Music Industry Moves: Kaliii Inks Management Deal With Scooter Braun’s SB Projects

Scooter Braun’s SB Projects has signed Atlantic Records’ breakout rapper and hip-hop artist Kaliii to a global management deal.

Kaliii joins the Hybe America company following a successful breakout year with her viral hit single, “Area Codes” and “Barbie Dreams,” her collaboration with K-pop group Fifty Fifty for the “Barbie” soundtrack. At SB Projects, she joins a roster that also includes Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, The Kid Laroi, Ozuna, Quavo and more.

More from Variety

• Music Industry Moves: Sally Davies Named Managing Director of Abbey Road Studios

• TikTok Launches New 'Elevate' Music Program With Rising Acts Kaliii, Chinchilla, Omar Courtz

• Music Industry Moves: Primary Wave Music Appoints Marty Silverstone President of Global Sync

She was also recently chosen as one of six musicians for TikTok’s new rising artist program Elevate, which will run through October. Artists will be able to share new content and updates on upcoming music releases, plus give fans an intimate look at the evolution of their music careers on TikTok and through our @musicontiktok social handles. This fall, the Georgia-based artist will embark on a 13-date tour across the United States with A Boogie wit Da Hoodie.

+ Dan Fogelberg‘s estate has entered into an agreement with Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group (Iconic) to acquire, develop and expand Fogelberg’s musical catalog.

One of the most commercially successful singer-songwriters of the ’70s and ’80s, Fogelberg’s second album, the 1974 Joe Walsh-produced “Souvenirs,” hit the top 20 and led Fogelberg into a three-decade run that would include 11 platinum and two gold albums. His best-known songs include “Longer,” a ballad that became a staple in wedding ceremonies and “Run For The Roses,” the unofficial theme of the Kentucky Derby.

Fogelberg and Azoff met back in 1970 when the pair dropped out of the University of Illinois and drove to LA seeking fame and fortune in the music business. Fogelberg had promised his band leader father Lawrence, whom Fogelberg would later immortalize in his song “Leader of the Band,” that he would return to college if there was little success after a year.

“I love that story,” said Jean, Dan’s widow. “As Dan recounted it, they stayed with Irving’s Aunt Bernice for a few weeks before moving to a one-bedroom apartment on Holloway Drive, just down the street from Tower Records. While Dan worked on his music, Irving made inroads with his customary energy and determination, netting Dan a record deal at Columbia Records. In time, they both became very successful, but through the years their friendship remained unchanged. Dan always considered Irving ‘family,’ and told me if I needed anything after he was gone, I could count on Irving, and he was right.”

Jean continued, “When Iconic Artists Group approached me about curating Dan’s catalog, I didn’t have to think about it for very long. Partnering with Iconic feels like a natural continuation of the work Irving and I have done together since Dan died in 2007. I’m excited about the possibilities of collaborating with a dedicated team of industry professionals, and I take comfort in knowing that Dan’s legacy will be nurtured for generations to come.”

“[Dan] was the folk guy, and I booked the rock clubs,” recounted Azoff in a statement. “The first time he came by my little office, someone stole his bicycle! Acting upon our dreams and our belief in his talent, we made our way to LA like so many others in the early seventies. The rest is history. I am so grateful to Dan and Jean for the trust they have put in Iconic and the Azoff family. (My wife) Shelli and I were married as my closest friend Dan sat at the piano and played ‘To the Morning.’ I can’t believe he has been gone for 16 years. I still miss him greatly. I am honored to work with Jean continuing the fine work she has done to manage Dan’s legacy.”

+ Multimedia Music (“MMM”) closed a seven-figure deal to acquire the film music catalog of veteran movie and TV composer J. Peter Robinson, whose body of work includes such films as “Wayne’s World,” “Cocktail,” “Encino Man” and hit TV series “Charmed,” among numerous others.

“We are delighted to have secured this deal to acquire the income streams from a set of high-quality film and TV titles from J Peter Robinson to add to our ever-growing and diverse catalog,” said MMM CEO Phil Hope.

Since launching in late 2021, Multimedia Music has deployed over $130 million on acquisitions that have included a 50% stake in a catalog of music publishing and music master rights from the film music library of Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Partners.

Thursday, Aug. 3

Philadelphia melodic power-rock act Sheer Mag has signed with Jack White’s Third Man Records, which will also release the group’s entire back catalog. The partnership kicks off with a brand-new stand-alone single called “All Lined Up.”

The catalog titles will drop in October and include their first three Eps (titled “I,” “II” and “III,” released 2014-16) and albums “Need to Feel Your Love” (2017) and “A Distant Call” (2019).

Third Man Records’ Ben Blackwell says, “Having been aware of Sheer Mag since their earliest 7-inch singles and keeping up with their self-released, independent DIY take-no-prisoners ethos, I never envisioned a world where they would ever sign to a record label. So imagine how ecstatic we were at Third Man when the band reached out to us directly and asked if we’d be interested in partnering with them. Still doesn’t seem real. We are beyond honored, humbled really, to receive their handshake and their trust. This is gonna be fun as shit.”

+ Warner Chappell Music (WCM) U.S. Latin has signed an exclusive administration deal with Argentine artist Maria Becerra. The agreement comes on the heels of the recent announcement of Becerra joining the Warner Music Latina roster in partnership with Warner Music Group labelmate, 300 Entertainment.

The Latin Grammy nominee began her career in 2015 and released her debut EP, “222,” in 2019. She became the first Latin artist to sign with 300 Entertainment, joining a roster of artists including Megan Thee Stallion, Young Thug, Gunna, and more. She also composed “Te Cura” for the latest “Fast and the Furious” film, “Fast X.”

Said Becerra, “Thanks to the entire Warner Chappell team for 100% trusting and empowering me and my team. I’m so thrilled and happy to officially be joining the family and continuing to grow! And a huge shoutout to my managers Jose Levy, Natanael Real, and Armando Lozano for believing in me; my creative director Julian Levy; my music producer Xross; and everyone, for always supporting my music vision and making me trust myself even more.”

“Maria is an artist in every sense of the word. Her skill as a songwriter, unmistakable voice, and confidence to create art that is authentic to her is why she has quickly become a global superstar. It’s only the beginning for La Nena de Argentina, and we’re very excited to work together as she continues to challenge what’s possible in Latin music,” said Lazaro Hernandez, VP of A&R for U.S. Latin and Latin America of WCM.

+ Infamous PR has named Maxfield Frieser as its new COO and Megan Dembkowski has been appointed as the new VP of artist services.

Frieser joined the PR company in 2014, and takes the COO role after most recently serving as the agency’s VP. Dembkowski joined as a senior publicist in 2021 and has gone on to lead the agency’s artist services division, which includes the recently launched promo wing, offering DSP pitching and non-traditional multi-platform promotional services.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the new leadership team with Max and Alastair,” said Dembkowski. “Infamous has built an incredible roster of artists over fifteen years, and I look forward to further growing and expanding the division with both exciting new talent and established stars. Our role as communicators is always evolving, and as a company, I am proud that we continue challenging the status quo in order to meet and exceed the goals of our clients.”

“Helping to grow Infamous over the last 9 years into the evolutionary and equitable company we see today has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” added Frieser. “We are fortunate to have curated a roster of some of the world’s most compelling artists, events and brands, from the underground to multinational companies. My role as COO will be to further our mission of redefining how our clients’ stories can be told and how we reach communities in a rapidly evolving world.”

Infamous now represents more than thirty festivals globally, including CRSSD, Hard Summer, Primavera Sound, Hangout, Bleached, Iceland Airwaves, Elements, Holy Shipwrecked, Lightning In A Bottle, as well as country music festivals Under The Big Sky, Wild Horses and Dreamy Draw.

The artist and label roster includes Rüfüs Du Sol, RZA, Eric Prydz, Paul Kalkbrenner, Rezz, Claude VonStroke, DRAMA, Sita Abellan, Damian Lazarus, composer Tom Holkenborg, Ultra, Warner Music, Dirtybird/EMPIRE, Higher Ground, and many more.

+ TuneCore has named Tash Shah the company’s new VP of international. Shah will report to TuneCore’s new chief revenue officer to be hired in the coming months, and in the interim will report to Andreea Gleeson, TuneCore’s chief executive officer.

Gleeson commented, “In recent years, TuneCore has seen a surge in international growth, with over 60% of new artists and labels located outside of the US. As the company looks to expand even further in growing key international markets such as Asia, LATAM and Europe, Tash’s expertise in digital music and marketing will be instrumental in guiding our local Heads of TuneCore to provide innovative, localized career building opportunities and solutions to artists and labels around the world.”

Shah, whose experience includes serving as Spotify’s first head of marketing in the UK, will work to drive TuneCore’s international growth by accelerating expansion into new global markets and managing the successful execution of localized business strategies. She will also oversee the team of international heads of TuneCore across 17 countries and 3 major regions while developing innovative programs to benefit TuneCore’s growing roster of international artists and labels.

Wednesday, Aug. 2

Cher has signed a new deal with Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group (Iconic) that sees her selling “a range of music assets” from her storied career to the company.

In a statement shared with Variety, Cher commented, “I’ve known Irving (Azoff) for 50 years. I am thrilled to still be friends and pleased to have Iconic on board to represent my past work in entertainment from music, TV and film. While I’m still working away, it’s good to have a long-time friend to honor and market what I’ve already accomplished these last decades.”

An Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Golden Globe Award-winning artist and actress, Cher joins Iconic with the immediate plan of distributing anniversary edition box sets of her greatest hits and recent recordings, according to a report by Billboard.

Cher planted the seeds of her global superstardom in the 1960s as half of the duo Sonny and Cher. She’s since gone on to sell 100 million records and is the only artist to have a number-one single on a Billboard chart in each of the past six decades with hits including “I Got You Babe,” “Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves,” to “If I Could Turn Back Time,” and “Believe.”

Azoff added, “I’ve been fortunate to count Cher and her sister Georganne as friends from my absolute early days arriving in LA where we all chased our dreams. Over the past six decades, Cher has transcended boundaries, reached the pinnacle in music, TV, and film, and became a global superstar. We are proud to work with the one and only Cher to extend her legacy and promote her talent to future generations.”

Jimmy Edwards, president of Iconic, said: “Cher is easily one of the world’s biggest pop icons whose influence on popular culture is immeasurable. We are honored to add this beloved superstar to Iconic’s roster of artists.”

Cher’s deal follows Iconic’s recent acquisitions of the catalogs of Dean Martin, David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Nat King Cole, Linda Ronstadt, and Joe Cocker. Iconic launched in January 2020 with the acquisition of a controlling interest in the catalog of the Beach Boys.

+ Wasserman Music has made the following four hires to its global team of entrepreneurial agents: Andrew Buck joins as a New York-based vice president; Shanae Dennis as a London-based agent; Andrew Morgan as a Los Angeles-based agent, and Ryan Soroka as a New York-based agent.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this outstanding group of respected agents and industry movers to the Wasserman Music family,” said Lee Anderson, Wasserman Music’s executive VP and managing executive. “What sets us apart is our passion for ensuring the long-term success of our clients and our genuine love and respect for the art they create. We see those qualities reflected in each of these new team members, and we’re excited to have them join our ranks – both for their proven abilities and for the way they complement our unique culture.”

Buck was previously at APA and brings with him a long roster of artists including Judas Priest, Skillet, and Badflower. Dennis, who previously housed an independent roster of primarily African electronic music artists, brings with him Amapiano pioneer Mr JazziQ, producer/DJs Mellow & Sleazy, and UK Amapiano/Afro House DJ Nicky Summers.

Morgan joins following a five-year run at Ground Control Touring and a decade at the Billions Corporation. Morgan brings with him indie rock and hit podcasts, including Angel Olsen, MJ Lenderman, Bully, Mount Eerie, Ichiko Aoba, Skullcrusher, Song Exploder, Sunset Rubdown, Wednesday, and Welcome to Night Vale. And after seven years at UTA, Soroka brings artists including the Aces, REIK, ONE OK ROCK, Beach Weather, LÉON, Boys Like Girls, Cimafunk, Jesse & Joy and more.

+ Kobalt has promoted Kenny McGoff to head of creative UK to oversee Kobalt’s creative team in the region. Based in London, McGoff was previously head of A&R for the UK and signed Venbee, Lizzie McAlpine, Gerry Cinnamon, Bakar, Gabriels, JOESEF, Sophie and the Giants, among others.

Kobalt President and COO Jeannette Perez said, “Kenny’s dynamic spirit and passion for music is infectious. He has been integral in continuing to build Kobalt as a preeminent destination for songwriters and his leadership has undoubtedly furthered our creative success. His promotion is well deserved, and I am excited to see him take on this new role and lead our UK creative team.”

“Kenny is an exceptional A&R person, fantastic executive, and leader,” said Kobalt’s Head Global Creative Alison Donald. “His integrity, empathy, and humor are legendary. His love of writers and artists is unbound. I’m excited he has accepted this role and have no doubt that he will take the team to even greater heights.”

McGoff first became a publisher working at EMI, followed by Sony, Ultra, then Songs. Throughout the years, he has signed and worked with, among others, Calvin Harris, Paul Epworth, Kasabian, Eric Prydz, Bloc Party, and Arctic Monkeys.

+ 300 Elektra Entertainment (3EE) has promoted Aimie Vaughan-Früehe to executive VP and head of promotion and streaming, overseeing all radio promotion and streaming across the label group which includes 300 Entertainment, Elektra, Fueled by Ramen, and Roadrunner Records.

“At 3EE, we do things differently. First and foremost, we know we’re nothing without our people, and having a leader like Aimie help guide our strategy is critical to our continued success,” said Bass, Bouab, and Nadel. “Aimie has been instrumental in countless, culture-defining hits and having her – a proven promo maverick and force within the streaming space – on our side gives us a competitive edge. We look forward to even more acts across 3EE benefitting from her passion and expertise in this new, expanded role.”

A music industry veteran, Aimie Vaughan-Früehe first joined 300 Entertainment in 2018, serving as senior VP of promotion where she led all promotion initiatives and strategy. Prior to 300, Vaughan-Früehe spent 17 years as VP of promotion at Columbia Records where she helped build the careers of ground-breaking performers such as Beyoncé, Adele, Harry Styles and more.

“It’s been an incredible journey since [300 Elektra Entertainment Chairman/CEO] Kevin Liles first brought me into the fold at 300 Entertainment, and I’m so excited for this next chapter that now also includes the storied legacy of Elektra,” said Vaughan-Früehe said. “The opportunity to work with one of the most exciting and dynamic rosters across the entire 3EE family is really special. Thank you to the entire team and to Rayna, Selim, and Gregg for their support.”

Vaughan-Früehe will remain based in LA and will report to 300 Entertainment co-presidents Rayna Bass and Selim Bouab as well as Elektra Entertainment President Gregg Nadel.

+ Matador Records has announced new hires and promotions in its New York and London offices.

Alex Keague-Davies steps up from UK general manager in the London office to the role of general manager of the global label in the New York office. Emma Buchanan, previously A&R manager, has been promoted to director of A&R and will continue to identify and pursue new signings alongside the A&R team. Jake Whitener assumes the new role of director of digital for A&R to guide the label in digital, streaming and DSP relations. He will work closely with the Beggars international streaming department to manage and maintain label and artist streaming properties and head up communication with artists in this area.

Malcolm Donaldson becomes senior manager of catalog and operations. Donaldson will oversee the campaigns of catalog releases and act as the label’s point person for the webstore and Bandcamp, continuing to supervise the label announcement schedule and social media channels. Paulina Praphanchith joins the New York label team in 2022 as press and label coordinator. In the London office, Josh Turner is promoted to senior project manager, adding the UK to his existing portfolio of all territories ex-US. Rachel Mercer joins the London team as a junior project manager, working across all territories ex-US and reporting to Turner.

+ Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has signed a global publishing deal with jazz artist Laufey. The Los Angeles-based, Icelandic-Chinese composer, singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist released her freshman album “Everything I Know About Love” in 2022 and touts over eight million monthly listeners on Spotify alone.

Laufey’s sophomore album, “Bewitched,” is due out Sept. 8 via AWAL and will include her new single, “From The Start.” She’s also going on tour this fall, including performances with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on Sept. 8, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Ford Amphitheatre in Los Angeles on Sept. 16.

On signing with WCM, Laufey shared: “Honored to join the ranks of some of the most iconic songwriters and artists in history at Warner Chappell. Gabz, David, Ryan, Guy, Carianne, and the rest of the team at Warner Chappell have been fervent songwriter advocates for years, and I’m elated to call the company my new publishing partner.”

“At Warner Chappell, we pride ourselves on working with the most talented storytellers in the world, so Laufey is the perfect addition to our roster,” commented both Gabz Landman, WCM’s VP of A&R, and David Goldsen, VP/head of A&R for Australia. “Laufey’s innate musicality, lyrical ingenuity, deep relationship with her fans, and world class live show are just a few factors that make it no surprise her star is rising. We’re thrilled to be working with such an exceptional, generational talent, and thank Laufey, Max Gredinger, and Harry Roberts for trusting us at this exciting point in her career.”

+ Platinum Grammar Publishing has filled three senior positions: Matt Spiller joins as general manager; Adrian Nunez as head of A&R; and Leetal Nissenbaum joins as executive VP of global sync and strategic operations.

Spiller joined Platinum Grammar Publishing in late 2022 after working at Ultra International Music Publishing for 9 years. Nissenbaum comes from Giant, an Azoff Company, where she served as senior VP of creative synch. Before that, she spent eight years as the senior VP of global synch at Ultra International Music Publishing and Ultra Records, where she serviced talent including Kygo, Maaly Raw, Sofi Tukker, Zaytoven, Wheezy, Louis The Child, Clinton Kane, Chelsea Cutler, Honorable CNOTE, Kaytranada, Diamond Pistols and Pomo.

Nunez most recently served as A&R, creative for Sony Music Publishing. There, he signed talent including Playboi Carti, Yeat, G Herbo, Fivio Foreign, Giveon, the Working on Dying collective (Brandon Finessin, F1LTHY, BNYX, Fax Only), Bugz Ronin, TM88, Ambezza, Mike Hector, Bandplay, DJ Scheme, Leon Thomas, Madlib, Supah Mario, Outtatown and Tahj Money.

Previously, Nunez was Vice President of A&R for Ultra International Music Publishing, Ultra Records and helped to relaunch Payday Records, where his signings included Zaytoven, Maaly Raw, Wheezy and DJ Premier.

+ CMW Entertainment has entered a new partnership with AWAL for CMW artist Mudrigo. Together, the two companies will collaborate to support Mudrigo, providing him with a full suite of services globally.

Working closely with AWAL, CMW Entertainment will continue to offer Mudrigo aid in digital data analysis and creative entertainment brand building. AWAL will support Mudrigo’s development by providing a comprehensive range of its services, including A&R, global marketing, creative, sync and brand partnerships, distribution, and access to music analytics.

Tuesday, Aug. 1

Jenni Rivera‘s estate has signed a new global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).

The estate of the late Mexican-American singer, globally recognized for hits like “De contrabando” and “No Llega el Olvido,” recently released a posthumous collection titled “Misión Cumplida” comprised of her original recordings found by her youngest child, Johnny. The deal will comprise the publishing rights for the posthumous project and also includes projects from Rivera’s lengthy, global catalog.

“I’m so excited about this new partnership with Universal Music Publishing. It’ll bring great achievements for my mom’s legacy and for Jenni Rivera Enterprises,” said Jacqie Rivera, CEO of Jenni Rivera Enterprises and Jenni’s second oldest daughter. “We’re confident that this amazing group of empowered women behind Universal Music Publishing, as well as their whole global team, will help expand the Jenni Rivera music catalog… something that our mother would have loved. Our mom had her hand in making this decision. While looking through her files, we found an email from years back showing that it was her plan all along to go with Universal Music Publishing.”

“We share the news of the signing of the Jenni Rivera Estate with much joy! Jenni was someone who inspired the fans of her music and empowered them. She was a fighter and a woman with much success, and her music will always be remembered because it opened many doors for women in the regional Mexican genre,” commented Alexandra Lioutikoff, president of LATAM and U.S. Latin for UMPG.

+ Interscope Geffen A&M has promoted four executives across its marketing function: Ramon Alvarez-Smikle has been promoted to executive vice president/head of digital marketing; Laura Carter has been upped to executive VP/head of urban marketing; Chris Mortimer has been promoted to executive VP/head of digital marketing; and Daniel Sena has been promoted to executive VP/head of strategic marketing at the label.

“Each of these executives has built teams that create consistent opportunities for our artists to build and nurture their fan bases,” said Steve Berman, vice chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M. “These promotions reflect how important their work is as we continue to build upon our platform to move culture through music.”

Alvarez-Smikle most recently served as senior VP/head of urban digital marketing and will continue to oversee digital marketing efforts for Interscope’s hip-hop and R&B artists in his new role. Carter most recently served as senior VP/head of urban marketing and will continue to oversee marketing for Interscope’s hip-hop and R&B artists. Mortimer most recently served as senior VP/ head of digital marketing at Interscope. In his new role, he will continue to oversee digital marketing campaigns for Interscope’s pop and rock roster of artists.

Lastly, Sena most recently served as senior VP/head of strategic marketing at Interscope. In his new role, he will continue to oversee brand partnerships across Interscope’s diverse group of artists.

All four executives will work in the label’s Santa Monica headquarters.

+ Primary Wave Music has tapped Songhay Taylor to join the team as estate marketing manager for the James Brown and Prince estates. The company simultaneously announces the promotion of Christopher Green, most recently executive assistant to Natalia Nastaskin, Primary Wave’s chief content officer, to content development manager.

Taylor will work to expand Primary Wave’s estate marketing initiatives and act as the primary liaison between Primary Wave and their estate partners. Prior to joining Primary Wave, Songhay held the role of global marketing manager for Universal Music Group’s urban catalog division. Throughout his career, he has worked in a variety of marketing and commercial roles for companies including BMG, EMI, and Capitol Music Group.

In this elevated role, Green will be responsible for pursuing the development of content for Primary Wave’s vast catalog of legendary and iconic songs across film, television, live stage, and audio-first platforms.

“The storytelling power of song lyrics is undeniable,” Green noted. “I’m inspired to draw stories from our legendary catalog which translate to film, television, and stage and which not only speak to legions of existing fans, but which will also engage new generations of fans and followers.”

+ Warner Music Nashville has named Stephanie Davenport and Rohan Kohli as the label’s new VPs of A&R. They will continue reporting to Cris Lacy, WMN co-chair and co-president.

“Stephanie and Rohan are incredible artist champions who have been the backbone of the A&R department for years,” Lacy said. “Ben and I are excited to announce these well-deserved promotions.

“I am so proud of our entire roster at Warner Music Nashville and am so grateful to the artists, publishers and songwriters who trust us to help bring their amazing music to the world,” Davenport said. “I’m truly blessed to have spent more than a decade working for and with leaders like Cris Lacy and Ben Kline, whose belief in me continues to inspire and push me to be the best A&R I can be for the best artists in country music.”

“I am beyond thankful to work alongside the best team in the business,” Kohli shared. “I’m grateful to Cris Lacy, Scott Hendricks, Stephanie Davenport and Mason Domke for showing me every day how to lead with heart, knowledge and passion. Thank you to Cris and Ben Kline for their mentorship and the opportunity to continue to grow with Warner Music Nashville. I’m looking forward to many more years of success together.”

Monday, July 31

Premier Music Group has recruited the music supervision services of George Drakoulias, the music supervisor behind the blockbuster “Barbie” soundtrack and score. The project featured original material from Mark Ronson, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Karol G, Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj, among numerous others.

Drakoulias joins the firm’s leadership team as a partner and creative director, with plans to open Premier’s new offices in Los Angeles later this summer. In his new role, Drakoulias will expand Premier’s music supervision team and build new creative opportunities and partnerships for the company on the West Coast.

Added Drakoulias, “I couldn’t be happier to be joining the Premier Music team. [Randall Poster, Premier Music Group’s creative director] and I have been running around together, working on movies and record projects for forever. He has been the most exquisite guide into the world of music supervision. I’ve come to rely on the support of the Premier team, Meghan Currier, Winslow Bright, Milena Erke, and Ian Herbert for years — since they were interns actually — and love and respect them all. Josh and I grew up together in the record business. Now finally a full-fledged member of the organization, I look forward to expanding Premier’s West Coast presence and working with my friends.”

The music strategy and supervision company will benefit from Drakoulias’ long and storied experience working on films and TV series including “Joker,” “White Noise,” “Super 8,” “The Batman,” “Marriage Story,” “Severance,” “Never Let Me Go,” “School of Rock,” “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” “Zoolander,” “Little Fockers,” “The Hangover series,” and dozens more.

His career in the music industry began under Rick Rubin’s wing at Def Jam Records, where he held executive A&R roles and worked with LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys, and (Def) American Recordings, where he signed and produced albums for the Black Crowes, the Jayhawks, and the Freewheelers. He has produced albums for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Maria McKee, Primal Scream, Susan Tedeschi, and tracks for Wu-Tang Clan.

+ Giant Music has signed That Chick Angel (real name Angel Laketa Moore), Casa Di and Steve Terrell to a new deal. That Chick Angel is the voice behind the viral TikTok hit “One Margarita (Margarita Song),” which is set to receive a new remix and music video featuring Saucy Santana on Aug. 1.

The song started as a satirical response to a preacher’s slut-shaming sermon but it has since become a viral anthem of empowerment and owning your sexuality. The track was produced by Carl Dixon (Casa Di) and Steve Terrell and has been streamed over 7 million times.

Angel is currently on tour with her husband TankDontTok for their “Is This Going To Cause an Argument” podcast.

+ Shelby Yoder (formerly the head of Nashville for Milk & Honey) has announced the launch of willo&co, a songwriter and producer management company.

According to a press release, Yoder plans to take a holistic and rounded approach to the songwriter and producer management and music business overall. She will aim to prioritize strategy and sustainability while building the brands of individual creatives.

“I believe in fair pay and fair ownership of intellectual properties, and I desire to be on the forefront of the progression of the Nashville music business,” Yoder said in a statement. “I believe that there is space for all genres and types of creators and look forward to expanding willo&co to be a multi-city collective of like-minded individuals in pursuit of this.”

At Milk & Honey, Yoder ran publishing for ventures and managed the day-to-day business for the entire Nashville territory, overseeing over 100 songwriters and producers. Prior to Milk & Honey, Yoder served as the director of professional membership and events at Nashville Songwriters Association International.

+ DRESSX, a fashion retailer in the metaverse, has entered a new partnership with Warner Music Latina artist Tiago PZK. DRESSX and Tiago are offering fans the chance to wear Tiago’s signature accessories and outfits — this includes two distinctive chains and glasses that are featured in the visuals for his single, “Asqueroso” — within the metaverse.

In addition to the accessories, fans can also purchase the editorial photo dressing of the Tiago PZK x Gerrit Jacob Full Fit, a collaboration with Berlin-based designer Gerrit Jacob.

“We are thrilled to partner with Tiago PZK and bring his iconic styles to the metaverse through the Asqueroso Collection. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in digital fashion, showcasing the endless possibilities of merging technology and creativity to create a truly immersive experience for fans. Working together with the Warner Music Group, we are excited to introduce our first joint project merging digital fashion and music, with many more to come,” said Daria Shapovalova and Natalia Modenova, founders of DRESSX.

Best of Variety

• Emmy Predictions: TV Movie - Sci-Fi Prequel 'Prey' Brings Jhane Myers, First Indigenous Woman Nominated for Producing, and She Could Win

• ‘90 Day Fiancé': Which Couples Are Still Together and Who Got Divorced?

• Oscars Predictions: Best Actress - Margot Robbie's 'Barbie' Performance Is Worthy 'Kenough' for Awards Consideration, but Will Voters Agree?

Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.