WARNER MUSIC GROUP NAMES RON BROITMAN AS PRESIDENT, GLOBAL SYNC AS IT UNIFIES GLOBAL OPERATIONS
Warner Music Group (WMG) is consolidating its recorded music and publishing sync operations into a unified global division to simplify licensing and expand opportunities across its catalogue.
Ron Broitman has been promoted to President, Global Sync, leading teams worldwide across Warner Chappell Music, Atlantic Music Group, Warner Records Group and ADA. Based in Los Angeles, he will report to Tom Corson, COO, WMG, with strategic oversight from Guy Moot, Music Chair & CEO, Warner Chappell Music.
The division will oversee creative pitching, marketing, business development, licensing clearances, administration, and data analytics across WMG’s global sync rights. The new structure aims to provide clients with a single point of access to the company’s recorded music and publishing catalogs, streamline licensing processes, and broaden pitching opportunities.
Tom Corson said, “Ron operates at the highest level and has been a bedrock of our best-in-class sync operation over the years with his steady leadership, extensive network, and deep expertise in the field. This change establishes one creative strategy, one commercial business conversation, one clearance and one admin path for all WMG sync rights globally, speeding our path to market, simplifying the client experience, and expanding opportunities for our artists, songwriters, and the creative community.”
Broitman previously served as EVP, Global Sync for WMG’s recorded music business, overseeing placements including the Super Bowl, the Stranger Things finale, and Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” in the trailer for Greta Gerwig’s upcoming film Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew.
MAREE HAMBLION PROMOTED TO EVP, A&R / CREATIVE FOR AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND AT UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has promoted Maree Hamblion to Executive Vice President, A&R and Creative, Australia, and New Zealand, expanding her responsibilities across both markets.
The appointment was announced by David Gray, UMPG’s Managing Director, U.K., and Head of Global A&R, to whom Hamblion reports. Based in Sydney, she will lead the company’s creative strategy and talent development across Australia and New Zealand, with UMPG continuing its efforts to establish the region as a global creative hub.
The company highlighted Hamblion’s recent signing of Tones and I, the ARIA Award-winning Australian singer, songwriter, and producer, noting that the deal was secured amid significant competition.
As part of her expanded role, Hamblion will also oversee the development of a new writing room and content space to complement UMPG’s existing LVL 4 recording studio. The company said the additional facilities are intended to encourage greater collaboration and creative exchange among songwriters.
Hamblion joined UMPG Australia and New Zealand in 2024 as Sr. Vice President, A&R, responsible for the company’s songwriter and producer roster. Her signings since joining the company include Benny Morrell, Matthew Ifield, Esha Tewari, Rupert Bullard, Ownlife and Lach Bostock. She has also established joint ventures with Peach Publishing, THIS IS NOISE, Apple Street Music, and Artist Labs. Before moving to UMPG, Hamblion spent more than a decade at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, now Sony Music Publishing. Following the 2012 acquisition of EMI Music Publishing by a Sony-led consortium, she served as Sr. A&R Manager before becoming Joint Head of A&R in 2015.
In March 2021, Sony Music Publishing promoted her to Sr. Vice President, International A&R, placing her in charge of the company’s international A&R activities. Her signings during her tenure included Sarah Aarons, Alex Hope, Jarryd James, Gretta Ray, and Tina Arena, alongside New Zealand songwriters Stan Walker, Alex Wildwood, and Jawsh 685.
Hamblion started her music publishing career at EMI Music Publishing’s Sydney office in 1995, spending more than 17 years with the company. During that period, she collaborated with artists, songwriters and bands including Divinyls, Jimmy Barnes, Joel Little, Savage Garden, PNAU, and The Veronicas.
ROMAIN VIVIEN EXPANDS RESPONSIBILITIES AS GLOBAL HEAD OF MUSIC, BELIEVE
Believe has expanded Romain Vivien’s responsibilities, appointing him Global Head of Music as the company reshapes its commercial leadership structure to support its 2030 objectives under the five-year “From Access to Success” strategic plan.
In his expanded role, Vivien will continue overseeing Believe’s global recorded music operations while taking direct responsibility for its three geographic regions: EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), the Americas, and APAC. He will also lead the group’s partnerships, bringing regional operations, global business lines, and partnership development under a more integrated leadership structure.
Adriana Sein has joined Believe as President of the Americas, overseeing the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Her previous experience includes senior roles at Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Ultra Music. Sylvain Delange will continue as President of APAC, focusing on strengthening Believe’s position across Asia-Pacific and accelerating growth in key markets. Viktoria Siniavskaia has been appointed President of EMEA, following leadership responsibilities across META, Eastern and Southern Europe, and the Americas. She will oversee the newly established regional structure, with a focus on closer coordination and collaboration across markets.
Launched in January 2025, Believe’s “From Access to Success” plan aims to develop the company into a technology-enabled, full-service global artist development business focused on supporting artists’ careers.
Vivien’s recorded music responsibilities will be supported by Elsa Bahamonde Bourgain, President of Believe Artist Services and Believe Label & Artist Solutions, and Brian Miller, Chief Business Officer at TuneCore. Alongside Chris Meehan, CEO of Publishing, the company leadership structure is intended to strengthen Believe’s position as a unified global music organization while retaining local expertise and entrepreneurial independence.
Vivien brings nearly three decades of music industry experience to the expanded role. He joined Virgin in 1996 before holding various positions at EMI, including Managing Director of Capitol France. After serving as CEO of Believe France from 2008, he was appointed Believe’s Global Head of Music and President for Europe in 2024. He also serves as Vice President of the French independent labels’ trade body UPFI and sits on the board of labels’ association SPPF. He was President of the Victoires de la Musique in 2020 and 2021, and was included in Billboard’s Power 100, Indie Power Players and Global Power Players lists in 2026.
INTERSCOPE GEFFEN A&M ANNOUNCE KEY PROMOTIONS
Interscope Geffen A&M (IGA) has introduced new creative and urban leadership appointments aimed at strengthening artist partnerships and expanding opportunities for artists to reach audiences.
Michelle An has been promoted to President and Chief Creative Officer, reporting to John Janick, Chairman & CEO of Interscope Capitol.
Laura Carter and Ramon Alvarez-Smikle will serve as Co-Presidents of Urban, reporting to Janick and working closely with An, to align A&R, marketing innovation, digital strategy, and audience development. Alvarez-Smikle will also oversee the development and expansion of digital systems and infrastructure supporting artist success across IGA’s urban, pop, and rock rosters.
“IGA has always been defined by original voices and by the teams who back those voices with taste, conviction and care,” said John Janick. “Michelle has one of the clearest creative instincts in the business. She helps artists make the world around their music feel bold, fully realized and unmistakably their own. Laura and Ramon bring complementary strengths to IGA Urban. Laura has earned deep trust through her artist relationships, creative judgment, and commitment to developing talent.”
Janick added, “Ramon brings cultural instinct, deep digital expertise, and a sharp understanding of how artists build audiences and communities. Together, they will connect A&R, marketing, and digital strategy around each artist’s vision, helping IGA Urban artists move with more clarity, momentum, and impact.”
All the new appointments are effective immediately.
POSITION MUSIC NAMES PETE ROBINSON GM CREATIVE NASHVILLE AND SIGNS FLY BY MIDNIGHT TO A WORLDWIDE DEAL
Position Music has appointed veteran music executive Pete Robinson as General Manager, Creative Nashville. Robinson will report to Founder & CEO Tyler Bacon and President Mark Chipello, overseeing creative development across the company’s Nashville roster.
Robinson has more than 30 years of music industry experience, including senior A&R positions at RCA and Epic Records and nearly two decades in music publishing. He was a founding partner of Big Deal Music, the independent publishing company acquired by Hipgnosis Songs in 2020, and remained with the business until 2022. During its growth, Big Deal Music represented songs across pop, country, and rock, earning 17 No. 1 country singles with artists including Luke Bryan, Old Dominion, and Kenny Chesney.
Following his departure from Hipgnosis, Robinson launched Pete Robinson Consulting, advising businesses across the music industry and related sectors. At Position Music, he will collaborate with the company’s established Nashville roster, which includes Dave Cohen, Matt Geroux, Khalid Yassein, Zach Skelton, Maya K., Steve Solomon, Hunter Metts and Kate Morgan.
“We have a real vision for what we are building in Nashville, and Pete is the right person to help lead us into this next chapter. Country music is at the center of our Nashville plans, but there is also such an incredible depth of songwriting and creative talent that we want to partner with,” said Tyler Bacon. “Pete is well equipped, both creatively and relationally, to work across Nashville’s music community, which is so important to us. He also has a strong history of hiring great creative executives and I am confident he will build a strong team in Nashville to support our songwriters and artists.”
“Pete has an exceptional pedigree as both an A&R executive and a publisher, and his relationships throughout Nashville are second to none,” added Mark Chipello. “Pete brings exactly the kind of experience, passion, and perspective that we need and I’m excited about the creative synergy that he will build together with the rest of our Publishing, and Label teams.”
Position Music has also signed Los Angeles-based pop-rock duo Fly By Midnight to a worldwide label deal. The duo, comprising Justin Bryte and Slavo, was signed by Position Music A&R executive Alex Ziabko and released its new single and video, “Sequel,” on October 23.
Fly By Midnight has built an international audience with more than 1.3 million monthly Spotify listeners, 447,000 YouTube subscribers and over 4.4 million TikTok likes. Since meeting during a songwriting session, the pair has released six full-length albums, partnered with brands including OLIPOP, LIME and AT&T, and sold out shows across North America, Asia, the U.K., and Australia.
“Sequel” signals a shift toward the early-2000s alternative rock sound that influenced the duo, moving away from the polished indie pop that helped establish its audience. The track explores the desire to relive a memorable encounter, marking a new creative direction for the pair.
“I have worked with Justin and Slavo for six years now, and I have never seen them more certain of who they are. They have always built their world directly with their fans. They have grown up a lot over these years, and you can hear it: ‘Sequel’ is the boldest step they have taken yet, bigger, louder, and more honest,” said Matthew Hinds, Mantis Music Group.
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!
The relationship between these industry figures and A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO President & Founder Sat Bisla is rooted in a shared commitment to developing independent talent and fostering global creative communities. A few years back in New York City, this powerhouse collective of executives, among others joined Bisla for a special get-together at the infamous A&R Worldwide executive and creatives networking dinner to connect with various professionals from the U.S. and global music industry.
Many of the music aficionados at the A&R Worldwide dinner have since taken on key leadership roles at various music companies, and Bisla continues to be an impactful global advisor and strategic creative catalyst for key company leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives who seek to bolster their commercial growth and other opportunities across all sectors of the U.S. and worldwide music business, and related industries.
Here is an overview of some of the executives who joined Bisla at the A&R Worldwide gathering in New York City.
David Mantel (AAM, Inc.) operates at the intersection of entertainment law, talent management, and commercial operations, David brings a grounded, comprehensive understanding of the business to Advanced Alternative Media. With an impressive background that spans tenures at major powerhouses like Universal Music Publishing and Zomba, Mantel’s legal acumen and creative intuition remain a vital asset in protecting artists’ long-term interests and helping them navigate the complex operational side of the modern industry.
Tyler Arnold (Chairman & CEO, Mercury Records) career path is a testament to patience and a genuine belief in new talent, embodying modern A&R and relentless executive development. Beginning his journey as an intern at Republic Records, Arnold famously signed a then-unknown Post Malone in 2015. His commitment to prioritizing authentic artist identity and long-term development led to the celebrated relaunch of Mercury Records in 2022, where he has since guided global smashes for distinct voices like Noah Kahan.
Kristina Grossman (Sr. Vice President of A&R / Operations, Republic Records) has for nearly two decades been one of Republic Records’ most trusted pillars. Rising seamlessly through the ranks from her initial internship in 2008, she has balanced the evolving technical demands of global operations with the timeless, human element of classic A&R. Her forward-thinking execution ensures that complex, career-defining projects, and major roster partnerships are delivered with absolute precision.
Patch Culbertson (Executive VP & General Manager, Big Loud Records) is renowned as a brilliant multi-format strategist, Patch has built his reputation on a simple, enduring philosophy: the song always comes first. After a successful eight-year run at Republic, Culbertson joined Big Loud Records in 2017 to help shape its internal strategy. By combining modern digital data scouting with classic independent hustle, he has been instrumental in transforming the label into a commercial juggernaut and building the careers of major chart-topping acts, including Morgan Wallen and HARDY.
While the mechanisms of the music industry continue to shift toward data and algorithms, the infamous A&R Worldwide gatherings serve as a potent reminder that meaningful success remains deeply rooted in human conversation, mutual respect, and a shared dedication to the craft and passion of “all things music.”
DISGUSTING SISTERS
London-Paris sibling duo Disgusting Sisters recently unleashed “Waste of Space,” a darkly playful slice of electro-pop that turns post-breakup amnesia into something sharp, funny, and strangely addictive. The pair describe the track as being about forgetting someone after a breakup, imagining the brain as a hard drive that has run out of storage and simply wipes the unwanted memories. Fusing electronic production, emo instincts, horror, and humor, “Waste of Space” captures the irreverent energy that has quickly made Disgusting Sisters one of the more intriguing new acts in the alternative pop space. The single arrives ahead of the duo’s debut album Skin & Blisters, due October 30 via Source Records, the iconic Anglo-French label historically home to artists including Air, Phoenix, and Kings of Convenience. Written and recorded by the sisters with producer and live bassist James McManus, the album expands their DIY sound with additional production from Oli Bayston (Barry Can’t Swim, Rachel Chinouriri), adding a heavier indie edge to their chaotic electro-pop world. Disgusting Sisters have already earned strong support from The Guardian, which praised their blend of Smerz, Brat-era Charli XCX, and early Billie Eilish. They have also picked up BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music support and recently supported Two Door Cinema Club. With Skin & Blisters set to explore everything from hopeless exes and sugar daddies to the daily grind of the workday, “Waste of Space” offers another sharp, entertaining glimpse into a band that clearly knows how to make the weird feel irresistible. Discover “Waste of Space” HERE, and reach out to Dan for available international opportunities on behalf of Disgusting Sisters.
J. BERNHARDT
J.Bernardt, the solo project of Belgium-based Balthazar frontman Jinte Deprez, recently unleashed “Love Is on My Mind,” an irresistibly groovy earworm about unexpectedly finding a new starting point. Driven by guitar, smoldering rhythms and sprawling melodies, the track offers a glimpse of Jinte’s most open and liberated work yet, ahead of his third studio album Wild Swim, due November 13th via Play It Again Sam. Its accompanying video brings that sense of movement and discovery into sharper focus, matching the song’s warm, euphoric energy. For Wild Swim, Jinte left familiar territory behind and travelled alone to Los Angeles, where he collaborated with producer Paul Butler (Michael Kiwanuka, Devendra Banhart). At 64 Sound Studio, Butler helped him discover a freer vocal approach, while musicians including Lewis Wright of Alabama Shakes, Adele bassist Peter Randall, and Mitchell Yoshida of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros contributed to fiery live performances, many captured in a single take. The result expands J.Bernardt’s signature sound into something more expansive, instinctive, and alive. “Love Is on My Mind” also signals a shift in Jinte’s songwriting, moving away from strictly autobiographical stories toward a more universal celebration of life’s unpredictability. That fresh perspective reflects an artist embracing impulse, humor, and feeling after the wreckage of a breakup. Alongside his solo work, Jinte remains the singer of Balthazar, one of Belgium’s most acclaimed alternative rock bands, with more than 20 years of history and over 600,000 albums sold worldwide. Watch “Love Is on My Mind” HERE, and contact Sean Kayden and Aarin Wright regarding global opportunities with J.Bernhardt.
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, October 25th, 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.
MUSTBEJOHN – “Get the Time Back” (Unsigned, U.K.)
ANNA LILLE – “That’s A Year” (Propeller Recordings, Norway)
NOTHING BUT THIEVES – “Baby Kool” (RCA, U.K.)
LEONIDEN – “Choking on Dirt” (Vertigo Berlin, Germany)
MEEK – “Expensive Taste” (BMG, U.K.)
SHEPPARD – “Sayonara” (Chugg Music, Australia)
THE CLOCKWORKS – “Magnificent Seven” (V2 Records, Ireland)
CHLOE QISHA – “Baby Girl” (Columbia Records, U.K.)
GIANT ROOKS – “Slow Dance (For A Minute)” (Vertigo Berlin, Germany)
DOTAN – “Let You Go” (Universal Music, Holland)
DECO – “You’re So Beautiful” (Modern Sky Records, U.K.)
KARIN ANN – “I Can’t Trust Your Eyes” (3AM Records, Slovakia)
THE TULLAMARINES – “Flight Path” (Unsigned, Australia)
TEMPLES – “Horizon” (Heavenly Recordings, U.K.)
D’MASIV – “Till We’re Old” (Unsigned, Indonesia)
STAND ATLANTIC – “LUCID” (Hopeless Records, Australia)
SPACEY JANE – “East Village” (AWAL, Australia)
THE CHEAKS – “Situation Lost Control” (Unsigned, Australia)
KYTES – “The Race” (Frisbee Records, Germany)
BUDDUG – “Oxygen” (Côsh Records, Wales)
JUNIOR VP – “Red Cardigan” (Unsigned, Scotland)
JERUB – “Forever Right Now” (Elevate Music, U.K.)
SAINT CLAIR – “Something to Be Said” (Black Butter Records, U.K.)
CASSIA – “For You I Had a Feeling” (Love Sundays/Universal Music, U.K.)
OVERPASS – “Fall in Love” (Communion Records, U.K.)
WALKING ON RIVERS – “Waste the Night” (Motor Entertainment, Germany)
DAVE LOFTS – “I’m All Yours” (B-Unique, Ireland)
CORELLA – “Thunder Strike” (Frontiers Label Group, U.K.)
GOOD NEIGHBOURS – “Superstar” (Polydor, U.K.)
UNPEOPLE – “Clouds” (SharpTone Records, U.K.)
SHOBSY – “Royalty” (SO Recordings, Ireland)
ROYEL OTIS – “Sweet Hallelujah” (Ourness, Australia)
SAMFIRE – “Father” (Unsigned, U.K.)
RISING DUTCH ARTIST EMMA KOK SIGNS WITH ELECTROLA / UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP: Electrola has signed Dutch singer Emma Kok, the 18-year-old vocalist whose performance of “Voilà” has attracted more than 120 million views on YouTube and earned a Diamond Award. The signing reflects Kok’s international profile through live performances, television appearances, and her collaboration with Dutch violinist and conductor André Rieu. Kok first gained national recognition in 2021 after winning the Dutch edition of The Voice Kids, followed by victory on Ministars in 2023. That year, at age 15, she performed at Rieu’s concerts in Maastricht, where her interpretation of Barbara Pravi’s “Voilà” became a breakthrough moment. She subsequently toured internationally with Rieu before launching her first headline theatre tour, which featured 28 sold-out dates across the Netherlands. Kok finished second in the final of Stars on Stage, one of the Netherlands’ major television shows, while both of her 2025 concerts at Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw sold out within hours. In German-speaking markets, her performance of “Voilà” alongside Helene Fischer reached a broad television audience and has accumulated almost 20 million YouTube views. Kok’s personal outlook is summed up by the phrase “Never Lose Hope,” a message shaped in part by her experience living with gastroparesis, a rare condition involving paralysis of the stomach. She speaks publicly about the condition but says it does not define her identity or ambitions. Beyond her career, Kok established the Gastrostars Foundation to support people living with gastroparesis and contribute to research into the condition. She also documents her experiences in her book, Emma – Never Lose Hope. Her first single for Universal Music’s Electrola label, “Laissez-Moi,” is scheduled for release on November 6, 2026.
SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING NASHVILLE AND TAYCAN SIGN JARED CONRAD: Sony Music Publishing Nashville, in partnership with Taycan Entertainment, has signed songwriter and producer Jared Conrad to a worldwide publishing agreement. The platinum-certified writer and producer works across Country, Americana, and Pop, with songwriting credits for Cody Johnson, Lee Brice, Brothers Osborne, Ian Munsick, Randall King, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Austin Snell. Conrad co-wrote “Kid on Christmas,” performed by Pentatonix and Meghan Trainor on Pentatonix’s Grammy-nominated album Holidays Around the World. His recent production work includes Aaron Loy’s “Take It Easy Cowgirl.” His latest credits include Cody Johnson and Brothers Osborne’s “Fool Proof,” Gareth’s “1000 Lifetimes,” Ian Munsick’s “Earn Your Spurs” and Tyce Delk’s “What Would You Do.” Conrad is also working on forthcoming projects with Stephen Wilson Jr., Tyler Braden, and Mitchell Tenpenny. Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston said, “Jared is an incredible talent whose versatility and creativity truly set him apart. His track record of success speaks volumes, and it feels like he has only scratched the surface. We are delighted to welcome him to Sony Music Publishing alongside our partners at Taycan.”
SPOTIFY INKS LICENSING DEAL WITH BELIEVE FOR AI COVERS AND REMIXES TOOL: Believe has signed a licensing agreement with Spotify covering the streaming platform’s upcoming AI-powered covers and remixes feature, extending the deal to participating artists and labels across Believe and its self-release platform, TuneCore. The agreement follows similar arrangements Spotify has made with Universal Music Group, Merlin, and Kobalt. Believe was also among five music industry partners named by Spotify in October 2025 to help develop AI products designed to put artists first. The feature will focus on AI-generated covers and remixes of existing recordings, rather than entirely new works. Artists and rights holders behind the original tracks will receive royalties when these remixes are streamed on Spotify. The tool is expected to be offered as a paid add-on for Spotify Premium subscribers, creating an additional revenue source for participating artists and songwriters. Both companies said the initiative aims to address the widespread circulation of fan-made remixes that often generate no compensation for the original creators. Spotify remixes will link back to the original track and artist, while participation will remain voluntary. Believe said the agreement aligns with its responsible AI principles, established in 2023: consent, control, compensation, and transparency.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC S.E. ASIA SECURES SIGNING OF JEFF SATUR: Universal Music Group (UMG) has signed Thai singer-songwriter, producer, and actor Jeff Satur, as the company continues to expand its presence in Thailand. The deal was announced by Universal Music Southeast Asia, which aims to help establish Satur as a global star in T-Pop. The signing follows UMG’s recent investments in the Thai music market, including a minority stake in independent label What the Duck and an investment in distribution and publishing company Solution One. In 2024, UMG also completed its acquisition of the RS Group recorded music catalog in a deal valued at approximately $65 million to $70 million (USD). Satur has amassed more than two billion streams across platforms, with tracks including Fade, Dum Dum, Hide, Ghost and Black Tie. His previous releases include Space Shuttle No.8, his debut studio album, issued through Warner Music Thailand’s Wayfer Records in February 2024. Under the new agreement, UMG will provide support across music development, artistic direction, marketing, communications, audience growth, touring, and international collaborations. Satur’s second studio album is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027, followed by a solo stadium concert in Bangkok. A world tour is planned for late 2027 and 2028. His 2025 Red Giant Tour visited markets across Asia and Latin America, including Singapore, Japan, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, and featured two sold-out shows at Bangkok’s IMPACT Arena. In March, Satur also became the first Thai artist to participate in a conversation and performance at the Grammy Museum’s Global Spin Live in Los Angeles, according to UMG Southeast Asia.
GERMANY’S PAUL LOCKS IN PUBLISHING & DISTRIBUTION DEALS WITH BMG: BMG has signed Paul, a member of Dresden-based group 01099, to a publishing agreement and distribution deal. The partnership’s first release is his debut solo album, Panzerglas Pop, which peaked at No. 5 on the Official German Albums Chart. The collaboration is being overseen by BMG’s Marcel Valin and Lucas Wolf, working with Jasper Niebuhr, Managing Director, GSA, following coordination across the company’s publishing and distribution teams. As part of 01099, Paul has released four albums and built a profile as an artist and songwriter in the German-language music market. Panzerglas Pop marks his first album under his own name, featuring 12 tracks that highlight his range and development as a solo artist. Marcel Valin, Director, A&R Publishing, and Lucas Wolf, Senior Manager, A&R Frontline Recordings, BMG, said, “We are very proud to work with Paul and his team to bring his debut solo album to life at BMG. Paul is an exceptional artist who has consistently and deliberately challenged genre boundaries over the past several years, helping shape and inspire a new generation of music. We will do everything we can to support the continued development of his career, both with this album and in the years ahead, across publishing and recordings, and to reach new milestones together.”
WARNER RECORDS REVEALS JOINT VENTURE WITH PRODUCER TONY BERG: Warner Records has partnered with producer Tony Berg to launch Crime & Punishment Records, a joint venture focused on discovering and developing emerging artists. The label’s first signing is singer-songwriter Elle Bramhall. The venture will draw on Berg’s five decades of industry experience, with an emphasis on giving artists the support and creative autonomy to shape their careers. In the past two years, Berg has produced records for Phoebe Bridgers, including Lost Weekend, and sombr’s I Barely Know Her, as well as Sarah McLachlan’s Better Broken and Bruce Hornsby’s Indigo Park. He has also mentored a range of emerging talents, including Shawn Everett and Blake Mills. Aaron Bay-Schuck, Chairman & CEO, Warner Records Group, said, “Tony Berg is in rarefied air as an elite producer. Not only does he have incredible taste, but he also possesses a real gift for bringing out what makes an artist special. What he has accomplished with Warner Records’ star sombr has been pure magic. Not so much by putting his fingerprints all over it, but by showing restraint and knowing exactly what pieces needed to be put around sombr to help him fully realize his vision. Bringing Tony’s JV to Warner Records was an easy decision. He has already signed an incredibly promising young singer-songwriter, Elle Bramhall, and we are so excited about what he is building and what’s to come.”
WISE MUSIC FRANCE INKS DEAL WITH JEAN-MICHEL BLAIS: Wise Music Group has signed Canadian composer Jean-Michel Blais to a long-term publishing agreement with its Paris, France-based Wise Music France division. Blais joins a roster that includes Betsy Jolas, Vasco Mendonça, and Josephine Stephenson, alongside works by composers such as Olivier Messiaen and Sergei Prokofiev. The deal follows the release of Blais’ fourth album, Mirador, last month via Mercury KX. Created in collaboration with filmmaker Adrian Villagomez, the project includes album artwork, visualizers, and a narrative film connecting several tracks. The agreement also makes orchestral arrangements from Blais’ 2022 album aubades available for performance. He begins a tour across Europe, the U.S., and Canada in Berlin on October 23. Thomas Jamois, Managing Director, Wise Music France, said, “We are delighted to welcome Jean-Michel to the prestigious Wise Music roster. His rare emotional and powerful melodies are proof of a unique sensitivity with a high artistic standard. We are fully committed to nurturing his work across his genre-blending approach.”
SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING NIGERIA SIGNS RAPPER LADIPOE: Sony Music Publishing Nigeria has signed Nigerian rapper and songwriter Ladipoe to a worldwide publishing agreement covering his existing catalog and future works. His releases include “Know You” featuring Simi, “Feeling” featuring BNXN, “Running” featuring Fireboy DML, “No Level” featuring Pa Salieu, and “Big Energy.” His latest album, Revival, released in July 2026, continues his work across Nigeria’s rap and Afropop scenes. Ladipoe has won Headies Awards for Best Rap Single for “Feeling” and Best Collaboration for “Know You,” and received a 2026 BET Hip Hop Award nomination for Best International Flow. “The signing of Ladipoe is part of our continued commitment at Sony Music Publishing to partner with and invest in exceptional African songwriters and artists whose creativity has the power to transcend borders,” said Uzor Daniel, Director, A&R, and Operations, Sony Music Publishing Nigeria. “We are thrilled to welcome Ladipoe to our global family and to build on the incredible body of work he has already created, while supporting the next chapter of his songwriting and creative journey. I have no doubt that the best is still ahead.”
TOO LOST TO ACQUIRE INDIE DISTRIBUTOR XELON ENTERTAINMENT: Too Lost Music Group has agreed to acquire Australian independent music distributor Xelon Entertainment under a definitive partnership agreement announced on October 20. The transaction, which remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The deal follows Too Lost’s acquisition of Brisbane-based GYRO. Group three months ago, further expanding its presence across Australia, New Zealand, and the wider Asia-Pacific region. Xelon Founder Ashley Gay, who established the company in 2007, will remain President of the business and join Too Lost’s leadership team. He will also lead Too Lost’s business development across Australia, New Zealand, APAC, the U.K., and Europe. Operating from Melbourne, New York, and the U.K., Xelon says it has distributed more than one million recordings for independent artists and labels, with a particular focus on electronic and dance music. Its roster includes Sweat It Out, Central Station Records, Balance Music, and Paul Oakenfold’s Perfecto. The company has also managed releases for artists including Hans Zimmer, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Dom Dolla, Pitbull, Carl Cox, and Purple Disco Machine. Xelon identifies Apple Music, Beatport and Spotify among the platforms that recognize it as a preferred label distributor.
SIMON DUNMORE ACQUIRES MAJORITY SHAREHOLDING IN HOUSE CULTURE PLATFORM: Simon Dunmore, Founder of Defected Records, has acquired a majority stake in independent music platform House Culture, with plans to expand its international reach and develop its editorial, events, and music activities. Founded by Stephen Hedge and Richard Clark, House Culture began as an Instagram account and grew to nearly 100,000 followers. The platform has since expanded to include a podcast, curated playlists, and events. Launched in 2019, the House Culture Podcast, led by contributor Matt Rouse, has featured guests including Fatboy Slim, Danny Tenaglia, and David Morales. The podcast also served as the starting point for the relationship between House Culture and Dunmore, who established Defected Records in 1999 and spent more than two decades building the independent label into a recognized name in electronic music. Hedge, Clark and Rouse said Dunmore’s experience and understanding of house music culture would help the platform build on its existing community and reach a wider audience. Plans include expanding the podcast and radio show into a broader editorial operation featuring original articles, video content, YouTube programming, playlists, a newsletter and an archive documenting influential records, artists, labels, clubs, and scenes. House Culture also intends to create opportunities for emerging voices and strengthen its connections with the wider house music community. The business will continue operating collaboratively, with Dunmore working alongside Hedge and Clark, Rouse, Nick Gordon Brown, and Steve Banks, supported by a wider network of artists, DJs, photographers, archivists, and ambassadors. Further plans include expanding into events and music releases.
SEÁN DONEGAN TO TAKE OVER AS CEO FOR IRELAND’S IMRO: The Irish Music Rights Organization (IMRO) has appointed Seán Donegan as its next CEO, succeeding Victor Finn. Donegan was selected by the IMRO board and will assume the position in July 2027. A chartered management accountant with an MSc in Strategic Management (Innovation), Donegan brings extensive experience in music rights, commercial strategy, and organizational leadership. He has held senior positions at IMRO for more than a decade, most recently serving as Chief Commercial Officer since 2022. Under his tenure, the organization continued to grow, reporting record revenues of €57.1 million (Euros) in 2025. IMRO Chair Tom Dunne said, “Following a rigorous recruitment process, the Board is delighted to appoint Seán as IMRO’s next Chief Executive. Seán combines strategic leadership with a serious commitment to music creators and rights holders. His knowledge of the organization and the environment that we operate in will be invaluable as IMRO continues to champion the value of music and respond to the opportunities and challenges facing our sector. On behalf of the Board, I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Victor Finn for his exceptional service and leadership. Over almost two decades, his contribution to Ireland’s music community has been immense. Under his stewardship, IMRO has undergone sustained transformation, grown in scale, influence, and international standing, while achieving record revenues and distributions for its members.”
ONERPM NAMES IASMINE AMAZONAS CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER: ONErpm has restructured its global marketing and promotion operations into a network of specialist and regional hubs, bringing together 200 marketing professionals worldwide. The new structure is designed to improve coordination across markets while allowing local teams to retain responsibility for artist relationships and campaign execution. Iasmine Amazonas, previously Chief of Staff for ONErpm in Brazil, has been named Chief Marketing Officer, while Isaac Miranda, formerly the company’s Director of Asia, becomes Global Marketing Director. Specialist hubs will cover paid media, streaming partnerships, international marketing, and YouTube, alongside design, social media, studios, institutional marketing, and PR. Key appointments include George D’Errico as Global Head of Streaming Partnerships, Jenna LoMonaco as Sr. VP, International Marketing, and new hire Jorge Amaya leading YouTube Marketing. Regional operations will be led by Casey Childers in the U.S., Andrés Graff Navarro across Latin America, Mariane Correa in Brazil and Lusophone territories, Aleksandr Shanin in Russia, and Eastern Europe, and Blessing Manafa across Europe and Africa. A lead for the APAC territory has yet to be appointed.
RESERVOIR ACQUIRES RIGHTS TO JOSÉ FELICIANO’S RECORDED MUSIC CATALOG: Reservoir Media has agreed to acquire the recorded music catalog of José Feliciano, the singer-songwriter best known for “Feliz Navidad” and his cover of The Doors’ “Light My Fire.” The agreement, announced on October 21, also grants Reservoir non-exclusive rights to Feliciano’s name, image, and likeness. Financial details and the specific recordings included in the transaction have not been disclosed. Born in Lares, Puerto Rico, and raised in New York’s Spanish Harlem, Feliciano signed with RCA Victor in 1964. His 1968 version of “Light My Fire” reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and he won two Grammy Awards in 1969, including Best New Artist. He wrote and recorded “Feliz Navidad” in 1970; the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010 and selected for the US National Recording Registry in 2026. With a career span of six decades, Feliciano has released 60 albums and written 600 songs. His honors include a Hollywood Walk of Fame star and the National Medal of Arts, awarded in 2021 and presented in 2023. The deal was brokered by Denny Marte of MPA Advisors and Jay Stollman of Jay Stollman Entertainment, with attorney Brett Green representing Feliciano. “This year, our Reservoir team has focused concertedly on expanding our portfolio of Latin music, and bringing José’s music to Reservoir is an important continuation of those efforts,” said Golnar Khosrowshahi, Reservoir’s Founder & CEO. “His countless accolades showcase just how much impact his catalog has had on Latin and popular music, and we look forward to continuing to support such influential music.”
UMG REVEALS PARTNERSHIP WITH TYGER: Universal Music Group (UMG) has signed its first major licensing agreement with Tyger, an adaptive music platform designed for gaming. The deal will make select recordings from UMG’s global recorded music and publishing catalogs available through Tyger’s paid subscription service and free, ad-supported tier. Using patented technology, Tyger enables licensed music to adapt in real time to gameplay, offering players a listening experience tailored to interactive entertainment. The platform currently holds more than 400,000 tracks, primarily from independent artists, and is in closed beta across more than 20 games with a combined monthly audience exceeding 540 million players. Tyger plans to relaunch later this year with updated subscription and ad-supported services featuring UMG content. Michael Nash, Chief Digital Officer & EVP at UMG, said, “At UMG, we have a well-established history of exploring and developing new creative and commercial opportunities that enable our artists, songwriters, and labels to better connect with music fans. We believe that music has a more integral role to play in gaming and through this innovative new licensing agreement with Tyger, our artists and their music will now be able to soundtrack personalized gameplay experiences and connect with millions of gamers and fans around the world.”
EMPIRE FOUNDER GHAZI LAUNCHES SUPPLY CHAIN GLOBALLY: Ghazi, Founder & CEO of EMPIRE, has launched B2B software-as-a-service company Supply Chain globally, with Amsterdam serving as its international headquarters. Announced on October 21, the launch includes a partnership with Ampsuite, the music technology business owned by Beatport. Supply Chain has appointed Craig May as Sr. VP of Marketing and Kristy May as Sr. VP of Business Affairs. The platform provides independent music businesses with technology, distribution, and operational infrastructure, while allowing them to retain control of their catalogs, data, client relationships, and commercial decisions. Its network delivers music to more than 150 stores and digital service providers across over 200 countries. Ghazi first introduced Supply Chain in March 2023 as a white-label distribution platform operating separately from EMPIRE. “I know what independent music can achieve when it has the right infrastructure,” said Ghazi. “Too often, independents have had to rely on inefficient systems. Supply Chain changes that. Our software is built for independents, and it is designed to connect and serve the independent community.”
JIM FREEMAN JOINS TICKETMASTER AS CTO TO LEAD ‘AI-FIRST’ PUSH: Ticketmaster has appointed former Amazon executive Jim Freeman as Chief Technology Officer, alongside three other senior technology hires aimed at advancing the company’s AI capabilities, data science, and product development. Freeman will oversee Ticketmaster’s global engineering organization, platform modernization, and technology supporting fan and client products, including new AI-powered tools. During his time at Amazon, he helped launch Prime Video and grow it to more than 30 million monthly active users. He later served as CTO of Zalando and most recently worked as a Sr. Advisor at Permira. Ticketmaster has also hired Rachel Smith from Block as its first Sr. VP of Data Science and Machine Learning. Smith previously led data science teams supporting Square, Cash App, and TIDAL, overseeing more than 120 data scientists. At Ticketmaster, she will establish a dedicated organization focused on analytics, fraud detection, Bot prevention, and improving fan experience. Former Disney executive Chuck Mortimore joins as Sr. VP of Product, responsible for identity, access, and trust. His previous roles include positions at Stripe, Visa, and Salesforce, while at Disney he consolidated identity systems across its global businesses, including Disney+, Hulu, and its theme parks. The company has also brought in the team behind AI infrastructure startup Ragie, whose technology will support the development and deployment of AI tools across Ticketmaster.
RESERVOIR ACQUIRES CATALOG OF BILLY STRAYHORN: Reservoir Media has acquired the publishing catalog of late jazz composer Billy Strayhorn and will also participate in rights to his name, image, and likeness. The agreement builds on Reservoir’s relationship with Strayhorn’s estate, Billy Strayhorn Songs, Inc., which dates to 2014. The company also supported celebrations marking the composer’s centenary in 2015. Born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1915, Strayhorn was a composer, pianist, and arranger whose three-decade collaboration with Duke Ellington helped shape the bandleader’s musical identity. His compositions include jazz standards such as “Take the ‘A’ Train,” “Lush Life,” “Chelsea Bridge” and “Satin Doll,” many of which have become enduring parts of the Great American Songbook and have been recorded across jazz, pop, and classical music. Strayhorn’s work continues to reach new audiences. Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett recorded “Lush Life” for their collaborative album Cheek to Cheek, which won the Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album in 2015. Strayhorn was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984 and received a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992. This month, he was also inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. His legacy has continued through theatre and orchestral performance. The biographical musical Something to Live For premiered at Pittsburgh Public Theater in 2023, while Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker debuted in Chicago that year. Last month, the New York Philharmonic performed “Take the ‘A’ Train” at its inaugural gala, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel and featuring Brian Stokes Mitchell.
MUSIXMATCH ACQUIRES MUSIC REPORTS: Musixmatch has acquired Music Reports, Inc. in its first acquisition, bringing the company behind copyright registry Songdex and rights and licensing platform Blokur under its ownership. The deal will combine Musixmatch’s data and technology with Songdex to connect recordings, compositions, and rights information across the global music industry, expanding its services beyond lyrics into mechanical, synchronization, print, and performance rights. The acquisition also gives Musixmatch access to Cuetrak, software used by digital music services and broadcasters to identify music in audiovisual content. The company says the combined technology will support more accurate music identification and matching rights, while laying the groundwork for a new generation of AI-powered royalty management. Now in its 17th year, Musixmatch works with more than 250,000 publishers, nearly three million songwriters, and platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Earlier this year, it launched Sentinel, a music copyright detection service. Max Ciociola, Founder & CEO of Musixmatch, said, “Music is being created and used faster than the industry can track it, and AI is only accelerating the trend. When no one can identify who wrote a song, who owns it, or who should be paid, creators lose. Bringing Music Reports into Musixmatch unites two of the industry’s most trusted datasets on one platform. Our goal is simple. Every use of music identified, every owner known, every creator paid.”
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Josh Javor, Tarsame Mittal, Ethiopia Habtemariam, Ben Mortimer, Komali Scott-Jones, Andrew Morgan, Neil Warnock, Julian Palmer, Ben Maddahi, Evan Bogart, Amy Wadge, Jamie Nelson, Ramón Andrés Sánchez, and Carlos Abreu.
