MUSEXPO 2027 UNVEILS FIRST ROUND OF
SPEAKERS FOR ITS 27TH GLOBAL EDITION WITH EXECUTIVES FROM AWAL, BILLBOARD, DISNEY MUSIC GROUP, DREAMWORKS ANIMATION, GLASSNOTE ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC WEEK (U.K.), POLYDOR LABEL GROUP, MILK & HONEY+SPORTS, THE·TEAM, WALTON ISAACSON & MANY MORE
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.
Marking over a quarter-century of influence, MUSEXPO 2027 will highlight the continued evolution of the worldwide music business landscape across all key sectors including A&R, music publishing, live, sync (film, TV, videogames, advertising, promos, trailers), radio/streaming, digital, technology, AI, distribution, management, and more. In addition, the event will highlight a special focus on the U.K. music market, as well as a spotlight on the growing opportunities in Eastern Europe including a special spotlight on Poland.
MUSEXPO will also return with its esteemed “International Music Industry Awards” (which originally launched back in 2012) in association with A&R Worldwide and will recognize the contributions of some of the most influential executives and creatives across core areas of the global music business in association with Visit Burbank and City of Burbank “The Media Capital of The World” during the private VIP Gala Dinner presentations.
The highly coveted “International Music Person of the Year” honorarium will be presented to one of the most influential booking agents in the world – Marty Diamond, EVP & Managing Executive, THE·TEAM. In addition, the annual Seymour Stein “Global A&R Award,” will be bestowed upon the highly respected and influential Ben Mortimer, President, Polydor Label Group. The “Lifetime Achievement Award” will be presented to one of the world’s leading music business executives and influencers – Ken Bunt, President, Disney Music Group.
MUSEXPO has just unveiled its first round of influential executives, creatives, and companies that will participate at its 27th global edition of what is one of the world’s most inspiring, influential, and impactful global music business and showcase events, which still to this day has remained independently organized by A&R Worldwide. More speakers from the U.S., and around the world have solidified their participation and will be unveiled in the next few weeks.
Confirmed speakers for next year’s event already include Alexandra Nickson, Sr. Vice President, Television Music, DreamWorks Animation; Ben Mortimer, President, Polydor Label Group; Daniel Glass, Founder & CEO, Glassnote Entertainment Group; George Garner, Editor-In-Chief, Music Week (U.K.); Katie Romanovich, Founder & Music Supervisor, Sundaze Media; Ken Bunt, President, Disney Music Group; Lucas Keller, Founder & President, Milk & Honey Music + Sports; Madison Emiko Love, Multi-Platinum Songwriter (Lady Gaga, BLACKPINK, Selena Gomez, Gwen Stefani, Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, Zara Larsson, and more); Marek Hodja, Board Member, Music Export Poland & President, Society of Polish Audiovisual Composers SPACe; Mark Needham, Grammy Nominated Producer & Mixer (The Killers, Imagine Dragons, Elton John, and more); Marty Diamond, EVP & Managing Executive, THE·TEAM; Mason Cooper, President, Songrunner Entertainment; Melinda Newman, Executive Editor, West Coast & Nashville, Billboard; Nick Haussling, Head of Music, Walton Isaacson; Nora Felder, Music Supervisor / CEO, Picture Music Company (Stranger Things, Yellowjackets, The Boroughs); Pete Giberga, President, AWAL; Richelle Parham, Global Executive & Corporate Director (worked with Universal Music Group, eBay, Visa, and Citibank); Ritch Esra, Publisher, The Music Registry & Co-Founder, MUBUTV; Sat Bisla, President & Founder, A&R Worldwide / MUSEXPO, and many more to be unveiled in the coming weeks and months.
MUSEXPO 2027 will also have a special focus on global A&R giving unsigned and emerging global artists an opportunity to showcase in front of leading U.S. and international A&R executives, label heads, publishers, booking agents, music supervisors, media, and many others as A&R Worldwide celebrates 25 years of global impact for artists, creatives, executives, and companies.
A&R Worldwide newsletter readers are eligible for a special discounted rate, which expires on August 31st, 2026. To secure your discounted rate link, please contact Dusty at dusty@anrworldwide.com.
For sponsorship, discounted hotel rates, artist showcasing opportunities, or other information regarding MUSEXPO 2027, please visit www.musexpo.net.
BMG EXPANDS DEAL WITH ANDREW STOCKDALE (WOLFMOTHER) THROUGH A CATALOG ACQUISITION
BMG has expanded its relationship with Andrew Stockdale by acquiring his publishing, recorded music royalties and neighboring rights interests in the catalog of Wolfmother. The deal strengthens a partnership that began in 2016, when BMG became Stockdale’s global music publisher. The band, who were initially unsigned in 2004, received extensive A&R Worldwide support including access to U.S and global audio platforms, sync, and record label A&R introductions to their manager at the time, John Watson.
As Wolfmother’s vocalist, guitarist, co-founder and principal songwriter, Stockdale has been the driving creative force behind one of Australia’s most successful modern rock acts. Over the past two decades, the band’s music has generated hundreds of millions of streams while maintaining a lasting presence across radio, streaming services, live performances, film, television, and video games.
Wolfmother’s 2005 self-titled debut album launched the band onto the global stage, earning multi-Platinum certification in Australia along with Platinum and Gold awards in numerous international markets. Powered by signature tracks including “Woman,” “Joker and The Thief,” “White Unicorn,” and “Dimension,” the album cemented the group’s reputation as one of the defining rock bands of its generation.
Throughout their career, Wolfmother has earned widespread acclaim, including a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance for “Woman,” APRA’s Songwriter of the Year honor, multiple ARIA Awards for Best Group, Best Rock Album and Breakthrough Artist Album, as well as nominations at the BRIT and MTV Awards.
Beyond commercial and critical success, Wolfmother’s songs have become fixtures of popular culture, appearing in films, TV series, advertising campaigns and video games including The Hangover, Jackass Number Two, Shrek the Third, Ted Lasso, NHL, Madden NFL, Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk’s Project 8, among many others. Renowned for its commanding live performances,
Wolfmother has toured extensively throughout North America, Europe and Australia, headlined leading international festivals, and performed alongside acts including AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses. The band also received the honor of inducting Led Zeppelin into the U.K. Hall of Fame.
INDUSTRY MOURNS THE PASSING OF LEGENDARY MANAGER AND THE FIRM CO-FOUNDER PETER KATSIS
The global music community is mourning the loss of Peter Katsis, one of the industry’s most formidable, forward-thinking artist managers and the co-founder of the iconic management powerhouse, The Firm. Katsis passed away recently, leaving behind a monumental legacy that fundamentally reshaped the landscape of alternative rock, nu-metal, pop, and electronic music over the last three decades.
A true titan of artist advocacy, Katsis was widely respected for his fierce determination, razor-sharp global instincts, and an unparalleled ability to scale subcultures into arena-level, multi-platinum global phenomena. Throughout his illustrious career, he served as a vital strategic architect for a diverse and legendary roster of talent, guiding the careers of Jane’s Addiction, Korn, Smashing Pumpkins, Audioslave, Snoop Dogg, Ministry, and the Backstreet Boys, among many others.
Katsis was a rare breed of manager who seamlessly bridged the gap between uncompromising artistic vision and massive commercial success. He was renowned for fighting tirelessly in the trenches for his clients, shielding their creative integrity from corporate pressures while pioneering new blueprint models for touring, merchandise, and independent digital distribution during periods of massive industry disruption.
Sat Bisla, President & Founder, A&R Worldwide stated, “The first time I met Peter back in 1991, he was managing the Chicago indie rock band Material Issue, who had the incredible U.S. hit single “Valerie Loves Me,” which was racing up the Alternative Radio charts. At the time, I was working as a radio and club DJ, as well as a nightclub booking agent in Central California. From that very first meeting, Peter was firm, to the point, and eloquent. I remember making a mistake during that show by over-extending the allotted guest list beyond what Peter and I had originally agreed upon. Rather than criticizing me for my mistake and the inexperience I had at the time, Peter gently pulled me aside. Instead of a lecture, he gave me some incredibly good insights and sage words of advice. In that exact moment, he earned my deepest respect, which laid the foundation for a trusted relationship and friendship that lasted for decades. Peter was truly one of a kind – a fierce advocate for artists and the global music community. He will be sorely missed by so many of us around the world.”
Beyond his legendary business acumen, colleagues and artists remember Katsis as a man of immense passion, loyalty, and deep musical conviction. His passing marks the end of an era for the management community, but his immense impact on music history and the countless careers he launched and sustained will be felt for generations to come.
A&R Worldwide sends its deepest condolences to Peter’s family, friends, and the many artists whose lives he touched.
PRESCRIPTION SONGS SIGNS PRODUCER, SONGWRITER, AND PLATINUM-CERTIFIED ENGINEER RICH HARRIS
Leading independent publishing company PRESCRIPTION SONGS tells A&R Worldwide it has secured a deal with Rich Harris, a signing led by A&R executives Chris Martingago and Sophia Battaglia, in partnership with Pray For My Haters (PFMH).
Harris is a Nashville-based producer, songwriter, and RIAA platinum-certified engineer known for building release-ready tracks from the ground up. With roots in the St. Louis hip-hop scene, his sound blends rhythm-driven instrumentals with modern polished vocals. He has worked alongside artists such as SZA, DJ Khaled, Luh Kel, December 10, and Sexyy Red. He has also created sync-focused work for brands such as Giorgio Armani, NFL, Maybelline, VH1, Google, and Hulu.
This signing comes in alliance with PFMH, the creative venture founded by record producer and songwriter Tony Esterly and manager Dave Hopper, encompassing boutique music publishing, recorded music, and apparel. Through its publishing endeavors, PFMH has co-published and developed songwriters in partnership with leading music companies including PRESCRIPTION SONGS, Concord, and Downtown Music Publishing. Those writers have achieved success across artist-driven releases while also earning numerous placements in film, television, and advertising.
“This is the dream team!” stated Harris. “I am incredibly grateful to be working with a group of people that so personally understands my work and operates with such intention. Everyone on this crew has already been pushing hard for me and I could not be more excited to have made this official.”
Chris Martingago said, “Rich and I originally connected through an online community during the pandemic via Tony Esterly, and it has been a cool full-circle moment to now be partnering with him on this signing. We are excited to be part of the next phase of Rich’s career, and for people to hear his skills in the room and across every release.”
Sophia Battaglia added, “Rich has a rare versatility that allows him to bring any creative vision to life, paired with an exceptional ear for distinctive production that helps every record stand apart. I could not be more excited to officially welcome him to the team!
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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!
Rick Rubin is a legendary music producer whose groundbreaking work has shaped the sound of modern music across genres. Co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, Rubin helped pioneer hip-hop by producing iconic tracks for artists like Run-D.M.C., Beastie Boys, and LL Cool J. His career expanded far beyond hip-hop, with Rubin earning acclaim for his ability to strip music to its raw essence and connect with artists on a deeply creative level.
Over the years, Rubin has worked with a diverse array of legendary artists, including Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Slayer, and Adele. His production of Johnny Cash’s American Recordings series is widely regarded as a masterclass in musical reinvention, reviving Cash’s career with raw, emotive storytelling. Rubin’s influence on albums like the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Blood Sugar Sex Magik and Kanye West’s Yeezus highlights his versatility and innovation, as well as his amazing work on so many other incredible artists.
Sat and Rick were at the A&R showcase for the U.K. band Ting Tings, who got their first key global support (ex-U.K.), when they were unsigned from A&R Worldwide. Sat also helped Ting Tings secure their first U.S., German, and S. American radio exposure, and their first two ever global syncs, by introducing Ting Tings music to music licensing executives at EA Games and Apple – before the band secured their label and publishing deals. These efforts played a key part in helping the band launch their global career.
D3LTA
Anglo-Greek artist D3LTA continues his rise with “Daydream,” one of the standout moments from his debut album Mad About It. Blending soaring indie-rock with cinematic pop sensibilities, the track captures the feeling of becoming completely lost in a moment, where fantasy, longing, and reality begin to blur. Written between London, Athens, and Los Angeles, Mad About It finds D3LTA turning themes of mental health, isolation, and youthful uncertainty into something immersive and deeply human. “Daydream” offers a lighter, more romantic side of that world, exploring the escapism that comes with seeing someone not only for who they are, but for who they become in your imagination. Drawing inspiration from artists such as David Bowie, Talking Heads, Sam Fender, and Twenty One Pilots, D3LTA has carved out a sound that balances emotional honesty with anthemic ambition. His recent work has earned support from outlets including Rolling Stone U.K., CLASH, and SPIN, while his growing live reputation has seen him headline across the U.K., perform at The Great Escape, and support artists including Lucy Spraggan, JC Stewart, and Marmozets. With Mad About It, D3LTA transforms uncertainty, nostalgia, and self-reflection into songs that feel universal, and “Daydream” is a perfect example: uplifting, cinematic, and a reminder that sometimes the moments we escape into are the ones that stay with us the longest. Discover “Daydream” HERE, and contact Jo Hart for additional information and available opportunities globally on behalf of D3LTA.
THE ROOKS
Glasgow, Scotland-based indie-rock outfit The Rooks continue their rapid rise with “Nothing to Lose,” an anthemic, fist-in-the-air single that captures the ambition, urgency, and fearless spirit of one of the U.K.’s most exciting emerging bands. Led by Ross Gardiner’s soaring vocals, the track pairs elevated melodies with an empowering message about breaking free from expectation and refusing to settle for anything less than your dreams. Written for the overthinkers, the outsiders, and anyone determined to carve their own path, “Nothing to Lose” is equal parts personal mantra and rallying cry. Recorded at Communion Church in London and mixed by Luke Burgoyne (Louis Tomlinson, MUNA, Black Honey), the song channels raw emotion into an infectious indie-rock anthem built to be sung back at full volume. Momentum has continued to build for The Rooks, whose latest EP Noise & Confusion has further cemented their reputation as one of Scotland’s standout new acts. After selling out headline shows in Glasgow, earning major festival slots including TRNSMT and The Great Escape, and sharing stages with the likes of Miles Kane, The Academic, and Overpass, the band have also signed with Touchdown MGMT and Primary Talent. With “Nothing to Lose,” The Rooks deliver their boldest statement yet, a declaration of intent from a band with the songs, the live show, and the belief to back up their growing reputation. Experience the visual for “Nothing to Lose” HERE, and connect with Callum Read and Adam Harris as The Rooks are currently independent, unsigned, and unpublished worldwide.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, August 9th, 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.
TEMPLES – “Vendetta” (Heavenly Recordings, U.K.)
STAND ATLANTIC – “Velcro” (Virgin Music, Australia)
CASSIA – “Lemon Gelato” (Love Sundays/Universal Music, U.K.)
OVERPASS – “Fall In Love” (Communion Records, U.K.)
KARIN ANN – “Born to Be” (3AM Records, Slovakia)
NOTHING BUT THIEVES – “Evolution” (RCA, U.K.)
MEEK – “Beautiful Freeks” (BMG, U.K.)
BALU BRIGADA – “Politix” (Warner Music Group, Australasia)
MATHIS AKENGIN – “Mute Love” (Upton Park, France)
RAGING LINES – “Yamaha 237” (Unsigned, Norway)
YEARS BETWEEN – “Dogfight” (1999 Recordings, U.K.)
D’MASIV – “On Our Own” (Unsigned, Indonesia)
WALKING ON RIVERS – “OK City Sun” (Motor Entertainment, Germany)
MASTER PEACE – “My Guitar” (PMR Records, U.K.)
CATTY – “Pavlov’s Dog” (Unsigned, Wales)
PARK RD – “Burn Away” (Loop Recordings, New Zealand)
RUM JUNGLE – “Lowlife” (Sureshaker, Australia)
TOVE LO – “I’m Your Girl Right” (Pretty Swede Records, Sweden)
MATTHEW MOLE – “In My Head” (Universal Music, South Africa)
TONIX – “Stupid Things” (General Admission Entertainment, Australia)
SEAFRET – “Oceans” (Nettwerk, U.K.)
ROYEL OTIS – “Sweet Hallelujah” (Ourness, Australia)
LEONIDEN – “I Still Feel” (Vertigo Berlin, Germany)
THE FALLS – “The Other Side” (Rev Pro, U.K.)
DOTAN – “Last Goodbyes” (Universal Music, Holland)
CHLOE SLATER – “Ugly” (AWAL, U.K.)
BLOW – “Evelyn” (Nettwerk, France)
GIRL SCOUT – “Crumbs” (AWAL, Sweden)
LUSAINT – “Love Bites Back” (Heavenly Fire, U.K.)
ALL YOU NEED – “Over It” (Unsigned, U.S.)
ALEX SPENCER – “These Will Be the Days” (Modern Sky, U.K.)
UNPEOPLE – “Clouds” (SharpTone Records, U.K.)
D3LTA – “Daydream” (Unsigned, Greece)
UNIVERSAL MUSIC KOREA SIGNS HUKKY SHIBASEKI TO MANAGEMENT DEAL: Universal Music Korea has signed award-winning producer, composer, and hip-hop artist Hukky Shibaseki to a management deal. Shibaseki joins a lineup that includes Dean, Okasian, Bryan Chase, Lim Kim, 1300 and Heyoon. Widely recognized as a leading figure in South Korea’s contemporary hip-hop scene, he has produced music for artists including E Sens, B-Free, J-Tong and Jjangyou, while continuing to develop his own solo and collaborative projects. Known for a sound shaped by Seoul’s underground music culture and global alternative influences, Shibaseki will work with Universal Music Korea to expand his creative output, pursue new strategic collaborations, and grow his international presence as he continues to push Korean music onto the global stage. “Hukky Shibaseki is a visionary and one of the Korean music industry’s most influential creative leaders, recognized for elevating the artistry and careers of exceptional talent,” said Calvin Wong, CEO of Universal Music Group Southeast Asia and Korea, and Sr. VP of Asia. “We are excited to partner with him to further expand his brand and creative influence on a global scale.”
SPOTIFY TOPS 300 MILLION PAYING SUBSCRIBERS: Spotify has reached a major milestone, becoming the first audio streaming platform to surpass 300 million paying subscribers. The achievement comes as part of the company’s Q2 financial results, which showed strong momentum across both subscriber growth and financial performance. Premium subscribers rose 9% year over year to 300 million, while monthly active users (MAUs) climbed 12% to 777 million. Spotify added seven million Premium subscribers during the quarter, one million more than it had forecast, although MAU growth came in slightly below guidance. Financially, the streaming giant reported record profitability. Gross margin reached an all-time high of 33.4%, up 190 basis points from a year earlier, while total revenue increased 15% year over year at constant currency to €4.8 billion. Operating income totaled €655 million, and Premium average revenue per user (ARPU) grew 7.4% at constant currency to €4.89. Spotify also continues to expand its product offering. The company also announced a new partnership with Merlin, giving independent rightsholders access to its paid AI music creation add-on, which allows fans to create song covers and remixes. Earlier this year, Spotify revealed it paid $11 billion to the music industry in 2025 alone, bringing its total payouts to $70 billion since the platform launched 20 years ago.
SONY MUSIC PROMOTES STEPHANIE YU TO GENERAL COUNSEL AND EVP BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS: Sony Music has promoted Stephanie Yu to General Counsel and Executive Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs, expanding her leadership role across the company’s global operations. In her new position, Yu will report to Sony Music Group Chairman Rob Stringer and Sony Music COO Kevin Kelleher. She will oversee the company’s worldwide business, legal and government affairs strategy, guiding legal operations and supporting the company’s long-term business objectives. Yu most recently served as Executive Vice President and U.S. Lead of Business & Legal Affairs, where she directed legal strategy and operations for Sony Music’s U.S. frontline record labels. During her tenure, she played a key role in modernizing legal agreement frameworks, strengthening cross-functional risk management practices, and helping shape Sony Music’s approach to emerging technologies, including generative AI. She has also collaborated closely with the company’s litigation and cross-functional teams to improve strategic planning and streamline legal operations. In addition, Yu has supported artist-focused initiatives, including advancing transparency and education through Sony Music’s Artists Forward program. Yu first joined Sony Music in 2005 after practicing law at Covington & Burling, where she spent three years as a litigator. During her initial six years with the company, she managed a broad range of legal and business affairs matters, including international licensing, global distribution agreements, mergers and acquisitions, and digital business negotiations. In 2011, Yu moved to Epic Records, where she spent nine years as Executive Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs. As a member of the label’s senior leadership team, she also oversaw A&R administration, brand partnerships, and sync licensing, while negotiating agreements across the wider Sony Group, including Sony Music Publishing, Sony Electronics, Sony Mobile and Sony Interactive Entertainment.
NATTE VISSTICK SIGNS WITH WME: Electronic producer and DJ Natte Visstick has signed with WME for representation across North America, South America, Australia, and Asia. Known for pushing the boundaries of modern electronic music, Visstick has built a distinctive sound that fuses hard techno, jumpstyle, industrial influences, and melodic elements with a strong visual and cultural identity. His music has attracted a global following, amassing more than 160 million independent streams, over 1.6 million playlist placements and 2.9 million monthly Spotify listeners. His breakout tracks, including “Visstick Gooi Die KK Kick” and the viral hit “POLSKA JUMPSTYLE,” have become festival and social media anthems, while recent collaborations such as “SPRING” with Ski Aggu and Mr. Polska have further expanded his reach beyond the electronic music scene. His track “CRUSH” also gained wider exposure through its inclusion in the feature film Babygirl. Earlier this year, Visstick launched “4 THE PEOPLE,” a community-driven movement centered on rave culture and fan connection. Alongside the initiative, he has continued to perform at some of Europe’s biggest festivals, including Tomorrowland, Verknipt Festival, Teletech Festival, Hive Festival, Free Your Mind Festival, Intents Festival, Rebirth Festival and Sunrise Festival, as well as major showcases across Australia.
VICKY DOWDALL JOINS DAVE STEWART’S RARE ENTITY AS PARTNER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Artist manager and entrepreneur Vicky Dowdall has joined RARE Entity as Partner, Business Development, becoming part of the leadership team at the venture group co-founded by Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart. In her new role, Dowdall will lead business development, collaborating with creators, founders, rights holders, and strategic partners to transform ideas and intellectual property into scalable businesses. Dowdall is best known as the long-time manager of Scottish singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt, helping build an independent, globally focused career centered on creative ownership. She has also managed artists including Ella Henderson, Cody Frost and Olivia Sebastianelli. Following the success of Nesbitt’s 2014 debut album Peroxide, which reached No. 1 in Scotland and No. 11 across the UK, Dowdall co-founded Apple Tree Records with the artist, creating a label focused on giving musicians greater creative freedom while developing sustainable business models around their work. In addition to her management career, Dowdall serves on the board of the Music Managers Forum (MMF). RARE Entity was launched in January 2026 by Dave Stewart alongside Captify Co-Founder and former CEO Dom Joseph and former Coca-Cola and Apple executive Rich Britton. The company focuses on building creator-led ventures that combine creative vision with operational expertise, while enabling artists and founders to retain ownership of their rights and intellectual property.
WARNER MUSIC GROUP CORP. REPORTS RESULTS FOR FISCAL THIRD QUARTER: Warner Music Group reported strong third-quarter results for the period ended June 30, 2026, with revenue increasing 10.4% year over year to reflect continued momentum across both Recorded Music and Music Publishing. Excluding the impact of a prior-year copyright settlement and the end of its BMG distribution agreement, revenue grew 12.1%. Digital revenue rose 10.5%, while streaming revenue increased 12.3%, driven by subscription growth, improved licensing economics, and continued expansion in music publishing. Recorded Music also benefited from higher physical sales and artist services revenue, while Music Publishing posted gains across streaming, synchronization, mechanical and performance income. Operating income jumped 80.5% to $305 million, with Adjusted OIBDA climbing 16.1% to $433 million (USD) and margin improving to 23.2%. Net income reached $200 million, compared to a loss of $16 million in the prior year quarter, while free cash flow increased to $114 million from $7 million. Top-performing releases during the quarter included projects from Bruno Mars, Don Toliver, sombr, Alex Warren and Madonna, contributing to growth in Recorded Music revenue.
THE CIRCUIT GROUP APPOINTS MARC THOMAS AS HEAD OF ARTIST MANAGEMENT, UK + EUROPE: The Circuit Group has appointed Marc Thomas as Head of Artist Management, U.K. + Europe, as the company continues to expand its global artist management operations. Based in London, Thomas will oversee artist management across the U.K. and Europe while playing a key role in the company’s international growth strategy. Thomas joins from Red Light Management, where he has spent the past eight years in the company’s London office. His career also includes leadership positions as Head of Marketing at Defected Records and a five-year tenure at Rinse FM, giving him experience across artist management, label marketing, and radio. He brings a roster that includes Anti Up, Chris Lorenzo, AC Slater, Taiki Nulight, and Emily Makis. Thomas will also continue to co-manage Chris Lorenzo alongside The Circuit Group’s Michael Carella, who oversees the artist’s U.S. management. “Marc has an outstanding record of developing artists and building meaningful businesses around their careers,” said Dean Wilson, Co-Founder and CEO of The Circuit Group. “His experience, reputation, and global perspective make him a natural fit for Circuit as we continue investing in the next generation of dance music talent. We are excited to have him leading our management efforts across the UK and Europe.”
SUNO MUSCLES INTO VINYL MARKET: Suno is expanding into physical media with the upcoming launch of Suno Vinyl, a new service that allows users to turn AI-generated songs into custom vinyl records. The announcement comes as debate continues over the role of AI-generated music in the industry, with Suno currently facing copyright infringement lawsuits from major music companies. Despite the ongoing legal scrutiny, the company, valued at $5.4 billion (USD) following a $400 million Series D funding round in June, is broadening its consumer offering beyond digital creation. Currently available through a waitlist, Suno Vinyl will let users compile up to 46 minutes of music from their Suno library onto a 12-inch record, customize the artwork, sleeve, and labels, and have the finished product pressed and shipped directly to their door. The company estimates pricing at $45 plus shipping. Positioning the service to give lasting form to personal creations, Suno describes the records as genuine, pressed vinyl made from PETG material rather than novelty cuts, with each order individually manufactured and quality checked before delivery.
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: Anjula Acharia, George Ergatoudis, Sol Parker, Reynold D’Silva, Brandon Davis, Kabiru Bello, Shivam Malhotra, Austin Rosen, Jos Watkin, Marian Wolff, Paul Wiltshire, Lisa Mottahedeh, Paul Rosenberg, Peymon Maskan, and Magnus Textor.
