4 – 10 May 2025
Open Letter, Data Bill
Over 400 artists, industry leaders, and creatives — including Elton John, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cameron Mackintosh, and Ian McKellen — wrote an open letter to the UK Prime Minister asking for support on copyright protections against AI use. They’re backing Baroness Beeban Kidron’s amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill, which would make AI companies reveal which copyrighted works they use, aiming to ensure fair licensing and payment. The group warns that without this, UK creativity could be exploited by big US tech firms. Kidron’s amendment will go to a House of Lords vote on Monday, 12 May. (update: The amendment was agreed to)
Range Music, New Composer Division
Range Music has launched a new composer division focused on music for TV and film. Their first hire is Jeff Jernigan, a veteran manager who will represent composers, music supervisors, and producers. His clients include big names like Steven Price (Gravity) and Tom Howe (Ted Lasso). Jernigan joins from Kraft-Engel and will work closely with Range’s film team. The move aims to boost collaboration across Range’s music and film divisions (via Music Week).
Acquisition, Create Music, Monstercat
Create Music Group has acquired electronic label Monstercat, known for artists like Kaskade and Alan Walker. Monstercat will continue to operate independently under its current leadership, with its founders staying on as advisors. Create plans to invest $50 million over two years to boost artist development and growth. Monstercat brings a large digital audience, a strong sync presence in gaming, and a diverse catalog across its Uncaged, Instinct, and Silk labels. The deal gives Monstercat access to Create’s global infrastructure and resources, aiming to scale its artist-first model even further.
Blue Note, UK Opening
Blue Note Jazz Club has secured a license to open its first UK venue in the basement of the St Martins Lane hotel in Covent Garden, with opening hours until 1am most nights. Set to launch in early 2026, the club will feature two performance spaces and a full kitchen, hosting both jazz legends and emerging talent. The venue was praised by Westminster Council and the Music Venue Trust for its thoughtful planning and community engagement (via Music Week).
On the Move
Armada Music has entered a joint venture with Dutch electronic artist Joris Voorn, starting with the release of his upcoming album Serotonin this July via his label Spectrum. The partnership covers A&R, marketing, and publishing support, including writing camps and collaborations. It builds on their past work together, including major performances with Armin van Buuren and a hit remix in 2022. Armada sees this as part of its push to support forward-thinking electronic music.
Downtown Music Publishing has named Jason Taylor as Vice President of Business Development. He’ll focus on legacy catalogues and B2B partnerships, working from LA and reporting to Chief Creative Officer Jedd Katrancha. Taylor previously held senior roles at ICONOCLAST, Hipgnosis Songs Group, and Big Deal Music Group. Bea Koramblyum has also been promoted to Global Head of Business Affairs & Vice President of Business Development, recognising her work in growing Downtown’s catalogue. These moves signal a stronger push toward catalogue expansion and creative partnerships.
AEG Presents Europe has named Andrew Spencer as COO. Based in London, he’ll oversee operations across the region and support strategic growth. Spencer comes from Frontier Touring in Australia, where he was chief commercial officer and played a key role in its partnership with AEG. He’s worked closely with AEG on venue investments and introducing AXS ticketing to Australia. He’ll report to AEG Presents Europe & Asia Pacific president Adam Wilkes, who praised Spencer’s leadership and industry expertise.
Capitol Music Group, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, has named Sara Nix and Joe Mortimer as Co-Heads of Creative. Nix joins from Partizan, where she worked with artists like Billie Eilish and Pharrell, while Mortimer comes from Astralwerks, where he led campaigns for Marshmello and Troye Sivan. Both bring deep experience in visual and brand storytelling. They’ll be based at Capitol Tower in Hollywood and are tasked with shaping the label’s creative direction (via Music Week).
Jonathan Badyal, former communications director at Universal Music UK, has joined executive search firm Saxton Bampfylde as a senior advisor in its arts, culture, and creative industries practice. He’ll support leadership recruitment for major cultural institutions while continuing his role at Trafalgar Strategy. With experience spanning government, music, and board roles, Badyal brings deep industry insight to the firm’s work with clients like the BBC, National Theatre, and Grammys (via Music Week).
