AEG Presents has promoted Adam Weiser to senior VP of global touring and talent, the company announced Thursday. In his new role, he’ll work with agents, managers, and label partners to identify new talent and artist-development opportunities, as well as oversee the continued growth of the division’s Nashville office.Weiser will alsocontinue to produce and promote tours.
He has been with the company for 15 years and books and promotes tours for artists, includingKelsea Ballerini, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Lauren Daigle, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, My Chemical Romance, The Band Camino, and more. He has been nominated three times for Promoter of the Year by the Academy of Country Music, with the most recent coming in last week.
“Adam has an incredible track record of giving artists the support and opportunities they need to take their careers to the next level, and that’s become even clearer since he’s joined our Nashville team,” said president of global touring and talent Gary Gersh, to whom Weiser reports. “His passion is infectious, and his vision and determination inspire everyone around him. I have no doubt he will make even greater contributions in his new role.”
+ Island Records has appointed Jhared “Jae” Brown vice president of A&R, in the latest of several recent moves by new co-CEOs Imran Majid and Justin Eshak.based in New York, he will report jointly to Majid and Eshak.
Brown comes to Island after two years at Rostrum Records as VP of A&R, where he worked with Rich the Kid (whom Brown signed) Taleban Dooda, and DC the Don. Brown began his music career in 2015, spending three years in a dual product manager/ A&R role at Interscope Records. In 2018, he moved to Capitol Records-Motown in a similar role.
“Jae is widely known for his ‘artist-first’ philosophy, a credo that we take very seriously at Island as we strive to build on the label’s entrepreneurial spirit and live up to our commitment to breaking new artists across every genre.”Majid. SaidEshak“Jae brings in a unique vision as an A&R with great marketing expertise, which will be an instrumental part in defining the Island Records roster.”
+ UTA has announced that Janet Kim and Scott Schreiber have joined the agency as music agents, based in the agency’s Beverly Hills office.
Kim was previously at CAA, where she booked artists at private/corporate events, large-scale Pride Festivals and LGBTQ+ events globally, consulted for companies including South Korea’s CJ ENM and worked with Adam Lambert, DNCE, Jordin Sparks, Julia Michaels, Sam Fischer and Sevdaliza, among others. Prior to her career as an agent, she worked as a tour manager.
Schreiber joins UTA after a decade at WME, where he worked with Zhu, Chet Faker, Tokimonsta, Bomba Estereo, Ski Mask the Slump God and others.
“We are thrilled to welcome Janet and Scott to UTA Music,” said David Zedeck, UTA Partner and Co-Head of Global Music. “They are consummate professionals with strong relationships across all sectors of the music industry.”
+ Today Warner Music Group has launched the new season of the “Rock & Roll High School” podcast, hosted by two-time Grammy-winning producer and Atlantic Records President of A&R Pete Ganbarg. In the series, he conducts interviews with legendary figures in contemporary music — and this season’s premiere episode is with Grammy-winning artist and songwriter Kenny Loggins, who looks back at his 35-year career that has spawned 19 gold or platinum albums and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Says Ganbarg, “One of my favorite things about getting to do all of these interviews is honoring our guests by researching and learning everything we can about them. I consider it the highest compliment when I reveal something to an artist that they say they didn’t know about themselves before.” Listen to the podcast here: https://lnk.to/rrhspodcast
+ Roc Nation Sports International has expanded into the North American soccer market by hiring Chris Wingert, who played professional soccer for MLS teams until 2018 before moving into player representation. He joins RNSI as Director of Soccer, North America.
“This generation of U.S. talent is truly special. Teams like Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Juventus and Barcelona all have U.S. players on their rosters and this trend is only going to increase. At the same time, MLS has developed into a strong and competitive league that is respected globally. North America is a key market forRocNation, and I’m delighted to welcome Chris Wingert to our family,’’ said Redmond.
Alan Redmond, RNSI’s head of football, said, “This generation of U.S. talent is truly special. Teams like Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Juventus and Barcelona all have U.S. players on their rosters and this trend is only going to increase. At the same time, MLS has developed into a strong and competitive league that is respected globally. North America is a key market forRocNation, and I’m delighted to welcome Chris Wingert to our family.”
+GülceÖzyeşilpınar has been promoted into an expanded role, combining her existing responsibilities as general manager of Warner Music Turkey, with the newly created position of VP of marketing, Eastern Mediterranean. In her expanded role Özyeşilpınar takes on responsibility for marketing across Cyprus, Greece and Israel. She will continue to be based in Istanbul and report directly to Alfonso Perez-Soto, Warner Music’s president of emerging markets.
Özyeşilpınar has served as GM of Warner Music Turkey since 2020. She began her career in 2010 as a product assistant for independent label Pasaj Music, and followed with roles at Sony Music and her own digital marketing agency Witch Brew Works.
Perez-Soto said, “It’s with great pleasure that we can announce this well-deserved promotion forGülce, she’s done a first-class job in breaking both our international artists locally and local acts internationally. In her expanded role, she’ll be utilizing her expertise to unify our marketing strategies and provide scale and integration in these untapped markets. I can’t wait to see what she achieves across our new Eastern Mediterranean network.”
Wednesday, Feb. 16
The Oriel Company, the “integrated communications collective” founded in 2020, has announced the opening of its new Nashville office. The company has named media vet Charlotte Burke Bass, founder of Beeline Agency and formerly with Big Machine Records and ID PR, as vice president of operations Nashville, who will run the office and oversee a staff and media campaigns for the roster.
With several clients enjoying success in the realm of country music since the company’s was founded, the Oriel has also announced that it will be representing Stagecoach, the country music festival presented by West Coast power promoters Goldenvoice in April the weekend after Coachella. Stagecoach joins other AEG/Goldenvoice properties Firefly, Head in the Clouds and This Ain’t No Picnic on the Oriel’s roster of entertainment clients.
Carleen Donovan, who co-founded the company with Chloë Walsh and Jen Appel, said, “It was a natural progression for The Oriel to find our own home in Nashville, and there is no better leader on the ground for that home than Charlotte, whose work I’ve admired from afar. She’s strategic, smart, and relentless in terms of passion, vision, and execution. With her background in music, television, film and the arts, she is a welcome addition to our multi-faceted team.”
Burke Bass added, “The Oriel has raised the bar when it comes to media relations and integrated publicity campaigns. Carleen, Chloë and Jen have reimagined the scope of PR, and achieved well-earned success at every turn. This presented the perfect opportunity to join forces and make a major impact in Nashville and beyond.”
+ Smith Entertainment Law Group founder Kerry Smith has announced that attorney Henry W. Root is joining the firm. Along with Root, attorneys Lynn Quarterman, Leigh Zeichick and Michael Olsen — three lawyers from Root’s former firm of Lapidus, Root & Sacharow, LLP — are also joining SELG. Root has over 40 years of legal and business affairs experience in the music, television and entertainment industries. According to the announcement, he plans to expand the firm into into the areas of music publishing and recording catalog sales and acquisitions, commercial lending secured by music assets, name, image and likeness transactions and representation of recording artists, producers, songwriters, music publishers, independent record companies and strategic planning and business development.
“Henry and I have been friends for 17 years,” Smith said, “and we’ve been trying to figure out a way to work together for a long time. Henry brings a team that is incredible and, with the team I’ve already built, we’re looking to build the firm into a national presence.”
+ Swiss fintech company Utopia Music has named Steve Markland VP for Nashville, with Natalie Osborne joining at the same time. Both join from Downtown Nashville; Markland was also previously a VP with Warner Chappell and Windswept publishing, and Osborne signed or worked closely with Yola Carter, Madi Diaz, Fancy Hagood and others. Markland will report directly to Utopia Music COO, Roberto Neri.
“We are so pleased to welcome Steve and Natalie to Utopia Music,” said Neri. “I have known Steve for many years and throughout his career he has worked passionately for Nashville’s Songwriter and Artist community, championing local talent and growing the city’s global profile as a Music destination. Steve’s commitment to Creators chimes perfectly with Utopia’s mission to deliver ‘Fair Pay for Every Play’ on a global scale and we are so excited to start this journey with him.”
Tuesday Feb. 15
Island Records has promoted Sharon Timureto senior VP and head of marketing, it was announced today by the label’s recently appointed general manager, Mike Alexander, to whom she will report.
Timure has been with Island’s parent company Universal Music for more than 15 years, most recently serving ads Island’s VP of marketing since 2015, working closely with Shawn Mendes, the Killers, Bon Jovi and others.
“Sharon is one of the most dedicated, passionate, and creative marketing strategists in the industry.” Alexander said. “Respected by artists, managers, as well as the entire staff, Sharon’s prowess in developing artists with a progressive strategy will be a driving force leading Island Records into the future.”
+ Republic Recordshas upped Julie Vastolato VP of visual content, it was announced by Devon Libran, SVP of visual content and production. She will continue to oversee the creation of visual content for artists, including lyric videos, social media videos, and other assets. As part of her expanded role, she will work with Libran on the creation of music videos and original content production.
Vastola has spearheaded digitalvisual content creation forAriana Grande,Lil Wayne, Kim Petras,Pop Smoke,Julia Michaels,Kid Cudi,Jonas Brothers, and others. She joinedRepublicin 2015 as digital marketing manager after seven years SRP Music Group.
Librancommented,“Juliehas been responsible for some of our most creative and impactful campaigns. As a curator, aficionado, and executive, her vision and aesthetic are unmatched. She consistently aligns our artists with equally talented creators who add another dimension to each and every release.”
+ Los Angeles-based songwriter, producer, and artist management firm Nonstop Managementhave advanced fourstaffers to newexecutiveroles, as announced today byfounder/ CEO JaimeZeluck-Hindlin.
BiancaMinniti-Beanwas upped from GM to president; ChristinaKoblickmoves from manager to senior vice president; KarissaReynafarjeadvances from manager to senior manager; and Christina Lihas been promoted from executive assistant and A&R coordinator tomanager.
“Bianca,Christina,Karissa, andChristinahave galvanized the growth and expansion ofNonstop Management,” Zeluck- Hindlin said.“They’re indispensable to our success and evolution. It’s an honor to promote these four savvy and smart music executives who stand out among the industry’s next generation of female leaders.”
Nonstop Managementrepresents songwriters and producers such asJKash(Maroon 5, CharliePuth), Michael Pollack (Justin Bieber, Maroon 5), Nick Long (MGK, King Princess), Ryann (Tate McRae, Noah Cyrus), Jake Torrey (CharliePuth, Justin Bieber), Tia Scola (Ava Max, Justin Bieber), Sam Farrar (of Maroon 5) and others.
+ Eventim Live Asia, a new venture with global entertainment leader CTS Eventim, has appointed Samantha Tzovolos as managing director for Singapore and Mike Galt as senior VP of touring for Asia.
“These two appointments reflect Eventim Live Asia’s commitment to providing touring artists with the absolute strongest experience and deepest relationships in Asia,” says CEO Jason Miller, to whom both will report. “ELA is thrilled to welcome Samantha and Mike to the team. They will provide enormous, unmatchable value to artists looking to tour the region.”
Tzovolos joins after a decade as CEO of TEM, an independent live entertainment company based out of Jakarta, Indonesia that she will continue to run. That company has produced many of Indonesia’s biggest shows, including Sting, Michael Buble, Ariana Grande, the Chainsmokers, Backstreet Boys, Guns N’ Roses, John Mayer and others.
Galt, who will continue to be based in London, most recently was VP of talent and touring for Live Nation Entertainment, where he produced tours for Mumford and Sons, Troye Sivan, Guns N Roses, the Weeknd and others.
+ Concord has promoted ten staff members from across the company to vice president, senior vice president and managing director.
Kay Anderson has been promoted to VP of marketing for Craft Recordingsin Los Angeles; Caroline Barnard to SVP of business & legal affairs in New York; Brian Buchanan toVP of income trackingin Nashville; Mark Copeland to VP of rights optimization in Nashville; Rob Dekker to VP of marketing for Kidz Bop in New York; Fred Gillhamtomanaging director of recorded music for Europe & the U.K.in London; Brandon Schott to VP of licensing in Nashville; Jackie Turner toVP of Kidz Bop partnershipsin New York; Robin Walton to VP of business & legal affairs, theatrical in New York; and Yimage YousuftoVP of repertoire managementin Los Angeles.
Said Concord president Bob Valentine: “The employees who earned these promotions exemplify why Concord continues to grow rapidly — a persistent focus on our core values of championing artists, elevating voices, and impacting culture.”
+ Range Media Partners has teamed with Heavy metal, the sci-fi and fantasy publisher, and award-winning filmmaker Joe Berlinger (“metallica: Some Kind of Monster”) to launch Classick Club, a blockchain, NFT and Web3 company “focused on bringing the prestige and counterculture of classic rock ’n’ roll into the nascent metaverse.” The platform touts the ability for fans to collect and connect with their favorite artists through unique experiences, both digital and in the real world. Among its customizable offerings are avatars able to experience some of rock’s classic venues. NFTs will be available for purchase via a marketplace and can be earned in-game.
Founding partners of Classick Club include Berlinger, Guitar Hero licensing architect David Iscove, Range Media founding partner Michael Cooper, Heavy metal CEO Matthew Medney and president Tommy Coriale and Artefy founder Marshall Lees.
+ AEG Presents has promoted Amy Buck to senior director of marketing; Adam Cohen to director of touring; and Dan Cleff and Nicole Dellarocca to director of ticketing. Also announced by AEG: Shelby Moran has joined the company as director of artist development, and Jonathan Ramos as VP of global touring and talent.
Said AEG Presents president of global touring and talent Gary Gersh: “It’s truly my honor to both congratulate our six team members who are receiving promotions, as well as welcome Jonathan and Shelby to the team. There’s nothing more gratifying to be able to see people grow and succeed from within, and it’s that much more exciting when it’s combined with the addition of new perspectives and energy. It finally feels like a hopeful, optimistic time in our business, and I can’t wait to see the contributions made by all eight of these exceptional individuals.”
Monday, Feb. 14
WarnerMusic Group has announced the launch of its Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Institute, following the unveiling of their DEI commitments as part of the company’s first Environmental Social Governance (ESG) report earlier this month.
WMG’s first globalheadof DEI, Dr. Maurice A. Stinnett and the global DEI team are working across the company to build local implementation DEI plans, tailored to regional needs and challenges, as well as to foster links to social impact initiatives that benefit marginalized communities, according to the announcement.The institute is the first of its kind in the music industry.
Stinnettsaid, “WarnerMusic Group is taking a bold step toward inclusion, equity and lasting change by institutionalizing this hub of training and innovation. I am thrilled to partner with some of the most brilliant minds in our industry and culture to further develop our leaders and offer educational opportunities for everyone at WMG. This isn’t a moment we are responding to; this is a commitment that will be baked into the fabric of our company and industry for generations to come.”
The Institute will be home to several educational initiatives and will host the Inclusive Leadership Series for executives at the company. Its 2022 programming includes offerings from experts and leaders such as authorsRoxane GayandDr. Mark Anthony Neal(Duke University) and in partnership with organizations including OutRight Action International, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, National Disability Institute, Global Indigenous Council, and the Global Fund for Women.
Head here for more information.
+ EpicRecords has named Justin Duranvice president of marketing, it was announced by EVP Dave Bell. Duran, who is based in EpicRecords’ Los Angeles office, was most recently senior marketing director at Def Jam Records, where he garnered aClio Awardin Music Marketing for his work with rapper Logic. He previously held posts at Complex NetworksandVfiles.
Bell said, “Justin has a unique ability to connect with and understand an artist’s DNA to articulate not only where they stand in the marketplace place today but also where they can go tomorrow and beyond. And how to get them there. Justin’s track record across fashion, lifestyle and music speaks for itself and it’s a pleasure to reunite with him for this next step in his career.”
+ The estate of singer Bobby Darin has enlisted Brian Schwartz and Amy Abrams of Denver’s 7S Management for representation, his son Dodd Darin has announced. The company has a diverse roster including Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Dawes, Dinosaur Jr. and Mary Chapin Carpenter as well as the estates of John Denver and Etta James.
Dodd Darin says, “I feel Amy and Brian and 7S are a perfectfittorepresent my dad’s legacy going forward. They bring a veryuniqueblend ofexperience and innovation from their representation of both legacyartists and current-day talent. Theyunderstand quite well the workings of thecurrentdaymusic industry and I think this willresult in my dad’s music and image finding its way to younger audiences around the world.”
+ Sony Music U.S. Latinhas appointedTxema Rosiquevice president of A&R, it was announced by company presidentAlex Gallardo. Most recently, he served as VP A&R forWarner Music Latina — where he signed artists including Rauw Alejandro,Nio Garcia, andDuki — and previously was artistic director ofWEA Spain.
Gallardosaid, “Txemais a distinguished A&R executive with a long history and impeccable track record, yet he maintains the same hunger of a young tastemaker executive. To his credit, he has led some of the most important signings in the Latin market.We are confident that his experience and high energy will help our company reach new levels of success.”
+ UJA-Federation of New York’s Music Visionary of the Year Award Luncheon honoring Scott Greenstein,president and chief content officer of SiriusXM, will take place on May 18, 2022, following the postponement due to Covid-19, of the 2020 event naming him Music Visionary of the Year.Past honoreesinclude Doug Davis, Michele Anthony, Rob Stringer, Avery and Monte Lipman, Bob Pittman, Daniel Ek, Tom Corson, and Julie Greenwald, among others.
Funds raised at the luncheon willhelpUJAget New Yorkers who have experienced hardship and trauma due to the Covid-19 pandemic get back on their feet,and help supportUJA’s Music for Youth, which provides music education programs for underprivileged children and children with special needs throughout the New York community.
“We’re thrilled to move forward with honoring Scott in May,”said Daniel Glass, president & founder of Glassnote Records and co-chair ofUJA’s Entertainment, Tech & Lifestyle Division.“Scott is especially deserving of this award for demonstrating resilient leadership and guiding the music and entertainment industry through two years of upheaval.”
+ Swiss fintech company Utopia Music has named Ulf Zick chief marketing officer, based in Zug, Switzerland and effective April 1. He will be responsible for the overall strategic vision and direction of Utopia’s marketing, positioning, communications, content strategy, and execution of the brand direction and will report directly to CEO Markku Mäkeläinen.
Zick, who was most recently managing director of international at Universal Music Germany and previously was director of artist relations at Spotify and held posts at Apogee Electronics and Gibson.
“We are very proud to have Ulf join Utopia to spearhead the strategic marketing of our business,” said Mäkeläinen. “The breadth and depth of Ulf’s expertise is rare. Having worked on all sides of the business, and at the intersection of music and technology for many years, Ulf brings a unique perspective of the Music Industry that will be valuable to Utopia as we continue on our mission to secure ‘Fair pay For Every Play.’”
+ SoundExchange announced two additions to its 18-seat board of directors in January. New membersJon Glassof Warner Music Group andAlasdair McMullanof Universal Music Group will lend business development expertise and legal acumen to the nonprofit, according to the announcement.
“Jon GlassandAlasdair McMullanare world-class business and legal affairs experts and proven industry change-makers,” saysSoundExchangeCEO and presidentMichael Huppe. “Each will be a key counselor and collaborator as we continue to enhanceSoundExchange’s role as a champion for fair pay and a music-tech leader in today’s digitally-driven creator economy.”
Glass, senior vice president and head of digital legal affairs at Warner Music, joined the company in 2010 and previously was with Sony Music Entertainment and held positions at several law firms, including Morrison & Foerster. McMullanis executive vice president of business and legal affairs at Universal Music Group and previously was an EVP at EMI Music North America and an attorney at the law firm of Cowan Liebowitz & Latman inNew York.
Jeffrey Harleston of UMG and Paul Robinson of WMG stepped down from the SoundExchange Board of Directors in December after 13 and 19 years with the organization, respectively. “Jeff Harleston and Paul Robinson each made an indelible impact on our organization,” says Huppe. “We’ve achieved so much during their tenure, and I appreciate the support and guidance they provided along the way. Each has been instrumental in helping SoundExchange achieve the position that it now occupies.”
