atlantic
Cara Donatto has been appointed executive vp of media strategy for Atlantic Music Group (AMG). In her new role, the Los Angeles-based music industry veteran will oversee publicity and communications strategy and execution as she collaborates with artists across the company’s roster and label brands.
The new appointment reunites Donatto with her former alma mater. Prior to her most recent post as executive vp, head of media strategy & communications at Interscope Geffen A&M since 2019, Donatto served as Atlantic’s senior vp of publicity.
In an announcement release, Atlantic Music Group CEO Elliot Grainge said, “Cara is one of the most experienced, impactful and well-liked people in our business. Over the past two decades, she’s played an essential role in the long-term development of a string of chart-topping artists, while building invaluable relationships at every level of the music and media community. I’m pleased to welcome her to our new Atlantic leadership team, and I know her many friends at the label are very happy to have her back.”
Trending on Billboard
“I’m incredibly excited to return to Atlantic Music Group as the company begins a dynamic new chapter,” stated Donatto. “I’m thrilled to reunite with so many amazing artists I’ve worked with previously, as well as help build the careers of the label’s fantastic new signings and collaborate with the AMG team. I want to thank Elliot for this wonderful opportunity. This feels very much like both a homecoming and a brand new adventure.”
Among the acts on AMG’s roster are Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Coldplay, Charli XCX, Ed Sheeran, Lizzo and Rosé. Mars, in addition to Janelle Monáe and Missy Elliott, were among the various artists that Donatto worked with during her earlier Atlantic tenure.
During her five years at Interscope Geffen A&M, Donatto oversaw media strategy for a roster that included Billie Eilish, Dr. Dre, GloRilla, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Reneé Rapp and Olivia Rodrigo. She also supervised the company’s Grammy and Oscar Awards strategy and campaigns. Before starting her first tenure with Atlantic, Donatto was director of media & artist relations at Island Def Jam Records. Before that, she served as manager of publicity for Vibe and Spin.
BRISBANE, Australia — Three-piece Australian pop outfit Blusher is the latest signing to Atlantic Records, Billboard can exclusively reveal.
Hailing from Melbourne and formed in 2021, Blusher made all the right noises with their debut, the independently-released “Softly Spoken.”
The 2022 tune, a slice of euphoric pop, got support from national youth network Triple J and its Unearthed sister station, and it’s edging towards one million plays on Spotify, where it landed on several playlists, including New Pop Picks and Fresh Finds.
Carrie West, Atlantic senior director of A&R, admits she was “blown away” when she caught the band live. “Blusher embodies the next generation of empowered female artists – a self-contained force of nature who write and produce all of their music,” she comments, lauding their “riveting” stagecraft.
“I look forward to standing alongside them as we continue to channel that irresistible creativity and energy into great records for a global audience.”
Atlantic Records chairman & CEO Craig Kallman welcomes the group into the “Atlantic family.”
They’re among “those rare artists that you know from day one are destined for the world stage, and we’re proud to give this amazing trio the platform to amplify their unique voices and bring their personal visions to life on a global scale,” Kallman notes in a statement.
“From their voracious appetite for creation to their fastidious work ethic, they’re everything we look for in an Atlantic artist.”
Blusher’s career is guided by Powerhouse Management’s Jamie-Rose Fowler (George Alice, Japanese Wallpaper, INXS, ex-YUNGBLUD) and Charlotte Ried (Polish Club, Gretta Ray, Matt Corby, ex-Vera Blue).
The new Atlantic signing is comprised of Miranda Ward, Lauren Coutts and Jade Ingvarson-Favretto, all solo artists before forming the act during the pandemic.
They produce and write together, share vocals on many of their songs and swap instruments during live outings, which have included showcases at the Bigsound conference in Brisbane.
“We’re happy to partner with (Warner Music Australasian president) Dan Rosen and the entire Warner Australia crew to give Blusher the launching pad for what we have no doubt will be a long and successful career,” adds Atlantic’s Kallman.
To celebrate their introduction to major label-world, the trio today (Feb. 24) releases “Dead End,” just their second single — and first with Atlantic.
It’s a crystal-clear pop experience with a chewy bassline and dreamy melodies.
Stream “Dead End” and watch the official music video below.
-
Pages