Linda Kiraly

A&R Worldwide featured artist Linda Kiraly who is represented by Shalit Global (based in the U.K.) inked a worldwide deal with Universal Music Group. Kiraly, originally featured on A&R Worldwide online, is represented by Jonathan Shalit, Managing Director, Shalit Global, U.K. A&R Worldwide spoke with Shalit about the Kiraly signing to Universal. Shalit stated, "Doug Morris personally instigated the signing after I took Linda to Monte Lipman [President, Universal U.S.] who then invited Doug, Sylvia Rhone and Mel Lewinter to the showcase in New York. The deal took just under four months to sign and ended with us going with Universal in spite of Wind-Up Records offering even more. In fact, we were very impressed indeed by Diane Meltzer and it actually broke our hearts not to sign with them as they were such lovely and impressive people.

However, the passion, excitement and interest from Doug and Monte were too much! The showcase was momentous. Right there and then Doug Morris invited us to his office and on the spot said he wanted to sign Linda with no hesitation. The whole negotiation process was an absolute pleasure and Mel Lewinter was an absolute gentleman to deal with. Plus, of course, I had a very good relationship with Lucian Grainge and Nick Gatfield who were an important part of Linda's development." Shalit commented, "As a management, production and publishing company based in London with Global ambitions and artists, A&R Worldwide has a very important tool and hugely valuable and cost effective in supporting Shalit Global's endeavors. Indeed, as a direct result of A&R Worldwide supporting and featuring Shalit Global's Linda Kiraly it helped with Universal signing our artist Linda Kiraly. Shalit Global was offered a very attractive alternative recording deal for the U.S. A&R Worldwide has provided a very valuable forum from which Shalit Global has become better known and met significant people in the international music community."