A&R Worldwide Newsletter Vol. 946

MUSEXPO 2027 REVEALS KEY SPEAKERS FROM
APPLE, BILLBOARD, DISNEY MUSIC GROUP, DREAMWORKS ANIMATION, GLASSNOTE, GODIGITAL, MILK & HONEY MUSIC + SPORTS, MUSIC EXPORT POLAND, NETFLIX, POLYDOR LABEL GROUP, SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING, SUREEL.AI, SYMPHONIC, THE·TEAM, WALTON ISAACSON, TRIPLE THREAT, YOUTUBE, ZIZA RECORDS AND MANY MORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kakao Entertainment has entered a partnership with Warner’s Atlantic Music Group (AMG) to jointly create and develop global K-pop intellectual property, bringing together the companies’ respective expertise in the Korean and international music markets. 

The cross-border alliance between the South Korean entertainment company and the U.S.-based music group will focus on identifying and developing artists from the earliest stages of their careers, with the partnership designed to support them throughout their growth and expansion into international markets. 

As part of the agreement, Kakao and AMG will establish a new label partnership aimed at accelerating the global reach of K-pop. The venture will combine Kakao’s capabilities across the K-pop ecosystem with AMG’s international infrastructure, artist development expertise, and global network. 

“Kakao Entertainment has built an incredible track record of developing artists and connecting them with passionate audiences,” said Elliot Grainge, Chairman and CEO of AMG. “By combining Kakao’s deep expertise in K-pop with Atlantic Music Group’s global reach and artist development capabilities, we have an exciting opportunity to build careers that resonate with fans all over the world.”

The collaboration will span the full artist-development and promotional cycle, including songwriting camps, featured collaborations, music distribution, digital marketing across streaming services and social platforms, television and radio opportunities, and fan engagement. According to the companies, each campaign will be tailored to an artist’s individual sound, career stage, and potential in international markets, with a particular focus on building and maintaining audiences across North America and other global territories.

 

 

 

Thomas Rhett is expanding his role in the music business with the launch of a new record label formed in partnership with Blue Highway Records, the Nashville, TN-based company owned by HYBE America.

Called Fifty-One/Forty-Nine Records, the new label will serve as the home for Rhett’s recorded music. For Rhett, the partnership represents an opportunity to take greater ownership of the music he has created throughout his career. The country star said the venture gives him “the opportunity to own the body of work I’ve spent my entire career creating.”

Blue Highway characterized Fifty-One/Forty-Nine as an “artist-led record company” founded by Rhett and designed around long-term ownership, creative independence, and artist development. The companies did not reveal the financial terms of the agreement or provide details on the ownership structure of Fifty-One/Forty-Nine Records.

The new company, Fifty-One/Forty-Nine Records, LLC, had already appeared in the copyright information for Rhett’s 2024 album About a Woman. That project was released under an exclusive license to his longtime label, The Valory Music Co. The Fifty-One/Forty-Nine name has also appeared in the copyright lines for subsequent Rhett projects, including the 2025 deluxe edition of About a Woman and the live EP Thomas Rhett Live from Fenway Park.

Rhett’s earlier catalog reflects a different arrangement. His 2022 album Where We Started carries a copyright line for Big Machine Label Group (BMLG). The announcement did not clarify whether the new partnership also encompasses recordings Rhett released prior to About a Woman. 

The partnership comes after more than a decade of shared success between Rhett and the BMLG family. Rhett signed with The Valory Music Co., which is part of Scott Borchetta’s Big Machine Label Group, in 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) has appointed Dasha Smith as its new Chief Operating Officer, the agency announced Monday, bringing in an executive with extensive experience across sports, entertainment, media, technology, and business operations.

Smith joins CAA after serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at the National Football League (NFL). During her tenure with the league, she was a member of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s Executive Operating Committee. In that role, she helped communicate and advance the NFL’s enterprise strategy while overseeing a wide-ranging group of business functions. Her responsibilities at the NFL included technology, artificial intelligence and innovation, data and analytics, strategy and business intelligence, human resources, inclusion, social responsibility, and philanthropy, as well as league office administration.

Smith also has previous experience in the music business. Before joining the NFL, she served as Executive Vice President and Global Chief Human Resources Officer at Sony Music Entertainment, giving her direct experience within one of the world’s major music companies. Her broader career spans the financial and media sectors as well. Smith previously served as Managing Director, Office of the Chairman, at GCM Grosvenor, a global alternative investment firm. She also spent a decade at WarnerMedia’s Time Inc., where she led global employee relations and employment law functions. During her time there, she also worked as a senior attorney within Time Inc.’s business and legal affairs department, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions.

“Dasha is a remarkably talented, accomplished and energetic leader with a deep understanding of how global organizations operate at their very best,” stated CAA Co-Chairman & CEO Bryan Lourd. “We look forward to welcoming her to our senior management team and benefiting from her significant experience helping to guide leading media and sports organizations.”

In addition to her executive career, Smith currently serves on the boards of CAPTRUST, a financial advisory firm, and Cohen & Steers, an investment management company. She also serves as a trustee for nonprofit organizations supporting education and the arts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sony Music U.K. has appointed longtime Universal Music Group executive Jack Fryer to a newly created senior role overseeing its catalog, sync operations, and digital media agency.

Fryer joins Sony Music with immediate effect and will report to Chief Operating Officer Azi Eftekhari. His appointment brings together several key areas of the company’s business under one umbrella, reflecting the growing role of data, digital innovation, and creative strategy in supporting artists and maximizing catalogue opportunities.

According to Sony Music U.K., the new position is designed to create a “unified offer to help artists and their teams unlock creative and commercial opportunities,” combining catalog, sync, and digital media capabilities with a focus on creative innovation.

Fryer joins Sony after more than a decade at Universal Music Group U.K., where he held a series of senior strategy positions. Most recently, he led creative, strategy, and data across the group’s labels. He initially joined Universal in 2013 as Head of Insight before becoming Managing Director of The Square in 2020. The in-house agency brought together data, consumer insight, strategy, and creativity to support artists and campaigns across the business.

Prior to Universal, Fryer spent time at EMI Music, working across campaigns for artists including Emeli Sandé, Swedish House Mafia and Bastille. Earlier in his career, he worked in creative marketing and brand agencies, experience that helped shape his focus on the intersection of music, culture, brands, and audiences.

Jack Fryer, President of Catalog, Digital Media and Sync, Sony Music U.K., said, “I am obsessed with the evolution of the modern record company. I want to build teams with the kinds of skills that can genuinely make the difference for the artists we work with. The rest is noise. So, the opportunity presented to me – bringing together so many capabilities in one place, all unified around a world-class catalog of music and talent – was frankly irresistible. I cannot wait to get stuck in.” 

In his new role, Fryer will oversee Sony Music U.K.’s extensive catalog alongside its sync teams and digital media agency. The company’s in-house digital media operation manages paid digital advertising across the business, working with labels on creative and platform strategy to grow artist audiences and strengthen campaign performance.

 

 

 

London-based Italian alt-rock riser Marta Vega makes a bold statement with her new single “OMG! I’m In Love,” a fuzzy, infectious rush of grunge grit, post-punk tension, and undeniable pop hooks. Produced by Andrea Tripodi and mastered by Stefan Brown at Abbey Road Studios, the track pairs punchy drums, gritty guitar lines, haunting bass, and towering melodies with Vega’s raw, visceral delivery. The result is a huge, radio-ready track that captures the energy of her live sound while showcasing her knack for writing songs that are both cathartic and instantly memorable. Vega draws on the brooding intensity of Joy Division, the take charge of Hole and L7, and the melodic instinct of pop, creating a sound where darkness and euphoria constantly collide. “OMG! I’m In Love” explores the messy tension of falling for someone when trust issues, vulnerability, and the knowledge that you should not be doing it all get in the way. But as Vega herself puts it, “it’s not that deep,” leaving the song open for listeners to make their own meaning of its addictive push and pull. Vega has already earned support from Notion, Louder Than War, Loud Women, Ones To Watch, Psychedelic Baby Magazine and Lock Magazine, while multiple plays from Alex Baker on Kerrang! Radio and Spotify editorial placements including All New Rock U.K., Rock Italia, New Music Friday, and Equal Italia have helped build her momentum. Now, “OMG! I’m In Love” is picking up further attention, with plays on Radio X and new press from Earmark and Record of the Day. With a growing following of 10k on TikTok and 5k on Instagram, plus sold-out U.K. shows, Marta Vega is quickly establishing herself as one of the more exciting new voices in the alternative space. Discover “OMG! I’m In Love,” HERE, and contact Simon Lucas-Hughes for available opportunities on behalf of Marta Vega.

 

PARLOPHONE RECORDS AND WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC U.K. SIGN TOOTH: Parlophone Records and Warner Chappell Music U.K. have announced the joint signing of Tooth, the fast-rising London, England indie band, in a dual record and publishing agreement that marks a new chapter for the group as they just released their latest single, “Take Me as I Am.” The band was originally formed by vocalist Tom Pollock and guitarist Ben Ashley shortly after the pair left school. They were later joined by drummer Roy Lowe and bassist Charlie Arnison, completing the current lineup. Since forming, Tooth have steadily developed a strong grassroots audience through energetic and uncompromising live performances throughout the U.K. Musically, the group combines the raw, guitar-heavy sound associated with classic British indie rock with the emotional intensity and intricate dynamics of Midwest emo. That blend has helped Tooth quickly emerge as one of the more distinctive and promising new acts coming out of the UK indie scene. The single, “Take Me as I Am,” follows the band’s debut EP, Restless in Bloom, which received widespread attention and praise from music media following its release earlier this year. The new track arrives after a particularly busy summer for Tooth, who appeared at several U.K. festivals, including The Great Escape, 2000trees, Wilderness, and Reading & Leeds. Tooth will mark the new partnership and the arrival of their latest single with a series of headline performances later this month. The dates include shows at The Garage in London, The Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth, and DUST in Brighton.

 

ADA CENTRAL EUROPE PARTNERS WITH SOUND DISTRIBUTION: ADA Central Europe has entered an exclusive worldwide digital distribution partnership with Switzerland-based label and visual production company Sound Distribution. Known for its music, video, and social-first content, Sound Distribution produces music videos, visualizers, editorial pieces, cover shoots, and live DJ set integrations, with its content having generated more than 239 million views on TikTok, alongside significant audiences on Instagram and YouTube. Through the new deal, ADA, Warner Music Central Europe’s distribution and label services division, will provide global digital distribution for Sound Distribution’s roster, while the company will continue developing the visual and social content surrounding its releases. The partnership also builds on Sound Distribution’s relationship with entertainment and management company Electric Feel, connecting its roster to an international network of artists, producers, and songwriters. The collaboration launches with the debut single from Inéz and Pacoussa. “This partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter for Sound Distribution, moving from a DJ format to an independent record label,” said Luca Di Marco, Sound Distribution. “Having Warner Music Germany by our side right from the start is an incredible vote of confidence in our team and our vision, giving our releases a strong, professional structure from day one. We are thrilled about this collaboration and look forward to taking the next steps together.”

 

GODIGITAL MUSIC NAMES SEBASTIAN MAIR AS PRESIDENT OF APAC: GoDigital Music is stepping up its expansion across the Asia-Pacific region with the appointment of music executive Sebastian Mair as President of APAC and a new partnership between its AdShare division and Japanese entertainment company Pony Canyon. Based in Tokyo, Mair will lead the company’s regional strategy, overseeing partnerships, investments, catalog acquisitions, rights monetization, and artist development. His previous experience includes work with Creativeman Productions, Fujipacific Music, Live Nation Japan, AEG Presents, and Ubisoft. The move forms part of GoDigital Music’s broader APAC growth strategy, with the company targeting new distribution, rights management, and artist opportunities across key Asian markets. The company currently manages a catalog of more than 80,000 assets, with works by artists such as Jason Derulo, T.I., Daddy Yankee, and Marc Anthony. As part of the new agreement, AdShare will manage YouTube monetization and IP rights for Pony Canyon’s catalog, using its technology to identify and monetize user-uploaded music, recordings, and video on the platform. GoDigital Music says it will continue pursuing strategic partnerships, investments, catalog opportunities, and artist development initiatives across APAC while navigating the region’s regulatory, copyright, and intellectual property landscape.

 

BIG LOUD RECORDS NAMES DUSTY MILLER AS PRESIDENT OF CATALOG ACQUISITIONS: Big Loud Records has named Dusty Miller as President of Catalog Acquisitions, expanding the Nashville-based company’s focus on the growing music catalog market. In the newly created role, Miller will lead Big Loud’s efforts to identify, evaluate, and acquire music catalogs and other music-related assets. He has more than 25 years of experience in financial services and has over 15 years working within the music industry. Prior to joining Big Loud, Miller founded and served as President of Miller Wealth Sports & Entertainment, a wealth management firm launched in 2024. He previously spent 13 years with Truist Bank, formerly SunTrust, advising clients across the sports and music sectors. His experience spans banking, lending, investment management, and financial planning, with a career that has included working with artists, songwriters, producers, and music executives. “This is an exciting day for Big Loud,” said Seth England, Partner & CEO. “As partners, we have long talked about developing a catalog acquisition component to our business. Dusty has spent many years on the financial side of the music catalog business and has proven to be an expert in his field.”

 

RESERVOIR SIGNS PUBLISHING DEAL WITH ORLA GARTLAND: Reservoir Media has expanded its relationship with Orla Gartland through a new publishing agreement covering her future works, including her recent contributions to the fifth season of Apple TV’s Trying. The deal builds on Reservoir’s long-standing connection with Gartland, who has been managed by Claire Kilcourse at Big Life Management, part of the Reservoir group, since 2017. The Dublin-born, London-based artist has independently released two albums and four EPs, with her 2021 album Woman on The Internet reaching No. 1 on the U.K. Independent Albums Chart. Her 2024 follow-up, Everybody Needs a Hero, earned Gartland an Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically for “Mine.” Gartland also recently wrote and performed eight original songs for Trying Season 5, joining previous soundtrack contributors including Guy Garvey, Maisie Peters, Bear’s Den, and BEKA. She is also a member of indie-pop group Fizz with Dodie, Greta Isaac, and Martin Luke Brown. Gartland is now preparing new solo material ahead of 2027. Charlie Pinder, Head of Creative, Reservoir U.K. said, “Orla is one of the most distinctive songwriters and artists working in the UK today, and the Trying soundtrack following her Ivor’s win is proof of her artistry and range. We are thrilled to be her new publishing home as she moves into this next chapter, and to continue working closely with Claire Kilcourse and the Big Life team to give Orla dedicated support across the board.”

 

LADY OF MARS SIGN TO FLG: Frontiers Label Group’s FLG imprint has signed U.K. rock band Lady of Mars, in partnership with the group’s representatives at Raw Power Management. The deal will support the band’s next phase of growth, with their new single “Let It Burn” serving as the first release under the partnership. Lady Of Mars has already generated more than 300,000 streams from their first three singles without playlist support or a formal promotional campaign, while steadily building a dedicated live following. The band has shared stages with acts including The K’s, Don Broco, The Damned and James, and has performed at festivals such as 2000 Trees, Lakefest, Sign of The Times and The Gathering Sound. They also recently joined Mirador for U.K. and European dates. Raw Power Management CEO Don Jenkins said, “Raw Power has been working with Lady of Mars for the last 18 months; it’s proper old school artist development on a band whose music we love, and it has been amazing watching their growth so far. There comes a point when an artist needs a label partner who understands their music and aesthetic to level things up. We found a great partner in FLG! It’s fantastic to be in business with them and their brilliant team. I cannot wait to watch Lady of Mars realize their potential in the coming years!”

 

SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS DEAL WITH EL REINO INFANTIL: Sony Music Publishing has entered into a worldwide administration agreement covering the full music catalog of El Reino Infantil, the Spanish-language children’s entertainment brand owned by Leader Entertainment. The deal is part of a broader partnership between Sony Music Publishing and Leader Entertainment designed to help El Reino Infantil expand its presence across new audiences, formats, and international markets. Founded in 2011, the brand is now in its 15th year and has established itself as one of the leading Spanish-language children’s and family entertainment platforms. According to the companies, El Reino Infantil has built a global audience with more than 240 million subscribers across 64 YouTube channels. Since its launch, the brand has accumulated approximately 180 billion YouTube views, including nearly nine billion views during the first half of 2026 alone. The brand’s portfolio includes franchises such as La Granja de Zenón, Bichikids, Canciones del Zoo, Familia Blu and Paco el Marinero. Under the new partnership, Sony Music Publishing will administer the catalog worldwide, while the two companies will collaborate on future releases, content, and formats. El Reino Infantil has also developed a broad international footprint beyond YouTube. Its programming is produced and adapted in 11 languages and reaches audiences through streaming and television platforms, gaming, consumer products, and live entertainment. Through its flagship franchise La Granja de Zenón, the company has also expanded into live shows and theatrical productions, which have been presented in more than 20 countries. To date, those productions have delivered more than 800 performances and sold nearly 1.5 million tickets, highlighting the brand’s growing reach across both digital and live entertainment.

 

ADRIANA SEIN JOINS BELIEVE AS PRESIDENT, AMERICAS: Believe has appointed Adriana Sein as President, Americas, in a newly created role overseeing the company’s operations across the U.S., Canada and Latin America. Sein joins Believe from ADA, Warner Music Group’s independent artist, and label services division, where she most recently served as Sr. VP & Global Head of Artist & Market Development. Reporting to Believe’s Global Head of Music Romain Vivien, she will lead the company’s commercial operations across North and South America, including its Label & Artist Solutions businesses, while driving further expansion in the region. At ADA, Sein oversaw distribution across EMEA and Latin America, as well as global marketing and client partnerships, and played a key role in developing new markets, including MENA and Africa. She joined ADA in 2021 after previously serving as Vice President of International at Columbia Records. Earlier in her career, Sein launched the international division at Ultra Records, where she built the business into a multimillion-dollar operation and oversaw the global rollout of Ultra’s joint venture with Sony Music. 

 

REGGAETÓN STAR WISIN SIGNS WITH WME: Puerto Rican reggaetón star Wisin has signed with WME (William Morris Endeavor) for representation across all areas, the agency announced Monday, adding one of the genre’s most influential figures to its growing Latin music roster. Wisin is managed by Chris Duque of D27 Entertainment and recently unveiled his latest album, La Universidad del Perreo. The release follows his high-profile surprise appearance alongside Karol G during her headlining performance at Coachella in April. Wisin first became a force in the genre as one half of the acclaimed Puerto Rican duo Wisin y Yandel, alongside Yandel. Together, the pair helped shape the international rise of reggaetón and delivered widely recognized hits including “Rakata,” “Mayor Que Yo” and “Pam Pam.” Additionally, the duo made history as the first reggaetón act to win a Grammy Award. Following the success of Wisin y Yandel, Wisin established an equally successful career as a solo artist, building a resolute global audience. He currently has 21 million monthly listeners on Spotify, with his solo catalog including major collaborations and hits such as “Escápate Conmigo” featuring Ozuna, “Fiel,” and “Adrenalina” featuring Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin.

 

FABER ALT SIGNS PUMA BLUE: Faber Alt has expanded its roster with the signing of Puma Blue, the artist, producer, and poet whose real name is Jacob Allen, to a music publishing deal. Originally emerging from South London, England’s music scene, Allen has developed a distinctive sound under the Puma Blue moniker. According to Faber Alt, his work combines sensuality, intimate vulnerability, and an atmospheric, haunting nocturnal quality, creating a style that has become central to his artistic identity. Puma Blue released his fourth full-length album, Croak Dream, earlier this year. The project was created through an experimental recording process that included incorporating tape loops assembled from jam sessions recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios. Allen is now based in Atlanta, GA, where he continues to work across multiple creative disciplines. Alongside writing and recording music, he writes poetry and produces short films and music videos, while also creating music for other artists. His credits include co-writing and production work with Loyle Carner and Biig Piig. Puma Blue is currently nearing the conclusion of the Croak Dream Tour, with the remaining dates scheduled across October and November. The run will include his largest headline performance to date, at Teatro Metropolitan in Mexico City on November 5. Following the album, Puma Blue will release Croak Deluxe on November 13. The expanded edition will feature five previously unreleased bonus tracks, alongside four live recordings captured during the Croak Dream Tour. “Jacob is such a natural creative – an artist who isn’t afraid to experiment and push boundaries, whilst always creating great and meaningful art,” said Faber Alt Creative Director Lucy Holliday. “For us to represent his work is really exciting and we’re looking forward to the journey ahead.”

 

BUCKS MUSIC GROUP SIGNS GLOBAL ADMIN DEAL FOR MATTHEW JAY CATALOG: Bucks Music Group has entered a worldwide administration agreement covering the catalog of the late singer-songwriter Matthew Jay, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of his debut album, Draw. Jay’s career began to gain momentum after he signed with Food Records, the EMI imprint, in 1999. He followed the deal with the release of two EPs, Four Songs and Friendly Fire, in 2000 before issuing his full-length debut, Draw, in 2001. Following the album’s release, Jay embarked on an extensive touring schedule, appearing as a support act for several artists, including Doves, Starsailor, Lowgold, Stereophonics and Dido. Jay remained prolific after Draw, writing and recording material intended for a second album while also collaborating with other songwriters. Much of the music created during this period, however, was not released during his lifetime, leaving behind a body of unreleased recordings and compositions. After leaving EMI in 2002, Jay enrolled at the University of Westminster in London, where he studied recording. He died in 2003 at the age of 24, following an unexplained fall from the window of a friend’s apartment. Jay’s music has continued to be released posthumously. In 2008, a collection of songs he had been working on before his death was issued as Further Than Tomorrow. More recently, in 2024, Jay’s parents established their own label, Jays Music, and, with support from EMI, released a collection of recordings titled Matthew Jay: Too Soon. Jay’s legacy was also celebrated through a tribute concert at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire on what would have been his 30th birthday, October 10, 2008. The event featured performances from members of Jay’s backing band, Starsailor frontman James Walsh, Squeeze Co-Founder Chris Difford, and Passenger, among others, with artists performing Jay’s songs alongside material from their own catalogs. Proceeds from the concert were donated to Amnesty International and UNICEF.

 

POSITION MUSIC SIGNS EVA HONEY TO A GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL: Position Music has announced the signing of Los Angeles-based songwriter and executive producer Eva Honey to a worldwide publishing agreement. The deal was brought to Position Music by Shannon Corsi, A&R at Position Music, alongside Audrey Benoualid and Marisa Novak of Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & Light LLP, and Hannah Babitt and Nicole Fox of BABZ. Known for her ability to find poetry in everyday language, Honey has established herself as a distinctive songwriter based in Los Angeles. She is currently working on earthgirl’s forthcoming project for 10K Projects, contributing to recent singles including “Lovesick Labotomy” and “grounded.” Her recent songwriting credits also include Tiffany Stringer’s Atlantic Records debut single, “Bullet,” as well as Jigitz’s “trackstar,” which appears on the artist’s album 50 ballerinas. “Eva Honey is the kind of songwriter you can spend an entire career searching for and still never find. She is electric and open-hearted, with an intuition for reading people and turning it into a lyric only Eva could write. I have admired Hannah Babitt and Nicole Fox for years – nobody fights harder for their writers than BABZ. Finally joining forces on someone as special as Eva could not feel more fitting,” said Shannon Corsi A&R, Position Music.

 

PACIFIC MUSIC GROUP LAUNCHES PMG JAPAN & SIGNS JP THE WAVY: Pacific Music Group (PMG) has expanded into Japan with the launch of PMG Japan, a new Tokyo-based operation that will be led by Tomomi Takeshima and MiMi Shimada. The company has also signed Japanese rapper JP THE WAVY to a long-term 360-degree deal covering recorded music and management. The agreement makes JP THE WAVY the first major signing for PMG Japan. The rapper is expected to begin releasing new music through the partnership this fall, with the company targeting opportunities to grow his audience throughout Asia as well as in the U.S. and other Western markets. PMG says its new Tokyo hub will encompass artist development, recorded music, management, promotion, brand partnerships, and cross-border collaborations. The office will operate with a two-way international strategy: helping Japanese artists reach audiences beyond their home market while bringing international artists to fans in Japan and across Asia. For JP THE WAVY, the partnership extends beyond music releases and management, with plans also covering audience development, collaborations, live opportunities, and brand partnerships. Headquartered in Hong Kong, PMG was launched in November 2025 by NE-YO, Sonu Nigam, MC Jin, and Jonathan Serbin. Serbin, who serves as CEO, previously held the position of Co-President of Warner Music Asia, having been appointed to the role in 2021. JP THE WAVY first broke through in 2017 with his single “Cho Wavy De Gomenne”. In 2021, he collaborated with Good Gas on “Bushido”, featured on the official soundtrack to F9: The Fast Saga.

 

SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING AND OTM EXTEND AGREEMENT WITH GIANLUCA BUCCELLATI: Sony Music Publishing U.K. and joint venture partner One Two Many Songs (OTM) have renewed their exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with songwriter and producer Gianluca Buccellati, extending the partnership to cover both his existing catalog and all future works. Buccellati most notably served as principal producer and co-writer on Arlo Parks’ Mercury Prize-winning debut album, Collapsed in Sunbeams. His credits also include work on The Marías’ “No One Noticed” and contributions to beabadoobee’s U.K. No. 1 album Pylon. The Grammy and Ivor Novello-nominated songwriter and producer also collaborated with artists including Declan McKenna, Paris Texas, Biig Piig, Danielle Ponder, Tei Shi and Cailin Russo. Buccellati is additionally a member of The Marías’ side project Not for Radio. His work with Arlo Parks has earned significant industry recognition. Collapsed in Sunbeams won the 2021 Mercury Prize and the MOBO Award for Album of the Year, while also receiving nominations at both the Grammy Awards and BRIT Awards. The album’s track “Black Dog” was also nominated for Best Song Musically and Lyrically at the Ivor Novello Awards. “I am so pleased that, with OTM, we have extended our working relationship with Luca,” said Felix Canetty-Clarke, VP, Commercial & A&R Strategy (U.K.) and A&R Research (U.K. & International), Sony Music Publishing. “He is so ambitious with what he wants to achieve and having already delivered so much wonderful music, I look forward to seeing what’s possible in this next chapter together.”

 

RISING AUTHENTIC IRISH TALENT SHOBSY TO SHOWCASE IN LONDON, ENGLAND: One of Ireland’s most exciting independent artists and live performers known as Shobsy is set to perform at The Money Trench showcase in London, England at The Victoria, Dalston located at 451 Queensbridge Road, E8 3AS on Tuesday, October 20th, with free entry. The Irish artist has had a strong year, including an epic performance at MUSEXPO, SXSW, Electric Picnic, and a 15-date U.K./EU tour, alongside sold-out Irish shows, recent Track of the Week support from both Today FM and 2FM, and releasing his brand-new EP The World Will Not Remember. With an international publishing deal through Pangea International and Sony Music Publishing and a recording deal with SO Recordings, Shobsy is building a growing profile beyond Ireland, backed by a live performance that has become a key part of his momentum. For those working across the live booking and festival industry, it’s a strong opportunity to see an artist with an authentic, impactful, and genuine international potential in a live setting. RSVP HERE, and contact David Reid for questions, or additional information regarding Shobsy.

 

DECCA’S MERCURY KX SIGNS COMPOSER ANNA MEREDITH: Anna Meredith has joined the roster of Decca’s Mercury KX. The multi-disciplinary artist will return with her new studio album Darling, due February 12, 2027. The 11-track record is led by new single “Dusky,” which is out now, and follows 2019’s Mercury Prize-nominated FIBS as her first studio album in seven years. Darling will be released digitally and on CD and vinyl, with a limited-edition double “Flumps Pink” 12-inch pressing also planned. The special edition will feature the album across three sides, with an etching on the fourth. Meredith has built a career spanning contemporary classical, electronic music, art pop, experimental rock, and screen scoring. Her early work included a residency with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and commissions for both the First Night and Last Night of the Proms. She later broadened her practice in electronic music with her band, as well as installations and commercial projects. In 2019, she was awarded an MBE for services to music. Her screen credits include Eighth Grade, Living with Yourself, The End We Start from and Tuesday. She also composed the score for the forthcoming feature Wicker, starring Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård. As a live performer, Meredith has appeared with her band at U.K. venues including the Barbican, Queen Elizabeth Hall and EartH, alongside festival appearances at Glastonbury, SXSW, and Big Ears.

 

EMPIRE PUBLISHING HIRES EMILIO MORALES TO DRIVE EXPANSION IN LATIN AMERICA: Empire Publishing is strengthening its focus on the Latin music market with the appointment of Emilio Morales as Sr. VP, Business Development, Latin America. Based in Puerto Rico, Morales will work alongside the Empire Publishing team to develop strategic partnerships throughout the region, strengthen the company’s relationships with the songwriters and producers shaping Latin music, and contribute to Empire’s broader international growth. Morales joins Empire after serving as Managing Director of Rimas Publishing, the independent publishing company representing catalogs from artists including Bad Bunny, Eladio Carrión, Mora and Subelo NEO. During his tenure, he brought Rimas’ three companies together under the Rimas Publishing banner and expanded its roster to more than 150 songwriters and producers across Puerto Rico, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and other markets. Under Morales’ leadership, Rimas’ clients have secured Grammy and Latin Grammy recognition, as well as ASCAP and BMI Latin awards. He also negotiated sync and brand partnerships with companies including Netflix, HBO, Amazon, Spotify, Adidas, and Rockstar Games, while helping broaden Rimas Publishing’s reach into pop, regional Mexican, and gospel. Among his other initiatives was the launch of Rimas Publishing Girls, a platform dedicated to highlighting women producers and composers working in trap and reggaeton. Morales also introduced a wellbeing program designed to support the company’s creators. 

 

SUNO APPOINTS MICHAEL CHUA TO LEAD LIVE EXPERIENCES DIVISION: Suno has appointed Michael Chua as VP & General Manager of Suno Live Experiences, where he will oversee the company’s efforts to develop and expand its live music offerings. Chua will lead Suno’s live music experiences, including Songkick, the concert discovery platform acquired by Suno from Warner Music Group in November 2025. Under his leadership, the live experiences team will explore new ways to bring artists closer to their fans while helping audiences discover and connect with their favorite artists. As part of the strategy, Suno plans to integrate Songkick’s concert discovery capabilities more closely with its own platform, with the goal of delivering improved and more personalized concert recommendations. Chua joins Suno from Ticketmaster, where he served as VP, Global Business Development & Strategic Partnerships. During his tenure, he developed product partnerships with platforms including Google, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and Snap, helping fans discover live events and purchase tickets beyond Ticketmaster’s own website and app. “We’re building the first creative entertainment platform, and live music is a pivotal part of that,” said Paul Sinclair, Chief Music Officer at Suno. “A central focus of our live experiences team will be helping emerging artists, like those in our Spark program, an incubator program designed to help independent artists bring their music projects to life and more easily create live experiences. Michael has spent his career at the intersection of tech and live music, and I am excited to build this team with his support.”

 

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