Sony Music Publishing Nashville has renewed a global publishing administration agreement with Lainey Wilson, who first joined the roster in 2017.
“I couldn’t be happier to continue my partnership with Sony Music Publishing,” said Wilson in a statement. “I’ll always be a songwriter first and I appreciate having such a supportive team that agrees it all starts with the songs.”
Lainey Wilson hac achieved seven No. 1 hits, including “Watermelon Moonshine” and the two-time Platinum “Heart Like A Truck,” as well as award-winning collaborations with Cole Swindell, Jelly Roll, and Hardy. She was recently named Variety Hitmakers Storyteller of the Year.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville Vice President, Creative Anna Weisband said, “Lainey Wilson is one of the most inspiring songwriters the world has ever known. She is continuing to redefine the country music genre with every song she writes. I am so proud to be on her team and to continue this journey with her – I can’t wait to see what she does next!”
+ Various Artists Management has announced promotions and appointments, including the promotion of Carimei Smith to senior day-to-day manager/general manager of North America.
Smith has been with the company for three years, overseeing global music campaigns for artists such as Ashnikko, Good Neighbours, Melanie C, Tom Grennan and Barns Courtney.
Alice Vaughan has also been tapped as A&R director. Based in London, Vaughn joins VAM after five years at Sony Music Publishing. In addition, Rebecca Dixon has recently been promoted to global head of marketing and general manager for the U.K. Dixon, who was previously head of marketing and promotions, will continue to run all aspects of marketing and audience development in the U.K. while furthering her role at VAM’s Los Angeles office and expanding the company’s relationships in Europe.
+ Goldenvoice has named Lea Swanson its new VP of talent. In this new role, Swanson will serve as sole talent buyer for the Mountain Winery, as well as contributing talent buyer for multiple venues in LA, primarily the Peacock Theater, the Shrine Auditorium, and various open rooms including the Greek Theater and Dolby Theatre.
She will also book one-off shows in neighboring California markets including Irvine, Ontario, Bakersfield and Fresno as well as Hawaii. Swanson will continue to be based in San Diego and report to Chief Operating Officer, Goldenvoice, Melissa Ormond.
“After over 17 years with AEG Presents in my home market of San Diego and supporting numerous casino clients, I feel fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to step into this elevated role,” said Swanson, “A year after accepting the lead booking role at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, having the chance to grow and promote shows in one of the primary music markets in North America was an opportunity I had to take. I’m enthusiastic about what’s ahead and look forward to contributing to the continued success in all our markets.”
In 2023, Lea accepted the lead talent buyer position at The Mountain Winery in Saratoga, CA and in her first year promoted 78 shows and special events.
+ Splice has named Jeff Roberto senior VP marketing at the company. In his new role, Roberto will oversee marketing initiatives for Splice globally.
“Our AI Roadmap gives us a huge opportunity to build revolutionary creative experiences for musicians,” said Kakul Srivastava, CEO of Splice. “In Jeff, we have found a unique talent, someone that can help us scale an already thriving business, who understands the music industry and most importantly, cares deeply about the creative communities we support.”
In addition to CMO roles at Nodle and DistroKid, Roberto was also senior VP Marketing at Picsart.
“Music and creators are two of my greatest passions, and Splice is perfectly positioned at their intersection,” said Roberto. “I’m excited to support music producers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. I look forward to expanding the brand across new horizons as we continue to deliver innovative AI tools that enhance creative workflows.”
+ BMG has announced the promotion of Katie Kerkhover to senior VP of A&R for Frontline Recordings, North America. Kerkhover will lead the A&R teams at BMG’s offices in Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York and Toronto. Currently based in Nashville, Kerkhover will split her time between the Music City and Los Angeles. She reports directly to Jon Loba, President, Frontline Recordings, The Americas.
Joining BMG in 2020, Kerkhover previously served as senior director, creative, in music publishing, where she managed BMG’s Nashville roster of songwriters, including Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Stephen Wilson Jr., Emily Landis, and Chayce Beckham, among others, while also signing and developing new songwriters and artists.
Kerkhover was promoted to VP, A&R, Frontline Recordings for BMG in Nashville in 2022, where she was responsible for BBR Music Group’s roster of recording artists across its imprints Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records and Wheelhouse Records, as well as scouting, signing, and developing new talent for the roster. Since leading A&R for BBR Music Group, she has worked with Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean, and Chayce Beckham, among others, and is currently working with Blake Shelton’s team on his forthcoming BMG Nashville debut.
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