First Day on ‘Sensible Magic 2’ Set: Nicole Kidman’s Insights

California-bred artist Óscar Maydon is expanding his innovative indie label, Rico o Muerto, by officially signing Victor Mendivil to a comprehensive 360 deal in collaboration with Downtown Artist and Label Companies. This strategic partnership aims to enhance the label’s influence in the competitive music industry.

The new agreement transitions Mendivil’s previous distribution partnership to a full-fledged recording contract, formalized at Downtown’s Los Angeles offices. As a result of this significant development, Mendivil now stands as the flagship artist representing Rico o Muerto, setting the stage for future successes and artistic exploration.

Maydon launched his own music career in 2020 and quickly garnered attention with popular tracks such as “Tu Boda,” featuring Fuerza Regida. This hit climbed to an impressive No. 2 on the Billboard World 200 and marked his debut on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing his talent and potential in the music scene.

He established Rico o Muerto last year, and since then, he has successfully hired 15 employees across various locations including Mexicali, Mexico City, Tijuana, and San Diego. The label prides itself on a diverse roster that includes artists like Omar Camacho, Regulo Molina, Carlos Manjarrez, and Fernand Angulo, reflecting its commitment to fostering talent in the industry.

TikTok has announced the beta launch of TikTok Songwriter Features, introducing a fresh suite of tools and features specifically designed to empower songwriters. This initiative seeks to provide songwriters with greater visibility and enhance their collaborative opportunities on the platform.

For the first time, songwriters will have their shared content organized in one central location on TikTok. This innovative setup allows them to showcase the works they’ve written or co-written, share personal stories about their creative processes, and facilitate fans’ discovery, sharing, and saving of additional works from their diverse catalogs.

Prominent songwriters such as Lauren Christy, Toby Gad, and Justin Tranter are among the early adopters of TikTok Songwriter Features. These tools were developed in response to valuable feedback gathered from songwriters through an extensive survey conducted by TikTok, which included 871 songwriter respondents and 18 in-depth interviews. The insights gained have been instrumental in shaping these features, aimed at enhancing discovery, monetization opportunities, and elevating the visibility of songwriters on TikTok.

Jordan Lowy, the global head of music publishing licensing and partnerships at TikTok, stated: “Our unwavering commitment to supporting songwriters drives us to create these tools that celebrate and amplify their work on our platform. TikTok uniquely provides songwriters with a way to not only highlight their musical creations but also share personal narratives about their music, artistry, and life experiences, further enhancing their profiles and assisting them in building their audiences, just as hundreds of thousands of artist creators have already done.”

CAA has officially signed the platinum-selling duo, LOCASH. Comprised of talented singer-songwriters Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, this dynamic country duo is managed by Skip Bishop and Jenn Littleton at Galaxy Entertainment, further solidifying their standing in the competitive music landscape.

Last year, the multi-talented duo launched their own record label, Galaxy Label Group, in partnership with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. This initiative empowers Brust and Lucas to maintain full creative control over their music while also mentoring a new generation of aspiring artists who share their vision and passion for country music.

The T.J. Martell Foundation, which plays a crucial role in funding innovative cancer research, is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary at the Annual New York Honors Gala on September 16 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. This significant milestone underscores the foundation’s enduring commitment to advancing medical breakthroughs.

To commemorate this important occasion, the Foundation will introduce the Circle of Legends, a new honor that recognizes visionary leaders and dedicated advocates whose belief in the foundation’s mission has fueled five decades of progress in the battle against cancer. Esteemed honorees include Irving Azoff, Scott Borchetta, Tom Corson, Clive Davis, and many more, with additional names expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

“This year’s 50th anniversary serves as more than just a milestone; it is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary individuals who built this Foundation from the ground up,” said Steve Gawley, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “With the launch of the Circle of Legends, we celebrate the visionaries whose generosity and dedication have paved the way for five decades of progress, while also welcoming the next generation of leaders who are stepping up to carry the mission forward.”

“The support from the music community has always been at the heart of our work,” stated Lynn-Anne Huck, CEO of the T.J. Martell Foundation. “Their belief in our mission has driven real breakthroughs. As we look to the future, we remain focused on advancing bold, high-impact research that brings us closer to a cure for cancer.”

Whitney Whitney, whose debut EP, “1.1,” was released on Friday, has officially signed with Atlantic Records on the same day. This exciting development in her career signals a promising trajectory ahead.

Growing up between Connecticut and Manhattan, Whitney developed a passion for music influenced by iconic artists such as Elton John, Fiona Apple, Regina Spektor, and classical string arrangements. She previously released music under a different name until she collaborated with producer Justin Lucas (known for his work with Khalid, Alec Benjamin, and Daniel Caesar), leading to the creation of her debut project under the name Whitney Whitney.

Songwriter and producer Steve Solomon has secured a global publishing deal with Place Music. Solomon has co-written the popular song “Say You Won’t Let Go” performed by James Arthur, earning nominations for two Brit Awards. He has also produced the majority of Arthur’s latest album, “Bitter Sweet Love,” and has collaborated with Forest Blakk on the hit single “If You Love Her.” More recently, he co-wrote Perrie’s</b single “Forget About Us” alongside Ed Sheeran and David Hodges.

“I have been a fan of Steve for years. He’s a dynamic producer, songwriter, and guitarist, and an incredible creative force,” stated Mark Chipello, partner and head of A&R at Place Music. “He has deep insights into the artist experience, which truly shines through in the way he collaborates. Partnering with someone I’ve long respected is an exciting opportunity, especially alongside Lucas Keller and the Milk & Honey team, as we embark on this meaningful chapter in Steve’s career.”

Sony Music Nashville has officially signed pop singer-songwriter Ian Harrison. Harrison’s first release under the label, “Not The One,” debuted on Friday, marking a significant milestone in his musical journey.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, and now residing in Nashville, Harrison grew up immersed in a mix of folk, pop, country, and rock music. “I feel so blessed to be part of the Sony Nashville team,” expressed Harrison. “I’m surrounded by individuals who genuinely believe in my music and vision!”

Harrison is represented by Zach Beebe of OTRmgmt and WME, with publishing handled by Warner Chappell.

Rising singer-songwriter Juan Freer and label D Luna Music have entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Downtown Artist and Label Companies. In just six months since collaborating with esteemed executive Daniel Luna, Freer has surpassed an impressive 300 million streams across digital platforms, highlighting his rapid ascent in the music industry.

The agreement with Downtown Artist & Label Companies encompasses the global distribution of Freer’s entire existing catalog, as well as his debut album, which is slated for release later this year. This partnership signifies a commitment to advancing his career and reaching broader audiences.

“When we discovered Juan, we approached his project with vision and strategy, and within just four months, we helped him grow from 300K to over 5 million monthly listeners,” stated Freer. “We had already established a strong relationship with Downtown, and now, with this alliance between D Luna Music and Downtown Artist and Label Companies, we are reaffirming our commitment to continue growing together.”

Ben Patterson, president of Downtown Artist and Label Companies, added: “It’s an honor that D Luna Music is choosing to collaborate with Downtown to further develop the next generation of Música Mexicana artists and advance the genre. Daniel is an exceptional A&R and marketing force. Together with Downtown’s global team, tools, and technologies, D Luna Music is poised to cultivate a marquee independent label of future superstars like Juan Freer.”

Exciting Developments in the Music Industry on Thursday, July 17

Eslabón Armado, the California-based band comprising brothers Pedro and Brian Tover, along with Damian Pacheco, has achieved remarkable crossover success with their modern take on Mexican sierreño. They have officially partnered with Interscope Records, with specific terms of the deal remaining undisclosed.

Founded in 2017, the trio from Patterson, California, has released eight studio albums, the most recent being “Vibras Del Noche 2.” They have celebrated numerous chart-topping hits, including “Ella Baila Sola,” which soared to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and spent an impressive 19 weeks at the top of the Hot Latin Songs chart. The group is currently on their “Vibras de Noche” tour, further solidifying their popularity.

“Interscope is dedicated to supporting Pedro in his vision for this next chapter of his career,” stated Jose Cedeño, senior vice president and general manager at Interscope Records, in an official statement. “It’s an exhilarating opportunity to join the group on this new journey,” expressed Manny Prado, vice president of marketing and A&R at Interscope, also in an official statement.

Pictured above (L-R): Brian Tovar, Nir Seroussi, Pedro Tovar, Manny Prado, José Cedeño

The Band Perry, a Grammy-winning country-pop act, is celebrating an “official return to country music” with their signing to Nashville Harbor Records, a division of Big Machine Label Group. The band also announced their partnership with Make Wake Artists for management, signaling an exciting new chapter in their career.

“Returning home to our Big Machine/Nashville Harbor family feels like a wonderful full-circle moment for us,” stated Kimberly Perry, the band’s lead singer, in an announcement. “To bring the foundation of everything we’ve built together into a new season of creativity means the world to us.”

The group debuted with their single, “Hip to My Heart,” in 2009 and eventually went on hiatus in 2023. They join an impressive roster at Nashville Harbor Records, which includes Florida Georgia Line, Lady A, Noah Hicks, Riley Green, Shaylen, and Brett Young, positioning them among top-tier country artists.

Tracey J. Jordan, a seasoned executive, has joined Emmy Award-winning, Oscar-nominated producer Suzanne de Passe and her business partner Madison Jones at de Passe Jones Entertainment as a consulting producer. The Los Angeles-based firm specializes in sourcing, developing, acquiring, and producing a wide array of content across television, film, theater, animation, book publishing, and new media.

Despite her new role, Jordan will remain based in New York, working on a diverse range of projects for dJE and independent initiatives for her own company, JordanLazin Productions, which she co-founded with MTV veteran Lauren Lazin. Her extensive experience in the industry positions her to contribute significantly to the company’s creative endeavors.

Jordan has held senior executive positions at Arista Records, Motown Records, MTV Networks, ABKCO Music & Records, and SiriusXM. She currently serves as a governor for the New York Chapter of the Recording Academy and is a member of the artist relations committee for the Hip-Hop Museum, showcasing her commitment to the music industry.

The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), a trade organization representing over 700 independent labels, has announced its new board of directors and executive committee for 2025-26. This leadership will guide the organization through the evolving landscape of the music industry.

New members elected to the board include David Barnes of Rhymesayers Entertainment, Glen Barros of Exceleration Music Partners, Jason Peterson from Godigital Media Group, and Vic Zaraya of Harmony. Returning members include Nabil Ayers of Beggars Group, Hays Rudolph of Secretly Group, Tony Alexander from Made in Memphis Entertainment, Steven Hill from Warp Records, Nettwerk Music Group CEO Terry McBride, Louis Posen of Hopeless Records, and Zena White of Partisan Records.

A2IM’s executive committee will be chaired by Nabil Ayers, with Glen Barros serving as treasurer and Hays Rudolph as secretary. This leadership team is poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead for independent music.

“As I prepare to step down at the beginning of 2026, I’m reassured knowing their leadership will guide A2IM through the challenges and opportunities ahead,” stated Richard James Burgess, A2IM CEO and president, in an official statement.

Sony Music Publishing has promoted Sarah “Pixie” Pickering to vice president of creative and writer services, as well as co-head of sync, as announced today. This new role underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing creative opportunities for songwriters.

Pickering will continue to co-lead SMP UK’s Sync division and will focus on advancing creative activities for SMP songwriters and catalogs, collaborating closely with Sony’s sister companies to foster synergies throughout the organization.

“I’m thrilled to work even more closely with our incredible roster of songwriters, creating new opportunities that go beyond traditional sync models,” Pickering expressed in response to the announcement.

Harmony Music Publishing has elevated Tom Coulson-Smith from senior director of A&R to vice president of A&R, as announced. Coulson-Smith first joined Harmony in 2020 and has played a crucial role in developing talent.

While at Harmony, Coulson-Smith has collaborated with artists such as Zach Nahome (known for working with Olivia Dean, PinkPantheress, Bakar, Celeste, Tendai, and BiigPiig), as well as the electronic duo Mount Kimbie, the rock group Biff Cyro, Ivor Novello nominee Wesley Joseph, Grammy-winning producer Fred Ball, and Yazmin Lacey. Recent signees include Ed Thomas, co-writer and producer on the single “The Way I Love You” from Jorja Smith.

Before joining Harmony, Coulson-Smith served as an A&R manager for Warner/Chappell, where he worked with prominent artists including Lianne La Havas and Marina, further enriching his experience in the music industry.

Latest Industry Updates from Monday, July 14

Empire has announced its expansion into the Nordic region with the addition of Iman Hazheer as territory manager. In this newly created role, Hazheer will spearhead Empire’s strategic initiatives across Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland, focusing on artist relations and market development, as well as forging regional partnerships.

Based in Stockholm, Hazheer will collaborate closely with Empire’s international team to amplify the company’s presence. “The Nordic region has long been a global powerhouse in music, but the path to international recognition is becoming increasingly narrow, particularly for independent and emerging artists,” remarked Hazheer.

He continued, “Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges talented creators face when trying to scale beyond their home markets. This is why I am excited to join Empire, a company that not only understands the nuances of local culture but also offers a truly artist-first model. We are here to challenge the status quo, champion artists on their own terms, and provide the Nordic talent pool with the platform they deserve on a global stage.”

Hazheer arrives at Empire with a decade of experience and a diverse background at the intersection of music, culture, and brand strategy. He spent nearly seven years at Spotify, where he led editorial strategy for the Nordics as a senior editor, curating playlists and shaping the regional music narrative. Prior to that, he collaborated with artists across Northern Europe while working in the entertainment division at Nike in Amsterdam.

“The expansion into the Nordic region further solidifies EMPIRE’s commitment to bringing music and culture to a global audience,” stated Ghazi, the founder and CEO of Empire. “Iman’s extensive knowledge of the music business makes him the ideal fit to lead these efforts, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”

Pictured above (L-R): Nima Etminan, Iman Hazheer, and Ghazi.

Harmony Music Publishing has signed Tropkillaz, the Grammy-nominated Brazilian production duo consisting of Zegon and Laudz, to a global publishing agreement encompassing all new copyrights. This landmark deal was orchestrated through close collaboration between Harmony’s offices in London, New York, and Miami, marking the company’s first-ever signing from Brazil.

Tropkillaz boasts a remarkable list of collaborations with renowned artists such as Anitta, J Balvin, Marshmello, Justin Bieber, Doechii, Major Lazer, Snoop Dogg, Bob Marley, and Childish Gambino. They have also worked alongside notable songwriters and producers like Ryan Tedder, Stargate, and Jason Evigan, showcasing their versatility and global appeal.

Tropkillaz expressed their excitement in a joint statement: “We are thrilled to join the Harmony family and focus on creating a diverse range of new music. We have built a strong catalog with exclusive Tropkillaz releases while also producing for other artists across the globe—particularly in Asia, Latin America, and the U.S.—and we feel fortunate to see that work resonate globally. We are also excited to have found a new home at A-List Management, building this next chapter together – there’s so much more to come!”

Nashville-based hit songwriter and producer Mark Holman has signed a new publishing deal with Big Loud Publishing/ERN’s Cadillac Music. Holman has penned chart-topping songs for hitmakers like Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Blake Shelton, and many others, further establishing his reputation in the music industry.

“Big Loud has believed in me from the start, and I’m grateful to continue growing with them,” shared Holman. “Bringing Cadillac into the mix just elevates it to another level. I have immense respect for ERN—as a writer, artist, and visionary—and I’m looking forward to what we can create together.”

“I’ve enjoyed working with Mark over the years. We always have a great time in the room, and he’s such a pleasure to collaborate with,” stated ERN’s Cadillac Music Founder and CEO Ernest. “He has been a powerhouse in town for quite some time, and we have already created a little magic together with ‘Flower Shops.’ I look forward to continuing to grow together as songwriters and producers. I’m thrilled he wanted to be part of the Cadillac crew as much as I wanted him to be.”

Grammy and CMA-nominated songwriter Derrick Southerland has officially signed a global publishing deal with Kobalt. As part of this agreement, Kobalt has acquired a portion of Southerland’s extensive song catalog, reflecting his significant contributions to the music industry.

“Derrick is one of the most talented, prolific songwriters working in Nashville today,” stated Stephanie Cox, general manager/senior VP of creative at Kobalt Nashville. “He possesses the uniquely rare ability to write across genres, making him an ideal fit for Kobalt’s global ecosystem.”

Southerland’s impressive repertoire includes co-writing tracks for renowned artists such as Carrie Underwood, Jordan Davis, Vince Gill, Fletcher, Laci Kaye Booth, Hunter Hayes, Breland, Charlotte Sands, High Valley, Charles Kelley, Muscadine Bloodline, Tanner Adell, Blair Davie, Dallas Smith, and many others. He has also contributed to Kane Brown’s Hot 100-certified gold single “Like A Rodeo” and Joshua Bassett’s “Crisis,” showcasing his versatility as a songwriter.

“I’m incredibly excited to be partnering with Kobalt,” expressed Southerland. “When I met with Laurent Hubert, Jeannette Perez, Stephanie Cox, Rani Hancock, Kenny McGoff, and so many others on the creative team, I knew this was the place I needed to be. Their enthusiasm not only about my writing and songs but also about my dreams and vision for the future made this the perfect partnership to help me achieve my goals. Huge thanks to Kevin, who was with me for my first major label outside cut and introduced me to this amazing team. I’m looking forward to what’s next in this exciting chapter of our careers.”