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CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING’S NEW A&R TEAM
TAKES OFF IN NASHVILLE ![]()
Concord Music Publishing has announced new hires to its A&R team in Nashville, bringing in more creative professionals to support its growing publishing roster. With these new additions, Concord’s publishing A&R team in Nashville now totals seven executives.
Joining the team are Melissa Spillman, who comes on board as VP, A&R, Concord Music Publishing and brings over 17 years of experience within country, pop and rock. She’s worked with numerous notable artists including Lady A, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, Keith Urban, Eric Church as well as Grammy award winning producer Jay Joyce. Spillman will lead the team in supporting the roster and developing new talent, reporting directly to Brad Kennard, Senior VP, A&R at Concord Music Publishing.
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Other hires include Courtney Allen, Director A&R, joins Concord Music Publishing from BMG, where she served as Creative Director, working with their roster of songwriters and developing new talent. Prior to her time at BMG, she was the Creative Director of publishing at Starstruck Entertainment, where she worked with developing artists on the management roster. Ashley Nite signs on to the Concord Music Publishing team as Manager, A&R. In addition, Garrett Stephenson joins the global publishing A&R team from Downtown Music Publishing, where he also served as Coordinator.
The team now totals seven with the new hires joining team members Brad Kennard, Senior VP A&R and Jen Hubbard, Director, A&R. These new hires are part of Concord Music Publishing’s intentioned effort to continue their success and growth in Nashville after a landmark year. Since 2020, the company has seen great success in Nashville with the launch of Hang Your Hat Music, formed with two-time “ACM Songwriter of the Year” Hillary Lindsey, along with significant writer and catalog agreements with Lindsey as well as Lori McKenna.
WARNER MUSIC GROUP APPOINTS NEW MD IN POLAND
& PROMOTES SR. EXECUTIVE TO GM IN FINLAND ![]()
Adrian Ciepichał has been appointed as Managing Director of Warner Music Poland. He joins the company from e-Muzyka, the largest digital music aggregator in Poland, and will report to Alfonso Perez-Soto, President, Emerging Markets, Recorded Music, Warner Music Group. In his new role, Ciepichał succeeds Kinga Siennicka, who left the company earlier this year.
![]() Adrian Ciepichał
The Polish recorded music market is still going through a digital transition, with IFPI reporting that subscription streaming revenues increased by almost 63 percent in 2020.
Warner Music Finland has also announced the promotion of longstanding, widely respected and multi award-winning executive, Ramona Forsström, to General Manager. She will continue to report into Niko Nordström, Managing Director, Warner Music Finland & EVP, Warner Music Nordic. Forsström, who joined Warner Music Finland in 2008, will continue to champion and lead on successful local and international artists’ marketing campaigns as well as taking on a wider leadership role within the company.
During her time at Warner Music Finland, she has been instrumental in the success of local artists including Antti Tuisku, Arttu Wiskari, BEHM, Ellinoora, Kaija Koo, SANNI, and has helped break international stars such as Ava Max, Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran and Michael Bublé in the region.
KOBALT NAMES JEANNETTE PEREZ PRESIDENT & COO
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Kobalt has announced the promotion of Jeannette Perez as its new President & Chief Operating Officer, whereas, in her new role she will work alongside Laurent Hubert, CEO, Kobalt to run the day-today operations for the company. Until recently, Perez was the Chief Experience Officer for the firm where she primarily oversaw Kobalt’s sync and brand partnerships, marketing and business development.
![]() Kobalt’s leadership stated that Perez has transformed its client operations through an enhanced writer and publisher relations service. Perez has continued to elevate and drive Kobalt’s global sync business and works closely with regional offices to further the company’s worldwide growth, including the recent hiring Stephane Berlow as Managing Director, Kobalt in Paris.
Prior to joining Kobalt, Perez spent 12 years at Sony Music Entertainment for 12 where she served as their Vice President of Music For Brands & Advertising.
BMG PROMOTES MAXIMILIAN KOLB TO EXECUTIVE VP
REPERTOIRE & MARKETING, CONTINENTAL EUROPE ![]()
BMG has promoted Maximilian Kolb to Executive VP Repertoire & Marketing, Continental Europe with immediate effect. Kolb, previously Managing Director GSA, will continue to manage BMG’s integrated music publishing and recordings business in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Additionally, he will now take on responsibility for BMG’s Continental European operation across 13 territories with offices in Berlin, Hilversum (Holland), Paris (France), Madrid (Spain), Milan (Italy), and Stockholm (Sweden). He continues to report to Dominique Casimir, the company’s repertoire lead for the world outside the US and UK.
![]() Kolb joined BMG as A&R Manager from Sony ATV (now Sony Music Publishing) in 2012. In 2017, he was promoted to Director A&R Recorded Music GSA, overseeing both the recordings business as well as digital sales. In 2019, Kolb was appointed Managing Director GSA.
Under his leadership, BMG has consistently outpaced the German market and grown its recordings and publishing business substantially since 2019, thanks to success with recording artists including Kontra K, Max Giesinger, and KitschKrieg, as well as publishing clients including Peter Maffay, AnnenMayKantereit, and RAF Camora.
In October 2020, BMG expanded into live music in Germany with a plan to offer artists a new alternative to the established live promotions industry.
COLDPLAY RENEWS DEAL WITH WARNER MUSIC GROUP
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One of the world’s biggest acts, Coldplay, has renewed its agreement and signed a long-term deal with Parlophone Records in the UK and Atlantic Records in the US. The quartet originally signed with Parlophone over 20 years ago and has been with Atlantic Records since 2014. The band have been managed by long-term manager Dave Holmes who has been at the helm for almost two decades.
![]() Pictured (L-R) are Will Champion, Chris Martin, Max Lousada (Chairman & CEO, WMG), Guy Berryman and Jonny Buckland.
Max Lousada, Chairman & CEO, Warner Music Group added, “Coldplay became the biggest band on the planet by constantly challenging themselves and reinventing their sound. They’ve always been great champions of their fellow artists, and their new collaboration with BTS is just the latest example of their boundary-crossing influence and inspiration. We’re honored that Chris [Martin], Guy [Berryman], Will [Champion], and Jonny [Buckland] have chosen to renew their partnership with Warner as they continue to make music of amazing creativity and originality, while delighting their millions of fans across the globe.”
Coldplay broke in the US with their debut single, “Yellow,” which was initially supported by the band’s longtime manager Dave Holmes and A&R Worldwide Founder Sat Bisla (an A&R consultant to Holmes at the time) when the band were not signed in the US – their early alternative radio airplay efforts led to the band eventually getting signed to Capitol Records in the US (who had initially passed on the band).
Coldplay’s ninth studio album Music Of The Spheres is released worldwide this coming Friday, October 15.
A&R WORLDWIDE — “EXPOSED”
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Each week, A&R Worldwide’s newsletter goes back in time with memorable and defining moments in our 20+ year history. However, we’d also like to share your key and prolific images that have yet to be “exposed.” Click HERE to submit your photo to our team for potential exposure!
![]() ACTING LOCAL & THINKING GLOBAL: Sharing their passion and vision for the world of music for the past few decades at a previous MUSEXPO in Los Angeles were (L-R): Avery Lipman (Co-Founder & COO, Republic Records), Sat Bisla (President & Founder, A&R Worldwide) and Monte Lipman, Co-Founder & CEO, Republic Records.
GLOBAL NEWS UPDATES… ![]()
NEED TO MAKE CONTACT, SEND NEWS AND NEW MUSIC RELEASES?: If you have any A&R, publishing, technology, agent/promoter, international radio, management, new media or film/TV music supervisor news you’d like to share with A&R Worldwide, or need to respond to information published in the weekly newsletter please E–mail it to the attention of Sat Bisla at sat@anrworldwide.com. Also, all demos and new music releases should be sent as STREAMING LINKS ONLY to info@anrworldwide.com.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Kyle Hopkins, Korda Marshall, Sharon Hunter, Mark Lippman, Gabz Landman, Chelcee Grimes, Jaddan Comerford, Kirk Sommer, Maximilian Paproth, Harvey Goldsmith, Anne Barrett, Monti Olson, Thaddeus Rudd, Leslie Fram, David Glick and Neeraj Bhargava.
JACKASS OF THE WEEK
Have you ever sent a text message you regretted, clicked on the wrong link, posted an inappropriate message or image on social media, accidentally replied “send all” on an E-mail, or made a total ass of yourself? Yes, we’ve all had a jackass moment at one time or another in our lives. Many people have high expectations, but don’t realize the reality of particular situations. Click HERE for a selection of unbelievable reality compared to failed expectations!
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A&R WORLDWIDE’S "ARTIST OF THE WEEK"– MUKS
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Growing up in pre-millennial India meant music was MUKS’ (pronounced ‘Mooks’) only escape from the matrix of monoculture. Moving to London as a student, MUKS immersed himself in UK club culture, and became a drum and bass DJ. MUKS is also a filmmaker and produced the Oscar-nominated global hit film, The White Tiger on Netflix. His debut single “Falling” earned global airplay, including spins at Radio Doble Nueve (Lima, Peru), Indie XM (Los Angeles, CA), UCFM (Canberra, Australia), Radio 1 (Mumbai, India), FluxFM (Berlin, Germany), 2XM (Dublin, Ireland) and more. His music video was also added into rotation at MTV/VH1 India. Muks’ new single “Girlfriend,” which is inspired by Bob Dylan’s “Tangled Up In Blue,” is about yesterday, today and tomorrow all coming together. Discover the cool trip-hop, electronic, alternative inspired single “Girlfriend” by MUKS HERE and contact info@anrworldwide.com for additional details and all inquiries for signing, licensing, publishing and sync opportunities.
A&R WORLDWIDE’S "VIDEO OF THE WEEK" – CLUB BEIRUT
Euphoric pop merchants Club Beirut are a four-piece band, full of melodic hooks and beats, based in Scotland. Inspired by the musical nuances of Bastille and The 1975, the genesis of the band was 8,000 miles away when front man Craig was serving with the Royal Air Force in the Falklands. He spent his downtime putting together music in a small rehearsal room there. Once Craig returned from his duty, Fraser (lead guitarist) jumped on the bandwagon, and they recorded their first single “Something New.” After the release of their first single, Jordan was brought in on drums, then shortly after followed James on synth and bass. Their new single and video titled “Bury My Friends” is about supporting those with mental health issues. The quartet want to make it clear to any listener that there is always help when needed to anyone suffering mental health issues or suicidal thoughts. Experience the powerful message from the Scottish quartet by watching their video for “Bury My Friends” HERE and contact Kimi Kato at kimi@projectasteri.com as Club Beirut are available for label, publishing, booking and sync opportunities.
PASSPORT APPROVED™ PLAYLIST – 10/10/2021 ![]()
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, October 10th, 2021: The weekly import show. Heard on more than 50 radio stations on six continents weekly including: Flux FM Berlin, Germany; JioSaavn (worldwide); Radio Doble Nueve, Lima, Peru; WZRH–FM New Orleans, LA; KWSS “93.9FM” Phoenix, AZ; KRML “102.1FM” Carmel, CA; KFRR “New Rock 104.1FM” Fresno, CA; Radio 1, Mumbai, India; WCNR Charlottesville, VA; KIWR “The River” Council Bluffs, IA; 2XM Ireland (national radio); 96.2 ZFM The Netherlands; WAPS–FM “The Summit.FM” Akron–Canton, OH; WKTL–FM Youngstown, OH; 105.5FM XFM Nairobi, Kenya; PUK–FM Johannesburg, South Africa; Rock 96.5FM Zambia; 897 FM Bratislava, Slovakia; WITH “90.1FM” Ithaca, NY; UCFM 87.8FM Australian Capital Territory, Australia; WRUR 88.5FM Rochester, NY; WCRU–FM Hamilton, NY; KZND Anchorage, AK; KQCJ Quad Cities, IL; Allgauhit–FM Bavaria Germany; Indie Xfm Los Angeles and on The Independent FM (iHeartRadio) in the United States, as well as many others internationally.
Listen to this two hour show by clicking HERE: THE LATHUMS – “I’ll Get By” (Modern Sky, UK) DANNY BALDRUSSON – “Nervous” (Unsigned, Faroe Islands) DEMOB HAPPY – “Sympathy Boy” (SO Recordings, UK) ADELAIDE – “Silent Hope” (Unsigned, Germany) BLOSSOMS – “Care For” (EMI, UK) BELLWETHER – “Shortsighted” (Unsigned, Australia) SLIDE – “Keep Shining” (Unsigned, Sweden) CLUB BEIRUT – “Bury My Friends” (Unsigned, Scotland) DED RABBIT – “All Fired Up” (Unsigned, Scotland) GEORGE DIAZ – “High Rise” (DeAngelis, UK) SAHARA BECK – “Crave Me” (Unsigned, Australia) OSCAR LANG – “Yeah” (Dirty Hit, UK) MUKS – “Girlfriend” (Unsigned, India) PARIS YOUTH FOUNDATION – “Twenty Two” (Unsigned, UK) COYLE GIRELLI – “Fun” (Unsigned, U.K.) NOTHING BUT THIEVES – “Miracle, Baby” (RCA, UK) MADYX – “Into Ashes” (Unsigned, N. America) REST FOR THE WICKED – “Bones” (EMI, Australia) LEONIDEN – “Dice” (Euphorie/UMG, Germany) WAITING FOR SMITH – “Lost In Your Light” (417 Records, UK) THE VIOLENT HEARTS – “Everything & Nothing” (Unsigned, UK) AZURE RYDER – “Some Kind Of Love” (Island, UK) THE ROYSTON CLUB – “The Backburner” (Modern Sky, UK) ELLUR – “Moments” (Dance To The Radio, UK) VILE ASSEMBLY – “Division Of Labour” (Unsigned, UK) ALEX RZYAN – “Out of Time” (Unsigned, N. America) THE SHERLOCKS – “Falling” (Infectious, UK) THE ROLY MO – “I Miss The Dancing” (7 West Music, Scotland) LEEPA – “I’m Sorry, Are You?” (Columbia, Germany) VISTAS – “Brand New” (Unsigned, UK) BAKER GRACE – “I Feel For You” (Unsigned, N. America) INHALER – “Totally” (Polydor, UK) TIM SCHOU – “Hero/Loser” (Iceberg Records, Denmark) THE MOVING STILLS – “Waste My Time” (Sureshaker, Australia) (Check out the Passport Approved Radio “Featured Artists” on the daily profile exclusively on AllAccess.com including Baker Grace, Balu Brigada, Shambolics, Bernhoft and The Kecks) |