Singer-songwriter Jackson Wang has signed with WME for representation. Wang, who is currently starring in an Apple campaign for his new single and music video “Thank You,” has a history of notable achievements. His 2019 debut album, “Mirrors,” became the first album by a solo Chinese artist to reach the Billboard Top 200. His career includes collaborations with artists such as Ciara, Swae Lee, Major Lazer, and Gucci Mane. Wang has headlined the Kia Forum in Los Angeles and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and in 2022, he became the first Chinese solo artist to perform on the main stage at Coachella. He will continue to be represented by Roc Nation and Team Wang Records in addition to WME.
Position Music has signed the Grammy-winning group Arkai to a JV label deal with Lindsey Stirling’s label, LindseyStomp. The deal was facilitated through Position Music A&R, Jake Versluis. Described as “Hans Zimmer meets 2Cellos,” the Juilliard graduates have performed at the Emmy Awards, the Grammy Museum, and the NBA Finals. Lindsey Stirling stated that Arkai represents “bold artistry, fearless creativity, and a willingness to push beyond the boundaries of genre,” adding that she could not imagine better partners than Position Music to help build a home for visionary artists.
Empire has appointed two senior roles in its New York office: Leesa Brunson-Boland as Senior Vice President, A&R Operations, and Bina Fronda as Senior Vice President, Marketing. Brunson previously served as Head of A&R Operations at 300 Entertainment after nearly two decades at Def Jam Recordings, where she worked with Rihanna, Jay-Z, Justin Bieber, and Teyana Taylor. Fronda joins from Ultra Records, where she was VP of Marketing for artists including Steve Aoki, Sofi Tukker, and Benny Benassi.
British singer-songwriter Danny Griffiths has signed with Glassnote Records and released his debut single, “Lightweight Champion.” The song had previously been shared in demo form on social media. Glassnote founder Daniel Glass said the company knew Griffiths belonged with them after witnessing the passionate response from audiences at his performances. Glass noted it was a dream to have respected industry people requesting a song that had not yet been released. Griffiths is represented by Prolifica Management and Solo Agency Limited.
Create Music Group has appointed Hayley Silvertown as Chief Legal and Business Affairs Officer at its Hollywood headquarters. Silvertown will oversee legal and business affairs and work with the executive team on strategic transactions, investments, and partnerships. She joins from Paul Hastings, where she was Of Counsel, and previously held roles at Willkie Farr & Gallagher, Shepard Mullin Richter and Hampton, as well as business affairs departments at ICM and Warner Chappell music publishing.
Nebula17, the Los Angeles-based company founded by former Avex USA CEO Naoki Osada, announced a major expansion of its executive team, publishing roster, label operations, and international initiatives. Daniel Hong joins as Chief Operating Officer to work with Osada on strategy and growth while leading the international division; Hong previously served as CEO of YG USA and COO of JYP USA. Other new hires include Martha Blair Reynolds as Senior Director of Marketing, René Mark as Director of Digital, Natalie Walsh as Director of A&R, Harukaze Wakabayashi as Senior Manager, International, Zac Cruz as A&R / Marketing Manager, and Oscar Cornejo as Head Engineer. Nebula17 also added creators Oh Gosh Leotus, Hydra, and Xansei to its U.S. publishing roster and signed New York-based artist Hojean to its label. The company also entered into a global distribution partnership with The Orchard.
Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) hired Joe Giordano Jr. as Senior Vice President of Entertainment Booking. Giordano will oversee booking for properties including the Prudential Center in Newark and Loew’s Jersey Theatre in Jersey City. Sean Saadeh, Chief Programming Officer and Head of Entertainment at HBSE, stated that Giordano’s experience in building relationships and attracting major touring acts will be a "tremendous asset." Giordano previously worked for Oak View Group and spent nearly a decade with ASM Global (Legends).
Oak View Group (OVG) announced a new agreement with Independent Artist Group (IAG) to work with the agency’s music and comedy touring artists. The deal allows OVG to make IAG touring and music assets available to OVG brand partners for promotional opportunities through its sponsorship network. OVG will act as an independent contractor to provide sponsorship and partnership services for IAG booked tours. Dan Griffis, President, Global Partnerships at OVG, stated that music is a "natural fit" for the company. IAG executives Jarred Arfa and Peter Pappalaordo stated that the deal will enhance the relationship and help further the marketability of their artists.
