Music Industry Announces Wave of High-Level Executives and Talent Deals

Singer-songwriter Jackson Wang has signed with WME for representation. The move comes as Wang promotes his new single and music video, "Thank You," in an Apple campaign. Wang's 2019 debut album, "Mirrors," was the first by a solo Chinese artist to enter the Billboard Top 200. He 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. Wang remains with Team Wang Records and Roc Nation.

Position Music has signed the Grammy-winning group Arkai to a joint venture label deal with Lindsey Stirling's label, LindseyStomp. The deal was facilitated by Position Music A&R executive Jake Versluis. Arkai, described as a blend of Hans Zimmer and 2Cellos, consists of Juilliard graduates who have worked on projects including the Emmy Awards and the NBA Finals. Stirling said the group represents bold artistry and fearless creativity. She noted that she could not imagine better partners than Position Music to build a home for visionary artists.

Empire announced two senior appointments in its New York office. Leesa Brunson-Boland will serve as Senior Vice President of A&R Operations. She previously held the same title at 300 Entertainment after nearly two decades at Def Jam Recordings, where she worked with artists including Rihanna, Jay-Z, and Justin Bieber. Bina Fronda will join as Senior Vice President of Marketing. Fronda comes from Ultra Records, where she was VP of Marketing and worked with Steve Aoki and Sofi Tukker.

British singer-songwriter Danny Griffiths has signed with Glassnote Records and released his debut single, "Lightweight Champion." The song gained traction after being shared in demo form on social media. Griffiths is represented by Prolifica Management and Solo Agency Limited. Glassnote founder Daniel Glass said the passionate response from audiences confirmed that Griffiths belonged with the label. Glass noted that many industry figures requested the song before its official release.

Create Music Group has named Hayley Silvertown Chief Legal and Business Affairs Officer. Based at the company's Hollywood headquarters, Silvertown will oversee legal and business affairs functions. She will partner with the executive team on strategic transactions and investments. Silvertown joins from Paul Hastings, where she was Of Counsel. Her prior experience includes roles at Willkie Farr & Gallagher, Shepard Mullin Richter and Hampton, ICM, and Warner Chappell music publishing.

Nebula17, a Los Angeles-based music and creative company founded by Naoki Osada, has expanded its executive team. Daniel Hong joins as Chief Operating Officer and will lead the company's international division. Hong previously served as CEO of YG USA and COO of JYP USA, working with acts including Blackpink and Stray Kids. The company also hired Martha Blair Reynolds as Senior Director of Marketing and René Mark as Director of Digital. Other new hires include Natalie Walsh, Harukaze Wakabayashi, Zac Cruz, and Oscar Cornejo.

Nebula17 has added three creators to its U.S. publishing roster: Oh Gosh Leotus, Hydra, and Xansei. The company has also signed New York-based artist and producer Hojean to its label. Additionally, Nebula17 entered into a global distribution partnership with the Orchard. These moves expand the company's publishing and label operations.

Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment has hired Joe Giordano Jr. as Senior Vice President of Entertainment Booking. Giordano will oversee booking for venues including the Prudential Center in Newark and Loew's Jersey Theatre in Jersey City. He previously served as VP of Stadium, Arena and Theater Alliances at Oak View Group and spent nearly a decade at ASM Global. Sean Saadeh, Chief Programming Officer at HBSE, said Giordano has a rare ability to pair creative vision with talent spotting.

Oak View Group announced a new agreement with Independent Artist Group to work with the agency's music and comedy touring artists. The deal allows OVG to make touring assets from IAG artists available to its brand partners for promotional opportunities. Operating as an independent contractor, OVG will provide sponsorship and partnership services to IAG artists. Dan Griffis, President of Global Partnerships at OVG, stated that music is a natural fit for the company. Jarred Arfa and Peter Pappalaordo of IAG said the partnership will enhance the marketability of their artists.