Warner Music Korea was introduced REINFORCEMENTa new company designed to support Korean artists with a global reach, focusing on English-language music to connect with international audiences. Samuel Ku, executive producer at WMK, has taken over to lead the label. The first artist signed to MPLIFY is Olivia Marsha Korean-Australian singer-songwriter who is set to release her debut single on all major digital platforms in October. Olivia's sound combines pop and R&B, influenced by a wide range of artists including ABBA, John Denver, Tame Impala and Vera Blue. A graduate of the University of Melbourne in Interactive Composition, she has worked with K-pop producers and songwriters to hone her craft. “I am delighted to sign with MPLIFY and work with such a warm, passionate and innovative team,” said Marsh. –Mark Snyder
Big Loud Records and its Canada-based imprint, founded by Dallas Smith Local Hay Records have signed country artist Haley Benedict. Benedict has also signed a worldwide publishing deal with Big Loud Publishing/Local Hay. This summer, Benedict took center stage at Alberta's Big Valley Jamboree and is nominated at the Canadian Country Music Awards for Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year. –Jessica Nicholson
Anniegee Marketing launched the artist management department, Anniegee Managementand signed a co-management agreement MUN Entertainment for Juliana Velasquezcareer development in the USA, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Anniegee Marketing and Communications Founded by seasoned music industry professional Annie Gonzalez after working as senior director, global marketing at Sony Music Entertainment for over 20 years, Anniegee Marketing and Communications has developed US communications strategies for global stars such as Shakira , Gloria Estefan, Alejandro Fernández and many more. Through her new deal with rising Colombian artist Juliana, Anniegee is now expanding into artist management while still offering her marketing and PR consulting services. In her new role, Annie Gonzalez will manage Juliana alongside current director Juancho Muñoz of MUN Entertainment. –Sigal Ratner-Arias
Los Angeles based producer and songwriter Twist (Hamid Bashir) signed me WME in all areas. Known for his work with artists such as Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ign, Jason Derulo, Galantis and Rita Ora, Stryv recently released his own artist project. His debut single, 'Move', a collaboration with Adam Port, gained attention after being teased at Keinemusik shows worldwide. Since its official release in June, “Move” has garnered over 200 million streams on Spotify, topped the Beatport 100 chart, and positioned Stryv as one of the fastest growing artists on the platform. A follow-up single is due later this year. Stryv is also one half of the DJ duo ORSO, along with Twitch co-founder Justin Kan, further expanding his influence in the electronic music scene. –MS
Boutique music publishing company MV2 Entertainment and independent label New Lost City Records have signed a singer-songwriter True YoungbloodGeorgia native and Belmont University student who just released his debut single, “If I Were a Cowboy.” Youngblood joins MV2's roster of screenwriters, which includes Josh Thompson (“Wasted on You,” “Drowns The Whiskey”), Forrest Finn, Grant Vogel, Johnny McGuire and Blake Henderson. The New Lost City roster includes Youngblood, Henderson and McGuire. –JN.
Universal Music Group collaborated with the acclaimed Indian composer and three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kay to launch Vedam Recordsa new label dedicated to bringing authentic Indian wellness music to a global audience. In his first collaboration with Vedam, Kej released Break Of Dawn, his latest studio album. “Vedam Records offers an opportunity to make music that is healing and necessary – now, more than ever,” said Kej. – MS
