Delia Orjuela and Ruben Abraham have been appointed co-heads of Warner Music‘s growing música Mexicana division.
Orjuela will steer artist relations and creative projects, while Abraham will concentrate on operations, growth, and dealmaking. Both will jointly lead the division’s overall strategy in the U.S. and Mexico. Based in Los Angeles, Orjuela and Abraham will report directly to Tomas Rodriguez, president of Warner Music Mexico and Central America, with additional oversight from Alejandro Duque, president of Warner Music Latin America.
WMG’s Mexican music roster boasts Los Aptos, Tomas Ballardo, and DannyLux who was named one of Variety‘s Power of Young Hollywood honorees earlier this year. Said Orjuela, “I look forward to leading Warner Music’s Música Mexicana division alongside my colleague Ruben Abraham. Together, we will build on the foundation that has been established to help take Mexican artists and music to new heights. I want to spend more time with our performers, while driving innovation and creativity to take their music to more audiences around the world.”
Added Abraham: “It’s an honor to help shape the future of Música Mexicana. The growth of Mexican music consumption in Mexico itself and in the U.S. is a big priority for us, and I’m excited to collaborate with Delia to accelerate our artist development and reach. With the teams, tools, and expertise of our network, we have an incredible opportunity to amplify Mexican music worldwide.”
+ Agnes Bliah has been promoted to director of music industry operations, reporting to Deezer‘s COO, Gitte Bendzulla, where she will handle strategy, positioning and global relations. Agnes will nurture relationships with key players in the industry looking into business events and associations.
Bliah was previously global business development director at Deezer and held roles at Midem where she launched the first executive Women in Music event.
+ Hipgnosis Song Management has tapped Daniel Pounder and Jonathan Baker to join its executive leadership team, with Pounder named chief financial officer, and Baker as general counsel.
Pounder will oversee the finance and investment functions for HSM and the teams that deliver these services to Hipgnosis Songs Fund and Hipgnosis Songs Capital. Baker will be responsible for overseeing the legal aspects of the catalog acquisitions and day-to-day music legal and business affairs carried out on behalf of Hipgnosis Songs Fund and Hipgnosis Songs Capital.
Wednesday, Nov. 8
Island Records has elected Jay Schumer as its new executive vice president/head of marketing and business development. Based out of New York, Schumer will now lead marketing initiatives for the label’s frontline roster and report back to Mike Alexander, GM of Island Records.
Imran Majid and Justin Eshak, co-CEOs of Island Records, made the announcement on Wednesday morning, lauding Schumer as “one of the most creative, experienced, and respected executives in the industry today,” said Eshak. Majid added, “Jay’s ability to foster creativity while executing strategic planning is unmatched in every campaign he touches. Nothing speaks louder than the relationship he has with his artists and the global success they have had.”
Prior to joining Island Records, Schumer worked at Columbia Records, most recently as executive VP/ and co-head of marketing. During that time, he led campaigns for Tyler, The Creator, Miley Cyrus, blink-182, Pharrell, Polo G, AC/DC, Dominic Fike, and more. The role re-unites Schumer with Eshak and Majid whom he worked closely with at Columbia Records.
Schumer’s announcement follows the recent decision by former Head of Marketing, Sharon Timure, to pursue new opportunities after 19 years at the label.
“I’m so appreciative that Imran and Justin have given me this opportunity to be a part of the exciting culture they’re building at Island.” Schumer said. “I couldn’t be more honored to reconnect with them at such an iconic and historic label, shaping the future together. I’m thrilled to be working with an incredible roster of artists, staff and the leadership of Justin, Imran and Mike.”
+ Kobalt has extended its publishing deal with Gunna. The worldwide agreement includes global synch and creative services for all of Gunna’s catalog and future songs.
Originally signed to Kobalt in May 2019, Gunna has one of rap’s top-charting artists in the last decade. He first hit the top 10 with the Lil Baby collaboration “Drip Harder” in 2018, and most recently, earned a top 10 single for 20 consecutive weeks for “fukumean” off of his 2023 record, “A Gift and a Curse.”
“Gunna is a superstar, plain and simple,” said Kobalt CEO Laurent Hubert. “In these past couple of years, he has solidified himself as a one-of-a-kind talent with hit after hit. It’s been incredible to see him attain these musical achievements while at Kobalt. We are honored to continue our partnership with Gunna and his team and look forward to supporting their efforts.”
Jamie Kinelski, Kobalt Music’s senior VP of creative, said: “Since he first came on the scene in 2017, Gunna’s music is a testament to the power of authenticity in hip-hop. Through his unique style he has helped redefine the genre. The entire global team at Kobalt is absolutely thrilled to continue to expand on our relationship with both him & his incredible team.”
“Laurent and the Kobalt team have always understood the importance of partnership, their team took a chance on me very early on in my career,” said Gunna in a statement. “I look forward to the continued relationship with a team who understands my vision.”
+ Alex Wilke has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Position Music. The producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist specializes in piano, keyboard, and string arrangements across the pop, electronic, dance, and singer-songwriter genres. Wilke has released music with Maddie Zahm, Leah Kate, Lexi Jayde, Jake Miller and more.
Wilke joins a Position Music publishing roster that includes Dru “Falconry” DeCaro, KANNER, Jack LaFrantz, John “Feldy” Feldmann, Joe Kearns, Keith Varon, Sam Tinnesz, Yonatan Watts, No Love for the Middle Child, Kyle Reynolds, Krupa, Fantastic Negrito, ¿Téo?, Judah & the Lion, TeaMarrr, and others.
“I first came to know Alex Wilke through his remarkable organic production chops,” said Mike Torres, A&R at Position Music. “After working with him I quickly realized how creatively diverse he is. On any day, Alex can deliver incredible dance tracks, K-Pop pitches, or beautiful songs with just a piano and his singing voice. Alex’s manager Doug DeLuca has a sharp strategic vision, profound industry expertise, and a great ear. I’m excited and grateful to be working with Alex and Doug.”
Wilke is managed by Doug DeLuca of Lineage Music Group.
Tuesday, Nov. 7
Country artist Kane Brown has sold “certain publishing assets” to HarbourView Equity Partners (HarbourView) as part of a new partnership. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“Partnering with someone like Kane who adds such a beautiful texture to the country genre is consistent with who we are as a firm,” said HarbourView CEO Sherrese Clarke Soares. “Kane is a special talent, and we are excited to be on the journey.”
After going viral with his first single “Don’t Go City on Me” in 2014, Brown went on to release multiple hit singles including “What Ifs,” “Homesick,” “Used To Love You Sober,” “Like I Love Country Music,” “Lose It,” “One Thing Right” and “Be Like That.”
“These songs that I’ve written are very meaningful to my fans and my career,” shared Brown who has also collaborated with artists like Khalid, H.E.R., Marshmello, Becky G, John Legend, and Nelly, to name a few. HarbourView recently acquired music assets from Christine McVie (Fleetwood Mac) and Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, along with other country music assets from Florida Georgia Line and Brad Paisley, among others.
Fox Rothschild LLP served as legal counsel to HarbourView in this transaction. Brown was represented by Jess L. Rosen at Greenberg Traurig LLP.
+ Concord Music Publishing has signed country songwriter and producer Aaron Eshuis to a worldwide co-publishing deal, effective immediately. The deal spans a selection of his existing catalog and all future works.
Eshuis has written songs recorded by Rascal Flatts, Joe Nichols, A Thousand Horses, Catie Offerman, Kameron Marlowe, Corey Kent, Cole Swindell, Kylie Morgan, Meghan Patrick, and Mason Ramsey, among many others. In addition to songwriting, Eshuis has production credits on Ryan Hurd’s debut album “Pelago” (2021), and Scotty McCreery’s “Seasons Change” (2018).
+ Alexandra Condon has been appointed the VP of public policy and government affairs at Warner Music Group (WMG). She will act as the music company’s primary point of contact for policymakers in the EU and its member states, as well as the UK and other European countries.
Condon will be based in London and report to Mark Baker, WMG’s senior VP of public policy and government affairs, and will also collaborate closely with senior leaders across the company’s corporate, recorded music and publishing divisions. She previously held roles at PRS for Music, the UK collecting society that represents publishers, songwriters and composers.
Monday, Nov. 6
Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall have jointly launched a new imprint called Big Loud Texas in partnership with Big Loud Records. Both Grammy winners will be directly involved in signing and developing artists on the roster but Randall will additionally serve as president of A&R for Big Loud Texas.
“As a teenager chasing my dreams in the honky-tonks of Texas, Nashville seemed so far away,” said Lambert. “Every time I’m back home I get to hear the incredible talent our state produces, and I feel a responsibility to help get more of those Texas voices heard. I’m really excited to team up with my buddy Jon Randall and Big Loud to do just that. Get ready, y’all – we’re bringing even more Texas to town!”
Big Loud Texas will serve as a dedicated imprint of Big Loud Records, a label home to Morgan Wallen, Lauren Alaina, Hardy, Ernest, Hailey Whitters and MacKenzie Porter, among many others. Though she is not explicitly signed to the imprint, Lambert joins the new venture after leaving Sony Music Nashville, the company she had been with since the beginning of her almost two-decade recording career.
Lambert and Randall notably collaborated on 2021’s “The Marfa Tapes,” which had both artists collaborating with Jack Ingram. Randall also served as a producer alongside Lambert and Luke Dick on her 2022 album, “Palomino.”
“When I was a kid playing in bands and kicking around Texas, I knew that making music was all I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” notes Randall. “Since then, I’ve gotten to play with so many of my heroes produce legends and friends and travel all over the world… but all those roads lead right back home. I feel very blessed to share this full circle moment with one of my best pals, Miranda Lambert, and help some other dreamers chase their song around the world.”
“I’ve admired what Miranda and Jon have done – both as musicians and as champions of young talent – for many years, so it’s an honor to join forces in this way,” added Big Loud CEO and Partner, Seth England. “One of the most important things to us at Big Loud is to align with cultural camaraderie. Texas exudes that spirit and no one knows that better than Miranda and Jon.”
Pictured above (L-R): Joey Moi (Partner / Producer / President of A&R, Big Loud), Austen Adams (COO, Big Loud), Patch Culbertson (SVP / GM, Big Loud Records), Seth England (CEO / Partner, Big Loud), Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, Alena Moran (Manager, Triple 8 Management), Candice Watkins (SVP of Marketing, Big Loud Records), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records), Stacy Blythe (SVP of Radio Promotion, Big Loud Records).
+ Creative Artists Agency (CAA) has signed an agreement to relocate its Nashville office in late 2025 to Nashville Yards’ mixed-use district, being developed by Southwest Value Partners and AEG.
CAA will occupy nearly 75,000 square feet across two floors and have exterior crown signage as the anchor tenant in the creative office building amid a walkable community in the center of Nashville.
“Guided by our colleagues in Music, CAA opened our first office in Nashville in 1991, immediately making an impact on Music City that continues today,” said Howard Nuchow, co-head, of CAA Sports. “With more than 3,400 employees across 25 countries, CAA’s track record of success and growth in the representation of entertainment and sports talent and brands has solidified our leadership position around the world. The move to Nashville Yards demonstrates our commitment to Nashville and the Southeast, while providing our employees, clients, and guests an inspiring environment that captures the spirit of Nashville, one of the most significant sports and entertainment destinations in the world.”
“CAA is a powerful brand in the global entertainment industry and their expanded presence at Nashville Yards furthers Nashville’s already significant place in the constantly evolving sports and entertainment world that touches our lives every day,” said Cary Mack, managing partner of Southwest Value Partners. “As the anchor tenant in our creative office building, they bring a special cache, unique character and highly creative presence to our esteemed mix of Nashville Yards’ tenants, while delivering an unmatched working environment for their team and the world-class artists, athletes and brands they represent.”
+ Alexandra Condon has been appointed as VP of public policy and government affairs at Warner Music Group (WMG). She will act as the music company’s primary point of contact for policymakers in the EU and its member states, as well as the UK and other European countries.
She will also work closely with trade associations and other stakeholders to anticipate risks and opportunities, providing strategic guidance to WMG’s leadership, and publicly advocating on behalf of the music company. Condon will be based in London and report to Mark Baker, WMG’s senior VP of public policy and government affairs, and will also collaborate closely with senior leaders across the company’s corporate, recorded music and publishing divisions.
Said Condon, “I’m excited to be joining Warner Music Group. This is a pivotal time for the music industry, with many exciting challenges and opportunities in front of us. It’s never been more important to ensure policymakers understand our business and the need for a legal framework that enables us to keep investing in artists and songwriters.”
+ Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has signed Latin Grammy-winning Carin León to an exclusive, global publishing agreement.
Hailing from Hermosillo, Sonora in Mexico, León has garnered acclaim with hits like “Ni me debes ni te debo,” “Te lo agradezco,” “Me haces tan bien” and more. His latest album, “Colmillo de Leche,” broke into the top 10 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums and Mexican Album charts. Simultaneously, several of his singles launched on Spotify’s Global Charts including “Primera Cita”.
Jody Gerson, UMPG Chairman and CEO, said “Carin León’s career is limitless and transcends Música Mexicana. His soulful voice, songwriting, live shows and ambition goes beyond language. I look forward to working with Jorge Juarez and our entire global team to support Carin as he opens doors creatively across musical genres and geographies.”
“I feel deeply honored to embark on this creative journey alongside Universal Music Publishing Group. This partnership marks a thrilling new chapter in my career, and I’m eagerly looking forward to expressing my passion and creativity through the art of music,” said León.
