A&R Worldwide Newsletter Vol. 951

MUSEXPO 2027 TO SPOTLIGHT GLOBAL MUSIC SUPERVISION, ADVERTISING, GAMING & MEDIA LEADERS WITH EXCLUSIVE PANELS, KEYNOTES, HONORS, SYNC CONVERSATIONS, ROUNDTABLES & MORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warner Music France has taken an investment stake in independent music company Délicieuse Musique, expanding its reach across electronic and indie pop genres.

Founded in 2012, Délicieuse operates ten specialist imprints, including Délicieuse Records, Nice Guys, Noire & Blanche, Egoplanet, Crosswalk and Hip Dozer. Its roster spans more than 1,200 artists.

The partnership will give Délicieuse’s labels and artists access to Warner Music’s global infrastructure, including digital distribution, international marketing, sync licensing, brand partnerships, and creative and studio facilities in France. The agreement will also strengthen Warner Music France’s position in electronic styles such as chill, lounge, deep house, and jazz house, alongside indie pop.

Despite the investment, Délicieuse will retain its independence under Co-Founders Mathieu Léglise and Gautier de Bosredon. Its existing team will remain at the company’s Bordeaux headquarters, continuing to oversee A&R, management, and artist development.

Alain Veille, President, Warner Music France, said, “By uniting Mathieu and Gautier’s distinct A&R vision with Warner Music’s global scale, we are creating a dynamic model that empowers independent creators to maximize their worldwide potential while staying true to their roots. This investment was conducted under the leadership of Warner Music France’s CBO Charles Jaubert, as part of his mission to expand our strategic alliances. It marks the first milestone in our broader strategy to forge partnerships that bridge Warner Music France’s capabilities with the incredible vitality and diversity of the French independent scene.”

The company has previously worked with artists including Lost Frequencies, Ofenbach, Bakermat, Kungs, Folamour, Parra for Cuva, Jawny and Saib. Its international roster also includes UK dream-pop group Tokyo Tea Room, Brazilian bossa nova artist Pedro Mizutani and French alternative pop act Miel De Montagne.

SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz is stepping down after nearly 25 years with the company, with Tubi CEO Anjali Sud set to take over the role on January 1, 2027.

Sud has served on SiriusXM’s board as an independent director since March 2025 and will retain her board position after becoming CEO. She has led Fox-owned streaming platform Tubi since September 2023, overseeing audience growth to more than 110 million monthly active users, according to SiriusXM.

“Anjali has built some of the most successful consumer entertainment platforms,” said SiriusXM Chairman Greg Maffei. “In her previous roles, she scaled audiences, expanded platforms, and led businesses supported by both advertising and subscription models. As a member of our Board, she has intimate knowledge of our business and strategy. With her digital media experience, CEO-level success, and Board perspective, we are confident Anjali will hit the ground running and build on our momentum as we continue to execute against our objectives. We believe she will be an outstanding CEO for SiriusXM.”

“Jennifer has made extraordinary contributions to SiriusXM over her 25-year career, including nearly six years as CEO,” added Greg Maffei. “Her efforts include expanding in-car penetration and 360L rollouts, solidifying its premium, content-led subscription business with record-high customer satisfaction and record-low churn, securing an exclusive advertising partnership with YouTube, and building one of the nation’s leading podcast networks. SiriusXM is now generating its best core financial metrics in years, returning to revenue growth, and generating near-record levels of free cash flow. Jennifer is leaving SiriusXM with a solid foundation, and we are grateful for her leadership.”

The leadership change was announced last week. Witz said the timing was right for a transition and will remain with SiriusXM in an advisory capacity through the end of 2027.

SiriusXM is one of North America’s leading audio entertainment companies, delivering music, sports, news, talk, comedy, and podcasts through satellite radio, digital streaming, and connected platforms. With approximately 33 million SiriusXM subscribers and a broader audio advertising network that includes Pandora and major podcast platforms, the company reports a combined monthly audience reach of approximately 255 million listeners, making it a significant force in the global audio and entertainment landscape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diplo has partnered with former Downtown Music Holdings CEO Andrew Bergman to launch a new music publishing company, Bison Music.

Bergman will lead the company as CEO, working alongside Tom Lee as COO, Juba Lee as Chief Creative Officer, and Jenny Ilibassi as General Manager.

Diplo originally established Bison to bring together a roster of songwriters and producers, including Picard Bros, Leclair, Maesic, Nitti, Kaien Cruz, BomboCat, Akira Evans and Groupthink. The partnership with Bergman aims to develop the company into a publishing operation focused on creating original music by human songwriters for audiences worldwide.

“For me, there’s still nothing more exciting in music than discovering a great song from someone you’ve never heard of,” said Andrew Bergman. “That has always been at the core of what makes music publishing a great business. And it is what excited me about partnering with Diplo, one of the leading creative forces in the modern music business, and Tmwrk, his management team and longtime business partners. We are designed to identify and sign writers early, nurture them through the harsh realities of the music business, and allow them to reap the benefits of their creative endeavors. Writers and the music publishers that serve them are at their best when they are in a collaborative mode and we intend to operate that way internally and externally.”

“At a moment when it feels like music needs an injection of originality, our writers are in a position to shape where music goes next,” said Diplo. “Andrew and I are creating a home for those writers, with a team that knows how to develop them and a company built to back them for the long term.”

With offices in New York and Los Angeles, Bison Music plans to announce additional signings in the coming months.

 

 

Holland-based artist, and producer Leela Rosa makes alt-pop for the beautifully messy in-between moments of life. Her latest single, “Another Life,” captures the feeling of imagining all the different versions of yourself you could be, while knowing you can only live one at a time. Blending folk-inspired vocals with tactile electronic textures and introspective songwriting, Rosa creates music that feels both intimate and made for the dancefloor; the kind of track that lets you dance through an existential crisis. “Another Life” featured on Rosa’s second EP, Blueprints for a Moving Target, is about exploring identity, relationships, and memory. The project reflects on how we change alongside the people and world around us, balancing nostalgia with the uncertainty of who we’re becoming. With roots in Rotterdam’s electronic scene through her work at Clone Records, Rosa brings an underground sensibility to her emotionally rich, indie-leaning pop. Already earning attention from Courtney Love, who has shared her music on social media, and electronic artist Mura Masa, who selected one of her singles for his community The Pond, Rosa is an emerging name to watch. Her music has been featured by Ones to Watch, Record of the Day and The Luna Collective, while her live shows have taken her to SXSW London, and a recent performance at Rotterdam’s Left of the Dial Festival. Discover “Another Life” HERE and reach out to Melroy Engel as Leela Rosa is available for sync opportunities worldwide.

 

BOSSY SONGS EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING: Bossy Songs, the music publishing company established by veteran U.S. A&R executive Barry Weiss has renewed and extended its partnership with Sony Music Publishing (SMP). Under the expanded agreement, SMP will continue providing publishing administration and support for the company. Weiss also serves as CEO & Co-Founder of RECORDS and RECORDS Nashville, both of which operate in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment. Bossy Songs is headquartered in New York, with additional staff in Los Angeles and Nashville. Among its roster are songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist Austin Corona, who co-wrote and produced Slayyyter’s July single “brand new chanel$.” The track earned the artist her first Billboard Hot 100 entry, debuting at No. 98. Corona also served as a key collaborator on Slayyyter’s March album, WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA. The artist releases music through RECORDS and Columbia Records. Bossy Songs also represents Charlie Ziman, a frequent songwriter and producer for Malcolm Todd. His credits include Todd’s “Earrings,” which reached No. 1 on Spotify‘s Global Chart, and “Obsessica,” from the artist’s latest album, Do That Again. Other writers and producers on the roster include Cheyenna, whose credits include Dasha‘s “Austin;”; Michael Sonier (Noah Cyrus, Maggie Rogers and Ella Henderson); Cody Tarpley (Megan Thee Stallion, Chris Brown and Maggie Lindemann); IDA (Alan Walker, Sigala and Becky Hill); and Dan Gleyzer (BTS, Meghan Trainor and CIL).

 

BMG GERMANY HONORS LIQUIDO, AN EARLY A&R WORLDWIDE CHAMPIONED BAND WITH A DOUBLE-PLATINUM AWARD: BMG has recognized German rock band Liquido’s enduring international hit “Narcotic” with a double-platinum award, honoring singer-songwriter and founding member Wolfgang Schrödl and producer Olaf Opal for more than 1.2 million singles sold. The award was presented on November 5 by Jasper Niebuhr (Managing Director, GSA, BMG) and Philipp Neuhaus (Sr. Director, Catalog Marketing, BMG) during an exclusive celebration of the song’s legacy. Originally written by Schrödl in 1986 and officially released in 1998, “Narcotic” became a defining international breakthrough for Liquido. Anchored by its unmistakable keyboard riff and infectious melody, the single reached the Top 10 in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium, establishing the band well beyond its German roots. Nearly three decades after its release, the song continues to connect with audiences across generations, accumulating more than 315 million streams on Spotify alone while maintaining a presence across radio, streaming playlists, clubs, and live performances. Following the award presentation, Schrödl delivered an intimate acoustic performance of “Narcotic,” alongside selections from his forthcoming project, Society of One, before concluding the evening with a DJ set. A&R Worldwide Founder Sat Bisla played an instrumental role in supporting Liquido during the band’s formative years. In 1996, the group’s original manager, Deville Schober, introduced Bisla to an early demo of the band. Recognizing the potential in their songwriting and sound, Bisla worked closely with Schober and the band’s management to help establish early industry support in the U.K., Europe, and U.S., facilitating introductions to record labels, A&R’s, music publishers, radio, and influential media contacts. These early efforts helped build international awareness of Liquido ahead of the band’s eventual signing with A&R executive Michael Wolf at Virgin Records in Germany in 1998.

 

ABBY MILLER NAMED HEAD OF ARTIST DEVELOPMENT AT BORCHETTA ENTERTAINMENT GROUP: Borchetta Entertainment Group (BEG) has appointed Abby Miller as Head of Artist Development. The full-service management division was launched in March 2026 by Scott Borchetta, Founder and Chairman of Big Machine Records. Miller brings nearly 10 years of experience in digital strategy, artist management, and A&R. Before joining BEG, she established her own consulting business, working with artists and management teams on release strategies, digital optimization, DSP relations, A&R, performance analysis, and brand partnerships. Her previous positions include A&R Manager at Black River Entertainment and talent manager at The Digital Dept. At BEG, Miller will work with a roster that includes Molly Tuttle, Carly Pearce, The Band Perry, Yung Gravy, John Foster, Easton Corbin, Mark Collie, Terror Reid, and Getter. Abby Miller commented, “I have always believed that the best managers understand that we are in the longevity business. Borchetta Entertainment Group perfectly exemplifies that. We are not here looking for quick hits and sharp spikes, but the real momentum that comes from building careers one fan at a time, with true artistry at the center.” Scott Borchetta added, “Abby is such a fantastic addition to the team! She has wasted no time, making a difference from day one. Superstar in the making.”

 

PRESCRIPTION SONGS SIGNS PHIL LEIGH: PRESCRIPTION SONGS has signed Los Angeles, CA-based songwriter and producer Phil Leigh to its roster, in a deal led by A&R Director Cameron Kooklanfar. Working across pop, dance, country, and Latin music, Leigh’s credits include LE SSERAFIM’s “Spaghetti” featuring BTS’ J-Hope, TWICE’s “Hi Hello,” ANOTR’s “Paradise,” and “Spicy Margarita” by Jason Derulo and Michael Bublé. His previous collaborations also include Beyoncé, David Guetta, The Chainsmokers, J Balvin, and Emeli Sandé. Upcoming releases featuring his work include projects with Marshmello, ANOTR, and Purple Disco Machine. “Phil is an incredible creative and an equally amazing person. He has a way of winning people’s hearts while making some of the best music out there. From his work with Beyoncé and Jason Derulo to LE Sserafim & J Hope’s No. 3 Billboard Global record ‘SPAGHETTI,’ ANOTR’s ‘Paradise’ off the Witness album, and other artists from Marshmello to Chainsmokers, Purple Disco Machine & NAEYON, his versatility speaks for itself. We are so happy to welcome him to the Prescription family and excited to help build on everything he has already accomplished,” said Cameron Kooklanfar. “Life is the best! And a HUGE part of why I feel that way is because of music. I am truly obsessed with it, and I do not take for granted that I have been allowed to spend my life feeling, playing, and creating professionally. I’ve been close with the Prescription Songs family for a very long time, and it means the world to me that I’m now officially a part of it, working with them. They match my freak, and I am so grateful that they are the people that I am doing this with,” reflects Phil Leigh on joining with Prescription Songs.

 

DEBBIE GIBSON SIGNS WITH DOWNTOWN MUSIC PUBLISHING: Downtown Music Publishing has signed pop singer-songwriter Debbie Gibson, securing administration rights to her existing catalog and TV and film synchronization representation. The announcement follows the release of Gibson’s holiday album, Winterlicious D’Luxe, and comes ahead of a series of December performances at The STRAT in Las Vegas. The signing adds to an active period for the artist. In 2025, Gibson published her memoir, ETERNALLY ELECTRIC, through Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. Since 2022, she has appeared on programs including Good Morning America, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, as well as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and at the Grammy Museum. Her recent activity has also included coverage in publications such as Rolling Stone, The New York Times, CNN, and People, alongside U.S. touring and international performances across South America, Asia, and Australia. Gibson released The Body Remembers in 2021 through her independent label, Stargirl Records. The project marked her first album of original pop material in 20 years, reached No. 2 on Apple’s Pop Sales Chart, and generated one million streams in its first month.

 

RZA INVESTS IN AYO MUSIC GROUP: AYO Music Group, the invitation-only music copyright administrator co-founded by Deborah Mannis-Gardner and Pär Almqvist, has secured investments from several figures across music and business. The new investors include RZA, rapper, producer, and founding member of Wu-Tang Clan; Chaka Zulu and Jeff Dixon, Atlanta-based music executives and co-founders of Disturbing Tha Peace Records; Johannesburg and Atlanta-based family office CIH Group; and New York entrepreneur David Goldberg. The announcement comes ahead of the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which took place on November 14 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. RZA was inducted as a member of Wu-Tang Clan, while AYO client MC Lyte received recognition in the Early Influence category. “Most music creators have never seen a full accounting of what their music earns. That is a data, business model, and supply chain problem, and fixing it is the main reason AYO exists. This round of investments lets us sign and actively serve more clients to collect what they are already owed – fulfilling our mission to get music creators paid,” said Pär Almqvist, Co-Founder and CEO of AYO Music Group.

 

SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING U.K. SIGNS NATALIE FINDLAY TO EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Sony Music Publishing U.K. (SMP U.K.) has signed a worldwide exclusive publishing agreement with multi-platinum songwriter, artist, and creative collaborator Natalie Findlay, covering her future works. Findlay released her debut album, Forgotten Pleasures, in 2017 and has since accumulated billions of streams through her work as both an artist and songwriter. Her credits span releases by Remy Bond, Ttrruces, Blossoms and Declan McKenna, as well as her own Findlay project and an ongoing creative partnership with Suki Waterhouse. Her songwriting has also featured in major advertising campaigns and the Netflix series Ozark. Among her credits is “Good Looking,” co-written with Waterhouse, which has surpassed one billion Spotify streams. Findlay also co-wrote Ashe’s “Swan Lake” and was subsequently named Spotify U.K.’s Songwriter of the Month. “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Natalie Findlay to the SMP family,” said Sarah Gabrielli, Head of A&R, Sony Music Publishing U.K. “Natalie is a songwriting powerhouse, who has a singular talent for connecting closely with any artist she works with, consistently delivering clever, fun and impactful pop songs.”

 

POSITION MUSIC SIGNS JV LABEL & PUBLISHING DEAL WITH CONNOR KAUFFMAN AND SOUNDS GOOD: Position Music has signed Los Angeles-based artist and songwriter Connor Kauffman to a joint venture label deal with Sounds Good, alongside a solo publishing agreement with Position Music. The publishing deal was brought to the company by Position Music A&R executive Joe Brooks. At 24, Kauffman has accumulated more than 300 million streams worldwide and developed a dedicated fanbase through touring in 2024 and 2025. His track “Bleed” accounts for over 110 million streams and has secured placement on prominent playlists across Apple Music and Spotify. “Connor has already proven himself as an artist who can stream, but when presented with the vision of what’s to come, I became excited about the broader picture too. The music he is currently working on shows promising growth both as an artist and writer and with particular emphasis on the live component moving forward, he is going to be making a lot of new fans. I very much look forward to working alongside Alex and Shelly of Sounds Good, who have done a fantastic job in developing Connor’s career,” said Joe Brooks, Position Music A&R. “We’re excited for Connor and this next chapter with Position. It has been an incredible journey with our label helping Connor grow from a kid making demos in his parents’ house to a global artist with 300M+ streams. Position understands Connor’s vision and ambition, so we are all looking forward to what comes next,” added Alex Bender, Sounds Good.

 

HARMAN LAUNCHES DROPS, A TIKTOK-STYLE MUSIC DISCOVERY APP: Harman, the audio and automotive technology company owned by Samsung Electronics, has introduced Drops, a new music discovery app that allows users to share and explore short song excerpts. Available clips, known as “Drops,” run between 10 and 30 seconds and are shared by friends and tastemakers. Each post includes lyrics, album artwork, licensed artist imagery, and a caption. The app launched on November 9 for iOS and Android users in the U.S., initially through an invite-only rollout, with a waitlist available. Harman says Drops has support from several music companies, including Universal Music Group, Beggars Group, Symphonic Distribution, EMPIRE, and UnitedMasters. Data partners include LyricFind, Xperi, and MusicBrainz, alongside unnamed music publishers and performing rights organizations. UMG is the only major record company specifically identified in the announcement, although Harman says the platform’s catalog includes music from major and independent labels. Harman describes the app as a companion to existing streaming platforms rather than a replacement. Users can connect their accounts with Apple Music, Qobuz, and TIDAL to access full-length versions of songs discovered through clips. Spotify was not among the services named at launch. Additional features include personal collections for saving Drops, the ability to follow other users, and options to share music directly with friends. Recommendations are tailored to listeners’ preferences and activity on the platform. Harman says the service is focused on human-created music. TechCrunch reported that Drops does not use generative AI to create audio or visual content, and that tracks are presented in their original released form. The app is free to use.

 

ROYEL OTIS SIGNS WITH WME: Australian indie-rock duo Royel Otis has expanded its partnership with WME, adding representation across North America, South America, and all territories outside Europe. The new arrangement will be overseen by a team led by WME Global Head of Music Kirk Sommer, while Brett Murrihy, the agency’s Head of Asia Pacific, will continue handling the duo’s representation in Australia, Asia, and the Middle East. Comprising Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic, the duo has accumulated more than 9.8 million monthly listeners, surpassed one billion streams, and sold over 300,000 tickets worldwide. Their profile has grown through a combination of melodic indie-rock songwriting and releases that include “Oysters in My Pocket” and “Sofa King.” Their 2024 debut album, PRATTS & PAIN, was recorded in South London with producer Dan Carey, whose credits include Wet Leg and Fontaines D.C. The project earned four ARIA Awards, including Best Group and Best Rock Album. The duo also gained wider recognition through covers of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor,” which reached No. 1 on US alternative radio, and The Cranberries’ “Linger,” which secured their first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. Royel Otis followed the album with hickey in 2025. Its lead single, “moody,” spent seven weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Airplay chart. In 2025, they appeared at Glastonbury, Governors Ball, Lollapalooza and Fuji Rock, alongside three shows at London’s O2 Academy Brixton and major hometown performances. During 2026, they played the main stages of Lollapalooza’s editions in Argentina, Chile, and Brazil, as well as Estéreo Picnic, and Tecate Pa’l Norte. Other highlights included their Coachella debut, stadium dates supporting Foo Fighters and headline performances at Prospect Park, Salt Shed, and the Greek Theatre.

 

TUNECORE PROMOTES TASH SHAH TO VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL MARKETING: TuneCore has promoted Tash Shah to Vice President, Global Marketing, placing her in charge of the company’s worldwide marketing operations. The appointment was announced by Brian Miller, TuneCore’s Chief Business Officer, to whom Shah will report. In her new position, she will oversee global strategy across brand and creative, customer acquisition, lifecycle and retention, and product marketing. Shah joined the independent artist services company in 2023 as VP, International, leading its strategy and financial performance across 17 markets spanning Europe, APAC, Latin America, and Africa. Before joining TuneCore, she spent 12 years at Spotify, where she became the platform’s first U.K. Head of Marketing. During her tenure, she developed some of Spotify’s earliest in-house artist marketing campaigns and established partnerships with organizations including the BBC and Nike. “Independent artists who are already building an audience need more than a place to upload music,” said Brian Miller. “They need a partner that helps them grow. Tash has spent three years understanding what those artists need, and she has the vision to make TuneCore the platform they choose to build their careers on. I am excited to see her lead our global marketing team into this next chapter.”

 

TOO LOST SIGNS DUBAI-BASED AFTERPEAK: Too Lost has entered an exclusive, multi-year global distribution agreement with Dubai-based independent music and entertainment company Afterpeak, alongside a multi-seven-figure financing commitment. The deal gives Too Lost worldwide distribution rights to Afterpeak’s existing recorded music catalog and forthcoming releases. The funding will be directed toward marketing, expanding the catalog, artist development, and new music releases. Founded in 2020 by CEO Avery Chauhan, Afterpeak says its catalog spans more than 25,000 releases and has accumulated over three billion streams on Spotify. Its repertoire includes original recordings, covers, and reworks created in collaboration with artists, producers, and vocalists internationally. Afterpeak describes its business model as an internet-focused, high-volume approach to recorded music, bringing together creative development, technology, data, and catalog management. While the company has built thousands of recordings of established songs with producers and studio musicians worldwide, it says it is placing greater emphasis on original music, artist development, and licensing. The company also operates an experiences division, which produced a private 164-foot superyacht event during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix. It has also organized invitation-only cultural events in Amsterdam, Abu Dhabi, Bali, Stockholm, and Thailand. Although the distribution announcement does not reference artificial intelligence, Afterpeak’s website identifies the company as an early adopter of AI. It says its internal production systems automate repeatable creative processes and the creation of release assets in multiple versions, while human teams retain control of creative direction.

 

SOUNDON STRIKES DEAL TO DISTRIBUTE DADDY YANKEE’S LA POSTAL ALBUM: Daddy Yankee has partnered with TikTok’s music distribution and artist services platform SoundOn for the release of his latest album, La Postal, in what the company describes as its largest artist partnership to date. The collaboration sees SoundOn provide global distribution, artist services, and promotional support for the 15-track album, which was released on October 30 through DY Records. The partnership marks another high-profile release for SoundOn, which TikTok introduced in 2022 with a focus on supporting emerging and undiscovered artists. The platform has since worked with established acts, including Snoop Dogg, whose Death Row Records catalog arrived on TikTok through SoundOn in February 2023, and Norwegian DJ and producer Alan Walker, who used the service for his fifth studio album, Walkerworld 2.0, in January 2025. La Postal features guest appearances from Cardi B, Myke Towers, Danny Ocean, Bizarrap, and Diljit Dosanjh. Its lead single is “BOTZ (Bésame Otra Vez).” According to TikTok, the album explores different forms of love, including romantic, familial, and self-love, with Daddy Yankee describing each song as a separate “love letter.” TikTok is supporting the release with an international marketing campaign, including a billboard in New York’s Times Square. The platform has also introduced in-app activities tied to the album, allowing fans to unlock a La Postal profile frame by completing tasks, access an exclusive Daddy Yankee video through a series of challenges, and discover the project through a search Easter egg and dedicated album hub.

 

CAA SIGNS ODEAL: CAA has added British Nigerian singer Odeal to its roster, representing an artist gaining international recognition for his work in contemporary Afro-R&B. Born Hillary Dennis Udanoh, Odeal spent his early years between the U.K., Nigeria, Spain and Germany. His multicultural background informs a sound that combines soulful songwriting with elements of R&B, Afrobeats, and alternative music. Odeal has built an international profile through live performances and touring, including a series of sold-out headline dates across the U.K., Europe, and North America. He also joined Summer Walker on her U.S. arena tour, with a performance at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena generating $632,455 in ticket sales, according to Pollstar’s Boxoffice Report. His recent performance highlights include an appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk, while he is set to join Kehlani on her upcoming UK arena tour. Odeal has also placed two songs in the U.K. R&B Top 10.

 

SHANNON SANDERS PROMOTED TO AVP, CREATIVE, NASHVILLE AT BMI: BMI has promoted Shannon Sanders to Assistant Vice President (AVP), Creative, Nashville, where he will continue working to identify, sign, and develop songwriters across the Nashville music community. The promotion will see Sanders continue supporting both emerging and established writers through BMI’s educational initiatives, showcases, and industry networking events. He will report to Clay Bradley, BMI’s Vice President, Creative, Nashville. Sanders joined BMI in 2020 as Executive Director, Creative, Nashville. During his tenure, he helped establish the Annapolis Songwriters Festival in 2022 and has produced the interview series BMI Presents: A Conversation With, featuring guests including Sting, Sheryl Crow, Bootsy Collins, Clipse, Ella Mai and Addison Rae. He also hosts the monthly Acoustic Lounge at Nashville’s Bluebird Café, which has featured performances from Lauren Daigle, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, K. Michelle, and The War & Treaty. He also oversees BMI Nashville’s No. 1 parties outside the country genre, celebrating songs including Kevin Ross‘ “Love in the Middle” and Sleep Theory’s “Stuck in My Head,” “Static” and “Words Are Worthless.” Outside his BMI responsibilities, Sanders brings more than 30 years of experience as a songwriter, producer, and musical director. He co-founded Nashville radio station 102.1 The Ville, which focuses on classic soul, R&B, and local artists, and has served as Co-Musical director for the Fisk Jubilee Singers and India.Arie.

 

SYMPHONIC INKS DEAL WITH ROBLOX: Symphonic has partnered with Roblox to make hundreds of thousands of tracks from its distributed catalog available across the gaming and creation platform. The agreement brings music from both emerging and established artists to Roblox, covering genres including Latin, hip-hop, pop, rock, and electronic. The tracks can be accessed by creators through the Roblox Creator Store and incorporated into games and virtual environments. Developers can preview each song for 15 seconds before adding it to their projects through sound objects, jukeboxes, and other in-game features. The partnership also extends to Roblox’s Moments section, where users can watch gameplay clips shared by the community and discover new experiences. Artists and other rightsholders will earn royalties from music plays across Roblox. Symphonic will collect the royalties generated through the platform and distribute payments to rightsholders in accordance with their publishing agreements. “We are always looking for new ways to put our artists in front of listeners, so working with Roblox just makes sense,” said Jorge Brea, Founder & CEO of Symphonic. “They have already done such a great job integrating music into their platform through live online events, and we want to be a big part of their move into music discovery across environments.”

 

BELIEVE AND STILL BE AROUND ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP: Believe has entered a strategic partnership with newly established electronic music label STILL BE AROUND, which will work with the company’s specialist dance music division, b, to support its international operations. The collaboration combines STILL BE AROUND’s A&R activities with Believe’s global distribution and marketing infrastructure, with both companies aiming to expand the reach of electronic music releases worldwide. Using Believe’s proprietary discovery tools and real-time data analytics, the partners will coordinate playlist pitching, DJ promotion, and performance marketing through a centralized approach designed to strengthen the international impact of each release. STILL BE AROUND is led by Andreas Weitkämper, whose previous credits include work with Jaden Bojsen and David Guetta, Robin Schulz, and Hugel. The label operates from offices in Hamburg and Lisbon and has already announced forthcoming releases from Roger Sanchez, KI/KI, Interplanetary Criminal and Jaden Bojsen. Till Wolf, VP Distribution at Believe Germany, said, “Andreas and his team share our entrepreneurial DNA. We speak the exact same language when it comes to uniting vision with technology, data-driven scaling, and a passion for music. Our initial weeks working together have already proven the immense drive behind this collaboration.”

 

KOBALT POWERS NEW DISTROKID PUBLISHING SERVICE: DistroKid has introduced a new publishing administration service aimed at helping eligible independent artists and songwriters collect publishing royalties from their music worldwide. Developed through a partnership with Kobalt, DistroKid Publishing is open to songwriters who have released at least one track through the distribution platform and generated more than $50 (USD) in streaming revenue over the past 12 months. The service carries a one-time fee of $75 per songwriter, with participants retaining 80% of the publishing royalties collected on their behalf. There is no long-term contract, and songwriters can withdraw from the service at any time. The launch expands DistroKid’s existing range of services for independent music creators. Its offerings include DistroKid Direct, which allows artists to sell music and merchandise directly to fans, and DistroVid, a music video distribution service for Spotify and other platforms. The company also provides tools covering instant mastering, monetization, and promotion. “The top request we’ve been getting from DistroKid members is for help collecting the music publishing revenue generated by their songs, something that has historically been very difficult for independent artists,” said DistroKid President Phil Bauer. “Through this partnership with Kobalt, we’re making it easier than ever for songwriters to collect the royalties they’ve earned, with just a few clicks from their DistroKid dashboard.”

 

CREATOR NATION HIRES ALICIA ZHU AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER TO OVERSEE M&A: Creator Nation, the Live Nation-backed company launched in October 2026, has appointed Alicia Zhu as its Chief Operating Officer, marking its first executive hire. Zhu took up the position on November 9. In the role, Zhu will be responsible for the company’s financial operations, strategic planning, and mergers and acquisitions as it develops a portfolio of businesses serving the creator economy. She joins Creator Nation after seven years at Shamrock Capital, where she focused on investments in creator-economy businesses and marketing services, working alongside management teams to support growth. Prior to joining Shamrock in 2019, Zhu held a corporate strategy position at The Walt Disney Company, concentrating on M&A and long-term business initiatives. Zhu graduated cum laude from Harvard University and later earned an MBA with honors from Harvard Business School. Founded by Scott Fisher and Alexis Fisher, Creator Nation plans to acquire and develop creator-management companies, with its first deals expected in the coming months. The business also intends to expand into related services and businesses, while working directly with brands and marketers on partnerships and campaigns. The Fishers have 15 years of experience in the creator economy, according to the company’s launch announcement.

 

BMG PARTNERS WITH LEMID TO EXPAND OPPORTUNITIES FOR BRAZILIAN SONGWRITERS: BMG has formed a music publishing partnership with Lemid, the independent music company established by Brazilian producer Lan Santos, to support the administration and development of its catalog and expand opportunities for its songwriters in Brazil and international markets. Santos has built an extensive network across Brazil’s urban music scene, developing a catalog through collaborations with artists whose work he has supported throughout his career. Under the agreement, Lemid will gain access to BMG’s global publishing infrastructure and industry expertise to help increase the reach and long-term value of its repertoire, while continuing to operate independently. Daniel Fernandes, General Manager, Brazil, BMG said, “Our partnership with Lemid reflects BMG’s commitment to collaborating with ambitious independent partners to unlock new opportunities for songwriters and their music. We know Lan and his artists’ talent firsthand, and by combining their creative vision with BMG’s global reach and expertise, we look forward to growing the value and impact of Lemid’s catalog in Brazil and around the world.” Lan Santos, Founder, Lemid, added, “BMG represents exactly what Lemid needed at this moment: a global infrastructure that respects independence, takes music publishing seriously, and offers genuine reach. As a producer and founder, I have spent years building a catalog with artists I believe in, and I understand the value of a well-managed catalog. Now, we have the right partner to help us unlock even greater potential.”

 

COUCH SIGNS WITH WME FOR NORTH AMERICAN REPRESENTATION: Boston-based indie band Couch has signed with WME for representation in North America, as the seven-piece group looks to build on its recent touring and festival activity. The agency’s team will include agents Dan Boyle, Seth Seigle, Ashley Gonzalez, and Justin Edwards. Couch’s lineup features vocalist Tema Siegel, guitarist Zach Blankstein, drummer Jared Gozinsky, bassist Will Griffin, keyboardist Danny Silverston, trumpeter Jeffrey Pinsker-Smith, and saxophonist Eric Tarlin. Combining retro pop and soul influences, the band released its debut album, Big Talk, last year before embarking on a 40-date tour across North America and Europe. The run included appearances at Bourbon & Beyond and XPoNential Music, alongside a sold-out performance at Washington, D.C.’s 9:30 Club. According to Pollstar Boxoffice, the show generated $36,000 (USD) from 1,200 tickets sold. Couch also sold 2,000 tickets for a London performance and 3,500 tickets at Roadrunner in its hometown of Boston. “So much of who we are as a band has been shaped on the road,” Couch said in a statement. “We’re very excited to begin this next chapter with WME!”

 

BDI MUSIC SIGNS CELLIST, COMPOSER AND PRODUCER ZARA HUDSON-KOZDOJ: BDi Music has signed Polish Jamaican cellist, composer, conductor, and producer Zara Hudson-Kozdoj to an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement. Born in North London, Hudson-Kozdoj received a scholarship and bursary to attend the Royal College of Music, where she completed undergraduate and postgraduate studies in cello performance and conducting. Her debut album, Remember Who You Are, was released last year through Platoon. She has since written and recorded a follow-up EP, titled Requiem, at Studio Richter-Mahr and is currently in discussions with record labels ahead of a potential release next year. In addition to her solo career, Hudson-Kozdoj performs with the live and recording bands of Max Richter and Celeste. She also regularly works with the Chineke! Orchestra as principal cello and performs with the London Contemporary Orchestra. Her performance credits include appearances at the Royal Albert Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Barbican, Union Chapel, Rough Trade, Glastonbury, Village Underground and the Roundhouse. She has also toured extensively across Europe, performing at major concert venues. Hudson-Kozdoj currently attracts more than 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

 

PRG APPOINTS DREW WILSON AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: Production Resource Group (PRG) has appointed Drew Wilson as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately, adding more than two decades of financial and operational leadership experience across the music, media, entertainment, and technology sectors. Wilson joins PRG from SoundCloud, where he most recently served as Chief Operating and Financial Officer. He will report to CEO Lawrence Burian and oversee the company’s global finance and strategy functions, including capital investment and capital structure, while collaborating with the executive team to advance PRG’s long-term growth plans. During his tenure at SoundCloud, Wilson led a companywide transformation that resulted in the platform’s first profitable, cash-flow-positive year in its 16-year history. His previous senior leadership positions include roles at First Look Media, DreamWorks-Awesomeness and RLJ Entertainment. He also spent a decade at Discovery Communications, now Warner Bros. Discovery, where he rose to Divisional CFO. Wilson began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and is a Certified Public Accountant. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of The Gotham Film & Media Institute. The appointment follows a series of leadership changes under Burian, who became PRG CEO in April 2026. Recent additions to the executive team include Darren Pfeffer as Chief Commercial Officer, Jennifer Caserta as Chief People Officer, and Joe Simon as Chief Technology & Information Officer. PRG has also promoted Dan Mollicone to Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy, effective immediately. Having previously served as Interim CFO, Mollicone will report to Wilson and continue overseeing financial planning and analysis, supporting capital investment decisions and leading strategic initiatives across the company.

 

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