Music Industry Moves: Questlove to Deliver Keynote in L.A.; Lorde Co-Writer Joel Little Signs with UMPG
The Guild of Music Supervisors has announced Questlove as the keynote speaker for its upcoming State of Music in Media Conference. The speech, titled “Music, Culture & the Power of Storytelling”, will explore how music and iconic soundtracks shape culture and connect generations in visual media.
Additional guest speakers at the event will include Marcus Miller, director Reginald Hudin, and music supervisors Mary Ramos, Laura Webb, Yvette Metoyer, Amanda Krieg Thomas, Morgan Rhodes and Jordan Young.
The speech will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 16 on the West Los Angeles College Campus.
+ Joel Little, the songwriter and producer best known for collaborating closely with Lorde on breakout single “Royals” and beyond, and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) have announced Little’s signing of an exclusive worldwide music publishing administration agreement with the company.
“I’m thrilled to begin the next chapter of my career with the incredible team at UMPG,” Little said in a statement. “It’s especially meaningful to reunite with [UMPG executive vice president and head of U.S. A&R] Jennifer Knoepfle, who has been such an integral part of my journey and success over the years. I’m excited to see where we can go from here.”
Little is managed by Page 1 Management.
+ AEG has announced Jim King as its new head of CEO of AEG Presents UK, the company announced today. In addition, Steve Homer will transition to a new position as president, UK Touring at the company, as part of King’s team. King was most recently CEO of European Festivals for the company.
“Jim’s appointment is both a recognition of his achievements and a key strategic step as we continue aligning and expanding our UK and European business strategies,” said Adam Wilkes, president & CEO of AEG Presents Europe and Asia Pacific, to whom King will report. “His vision and leadership have been central to shaping the company’s presence and footprint across the region, and I’m confident that under his guidance we’re well positioned for even greater success in the United Kingdom and across the continent.”
King joined AEG Presents in 2008.
+ Singer-songwriter David Longstreth, best known as the frontman for The Dirty Projectors, has signed with Wise Music Group and WME.
Longstreth explained that he wants to expand his oeuvre in a big way.
“I want to write film scores, operas, ballets, symphonies, concerti, songs and chamber works of every stripe,” Longstreth said in a statement. “In joining the Wise and WME rosters, I couldn’t be more honored to be among so many of my favorite living composers — Missy Mazzoli, Bryce Dessner, Tyshawn Sorey, Terry Riley, Philip Glass and John Adams at Wise, and Emile Mosseri and Ludwig Göransson at WME.”
Longstreth previously scored this year’s A24-produced film The Legend Of Ochi and 2024’s Love Me, starring Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun.
+ Live event producer Chaz Hamman has announced the launch of his new company, Hungry Ghost Management. Clients at launch include FragmentNine, Lightswitch, Notan Creative and creative director Sean Kusanagi.
Hamman was previously at Red Light Management for 13 years, implementing large-scale touring strategies and productions, before moving to Terrapin Station Entertainment in 2020.
+ Derek Cournoyer has been named Kobalt’s new senior vice president of global digital business. In the role, Cournoyer will be key in negotiating strategic partnerships with companies such as YouTube, TikTok and Meta, as well as pioneering initiatives with emerging media segments in the creator economy, web3 and AI.
Cournoyer has spent the majority of his career at Kobalt, first joining the company in 2011 in the synch department and, after some time at the social singing app Smule, returning to Kobalt in 2019 as senior director, synch and business development.
“We’re at a turning point in the music industry as AI transforms the landscape and micro-licensing opens up powerful new pathways for the creator economy,” Cournoyer said in a statement. “Kobalt is not just adapting to this moment – we’re built for it. With one of the most sophisticated metadata infrastructures in the business, we’re positioned to license music smarter, faster, and more strategically.”
“As a tech-forward music company, it is crucial that our songwriters are protected and are positioned to earn income from emerging technologies,” said Bob Bruderman, chief digital officer at Kobalt. “Derek has played a vital role in forging innovative deals with new partners while ensuring that we have strong relationships with the major digital services and platforms. I am pleased to be able to recognize his contributions by expanding his role at Kobalt.”
+ Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced a strategic partnership with the company Liquidax Capital to “accelerate the development of UMG’s music-related AI patents,” the company wrote. Liquidax will support UMG with development, filing and licensing around AI-related patents.
UMG and Liquidax have already collaborated on 15 patents, the companies write, covering musical collaboration, multimedia content creation, health, rights management and administration.
“We are taking a very active role in fostering innovation,” said Chris Horton, svp of strategic technology at UMG, in a statement. “Building on our historical and contemporary track record of cutting-edge R&D, scientific advancements and successful patent applications, we are looking forward to significantly advancing our internal efforts, with a dedicated focus on AI technology. And we’re very pleased to be entering into this collaboration with Liquidax, with whom we intend to develop a strong strategic relationship that will amplify our ability to develop IP and take it to market, accelerating the evolution of the music ecosystem.”
Incubus — the Grammy-nominated rock band comprised of Brandon Boyd, Mike Einziger, José Pasillas II, Chris Kilmore and Nicole Row — has signed with CAA for agency representation.
The news comes as Incubus wrapped a tour in the United States, during which they performed their 2001 album, “Morning View,” in full along with hits from throughout the band’s career. The outing marked the second leg of an arena tour that initially launched in 2024. The group has also confirmed there is new music on the horizon.
Incubus are managed by Velvet Hammer Music and Management Group, and represented by Todd Cooper from Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
+ Empire has appointed Jennifer Way as executive vice president for Nashville.
In this role, she will lead the overall strategy for the Nashville team and its day-to-day operations, including signing and developing new talent, supporting each artist’s creative vision with campaigns, cultivating new business opportunities and driving the continued growth of Empire Nashville’s roster.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be joining Empire – a team of disrupters who prioritize originality, innovation and artist-first thinking at every turn,” said Way. “I’m inspired by Ghazi and the culture he has built, and I’m excited to dive in and contribute to the continued success of this incredible team as we redefine together what a modern music company can be.”
“Jennifer is a powerhouse whose vision and track record align perfectly with our mission to redefine what’s possible in music,” said Empire Founder and CEO, Ghazi. “Her deep roots in Nashville and ability to break global stars make her the perfect leader to continue to drive our momentous country music division forward.”
Most recently, Way served as senior VP of marketing at Sony Music Nashville, where she oversaw the label group’s domestic and international marketing efforts which included digital marketing, artist development, creative, content development and media.
+ UnitedMasters Africa has released a 12-song compilation album titled “Most Likely.”
“Most Likely” brings together 12 emerging talents from across Africa and the diaspora, paired with top producers and mentors for three transformative days of collaboration and creation. From the introspective “Mind” by Nigerian breakout Salle to the bold genre fusion of “Check It” by Rigo Kamp, the album pulses with artistic freedom and regional flavor.
Other standouts include “Ka Ma Gbadun” by Romi, “Not A Love Song” by Zimbabwe’s Kyla Blac, and “Thinking Of You” by Tolani. The camp featured mentorship from respected figures like Sarz, WurlD, Blaqbonez and Louddaaa, and included producers from the Sarz Academy alongside producer talents TwitchPapii, Dunnie, Le Mav, Saszy, Yosa, and Ramoni.
+ Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis and actor Shane Powers have started a “concert-friendly” canned coffee brand called Jolene. As part of Jolene’s first product launch include its smooth organic black coffee, and Jolene White, an oat milk latte in a can that uses organic coconut sugar and organic coffee.
+ MusExpo, in partnership with the artist discovery and development firm A&R Worldwide, will recognize Reynold D’Silva, founder and CEO of Silva Screen Music Group, as the recipient of its prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the 26th global edition of MusExpo. The award will be presented during a special luncheon on March 23, 2026, at Castaway in Burbank, Calif., during the event’s run from March 22–25, 2026.
D’Silva’s dynamic 50-year career in music has been defined by bold innovation, genre-defying ventures, and a relentless commitment to musical artistry and cultural preservation. From his early days performing in India’s first disco at the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai, to launching one of the world’s most respected independent music companies, D’Silva’s journey is a testament to passion turned purpose.
+ Amazon Music has announced the exclusive pre-sale of Selena‘s “Dreaming of You” 30th anniversary vinyl, celebrating three decades of her music. This special edition debuts in the Latin Music Vinyl and CDs Store, a new dedicated vinyl marketplace for Latin music on Amazon offering an extensive selection of Latin vinyl records and limited-release collections.
With the Latin Music Vinyl and CDs Store, fans can explore popular albums and hard-to-find gems, browse curated collections, receive personalized recommendations, and follow their favorite and rising Latin music artists on Amazon Music to stay up to date on the latest vinyl drops.
“Latin music continues to shape the sound of today, with fan demand driving growth across every format, including a notable rise in physical formats,” said Rocio Guerrero, director of music, Latin-Iberia, Amazon Music. “The Latin Music Vinyl and CDs Store celebrates that momentum by giving fans a space to discover and collect the music they love and learn more about the artists behind it. This new destination brings together the nostalgia of vinyl collecting with convenient shopping features on Amazon.”
+ Sony Music Nashville has signed pop singer-songwriter Ian Harrison. Harrison’s first release on the label, “Not The One,” is out now. The single was co-written by Harrison, Daniel Agee and Nick Wayne, with Agee also producing.
“So blessed to be a part of the Sony Nashville team,” said Harrison. “I’m thankful that I’m surrounded by a group that truly believes in the music!”
Harrison is represented by Zach Beebe of OTRmgmt and WME with publishing through Warner Chappell.
Additional guest speakers at the event will include Marcus Miller, director Reginald Hudin, and music supervisors Mary Ramos, Laura Webb, Yvette Metoyer, Amanda Krieg Thomas, Morgan Rhodes and Jordan Young.
The speech will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 16 on the West Los Angeles College Campus.
+ Joel Little, the songwriter and producer best known for collaborating closely with Lorde on breakout single “Royals” and beyond, and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) have announced Little’s signing of an exclusive worldwide music publishing administration agreement with the company.
“I’m thrilled to begin the next chapter of my career with the incredible team at UMPG,” Little said in a statement. “It’s especially meaningful to reunite with [UMPG executive vice president and head of U.S. A&R] Jennifer Knoepfle, who has been such an integral part of my journey and success over the years. I’m excited to see where we can go from here.”
Little is managed by Page 1 Management.
+ AEG has announced Jim King as its new head of CEO of AEG Presents UK, the company announced today. In addition, Steve Homer will transition to a new position as president, UK Touring at the company, as part of King’s team. King was most recently CEO of European Festivals for the company.
“Jim’s appointment is both a recognition of his achievements and a key strategic step as we continue aligning and expanding our UK and European business strategies,” said Adam Wilkes, president & CEO of AEG Presents Europe and Asia Pacific, to whom King will report. “His vision and leadership have been central to shaping the company’s presence and footprint across the region, and I’m confident that under his guidance we’re well positioned for even greater success in the United Kingdom and across the continent.”
King joined AEG Presents in 2008.
+ Singer-songwriter David Longstreth, best known as the frontman for The Dirty Projectors, has signed with Wise Music Group and WME.
Longstreth explained that he wants to expand his oeuvre in a big way.
“I want to write film scores, operas, ballets, symphonies, concerti, songs and chamber works of every stripe,” Longstreth said in a statement. “In joining the Wise and WME rosters, I couldn’t be more honored to be among so many of my favorite living composers — Missy Mazzoli, Bryce Dessner, Tyshawn Sorey, Terry Riley, Philip Glass and John Adams at Wise, and Emile Mosseri and Ludwig Göransson at WME.”
Longstreth previously scored this year’s A24-produced film The Legend Of Ochi and 2024’s Love Me, starring Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun.
+ Live event producer Chaz Hamman has announced the launch of his new company, Hungry Ghost Management. Clients at launch include FragmentNine, Lightswitch, Notan Creative and creative director Sean Kusanagi.
Hamman was previously at Red Light Management for 13 years, implementing large-scale touring strategies and productions, before moving to Terrapin Station Entertainment in 2020.
+ Derek Cournoyer has been named Kobalt’s new senior vice president of global digital business. In the role, Cournoyer will be key in negotiating strategic partnerships with companies such as YouTube, TikTok and Meta, as well as pioneering initiatives with emerging media segments in the creator economy, web3 and AI.
Cournoyer has spent the majority of his career at Kobalt, first joining the company in 2011 in the synch department and, after some time at the social singing app Smule, returning to Kobalt in 2019 as senior director, synch and business development.
“We’re at a turning point in the music industry as AI transforms the landscape and micro-licensing opens up powerful new pathways for the creator economy,” Cournoyer said in a statement. “Kobalt is not just adapting to this moment – we’re built for it. With one of the most sophisticated metadata infrastructures in the business, we’re positioned to license music smarter, faster, and more strategically.”
“As a tech-forward music company, it is crucial that our songwriters are protected and are positioned to earn income from emerging technologies,” said Bob Bruderman, chief digital officer at Kobalt. “Derek has played a vital role in forging innovative deals with new partners while ensuring that we have strong relationships with the major digital services and platforms. I am pleased to be able to recognize his contributions by expanding his role at Kobalt.”
+ Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced a strategic partnership with the company Liquidax Capital to “accelerate the development of UMG’s music-related AI patents,” the company wrote. Liquidax will support UMG with development, filing and licensing around AI-related patents.
UMG and Liquidax have already collaborated on 15 patents, the companies write, covering musical collaboration, multimedia content creation, health, rights management and administration.
“We are taking a very active role in fostering innovation,” said Chris Horton, svp of strategic technology at UMG, in a statement. “Building on our historical and contemporary track record of cutting-edge R&D, scientific advancements and successful patent applications, we are looking forward to significantly advancing our internal efforts, with a dedicated focus on AI technology. And we’re very pleased to be entering into this collaboration with Liquidax, with whom we intend to develop a strong strategic relationship that will amplify our ability to develop IP and take it to market, accelerating the evolution of the music ecosystem.”
Incubus — the Grammy-nominated rock band comprised of Brandon Boyd, Mike Einziger, José Pasillas II, Chris Kilmore and Nicole Row — has signed with CAA for agency representation.
The news comes as Incubus wrapped a tour in the United States, during which they performed their 2001 album, “Morning View,” in full along with hits from throughout the band’s career. The outing marked the second leg of an arena tour that initially launched in 2024. The group has also confirmed there is new music on the horizon.
Incubus are managed by Velvet Hammer Music and Management Group, and represented by Todd Cooper from Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
+ Empire has appointed Jennifer Way as executive vice president for Nashville.
In this role, she will lead the overall strategy for the Nashville team and its day-to-day operations, including signing and developing new talent, supporting each artist’s creative vision with campaigns, cultivating new business opportunities and driving the continued growth of Empire Nashville’s roster.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be joining Empire – a team of disrupters who prioritize originality, innovation and artist-first thinking at every turn,” said Way. “I’m inspired by Ghazi and the culture he has built, and I’m excited to dive in and contribute to the continued success of this incredible team as we redefine together what a modern music company can be.”
“Jennifer is a powerhouse whose vision and track record align perfectly with our mission to redefine what’s possible in music,” said Empire Founder and CEO, Ghazi. “Her deep roots in Nashville and ability to break global stars make her the perfect leader to continue to drive our momentous country music division forward.”
Most recently, Way served as senior VP of marketing at Sony Music Nashville, where she oversaw the label group’s domestic and international marketing efforts which included digital marketing, artist development, creative, content development and media.
+ UnitedMasters Africa has released a 12-song compilation album titled “Most Likely.”
“Most Likely” brings together 12 emerging talents from across Africa and the diaspora, paired with top producers and mentors for three transformative days of collaboration and creation. From the introspective “Mind” by Nigerian breakout Salle to the bold genre fusion of “Check It” by Rigo Kamp, the album pulses with artistic freedom and regional flavor.
Other standouts include “Ka Ma Gbadun” by Romi, “Not A Love Song” by Zimbabwe’s Kyla Blac, and “Thinking Of You” by Tolani. The camp featured mentorship from respected figures like Sarz, WurlD, Blaqbonez and Louddaaa, and included producers from the Sarz Academy alongside producer talents TwitchPapii, Dunnie, Le Mav, Saszy, Yosa, and Ramoni.
+ Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis and actor Shane Powers have started a “concert-friendly” canned coffee brand called Jolene. As part of Jolene’s first product launch include its smooth organic black coffee, and Jolene White, an oat milk latte in a can that uses organic coconut sugar and organic coffee.
+ MusExpo, in partnership with the artist discovery and development firm A&R Worldwide, will recognize Reynold D’Silva, founder and CEO of Silva Screen Music Group, as the recipient of its prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the 26th global edition of MusExpo. The award will be presented during a special luncheon on March 23, 2026, at Castaway in Burbank, Calif., during the event’s run from March 22–25, 2026.
D’Silva’s dynamic 50-year career in music has been defined by bold innovation, genre-defying ventures, and a relentless commitment to musical artistry and cultural preservation. From his early days performing in India’s first disco at the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai, to launching one of the world’s most respected independent music companies, D’Silva’s journey is a testament to passion turned purpose.
+ Amazon Music has announced the exclusive pre-sale of Selena‘s “Dreaming of You” 30th anniversary vinyl, celebrating three decades of her music. This special edition debuts in the Latin Music Vinyl and CDs Store, a new dedicated vinyl marketplace for Latin music on Amazon offering an extensive selection of Latin vinyl records and limited-release collections.
With the Latin Music Vinyl and CDs Store, fans can explore popular albums and hard-to-find gems, browse curated collections, receive personalized recommendations, and follow their favorite and rising Latin music artists on Amazon Music to stay up to date on the latest vinyl drops.
“Latin music continues to shape the sound of today, with fan demand driving growth across every format, including a notable rise in physical formats,” said Rocio Guerrero, director of music, Latin-Iberia, Amazon Music. “The Latin Music Vinyl and CDs Store celebrates that momentum by giving fans a space to discover and collect the music they love and learn more about the artists behind it. This new destination brings together the nostalgia of vinyl collecting with convenient shopping features on Amazon.”
+ Sony Music Nashville has signed pop singer-songwriter Ian Harrison. Harrison’s first release on the label, “Not The One,” is out now. The single was co-written by Harrison, Daniel Agee and Nick Wayne, with Agee also producing.
“So blessed to be a part of the Sony Nashville team,” said Harrison. “I’m thankful that I’m surrounded by a group that truly believes in the music!”
Harrison is represented by Zach Beebe of OTRmgmt and WME with publishing through Warner Chappell.