Janet Jackson has signed a long-term deal with France-based independent music company Believe that sees her entire catalog moving to the company's recently launched publishing division.
Jackson needs no introduction but has won five Grammy Awards, two Emmys, a Golden Globe and been nominated for an Oscar, along with dozens of American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and others. She has sold an estimated 180 million records worldwide, according to the announcement.
Believe's CEO of Publishing Chris Meehan added: "Janet Jackson is truly a one-of-a-kind artist, with a strong vision for her music and where she wants to drive her career. She brings an iconic and rich catalogue to Believe Music Publishing and I couldn't be more excited for what's to come."
+ Warner Chappell Music Scandinavia has signed veteran Swedish singer-songwriter Lykke Li, whose new album, "The Afterparty," is set for a May 8 release. The agreement covers her upcoming body of work.
Lars Karlsson, Managing Director, Warner Chappell Music Scandinavia, said: "Lykke Li is a generational talent who has consistently pushed the boundaries of pop music, not just in the Nordics but on the global stage. We are thrilled to be working with her during this pivotal chapter of her career."
+ Big Loud Texas Publishing and Sony Music Publishing have signed Big Loud Texas artist Julianna Rankin. Alongside the announce, Rankin releases her second song via Big Loud Texas "Little Miss Behavin'" produced by Big Loud Texas co-founders, Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall.
"We're thrilled to welcome Julianna to the Big Loud Texas Publishing family," said Lizzy Rector, publishing director if Big Loud Publishing. "She has a voice and storytelling perspective that is rooted and real and we couldn't be more excited to be a part of what's ahead."
"We couldn't be more excited to welcome Julianna Rankin into the Sony Music Publishing family alongside Big Loud Texas," says Anna Weisband, SVP, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. "She's the definition of heart and soul. Her songwriting is full of true storytelling, personality, and grit. We can't wait to help share that with the world!"
+ The Core Entertainment has expanded its leadership team with two key hires: Sarah Pfeiffer joins as head of marketing, and Gabriella Pulley has been named chief of staff. Both Pfeiffer and Pulley will be based in Nashville and report to Core Entertainment's CEOs and co-founders Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk. Pfeiffer arrives from Columbia Records, where she worked for eight years with such artists as Harry Styles, Ella Langley, Rosalia and Tyler, the Creator; Pulley most recently served as day-to-day manager at 7s Management, where she worked with Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats and, earlier in her career, Zach Bryan.
The company, which now has nearly 30 staffers across Nashville and Los Angeles, spans management, label, publishing and partnerships; its roster includes Dan + Shay, Bailey Zimmerman, Nickelback and others.
Tikhman and Zaruk said: "Sarah is an incredibly sharp and thoughtful marketing executive who really understands how to build campaigns around artists in a meaningful way, and Gabriella brings a level of organization, leadership and calm that is so valuable as a company grows. Just as importantly, they're both great people, and culture matters a lot to us. We've been very intentional about building this team, and these are the kind of hires that make us better."
+ 1916 Enterprises has named Matt Vandini (formerly of Sony Music and Ultra Records) as Marketing Director and Matt Nardone (formerly A&R at Kobalt Music) as A&R for Management & Publishing. Additionally, longtime team member Mikey Alessie has been promoted and Bella Ronzio moves into an expanded role after quickly becoming an integral part of the team.
"Matt and Matt bring a rare combination of creative instinct and executional strength, and Mikey and Bella represent the next generation of leadership within 1916," says founder Jonathan Gordon. "This team positions us to expand our services and deliver meaningful impact for our artists and partners."
+ Music technology company AudioSalad has named Björn Sandberg to the newly created position of Head of Commercial Marketing. Based in London, he will report to CEO Iain Catling; he was previously head of streaming at Domino Records and, earlier in his career, held senior roles at FUGA as well as at independent labels Marathon Artists, Thrill Jockey Records and Electric Honey.
AudioSalad provides content management, analytics, delivery, and distribution services for artists, labels, rightsholders, and distributors such as ATO Records, Exceleration Music, Foundation Media, Mad Decent, Mushroom Group, NBCUniversal, Redeye, Secretly Distribution, Sparta, Stones Throw, and many more.
"Björn's experience and deep understanding of commercial marketing in today's complex marketplace make him a tremendous addition to our team," said Catling. "His expertise further strengthens our distribution capabilities as we continue building best-in-class services for artists, creators, and labels."
Wednesday, March 18
Sony Music Nashville and singer-songwriter Kane Brown are celebrating their 10 years together by renewing their vows: Brown has signed a new multi-album, worldwide deal with the label. To launch the new era, Brown just released a new track and music video, "Woman."
"I'm really excited about my partnership with Sony Music," says Brown. "We've built something special together over the years, and I've got so much respect for Taylor, Ken, Margaret, and the whole Sony Nashville team. It feels like we're just getting started." (Pictured above, L-R: Margaret Tomlin (VP, A&R, SMN), Taylor Lindsey (Chair & CEO, SMN), Kane Brown, Ken Robold (President & COO, SMN), Martha Earls (Owner, Neon Coast)
"Kane has been an undeniable force who has pushed the boundaries in country music for the past 10 years," says Taylor Lindsey, Sony Music Nashville Chair & CEO. "His talent, great music and ability to connect with his fans is what sets him apart. We are so excited to be his partner as he enters this new era of creativity and look forward to being on this journey with him."
+ Avex Music Group has announced a global music publishing administration partnership with 16-time Grammy Award-winner — and Variety's Hitmakers 2025 songwriter of the year — Bruno Mars. Under the agreement, Avex Music Group will serve as the exclusive global music publishing administrator for music written by Mars during the term of the deal which will commence upon the completion of his current deal with BMG/Warner Chappell.
"Bruno Mars is one of the most culturally impactful songwriters of his generation," said Katsumi Kuroiwa, CEO of Avex Inc. "We are honored to partner with him and support his future works through this global publishing relationship."
Brandon Silverstein, CEO of Avex Music Group, added: "We are thrilled to welcome Bruno to Avex and look forward to supporting his incredible songs."
+ Bravado, Universal Music Group's merchandise and lifestyle company, has strengthened its senior executive team by upping Matt Young to CEO and the following senior management moves, all based in New York except as noted:
Eric Mackay has joined the company as general manager, based in Los Angeles. He is the former EVP of global digital strategy at Warner Chappell Music and a veteran of such companies as Vevo, Celas, White Noise and Integral Management;
Dan Goldberg has joined the company as senior VP of strategy & new ventures. In this newly created role, he will lead strategy and business development across Bravado, expanding into new verticals, and developing innovative partnerships across music, sports, brands and broader culture. In his prior roles, Goldberg previously built and led the Music & Entertainment division at Fanatics and served as SVP of Warner Music Artist Services (now WMX).
Amy Zaglauer has been promoted to senior VP of artist strategy. She joined Bravado in 2021 after artist services and brand management roles at Warner Music Group, Atlantic Records and Fueled By Ramen.
Rachel Redfearn will continue in her role as senior VP of A&R based in London, a position she has held since 2023.
UMG COO Boyd Muir commented: "Creating products for superfans is integral to how artists express their creative vision and forge lasting connections beyond the music itself. Matt leads an expert, nimble team that moves quickly with the market, while staying closely aligned with each artist's needs, ambitions, and identity. These appointments underscore our continued commitment to expanding opportunities for artists to engage and grow with their biggest fans."
+ Following last month's relaunch of Big Machine Records, founder and chairman Scott Borchetta has announces a new management division of the newly launched Borchetta Entertainment Group by signing award-winning country artist Carly Pearce. Mike Blong, formerly of Starstruck Entertainment and Pearce's day-to-day manager since 2022, joins as manager.
"I couldn't think of a better way to kick off this new era of Big Machine then by announcing the formation of the Borchetta Entertainment Group and a new management vertical, starting with the Grammy/CMA/ACM award-winning Carly Pearce and her longtime management partner, Mike Blong," says Borchetta. "This new season for Carly, starting with the amazing new Riley Green duet, 'If I Don't Leave I'm Gonna Stay,' promises to be her best yet."
+ TMWRK management company has promoted partner and executive vice president Renee Brodeur to general manager, effective immediately. Brodeur, who has been with the company for more than a decade, currently co-manages Diplo, Major Lazer and A-Trak with CEO and founder Andrew McInnes as well as well as managing Chicago based duo Drama and producer Kito.
"Renee has been an essential member of TMWRK for more than 14 years," adds McInnes. "I'm excited to have her step into the roll of GM and continue to grow the business together across all aspects of the entertainment business. We're lucky to have her."
+ Republic Records has named Touré Shiver as VP of marketing strategy. Based in New York, Shiver joins from Columbia Records, where he worked closely with such artists as Tyler, the Creator and Pharrell Williams. At Republic, he will work across marketing efforts for artists on the hip-hop/R&B roster, including Ayra Starr, DC The Don, DJ Khaled, Jacquees, John Legend and more.
CMO Donna Gryn said, "We're excited to welcome Touré Shiver. His creative vision, cultural insight, and artist-first approach make him an outstanding addition. And personally, I'm looking forward to tapping into his well-known sushi expertise." EVP Xiarra-Diamon Nimrod added, "Touré Shiver brings a rare combination of creative instinct, cultural fluency and he genuinely cares about the artists he works with. We're really excited to have him join the team and can't wait to see the perspective he brings to what we're building."
+ Nikos Kazoleas has joined leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency as an Agent in the Global Touring division. He will be based in CAA's London office. Previously, he was a Music Agent at UTA, where he spent more than a decade working with such artists as Sombr, Chezile, Gayle, Rebecca Black and others.
"Nikos is a fantastic addition to our team, with a strong track record and deep relationships across the live business," said Mike Greek, Co-Head of CAA's London office. "As touring continues to expand, bringing him into our Global Touring department strengthens our ability to create meaningful opportunities and deliver exceptional results for our artists worldwide."
+ Universal Music Group has made a strategic investment in the Thailand-based label What the Duck, in a deal that will also see founder Moy Samkwan Tonsompong joining Universal Music Thailand as managing director while remaining closely involved with What the Duck. Co-founders Chichaya Karnasuta and Torpong Chantabubpha will remain key members of the WTD team.
Founded in 2014, WTD's roster has included such artists as the Toys, Bowkylion, Musketeers, and Whal & Dolph, as well as newer artists Landokmai, Purpeech, and Mirrr.
Adam Granite, UMG's CEO for Africa, Middle East and Asia, said: "This is an exciting next step in our strategy to expand our presence in fast-growing markets. I am delighted to 'unite' the WTD and UMG families and look forward to working closely with Moy and the team delivering success in Thailand and beyond.
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