Author: djfrosty
Page: 139
A court in Argentina dropped charges of criminal negligence against three of the five people indicted in connection with the death of Liam Payne, the former One Direction singer who fell from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires last October, according to a ruling obtained by The Associated Press.
A preliminary autopsy report cited multiple traumas and hemorrhages as the cause of death, while a toxicology report revealed alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in Payne’s system.
Trending on Billboard
The court cleared Esteban Grassi, head receptionist at the CasaSur Hotel, Rogelio Nores, an Argentine-American businessman who accompanied Payne on the trip, and Gilda Martin, the hotel’s manager. Grassi had made two emergency calls prior to the accident, first reporting that a guest was “trashing the entire room” and later expressing concerns that the guest “may be in danger.”
Prosecutors argued that Nores neglected his duty of care by leaving Payne alone while intoxicated, but the court ruled that he had no legal obligation. Martin and Grassi, who had escorted Payne to his room, were also cleared, as the court found insufficient evidence that their actions directly contributed to his fatal fall.
However, two other defendants, Ezequiel David Pereyra, a former hotel employee, and Braian Paiz, a waiter who served Payne at a restaurant, remain in custody. They are charged with supplying narcotics to Payne, an offense that carries a prison sentence of four to 15 years in Argentina. The court justified their continued detention due to the severity of the charges.
In Argentina’s legal system, prosecutors gather evidence for a judge to decide whether a case proceeds to trial.
Payne was laid to rest in November in the U.K., with his funeral attended by his One Direction bandmates, girlfriend Katie Cassidy, and ex-partner Cheryl Cole, with whom he shared a son.
“You Are Everything.” “Betcha by Golly, Wow.” “I’m Stone in Love With You.” And, of course, “You Make Me Feel Brand New.” Those are just a few of the harmonizing gems that helped seal The Stylistics’ reputation as one of R&B/pop’s legendary acts. Now the group is celebrating its 57th anniversary with its first new album in almost two decades, Falling in Love With My Girl.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Released Friday (Feb. 21) through the label Greatest Music of All Time LLC, the 21-track album prefaced its arrival a week earlier with the soulful lead single “Yes, I Will” featuring Shania Twain. But the country superstar isn’t the only music luminary who collaborated on The Stylistics’ return with producer Tom Cridland and executive producer Debbie Cridland. Comprising that list of notables are the Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood, Kiss’ Gene Simmons, The Elton John Band (including Nigel Olsson and Davey Johnstone), Chicago’s Bill Champlin, ZZ Top’s Billy F. Gibbons, Toto’s Steve Lukather, Tower of Power, Ray Parker Jr., Jay Graydon, Justin Hawkins of The Darkness, The Real Thing, Nathan East and Carly Paoli.
“Here we are, blessed and fortunate to still sell out concerts and now able to go back in the studio and do new music,” says The Stylistics’ Herb Murrell. “Especially after such a long period of time. It feels good to know that somebody out there still thinks about us having a market for new music.”
Trending on Billboard
It was when Murrell and fellow group members Airrion Love and Jason Sharp performed some shows in the U.K. a few years back that they first met Tom Cridland, who was their opening act. Then this past year, Tom did an entire tour with the group — which also performed at the Cridlands’ wedding reception. And out of that camaraderie, the seeds were sown for a new album.
THE STYLISTICS
Courtesy Photo
“We have an established sound,” says Murrell. “So when working with anyone, you want to make sure that they don’t try to change your sound. The songs that Tom was bringing to the table had that Stylistics flavor with a new approach to it. That was the most important thing, which he understood while staying within what we’re known for: love songs.”
Case in point is the heartfelt “Yes, I Will.” Initially invited to sing on another song, Twain suggested “Yes,” which she had co-written with Nathan East with a contribution from Tom Cridland. Of the song, which also features musicians Ray Parker Jr. and Steve Lukather, Twain said in an earlier press announcement, “I’m so happy this song has found a home on The Stylistics album. It’s a special song that came together on one special day at my home where I was hanging out with some friends and musicians. I’m just really excited to share it with the whole world.”
“Once we heard it, we knew it was a great song,” Murrell tells Billboard. “Then the next thing you know, Tom is coming back to us saying this person and that person wants to be involved with the project.”
Most of the album tracks were written by Tom Cridland together with Anthony King of Blackpool and King’s wife, Fiona Shaw. Two tracks were written by The Stylistics’ Love: “Sad Tomorrows” and “I Get a Feeling.”
Love and Murrell are the original members of The Stylistics, which began as a quintet in Philadelphia in 1968. The group was signed to Avco Records when its run of indelible ‘70s hits — in collaboration with legendary songwriters Thom Bell and Linda Creed — began, including “I’m Stone in Love With You,” “Break Up to Make Up” and “People Make the World Go Round.” In 1980 The Stylistics segued to Philadelphia International Records, where they scored another hit with “Hurry Up This Way Again.” All told, the group boasts five gold singles and three gold albums, while their songs have been covered or sampled by the likes of Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye, Prince, Simply Red, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Nas and Usher
A trio since the departure of member Russell Thompkins Jr. in 2000, The Stylistics welcomed Sharp in 2011. Of the group’s enduring appeal, Murrell says, “When you walk out on that stage, your audience will let you know whether you’re still relevant or not. But we’ve been blessed because multiple generations of people are still coming to see The Stylistics and hear this music. And that keeps us going.”
Billboard announced the opening acts for its The Stage at SXSW concert series during this year’s annual gathering in Austin, TX on Friday (Feb. 21). Joining previously announced headliners Koe Wetzel, Grupo Frontera and John Summit at the concert series at the iconic Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park from March 13-15 are a group of […]
Billboard’s Friday Music Guide serves as a handy guide to this Friday’s most essential releases — the key music that everyone will be talking about today, and that will be dominating playlists this weekend and beyond.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
This week, Tate McRae seizes her moment, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco find healing with Gracie Abrams, and JENNIE and Doechii run the world for the girls. Check out all of this week’s picks below:
Tate McRae, So Close to What
Tate McRae’s success story is one of perseverance: the Canadian pop star has spent grinding out singles and projects, honing her sound and point of view, and collecting enough crossover hits to build palpable buzz around her latest full-length. So Close to What doesn’t deviate too much from McRae’s proven aesthetic — the 15 tracks rarely exceed the three-minute mark — but also features a more mature perspective, as McRae asserts her fears and desires within each slick hook.
Trending on Billboard
Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco with Gracie Abrams, “Call Me When You Break Up”
Longtime Selena Gomez fans understand the appeal of her stream-of-consciousness pop — verses blurted out, vulnerabilities on full display — and Gomez (alongside fiancee Benny Blanco and her pal Gracie Abrams) releases a winner in that template with “Call Me When You Break Up,” as she and Abrams play ride-or-die friends and emotional foils.
JENNIE feat. Doechii, “ExtraL”
While the latest preview of JENNIE’s forthcoming solo album Ruby features a delightfully aggressive performance from the BLACKPINK star and a bullet-time guest verse by Doechii, the female empowerment anthem is highlighted by a refrain peppered throughout the song, and sure to elicit shout-alongs at clubs in the coming months: “Do my ladies run this?”
Don Toliver & Speedy feat. J-Hope & Pharrell Willams, “LV Bag”
“LV Bag,” which premiered at Pharrell Williams’ menswear show during Paris Fashion Week, boasts a stacked lineup — Don Toliver headlines the affair, and he corrals J-Hope of BTS to navigate the opulent opening verse — but the melody that snakes throughout the track is a classic Williams earworm, as undeniably catchy as some of his early Neptunes smashes.
Coco Jones, “Taste”
Ahead of her newly announced debut album, Why Not More?, which is due out in April, Coco Jones has established herself as an effortlessly talented star in the R&B world — but new single “Taste,” which is built around an interpolation of Britney Spears’ “Toxic,” serves a nice reminder of her pop panache as well.
Sam Fender, People Watching
The title People Watching should be taken literally — for Sam Fender’s third studio album, the British rock star shifts his perspective toward his family and friends as well as strangers, perceiving the world (and himself) as they might — but the songwriting exercise yields some of Fender’s most accessible tracks yet, including standouts like “Little Bit Closer,” “Nostalgia’s Lie” and the title track.
Burna Boy, “Update”
A few months after Kendrick Lamar sampled the club classic “When I Hear Music” on “Squabble Up,” Burna Boy has returned, ahead of upcoming eighth studio album No Sign of Weakness, with a similar approach on “Update,” re-contextualizing Soul II Soul’s “Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)” as the foundation of a effervescent Afrobeats track.
Editor’s Pick: Anxious, Bambi
If Anxious’ 2022 debut Little Green House sounded like a breath of fresh air from the punk-leaning emo scene, the Connecticut quintet’s follow-up represents an exciting artist achieving greatness: Bambi sharpens the band’s formula in every conceivable way, with songs like opener “Never Said” fine-tuning the band’s defiant cries, “Some Girls” and “Next Big Star” offering spectacular pop hooks, and the entirety of the project’s lyrics capturing the growing pains leading up to this moment.
Cole Swindell adds his 13th top 10 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart as “Forever to Me” pushes a spot to No. 10 on the March 1-dated tally. The song increased by 6% to 17 million audience impressions Feb. 14-20, according to Luminate. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news […]
There’s no denying West Coast rapper AZ Chike had a remarkable 2024. After appearing on two of rap’s biggest releases with ScHoolboy Q’s “Movie” and Kendrick Lamar’s Hot 100 top 15 hit “peekaboo,” Chike announced on Friday (Feb. 21) that he’d be inking a deal with Warner Records, a mere two weeks after K. Dot rapped his bars on the Super Bowl stage.
“Everything was just aligned bro. Even right now, it’s so aligned [that] it’s kinda scary,” Chike tells Billboard.
Chike has been hard at work making music since 2013, getting his first taste of success in 2017 with “Burn Rubber Again.” The song accrued over 25 million plays on SoundCloud, and from there, he’s been steadily building momentum. Eventually, the hard work caught the attention of TDE and as Chike said multiple times in our interview, “the rest is history.”
Trending on Billboard
“We are thrilled to welcome AZ Chike to Warner Records at such a pivotal moment in his career. As an artist who has built incredible momentum over the past year, Chike, who was brought in by our partner Tim Hinshaw, has already captivated audiences and proven his impact,” says Aaron Bay-Schuck, co-chairman & CEO of Warner Records in a statement. “His talent, vision, and artistry have set him apart, and we are honored to support and help bring his music to an even larger global audience.”
Chike is equally as excited and dropped off his latest single “Whatx2” on Friday to celebrate the news.
“Tim Hinshaw bringing me in at Warner and having a sit down with Aaron Bay-Schuck was the best decision I could have made following up all my current success,” he says. “I love how in tune they are with the culture and hip-hop. It feels like I’m supposed to be here. The stars are aligning and I’m happy they are a part of that alignment.”
Billboard spoke with AZ Chike about his new single, signing with Warner, and how he’s been doing since Kendrick’s electric Super Bowl performance.
Where were you when Dot rapped your “peekaboo” bars at the Super Bowl? How were you feeling?
I had rented out a house to go watch it with my close friends and family type sh-t and we didn’t know he was gonna do that. That’s the thing with this dude Dot, he always surprisin’. He’s got somethin’ up his sleeve, he don’t share the information and I’m close with a lot of people on his team, and every time something happens that’s surprising, he calls me right after, like, ‘yeah, I wanted to tell you so bad.’ He did the same sh-t when GNX dropped.
When did you first connect with TDE?
We wanted to follow in their footsteps and do the conscious rap, but L.A. wasn’t f–king with it, bro. So we just [rapped about] the life we actually live. The ratchet, street shi-, lot of bi–hes, money all this other sh-t goin’ on. We resulted to that and right hand to God, probably like four months after that, it took off.
How did you tap in with ScHoolboy on “Movie?”
[Akeem] called me like, ‘What you on?’ I was like, ‘I ain’t on sh-t’. He was like, ‘pull up to the studio right quick,’ he didn’t even tell me it was with Q. I pull up and it’s Q there and Q is just given’ me all these props. Letting me know he been seein’ everything. I spent like a week with him in the studio and for the first three days we didn’t even do no music. He was just feelin’ me out, givin’ me the homie treatment. I passed I guess! [laughs] It was dope.
How did you meet Kendrick?
Q FaceTimed me, and he never f–kin’ FaceTime’s me. I answer, he in the Double R with the stars on the ceiling. He’s like, ‘What you on? You around anybody?’ I’m like, ‘Nah.’ He like, ‘I just got off the phone with Dot. He wanna f–k with you. I just wanted to hit you up and let you know before I give him your number.’ Like, pause. But I had to keep my cool! That’s the thing with TDE, you don’t wanna be groupied out. That night, Dot text me. We say, ‘What’s the deal?’ in L.A. or, ‘Sta deal?’ He say, ‘Sta deal? This Dot.’ I pulled up on him and the rest was history.
Nothing’s been the same since.
Before Q and Dot hit me up, I went through something crazy in life where I was ready to crash. Last year, I was still one foot in, one foot out with sh-t. So I was f–ked up in the head about sh-t just ready to go a different way, and in a sense that sh-t kinda saved my life. God will take everything from you and give it back to you ten times. It was in a sense of that and, I still gotta tell Dot that cause that sh-t was crazy.
What’s next for you? Tell me about your new single “Whatx2?”
“Whatx2” is the fun record, just circling back to how I got here and just having fun and kicking things off before I get even a little crazier. Now I get to kick it into tenth gear. Now you’re gonna really see what’s going on on the music side. I am coming out with an album called No Rest For the Wicked. The goal is to release it in May. We dropping a video and a single every month leading up to it.
It’s game-time.
Yeah, this is just what I signed up for. As you see, I’m on go. I’m in every meeting, [and] on every e-mail. This is what I’m built for, and I’m not turning down no responsibility. I embrace the pressure.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Express Newspapers/Getty Images / Express Newspapers/Getty Images
Malcolm X is a revolutionary figure, and his influence still hits hard today, even in the world of Hip-Hop. Today marks 60 years since his death, and if he were still around, he’d be celebrating his 100th birthday.
His legacy is all over hip-hop, with rappers constantly referencing his name to highlight the struggles, resistance, and power of Black people. Here are five hip-hop tracks that mention the iconic revolutionary:
Public Enemy – ‘Fight the Power’
Public Enemy made Malcolm X a central figure in their anthem for social change. The lyrics shout out his name as part of a broader call to challenge the system of oppression, with his teachings resonating through the track’s rebellious tone. Public Enemy mention Malcom’s name saying, “They killed Malcolm X, they killed Doctor King (Doctor King) They gave us guns and dope, they wanna stop our kings” –
Ye (formally known as Kanye West) – ‘Good Morning’
In “Good Morning,” Kanye West pays homage to Malcolm X with the line: “I’m like the fly Malcolm X, buy any jeans necessary.” This line reflects Kanye’s confidence and individuality, channeling Malcolm’s unapologetic, self-assured attitude while challenging societal norms.
The Game – ‘Red Nation’
The Game references Malcolm X in the line: “‘Cause I’m Malcolm X before he turned Muslim, Red”
Kendrick Lamar – ‘Mortal Man’
Kendrick Lamar’s “Mortal Man” features a direct reference to Malcolm X: “When shit hit the fan, is you still a fan? / 50 million in the fire, I’m not a liar / I’m a mortal man, that’s a mortal man, the same man that is a fan of the same man / Malcolm X was a leader for the people.” This reference connects Kendrick’s own struggle for justice to Malcolm’s legacy.
Dead Prez – ‘Be Healthy’
Dead Prez references Malcolm X in the line: “Malcolm X said / You know I don’t eat no pork / I know that’s right, that’s the way I live / Don’t do drugs or mess with the pigs.” They draw from Malcolm’s message of self-care and resistance, tying it into their own philosophy of healthy living and conscious choices.
These tracks show how hip-hop continues to carry the torch of Malcolm X’s revolutionary spirit, using his words and legacy to inspire change, resistance, and empowerment.
02/21/2025
Clément Ducol and Camille have a chance to join this list for their work on Emilia Pérez.
02/21/2025
Eight years after she was forced to pull out of Rock in Rio due to severe medical issues, Lady Gaga is finally coming back to Brazil. On Friday (Feb. 21), the superstar announced a special Mayhem on the Beach performance at the capital’s Praia de Copacabana. “It’s a great honor to be asked to sing […]
Welcome to the latest Executive Turntable, Billboard’s weekly compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across the music business. There’s a full slate of personnel news this week, so let’s hop to it.
Long-time listener, first-time employee Rich Baer joined SiriusXM Holdings as the satellite radio giant’s new executive vp, general counsel and secretary, effective March 3. Baer, who replaces the retiring Patrick Donnelly, boasts over 40 years of legal and business experience, most recently serving as chief legal officer at Airbnb before hanging it up in 2023. “I failed at retirement,” he joked this week. His extensive career also includes roles as chief administrative officer and chief legal officer at Liberty Media, evp and CLO at UnitedHealth Group, and general counsel at Qwest Communications. Baer began his legal career as a homicide prosecutor in Brooklyn before leading the litigation department at a Denver law firm. He’ll report to SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz, who highlighted Baer’s background in counseling complex companies and said “his ability to navigate legal issues and balance the needs of a business will enable him to succeed here.” Witz also honored outgoing GC Patrick Donnelly, recognizing his nearly 27 years of dedicated service.
Partisan Records hired Nick Wagner as the indie label’s new chief financial officer, effective late last year. Based in NYC and reporting to president and co-founder Tim Putnam, Wagner will oversee global financial operations, strategic planning, team management and growth initiatives at Partisan, home to PJ Harvey, IDLES and more. Wagner brings extensive experience from his previous role as global vp of business operations at Endeavor, where he improved operational efficiency across the company’s portfolio. He also served as vp of finance at Warner Music Group, focusing on artist-driven growth in digital and social media. Additionally, Wagner led the North America Digital Media division at Vice Media Group, managing finance and operations for brands like Noisey and Vice.com.
Trending on Billboard
Sony Music Nashville has promoted Mallory Michaels to vice president of radio marketing & promotion. In the new role, Michaels will develop and implement strategic and tactical national radio promotion plans for rostered artists at Sony Music Nashville, supporting both Columbia Nashville and RCA Nashville imprints. Michaels will report to senior vp, radio marketing & promotion Dennis Reese. Michaels joined SMN in 2018 and previously held roles at Warner Music Nashville and Red Bow Records. –Jessica Nicholson
Mike Faul / Courtesy Photo
Dynamic Talent International appointed veteran marketer Mike Faul to lead its newly launched Brand Partnerships division. Based in New York, Faul will spearhead efforts to connect creative talent with top brands across industries like fashion, technology, luxury, lifestyle and media. The division will focus on sponsorship acquisition, co-branded content creation and immersive experiential activations, aiming to craft bespoke campaigns that amplify both brand identities and artistic expression. Faul brings extensive experience to the role, having worked with major names like YouTube, MTV, A24, The North Face and Taco Bell. In 2017, he founded Sub Rosa Curation, driving innovative marketing initiatives across sports and entertainment. Prior to that, he served as marketing manager at Bagavagabonds, curating festival programming for brands like Vans, Toyota and Anheuser-Busch. DTI, a leading talent management firm with offices in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York and Poland, is known for its forward-thinking approach in supporting artists. The firm recently celebrated Taemin’s sold-out show at the Kia Forum and announced new signings, including The Georgia Satellites and Hot 8 Brass Band. “This is an exciting opportunity to bolster what is already one of the most dynamic agencies in entertainment,” said Faul.
Legends appointed Chris Bray as president of Europe for its combined Legends and ASM Global business. Bray will oversee operations across the UK and Europe, managing venue operations and revenue generation for sports, entertainment, conventions and other industries out of the company’s office in Manchester. Previously president of Europe for ASM Global, Bray brings over 30 years of experience in commercial operations and development. Since joining ASM Global in 2022, he has driven growth, enhanced guest experiences, and sealed key contracts with venues like Utilita Arena and Olympia London. Bray also oversaw significant investments in venues, including a major glow-up for AO Arena in Manchester. Before ASM Global, he spent 15 years at Sodexo, where he boosted the firm’s Sports and Leisure division. Following Legends’ acquisition of ASM Global in August 2024, the combined company includes iconic venues like AO Arena and major football clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool. Legends CEO Dan Levy praised Bray’s leadership, adding, “With a strong presence across the UK and Europe … we’re in an incredible position to set new standards in sports and entertainment.”
Sony Music Publishing promoted Taryn Miller to vice president, IT global copyright and royalties, effective immediately. Based in Nashville, Miller will report to chief information officer Bill Starke. In her new role, she’ll oversee the development and management of SMP’s royalty and copyright systems, including the Tempo platform and client portal SCORE, while collaborating across departments on enterprise applications. With over 20 years at the company, Miller has been instrumental in advancing key systems like Tempo and SCORE. She began her career in North American Royalty Administration before becoming a Tempo migration specialist and later transitioning to the IT team, most recently serving as director, IT global administration systems. Starke praised Miller’s contributions, stating “her work has elevated our services for songwriters.”
Creative Artists Agency promoted five Elevate trainees to agent roles across its music, comedy and theatre departments. In the Music Touring group, Ethan Goldish, based in Nashville, was elevated after joining CAA in 2019 and progressing from floater to booking professional in 2022. Also in Nashville, Cam Jensen was promoted after starting as an assistant in 2022, later becoming a booking professional overseeing the Southeast club territory. In Los Angeles, Dom Valentyn was promoted to Music Touring Agent, having joined CAA in 2019 and previously working in artist management and playlist marketing. In the Comedy Touring department, Marissa Pisterzi in Los Angeles was promoted after starting at CAA in 2021, working with several agents before becoming a booking professional. In New York City, Kennedy Woodard was promoted to Agent in the Theatre department. She joined CAA in 2021 as an assistant to Justin Edbrooke and Ethan Kurtzman, and has worked closely with theatre pros to develop stage and screen projects. All five promotions reflect CAA’s commitment to nurturing talent through its Elevate program, which identifies and advances rising professionals within the agency.
Kobalt appointed Claes Uggla as general manager of Kobalt Scandinavia, overseeing operations from the Stockholm office. With over 25 years of A&R experience, Uggla has shaped the careers of many Scandinavian artists. He joins from RMV, where he worked with acts like Gustaf & Viktor Norén. Previously, at Universal Music Sweden, he licensed hits like Lukas Graham’s “Ordinary Things,” and at Sony Music Sweden, he earned a special A&R award for Alan Walker’s “Faded.” Jeannette Perez, Kobalt’s president, praised Uggla’s track record, saying his “approach to A&R, his deep connections to the creative community and his leadership skills will be an important asset to us as we continue to build upon our success in the region.”
Range Music elevated Jared Cotter to managing partner of the management company, the music division of Range Media Partners. Cotter, who joined Range in 2022 and co-manages Shaboozey, made partner last May and before that was vp of A&R for the company. Outside the Hot 100 juggernaut that is Shaboozey, Cotter manages Paul Russell, whose “Lil Boo Thang” reached No. 14 in 2023. Cotter came to Range after co-founding The Heavy Group in 2016, a management and production company where he first signed Bazzi several years ago. He also co-founded 3AM Entertainment, an indie label focusing on music from the South Asian diaspora.
Celine Hollenbeck and Jenna Akemi Kon are named partners at Carroll Guido Groffman Cohen Bar & Karalian LLP, a leading music and entertainment law firm. Hollenbeck, based in Los Angeles, and Kon, in New York, joined the firm in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Founding partner Michael Guido and Los Angeles managing partner Renee Karalian praised their dedication and industry acumen, adding that their “enthusiasm and passion for music and artistry continue to impress the firm’s clients and partners alike.” They join the firm’s growing partner group, including Paul Gutman, Ira Friedman, Leah Seymour and Dave Keady.
BOARD SHORTS: Grammy Museum Mississippi added three new members to its board: Betsy Aguzzi of Mississippi Limestone Corporation, music publicist and entrepreneur Zach Farnum, and artist manager Gaines Sturdivant. They’ve been elected to 3-year terms, starting last month. The board is responsible for governance, oversight and major decision-making at the Cleveland, Miss. museum … VPL, which licenses music videos for public and TV broadcasts in the UK, made key board appointments: Charlotte Saxe is now VPL chair, with Alison Wenham and Shamus Damani joining as new board directors. The VPL Board, consisting of eight directors, oversees all aspects of music video licensing operations for the PPL sister company.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum promoted five staff members to key leadership roles. Tess Pardee is now associate director of creative project management, overseeing creative projects and resources. Marshell Ruffier has been named associate director of food and beverage operations, managing the banquet team, the museum café, and sustainability initiatives. Alex Krompic has been promoted to director of production and technical services, leading audio, video and lighting for events. Emily Zirkle is now associate director of events administration and entertainment, managing revenue and public events in the CMA Theater. John Sloboda has been promoted to executive director of exhibitions and curatorial services, overseeing gallery exhibitions.
Red Street Records promoted Kelly King to vp of Red Street Publishing, while Patrick Waters joins as senior director of A&R country for the company’s country roster, which includes Chris Lane, Ryan Griffin, Neon Union, Ryan Larkins and Kaleb Sanders. King, known for discovering and/or developing artists and writers including Rascal Flatts, Brett James and Brothers Osborne, earned a partnership at Teracel Music and Good Girl Music (a co-venture with Sony Publishing), before launching her own King Pen Music (a co-venture with Warner Chappell Publishing) prior to joining Red Street Records in 2022. Waters has previously held roles at Red Light Management, Warner Brothers and Interscope. –J.N.
NASHVILLE NOTES: Gotee Records appointed Jess Loper as its new general manager. Reporting to Joey Elwood, CEO of Bell Partners Christian Music, Loper steps into this role following Gotee’s integration under Bell Partners. Previously, she was vp of brand management at Gotee Records and publishing at Emack Music … The International Bluegrass Music Association made three staff changes. Rebecca Bauer joins as marketing director after working as a marketing manager for City Winery; Elizabeth Dewey was promoted to communications director from administrative manager; and Haley Grimm, who’s in her final semester at Belmont University, took over Dewey’s former position … Publicist Jessica Nall joined Jonesworks, where her country clients include Zac Brown Band, Drake Milligan and Adam Doleac. She formerly was Atlantic director of press and media strategy … Paquin Artists Agency, a booking firm focused on Canadian country acts, hired agent/talent buyer Paul Biro, formerly president/operating partner at Sakamoto.
Killphonic Rights launched a dedicated label division, led by CEO Caleb Shreve and co-head of A&R Syd Butler. This follows the company’s executive expansion and a $3 million investment from Stilwell Creative Capital in 2024. The label’s first release, Heart Of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young, is set for April 25. Butler emphasized the label’s “artist-first” approach, highlighting the team’s industry experience and commitment to artist development. He stressed the importance of community and fair profit sharing, aiming to provide essential support at a time in the industry when it’s being abandoned. We believe artists need a community and a label that has their back as they navigate their future in this business.”
ATC Live has two key staffing updates. Lucy Atkinson joins as a new agent from Earth Agency, bringing her 30-strong roster, including Sega Bodega, Alice Glass and Erika de Casier, to boost the live booking agency’s electronic music prowess. Known for her forward-leaning approach, Atkinson has secured high-profile brand collaborations, such as Deijuvhs for Versace Jeans Couture and Ecco2k with Bella Hadid for Marc Jacobs eyewear, among others. Additionally, Alice Hogg was promoted to head of tour marketing, a new role aimed at integrating tour marketing services within ATC Live. This move will strengthen the London-based company’s approach to live campaigns, focusing on cohesive fan engagement and marketing strategies. Hogg, who joined ATC Live in 2020, has 15 years of experience in the live music industry and has worked with artists like Black Pumas and Aaron Frazer. Her roster will continue to be represented by ATC Live.
Raw Power Management, which like ATC Live is part of the ATC Group, bumped-up Dan Brown to the newly created role of head of A&R. A key figure on the senior management team for over a decade, Brown is currently managing You Me At Six’s farewell tour. In his new position, he will lead talent acquisition, focusing on expanding Raw Power’s diverse roster and signing new acts. The company represents artists like Bring Me The Horizon, Bullet For My Valentine, Jordan Adetunji and Heartworms.
ICYMI:
Jodi Dawes
REPUBLIC Collective announced a big stack of promotions across various departments … Warner Chappell Music elevated Gabz Landman to senior vp of A&R … Fox veteran Nick Terranova joined Dick Clark Productions as its new senior vp of brand partnerships … Ole Obermann is out as TikTok’s global head of music business development … Publicity pro Jodi Dawes landed at Big Machine Label Group … and AEG Presents elevated Andrew Klein to lead its global partnerships division. [Keep Reading]
Last Week’s Turntable: Syracuse Grads Band Together for New Advisory Board