AT HYBE: HYBE has promoted Jenni Pfaff to the newly created role of Chief People & Transformation Officer, expanding her leadership responsibilities across the company’s global operations. Pfaff, who previously held the same title at HYBE AMERICA, will now report directly to HYBE CEO Jason Jaesang Lee while remaining based in Los Angeles. In her new role, she will lead global people, talent, and organizational transformation strategies to support HYBE’s continued international growth. Since joining HYBE AMERICA in 2025, Pfaff has overseen key human resources functions, including talent acquisition, organizational design, employee development, and internal communications. She also played a key role in recruiting senior executives, including Ethiopia Habtemariam, Jake Basden, Gene Whitney, and Johanna Fuentes. Before HYBE, Pfaff served as Executive Vice President of Strategy, Integration, and Operations at Warner Chappell Music, where she led global strategy, business intelligence, and operational growth initiatives. Her previous experience also includes leadership roles at PwC, Activision Blizzard, and Northrop Grumman, as well as founding her own HR consulting firm, Pfaff HR. Pfaff holds advanced degrees in psychology and industrial-organizational psychology, along with a Strategy Execution certificate from Harvard Business School Online. She was recognized as one of Billboard’s Women in Music Top Executives in 2022.
INFLUENCE MEDIA PARTNERS ACQUIRES ANTHEM ENTERTAINMENT’S CATALOGS: Influence Media Partners, in collaboration with funds and accounts managed by affiliates of BlackRock, has agreed to acquire substantially all Anthem Entertainment’s assets in a deal valued at more than $600 million (USD). The transaction includes Anthem’s music publishing catalogs, film and television publishing assets, and portfolio of master recordings, encompassing more than 24,000 released songs and 60,000 additional unpublished works. The catalog features hits including Britney Spears’ “Oops!… I Did It Again,” Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack,” Timbaland’s “The Way I Are,” Cody Johnson’s “’Til You Can’t,” Rush’s “Tom Sawyer,” and OneRepublic’s “Counting Stars,” alongside works from country songwriters Jordan Davis, Shane Profitt, and Chris Janson. The acquisition also includes Anthem’s film and television music assets, featuring soundtracks from franchises such as Spider-Man, Men in Black, and LEGO Ninjago. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. The acquisition further expands Influence Media’s growing portfolio of music and entertainment intellectual property. Led by Founder and Co-Managing Partner Lylette Pizarro McLean, the company has previously invested in catalogs from artists including DJ Khaled, Future, and Enrique Iglesias. Truist led the debt financing and served as financial advisor to Influence, while Goldman Sachs acted as exclusive financial advisor.
SECRETLY DISTRIBUTION NAMES KRISTIAN DOWNS AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PLATFORM OPERATIONS: Secretly Distribution has promoted Kristian Downs to Executive Director, Platform Operations, expanding his leadership responsibilities across the company’s technology and digital infrastructure. In the new role, Downs will continue leading Secretly Distribution’s digital operations team while driving the long-term strategy for its core platform systems. Reporting to COO & Partner Chris Welz, he will also continue overseeing the evolution of RIOT, the company’s proprietary repertoire management system developed alongside Babel Ops, as well as future operational and metadata infrastructure initiatives. While Secretly Distribution continues to scale its technology platform, Downs will work closely with senior leadership to ensure platform development remains aligned across the business and supports the company’s broader strategic goals. Downs joined Secretly Distribution in 2020 after holding senior leadership positions at AWAL/Kobalt and Beggars Group. He also founded a music services distribution and rights platform focused on supporting independent artists and labels.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Brian Message, Jonathan Lane, Carlos Abreu, Ghazi Shami, Vijay Nair, Troy Carter, Aydin Delbar, Susan Genco, Colin Lester, Max Lousada, Shirley Halperin, Doug Mark, Michael Baker, and Jay Mehta. 
