Reservoir Media has inked a new publishing deal with Grammy and Juno award-winning singer-songwriter k.d. lang. The deal includes her future works and an unspecified portion of her catalog, according to a press release.
In the early 1980s, lang began releasing music as the singer for country-swing band the Reclines. She went on to release three albums with the group, seven solo studio albums, and several collaboration albums including “A Wonderful World” with Tony Bennett. She also contributed to a range of movie soundtracks such as the James Bond film, “Tomorrow Never Dies,” and the 2006 Academy Award-winning animated film “Happy Feet.”
On signing with Reservoir, Lang said, “It is an absolute thrill to partner with Reservoir! Golnar is a force of nature and understands me as an artist. I am deeply inspired and have utmost confidence in this creative partnership.”
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Pictured above (L-R): Golnar Khosrowshahi (Reservoir Founder and Chief Executive Officer), k.d lang and Rell Lafargue (President and COO of Reservoir).
+ Downtown Music’s direct-to-creator division, CD Baby, today announced the appointment of Jean Mischler to senior VP of marketing.
Mischler will oversee all marketing efforts across CD Baby and its suite of services, including Soundrop, CD Baby Stages, and more. In this role, she will drive initiatives that empower independent artists to leverage these tools, helping them grow their fanbase and achieve greater visibility. Based in New York, she will report directly to CD Baby President, Molly Neuman.
Mischler’s previous role was VP of growth marketing at Sofar Sounds, where she led the growth marketing team and programs as the company prepared to return to in-person concerts after an 18-month hiatus during the pandemic.
+ Deb Never has signed to indie label Giant Music and shares her debut offering, “Not In Love.” The single was co-written and co-produced with Jennifer Decilveo (Miley Cyrus, Bat For Lashes, Angelique Kidjo).
Never first emerged on the scene with her debut EP “House on Wheels” after making a standout contribution to Brockhampton’s fifth studio album, “Ginger,” in 2019. Her debut full-length effort is slated for release in 2025.
+ Sony Music Publishing Latin has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Fuerza Regida frontman Jesús “JOP” Ortiz Paz and his Street Mob Records. Street Mob Records’ roster includes Chino Pacas, Calle 24, Clave Especial and Miguel Armenta.
“Partnering with Sony Music Publishing marks an exciting chapter for Street Mob Records,” said Ortiz Paz. “This deal shows our commitment to exploring songwriting within Musica Mexicana and beyond various genres. It’s a true reflection of the talent at Street Mob and what we’re creating together. With Sony Publishing, we’re building a partnership that aims to inspire the next generation of artists and leave a lasting impact.
Sony Music Publishing President and CEO, Latin America and US Latin Jorge Mejia said, “We couldn’t be happier to team up with an artist and executive like JOP and Street Mob Records, in order to help support and develop a fantastic stable of writers within Música Mexicana and beyond. This partnership with Street Mob is visionary and an incredible opportunity for the Sony Music Publishing family.”
+ Rimas Entertainment and Pitbull’s Mr. 305 label have joined forces to sign Omar Courtz.
“Omar Courtz is the future of Latin music, and this partnership with Rimas shows the power of independent labels in shaping that future. At Mr. 305, we’ve always believed in pushing boundaries and giving artists the freedom to innovate, and Omar is the perfect example of talent meeting opportunity. Together, we’re breaking boundaries and taking Latin music to new heights. His global success is just the beginning, and we’re proud to stand with him on this exciting journey,” said Robert Fernandez, CEO of Mr. 305 Inc.
“Rimas extends its gratitude to OD Entertainment and manager Orlando Davila, who played a key role in the negotiation and Omar’s continued success,” reads a statement from the indie label.
“Rimas and Mr. 305 are proving that the most relevant releases and strategies are now coming from independent labels,” added Rodrigo Prichard, general manager of Rimas Entertainment. “We are thrilled to be working alongside our label partners towards Omar’s success.”
+ Granderson Des Rochers has added music licensing attorney Joey Seiler to the firm’s New Media Practice as senior counsel.
Seiler joins GDR from Block, where he led Tidal’s music licensing team after Block acquired Tidal. A nationally renowned music attorney and business affairs professional, Seiler brings over a decade of experience representing labels, digital service providers, and creatives in licensing music for emerging business models to GDR.
Before his role at Block, Joey was Empire’s first head of business development and spearheaded its legal and business affairs department before serving as senior counsel in Loeb & Loeb’s music department, representing startups, large financial institutions investing in music, and artists ranging from novice producers to multi-platinum recording artists.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join such a well-respected and high-profile team of diverse entertainment law professionals,” Seiler said. “GDR is at the forefront of many cutting-edge music deals, and I look forward to working alongside music industry pioneers and trailblazers like Liz Moody,” he concluded.
+ JET Management has hired veteran music manager Elena Awbrey to their team.
Awbrey brings with her clientele including Mannequin Pussy, Empress Of, Emmy Meli and Pamé. Founded in 2020 by John Scholz and Tyler Goldberg, both formerly of C3 Management, JET’s roster boasts Justice, Suki Waterhouse, Sam Gellaitry, LP Giobbi, Madeon, Girl Talk and more. JET is also a partner of next generation music company Firebird.
Awbrey started her music career in the touring department at Live Nation’s LA Headquarters, transitioning to management working with Motley Crüe, Nico Vega and then discovering and developing Mannequin Pussy.
Tuesday, Oct. 15
David Gray has been promoted to managing director, U.K. and head of global A&R for Universal Music Publishing Group. Gray will succeed Mike McCormack, who has established a consultancy and formed a joint venture with the company.
In a letter shared with staff, McCormack said he will step down on Nov. 4 and will continue to “help manage some of the long-term relationships I’ve built over the years with our writers and catalogs, as well offer my help to your new MD… whom I heartily endorse.”
Gray’s new responsibilities will have him overseeing all departments in the management and creative direction of the company’s U.K. office. He will identify and expand local and global creative opportunities for UMPG songwriters, artists and producers, lead the U.K. team in identifying, signing and developing early rising talent, and support legacy talent by securing opportunities to strengthen and enhance their catalogs. Gray will relocate to London from New York in January.
Gray was most recently UMPG’s executive VP and co-head of U.S. A&R, as well as head of the company’s global creative group. Among the many songwriters, artists and producers he has signed to the company are Sabrina Carpenter, Stephen Sanchez, Julia Michaels, Shawn Mendes, Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas, and Demi Lovato.
Gray commented, “I want to thank Jody for her constant belief in me and for shaping a company built upon A&R, creativity, and a belief in songwriters and artists that is at the heart of our ethos. I am so excited to work with the incredible U.K. team, including our great Head of A&R Pete Simmons, and build upon the success achieved by Mike McCormack, who will continue his stellar contributions to our company through his new joint venture.”
+ [PIAS] founders Kenny Gates and Michel Lambot have announced their decision to sell the remaining shares they hold in the company to Universal Music Group (UMG).
[PIAS] and UMG announced a strategic global alliance in 2021 where Gates and Lambot sold a minority shareholding in the [PIAS] Group to UMG. The [PIAS] Group operates two core business divisions: the [PIAS] Label Group, home to the group’s own and associated record labels and [Integral], the group’s services division which provides physical and digital distribution services to independent labels from around the world.
As part of the new agreement, [Integral] and Virgin Music Group will join forces. The combined teams will provide independent entrepreneurs with world class services and access to a bespoke, stand-alone international distribution network.
The [PIAS] Label Group, which is home to the company’s in-house and cooperative labels, will remain completely autonomous. Gates, who has signed a long-term contract to remain as CEO of [PIAS] and will also sit on the Virgin Music Group main board.
Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG said, “I’ve known Kenny and Michel for decades, beginning in the 80s when we were all signing bands from emerging scenes in Europe. Since that time, Kenny and Michel have built [PIAS] into a company that stands for authenticity and the best in independent music. And it is those qualities that are not only important to me personally but that also make [PIAS] a perfect fit for UMG’s entrepreneurial and creative culture.”
+ The Circuit Group has partnered with Kobalt globally for publishing administration.
Under the new deal The Circuit Group will offer publishing services to its artist, producer and songwriting clients which will be administered globally by Kobalt.
“As we continue to build out our offering for artists/labels, this deal with Kobalt will enable Circuit Publishing to offer best-in-class publishing services to artists & labels everywhere in the world,” said Dean Wilson, co-founder and CEO of The Circuit Group. “Laurent Hubert, Kenny McGoff and the team have built a world class enterprise at Kobalt and we’re excited to begin work with them.”
Formed earlier this year, The Circuit Group is a groundbreaking music business collective aiming to acquire ownership in artists’ IP portfolios and partner with them to build opportunities in a multitude of verticals within the music business, alongside traditional artist management. The Circuit group was founded by industry veterans Dean and Jessica Wilson (Seven20), along with Brett Fischer, David Gray, and Harvey Tadman (AYITA). Last month, James Sutcliffe was named President of The Circuit Group’s London operations.
+ Five former Pitchfork journalists — Jill Mapes, Dylan Green, Julianne Escobedo Shepherd, Ryan Dombal and Andy Cush — have started a new online music publication, Hearing Things.
The site launched Tuesday night, nearly a year after Pitchfork’s parent company, Condé Nast, ordered a heavy round of layoffs and minimized the brand to live under GQ, the men’s magazine. The founders of Hearing Things will report on major music trends and the publishing business.
+ WMA has appointed Mike O’Keefe as global VP creative, effective immediately. O’Keefe will join WMA in a creative and strategic consultancy role having spent the last three decades at Sony Music.
He will help oversee bigger 360 creative projects at a time when brands, labels, artists and management are looking for ways to create multi-platform suites of content and visual worlds for artists and brands.
O’Keefe joined Sony Music in 1995 as a producer/commissioner before becoming a commissioner across all Sony labels and subsequently VP of Creative at the company. Over the course of his Sony career, he has worked on thousands of videos with artists as diverse as One Direction, Kasabian, Little Mix, Dido, Faithless, the Manic Street Preachers, Primal Scream, George Ezra, Headie One, J Hus, Rag’n’Bone Man and Calvin Harris.
Monday, Oct. 14
Space Cowboy Music, a music supervision agency, is pleased to announce that veteran music supervisor Megan Barbour has joined as director of music for trailers and promos.
Barbour joins after a tenure at Buddha Jones, where she served as director of music for three years, solidified her as a trusted leader in the field. She’s also worked on campaigns across theatrical and streaming studios, in addition to helping streamline trailers, promos and video game campaigns.
Naaman Snell, founder of Space Cowboy Music, said in a statement, “I’ve known Megan for a long time and have always admired her creative mind, attention to detail, and unwavering pursuit of always putting out the absolute best work. I’m beyond excited to have her join us and bring that level of creative excellence to our team.”
Barbour added, “I’m thrilled to announce that I am joining the team at Space Cowboy Music, a company known for their incredible talent, creativity, and award-winning work. Their roster of innovative partners and projects speaks to the level of artistry and collaboration that fuels their success, and I couldn’t be more excited to contribute to this dynamic environment.”
+ Interscope Geffen A&M Records has partnered with three HBCU campuses – Howard University, Tennessee State University and Texas Southern University – for Homecoming Week celebrations.
Launching this fall, the first phase of the initiatives will see Interscope Records providing immersive student-led pop-ups to each campus. Students will have the opportunity to listen to the new vinyl album, “Homecoming SZN Compilation Vol. 1,” available for purchase today via Interscope. Available on vinyl only, the collection is inspired by HBCU’s vital role in the careers of a number of Interscope artists and executives.
The 11-song compilation includes songs by Kendrick Lamar, Sheck Wes, Glorilla, Jay Rock and two brand new songs from rising Interscope urban artists, among others. Students will also have the opportunity to win concert tickets and capture memories at the photo booth. Additionally, as part of the capsule collections, merchandise specific to each school — provided by Champion sportswear — will be available for purchase.
As part of the campaign, Interscope will make a $3 donation for every item sold to the related university. In addition, Interscope/UMG will develop HBCU-specific scholarship offerings for prospective interns and mentors and connect HBCU undergrads with HBCU alumni employees for fellowships. Additional activations will launch in Spring 2025 and, in the future, the initiative will encompass additional schools.
+ Spotify has unveiled a free option of its services now available in South Korea.
Spotify’s Freemium business model, which offers both a Free, ad-supported experience and a Premium subscription service, has helped global audiences connect with Korean music. To date, the company has paid out over $50 billion (over 67 trillion in Korean won) to music-rights holders, according to a data provided by Spotify.
“The launch of Spotify Free in South Korea is an exciting moment, not only for consumers but for artists and the industry at large,” said Gautam Talwar, general manager, Asia Pacific, Spotify. “We’re opening the door to every Korean listener to start discovering and connecting with millions of songs and podcasts with our technology and service – which means huge potential for new audiences, discoverability and ultimately, more revenue for artists.”
+ Tyler Bacon, president and CEO of Position Music, has announced that Chandler Thurston has joined the company as a new member of the A&R team. Thurston is the first A&R hire for the independent publisher and label’s newly-opened Nashville location.
Before joining Position Music, Thurston served as senior creative director at Anthem Entertainment, the publishing home of MCA Nashville artist Jordan Davis. Throughout his tenure, he was responsible for a roster of talent that included Jamie Paulin (Kenny Chesney, Jordan Davis), Luke Preston (Dillon James, The Lone Bellow), Joey Hyde (Jake Owen, Ryan Hurd), and artists Shane Profitt and Meghan Patrick.
Prior to Anthem, Chandler worked as an A&R at Major Bob Music where he played a role in signing and developing writers Alysa Vanderheym, Ben Williams (Megan Moroney’s “Tennessee Orange”), and Andy Sheridan.
Thurston will be working out of Position Music’s Nashville office on Music Row, which is currently under construction and projected to open Q3 of 2025. The location includes eight offices and two studios.
+ Downtown-owned, B2B distributor FUGA has today announced a new partnership with Unified Music Group, a globally renowned multi-service music company that operates across Melbourne, Sydney, Los Angeles, New York, Nashville and Toronto.
The partnership will bolster Unified’s distribution and marketing capabilities, and provide neighboring rights services. This partnership will support Unified Recorded Music labels including UNFD (Silverstein, Thornhill & ERRA) and Domestic La La (Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Dear Seattle, Teenage Joans), alongside future releases on the independently-minded Community Music (Ocean Alley, Sarah Saint James, ISHAN).
Unified’s labels will leverage FUGA’s technology platform and suite of services, including strategic marketing and account management, social video management, YouTube channel partnerships and physical distribution, to drive audience growth and engagement.
