Joey Arbagey has joined 19 Entertainment, the Sony Pictures Television company led by Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman, as executive vice president of music.
Joining 19 Entertainment from Epic Records, where he spent a decade and most recently served as executive VP of A&R, Arbagey will oversee the music business connected to “American Idol.” Arbagey will support the music division, overseeing 19 Recordings, 19 Publishing, and 19 Management, as well as related partnerships, including with distribution partner BMG. He will report to Holzman and Rachel Dax, SPT Nonfiction’s president and executive VP of production, respectively.
In a joint statement, Holzman and Dax said, “We are so glad to bring Joey aboard as we work to evolve our music division to address the needs of artists in the music industry of today. He is an outstanding executive with a strong track record across both the business and creative sides of the industry. His input will be invaluable as we continue to build the legacy of one of the most iconic institutions in music.”
Arbagey said, “I couldn’t be more excited to join Eli, Aaron, and Rachel, and the rest of the 19 Entertainment team, particularly at this moment. They’ve built a music division with a roster that speaks for itself, and I look forward to working with them and our partners as we aim for even greater heights with our next chapter.”
As executive VP of A&R for Epic Records, Arbagey oversaw the creative campaigns for artists including Camila Cabello, Mariah Carey, John K and Eddie Benjamin.
+ In partnership with Mom+Pop Music, Thaddeus Rudd and Michael Goldstone have launched the creative and digital agency Pipes Music. Pipes is working with artists on Mom+Pop and other independent artists, both signed and unsigned, to provide content creation and social media campaign strategies.
Goldstone said, “Pipes is constructed differently than most agencies in the music space. By bringing in all of the creative elements together, Pipes will streamline a sometimes daunting and arduous process for the artists. Our vision is that artists will value the expertise and support, helping them lean in artistically in order to maintain their unique aesthetic and musical point of view across platforms.”
Rudd added, “As an independent label, we need to constantly have the flexibility to support artistry where it lives now. It’s no longer a world of “when’s the single and tour coming. Supporting artistry is what our purpose is, so we are always looking at ways to be current, vibrant, and dynamic on our artist’s behalf.”
Sullivan Brock is set to lead Pipes’ creative department; Emily Ferrell, formerly of Creed Agency, oversees UGC campaigns and leads Pipes’ digital marketing wing; Ella Parent and Shae Hicks are also part of the Pipes team and will work with Ferrell on UGC campaigns.
+ Warner Music Hong Kong has appointed Robin Ch’i as managing director, effective immediately. He will report to Simon Robson, who oversees Warner Music Group’s recorded business in the APAC region until a permanent appointee is chosen.
Gordon Lee, an industry veteran who has served as managing director since 2003, will be retiring after two decades in the role. Ch’i steps into the role after a 15-year career on the label side at Warner Music Group (WMG), starting as an A&R Manager and most recently serving as director, A&R, brand and business. Prior to that, he worked for four years as a creative executive at Warner Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of WMG, where he developed a strong eye for emerging artists.
Lee said, “Music has always been a source of magic for me; it’s not just my career, but a passion that enriches my life. I’m grateful to everyone at Warner Music Group, especially my dedicated team, whose support has been invaluable. I also want to thank our artists for their trust, allowing us to help them realize their dreams. I have personally chosen Robin as my successor; he has been closely involved in the development of many artists and the business alongside me, and I am confident he will excel in this role.”
Wednesday, Jan. 22
Sony Music Publishing has launched its new flagship office in Thailand with Tatchara Longprasert joining as general manager, effective immediately. Based in Bangkok, Longprasert reports to Carol Ng, president, Asia, Sony Music Publishing.
SMP Thailand is the first international publisher to have a dedicated local team providing full publishing services in Thailand. Longprasert comes to SMP after serving as A&R director at Sonray Music, a Thai record label and entertainment agency. Prior to that, he held roles at Warner Music Thailand and BEC World PLC (Thai Television Channel 3) and began his career at S.M. Entertainment on the international business team.
“Thailand has a rich tapestry of sounds and stories,” said Ng. “With the fast-paced growth of Thai repertoire, more and more artists are looking for a dedicated music publishing company, with high value global networks and expertise, to look after the publishing side of their work. We look forward to welcoming many talented and creative songwriters to SMP Thailand and enabling their work to be heard globally.”
Added Longprasert, “I am very excited to be a part of this new journey in Thailand, which will allow us to support local talent whilst expanding their global network. We’re dedicated to advancing the integrity of music publishing, ensuring fair and transparent practices, and providing the best support to songwriters and composers in Thailand. This is a significant step, and we are proud to contribute to the ongoing growth of the Thai creative community.”
+ Manager Justin McIntosh has launched his own JTMC Entertainment, bringing on Kristin Chenoweth as a client. McIntosh will also continue to manage with Reba McEntire, whom he’s represented since 2023.
“2025 marks my 20-year anniversary of working in this business, and I am thrilled to start the next chapter of my career with an artist like Kristin Chenoweth,” said McIntosh. “Much like Reba, she reaches far beyond just one medium of entertainment, and I am so excited to continue expanding upon the incredible legacy she is building.”
Chenoweth is widely known for her iconic original role as Glinda the Good Witch in Broadway’s “Wicked,” recently making a cameo in the 2024 blockbuster film starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. She also starred in the 2024 Netflix holiday film, “Our Little Secret,” alongside Lindsay Lohan and Ian Harding.
Chenoweth is poised to make her Broadway return with “The Queen of Versailles,” reuniting with “Wicked” composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The production is inspired by the true story of Jackie Siegel, a wealthy socialite who set out to build a home modeled after the Palace of Versailles.
Prior to Starstruck, McIntosh worked at Big Machine Label Group, where he worked across digital and marketing campaigns for the label’s roster.
+ Publicist Collin Citron has rejoined his former colleagues Bobbie Gale and Luke Burland at 2b Entertainment in Los Angeles.
“While not quite on a par with the seismic Led Zeppelin reunion of 2007 or the Moai Statues being reunited with Easter Island,” says Gale, “Collin reuniting with Luke and me is nevertheless a red letter day.”
Most recently, Citron was a senior director of publicity at Elektra Records, a role he had held since 2018. There, he worked closely with such artists as Bailey Zimmerman, Panic! at the Disco, All Time Low, Fitz and the Tantrums and others. He began his career in 2014 at BB Gun Press, which merged with MixedMediaWorks in 2023 to form 2b Entertainment.
+ Prescription Songs has added Nico Stadi to its roster via a joint venture with fellow Rx producer Vaughn Oliver. Stadi was brought to the company by Prescription Songs A&Rs Andrea Doman and Rhea Pasricha.
Stadi, a Los Angeled-based producer, has collaborated with numerous pop artists including Justin Bieber, Jason Derulo, Khalid, and Ne-Yo, among others. Among his notable credits, Nico co-wrote and produced Khalid’s “Softest Touch,” in addition to co-writing and producing “Children” and “Get Used To It” on Bieber’s “Purpose.” Elsewhere, he co-wrote, produced, and mixed “Real Groove” and “Miss A Thing” on Kylie Minogue’s “Disco.”
Dorman added, “We’re so excited to start this next chapter with Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter Nico Stadi, our first signing in partnership with our multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated producer, Vaughn Oliver. Nico brings such a rich base of musical knowledge to his work, and we’re looking forward to building on those efforts and creating even more success with him as a team moving forward.”
+ The Country Music Association (CMA) has invested $600,000 in six music industry-affiliated organizations operating in the mental health space: Amber Health, Backline, ECCHO Live (formerly Touring Career Workshop), Music Health Alliance, MusiCares, and Porter’s Call will each receive $100,000 to strengthen critical infrastructure needs as they work to meet the growing demand for mental health resources.
“We strongly believe in supporting the heart of our industry—our people,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA chief executive officer. “This investment demonstrates CMA’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for mental health resources within our business, whether that means counseling, healthcare advocacy, financial guidance, substance abuse care, disaster relief, or even basic living needs. We’ve seen firsthand the devastation and emotional impact caused by the recent Los Angeles wildfires and the catastrophic flooding brought on by hurricanes in parts of North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida a few months ago. The organizations we’ve partnered with are on the front lines of all aspects of mental health, and by partnering with each of them, we’re doing our part to support the vital work they do every day.”
CMA has launched an online mental health hub to serve as a comprehensive portal for industry members and offering information on accessing mental health and wellness support through the six partner organizations. .
+ Cuban singer-songwriter and producer WhiteStar has signed a label deal with Pitbull’s Mr. 305 Records.
White Star is known as a reggaeton, guaracha, dembow and EDM artist and producer with credits on Farruko’s “Pepas,” Sech’s “Relación (Remix)” (with Daddy Yankee and Rosalía) and “Helicóptero,” by El Alfa, among others. He also contributed to Anitta’s Grammy-nominated “Funk Generation” album and J Balvin’s “Rayo.”
“Joining Mr. 305 Records is a blessing and a dream come true,” WhiteStar shared. “I always knew I had the potential to be a star and this is the right time to focus on my solo career. I’m excited to work alongside a label that I’ve always admired and that has been a pillar in my development as a composer.”
+ Soundstripe, the Nashville-based music licensing company, has acquired The Rights, a technology startup founded in 2021. The Rights helps to streamline the sync licensing process — also providing tools for rights holders to set pricing and secure approvals in a single transaction — for music labels, publishers and supervisors. With this acquisition, Soundstripe aims to accelerate its click-to-license platform, slated to launch in the first half of 2025.
“The Rights and Soundstripe share a deep commitment to empowering creatives and rights holders with solutions that make music licensing faster, easier, and more accessible,” said Soundstripe co-founder Travis Terrell. ”This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our shared mission to simplify and scale the licensing process for everyone involved.”
“We are thrilled to bring our innovative technology platform to Soundstripe and its large user base of creators, agencies, and brands,” said Tres Williams, founder and CEO of The Rights, who will join Soundstripe in an advisory role. “Combining forces will accelerate our mutual goal of unlocking music licensing at scale, allowing artists and rights holders to benefit from the increasing demand for sync licensing in online media, advertising, podcasts, and other creative productions.”
+ SX Works Global Publisher Services, a SoundExchange company, has signed a new deal to support Fender Play, the complete online learning app for guitar, bass and ukulele, with its global licensing and administration needs.
This partnership will support Fender Play’s administrative and licensing efforts, ensuring Music Publishers, Collective Management Organization (CMO)’s, Performing Rights Organizations (PRO)’s and their respective music publishers and songwriters receive accurate compensation for the use of their works.
Tuesday, Jan. 21
Karol G and her Con Cora Foundation are hosting a benefit charity gala, “Con Cora Land,” set to take place on Feb. 22 in Miami.
The fundraising event will support the foundation’s Casa Con Cora initiative, which provides a range of tools — from financial aid to psychological and legal support — to empower women to follow their passions.
“I am so excited for ‘Con Cora Land,’ the first annual gala for my foundation,” said Karol G in a statement. “When we started Con Cora, my goal was to empower women and girls to transform their dreams into reality, regardless of their background. ‘Con Cora Land’ will be a special space where we can recognize our accomplishments, raise awareness of the impact we’ve made, and look ahead to the incredible journey ahead.”
The inaugural event will include live performances on “specially curated” stages, according a press release issued Tuesday. There will be an online and live auction, where fans can support the initiative during the gala and up until March 12. Those interested in participating in the auction can pre-register to ensure a spot.
Fans can also enter to win a ticket to the event in Miami by donating to the Con Cora Foundation’s “Every Dollar Counts” initiative. For every dollar donated, participants will receive entries into a raffle for a chance to win a double ticket to attend “Con Cora Land.” Winners will be selected through the Con Cora Foundation’s Instagram account (@concorafoundation) and be notified via email.
“‘Con Cora Land’ is a powerful reflection of our mission to empower women and girls to pursue their dreams,” said Valentina Bueno, executive director of the Con Cora Foundation. “We’re incredibly excited to bring this event to life—it’s been a long time coming. It’s a reflection of Latin culture and family, while also creating opportunities for women to thrive in fields like technology, arts, and leadership. We can’t wait to unite our supporters and raise awareness for the incredible work ahead.”
+ Concord has promoted Megan Hall to the position of senior VP of business and legal affairs for Concord Music Publishing.
Based in Concord’s London office, Hall will continue to report to the executive VP of business and legal affairs, Duff Berschback, and lead the UK-based legal team responsible for Concord’s catalog of commercial music. She will oversee the global sub-publishing network for that repertoire, and manage Concord’s relationship with Concord’s multi-territory digital licensing agent, ICE.
Hall joined Imagem Music in 2013 and continued with Concord after its acquisition of Imagem in 2017. She began her career at the law firm DMH Stallard working with the firm’s commercial team. She also spent time as in-house counsel at Ministry of Sound, and on the business and legal affairs team at Sony Music Publishing.
“Megan has accrued such a deep knowledge of the global music publishing environment and has consistently proven herself an asset to Concord’s legal and executive teams. I am thrilled for her to take on this new challenge,” said Berschback.
+ Verve Records and Impulse! Records have announced the launch of the Verve Record Club (VRC), a premium vinyl subscription service.
Set for February, the Club will offer members exclusive access to rare and reissued recordings crafted from analog sources and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI, packaged in numbered, tip-on jackets. The first release is from the John Coltrane Quartette’s 1962 album, “Coltrane.”
Additional perks include an annual member-exclusive release, early access to upcoming titles, and unique merchandise.
“This is more than a subscription service; it’s an entryway into the heart of jazz history,” said John Pinder, VP of revenue and consumer acquisition for Verve Label Group. “With the Verve Record Club, we’re inviting fans to rediscover these extraordinary recordings in a way that honors their artistry and legacy, with the highest quality sound and presentation.”
“Jazz vinyl collecting has never been more vibrant”, added Ken Druker, senior VP jazz development of Verve Label Group. “We’re thrilled to bring these classics—and some hidden gems—back to life with an exhaustive attention to detail. It’s an exciting time for jazz fans everywhere.”
+ Reservoir Media has acquired the publishing catalog of Lastrada Entertainment, who represents over 5,600 compositions, across all genres dating back to the 1960s through to contemporary songs: such hits as Captain and Tenille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together,” Jim Croce’s “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” and “Time In A Bottle,” among others.
Lastrada was founded by Herb Moelis in 1987, and is spearheaded today by his sons Stephen Moelis and Larry Moelis. The catalog also features songs performed by the likes of Neil Sedaka, Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell, the Carpenters, Pitbull, Eminem, Notorious B.I.G., Leon Bridges and H.E.R.
