Roc Nation, the powerhouse management-label-publishing firm co-founded by Jay-Z, has announced that it will merge its Roc Nation Label and Equity Distribution divisions to form Roc Nation distribution, a platform and destination for artists, “led by the artist’s needs, interest and focus,” according to the announcement.
Led by president Krystian Santini, the distribution wing was founded in 2019 essentially as an artist services division for artists who retain ownership of their masters, and includes such functions as marketing, publishing administration and data analytics. As part of the move, Shari Bryant, co-president of Roc Nation’s record label, has stepped down from her post.
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+ Secretly Distribution has announced a worldwide distribution deal with Oh Boy Records.
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Founded in 1981 by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter John Prine, Oh Boy Records won the A2IM Libera Award in 2022 for small record label of the year. Oh Boy’s catalog features albums from Prine, including 2018’s “The Tree of Forgiveness,” as well as Kelsey Waldon, Swamp Dogg, Alice Randall’s “My Black Country,” Arlo McKinley, Emily Scott Robinson, and Tré Burt.
Upcoming releases from core Oh Boy artist Dan Reeder, whose new album “Smithereens” will be out in October, and recent signing Palmyra, will be among the first new Oh Boy titles to be handled by SD’s global team and distribution network.
“Oh Boy is thrilled to be able to join Secretly Distribution at this time of growth and expansion for both companies,” said Jody Whelan, managing partner of Oh Boy Records. “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.”
+ As part of the 25th anniversary of the Latin Grammys, the Latin Recording Academy has announced a lineup of exhibits to take place across 2024. The Academy has tapped the following locations: the Paley Museum in New York City, the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, and the Gary Nader Art Centre in Miami.
“For 25 years we have had the immense privilege of celebrating excellence in Latin music, accompanying our music creators in their successes worldwide. These exhibits are a magnificent opportunity to bring the magic of the Latin Grammys to the public,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy. “We invite all music lovers to join us in New York City, Los Angeles and Miami to enjoy these exhibits, which are filled with unforgettable moments and important achievements that have marked our history.”
Exhibit details are as follows:
- Sept. 13 – Nov. 3 – The Paley Museum, New York City – The Latin Grammys kick-off exhibit at the Paley Museum unfolds its remarkable 25-year history of Latin music and celebrates the vibrant cultural tapestry that has shaped the awards show into a global phenomenon. Visitors will marvel at priceless artifacts, glamorous costumes, and iconic instruments from music superstars such as Latin Grammy and Grammy winners Ricky Martin, Rosalía, Carlos Santana and Shakira—as well as celebrated New Yorkers like Latin Grammy and Grammy winners Celia Cruz and Ruben Blades—whose influence has left a lasting mark on the world of music. The exhibit will feature some of the most unforgettable moments from the Latin Grammy Awards telecast, chronicle the show’s incredible evolution, and showcase why Latin music has become such an integral part of our culture.
- Sept. 19 – Dec. 18 – Grammy Museum, Los Angeles – Hosted on the 2nd floor of the Grammy Museum as part of its permanent Latin Music Gallery, this exhibit will expand upon its extensive Latin aisle, featuring artifacts from Latin global superstars such as Shakira, Carlos Santana, Karol G, and Rosalía, among others. The exhibit will explore the last 25 years of Latin Grammy history, as well as the rich landscape of musical genres and cultures that have graced their stage. At the root of the exhibit is an understanding that Latin music has transformed into a massively successful commercial force in the international music landscape over the last quarter-century, with the Latin GRAMMYs playing a key role in its global development. The exhibit will also survey the history of the institution and its most important moments, while also illustrating Latin music’s creative complexity and enduring cultural impact.
- Sept. 26 – Dec. 20 – Gary Nader Art Centre, Miami – Miami will host a first-of-its-kind collection of 25 years of Latin Grammy official art, featuring original paintings by renowned artists including Romero Britto, Walter Goldfarb, Michael V. Rios—who also designed the cover of Carlos Santana’s multi-Grammy-winning album Supernatural—and Patssi Valdez, among others. From mixed media to collage, murals and oil paintings, the collection includes renowned visual artists from several countries. In addition, the Brazilian muralist Aline Bispo, the official artist for the 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, will unveil a new piece to inaugurate the festivities.
+ New Zealand-born, Los Angeles-based artist Alisa Xayalith has signed with Vancouver-based label Nettwerk (Kacy Hill, Miya Folick). Xayalith will be releasing a new single called “Boys & Guitars” on Sept. 20, her second behind “Roses” — her debut release under the label.
Xayalith was a founding vocalist of the 2010s synth-pop act, the Naked and Famous, whose hits included “Young Blood” and “Punching In A Dream.”
+ HarbourView Equity Partners (HarbourView) has partnered with Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Noel Zancanella to purchase a select number of his producer income streams and music publishing assets.
Zancanella has been a longstanding creative partner of OneRepublic’s frontman Ryan Tedder, and has additionally collaborated with Maroon 5, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Adele and the Smashing Pumpkins, among others.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Tuesday, August 13
BMI will recognize John Oates with the Troubadour award at the publisher’s invitation-only event on Sept. 16 in Nashville.
“John Oates has enriched Nashville and its music scene with his special blend of soulful storytelling and guitar playing,” said Nashville’s Vice President of Creative, Clay Bradley. “His influence has elevated our community to be more accepting and open to all genres of music. We are proud to honor him as this year’s BMI Troubadour.”
Oates was previously named a BMI Icon after achieving 10 BMI Pop Awards and 30 BMI Million-Air awards for his work as a member of Hall & Oates. The duo are also inductees for the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The upcoming ceremony event will include performances and commemorative speeches by special guests during a cocktail reception and dinner. Oates joins the ranks of past Troubadour Award recipients, including Billy Gibbons, John Hiatt, John Prine, Robert Earl Keen, and Lucinda Williams.
+ Tape Room Music and Warner Chappell Music have partnered to sign Ben Williams in an exclusive global publishing deal.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be joining forces with Tape Room and Warner Chappell,” Williams said. “I’m so excited to work alongside my close friends Caroline and Benji and have some of the best people and best teams in my corner! Thank you to Ashley Gorley and Blain Rhodes for taking me under your wings and gearing up for what’s next as well as Ben Vaughn, Spencer Nohe and everybody at Warner Chappell who’s believed in me along the way! So excited to see what the future brings!”
Williams’ first No. 1 on country radio with Megan Moroney’s “Tennessee Orange,” which was nominated for CMA, ACM and People’s Choice Country Awards Song of the Year.
“Ben is everything you could look for in a writer: talented, driven, and all around a great person,” added Caroline Hodson, director of A&R for Tape Room Music. “He’s proven himself to be a staple in the Nashville community as a writer and a friend to many. We’re stoked to team up with Warner Chappell and couldn’t be happier to welcome Ben to the Tape Room family!”
Tape Room Music was founded by Ashley Gorley (who was honored as a Variety Hitmaker in 2023) in 2011.
+ Katharine McPhee has signed an exclusive label deal with the Nashville-based record company, Melody Place.
McPhee said of the signing, “I’m excited and happy to get back into the studio and record some new music, especially in Nashville, where I had such a great experience. I’m a little overwhelmed making my Opry debut during their 99th year celebration, but it’s going to be fun!”
McPhee recently starred in both the U.S. and U.K. productions of the Broadway show “Waitress” and also starred in the Netflix’s “Country Comfort.” With new music slated for early 2025, McPhee will make her debut at the Grand Ole Opry on Oct. 12.
+ Liberia-born, Tennessee-based artist Mon Rovîa has signed to Nettwerk Music Group. The announcement was made ahead of the release of his new single, “crooked the road,” due out Aug. 23.
Mon Rovîa made his festival debut at Bonnaroo earlier this summer, and is confirmed for Austin City Limits this fall. The Afro Appalachian folk artist recently wrapped a June tour with Gregory Alan Isakov, and has previously supported Josiah and the Bonnevilles.
Monday, Aug. 12
Warner Chappell Music has promoted David Goldsen to senior vice president of A&R for North American regions A&R.
Goldsen, who is based in Los Angeles, will continue to work with Ryan Press, president of North America for WCM, to sign and develop songwriters and artists. He will additionally help with leadership efforts for the North American A&R department and remain involved in international markets, overseeing the publisher’s A&R efforts in Australia, and working with local talent.
“I joined the Warner Chappell A&R department over a decade ago, and it has given me so many opportunities to grow into this expanding role, all while staying true to writer and artist development,” said Goldsen. “I’m very lucky and proud to get to work with the best writers and artists and look forward to continuing to build on the fantastic development we’ve seen recently. Thank you to Ryan [Press], Guy [Moot], and Carianne [Marshall] for their unwavering support and vision throughout the years.”
Goldsen joined Warner Chappell in 2009 and has spent more than a decade signing and developing songwriters and artists from all around the world. This past year, he signed Zach Bryan, Teddy Swims, Laufey and the Red Clay Strays, among others.
“David has consistently proven his natural ability to discover and sign top talent,” Press added. “He has steadily built a star-studded roster, and in the past year alone, has brought in many of the artists and songwriters leading today’s charts. I’ve had the opportunity to work with him for over 15 years, and I’m proud of everything he’s accomplished on our team as an A&R executive and inspiring leader.”
+ UMG Nashville has partnered with Timbaland’s Mosley Music, a record label launched by the hitmaker producer in 2006.
According to a press release, “the entities are actively exploring rising talent and new discoveries in the music space.”
“Over the past year, we have been working with Timbaland on the shared goal of developing great artists together as well as bridging the gaps in sound and culture in country music,” said UMGN Chair and CEO, Cindy Mabe. “I am so happy to finally announce our collaboration with Mosley Music on the heels of his prestigious induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Timbaland is one of the most iconic producers, songwriters, and artists in the last 30 years, merging genres and opening the doors to magnify cultural impact across genres.”
Timbaland adds, “I’ve been aligned with Universal Music Group the majority of my career as an artist and with my label Mosley Music, so UMG Nashville felt like the right place to partner for us in Country. I love their mission of taking chances on special artists to meet culture. Cindy, Chelsea, Charlene, Rob, Lori, Mike, and the rest of the team at UMG Nashville understand our vision and I know will be a great partner for us to continue to break artists.”
+ Prescription Songs has added atlgrandma to its roster of artists. In a special partnership with Hazheart Music, the Los Angeles-based songwriter and producer was signed into the company by Prescription Songs A&Rs Nick Guilmette and Shari Fitch.
Atlgrandma (born Liam Hall) blends rock, rap, pop and dance music, creating a distinct style that caught the attention of collaborators Willow, Izzy Spears and ericdoa, among others.
Prior to planting roots in Los Angeles, atlgrandma lived in the suburbs of Atlanta, where his family had resettled after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina. On Aug. 9, atlgrandma released the single “Nightmare Blunt Rotation.”
