WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC PROMOTES GABZ LANDMAN TO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, A&R
Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has promoted Gabz Landman to Executive Vice President, A&R. Based at WCM’s Los Angeles headquarters, Landman will continue reporting to Ryan Press, President of A&R, North America.
Since joining WCM in 2022, Landman’s signings include Amy Allen, Laufey, John Ryan, Madison Beer, Lizzy McAlpine, The Chainsmokers, Delacey, Andrew Wyatt, Daniel Chetrit, and Diplo, among others.
A part of Landman’s work has been her close collaboration with songwriter Amy Allen. Under Landman’s guidance, Allen has earned consecutive Grammy Awards for Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical) and collaborated with artists including Olivia Rodrigo, Tate McRae, Sabrina Carpenter, and Olivia Dean. Landman also helped bring Allen, Dean, and John Ryan together for the session that produced “So Easy (To Fall in Love),” which topped Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart for five weeks.
Additionally, Landman’s first WCM signing, Cal Shapiro, has gone on to collaborate with Cameron Whitcomb and Alex Warren, including on the hit “Ordinary.” Another early signing, Carrie K, has contributed extensively to Noah Kahan’s album and recently earned her first No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with Koe Wetzel and Jessie Murph.
In her new role, Landman will lead creative A&R strategies across North America, with a continued focus on discovering, signing, and developing songwriting talent. She will work with both emerging and established creators while seeking new opportunities to expand WCM’s creative footprint across the evolving music industry.
TBWA\MEDIA ARTS LAB NAMES ANH DO GLOBAL HEAD OF MUSIC
TBWA\Media Arts Lab, Apple’s dedicated global creative agency, has appointed Anh Do as its new Global Head of Music, reporting directly to Global Chief Creative Officer Brent Anderson.
Do joins the agency with more than a decade of experience spanning music supervision, creative strategy, and sonic branding. Most recently, she served as Google Brand Studio’s first in-house music supervisor, where she developed the studio’s global sonic identity and helped shape music strategy for major creative campaigns. Prior to Google, Do was Global Head of Music and Executive Creative Director at Expedia Group, leading music strategy and supervision across Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo.
Her experience extends across music, branding, and film, including her role as music supervisor on HBO’s The Stroll, which received the Sundance Jury Prize in 2023. Throughout her career, Do has worked at the intersection of music and brand storytelling, bringing a strategic approach to how sound can shape the way audiences experience creative work.
“I believe music can make you feel something before you fully know why,” said Anh Do. “That belief is a big part of what drew me to MAL. There is real care for craft here and an understanding of the subtle magic that can transform a piece of work. Music has always been part of Apple’s DNA, and I am incredibly excited to join this team and help shape what music can bring to the world globally.”
In her new role at TBWA\Media Arts Lab, Do will work closely with creative and strategy teams across the agency’s global network to develop music approaches that account for the distinct cultural and commercial realities of individual markets. From local listening habits and licensing environments to the different meanings a melody can carry from one audience to another, her role will focus on navigating these nuances to ensure music connects authentically with audiences around the world.
BMG SIGNS FOUR GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEALS WITH ANNA LUNOE, VELVET TRIP, CHARLEY, AND WILLSTAH
BMG has announced four new global publishing agreements with Australian artists and songwriters, signing Anna Lunoe, Velvet Trip, Charley, and Willstah.
Anna Lunoe has established herself as a pioneering figure in dance music, with a career spanning performance, broadcasting, and artist advocacy. She has appeared at festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, Boiler Room, and Ultra Music Festival, and made history as the first solo female artist to perform on the kineticFIELD main stage at EDC Las Vegas. Her debut album, Pearl, was named one of Billboard’s Best Dance Albums of 2024. In 2015, Lunoe was hand-selected by Zane Lowe to host Apple Music Radio’s international flagship program HYPERHOUSE, and she has spent more than a decade supporting emerging artists and championing innovative dance music.
Velvet Trip is the psychedelic-pop project of Wiradjuri songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Zeppelin Hamilton. Blending psychedelic rock, indie-pop, and soulful influences with atmospheric, dreamlike production, the project has enjoyed a significant breakthrough in recent years. Velvet Trip became triple j Unearthed’s most-played artist, appeared as part of Spotify’s Turn Up AUS billboard campaign, and saw its 2026 album Glimmers Continued debut at No. 5 on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart.
Charley has also emerged as a prominent next-generation Australian pop artist, combining infectious melodies with candid and personal songwriting. Her 2026 album The Chronicles of a Serial Idealist debuted at No. 2 on the ARIA Australian Artist Albums Chart. The album features “Man on The Moon,” which earned Charley an Emerging Global Songwriter Award in the 2025 Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition.
The fourth signing is Australian-based songwriter and producer Willstah, also known as Willie Tafa. He has accumulated more than 720 million streams through songwriting and production credits for artists including Ariana Grande, DJ Mustard, Ella Mai, Baker Boy, and ONEFOUR. His credits include Ariana Grande’s “Be Alright,” while his collaborations with Baker Boy and Becca Hatch have earned him an AMPAL Emerging Songwriter Prize, an ARIA Award nomination, and multiple APRA Award nominations.
RESERVOIR’S POPINDIA EXPANDS CATALOG AND ROSTER WITH TWO NEW DEALS
PopIndia, Reservoir’s India-based subsidiary, has expanded its catalog and roster through two new agreements. The company has acquired all compositions and masters owned by Chennai-based Vincey Productions, while also entering into a new publishing agreement covering the future works of Indian hip-hop producer Rajvir Singh, professionally known as 30KEY!.
According to Reservoir and PopIndia, the deals reflect their shared commitment to investing in India’s music industry and developing a locally rooted platform designed to support the country’s growing creative ecosystem.
Established in 1995, Vincey Productions has built a catalog of South Indian music spanning more than three decades. Based in Kamaraj Colony, Chennai, the company has a particular focus on Tamil and Telugu Christian and devotional music. As part of the acquisition, PopIndia has secured the master and publishing rights to Vincey Productions’ catalog, as well as its owned and operated YouTube channels, which collectively have more than ten million subscribers.
The latest developments follow PopIndia’s launch in Mumbai in May 2025 and its continued expansion across the Indian music market. The company has also appointed Diya Patil as Operations Manager as it builds out its local team and infrastructure.
Patil previously supported Reservoir and PopIndia from Reservoir’s New York City headquarters. In her new position, she will work alongside PopIndia Head of Operations Ray Ahmed, helping to develop the company’s expanding infrastructure and support its existing roster.
PopIndia’s wider strategic and operational activities will continue to be overseen by Spek, who is also the founder and CEO of Reservoir joint venture partner PopArabia.
ALL ABOUT MUSIC IN MUMBAI SPOTLIGHTS INDIA’S GROWING GLOBAL INFLUENCE
The 10th edition of All About Music (AAM X), which wrapped up in Mumbai on August 27, underscored how quickly India’s music business has moved from a largely domestic growth story toward a more sophisticated, globally connected ecosystem. Held August 25–27 at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai, the milestone edition put less emphasis on celebration and more on the commercial forces reshaping the sector.
Over three days, the conference examined the business implications of AI, creator-led models, music discovery, rights and publishing, live entertainment, artist development, distribution and the increasingly blurred lines between music, technology, and culture. Its expansion into a multi-format ecosystem spanning summit, expo, and festival, alongside pitch sessions, matchmaking and industry-focused programming, reflected an industry increasingly focused on transactions, partnerships, scalable opportunities, and not simply conversation.
The speaker roster reflected that shift, with executives and entrepreneurs including the highly respected and influential Tarsame Mittal who founded AAM, Vijay Subramaniam of Collective Artists Network, Ashish Jose (manager of Hanumankind), Vikram Mehra (MD, Saregama India & Chairman, IMI), Girish “Bobby” Talwar of Rebellion Management & Entertainment, Munbir Chawla of Magnetic Fields, Aayushman Sinha of REPRESENT and Varun Khare of thumpN bringing perspectives on management, live, legal, artist strategy, technology and the creator economy. Global voices including legendary BBC Radio 1 DJ Pete Tong, A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO founder Sat Bisla, MusicTech Japan’s Takayuki Suzuki, Kim Frankiewicz, EVP Global A&R, Concord Music Publishing, Spotify veteran Glenn McDonald, and many others added an international lens to India’s ambitions.
AAM X made a broader point: India’s music opportunity is no longer defined solely by streaming growth or the scale of its audience. The next phase will depend on stronger rights infrastructure, new revenue models, technology-led discovery, exportable IP and deeper links between Indian businesses and global markets. After a decade of building the industry’s networking infrastructure, All About Music now appears increasingly positioned as a platform where those commercial relationships, and the next generation of music businesses can take shape.
Here is a pictorial overview of some of A&R Worldwide’s highlights and experiences in Mumbai, as well as at All About Music.
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!
Tim Ingham is one of the most respected music business journalists in our industry and is the Founder & Publisher of Music Business Worldwide (MBW), which he launched back in 2015. Prior to the launch of MBW, Tim was the Editor for the U.K. music industry publication Music Week, a position he held for three years. In 2014, Tim was named one of the world’s five hundred Most Influential Britons – and one of the twenty most influential British music executives by The Sunday Times and Debrett’s, as well as receiving numerous other acknowledgments.
Sat Bisla, President & Founder, A&R Worldwide met with Ingham in London, England back in 2014, and offered his perspective on the need for the launch of a regular globally focused music business publication that covered all aspects of music, media, and technology. Sat shared details with Tim and Paul Williams (then Editor, Music Week) of the previous A&R Worldwide quarterly global music industry publication named, One Movement for Music, which was launched back in 2012 and was the world’s first–of–its–kind interactive digital worldwide music business magazine which featured high level executive interviews, analysis and news from all sectors of international music industry including A&R, publishing, distribution, digital, live, radio, retail, digital, streaming, management, legal, songwriters, production, sync, brands and more, and encouraged Tim to look at a more global perspective as A&R Worldwide and its newsletter and affiliated media has done for decades – a year later Music Business Worldwide was launched.
The last edition of One Movement for Music was printed and digitally distributed in 2014.
SAMFIRE
Samfire is making a name for herself with “Father,” a confessional alt-pop track that explores faith, feminism, identity, and the complicated process of becoming who you are beyond what you were taught. The focus single from her self-produced four-track EP of the same name, it blends intimate songwriting with cinematic atmosphere, capturing the tension between devotion, guilt, and finding your own voice. Drawing on influences from Florence + The Machine, Lana Del Rey, Kate Bush, Wolf Alice, and Portishead, Samfire creates music that feels deeply personal while still possessing a rich, expansive quality. Already earning support from BBC Radio 2, BBC Introducing, and Record of the Day, alongside coverage from Wonderland, Notion, Glamour Poland, and BBC News, Samfire is quickly establishing herself as one of the U.K.’s most compelling independent artists. Recent live highlights include Latitude, Wilderness, Great Escape week, and the MMF x SESAC Karousel Showcase, while her selection for ALSO Festival’s Future Music Program 2026–2027 further underscores the growing attention around her work. With “Father,” Samfire offers an honest and emotionally resonant introduction to an artist unafraid to explore the messier parts of faith, identity, and becoming yourself. Discover “Father” HERE, and contact Phoebe as Samfire is currently seeking label partnerships and booking representation.
YEARS BETWEEN
Emerging Newcastle, England four-piece Years Between make a confident introduction with their debut single “Dogfight,” an emotionally charged anthem about growing beyond the world you once knew and finding the courage to move forward. Blending northern indie storytelling with polished pop instincts and cinematic ambition, the track feels both deeply personal and built for a much bigger stage. Fronted by Newcastle-born vocalist and songwriter David alongside Maddy (bass), Bella (drums), and Tom (guitar), Years Between have spent the past year shaping a sound that balances vulnerability with scale. “Dogfight” captures that perfectly, exploring identity, belonging, and the uneasy space between who you were and who you are becoming. With echoes of Sam Fender’s anthemic grit, the polished instincts of the Jonas Brothers, and Coldplay’s widescreen emotion, “Dogfight” is an impressive first statement from a band with plenty of room to grow. Watch the “Dogfight” video HERE, and reach out to Hart Media for available opportunities globally with Years Between.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, August 30th, 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)
RHETT REPKO – “Bad at Love” (Unsigned, U.S.)
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.)
BUDDUG – “Oxygen” (Côsh Records, Wales)
RUPERT BULLARD SIGNS WITH GLASSNOTE RECORDS: Rupert Bullard has signed a global deal with Glassnote Records. The agreement arrives ahead of the announcement of new music and a series of upcoming live shows as Rupert prepares to take his music to a wider global audience. Rupert was recently named Folk Alliance Australia’s Youth Folk Artist of the Year, earning him a main stage slot at the Port Fairy Folk Festival, where he went on to receive the Emerging Artist of the Year Award. Since then, he has continued to build his live reputation with appearances at Australian festivals including the Queenscliff Music Festival. Rupert has already accumulated more than 100 live performances, having begun busking at Tasmania’s Salamanca Markets in his early teens. He has since progressed to headline shows across Australia, festival appearances and his first international tour through the U.K. and Ireland. Rupert has also recently completed recording his debut album with producer John Castle, known for his work with Vance Joy and Paul Kelly. Alongside his recording deal with Glassnote, Rupert has signed global representation with Universal Music Publishing, through Maree Hamblion and Alliyah Fareo; WME; through Brett Murrihy, Tom Larner, and their respective teams; and Hear Hear Group, represented by Charlotte Abroms. His live credits include support slots for Tones & I, Meg Mac, Gretta Ray, BIIRD, Josh Pyke, Haiver, and many others.
CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS NOGA EREZ AND ORI ROUSSO: Concord Music Publishing has signed artist, songwriter, and producer Noga Erez to an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement, covering her future works as well as a selection of key tracks from her existing catalog. The global deal includes several of Erez’s songs, including “Stuck in Heaven,” “Bubbling,” “Penny Lame,” “Watch the News,” “Not My Problem” and “I Love You” featuring Armani White. The agreement further expands Concord’s relationship with Erez as she continues to establish herself as an influential voice across contemporary electronic and alternative music. Alongside Erez, Concord has also signed her partner and longtime principal collaborator Ori Rousso. A songwriter and producer, Rousso has co-written and produced extensively across Erez’s catalog and has played a leading role in developing the distinctive sonic identity that defines their work together. The publishing signings arrive as Erez and Rousso continue to expand their creative work beyond music. The pair recently premiered the featured documentary Noga at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival in New York, offering a further look into Erez’s career and creative world. “Noga Erez is a force of nature and truly one of a kind,” said Adrian Hillekamp, Director, A&R, Concord Music Publishing, Germany who helped with the signing. “The music of Noga and Ori demands attention, their live show is beyond exhilarating and they keep innovating on every record. At the same time, they selflessly give energy, motivation, and hope through their songs. It is a testament to their ability to inspire and a privilege for us to be a part of.”
MUSEXPO 2027: SPECIAL RATE AVAILABLE TO A&R WORLDWIDE NEWSLETTER READERS – EXPIRES MIDNIGHT TONIGHT: MUSEXPO 2027 will bring together music industry professionals, A&R’s, publishers, technology and digital executives, distributors, creatives, managers, executives, and other key stakeholders for several days of U.S. and global insights, high level discussions, talent discovery, networking, business development, awards events, and so much more! For those planning to attend, A&R Worldwide newsletter readers are eligible for an additional 10% discount off the current early bird registration rate. To receive the discount, use code ANRWW25 when registering. The offer is available for a limited time and expires August 31, 2026. MUSEXPO also offers opportunities for companies and organizations interested in sponsorship, as well as discounted hotel accommodations and artist showcasing opportunities. Additional information regarding registration, participation, sponsorship, showcasing, and accommodations is available at MUSEXPO’s website. If MUSEXPO 2027 is part of your industry calendar for next year, now is an appropriate time to secure registration and take advantage of the current early bird rate, along with the additional discount available to A&R Worldwide readers. Visit www.musexpo.net for details and registration information.
WARNER MUSIC AUSTRIA & ADA CENTRAL EUROPE TEAM WITH VIENNA’S TONHERD: Warner Music Austria and ADA Central Europe have announced a strategic distribution and studio partnership with Vienna-based independent label, publisher and creative hub Tonherd, expanding collaboration across music distribution, artist development and production. Founded and operated by Constantin Kaiser, Florian Koch, and Valentin Bröderbauer, Tonherd works as a full-service, end-to-end music company, supporting artists throughout the entire creative process, from songwriting and production through to release. The company has established itself as a key creative player in Austria, with its production team having contributed to successful releases by artists including Ina Regen, Josh, and Pizzera & Jaus. Under the new agreement, Warner Music Austria and ADA Central Europe will provide global distribution for Tonherd’s releases, alongside strategic support aimed at strengthening the company’s roster both within Austria and internationally. As part of the partnership, Warner Music Austria’s full local artist roster will also gain direct access to Tonherd’s studio facilities, creating additional opportunities for collaboration and music production. The partnership launches with a release from pop artist Michael Russ, with further releases planned for later this year from artists including AMS, Fräulein Peter and Now.
PULSE MUSIC GROUP SIGNS ERIN LECOUNT: Pulse Music Group has signed burgeoning alt-pop singer-songwriter and producer Erin LeCount to a worldwide publishing deal. The 23-year-old Essex, England native first gained attention independently with her 2023 debut EP, Soft Skin, Restless Bones, before breaking through with the viral 2025 single “Silver Spoon” from her second EP, I Am Digital, I Am Divine. The momentum led to a sold-out international tour across Europe. LeCount released her third EP, Pareidolia, through Atlantic Records in February, writing, recording, and producing all six tracks herself. Following a sold-out US run, she took the project on the road across the U.K. and Australia, adding dates to meet demand, and recently supported Lorde at All Points East. LeCount’s Pulse signing was revealed by co-CEOs Scott Cutler, and Josh Abraham alongside President Ashley Calhoun. LeCount’s latest single, “The Cinema,” premiered as BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record. Managed by Will Bloomfield and Erin Strange of Tap Music, she has also partnered with Abbey Road Studios through its Equalize initiative, recently hosting a free songwriting and production masterclass for female and non-binary producers.
WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC SIGNS GREEKAZO: Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has announced the signing of Swedish rapper, artist, and songwriter Greekazo to its roster. Greekazo has built a substantial audience since breaking onto the Swedish music scene, with his catalog having generated more than 400 million streams to date. The new publishing partnership with WCM comes as he sets his sights on broadening his presence beyond Sweden and establishing a stronger international footprint. His breakthrough arrived in 2019 with “HotSpot,” a single that went on to achieve 5x Platinum certification and firmly established Greekazo as one of the emerging names in Swedish hip-hop. He further strengthened his position with “Försent,” featuring 1.Cuz. The song reached No. 1 on Spotify Sweden and was selected as the official theme song for Netflix’s Swedish drama series Snabba Cash. It also went on to become the most-streamed Swedish hip-hop track of all time. Greekazo continued his momentum with the release of his debut album, Gör Nu, Tänk Sen, in 2020. The project has accumulated more than 110 million streams since its release and was followed by his second album, 6Ton5, in 2021. More recently, Greekazo joined forces with fellow Swedish rapper Adaam for the collaborative EP Nya Skolans Ledare. Released last year, the project featured “Håller Mig Själv,” which climbed to No. 1 domestically and added another success to Greekazo’s growing catalog. “Greekazo’s influence on Swedish hip-hop, and youth culture cannot be overstated,” commented Edward Matthew, VP of International A&R and Head of Creative, Warner Chappell Music Nordics. “He continues to make groundbreaking music and pushes the needle with every project he delivers. Greekazo and his team have incredible creative energy, and we are excited to welcome him to the WCM family.”
FLOATING POINTS SIGNS TO CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING: Concord Music Publishing has entered into a worldwide publishing agreement with Mercury Prize-nominated composer and producer Floating Points, the musical project of Sam Shepherd. The global deal will cover Shepherd’s future compositions, including his latest album Mere Mortals, which arrived on August 28. Mere Mortals offers a musical reinterpretation of the ancient Greek myth of Pandora. The project was first presented at San Francisco Ballet in January 2024, with choreography created by Aszure Barton. Following its original debut, the work is now set to receive U.K. performances, beginning with a run at the Edinburgh International Festival from August 28-30. It will then be moved to London for a four-night engagement at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, taking place from September 9-12. Floating Points has established a strong catalog over the course of his career, with his 2015 debut album Elaenia remaining his best-selling release. According to figures from the Official Charts Company, the album has recorded sales of 18,749 to date. His subsequent album, Crush, released in 2019, also made an impact on the U.K. charts, reaching the Top 40 and recording current sales of 17,859. The agreement with Concord Music Publishing represents a new stage in Shepherd’s career, bringing his forthcoming body of work under a worldwide publishing partnership while building on the success of a catalog that spans electronic music, composition, and contemporary performance. “It’s a privilege to be working with Sam and his highly respected managers Carol and Tom,” stated Anna Carpenter, Senior Director International A&R at Concord Music Publishing who guided the signing. “Floating Points is an artist with ardent fans throughout the company, and we are all excited to experience what he creates over the forthcoming years.”
JADE EAGLESON SIGNS WITH BBR MUSIC GROUP/BMG: Jade Eagleson is entering a new chapter, signing a new recording deal with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. The award-winning Canadian country star has built a global footprint, with 430M+ streams, 130M+ YouTube views and five No. 1s at Canadian Country Radio. With major honors including 2025 CCMA Male Artist of the Year and 2023 CCMA Entertainer and Male Artist of the Year, Eagleson continues to champion a fresh take on neo-traditional country. JoJamie Hahr, Executive VP, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, commented, “Jade represents so much of what everyone loves about this format. He knows exactly who he is as an artist, has an undeniable respect for the genre, and has built an incredible career by staying true to that. What he has already accomplished is impressive, but we believe there is so much more ahead. We are thrilled to welcome Jade to the family and excited to be part of this next chapter.”
SPOTIFY PROMOTES JOE HADLEY TO VP OF GLOBAL MUSIC CONTENT & PARTNERSHIPS: Spotify has promoted Joe Hadley to the newly expanded role of Vice President of Global Music Content & Partnerships, giving him a broader leadership position across the streaming service’s worldwide music operations. In his new role, Hadley will oversee both Spotify’s music editorial and partnerships teams. The expanded remit will see him take responsibility for the platform’s relationships with artists, record labels, music publishers, and the broader music industry, alongside its global editorial activities. Spotify said the new organizational structure is designed to bring its music teams closer together while maintaining the independence and expertise of its editorial operation. According to the company, the changes will “preserve editorial’s distinct voice, expertise, and decision-making, while creating a more connected music team.” As part of the reshuffle, JJ Italiano has also been promoted to Head of Editorial. His responsibilities will span global music curation, North American editorial and the company’s overall editorial strategy. Italiano will report directly to Hadley in his new position. “Editorial is a key part of bringing an essential human touch to Spotify,” said Charlie Hellman, Spotify’s Sr. VP & Global Head of Music. “The team’s judgment and taste are what fans and artists rely on. Joe’s capable leadership will keep artist advocacy at the center of our work and bring even more impact to the programming we do.”
LABELWORX SIGNS GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH GOLDIE’S METALHEADZ: LabelWorx has announced a new global partnership with drum & bass label Metalheadz, founded in London by Goldie, Kemistry and Storm in 1994 during the formative years of the jungle movement. Over the years, Metalheadz has built an influential catalog featuring releases from Goldie, Doc Scott, Dillinja, Photek, Adam F, Source Direct, Optical, Ed Rush, Grooverider and Peshay, among others. The label’s projects also include Goldie’s acclaimed Timeless and the Platinum Breakz compilation series. Through the new partnership, LabelWorx will provide global distribution and strategic support across Metalheadz’s extensive catalog and forthcoming releases. The label’s music and ongoing activity will be managed by LabelWorx’s specialist drum & bass division, Bass Station, further supporting Metalheadz’s international presence and continued contribution to independent electronic music. “Metalheadz is one of those labels whose impact goes far beyond its catalog,” said Dominic Kerley, VP of LabelWorx. “It helped shape the sound, culture, and identity of drum & bass, and we are incredibly proud to be trusted with the next chapter of that legacy. Our role is to give the label the infrastructure, reach, and strategic support to continue operating at the highest level.”
KILLPHONIC SIGNS ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, SYMPHONIC AND HALF TONE FOR GLOBAL ADMIN: Killphonic Rights has announced worldwide publishing administration agreements with Rough Trade Publishing, Symphonic Distribution, and Mad Decent’s Half Tone, adding three established independent music companies to its growing roster of partners. The Los Angeles-based independent publishing and administration company has built its business around a global network of direct collection relationships, with a model designed to reduce the need for traditional sub-publishers across individual territories. Killphonic says its infrastructure is designed to support large catalogs and B2B services at scale, while also maintaining a direct relationship with its own roster of clients through creative services spanning A&R and sync licensing. The company’s leadership includes working musicians and creators, including Head of Creative Syd Butler, who continues to tour and record as an artist while remaining directly involved with Killphonic’s roster. The latest publishing expansion comes during a period of continued growth for the company in 2026, following its acquisition of a distribution platform earlier this year and the ongoing development of its label division, Killphonic Records. Killphonic Records has also expanded its partnership with Cinema Music Group and The Bridge School this year with the announcement of Heart of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young, Volumes 2 & 3, scheduled for release this autumn. The project will feature more than 20 contemporary artists reinterpreting songs from Neil Young’s catalog. Contributors to the project include LP, King Princess, MJ Lenderman, Modest Mouse, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Lucinda Williams, Peter Frampton, Los Lobos, and Ann Wilson, among others, bringing together artists from across generations and genres to celebrate Young’s songwriting legacy.
MEGHAN TRAINOR SIGNS WITH UTA: United Talent Agency (UTA) has signed Grammy-winning American singer-songwriter and television personality Meghan Trainor for global representation. The agency will represent Trainor across a broad range of opportunities, including live touring, filmed entertainment, digital media, theatre, brand partnerships and more. The new partnership comes as Trainor continues to expand her career across music, television, and other forms of entertainment. She recently made her on-screen acting debut in Ryan Murphy’s FX series The Beauty, which premiered in January, and released her seventh studio album, Toy with Me, in April. Trainor first rose to international prominence in 2014 with “All About That Bass,” which reached No. 1 in both the U.K. and United States. Beyond her music career, Trainor has built an extensive television profile, appearing as a judge, coach, mentor, and advisor on programs including The Voice, The Voice U.K., The Four, and Australian Idol. She also expanded into publishing with her 2023 motherhood memoir, Dear Future Mama: A TMI Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, And Motherhood from Your Bestie. Trainor is managed by Nikola Barisic for Bond Artist Management and represented by Aaron Rosenberg for Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & Light LLP.
CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING ANZ SIGNS JETHRO CURTIN AND LACHLAN STUCKEY: Concord Music Publishing ANZ has signed Surprise Chef songwriters Jethro Curtin and Lachlan Stuckey to a global publishing agreement. The deal covers all the pair’s future works, including the band’s forthcoming fifth studio album, Frogs in A Pond, as well as Surprise Chef’s first two albums, All News Is Good News and Daylight Savings. Alongside their work with Surprise Chef, Curtin and Stuckey are also the founders of Melbourne-based independent record label College of Knowledge Records. The duo has helped establish Surprise Chef as an internationally recognized instrumental group, with the band performing at festivals and events including Reeperbahn, Desert Daze, Pickathon and London Calling. Surprise Chef’s music has also reached audiences through collaborations and brand campaigns, including a track sampled for a collaboration between 88rising’s Rich Brian and Ghostface Killah, as well as music featured in a Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime commercial. The band’s fifth studio album, Frogs in A Pond, is scheduled for release on October 23 via Concord Jazz. To support the new record, Surprise Chef will embark on a North American tour throughout October and November. Matt Tanner, VP A&R, Concord Music Publishing ANZ, said, “Along with their fans around the world, I have been a fan of Surprise Chef since All News Is Good News, and their records have been on heavy rotation on my home stereo ever since – they have probably contributed to a couple of worn-out Ortofon cartridges along the way. They have built College of Knowledge into a funk and soul institution, and their commitment to the music they love is something special. We are genuinely excited that Concord can now be part of the next chapter.”
SOUNDPLATE ACQUIRES AI MASTERING FIRM STEMMER: Soundplate has acquired AI-powered music mastering company Stemmer, following a long-standing partnership between the two businesses. Founded in 2020 by music producer Sam Goetz, Stemmer has provided AI mastering technology to more than 20 music platforms and websites. As part of the acquisition, Soundplate has brought Stemmer’s core audio algorithms in-house and rebuilt the technology as a proprietary, serverless mastering API. According to Soundplate, its engineering team extracted Stemmer’s underlying algorithms and used them as the foundation for a new infrastructure that has been developed from the ground up. The technology now supports Soundplate’s range of consumer-facing mastering tools, including its redesigned Online Mastering service, a dedicated mastering engine for vinyl releases and the recently launched AI Stem Splitter. The acquisition also sees Soundplate take over Stemmer’s existing B2B and B2C operations, enabling recording studios, distributors and online platforms already using Stemmer’s infrastructure to continue providing branded mastering services without disruption. Originally established as an independent record label, Soundplate has since developed into a multi-faceted music company supporting independent artists and labels through a range of technology, marketing, and music services. Its offerings include a free playlist submission platform as well as Soundplate Clicks, a marketing platform designed to help artists and labels promote their music.
1916 ENTERPRISES SIGNS MNEK FOR MANAGEMENT: 1916 Enterprises has signed Grammy-nominated artist, songwriter, and producer MNEK for management. The partnership comes ahead of the release of MNEK’s forthcoming album, Bulldozer!!, due September 18, and his European headline tour this autumn. Born Uzoechi Emenike, MNEK’s recent work includes contributions to Zara Larsson’s latest album, Midnight Sun, while his catalog features international hits including “Never Forget You” with Larsson and Beyoncé’s “Hold Up.” The signing represents another step in the continued expansion of 1916 Enterprises under Founder & CEO Jonathan Gordon. The multi-faceted entertainment company operates across management, publishing, recorded music, and technology, while also developing and investing in a growing portfolio of music and entertainment ventures. Among the company’s investments are music technology platforms Chordal, Offtop, Patchbay and Big Effect, alongside Rare Behavior, a kids and family-focused music initiative. Through its expanding network of businesses and services, 1916 Enterprises continues to build its presence across multiple areas of the modern music ecosystem. MNEK’s new management agreement with 1916 Enterprises follows a worldwide publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing U.K., which signed the artist-songwriter to a global publishing agreement in May. “We’re so excited to welcome MNEK to 1916,” commented Ruchir Mohan, partner at 1916 Enterprises. “He is a creative force whose influence on pop music is undeniable, but what really excites us is where he is headed next. We genuinely believe this next era has the potential to be his biggest yet and we are honored to be part of that journey.”
BOOSEY & HAWKES STRIKES PUBLISHING DEAL WITH JUNG JAEIL: Boosey & Hawkes has announced a new worldwide publishing agreement with composer Jung Jaeil, covering his concert music and future classical works. Jaeil has gained international recognition for his work across film and television, most notably through his scores for Bong Joon-ho’s Academy Award-winning Parasite, Mickey 17, and Netflix’s global hit series Squid Game. His work has established him as a distinctive voice working across contemporary classical composition, film scoring, and popular music. The new agreement includes Inferno, Jaeil’s 15-minute orchestral work commissioned by the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. The piece was premiered in Seoul under conductor Jaap van Zweden before making its North American debut at Carnegie Hall. The Seoul Philharmonic is also continuing to present the work as part of its European touring program this month. Alongside his orchestral and screen work, Jaeil has composed and produced music for some of South Korea’s leading popular artists, including Hyo Shin Park and IU. Jaeil now joins Boosey & Hawkes’ roster of contemporary composers, with the publisher operating as part of Concord. “Jung Jaeil represents a future for classical music that is deeply connected to the wider cultural landscape,” said Boosey & Hawkes President Steven Lankenau. “His work moves effortlessly between the concert hall, film, and popular culture while maintaining a deeply personal musical voice. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Boosey & Hawkes family and excited to help bring his concert works to performers and audiences worldwide.”
WARNER MUSIC AUSTRALIA AND IN BLOOM SIGN MAPLE’S PET DINOSAUR: Warner Music Australia and In Bloom have announced the signing of 15-year-old rock artist Maple’s Pet Dinosaur. Maple has also signed with Raw Power Management and CAA, building a team around an artist who has already made a significant impact on Australia’s live music scene. She became the youngest artist ever to perform at Good Things Festival and has since taken on main stage performances at Groovin The Moo and Darwin’s Bass in The Grass. She has also secured a place on the Australian metal cruise Hellbound. Maple’s breakthrough arrived in August 2025, when a zero-budget music video for her debut single, “Lego,” filmed entirely on a Ring doorbell camera, went viral across social media. The unexpected campaign quickly gained widespread attention, with the video becoming the most-viewed Instagram music video reel by an Australian-born artist, generating more than 55 million views on the platform. It has also attracted more than one million TikTok likes, alongside millions of additional views across YouTube. To coincide with the signing announcement, Maple has released her latest single, “Child’s Play.” The track serves as the title track of her forthcoming debut EP, which is scheduled for release on October 30. Dan Rosen, President, Warner Music Australasia & Southeast Asia said, “I am thrilled to welcome Maple to Warner Music Australia in partnership with In Bloom. Since meeting Maple, I have been impressed by her creative vision, global ambition, and a deep connection to her fans. We are excited to bring Maple’s music to the world as she steps into the next chapter of her career.”
LUMINATE LAUNCHES AI MUSIC IDENTIFICATION FRAMEWORK: Luminate is launching a new framework designed to identify and measure AI-generated music, with its CONNECT platform now capable of flagging AI-created songs and artists worldwide. The data company, whose analytics underpin Billboard’s charts, says the new labels will begin reaching customers and partners later this year. Under the framework, songs and recordings confirmed as fully AI-created will receive an “AI Generated” label, while artists confirmed as fully AI-generated will be marked “AI.” Artists that pass Luminate’s screening process without being identified as AI-generated may receive a “Human” designation, although the company stresses that this label will only be applied following individual clearance and will not be assigned by default. The absence of a label does not necessarily indicate that a track is human-made, as Luminate has not yet screened its entire database. Luminate’s system will initially prioritize artists and songs released from 2023 onwards with significant streaming activity. Its approach combines three sources of information: Luminate’s own identification technology, self-reported AI data from digital streaming platforms, and attribution data supplied directly by AI music companies when tracks are created. The company’s internal process uses data science tools to analyze artists, songs, streaming information, and metadata, identifying content with a high likelihood of being AI-generated. Potential matches are then assessed using audio signature technology before an AI label is applied. Luminate will also ingest AI-related information from DSPs as they introduce their own detection systems and plans to incorporate attribution data from AI music companies before tracks reach streaming platforms. To address potential errors, Luminate will provide artists and labels with a dedicated review process through which they can challenge incorrect AI classifications. The company describes the initiative as a potential “global clearing house for AI music” and says it is collaborating with major DSPs and AI music companies. However, its FAQ notes that streaming-platform AI labels are not yet incorporated into CONNECT, while discussions with AI music companies are still ongoing.
WME ELEVATES SARA WILLIAMS TO HEAD OF MUSIC MARKETING: WME has promoted Sara Williams to Head of Music Marketing, where she will lead the agency’s 20-plus-member music marketing team and report to Global Head of Music Kirk Sommer. Based in Nashville, Williams joined WME in 2019 and has driven marketing strategy for clients including Luke Combs, Duran Duran, Zach Bryan, Kane Brown, Weezer, and others. Meanwhile, former music marketing head Levi Jackson has moved to WME’s brand strategy team as VP, Music, reporting to group head Robbie Henchman, where he will connect the agency’s brand and music divisions while continuing to work across music marketing. “Since joining WME, Sara has been an inspiring and trusted presence, built terrific relationships across the agency, and brought fresh thinking to our artists’ touring business,” said Sommer. “She is a natural fit to run our music marketing group, and we’re excited to continue growing this offering under her leadership.”
WHYNOW APPOINTS LAURA GOLDING AS SENIOR FINANCE DIRECTOR: Whynow has appointed former PRS For Music CFO Laura Golding as Sr. Finance Director, bringing her extensive finance and industry experience to the company as it continues to grow its international operations. Founded in 2019, Whynow is a community-driven platform spanning artist merchandise, digital music journalism, and documentary production. Based in London, Golding will report to CFO Eric Chappel and bring more than 20 years of experience across finance, governance, and business strategy. Golding joins after more than eight years at PRS For Music, where she served as CFO and helped the organization deliver record revenues and distributions. She also assisted in developing relationships with industry partners and joint ventures. Alongside her new position at Whynow, Golding has been appointed an independent board director at The Ivors Academy. Her previous non-executive roles include positions at PRS PPL Ltd and the Network of Music Partners (NMP).
HOOK TAPS MUSICINFRA FOR RIGHTS AND ROYALTY ADMINISTRATION: MusicInfra has entered a new partnership with Hook, the social music platform that enables fans to remix and share songs using officially licensed recordings. As Hook expands its features and offerings, MusicInfra will oversee licensed rights and royalty administration, including rightsholder payments, license management, and recoupment. Its technology will also support multi-rightsholder clearance across composition and master rights, publisher-level visibility across territories, DDEX-compliant reporting, and real-time rights tracking. The partnership follows Hook’s recent landmark licensing deal with Universal Music Group. “Music is becoming social, where people don’t just listen, they want to participate in and express themselves through the music they love, yet it’s been hard for ordinary music fans to get into it and virtually impossible for music platforms to convince rights holders to license for it,” said Hook Founder & CEO Gaurav Sharma. “Hook has unlocked these rights and as we grow, we need a dependable yet agile rights administration and licensing backend to implement our innovative deals with rights holders. MusicInfra have proven they know how to navigate new uses and complex licensing scenarios.”
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ricardo Fernandez, Jason Flom, David Gresham, Taylor Jones, Kate Vuocolo, Paul Smith, Sankar Thiagasamudram, Katie Kerkhover, Charlie Lycett, David Taylor, Peymon Maskan, Rachel Cragg, Matt Gudinksi, Laurent Hubert, and Priyanka Joshi.
