G-Son Studios in Los Angeles - the band's former rehearsal space, recording studio, and headquarters Beastie Boys — is launching a public fundraising campaign via Kickstarter to restore and reopen the space as a community arts center and live music venue.
Located in Atwater Village, G-Son was once a ballroom, but inside, it was part studio, part club, part skate park, and part basketball court. The Beastie Boys recorded many of their classic '90s albums there—"Check Your Head," "Ill Communication," and "Hello Nasty"—as well as music videos like "Pass the Mic." Beck, Biz Markie, Run-DMC, Redd Kross, and Lashes Jackson also worked there.
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The space later housed tenants such as Diplo, Han Cholo Jewelry, X-Large Clothing, and Mad Decent Records, but it has since fallen into disrepair and was on the verge of demolition. However, a Beastie Boys fan Adam Englander and his partner Alex Cherin stepped in and, according to the announcement, are "meticulously restoring G-Son Studios, dismantling the collapsed stage, repairing essential infrastructure, restoring lighting, and uncovering original artwork that had been hidden for years under layers of neglect.".
«"This isn't just about saving the building," Englander said. "This is about preserving part of Los Angeles's creative DNA and giving it new life as a space where artists, community, and culture can come together again.".
Backers of the Kickstarter campaign will receive access to exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates on the restoration, and "unique experiences" associated with the building's reopening.
Singer and songwriter Kinsley signed a contract with MCA and released a new single and music video called "Pieces of Me." She first gained fame through her "Midnight Sessions" YouTube performances, where she showcased her early songs.
Weverse Company , the developer of the eponymous platform for superfans, announced the appointment Zooila Yanga to the post of president, effective June 1, 2026.
Yan joins the company after serving as CEO of AXZ, an AI-powered content and platform company, and previously held positions at Kakao, Ground X, and NHN.
Launched in 2019, Weverse currently houses nearly 180 artist communities, including BTS, Blackpink, Dua Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion, Seventeen, Tomorrow X Together, Gracie Abrams, Enhypen, Le Sserafim, and many more.
Longview Communications Company , a consulting firm specializing in the entertainment, media, and technology industries, announced its official launch and leadership team: Founder and CEO Andrew Fixmer and executive vice president Jamie Diamond , both previously worked at Universal Music and also held positions at Paramount Pictures and Sphere (Fixmer) and Sunshine Sachs (Diamond).
«"Longview was founded to help companies and leaders communicate clearly at key moments," said Fixmer. "Jamie and I have complementary expertise in corporate reputation, entertainment, media, music, and technology, as well as a shared belief that the most effective communications strategies are rooted in business objectives. We work with clients to sharpen their narrative, strengthen their positioning, and navigate high-stakes situations with confidence and impact.".
Atlantic Records Company announced a partnership with Zeus Music , the music division of the Zeus Network video streaming service. The first release under the new agreement will be the track "Teteo" by Dominican Republic-born rapper La Biggie.
«"Partnering with the legendary Atlantic Records marks a game-changer for us," said Zeus Network CEO Lemuel Plummer. "This collaboration is designed to support bold, culture-changing talent and create new ways for innovation to meet impact. We're excited to develop a new model for how music is discovered, developed, and distributed.".
Selim Bouab of Atlantic Records says, "Zeus Network has built a significant audience by thinking outside the box and delivering entertainment to fans where they live. Music has always been a huge part of the culture they shape, so working with the Zeus Network team on their new label is an exciting development for all of us at Atlantic.".
A new venture called FanClub AI, which uses chip-level API integration to help content owners track, identify, and control the use of their intellectual property in AI systems. The company was founded by Deborah Harpur, who previously worked in rights and marketing at Netflix, Warner Bros., and Disney, along with an all-female founding team, including Emmy Award-winning visual effects artist Kimber Lim and former Revlon CMO Charlotte Amui Ajavanich.
According to the company's announcement, FanClub AI aims to "transform the recognition, management, and monetization of intellectual property assets with a new infrastructure that protects rights at scale, transforming AI training into revenue streams for rights holders, and enabling e-commerce." The company's first product is FanClub Library Vault.
«Our Library Vault will be the first secure global repository where artificial intelligence can be trained to recognize assets, block their unauthorized use, and monetize them, while establishing clear ethical standards for the use of intellectual property,» Harpur said.
Wednesday, May 27
Company Sony Music и Julie Swidler , the company's longtime executive vice president of business affairs and general counsel, announced her "long-planned" departure at the end of June.
In announcing the announcement, Rob Stringer, Chairman of Sony Music Group, said: «Julie has been a vital part of Sony Music’s senior leadership for many years, and her wisdom, experience, and expertise have been fundamental to our company’s strategy and growth. We express our deepest respect and gratitude to her. As a friend and colleague, and personally, as Julie and I have been planning her departure together for some time, I will miss her presence at Sony Music, but I know her next phase will be equally exciting and rewarding.».
Svidler added: «Every great adventure eventually gives way to a new one, and now feels like the right time for mine. There are few companies in the world like Sony Music, with such a rich history and such a strong presence. It’s been a privilege to be part of that legacy. This journey wouldn’t have been the same without Rob Stringer’s leadership, friendship, and trust, and I’m grateful for it all. I’m also proud of our global Business and Legal practice and the exceptional people within it, who are truly second to none. We’ve always been guided by what’s fair and right for artists, and that compass has never failed us.».
Since her appointment in 2008, she has overseen the company's business, legal, and government affairs worldwide, advising Sony Music's record labels and operating units on negotiations, artist agreements, litigation, transactions, and joint ventures. In 2018, she represented the company and other organizations on the Recording Academy's working group that published a major report on diversity and inclusion in music.
Previously, Svidler held senior legal and business management positions at Arista Records, J Records, RCA Records, and BMG. She served as general counsel for the 1994 Woodstock festival and assisted in the launch of Clive Davis's J Records label. She began her career in the music industry at PolyGram Records and Mercury Records.
In 2026, Swidler was named "Music Visionary of the Year" by the UJA-Federation of New York, and has also been honored with the Grammy Foundation's Entertainment Law Initiative Service Award, becoming the first woman and first record label executive to receive the award; the TJ Martell Foundation's Lifetime Music Industry Award; the Music Business Association's President's Award; and several Variety lists for her impact on the music industry.
Monday, May 18
United Talent Agency signed a contract with the Latin American music star Jay Wheeler for global representation across all areas. UTA will collaborate with Wheeler on concert production, media relations, brand partnerships, film production, and other strategic projects worldwide.
The singer has been nominated for a Latin Grammy Award three times, most recently in the Best Urban/Fusion Performance category for the song "Roma" from his eighth studio album, Girasoles. His hit single "La Curiosidad" has accumulated over 1.4 billion streams on Spotify and over 1 billion views on YouTube. He is also preparing to launch a new podcast.
U2 group announced the appointment Sulinny Ong, Ong, a longtime Spotify executive, will be a management partner. This new position will allow her to join Irving and Jeffrey Azoff in leading the group. According to the announcement, Ong will serve strategically "throughout the group's career, focusing on creativity and innovation, and will report directly to the four band members.".
She joins the company after more than seven years at Spotify, where she most recently served as Global Head of Editorial and Music.
In a joint statement, band members Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. said: "We've been impressed with Sulinna's talent, skill, and clarity, both in her art and in her communication with her audience. She understands what we've created and where we want to go next. We're thrilled to have her as our management partner, alongside Irving and Jeffrey.".
Irving Azoff added: "The band made the right decision. Sulinna is one of the finest executives in the music industry, whose career is built on judgment, good taste, and an intuitive understanding of where the culture is and where it's headed. Jeffrey and I are proud to have her on board.".
Leading independent publisher Spirit Music in partnership with Lyric Capital Group appointed Frank Rogers CEO. An experienced songwriter, producer, and publisher, Rogers founded Fluid Music Revolution in 2016 and was appointed CEO of Spirit Music Nashville in 2019, becoming the company's chief creative officer three years later.
According to the announcement, Rogers "will continue to set the strategic direction for maximum growth, overseeing all aspects of Spirit Music's global portfolio, as well as creative and operational activities, while continuing to serve as President of Fluid Music Revolution.".
Founded in 1995, Spirit has a repertoire of hits recorded by artists such as The Weeknd, Ed Sheeran, Chris Stapleton, Baby Keem, Tim McGraw, Darius Rucker, Hardy, Billy Gibbons, Tom Petty and many others.
According to the announcement, Rogers, named the second-best country producer of the 21st century by Billboard, is the only producer this century to have three No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with three different artists in the same week: with Josh Turner ("Why Don't We Just Dance"), Brad Paisley ("American Saturday Night"), and Darius Rucker ("History In The Making") in February 2010. As a producer, Rogers has worked with artists such as Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Trace Adkins, Scotty McCreery, Chris Stapleton, and has had songs recorded by Paisley, Turner, Adkins, Darius Rucker, Kenny Rogers, Chris Stapleton, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, and many others.
John Singer, Chairman of Spirit Music and co-founder of Lyric Capital Group, said, "I've been fortunate to know Frank for over 10 years. What began as a joint venture has evolved into one of the most fruitful partnerships of my career. Few creative minds can match Frank, who is not only an exceptional creative force but also a first-class business leader.".
«Frank is a force to be reckoned with,» added co-founder Ross Cameron. “We are truly fortunate to have his exceptional vision and leadership guiding Spirit Music.”.
Country music stars Reba McEntire, Winona, Vince Gill and a rising star Belle Franz gathered last week at an event Musicians on Call «Music Heals Live!» , which raised over $700,000 to support the organization's patient care programs, both in-person and virtual, as well as songwriting and streaming. The event, held at the Pinnacle in Nashville, was dedicated to the people who have supported the organization for over 25 years.
McEntire received the Golden Ukulele from Musicians On Call in recognition of her longtime support of the organization, while the other three musicians performed at the event. Mitch Glaser, Chairman and CEO of the RIAA and Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors of MOC, received the Golden Ukulele for Musical Leadership, which was presented in a surprise moment by country music star Martina McBride. Glaser has championed the organization's mission for over a decade, playing a key role in launching the MOC program in Washington, D.C., and raising millions of dollars to support its work.
Accepting the award, McEntire said, "Music brings light in dark times and hope when all seems hopeless. That's the power of music. Tonight is dedicated to those who care for us in our darkest moments. It's dedicated to the patients. This award will always be precious to me because I get to share it with all of you.".
Volunteers Stan Garrison, Daisy Perez, Dianna Perez, Jeff Scornavacca and Keenan Kamae also received awards.
Sony Music Publishing Company raised Zaza Kazadi Kazadi has been promoted to Senior Director of A&R for the UK and Europe. He will remain based in the company's London office. Since joining the company in 2024, Kazadi has signed artists such as BRIT Award-winning rapper Dave, rising stars EsDeeKid, Kidwild, Shallipopi, and Fimiguerrero, as well as producers AOD (Tems, FKA Twigs) and Jo Caleb (Dave, Asake). He also works closely with Wizkid, Producer X, and Jester Beats. Last year, he won the Music Business Worldwide award for A&R of the Year: Contemporary Black Music.
Kazadi previously managed artists and producers including ZieZie and Sonzi at Never Dies Management, and also spent two years as an A&R manager at BMG Music Publishing.
Sarah Gabrielli, Head of A&R, said: "ZaZa is one of the most talented talent scouts I've ever worked with. His judgment, clarity of vision, and determination consistently set him apart. He combines a genuine creative instinct with a relentless drive to get results, making him an exceptional talent scout and a key component of our team's success.".
Amazon Music appointed Heran Mamo Curator of Hip-Hop Music in the US. She will help shape the streaming service's hip-hop programming, supporting both emerging and established artists in the genre. Previously, she served as Senior R&B/Hip-Hop/Afrobeat Writer at Billboard, where she was featured on Forbes' 2026 "30 Under 30" list as the first writer in the publication's 130-year history to cover African music.
New York-based PR and marketing agency Chamber Group created a department of charity, art and culture, which will be headed by Edwin Tetteh Jr. , who has been promoted to director. He will continue to report to the company's CEO, Chris Chambers. Tetteh joined the company in 2021 after working at Williamson PR, The Lede, and PR Consulting.
«"Watching Edwin develop into a seasoned PR professional and brand builder has been a true gift and a pleasure," says Chambers. "Edwin takes his craft seriously, seeking to understand clients' goals and development plans, which he then incorporates with research and creative ideas.".
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