Matty Karas, editor make popularMuzykaREDEFwebsite and newslettersince 2014, a veteran music and music industry reporter and critic, resigns on Friday, he announced in Thursday's Newsletter. Publication will be suspended while he helps REDEF founder Jason Hirschorn find a replacement.
A veteran of the game, Karas led MusicREDEF with a seasoned, insightful, headstrong, and sometimes seemingly all-knowing perspective. The newsletter hit inboxes around 6 a.m. EST most mornings of the week, and featured several introductory paragraphs eloquently speaking about an artist, company, trend, or (often) an issue, all of which contained multiple articles he wanted to quickly summarize and combine in the rest of the email. The guy seemed to read everything and miss virtually nothing, plus he dutifully recognized the story-breaking publication as well as the most insightful trending articles.
This perspective has been developing for almost 35 years: according to hisvery nice profile on LinkedIn- and who makes a LinkedIn profile laugh? — Started in 1990 as a pop music critic at Asbury Park Press in New Jersey before moving to pre-90s online music service Muze, MJI Broadcasting, SonicNet, Addicted to Noise, MTV News, VH1 and several defunct MTV outlets before landing at REDEF in 2014.
So he knows what he's talking about and his voice is important. REDEF's audience was small and internal compared to more popular publications, but if you were lucky enough to link or retweet one of your articles - and you never had to send them anything, because there was a 95% chance that they had already read it - you knew that you are doing something right.
“He is an amazing defender of the right side in any dispute,” he told the coexistence.DiversityThursday morning.
He will publish one more newsletter on Friday, and then MusicREDEF will take a short break until he and Hirschorn undertake the difficult task of finding a suitable successor. Matty, thank you for your service.
+Universal Music Group NashvilleappointedChelsea Blytheas the new Executive Vice President of A&R. It stems from her most recent role as senior vice president of A&R at Def Jam, where Blythe led A&R at Armani White, 26AR, and Anella Herim, among others.
“I am very excited to bring Chelsea to UMG Nashville as EVP A&R,” said Cindy Mabe, president and CEO of UMGN. “His bold leadership, dynamic spirit and passion for music and artists will fit perfectly into the culture we are building. Her love of country music brought her to Nashville, and her dynamic presence and impeccable instincts will help guide our artist development strategy and innovate the future of country music."
Blythe began her career as an A&R intern at Interscope Records before becoming a department coordinator where she worked to expand the careers of artists such as Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Rae Sremmurd and Mike WiLL Made-It. She moved to Columbia Records in 2016, becoming vice president of A&R and signing Symba as her first artist. She also helped bring Baby Keem to the label and helped develop the Polo G and Kid Laroi.
+Jen Hubbardwas appointed to the newly created role of director, syncing A&R onConcord Music Publishing House. Based in Nashville, it will assist in developing and managing Concord's US songwriting roster for synchronized activities as well as connecting A&R teams and synchronizing.
Hubbard, who most recently served as director of A&R, will also support Concord's overall strategy to streamline synchronization initiatives and provide greater opportunities for writers in film, television, commercial, gaming and more. Based in Nashville, Hubbard reports to Brad Kennard, Senior Vice President of A&R, with support from Kourtney Kirkpatrick, Vice President, Publishing Sync, and Brooke Primont, Executive Vice President, Global Sync, Concord Music Publishing.
+Berklee Valenciawill present an honorary doctorate in music to a music and entertainment entrepreneur and public relations directorYvette Noel-Schureat the 2023 graduation ceremony on July 10 at the Auditori del Palau de les Arts.
Known for her work with Beyoncé, Prince, John Legend and Chloe x Halle, among others, Valencia will be recognized for her professional achievements and dedication to the music industry. Over the past five years, the Valencia campus has awarded honorary doctorates to Al Di Meoli, Imogen Heap, Lila Downs, Gilberto Gil and Alberto Iglesias.
+ Creators of "Barmageddon"Blake'a Sheltonai showrunnerLee Metzgeralaunched a new production company calledLucky Horseshoe Productions.
The announcement comes after Shelton's departure from The Voice, where Metzger served as executive producer. According to the press release, Lucky Horseshoe Productions, represented by Verve, will produce cross-genre content across all platforms.
"I'm excited to be collaborating with my longtime friend and creative rainmaker, Lee Metzger," said Shelton. “He was one of the first people I met on 'The Voice' and we're excited to be working together on 'Barmageddon'. We have always been in sync with ideas and projects that interest and excite us. As long as Lee doesn't screw up, it'll be great."
"Over the years of working with Blake, we've created some incredible TV moments, and now with the success of Barmageddon, we've realized we have a creative point of view that viewers love to see," said Mezger. “I look forward to producing our own entertainment brand and years of success with Blake. Besides, now that he's left The Voice, he has nothing better to do.
Tuesday, May 23
Brandy Carlilewill be honored with the Songwriter Icon AwardNational Music Publishers Association (NMPA)as part of the organization's annual meeting at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall on June 14.
“Brandy Carlileis in a class of its own," NMPA President and CEO David Israelite said in a statement. “A critical success that has become a cultural and commercial force, it has always delivered great lyrics and vocals that go to the heart of the human experience. We are happy to celebrate what she has given and continues to give to the art of songwriting."
The first NMPA Non-Performing Songwriter Icon Award will go to a national hitmakerAshleya Gorleyaand the president and CEO of the RIAAMitch Glazierwill receive the NMPA Industry Legacy Award. CEO of Warner Music GroupRobert Kyncl will speakabout "the value of music and the ever-expanding opportunities for songwriters, artists and creators" in the context of streaming and artificial intelligence.
In addition, there will be surprise tribute performances in the evening, and the influential legislator will receive the NMPA President's Award, which this year will go toSenator Dick Durbin (D-IL)for leadership inMusic Modernization Actand the Law of the Cause.
The evening will also include a state of the industry speech that will discuss the new streaming fees that recently went into effect.
+Martin Taras- a Grammy-nominated musician and producer known for his work with chart-topping artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg and Travis Scott - has signed a new global recording contract withBMGfor releasing a series of various jazz albums with his labelCrenshaw's sons. The premiere of the first project from the six-record contract is scheduled for this summer, and new music is expected soon.
"Terrace is an incredibly talented, influential and respected creator and cultural defender," said Tim Reid, BMG's senior vice president of repertoire and marketing. “There is an undeniable authenticity and attention to detail in their creative approach. With Terrace at the helm, Sounds Of Crenshaw is the future of jazz."
+Ernest Trappawill step down as Executive Director ofWarner Music Group'SEMPto continue with other projects at the end of May, the company announced today.
Trapp has been running EMP since 2013, collaborating with artists such as Guns N' Roses, Metallica, Nirvana, Panic! At the Disco and Twenty One Pilots as well as major entertainment brands and franchises including Disney, Harry Potter, Marvel and Star Wars. He ran private label collections at EMP and successfully launched a wide range of third-party streetwear brands, leading the company until its acquisition by WMG in 2018, being responsible, among other things, for the commercial success of over 200 online stores worldwide.
"I've had a lot of fun guiding EMP through so many changes over the past decade," said Trapp. “We come out of every challenge stronger than ever and the company has a bright future ahead of it. But now is the right time to move forward and seize new opportunities knowing that EMP's amazing team is in the right place."
+The Recording Academy's Black Music Collective (BMC)mimuzyka amazonkichosenJoseph Michael Abiakam(Norfolk State University),Langston Jackson(Hampton University),Kennedi Amari Johnson(Clark University in Atlanta),Courtney Roberts(South Texas University) eCaleb Wilkerson(Florida A&M University) as recipientsYour Future Is Now Scholarship.
The music industry-focused award is offered to students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and entitles students to $10,000 for the 2023/2024 academic year with the opportunity to participate in an immersive program that includes workshops and one-on-one music from the Amazon and Recording Academy section.
“We are extremely proud to partner with Amazon Music to renew this unique grant program for the third year in a row,” said Ryan Butler, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Recording Academy. “The imperative of black representation in the music industry cannot be overstated, and this scholarship is a tangible demonstration of our unwavering commitment to realizing the aspirations of tomorrow's black music leaders. We are thrilled to provide Joseph, Langston, Kennedy, Courtney and Caleb with this life-changing opportunity as they pursue their ambitions and contribute to the development of black music."
Additionally, as part of the "Your Future Is Now" program, Amazon Music, The Same House and Recording Academy are teaming up to host the "Your Future Is Now" business development seminar for selected 2023 Morris Brown College alumni. will take place on June 17. The event will be moderated by Recording Academy Atlanta president Justin Henderson and Amazon Music's Frankie Yaptinchay.
For more information about the Black Music Collective and the "Your Future Is Now" grant, visit the websiteHere.
+divine waysigned a contract with the singerLizzy McAlpineto the new management contract. The pop singer recently signed with RCA Records in April and has just completed a sold-out North American tour, represented by CAA for bookings.
The management company and label also represent Channel Tres, SG Lewis and JPEGMAFIA with an integrated publishing arm in partnership with Hipgnosis Songs Group.
+grandstand recordswas indicatedEdith Boas the new head of A&R, responsible for setting and overseeing the overall direction of the A&R strategy, including seeking out and signing new artists. In addition, she will lead branding partnerships and work closely with Rostrum's marketing team while reporting to Rostrum Records CEO Erika Montes.
"Edith is a rock star, director of A&R with deep relationships across the industry, from artists, managers and labels," said Montes. "I have long admired her work over the years and am excited that we will finally be working together as she becomes the newest member of Rostrum's growing team."
Bo joins Rostrum from SoundCloud where he led his first songwriting initiative called "Unsung Heroes" as well as publishing and syncing partnerships. Prior to SoundCloud, Bo was in artist management and A&R at Roc Nation where his clients included Big Sean, Mustard, Hit-Boy and Santigold.
+ The AI firmPapiercooperates withUniversal Music Groupto create "artist-inspired, AI-powered functional music designed to support the well-being of listeners," according to a press release. Through this partnership, Endel will help UMG artists redesign their catalogs, creating new versions of their songs aimed at sleep, study, relaxation or concentration.
Artists from Republic and Interscope have already signed up and the first releases are expected in the coming months. Endel previously collaborated with Republic Records artist James Blake, who released "to relaxwith Endel in May 2022.
In making this announcement, Michael Nash, UMG's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Endel capitalized on with impressive ingenuity and scientific innovation. We are excited to collaborate and use their patented AI technology to create new musical soundscapes – anchored in our artist-centric philosophy – designed to enhance the well-being of audiences, driven by an AI that respects the rights of artists in its development.”