Kobalt has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Armado Publishing, or Eslabon Armado frontman and songwriter Pedro Tovar.
“Pedro Tovar is one of the most exciting artists and songwriters making music today,” said Nestor Casonu, president of Kobalt Music Latin America. “Through this partnership, we’ve had the privilege of understanding the values of an extraordinary family, led by Doña Nelly, with whom we’ve built both a professional and personal bond. I’m excited about the great things we’ll achieve together in the future.”
Eslabon Armado is the first música mexicana group to claim a No.1 on Billboard’s Global 200 chart. Their single, “Ella Baila Sola,” was one of the most-streamed songs of 2023. They most recently released “Vibras de Noche II,” which hit No. 1 on the Apple Music U.S. Latin chart. It was released under Armado Records, under Interscope Capitol.
“I’m excited to join the Kobalt Music family in this new career stage,” said Tovar. “As a songwriter, I have always sought a company that values creativity and provides the necessary support to elevate my music to a global audience. I know that with Kobalt, I’ll continue growing and sharing my stories through my songs.”
“At Kobalt, we want to sign songwriters who have singular voices that resonate with a wide audience,” said Teresa Romo, Kobalt’s Senior creative director for Latin America. “Our partnership with Pedro Tovar represents an exciting new phase in his songwriting career, and we’re honored to support his creative independence and nurture new opportunities.”
Armando Publishing was represented in the deal by Christopher Navarro, partner at Singh, Singh & Trauben LLP.
Pictured above (L-R): Chris Navarro, Singh, Singh & Trauben LLP; Nestor Casonu, Kobalt; Nelly Tovar; Pedro Tovar; Tere Romo, Kobalt.
+ UK based ATC Group has promoted Ric Salmon to the newly-created position of Chief Growth Officer. Ric has worked with ATC for ten years, representing a wide range of artists, including Laura Marling, Glen Hansard, Trevor Horn, and Frank Carter.
ATC Group has divisions in artist management (ATC Management) and live concert bookings (ATC Live), alongside a range of other in-house services – from merchandising, livestreaming, synchronization and music promotion, to brand partnerships, digital innovation, and live experiences.
Salmon is also co-founder of the livestream business Driift, now part of the ATC Services business segment. Prior to this, he managed such artists as Seal and Morrissey through his management company Harvest Entertainment, and held senior A&R roles at Sony Music, Ministry of Sound and Warner Music International, where he worked with artists as diverse as Eric Prydz, Rod Stewart, Beverley Knight, The Corrs, and Boyzone among others.
+ The Core Records has hired Zach Siegal-Eisman as head of audience development and insights. In this role, Siegal-Eisman will manage digital marketing, audience growth, and data-driven strategy to further amplify The Core Records’ slate of artists.
Siegal-Eisman has worked with such artists as Nickelback, John Fogerty, and Hardy, leading digital and business strategy at Artist Network Management (now Old Bull MGMT), Crowd Surf, Amplify Legacy, Big Loud Rock, and Songfluencer.
“Zach’s ability to combine data-driven insights with innovative marketing strategies makes him a perfect fit for The Core Records as we continue to expand our global reach,” said Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, co-founders and CEOs of The Core Entertainment. “His expertise in audience development will be instrumental in maximizing fan engagement and artist impact.”
“I’m excited to join The Core Records and collaborate with such a talented, driven team led by Chief and Simon. I look forward to helping our artists expand their reach, deepen fan connections, and grow their impact through effective, insight-led marketing initiatives,” said Siegal-Eisman.
+ Wasserman Music has hired three key executives across its growing fairs and festivals, tour marketing, and worldwide agent teams.
Nashville-based Tim Beeding joins Wasserman Music as senior VP, fairs and festivals, where he will co-lead the division alongside fellow Wasserman Music Senior VP Shannon Casey. Beeding previously served as an agent at CAA for over two decades, representing a wide array of top music artists.
Los Angeles-based Doug Singer joins as VP on Wasserman Music’s global agent team, where he will represent major artists, including Vince Staples, SiR, Saint Levant, Majid Jordan, and Sleigh Bells, among others. Singer previously served as a Partner in WME’s music division, where he represented a high-profile roster of major artists.
Los Angeles-based Chloe Garcia joins as director of tour marketing, reporting to Senior VP Marketing Sam Alpert, where she will help drive the ongoing expansion of Wasserman Music’s global client service offerings. Garcia previously served as tour marketing agent at WME, executing global tour marketing campaigns for dozens of acts.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Tim, Doug, and Chloe to Team Wass as our business continues to expand and thrive around the world, and our commitment to serving our clients remains unmatched,” said Wasserman Music President Lee Anderson. “Each of them is a highly regarded leader in their area of expertise, and all of them are exceptional humans we’re proud to call colleagues and partners.”
+ Sony Music Publishing UK today has signed singer-songwriter Freya Ridings to an exclusive global publishing agreement.
This creative partnership will cover Ridings’ future works, including her upcoming anticipated third studio album, which Ridings is in the process of recording. Ridings said, “It’s such an honour to be signing with Sony Music Publishing. It’s been a dream of mine since 19 to sign with them as an artist/songwriter and I’m very excited to share the music we create together!”
David Ventura, president and co-managing director, UK and senior VP international, Sony Music Publishing said, “For almost a decade, I have been trying to work with Freya, simply because her songwriting and voice are hypnotizing. After all this time, it is exciting to have the opportunity to finally be in her team. Freya’s songwriting is inspired – she has many things to write about and her work ethic is incredible. New music is around the corner and it’s time for Freya’s music to reach new heights.”
+ Shorty Fest Presented by Acura will put on a series of live performances at Tipitina’s on April 28, between the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Weekends.
Headlined by Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Black Opry Revue, and students from the Trombone Shorty Academy, the Fest will include a Jersey Takeover with Dogs In A Pile and special guests Robert Randolph and Jake Clemons of the E Street Band Tour.
+ Cosynd, a copyright protection platform, has partnered with BMI.
This innovative partnership marks the first time that Cosynd has offered an American PRO exclusive access to discounted U.S. Copyright Office registrations and vital legal agreements, “empowering BMI’s music creators to safeguard their works easily and affordably while setting a new standard in copyright protection for the industry,” per a press release. With Cosynd’s suite of tools, BMI’s songwriters, composers, and publishers will be able to establish ownership of their content and prevent unauthorized use of their work for 80% less than similar services.
“In today’s fast-paced music industry, music creators are being asked to do more than ever, not just making the music we love, but also putting it out into the world, finding and engaging with their fanbases, and creating their own unique brand,” said BMI Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships & Industry Research, Jess Robertson. “In addition, managing the many platforms and various registration processes required to protect their work and collect revenue adds yet another layer of complexity. That’s why we are so thrilled to have Cosynd join Spark as an inaugural partner, further supporting BMI’s commitment to prioritizing our songwriters, composers, and producers and their copyrights.”
“We are proud to celebrate this milestone with BMI as the first PRO to take a bold step in prioritizing copyright protection for its members. By making it easier and more affordable for creators to secure their rights, BMI is setting a new precedent for how the industry can support music creators at every stage of their careers,” said Cosynd CEO, Jessica Sobhraj. “As AI and streaming fraud present new challenges, this partnership ensures that BMI’s members have the legal protections they need to safeguard their work, assert their ownership, and uphold the value of their music in an ever-evolving landscape.”
+ Warner Chappell Music (WCM) U.S. Latin has signed a worldwide administration deal with Ryan Castro.
Castro made his debut on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2023, teaming up with Peso Pluma and SOG on “Quema.” He followed up with a standout collaboration alongside Cris Mj and Karol G on the global remix of “Una Noche en Medellín” from Karol’s record-breaking album “Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season).”
Castro said, “Joining Warner Chappell is a big step in my career as an artist and songwriter. I am excited to be part of a team that will continue to push my creativity and vision. I am looking forward to everything we’ll accomplish together.”
Lázaro Hernández, SVP, A&R, U.S. Latin and Latin America, WCM shared: “Ryan is an exceptionally multidimensional songwriter and artist. He effortlessly navigates between a range of genres –from reggaeton and trap to merengue and dancehall – showcasing just how dedicated and disciplined he is with his craft. We are thrilled to welcome him and officially launch this partnership.”
Gustavo Menéndez, President, U.S. Latin and Latin America, WCM, added: “Ryan is a force to be reckoned with, full of energy and charisma. He is one of the most committed songwriters I know, with an incredible work ethic. His ability to write songs that deeply resonate with listeners speaks for itself, and we’re proud to support him during this pivotal moment in his career.”
Castro was represented in the deal by Brian Alvarez on behalf of WK Records and his manager, Leandro Arango.
Monday, March 17
Kali Uchis has signed with Capitol Records ahead of the release of her fifth studio album, “Sincerely.“
Uchis revealed the title of her upcoming project on Monday with a video teaser posted to social media, simultaneously announcing her new partnership with Tom March, chairman and CEO of Capitol Records. They will work in tandem under the new banner of Interscope Capitol Labels Group, allowing Uchis to continue her long-standing relationship with Matt Morris, executive vice president of A&R at Interscope Geffen A&M.
“Kali Uchis is not only a true artist with a unique vision and an incredible amount of talent — she’s also a culture-shifting force of nature,” said March. “Her music transcends boundaries and borders, and it’s an honor and a privilege to continue to head into this new era together.”
Uchis released “Orquídeas,” her highest-charting album to date (debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200), last year. The set was nominated for best Latin pop album at the Grammy awards and best pop vocal album at the Latin Grammys.
“Thank you all for the well-intentioned wishes on this journey, and thank you to my team! I have boundless gratitude for my silent ascent throughout the years and am very much looking forward to what’s next,” said Uchis.
Amaury Nessaibia
+ Sony Music Publishing has signed Sevdaliza to a worldwide publishing agreement. This announcement follows the reveal of her upcoming show dates — a series of performances in São Paulo, Mexico City, Los Angeles and Brooklyn.
Known for her innovative artistry and genre-transcending sound, Iranian-Dutch singer, songwriter, and producer Sevdaliza earned widespread acclaim over the past year with her groundbreaking single “Alibi” ft. Pabllo Vittar and Yseult, which ranked as TikTok’s No. 3 global song of 2024, spent 15 weeks on the Billboard Global 200 and scored her first-ever placement on the Billboard Hot 100.
“I am excited to expand my creative work in songwriting and composing on a global scale with the world’s leading music publisher, and look forward to collaborating with their incredible roster of talent,” shared Sevdaliza.
“Sevdaliza is a one of one artist and songwriter who has forged a path for herself unlike anyone else,” added Adam Ikner, Sony Music Publishing senior manager, creative A&R. “Sevda’s relentless pursuit of creative excellence in every aspect is unmatched, and we are honored to be part of her team as she enters this exciting stage in her career!”
