Indie stalwart Mom+Pop Music has partnered with Virgin Music Group distribution in a move to "support the continued growth" of the long-running indie label, the companies announced Thursday, without providing further details.
Mom + Pop, founded in 2008 by veteran A&R Michael Goldstone and co-owned by Thaddeus Rudd (pictured above, L-R) has an enviable roster of indie artists that over the years has included Grammy nominees Flume, MGMT and Courtney Barnett, along with Sleater-Kinney, Sleigh Bells, Beach Bunny and many others. Virgin Music Group, which took its name from the influential independent label co-founded by Richard Branson in 1972, was launched in Sep. 2022 as the independent-music and artist services division of Universal Music Group, the world's largest music company.
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"Goldie and Thaddeus's vision for Mom+Pop reflects the same independent spirit and ambition that drives everything we do at Virgin Music Group," said Virgin co-CEOs Nat Pastor and JT Myers. "Their decision to partner with us is a powerful validation of what we're building. We're honored by their trust and excited to support Mom+Pop in this next chapter of global growth."
+ Danijela Horak has been named Epidemic Sound's new vice president of artificial intelligence, the company has announced. In the new role, Horak will lead Epidemic Sound's artificial intelligence strategy in order to "further integrate machine learning into the soundtracking process in responsible, human-first ways," according to a statement.
Epidemic Sound offers a subscription-based catalog of royalty-free music for content creators on platforms like TikTok or YouTube to use as background to their work.
Horak was most recently the head of AI research for the BBC, and served as a technical advisor to the BBC's Responsible AI group. While there, Horak led development of "editorially aligned" large language models (or LLMs, like what powers ChatGPT) as well as overseeing research on media manipulation and misinformation detection. Prior to the BBC, Horak worked on commercial real estate as director of machine learning for AIG.
Wednesday, August 20
Avex Music Group, in partnership with Ryan Tedder's Runner Music, has extended their publishing deal with songwriter and producer Grant Boutin. The Los Angeles-based artist signed with Avex in 2021, and Runner Music joined the team in a joint venture two years later.
Both Tedder and Boutin worked on Tate McRae's viral hits "Sports Car," "Greedy" and "Revolving Door," among other tracks featured on her chart-topping "So Close to What," which became her first No. 1 album in the U.S. in March.
In addition to his work with McRae, Boutin has also contributed to Meghan Trainor's album "Timeless," co-produced for Blacpink's Lisa, and worked on the "F1: The Album" soundtrack with Don Toliver and Doja Cat's "Lose My Mind. "
Ryan Tedder and Amanda Hill at Runner Music said: "We are so proud of all that Grant has achieved and can't wait to see all that is to come. He is an incredible talent and we are excited to be continuing our relationship with him and our friends at Avex Music."
"I'm incredibly excited to partner with Grant, Ryan, and Amanda Hill on this amazing deal, and I look forward to continuing to build Grant's career alongside the Runner Music team," added Avex Music Group CEO, Brandon Silverstein.
Grant Boutin is managed by Anthony D'Annunzio, and Big Family's Damon Bunetta and Wes Geiken.
"I am super excited to continue on this journey with Avex and Runner. Both companies have been such great partners and so supportive of me and my career, I'm looking forward to continuing to grow together," said Boutin.
Pictured above (L-R): Justin Hunter (Avex), Brandon Silverstein (Avex), Ryan Tedder, Amanda Hill (Runner Music), Grant Boutin, Wes Geiken (Big Family), Anthony D'Annunzio, Lila Reinecke (Runner Music).
+ The Latin Recording Academy has revealed the lineup for their 2025 Leading Ladies of Entertainment. The program, created nine years ago, honors and recognizes professional and socially conscious women in the arts and Latin entertainment fields who have made significant contributions and inspired future leaders.
This year's honorees are:Maricarmen "Tuti" Bou, Vice President of Sony Music Entertainment in Puerto RicoAmarilys Germán, Entertainment Executive and Manager to Latin Grammy and Grammy-winning artist Juan Luis GuerraPaula Kaminsky, Managing Director at Global Talent Services US (GTS), a talent management agencyRozalén, Latin Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter
"I am proud to present our Leading Ladies of Entertainment honorees, an exceptional group of women who have distinguished themselves not just through their successful careers but also through their work outside of the professional realm," said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. "Our past honorees have helped grow our Mentorship Program, and we look forward to having this year's class continue that legacy and empower future generations of young women."
The private event to celebrate this year's honorees will take place during Latin Grammy Week in Las Vegas, with Amazon Music joining as presenting sponsor for the second consecutive year. Amazon Music is also donating to the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation's Scholarship Fund in support of future Latin music makers.
+ Sony Music Publishing announced today the signing of multi-platinum songwriter and producer CJ Baran to a global publishing deal. Baran has collaborations with artists including Melanie Martinez, Marina, Nessa Barrett, Panic! at the Disco, Coin, Carly Rae Jepsen and more.
Some of his notable hits include Melanie Martinez's "Pity Party" and "Cake," Panic! at the Disco's "Victorious," and Coin's platinum "Talk Too Much," among others. Baran also executive produced Melanie Martinez's third album, "Portals," which reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Baran's recent credits include executive producing Marina's "Princess of Power," and Nessa Barrett's "Aftercare."
CJ Baran said, "I feel incredibly honored to join the Sony Music Publishing family. From our very first conversation, it was clear that this team not only believes in my music but in the bigger vision of where we can take it. I'm thrilled to step into this next chapter together and bring these songs to life."
+ Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers has announced the launch of the Chad Smith Foundation(CSF). The goal is to amplify young talent, the foundation aims to inspire, empower, andnurture the next generation of musicians by bridging the gap in music access and opportunity.
"Music has been my life, and it's given me so much," said Smith. "I believe every kid, no matter where they come from, deserves the chance to explore their musical potential and find their voice. The Chad Smith Foundation is about opening doors, removing barriers, and helping young talent flourish. We want to make sure they have a shot at making noise that can change their world, and ours."
+ Laufey has officially selected and met the inaugural recipient of her graduate scholarship for the Bandier Program at Syracuse University.
Soolynn Lee met Laufey after her sold-out Aug. 7 performance with the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center. Joining them was Bill Werde, director of the Bandier Program at Syracuse's Newhouse School of Public Communications, who traveled to Cleveland with Soolynn to mark the occasion.
The new $100,000 Laufey Scholarship — announced last year — supports international students and those in need of financial aid enrolled in the Bandier music business master's program, which launched this summer. Created in collaboration between the Newhouse School and the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the program reflects the cross-disciplinary, real-world education that helped shape Laufey's own team of Bandier alumni, and aims to prepare the next generation of music industry leaders.
Monday, Aug. 18Core members of Big Loud's executive team have been promoted in the marketing department, effective immediately. Additionally, the indie made new hires across its marketing, creative, digital, publicity, streaming and international departments.
Brianne Deslippe has been upped to senior vice president of marketing, with Amy Beard moved to VP of marketing and Morgan Sweat to VP of creative services.
Most recently, Deslippe was senior VP of international, spearheading global campaigns for Big Loud artists and imprints. Prior to her 10 years at Big Loud, Deslippe held music marketing and promotion roles within Canada. Coming onboard in 2022, Beard previously held marketing roles at MCA Nashville, where she led campaigns for Alan Jackson, Sam Hunt, Maddie and Tae, Parker McCollum, Dierks Bentley and more. In her new role at Big Loud, Beard will continue to sharpen her edge as the marketing force behind some of country's brightest stars like Stephen Wilson Jr., Charles Wesley Godwin and rising duo Thelma & James.
Sweat leads the label's in-house creative team, overseeing music videos, visual design, photography and overall brand creative for a chart-topping, genre-defining roster. A Big Loud team member since 2014, Sweat has helped to shape the visual identity of the label and its artists from the ground up.
Joining Big Loud this year are new department heads Corey Brewer, VP of media and public relations; Jen Danielson, VP of streaming; and Alex Henderson, VP of global marketing. Brewer joins the team from Atlantic Records where he spearheaded award-winning media campaigns for chart-topping artists like Burna Boy, Kehlani and Wallows. Danielson brings 20 years of experience to her position with prior stops at Warner Music Group, Pandora and CMT.
Henderson has worked across both major and independent sectors and most recently in his role at EMI proved integral in Morgan Wallen's first ever UK No. 1 album as well as delivering standout results for Bastille, the Chemical Brothers, Bon Jovi and more.
"This marks an exciting new chapter for Big Loud Records," says Co-Founder and CEO Seth England. "These well-earned announcements reflect the dedication and talent of our team, and this exceptional group of leaders is poised to drive the next era of artist development, innovation and generational impact."
Pictured above from top: Hired (L-R): Corey Brewer, Alex Henderson, Jen Danielson. Promoted (L-R): Brianne Deslippe, Amy Beard, Morgan Sweat.
+ Femme It Forward has announced the 5th cohort of its Next Gem Femme Mentorship Program. This initiative accelerates the careers of young women of color, offering them access to top industry leaders across sectors such as marketing, publicity, live events, touring, talent management, artist relations, television and film, and business development.
This year's cohort includes Burna Boy's manager and sister, Romani Ogulu, in addition to Phiona Okumu, head of music for Spotify South Africa, and Natasha Stambuli of Boomplay (Kenya), among others.
Building on the program's previous successes, the 5th cohort of Next Gem Femme will feature over 100 mentors from some of the most prestigious organizations, who will help guide and inspire the next generation of women in the entertainment industry. Mentees will also gain access to professional coaching, insider knowledge, and exclusive networking opportunities.
As part of our continued commitment to diversity and global growth, Femme It Forward is expanding internationally, forging new partnerships in Africa, and growing its mentor network to include more women in the sports industry and other traditionally underrepresented fields.""The Next Gem Femme Mentorship Program is all about breaking down barriers and creating real opportunities for young women of color," said Heather Lowery, president and CEO of Femme It Forward.
"As we kick off our 5th year, I'm more excited than ever to see the growth we're driving — not just by expanding globally in Africa, but also by bringing more diverse mentors from fields like sports, business, and tech. Our partnership with HBCU Week is just one more way we're opening doors for talented women from historically underrepresented communities. This isn't just about giving young women a chance; it's about giving them the access, tools, networks, and resources they need to excel in the entertainment industry and beyond. We're not just nurturing talent—we're building the future."
+ Hamzaa has signed to Prescription Songs UK.
Hamzaa's 2018 debut EP, "First Signs Of Me," garnered her early attention with deeply personal songs addressing mental health, love and youth. The lead song "You," helped Hamzaa earn an invitation to perform on BBC's "Later…with Jools Holland," further catapulting her career. She has since gone on to perform on other TV shows internationally.
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