Avex Music Group, the global music company of Japanese entertainment giant Avex helmed by CEO Brandon Silverstein, has partnered with the Orchard for distribution of all future releases in territories around the world. The first new music expected to be released under the deal will be music from We the Band, who also serve as Justin Bieber’s longtime backup band.
“As we continue to expand Avex’s presence around the world, having a distribution partner that has a powerful global footprint is critical,” said Silverstein. “Brad Navin and his team have built a best-in-class company with expertise in every area to help us grow our artists’ fanbases all around the world.”
“We’re looking forward to working with Brandon and the entire Avex Music Group team on an amazing schedule of releases for 2026,” said Orchard CEO Brad Navin. “This alliance will ensure that Avex’s diverse and exciting catalog reaches a wider international audience than ever before.”
Founded in 1988, Avex now has more than 1,500 employees, 40+ labels, and 10 offices worldwide and spans talent management, music publishing, touring, marketing, distribution, and more. In 2024 alone, the company generated nearly $1 billion in revenue.
+ Concord Music has named Andy Serrao chief creative officer of Concord Label Group, effective immediately. Reporting to Concord Label Group CEO Tom Becci, Serrao will oversee A&R and strategic marketing across Concord’s owned label imprints, including Fearless Records, Concord Records, and Rounder Records. As CCO, Serrao will focus on “widening Concord’s A&R lens and expanding the creative expectations for each of its label imprints,” according to the announcement. He will remain based in Concord’s Los Angeles office.
Serrao joined Fearless shortly after the label became part of Concord, recruited by Fearless founder Bob Becker, who promoted him to president. Serrao and the team have worked closely with such acts as Ice Nine Kills, Pierce the Veil, and the Pretty Reckless.
Becci said, “Andy’s success at Fearless over the past seven years, along with his ability to build and lead an exceptional team and artist roster, made him the clear choice for this role. He embodies the kind of creative leadership we value — hands-on, intentional, and grounded.”
+ The National Independent Venue Association of California (NIVA CA) has named Joe Rinaldi president. The managing partner of San Diego’s Music Box and national buyer for the 45,000-capacity Mission Bayfest, he succeeds the two-year co-presidency of Gabe Docto, Jim Cornett, and Josh Lieberman, and has served as NIVA’s Southern California Advocate since 2021.
“Independent venues are the heartbeat of California’s culture and economy,” said Rinaldi. “After years of advocating for our community in Southern California, I am honored to lead the statewide effort to ensure our industry not only survives but thrives. Our mission is clear: we must unite our 630-plus qualifying venues, promoters, and festivals to become a self-sufficient force for change.”
+ Artist Partner Group has named Jos Watkin VP of A&R & international artist development, and has promoted Tyler Borland to director of A&R.
Watkin most recently served at Polydor Records, where he signed and developed artists including Good Neighbours, Confidence Man, and Elmiene. Prior to Polydor, he held a senior role at BMG, working with a roster including A. G. Cook, Mura Masa, Overmono, FKJ, and Floating Points.
Borland has signed and A&R’d artists such as Odetari, 6arelyhuman, and Asteria, as well as artist-producer and Sombr collaborator Flawed Mangoes.
+ Big Loud Records has announced the appointment of Jamie Younger as VP of marketing. She will be based in the company’s Nashville office and report to Brianne Deslippe, SVP/Head of Marketing.
Most recently, Younger oversaw release strategy and artist development at the Core Records, where she worked closely such artists as Brandon Wisham and Hannah McFarland. Previously, she spent more than 12 years at Warner Music Nashville and played a key role in the success of Bailey Zimmerman, and also was marketing director at American Songwriter.
Deslippe said, “Jamie is a proven, artist-first marketing executive with a track record of delivering culturally impactful campaigns across both emerging and established artists. Her depth of experience and strategic leadership make her a strong addition to our team, and we’re excited to have her help drive the next phase of growth for our roster.”
+ Stationhead, the fan engagement platform connecting artists with audiences through interactive live listening experiences, and Mellomanic, an online music event platform powering real-time video streaming events, have merged under the Stationhead name.
Backed with new investment from Sterling Partners and Universal Music Group, among others, the new Stationhead creates an integrated fan engagement platform.
With the merger, David Rappaport, head of Mellomanic and the former chief operating officer of Global Touring at AEG Presents, will become CEO of Stationhead. Ryan Star, Stationhead’s co-founder and a recording artist, will serve as chief creative officer. Steven Taslitz, chairman and co-founder of Sterling Partners, will serve as chairman. Rappaport and Star will additionally serve as board members.
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