British group Pulp, best known for their 90s hit “Common People,” have signed a label deal with Rough Trade Records.
The band played some reunion shows in 2022 and 2023, followed by a return to North America earlier this year for their first trek in the region in over a decade. The last time the band had toured or performed as together was in 2012, two years after they began their first ever reunion shows.
“Rough Trade have managed Pulp for over 30 years so it feels great to be finally on the label,” the band said in a press release. “We did it!”
+ Create Music Group has acquired 50% share of the London-based dance music label and music publisher Enhanced Music. Established in 2008 by Will Holland, Enhanced Music now represents Enhanced Recordings, Enhanced Progressive, Colorize, Shapes of Solitude and Enhanced Chill, among others.
“Will is a talented founder, and we are excited to partner with him to help accelerate Enhanced’s trajectory as a home for premier dance artists to grow and flourish,” said Adam Shomer, vice president of business development at Create Music Group. “Enhanced is the perfect partner for CMG not only due to its consistent growth, but also the genre and one-stop rights synergies that fit perfectly within our strategic model.”
“I’m thrilled to be entering this partnership with CMG,” added Holland. “Throughout this process it has been clear to us that we share the same key values and are dedicated to building the best companies in the business, where our artists and brands have all the support and tools they need to be able to flourish. I’m delighted to be working with their extremely impressive leadership team and to welcome Jonathan and Eric to our board.”
In addition to its extensive catalog of recorded music, Enhanced has the publishing rights to songs by the Chainsmokers, Elley Duhé, Tiësto, Steve Aoki, Regard and Raye, Sam Feldt, Lane 8, Kina, Wiz Khalifa, MØ, 070 Shake and more. Across the last two years, Enhanced has also hosted over 40 events worldwide for its label brands.
+ A&R executive Harry Knyt has been named head of A&R, UK for Peermusic. In his new role, Knyt’s responsibilities will include signing, developing and implementing creative strategy for Peermusic’s U.K. publishing roster of songwriters and producers.
The A&R team for Peermusic U.K. will now report into Knyt who will be based out of the London offices and will report directly to Ralph W. Peer. The latter commented, “This appointment marks a win for our songwriters. Harry has a proven history of creating career-defining moments for music creators and meaningful, strong relationships within the industry. He is an exceptional A&R executive with incredible taste, focus, and the ability to take our creative strategy in exciting directions. The opportunity to bring Harry on board to continue our legacy of artist/writer development a perfect fit for our creative culture at Peermusic U.K. We are excited about his future here as we continue to achieve ongoing artistic and commercial success for our roster.”
Knyt previously worked for Insanity Group, Milk & Honey, Sony Music/RCA, and NQ/Sony Music Publishing. Over his career, he has managed songwriters and producers who have worked across artists such as Ed Sheeran, Central Cee, J Hus, Skepta, Anne Marie, Dave, Tom Grennan and Burna Boy among others.
Peermusic U.K. also announced the promotion of Dylan Myerscough to senior A&R Manager.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Former Warner Nashville co-chair Ben Kline has joined the Red Light Management executive leadership team in Nashville, reporting to founder Coran Capshaw, the company announced Wednesday.
In his new role, Kline will help oversee Red Light’s Nashville operations as well as focus on new business opportunities for the company and its artists.
Prior to Red Light, Kline spent ten years at Warner Music Nashville, where he was most recently co-chair and co-president. Over the years he also has held senior leadership roles at Ingrooves, Rostrum Records and Universal Music Group Nashville.
Said Capshaw, “We are very happy to welcome Ben. His experience and reputation within the Nashville music community make him a great addition to the Red Light team.”
+ Zach Sang, radio personality, podcaster, media producer and host of the “Zach Sang Show,” has signed with CAA. The show, which has more than 3 billion views on TikTok and 3.5 million monthly YouTube viewers, has featured Billie Eilish, Sam Smith, Blackpink, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, BTS, Zendaya, and many others.
Sang launched his career when he was just 14 with a radio show from his New Jersey bedroom. He went on to host “Zach Sang and the Student Body” on Goom Radio, eventually becoming executive producer and music director of Zang Radio, one of the largest online teen radio stations at that time. He then partnered with Westwood One, hosting and producing the “Zach Sang Show,” transmitted to 90 terrestrial stations. He is currently working on multiple new ventures across TV, radio books and more, all being repped by CAA.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Kobalt has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Kevin Kaarl, an independent folk music artist from Meoqui, Chihuahua, Mexico.
“Kevin Kaarl’s lyrics are not just words; he weaves the raw fabric of human experience into timeless melodies that heal, inspire and transcend language bariers,” said Teresa Romo, Kobalt’s senior creative director for Latin America. “I am truly fortunate to collaborate closely with such a remarkable artist whose groundbreaking catalogue will flourish with Kobalt.
“Kevin is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young songwriters and performers in music today,” added Nestor Casonu Kobalt’s president of Latin America. “We are so gratified that he has picked Kobalt as his partner for his moving and expanding songbook.”
The 24 year-old singer-songwriter is working on his fourth album, “Ultra Sodade,” which he says is inspired by Cesaria Évora. While that album is expected in 2025, the debut single from the collection, “Esta Noche,” is out now.
“I’m very happy to begin working with Teresa, Nestor and the global Kobalt family,” said Kaarl. “I consider the work they are doing to champion songwriters is incredibly important. I’m excited for this new chapter in my career and all we have coming.”
+ Decca Records and U.S. partner label Verve Forecast have signed 18 year-old blues artist, Muireann Bradley. The Irish artist is set to re-release her debut album, “I Kept These Old Blues,” under the partnership on Feb. 28, 2025.
Decca Records Co-President Tom Lewis says, “Magic happens when Muireann performs. She is utterly unique and totally spellbinding and summons the musical spirit of the blues greats.” Jamie Krents, CEO and President of Verve Label Group, adds, “Artists of Muireann’s talent don’t come along often and it’s an absolute honor to join our partners at Decca in being her record label of choice.”
+ Virgin Music Group has inked a long-term agreement with Hungama Digital Media, South Asia’s leading digital entertainment company, expanding the reach of Hungama’s music catalogs, including SVF, Grassroute, OTV and numerous film soundtracks to markets through Virgin Music Group’s distribution network.
Virgin Music Group will utilize Hungama’s user base and regional expertise to deepen its presence in India’s regional music scene.
Amit Sharma, country manager of India for Virgin Music Group, said, “We are immensely proud to announce this important partnership with Hungama. This collaboration will expand our reach in India and enable their songs to reach new global audiences, supporting our commitment to artist empowerment and innovation. Through this venture, we aim to bring a diverse range of music to new audiences, while Hungama’s expansive network will enable us to unlock incredible new opportunities for our artists.”
+ Country folk artist Sam Stoane has signed with Wasserman Music for global booking representation. Stoane is represented at Wasserman by Matt Runner, Lenore Kinder, Jonathan Levine and managed by Jensen G. Sessums at Cypress MGMT.
The announcement follows the release of Stoane’s holiday song, “Santa Claus Must Be A Cowboy.” Her album is due out in early 2025.
+ Music licensing, record label and publishing company Silver Side Productions has hired Stephen Stallings to the role of senior director of creative sync, advertising.
Based in New York, and reporting directly to Head of Music Licensing Craig O’Neill, Stallings will lead ad pitching for the company’s catalog. Their roster includes songwriters and producers like Alaina Cross, Daniel James and more. They also represent catalogs by the Everly Brothers, the Chordettes and Andy Williams, among others.
Stallings previously served as an in-house music supervisor at leading agency Dentsu, where he oversaw music licensing and production for clients including American Express, 7-Eleven, Verizon, United Airlines, Audible, Crayola, among others.
“I’m proud to be joining the Silver Side Productions team at such a pivotal time in our industry, where syncs in ads are allowing audiences to reengage with beloved legacy tracks. Being entrusted to identify the right placements for songs in Silver Side’s catalog – as well as new opportunities for our repertoire’s ‘deep cuts’ – is an honor that I’m looking forward to,” said Stallings.
+ FaroLatino, a Latin American music and entertainment distributor, and ADA, the independent music distribution and artist services arm of Warner Music Group, announced a new strategic partnership on Tuesday.
ADA will oversee worldwide distribution for music projects developed by FaroLatino’s label division, FaroLatino Music, with an initial focus on producing albums and EPs for a select group of artists.
Notable FaroLatino projects include Jessi Uribe and Alejandro Fernández’s “Tu Maniquí,” under the record label Mano de Obra, and the cross-genre single “Vente Conmigo” featuring Noche de Brujas and Jorge Celedón.
“This alliance marks an important chapter for both companies as we unite to champion Latin American music on a global scale,” said Javier Fainzaig, President of FaroLatino. “By combining FaroLatino’s in-depth understanding of the Latin American music landscape with ADA’s international reach, we are building a strong support network for our artists, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to connect meaningfully with fans around the world.”
Monday, Dec. 9
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has renewed a global publishing administration agreement with Lainey Wilson, who first joined the roster in 2017.
“I couldn’t be happier to continue my partnership with Sony Music Publishing,” said Wilson in a statement. “I’ll always be a songwriter first and I appreciate having such a supportive team that agrees it all starts with the songs.”
Lainey Wilson hac achieved seven No. 1 hits, including “Watermelon Moonshine” and the two-time Platinum “Heart Like A Truck,” as well as award-winning collaborations with Cole Swindell, Jelly Roll, and Hardy. She was recently named Variety Hitmakers Storyteller of the Year.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville Vice President, Creative Anna Weisband said, “Lainey Wilson is one of the most inspiring songwriters the world has ever known. She is continuing to redefine the country music genre with every song she writes. I am so proud to be on her team and to continue this journey with her – I can’t wait to see what she does next!”
+ Various Artists Management has announced promotions and appointments, including the promotion of Carimei Smith to senior day-to-day manager/general manager of North America.
Smith has been with the company for three years, overseeing global music campaigns for artists such as Ashnikko, Good Neighbours, Melanie C, Tom Grennan and Barns Courtney.
Alice Vaughan has also been tapped as A&R director. Based in London, Vaughn joins VAM after five years at Sony Music Publishing. In addition, Rebecca Dixon has recently been promoted to global head of marketing and general manager for the U.K. Dixon, who was previously head of marketing and promotions, will continue to run all aspects of marketing and audience development in the U.K. while furthering her role at VAM’s Los Angeles office and expanding the company’s relationships in Europe.
+ Goldenvoice has named Lea Swanson its new VP of talent. In this new role, Swanson will serve as sole talent buyer for the Mountain Winery, as well as contributing talent buyer for multiple venues in LA, primarily the Peacock Theater, the Shrine Auditorium, and various open rooms including the Greek Theater and Dolby Theatre.
She will also book one-off shows in neighboring California markets including Irvine, Ontario, Bakersfield and Fresno as well as Hawaii. Swanson will continue to be based in San Diego and report to Chief Operating Officer, Goldenvoice, Melissa Ormond.
“After over 17 years with AEG Presents in my home market of San Diego and supporting numerous casino clients, I feel fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to step into this elevated role,” said Swanson, “A year after accepting the lead booking role at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, having the chance to grow and promote shows in one of the primary music markets in North America was an opportunity I had to take. I’m enthusiastic about what’s ahead and look forward to contributing to the continued success in all our markets.”
In 2023, Lea accepted the lead talent buyer position at The Mountain Winery in Saratoga, CA and in her first year promoted 78 shows and special events.
+ Splice has named Jeff Roberto senior VP marketing at the company. In his new role, Roberto will oversee marketing initiatives for Splice globally.
“Our AI Roadmap gives us a huge opportunity to build revolutionary creative experiences for musicians,” said Kakul Srivastava, CEO of Splice. “In Jeff, we have found a unique talent, someone that can help us scale an already thriving business, who understands the music industry and most importantly, cares deeply about the creative communities we support.”
In addition to CMO roles at Nodle and DistroKid, Roberto was also senior VP Marketing at Picsart.
“Music and creators are two of my greatest passions, and Splice is perfectly positioned at their intersection,” said Roberto. “I’m excited to support music producers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. I look forward to expanding the brand across new horizons as we continue to deliver innovative AI tools that enhance creative workflows.”
+ BMG has announced the promotion of Katie Kerkhover to senior VP of A&R for Frontline Recordings, North America. Kerkhover will lead the A&R teams at BMG’s offices in Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York and Toronto. Currently based in Nashville, Kerkhover will split her time between the Music City and Los Angeles. She reports directly to Jon Loba, President, Frontline Recordings, The Americas.
Joining BMG in 2020, Kerkhover previously served as senior director, creative, in music publishing, where she managed BMG’s Nashville roster of songwriters, including Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Stephen Wilson Jr., Emily Landis, and Chayce Beckham, among others, while also signing and developing new songwriters and artists.
Kerkhover was promoted to VP, A&R, Frontline Recordings for BMG in Nashville in 2022, where she was responsible for BBR Music Group’s roster of recording artists across its imprints Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records and Wheelhouse Records, as well as scouting, signing, and developing new talent for the roster. Since leading A&R for BBR Music Group, she has worked with Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean, and Chayce Beckham, among others, and is currently working with Blake Shelton’s team on his forthcoming BMG Nashville debut.
