According to the official release, “By merging these divisions, blending the business and recreating the formula, ROC Nation Distribution will sign up any artist at any time to allow creatives to avail themselves of technology, music business expertise, and freedom. ROC Nation Distribution is a hybrid offering a unique blend of services. Artists who partner with ROC Nation Distribution are independent, retain ownership of their masters, and maintain creative control of their art. Artists also receive data analytics from a proprietary dashboard and have the ability to opt into various services across the company. We will sign all artists in all genres around the world.”

The release adds, “Roc Nation was founded with an independent spirit and an artist-first mentality. The formation of ROC Nation Distribution is a natural transition in the music space. The mission is to support and empower independent artists while providing them the tools and services to distribute their music. All artists signed to Roc Nation Label will join and benefit from the new ROC Nation Distribution structure.”

Equity Distribution, established in 2019 under the leadership of president Krystian Santini, has worked with independent artists who wish to retain ownership of their masters. The platform offers a range of services, including in-house marketing and publishing administration. Notable collaborations include work with artists like Mach-Hommy and Tinashe and bringing Jay-Z’s 1996 debut album Reasonable Doubt to streaming services in 2019.

Billboard reports that as part of the merger, Shari Bryant has stepped down as co-president of Roc Nation’s record label.

Bryant shared her farewell on Instagram, reflecting on her journey with Roc Nation. “From where it started (sitting in my cubicle @ Rocafella Records), to ending my 5-year tenure as Co-President of RocNation Label. It’s bittersweet, but as I often say, you have to Do It Scared. Onward and upward, and as always…More To Come,” she wrote.

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VanderWaal first gained notoriety by winning America’s Got Talent at the age of 12 as a quirky singer-songwriter with an unmistakable voice. Now, at 20, she is moving beyond her child-star image and reintroducing herself as the mature artist she has become. Her new single, “Call It What You Want,” will be released on August 16, and her album will be forthcoming in Spring 2025.

Entering a new era as an artist reclaiming her voice and creative control, VanderWaal is back with a distinct point of view in today’s pop landscape. Her first two-song release comes just ahead of her appearance in Francis Ford Coppola’s star-laden film Megalopolis, set to be released on September 27. Leading up to the movie’s premiere, she has been finishing her upcoming album recently. The sonic direction of her new album is inspired by indie artists and projects that she loves, such as “Melodrama” by Lorde, Girl in Red, and Suki Waterhouse.

Calhoun commented: “We look to sign artists who can impact people’s lives, and we can empower artists to do so. Grace has already well proven her ability to connect with fans. In this next chapter of her career trajectory, we are focused on channeling her voice and vision to take things to the next level for her fans and introduce her to new audiences. We are so excited to be working with Grace and the Raw Material team.”

Cutler commented: “When we first launched PULSE Records, we set out to change the way things are done. As a company founded by musicians and producers, we want artists to be treated and respected for their vision and to be able to do that in a nurturing and authentic way to who they are and what works best for them. Then, we go to work to create that roadmap. Grace is an incredibly talented artist, and we know this next chapter will be exciting as we work together to introduce her new music.”

VanderWaal commented: “I’m very excited about this next chapter and feel confident that PULSE Records and I are going to create so much magic.”

Brad Cohen, artist management at Raw Material, commented: “Grace is beyond talented; a genius if you will, and paired with the incredible team at PULSE Records, you can expect to see a lot of Grace VanderWaal over the next years to come.”

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Under the terms of the deal, Secretly will distribute Oh Boy’s catalog, including albums from the Grammy-winning Prine such as his 2018 release The Tree of Forgiveness, as well as Kelsey Waldon, Swamp Dogg, Alice Randall’s My Black Country, the musical companion to Randall’s book of the same name.

Upcoming releases include music from Oh Boy artist Dan Reeder, whose new album Smithereens will be out in October, and recent signing Palmyra.

Oh Boy Records is one of the oldest indie labels in the U.S. after it’s founding by John Prine in 1981 after the expiration of his major label deal.

“Oh Boy is thrilled to be able to join Secretly Distribution at this time of growth and expansion for both companies. We’ve long been fans of the artists they work with, but in getting to know their team it also quickly became clear that Secretly holds dear the same independent values; the values that have fueled Oh Boy since its inception in 1981, and have seen Secretly Distribution build a truly independent global distribution network. We are honored to be represented by this excellent company and are excited to celebrate our collaboration in Nashville in September during AmericanaFest,” said Jody Whelan, Managing Partner.

“SD has been fans of Oh Boy for so long – I have John Prine LPs that I swiped from my mom’s collection decades ago. They are a truly iconic American independent label – founded by artists, for artists looking for a sustainable way to release music outside of the major label system – and when I met Jody and Fiona it was clear immediately that their ethos perfectly aligns with what we strive for at SD. Oh Boy is a cornerstone of the vibrant Nashville scene, and we could not be more thrilled to work with them on both their incredible catalog and their current roster of next generation folk, country and blues artists,” added Josh Madell, Director of Artist & Label Strategy, Secretly Distribution.

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As part of the expanded partnership, Meta and UMG will continue to work together to address unauthorized AI-generated content on Meta’s social media platforms.

The expanded deal continues an agreement that was first reached in 2017 when UMG became the first of the major label groups to license its recorded music and music publishing catalogs across Facebook’s platforms and making Meta the first major social media company the first to become a fully licensed partner with UMG.

Since establishing the deal, the two companies have worked closely to develop and explore new content delivery channels across the Meta ecosystem, including Facebook, Instagram, and Meta’s virtual reality offerings, including User Generated Content (UGC), live streaming, short-form video content and other Meta products.

“We are thrilled to announce our renewal with Universal Music Group, and Universal Music Publishing Group, both of whom are innovators for music on social media, especially with regard to Meta’s family of apps. This partnership builds on the recognition that music can help connect us and bring fans, artists, and songwriters closer together, not only on established platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, but also in new ways on WhatsApp, and more. We’re extremely grateful to the Universal team, and look forward to growing our partnership in the future,” stated Tamara Hrivnak, VP Music and Content Business Development at Meta.

“Since our landmark 2017 agreement, Meta has consistently demonstrated its commitment to artists and songwriters by helping to amplify the importance music holds across its global network of engaged communities and platforms, creating new opportunities and applications where music amplifies and leads engagement and conversations,” added Michael Nash, Chief Digital Officer & EVP, Universal Music Group. “We are delighted that Meta shares our artist-centric vision for respecting human creativity and compensating artists and songwriters fairly. We look forward to continuing to work together to address unauthorized AI-generated content that could affect artists and songwriters, so that UMG can continue to protect their rights both now and in the future.”

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Double P Records, launched in April 2023 in collaboration with Prajin Parlay Inc., features a roster of songwriters, including Pluma, Jasiel Nunez, Estevan Plazola, and Jesús Roberto Laija García (Tito Double P) under Prajin Music Publishing. Pluma, who has 52 million monthly listeners on Spotify, made history as the first Mexican artist to top the Daily Top Artists Mexico chart. His previous album, Génesis, earned him a Grammy win for Best Música Mexicana Album in 2024.

“We are looking forward to joining forces with Downtown and continuing to grow our partnership,” said George Prajin. “I am confident that together we are going to do great things.”

DMP’s chief commercial officer, Jedd Katrancha, added, “Peso Pluma’s exceptional rise to fame is of great importance to the representation of Música Mexicana artists globally. We’re honored to provide Double P Records with the services and opportunities Downtown Music Publishing has to offer across its groundbreaking catalog.”

The announcement aligns with a period of significant growth for Downtown in Latin music and Música Mexicana, highlighted by over 30 Latin Grammy nominations in 2023 for clients across the group.

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The promotions include Emily Dashiell, who was named Senior Vice President of Commercial Partnerships, Jeff Gunkel, who was elevated to the role of Senior Vice President of Market Development, and Carlos Monnaco who has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Finance.

“We are thrilled to share the exciting news of Emily Dashiell, Jeff Gunkel and Carlos Monnaco’s well-deserved promotions,” share CCMG Co-Presidents Brad O’Donnell and Hudson Plachy. “Their commitment to the company and their teams has been instrumental in our success and in our relationships with our artists and writers. We know that they will continue to do great things in their expanded roles.”

Dashiell, CCMG’s former VP, Marketing & Commercial Partnerships, will oversee revenue strategies across the label’s portfolio. She will also focus on partner activations with DSPs and facilitate the label business across global distribution, eCommerce/D2C, catalog marketing, streaming and playlisting strategy.

“I am incredibly honored to step into my expanded role at Capitol CMG! I want to thank Hudson Plachy and Brad O’Donnell for their continued leadership and support,” Dashiell stated. “The future of Christian & Gospel music is robust – and I’m eager to help drive new commercial strategy, bespoke innovation, and accelerated growth for our talented roster of artists.”

Jeff Gunkel, who most recently served as VP, Market Development, will oversee the areas of market development and digital rights, as well as Re:Think Records, a label he helped to relaunch in 2018. He first joined CCMG in 2004 and spent the first fourteen years at the company focused on music publishing.

“I am honored and excited to step into this new role,” Gunkel says. “Christian music has a vibrant future that will be built by artists paving new paths outside traditional industry landscapes. Re:Think is committed to constant evolution, setting its sights on how to meet the needs of artists by growing their reach to impact future generations.”

Carlos Monnaco’s new role will see his portfolio expand to include financial planning and analysis, royalty accounting and IT. He previously served as VP, Finance, and has spent almost two decades as part of the CCMG team.

“Having served in the music industry for many years now, this opportunity to help steward the legacy of our artists and writers is both humbling and exciting,” Monnaco shares. “I’m grateful to both Hudson and Brad and look forward to keep supporting our creative community as they continue to bring an uplifting message to a worldwide audience.”

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According to Sony’s financial filings, the company’s music segment saw overall revenue increased by 89 billion yen, (approximately $568m USD), up by 23% year-over year, while operating income grew by 24.7% to 73 billion yen during the quarter.

Sony’s recorded music division generated earnings of 164.8 billion yen from streaming, an increase of 19.27% year-over-year and an additional 72.8 billion yen (40.78% year-over-year) from physical media and digital download, as well as revenue from artists’ live performances, merchandising, and license revenue.

Revenue from Music publishing expanded for Sony as well during the 1st quarter of 2024, growing by 28.67% to 96.6 billion yen.

Additionally, Sony saw increases in adjusted operating income as well, with music operations accounting for 107.7 billion yen, up by 24.7% year-over-year.

Impactful releases for Sony during the quarter included Beyoncé’s country music venture, Cowboy Cater, and SZA’s SOS.

As part of the release, Sony raised its projections for revenue and profits for the remainder of the year.

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Daniell joined Defected in 2004 and worked his way up from intern and resident DJ to A&R manager before leaving in 2019. While at Defected, he was instrumental in signing major records such as Storm Queen’s Look Right Through, CamelPhat & Elderbrook’s Grammy-nominated Cola and more. He left for the Warner dance label imprint FFRR in 2019, where he led the label within Parlophone, signing acts like Diplo and contributing to campaigns for artists including David Guetta, Bebe Rexha, and Kenya Grace.

Saunders expressed his confidence, “In this new role, Andy Daniell will oversee the entirety of our musical output, from signing new artists to nurturing the development of our current roster, ultimately securing their futures through recordings, publishing and catalog management. Those aspects of business are at the core of what we do at Defected, and with Andy’s experience, I do not doubt that he is the best at what he does. I’m very excited for this new chapter for Defected and for dance music”.

Daniell shared his excitement about returning to Defected, saying, “Defected” was my home for 14 years and where I started out in the industry, so it will always hold a special place in my heart… I’m eager to start reconnecting with our talented artists and teams, some familiar and some new, and begin this exciting new chapter.”

In his new role, Daniell will be responsible for all 26 labels under the Defected umbrella, including Glitterbox, D4 DANCE, DFTD, and Classic Music Company, as well as the Defected Music publishing arm. With three UK No.1 records and six Grammy-nominated songs under his belt, Daniell is set to bring his expertise to the label’s growth and success.

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According to WMG, overall revenue during the quarter dropped by 1% year-over-year to $1.55 billion with revenue from the company’s digital recorded music business weighing on the results.

According to BMG, the results were impacted by the termination of a distribution agreement with BMG which resulted in a $26 million decline in revenue compared to the previous 3Q results.

As a breakout, revenue from recorded music declined to $1.251 billion during the quarter, a 3% decline year-over-year.

Revenue from music publishing was a bright spot for WMG during the quarter, growing by 8% year-over-year to 305 million during the third quarter.

Net income rose by 14% to $141 million during the third quarter of 2024. WMG attributed the results to the impacts of savings from a major reorganization plan along with the retirement of debt in the previous quarter and lower income tax expenses due to shifting exchange rates.

Basic and Diluted earnings per share were $0.27 for both the Class A and Class B shareholders due to the net income attributable to the Company in the quarter of $141 million.

“Our strong subscription streaming growth in Q3 was driven by the performance of our music and healthy industry trends,” said Robert Kyncl, CEO of Warner Music Group. “We’re nurturing the next generation of artists and songwriters, creating fresh impact for our iconic catalog, and working with our partners to increase the value of music. Our commitment to long-term artist development, combined with a flatter structure in recorded music, will enable us to super-serve talent and set WMG up for sustained future growth.”

“Our Q3 results were highlighted by strong margin expansion and operating cash flow growth, reflecting robust streaming performance and disciplined cost management,” added Bryan Castellani, CFO, Warner Music Group. “Looking ahead, we are focused on delivering a strong close to the year. The industry remains healthy and we continue to position ourselves for long-term success.”

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Dobbins, who is based in BMG’s US Copyright & Royalties hub in Nashville, will take on responsibility for the label group’s Copyright and Recorded Music Administration.

In her new role at BMG, Dobbins will report directly to Eric Scott, EVP, Rights Administration and Royalty Services.

Dobbins, who is originally from Canada, has spent majority of the last two decades working in royalty departments in Toronto and Nashville and began her career in copyright & licensing before moving into royalties at Sony Music Entertainment.

In 2015, she joined Big Machine Label Group where she was promoted to Director of Royalty Accounting and Income Analysis before stepping away from the company in 2021.

Before she joined BMG, Dobbins led asset operations for online music royalties trading platform JKBX (Jukebox) and was Director of Royalties at Exactuals.

“Jenn’s extensive expertise, deep knowledge, and proven experience in managing complex rights and royalties will not only streamline our operations but also set a new standard of excellence in how we support and empower artists and stakeholders in an ever-evolving landscape,” stated BMG’s Eric Scott.

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