LUCAS KELLER, FOUNDER & PRESIDENT OF MILK & HONEY MUSIC + SPORTS, NAMED RECIPIENT OF THE MUSEXPO 2027 “GLOBAL TALENT MANAGER” AWARD
MUSEXPO (www.musexpo.net), the internationally acclaimed global music business conference and showcase event, widely recognized as the “United Nations of Music” – in association with leading music discovery, development, and executive consultancy firm A&R Worldwide – is proud to announce that Lucas Keller, Founder & President of Milk & Honey Music + Sports, has been named the recipient of the prestigious “Global Talent Manager” Award at the 27th global edition of MUSEXPO. The honor will be presented during the annual “International Music Industry Awards” gala dinner on Wednesday, March 24th, 2027, at Castaway in Burbank, California, as part of MUSEXPO 2027.
Widely recognized as one of the most innovative, influential, and forward-thinking executives in the global music business, Lucas Keller has built an extraordinary career by redefining modern talent management. Through his entrepreneurial vision, strategic leadership, and unwavering commitment to creative excellence, Keller has transformed Milk & Honey Music + Sports into one of the industry’s most respected management companies, representing an elite roster of songwriters, producers, artists, DJs, and professional athletes while consistently helping shape the future of music, entertainment, and sports.
A 25-year music industry veteran, Keller founded Milk & Honey Music + Sports with the vision of creating a modern management company focused on long-term career development and creative partnerships. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a global enterprise with offices in Beverly Hills, New York, Nashville, and London, representing more than 70 acclaimed songwriters and producers, over 40 internationally recognized electronic artists, and more than 150 NFL and collegiate NIL athletes.
Beyond management, Keller has strategically expanded Milk & Honey into multiple sectors of the entertainment business, launching successful publishing ventures, including its latest partnership with Kobalt, establishing a record label in partnership with The Orchard, and overseeing more than $300 million in music catalog transactions. Today, Keller is partnered in a new fund to acquire music assets. His forward-looking approach to artist development, publishing, rights management, and business innovation has positioned Milk & Honey as one of the industry’s leading independent music companies.
Milk & Honey’s clients have collectively contributed to more than one billion albums sold worldwide, with the company’s roster consistently responsible for chart-topping Billboard Hot 100 hits. Its artist management division oversees nearly 3,000 live performances annually across the globe, with multiple residencies between Ibiza and Las Vegas, while its rapidly expanding sports division has become one of the nation’s premier football agencies, representing NFL stars, top draft prospects, and emerging collegiate talent.
Prior to founding Milk & Honey, Keller was a manager at The Collective, where he worked with globally renowned artists and helped guide several acclaimed career revivals, experiences that laid the foundation for his distinctive approach to talent management and business development.
Throughout his distinguished career, Keller has earned recognition as one of the entertainment industry’s most respected executives, receiving honors including Billboard’s Music & Sports Power Players for three years in a row (2024-2026), Billboard’s 40 Under 40, Variety’s Top Dealmakers, and Billboard’s Top LGBTQ+ Executives. Beyond his business achievements, he serves on the Board of City of Hope and remains a passionate advocate for charitable initiatives supporting the music community and LGBTQ+ organizations.
“Lucas Keller has established himself as one of the most respected and visionary talent managers in the global entertainment industry,” said Sat Bisla, Founder & President of A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO. “His entrepreneurial leadership, unwavering commitment to creative talent, and ability to continually evolve alongside an ever-changing industry have made Milk & Honey one of the world’s premier management companies. Lucas has built a remarkable legacy by championing songwriters, producers, artists, DJs, and athletes while creating innovative opportunities that have reshaped modern talent management. His influence extends far beyond management, helping drive meaningful innovation across publishing, music rights, live entertainment, and sports representation. Of all the types of talent Lucas has represented, he has built a remarkable legacy by championing the American Songwriter. We are proud to honor Lucas with MUSEXPO’s 2027 ‘Global Talent Manager’ Award.’”
Added Lucas Keller, “I’ve spent my career in the wings, and that has always felt like a place of purpose—not obscurity. Representation is an act of service – it means listening closely, advocating fiercely, and being a voice for the voiceless until they are given the power to speak—and be heard—for themselves. I get an opportunity to let songwriters, producers, artists, and athletes see that their stories matter every day. Our most meaningful work happens when we turn access into opportunity, influence into advocacy, and recognition into a platform for those the world has overlooked. Thanks for the honor Sat and team.”
The MUSEXPO 2027 “Global Talent Manager” Award recognizes Lucas Keller’s exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and enduring contributions to the worldwide music and entertainment industries. During the award presentation, Keller will also receive official proclamations from the City of Burbank, the County of Los Angeles, and the California State Assembly in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments and lasting impact on the global music business.
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 (over $100.00 savings off the current early bird registration), 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.
VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP APPOINTS SYAHEED MSBI AS VICE PRESIDENT OF AFRICA, MIDDLE EAST & ASIA
Virgin Music Group (VMG) has appointed Syaheed MSBI as Vice President of the Africa, Middle East and Asia (AMEA) region, where he will oversee the company’s operations and continued growth across these markets.
MSBI joins VMG following more than 13 years at Believe, where he most recently served as Global Artist Success & International Director. During his time there, he assisted in developing Believe’s artist services business across Southeast Asia and Australia, working with artists including Hindia, Yura Yunita, Sal Priadi, Saran, Blvckheart, Nik Makino, Young Bleed Neet and Cub Sport. He was also instrumental in expanding Believe’s presence through new teams and offices in Singapore and Malaysia.
His career in the independent music sector began in 2002, when he founded Bedsty, an independent music company focused on signing, producing and developing artists across Singapore and Malaysia. Through the company, he also managed artists including Sezairi, Sheikh Haikel, TheLionCityBoy and Wicked Aura.
MSBI’s appointment follows VMG’s acquisition of Downtown, with FUGA and Downtown Artist & Label Services now operating within VMG’s regional leadership structure. The company has also built an on-the-ground leadership network across AMEA, with Haluk Cerahaman in Turkey, Amit Sharma in India, Cindy Gu in Southeast Asia, Marcus Rowland in China, Kay Ikazobo in Nigeria, Nicole Thomas in South Africa, and Anita Zagar in South Korea.
“Syaheed has built his reputation as a fierce advocate for artists first as a founder of his own independent music company and later as a seasoned exec building a robust business in support of independent labels and artists,” said Michael Roe, Virgin Music Group’s MD of AMEA. “With his deep connections on the ground across AMEA, we’re looking forward to having him come in to lead and inspire our great team as we continue to build our best-in-class offering for the independent community around the world.”
ONLY GOOD PEOPLE LAUNCHES AS NEW HOME FOR ARTISTS, SONGWRITERS AND PRODUCERS
A new music company spanning management, publishing and creative development has been launched from a network of canalboat studios in West London.
Only Good People (OGP), operating across London and Stockholm, describes itself as a business with “deep roots in dance music and ambitions beyond it.” The company was founded by Head of Business Development Giovanni Damiani, Head of Operations Sebi Bohnenberger and board member Jay Pidgeon, with Martina Pemac serving as Stockholm, Sweden-based Managing Director.
The wider group brings together four interconnected brands: Only Good People for management, Only Good Songs for publishing, Only Good Records for label activity and Only Good Studios for production. Only Good Songs has also launched as a joint venture with Sony Music Publishing Germany, extending the group’s presence into Berlin.
OGP’s management roster includes Goodboys, Fast Boy, James Carter, ODNP, Nu Aspect, Aya Anne, Conor Ross, MOLI, YK Koi and Josh Grimmett. Collectively, the team’s credits include work with Meduza, David Guetta, Megan Thee Stallion, Tiësto, James Hype and Armin van Buuren, with releases on labels including Armada, Insomniac, Warner, Sony, Island and Positiva.
The publishing division features BRIT Award-winning songwriter James Newman, Damiani, Reece Taylor and multi-platinum producer-songwriter Dom Lyttle. Damiani also contributed as composer, lyricist and producer to the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem “DNA (More Than a Game),” with OGP producer Conor Ross credited for production and programming.
OGP also maintains a strategic partnership with artist management company Purple Wall, whose roster includes Claptone, Patrick Topping, Vintage Culture and Korolova.
BMG AND SUNO ANNOUNCE GLOBAL AI MUSIC ALLIANCE
BMG and Suno have entered a global alliance covering BMG’s recorded music and publishing catalogs. Under the agreement, BMG artists and songwriters who opt into the partnership will have their rights protected and receive compensation for the use of their work. The deal also resolves Suno’s previous use of BMG recordings and publishing works.
The partnership coincides with Suno’s planned launch of its first music model developed in collaboration with the music industry. The companies say they will work together to create new music experiences designed to reshape how artists and fans interact.
BMG has become the latest major music company to partner with Suno, following Warner Music Group’s licensing agreement with the platform last year. Suno continues to face legal challenges in the US from major music companies including Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, while a German court recently ruled against the company in a copyright case brought by GEMA.
Celine Joshua, EVP, Global Marketing & Streaming, BMG, said, “The future of AI in music will be defined by whether artists and songwriters remain at the center of the opportunity and share in the value it creates. Choice is the guiding principle.”
The agreement also follows Suno’s recent announcement of updated principles for responsible AI development, including plans for new watermarking and fingerprinting technology alongside revised community guidelines.
BUCKS MUSIC GROUP SIGNS WILL GREGORY OF GOLDFRAPP
AND RISING SINGER-SONGWRITER AGGY
Bucks Music Group has entered into a new agreement with Goldfrapp’s Will Gregory, covering his creative work outside the electronic duo. The deal will focus on Gregory’s expanding portfolio across film, television and other projects.
An Ivor Novello-winning composer, songwriter, producer and artist, Gregory has built a career spanning screen, theatre, opera and contemporary music. His film credits include My Summer of Love and the John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy, both created alongside Goldfrapp bandmate Alison Goldfrapp. The pair have also collaborated on music for the National Theatre’s production of Medea. Gregory’s opera Piccard in Space, inspired by Swiss physicist and balloonist Auguste Piccard, premiered at Queen Elizabeth Hall in 2011.
Beyond Goldfrapp, Gregory has composed for projects including the BBC Worldwide series Serengeti, Spy in The Wild and Snow Chick: A Penguin’s Tale, as well as AMC’s Soulmates, Amazon’s Chloe and Hulu’s Extraordinary. His theatre commissions include work for the National Theatre of Scotland and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Gregory has received nominations for the Mercury Prize, Grammys and BRIT Awards, alongside wins from ASCAP/PRS, Music Week, MTV Europe and the Music Producers Guild. His Moog Ensemble, a 10-piece synthesizer orchestra, released its debut album Heat Ray: The Archimedes Project via Mute Records in 2024.
Bucks Music Group has also signed U.K. singer, songwriter and recording artist Aggy to a worldwide publishing deal. Blending R&B, Afrobeats, hip-hop and classic soul, Aggy recently released his latest EP, Behind Closed Doors, in July.
He first gained wider attention in 2021 when Alicia Keys joined him for a duet on TikTok, helping him build a following of more than one million likes on the platform. His growing profile has also seen him feature in a Beats By Dre campaign in 2023, with the commercial surpassing one million YouTube views, as well as appearing on JD Sports’ Who Did It? alongside Chunkz, AJ Shabeel and Max Khadar.
“It’s great to be working with Aggy,” said Josh Gregg, A&R, Bucks Music Group. “He is a multi-talented artist who spans various genres and media. His versatility and musicality create amazing potential, and we’re excited to be a part of the team.”
Bucks Music Group is one of the U.K.’s longest-running independent, family-owned music publishers, with a global catalog spanning legendary writers and artists including David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, Beyoncé, James Blunt, Rudimental and Guy Chambers. The company’s active A&R team continues to champion and develop emerging songwriting talent.
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!
Panos A. Panay has spent his career reshaping the music industry by championing artists and modernizing how the music business works. He began his professional path as an international talent agent at The Kurland Agency. In this creative role, he masterminded global touring strategies and represented iconic, GRAMMY-winning legends. His roster included profound artists like Nina Simone, Leonard Cohen, Chick Corea, and Pat Metheny.
Driven by his firsthand knowledge of the industry’s struggles, Panay shifted into music technology and education to empower independent creators. He founded Sonicbids, a revolutionary online marketplace that connected independent bands directly with promoters. The platform successfully booked over a million gigs worldwide, entirely changing the landscape for unsigned talent.
Later, as Vice President at Berklee College of Music, he launched the Institute for Creative Entrepreneurship (BerkleeICE) and the Open Music Initiative. This massive project brought together over 200 media giants to build open-source data tracking, ensuring creators get paid fairly in the streaming age.
Today, as President of the Recording Academy, Panos leads the charge to protect human creativity from the threats of AI music while creating a more borderless, global community for the GRAMMYs.
Sat and Panos have been longtime friends since the duo met back in the early 2000’s and Panos was a regular participant and supporter of MUSEXPO with his company Sonicbids, and the two have remained in close contact since.
SOFT LOFT
Swiss indie collective Soft Loft usher in a bold new chapter with their forthcoming album Throw The Dice, arriving September 4th via [PIAS]. Led by singer-songwriter Jorina Stamm, the band has earned a reputation for crafting deeply human, emotionally rich songs that balance melancholy with moments of hope, creating a sound that’s both intimate and quietly expansive. Offering a compelling preview of the album is the stunning new single “Wednesdays,” a beautifully understated track that captures Soft Loft’s gift for turning vulnerability into something deeply resonant. Rich with atmospheric textures, soaring melodies, and heartfelt lyricism, it’s another reminder of why the band has become one of Europe’s most exciting emerging indie acts. Recorded at Studio Black Box in France and mixed by Grammy Award winner Craig Silvey (Arcade Fire, Florence + The Machine, The National), Throw The Dice finds Soft Loft embracing growth, uncertainty, and the unpredictable nature of life with newfound confidence. Following widespread acclaim for their debut album The Party and The Mess and 2025’s self-produced EP Modern Roses, the band continues to build remarkable momentum, earning support from BBC 6 Music, FluxFM, Passport Approved (the globally syndicated new music program), KEXP, and the North American College Radio Charts, while captivating audiences at festivals including The Great Escape, Montreux Jazz Festival, and Reeperbahn Festival. With Throw The Dice, Soft Loft deliver their most assured and emotionally compelling work to date, while “Wednesdays” offers a captivating glimpse into an album that firmly establishes the band as one of indie music’s most exciting rising voices. Discover “Wednesdays” HERE, and Ed Atkins for additional information and available opportunities with Soft Loft.
JAMIE HANNAH
Pop/opera-trained British singer-songwriter Jamie Hannah showcases the full power of his remarkable voice on “Where Is Your Heart?,” a stirring new single written by Oscar, Grammy, and Emmy-winning legendary songwriter Diane Warren. The emotional piano ballad marks the first release from Hannah’s forthcoming EP, pairing timeless songwriting with a deeply personal performance that explores love, loss, self-discovery, and finding your way back to yourself. Known for blending classical technique with contemporary pop, Hannah brings extraordinary depth to the song, allowing its quiet vulnerability to build into soaring, cinematic emotion. His five-octave vocal range is undeniably impressive, but it’s the honesty behind the performance that makes “Where Is Your Heart?” so affecting, transforming a universal story of healing into something intimate and unforgettable. Jamie Hannah has built an impressive international career, from performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall and with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra to collaborations with Boy George and viral success through his Italian Aria series, which has amassed more than ten million views and attracted over 200,000 new followers. With millions of streams, a rapidly growing global audience, and now a song from one of music’s most celebrated songwriters, Hannah continues to establish himself as one of pop’s most distinctive new voices. “Where Is Your Heart?” is a powerful introduction to Jamie Hannah’s next chapter, one that pairs breathtaking vocal talent with genuine emotional connection and leaves a lasting impression long after the final note. Experience the visual for “Where Is Your Heart?” HERE, and contact Jamie Hannah as he is currently available for management, booking representation, and label signing, or licensing worldwide.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, August 16th, 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 – “Fall In Love” (Communion Records, U.K.)
KARIN ANN – “Born to Be” (3AM Records, Slovakia)
TEMPLES – “Vendetta” (Heavenly Recordings, U.K.)
STAND ATLANTIC – “Velcro” (Virgin Music, Australia)
SUPER-HI – “Anywhere with You” (Blended Music, U.K.)
RAGING LINES – “Yamaha 237” (Unsigned, Norway)
MEEK – “Beautiful Freeks” (BMG, U.K.)
BLOSSOMS – “Meet Me in Love” (Distiller Records, U.K.)
NOTHING BUT THIEVES – “Evolution” (RCA, U.K.)
MATHIS AKENGIN – “Mute Love” (Upton Park, France)
WALKING ON RIVERS – “OK City Sun” (Motor Entertainment, Germany)
D’MASIV – “On Our Own” (Unsigned, Indonesia)
THE CHEAKS – “Situation Lost Control” (Unsigned, Australia)
CATTY – “Pavlov’s Dog” (Unsigned, Wales)
RUM JUNGLE – “Lowlife” (Sureshaker, Australia)
YEARS BETWEEN – “Dogfight” (1999 Recordings, U.K.)
TOVE LO – “I’m Your Girl Right” (Pretty Swede Records, Sweden)
BALU BRIGADA – “Politix” (Warner Music Group, Australasia)
MATTHEW MOLE – “In My Head” (Universal Music, South Africa)
TONIX – “Stupid Things I’ve Done” (General Admission Entertainment, Australia)
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)
CASSIA – “Praise” (Love Sundays/Universal Music, 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)
CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS RISING ROCK BAND SWAPMEET: Concord Music Publishing ANZ: has entered a worldwide publishing deal with South Australian indie rock quartet Swapmeet. The Adelaide-based band comprises Venus O’Broin (guitar, vocals), Joshua Doherty (bass), Maxwell Elphick (guitar, drums, vocals) and Jack Medlyn (guitar, drums, vocals). The four members first crossed paths as teenagers in the early 2020s, playing in different projects across Adelaide’s music scene. United by a mutual passion for ’90s alternative music, they cite Pavement and Sonic Youth among their formative influences. Swapmeet’s sound blends elements of jangle pop, shoegaze and alternative rock, establishing a distinctive place for the band within Australia’s emerging indie scene. Their debut album, Mount Zero, arrived last month via U.S. independent label Winspear, featuring fan favorites including “I Know!”, “Sand”, “Halfway” and “2 C U.” The release follows their debut single in late 2023 and their first EP, Oxalis, which landed in 2024. With momentum continuing to build, Swapmeet are preparing for a series of sold-out headline shows across Australia and internationally. They will round out the year with support slots for Wolf Alice in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Matt Tanner, VP A&R, Concord Music Publishing ANZ, said, “It was love at first listen. As simple as that – I haven’t heard a debut record as fully realized as Mount Zero in many years, and meeting the band only confirmed what the music suggested. They’re exceptional songwriters, wonderful people, and we’re thrilled to be joining them for the journey ahead.”
UNITEDMASTERS BOLSTERS LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH MULTIPLE SENIOR HIRES: UnitedMasters has expanded its executive leadership team with four senior appointments as the independent artist platform continues to grow its global roster. Todd L. Perry II joins as VP and Head of Artist and Label Marketing, Luca Zanello takes on the role of Head of Brand & Sync, Goldie Harris has been appointed Head of Commerce, and Jason Peerless joins as VP of Artist & Label Operations. Perry arrives from Warner Records, where he led artist and label marketing for acts including Veeze, Alex Isley, Syd, Rusowsky and LIHTZ. At UnitedMasters, he will focus on scaling and modernizing the company’s marketing operations while strengthening systems designed to support independent artists worldwide. Zanello will lead brand partnerships and develop opportunities across advertising, film, television, gaming and sync. With more than two decades of industry experience, his previous roles include senior positions at The Orchard, Roc Nation and MSM Group. Harris will oversee UnitedMasters’ global commerce strategy, with a focus on developing new artist revenue streams and expanding the platform’s direct-to-fan ecosystem. Peerless, meanwhile, joins after 12 years at Universal Music Group, including a decade at Def Jam Recordings, and will oversee operations across the company’s artist and label services. UnitedMasters works with artists including Brent Faiyaz, BigXthaPlug and FloyyMenor, and has recently added La Reezy, Grace Carter, Kid Apollo and Elise Elvira to its global roster.
WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC SIGNS FAT PAPI AND PRODSHUSHY TO GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEALS: Warner Chappell Music has signed Kurdish rapper, singer and songwriter Fat Papi and New Zealand producer Prodshushy to worldwide publishing deals, adding the pair to its growing global roster. Raised in Aotearoa, New Zealand, Fat Papi joined forces with Prodshushy for their breakout collaboration “Freaked Out,” which charted in the U.S. and reached Spotify’s Global Top 100. The track has since surpassed 100 million streams worldwide. The new publishing agreements cover both artists’ existing catalogs as well as their future works. “I’m incredibly excited to officially welcome Fat Papi and Prodshushy to our global roster of songwriters and producers at Warner Chappell,” said Dan Rosen, President of Warner Chappell Music Australasia. “Their song Freaked Out is already hitting Global Charts and winning fans around the world, and we look forward to building on this momentum to support their long-term global careers.” John Halstead, Senior A&R Manager at Warner Chappell Music Australia, said, “Fat Papi and Prodshushy bring a level of originality that’s impossible to ignore. Freaked Out is a huge moment, but it’s their vision for what comes next that really excites me. Proud to welcome them to Warner Chappell and back them for the long haul.”
STEAM MUSIC SIGNS JOLENE KHOR TO PUBLISHING DEAL: Steam Music has signed award-winning composer, orchestrator, arranger and conductor Jolene Khor to a music publishing agreement. The partnership follows a meeting between Khor and Steam Music executives Andrew Campbell and Tanya Timofeeva at Composer Summit Prague 2026 (an event A&R Worldwide helps curate music supervisors and creative executives’ participation, panels and workshops) where the team identified a shared vision for developing her work. Steam Music will support Khor’s continued growth as a composer while helping broaden opportunities for her music across games, screen, media and live concert platforms. Originally from Penang, Malaysia, Khor’s recent credits include work with HighRollers DnD, Nomnivores Games, Hatched Games and La Lionne Publishing, as well as projects spanning TTRPG podcasts and audiobooks. Her concert work includes orchestral, chamber and solo compositions such as A Dream Land of ShaYuan and Dance of The Kitsune, alongside orchestration for the Taiwan National Symphony Orchestra’s Our Lives in Song. She has also conducted the Queen Charlotte Orchestra for a Netflix promotional concert at Covent Garden. Founded in 2013, Steam Music operates across music publishing, sync, promotion and consulting, with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Berlin and Stockholm.
MERLIN APPOINTS JON GLASS AS GENERAL COUNSEL: Merlin has expanded its global leadership team with the appointment of Jon Glass as General Counsel. Based in New York, Glass joins the independent music licensing organization after nearly 20 years in senior business and legal affairs roles across the recorded music industry. Most recently, he served as Sr. VP and Head of Digital Legal Affairs at Warner Music Group, following previous digital business and legal affairs roles at Sony Music Entertainment and legal positions at firms including Morrison & Foerster LLP. Reporting to Merlin CEO Charlie Lexton, Glass will oversee the organization’s business and legal affairs division while also taking responsibility for its partnerships team. The structure brings together two closely connected, partner-facing functions under a single leadership team. Jon is one of the most respected legal executives in the digital music business,” said Lexton. “He brings an exceptional combination of legal expertise and commercial judgement with a highly developed understanding of the opportunities and complexities facing Merlin. As the digital playing field continues to evolve, we need to ensure we are coordinated in the way we think about the relationships we build with our partners. Bringing our business & legal affairs and partnerships teams together under Jon’s leadership is designed to do exactly that and will help us deliver even greater value for our members. I am delighted to welcome Jon to Merlin.”
SPOTIFY INTRODUCES ‘AI PERSONA’ BADGE: Spotify is introducing a new “AI Persona” badge to identify artist profiles that use an AI-generated identity rather than representing a real person. The new label is intended to give listeners greater transparency, with music from flagged AI Personas excluded from Spotify’s personalized editorial and algorithmic recommendations by default. The badge will begin appearing from mid-September across mobile artist profiles, Search, and track listings within playlists. Artists can begin disclosing AI Persona status through Spotify for Artists from August 11. However, Spotify says self-disclosure will not be the sole method used to identify these profiles, with human review and AI-powered investigative tools also forming part of the process. Artists whose profiles are flagged will be notified and can either confirm their status or appeal the decision. The initiative follows several other transparency measures introduced by Spotify this year, including Verified by Spotify, AI Credits, SongDNA and Artist Profile Protection. The platform also plans to introduce a reporting feature allowing listeners to flag profiles they believe are AI Personas in the coming months.
THIRTY KNOTS AND INTERSCOPE RECORDS ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP FOR TEMPER CITY: Thirty Knots and Interscope Records have announced a partnership covering Temper City’s upcoming music, including the band’s forthcoming debut album. The agreement combines Thirty Knots’ artist development expertise with Interscope’s global reach and resources as Temper City enters the next stage of its career. Thirty Knots will retain its lead role on the band’s debut single, “Self Aware,” while Interscope will join the campaign this week with a focus on building the track’s presence at U.S. Top 40 radio. The partnership follows a significant independent run for Thirty Knots, which signed and developed Temper City and helped establish “Self Aware” as a global hit. The track has now surpassed 583 million streams worldwide, including more than 374 million on Spotify, where it reached No. 5 in global consumption and No. 6 on Today’s Top Hits. It has also generated more than 12.6 million pieces of user-generated content, resulting in approximately 13.1 billion views, one billion likes, and 138 million shares. “Self Aware” has also achieved success at Alternative radio, with Thirty Knots independently taking the track to No. 1. It has spent three consecutive weeks at the top of the Mediabase Alternative chart and reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart. During its latest Mediabase tracking week, the song recorded more than 2,800 spins, the highest weekly total for an Alternative track this year, while ranking No. 1 in audience for the format. Temper City is managed by Adam Harrison and Brandon Phelps of Full Stop Management.
UTA SIGNS MARINA FOR GLOBAL REPRESENTATION IN ALL AREAS: United Talent Agency (UTA) has signed Welsh Greek singer-songwriter Marina for global representation across all areas. The agency will pursue opportunities for the Platinum-selling artist spanning live touring, media, filmed entertainment, brand partnerships and more. The move comes as Marina wraps her sold-out Princess of Power Tour, which concludes at Finland’s Flow Festival in Helsinki on August 14 after more than 40 dates worldwide. The tour has sold over 120,000 tickets across North America, South America, Europe and Oceania, with stops including New York’s Radio City Music Hall, Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre, London’s Alexandra Palace and two nights at Mexico City’s Pepsi Center. Marina has also appeared at festivals including Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Outside Lands, Governors Ball and Bonnaroo. Her sixth studio album, Princess of Power, was released independently in 2025 through her own Queenie Records label in partnership with BMG, reaching No. 7 in the UK. Previously known as Marina And The Diamonds, Marina topped the U.K. Albums Chart in 2012 with Electra Heart, while her 2010 debut The Family Jewels remains her biggest-selling album. Marina is managed by Janelle Lopez Genzink, Bianca Nour and Merce Jessor at Volara Management.
EXCELERATION MUSIC PARTNERS WITH REACH RECORDS: Exceleration Music has entered a partnership with Atlanta-based Christian hip-hop label Reach Records, covering new music released from 2026 onwards. Through the deal, Reach will gain worldwide physical and digital distribution via Exceleration’s in-house distributor Redeye Worldwide, alongside marketing support to help drive its continued growth. The partnership also marks two firsts for Exceleration, making Reach its inaugural hip-hop partner and first Christian music label. Redeye’s global network is expected to expand Reach’s physical business, bringing releases to a wider audience through retail and direct-to-consumer channels. Reach will retain full creative and operational independence, continuing under its existing leadership and team. The partnership launches with US poet and hip-hop artist Jackie Hill Perry’s new single “Clean,” which is also Reach’s first release in the KiTalbum format. The collectible hybrid physical-digital format combines music with exclusive tracks and bonus content, with the chart-eligible package also featuring Hill Perry’s 2025 album Blameless. Founded in 2004, Reach Records has helped launch the careers of artists including Lecrae, Jackie Hill Perry, Hulvey, KB, Andy Mineo and Limoblaze. “Through their dedicated commitment to the genre, Reach has built a thriving creative community within Christian hip-hop and achieved true brand identity,” said Glen Barros, Managing Partner at Exceleration Music. “As a result, they have become an outright leader in the genre, serving both their artists and fans. Given Exceleration’s mission to empower independent music, we hope to provide Lecrae, Ben and the incredible Reach team with additional resources that will enable them to amplify their efforts and elevate the label to new heights.”
PEERMUSIC RENEWS GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH RYAN LAWRIE: Peermusic has renewed its worldwide publishing agreement with Glasgow-born songwriter and hitmaker Ryan Lawrie, extending its partnership with the BTS collaborator. Lawrie first signed a global deal with the independent publisher in 2020 and has since built an extensive catalog of international credits. His work with BTS includes “Mikrokosmos” and “Inner Child,” while his songwriting credits also include releases by Tomorrow X Together, Enhypen, Seventeen and Zerobaseone. The songwriter has five US chart-topping credits and has contributed to projects that have collectively generated hundreds of millions of streams. His recent work includes co-writing “Hawaii,” the latest single from Red Velvet, released earlier this month. Lawrie’s credits extend across chart-leading albums, global tours and television projects including Boys Planet. Harry Knyt, Head of A&R, UK, Peermusic, said, “Ryan is the kind of songwriter we love working with. He’s already achieved so much, and we firmly believe his best work is still ahead of him. We’re incredibly proud that he’s chosen to continue his journey with us, and we’re looking forward to helping him realize that potential.”
NECK DEEP SIGN TO FUTURE HISTORY MANAGEMENT: Future History Management has added Welsh pop-punk band Neck Deep to its worldwide management roster. The Wrexham, Wales-based group will be represented by Future History Founder Ryan Richards and Jameson Roper, the company’s partner and President of U.S. operations. Neck Deep have built a global audience of more than two billion streams, with tracks including “December,” and “Wish You Were Here” among their biggest successes. Future History was launched by Richards in Cardiff, with Nashville-based Roper joining the company as partner and U.S. President in December 2025. Andy Copping, Founder of Download Festival and former Live Nation executive, is also a partner and director. Neck Deep’s signing adds to a roster spanning rock, alternative and heavy music, with Future History also representing artists including Sleep Token, Bilmuri, Wage War, President, Thornhill and Holding Absence. The company described the deal as another milestone in its international expansion. “Neck Deep is such a passion signing for our company mainly because myself and Ryan have been fans of the band for years and love what they do,” said Roper. “Continuing on our mission to work with the best in class at every turn, Neck Deep is most certainly the best in their class.”
INFLUENCE MEDIA BACKS LAUNCH OF FIRST MENA MUSIC PLATFORM IPNATION: Influence Media Partners has made a strategic investment in the launch of IPNation, a UAE-based company positioned as the first platform dedicated exclusively to Arabic music catalogs and entertainment intellectual property. With a target of $100 million (USD) in investment, IPNation will focus on acquiring and developing music and entertainment rights across the MENA region, spanning legacy catalogs, publishing assets, artist estates, and other culturally significant IP. The company is led by CEO Jose Maria Dot and Chairman and Chief Innovation Officer Eddy Maroun, Co-Founder of MENA music streaming platform Anghami. IPNation is currently assessing acquisition opportunities across the region, with a focus on building a portfolio of culturally important Arabic music and entertainment assets. New York-based Influence Media Partners, led by Founder and Co-Managing Partner Lylette Pizarro McLean, is a music and entertainment investment platform backed by strategic partnerships with funds and accounts managed by BlackRock. Its existing portfolio includes works associated with artists such as DJ Khaled, Future, and Enrique Iglesias. “Arabic music and entertainment IP represent one of the most undervalued cultural asset classes globally today,” said Dot, who is also MD of FTI Capital Advisors. “IPNation was created to institutionalize investment into iconic and predictable income-generating IP while generating upside through our IPNation Value Creation Playbook, bringing our music to larger audiences efficiently. We believe the Middle East is entering a new era where culture itself becomes a scalable financial asset.”
AEG PRESENTS STRIKES PARTNERSHIP WITH CREATIVEMAN PRODUCTIONS: AEG Presents has formed a partnership with Japanese concert promoter Creativeman Productions, expanding its footprint in one of Asia’s key live music markets. The collaboration will see the two companies explore new opportunities for artists to connect with audiences across Japan, while also creating a platform for AEG Presents’ ticketing business AXS to further expand throughout the region. Founded in 1990 by CEO Naoki Shimizu, Creativeman promotes concerts, tours and festivals featuring both Japanese and international artists. Its flagship Summer Sonic festival, launched in 2000, takes place across Tokyo and Osaka and has featured global acts including Radiohead, Oasis, Metallica, Linkin Park, Daft Punk and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Creativeman’s wider events portfolio includes Sonicmania, Punkspring, Greenroom Festival, Loud Park, Super Sonic and Springroove, covering genres from pop and rock to metal, punk and electronic music. Summer Sonic has also expanded internationally with a Bangkok edition. “Over the past 37 years, Creativeman has grown from a company with just 2 staff members to become the largest independent music promoter in Asia,” said Shimizu. “This strategic partnership with AEG Presents will propel our growth as we expand our festivals and artists from Japan to Asia and the rest of the world. The partnership will also connect Summer Sonic with a portfolio of world-class festivals and creates a network that joins Coachella in the U.S. and BST Hyde Park in the U.K., serving as a cornerstone for the music industry’s continued growth.”
SPOTIFY AND KOBALT STRIKE LICENSING DEAL FOR FAN-MADE COVERS AND REMIXES: Spotify and Kobalt have entered into a new licensing agreement that will bring Kobalt’s songwriter repertoire into Spotify’s upcoming fan-creation tool, allowing users to make licensed covers and remixes of participating songs. Spotify first announced plans for the AI-powered features with major labels and independent music companies last year, as part of its wider effort to develop artist-first AI products. Universal Music Group was the first partner to launch the initiative in May, followed by Merlin and its independent label members in August. The new tool is built around a licensing model that allows artists and songwriters to participate directly in the value generated by fan-created covers and remixes. This feature is expected to be offered as a paid add-on for Spotify Premium subscribers, creating a new potential revenue stream for participating rights holders. Kobalt is the first music publisher to join the program, expanding the initiative beyond recorded-music rights and into the songwriting and publishing side of the business. The agreement builds on Spotify and Kobalt’s existing relationship, with the two companies having renewed their direct, multi-year licensing agreement last year. “Fans have always sought deeper engagement with the songs they love, whether through listening or creating their own covers and remixes,” added Kobalt CEO Laurent Hubert. “Spotify’s new AI-powered creative tools are built on a foundation of ethical training, fair compensation, and intentional guardrails. This agreement is designed to ensure our songwriters can connect with their audience in unprecedented ways, while directly benefiting from the creative opportunities these new features provide.”
MAKE WAKE ARTISTS PARTNERS WITH ONE TWENTY ONE MANAGEMENT: Chris Kappy’s Make Wake Artists, which represents artists including Luke Combs, has entered a partnership with Nashville-based One Twenty One Management. Founded by Adam Hale, One Twenty One’s roster includes Muscadine Bloodline, Ben Chapman and Josh Weathers. The partnership brings together two Nashville management companies with a shared focus on artist development and career growth. Hale said he first met Kappy several years ago while working as tour manager for Kip Moore in the U.K., laying the groundwork for the new relationship between the two companies. Hale is joined in the partnership by Ivan “Churro” Haro, who serves as day-to-day manager for Muscadine Bloodline, Chapman and Weathers. Haro also manages metalcore band Glasslands and has previously worked with artists including Morgan Wallen, Tyler Rich and Matt Stell. “I’ve always believed that the best partnerships are built on shared values before shared success,” said Kappy. “Adam Hale and the Muscadine Bloodline team have built something authentic by staying true to who they are, and that’s exactly the kind of artist and people we want to be in business with. At Make Wake Artists, we’re focused on helping exceptional talent create long-term careers without sacrificing their identity. Adam’s vision, leadership, and commitment to the band make this a natural fit, and we’re excited to work alongside him as Muscadine Bloodline continues to reach new heights. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to the Make Wake family.”
LYRICFIND TEAMS WITH MONETUNES: LyricFind has struck a new deal with global music royalty administration platform Monetunes, allowing rightsholders whose works are administered by Monetunes to earn royalties from lyric usage across digital platforms. Under the agreement, LyricFind will license lyrics to services including Google, TikTok, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Deezer and Qobuz, while tracking usage and providing reporting to support royalty distribution. The partnership expands Monetunes’ administration services and gives its clients access to LyricFind’s global lyric licensing and reporting infrastructure. “Our mission is to help the artists and labels we represent collect the money they deserve without giving up any of their control or ownership,” said Antonio Di Puorto, Founder & CEO of Monetunes. “Because artists and labels now generate income through an increasingly complex mix of platforms, territories, and royalty systems, it can be incredibly difficult to track, but LyricFind helps us easily collect even more of that revenue for our clients.” “At LyricFind, we’re committed to helping creators capture the full value of their music, and that’s a vision we share with Monetunes,” said Laura Gennaro, Sr. Manager, Publisher Relations at LyricFind.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Frank Briegmann, Mike Caren, Ashish Jose, Julie Pilat, Dipesh Parmar, Jonathan Griffit, Richard O’Donovan, Edward Matthew, Bobby Campbell, Heath Johns, and Neeraj Kalyan.
