Grammy-nominated artist Mgk has signed with WME for representation in all areas.
Mgk (real name Colson Baker) is a rapper, actor and entrepreneur. His 2020 album, “Tickets to My Downfall,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and went platinum. His follow-up album, “Mainstream Sellout,” also topped the Billboard 200 at No. 1. It earned a 2023 Grammy nomination for best rock album and was supported with a sold-out North American and European tour.
Beyond music, Mgk’s acting career includes roles in “Beyond the Lights” (2014), “Nerve” (2016), “Bird Box” (2018), and his portrayal of Tommy Lee in “The Dirt” (2019). In 2022, he starred in “Taurus” and also wrote, co-directed and starred in “Good Mourning.”
He continues to be managed by Steve Astephen, Ashleigh Veverka and Andre Cisco.
+ MusiCares, a music charity supporting the well-being of music professionals, has partnered with Amber Health to launch a mental health study for touring professionals. The “Headlining Mental Health: A Tour Study” is open to interested touring artists and crew for critical research that will inform how the music industry prioritizes mental health. The study will address the elevated risks of stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression that touring crews and artists face.
These findings will help drive strategic investment into mental health resources for touring professionals, ensuring support is placed where it’s needed most. Participating tours must be active between April and June to join this survey.
Eligible tours must meet the following criteria:
· A minimum of 50 individuals, including artists and crew
· A tour duration of at least 3 weeks
· Commitment to improving mental health outcomes during the tour
+ SoFi Technologies, Inc. has announced a multi-year partnership as the official bank and first presenting sponsor of the Country Music Association’s CMA Fest.
CMA Fest presented by SoFi will celebrate its 52nd year in Nashville, Tennessee from June 5-8. This year, SoFi is enhancing the fan experience for SoFi Plus members. They’ll enjoy exclusive perks, including access to a members-only lounge, presale ticket access to single-night CMA Fest tickets, the VIP Riverfront Retreat experience, and early access to presale tickets for CMA Fest 2026. SoFi debit and credit cardholders can also enjoy 25% cash back rewards on eligible food, drinks, and official merchandise up to $200.
“We’re thrilled to partner with CMA and bring to life SoFi’s mission of helping people achieve financial independence to realize their ambitions. CMA has a rich legacy of bringing artists and fans together and championing the next generation of country music, making it an incredible platform to introduce more people to SoFi as the next generation of banking and financial services,” said Lauren Stafford Webb, CMO at SoFi. “Our partnership will create an unforgettable experience for new and existing SoFi members both live and over broadcast, as we celebrate and reward fans nationwide. Together, we hope to create something that inspires, connects, and encourages people to achieve their ambitions.”
“SoFi’s commitment to empowering its members at every stage of life aligns naturally with CMA’s mission to support and elevate the Country Music community. As we welcome SoFi to CMA Fest in this new capacity, we look forward to working together to enhance the fan experience while celebrating the connections that make Country Music so special,” added Sarah Trahern, CEO at the Country Music Association. “Country Music has a unique way of bringing people together across generations, and CMA Fest is a testament to that tradition. Just as CMA is dedicated to serving our members, SoFi’s presence at the festival reflects their commitment to those they support, making this an organic and exciting collaboration.”
+ Music Nation, a music rights management in the United Arab Emirates, has announced a partnership with SoundExchange to enable the collection and distribution of neighboring rights in the UAE.
Under the agreement, Music Nation will leverage SoundExchange’s technology and data to collect neighboring rights, the royalties paid to sound recording owners, producers and recording artists for the public performance of their music.
Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairwoman of Music Nation, said, “We are thrilled to partner with SoundExchange to begin collecting neighboring rights on behalf of our affiliates. This partnership marks a significant milestone for recording artists and sound recording rights holders in the UAE and globally. By comprehensively and accurately collecting and distributing neighboring rights royalties, Music Nation will help ensure the continued growth of the region’s vibrant music ecosystem.”
Michael Huppe, president and CEO of SoundExchange, added, “We are honored to put our extensive neighboring rights management experience and state of the art systems to work in the UAE. Our in-depth administration expertise, proven record on rate settings, and premiere distribution processes for international creators will provide capabilities to propel the emerging UAE market. SoundExchange is proud to partner with Music Nation on this exciting project, and to help the Emirati creator community realize the true power and value of their music.”
+ Las Vegas-based artist Kami Kehoe has signed a management deal with Los Angeles-based music company Cupid Theory.
Kehoe has simultaneously released the song “Safehouse,” a collaboration with Cupid Theory artists Colorblind and producer Curt Martin and Ekoh. She’s also set to play Warped Tour LB and Louder Than Life. She is signed to Coup D’Etat Music and 10K Projects.
Tuesday, March 25
Kobalt has inked a global publishing deal with Italian-American electronic musician Anyma.
This news follows Anyma’s recent sold-out residency at Sphere in Las Vegas. Due to an overwhelming demand, his time at Sphere was extended to a total of 12 nights with 200,000 tickets sold, per a press release. Anyma made history as the first electronic artist at Sphere, joining the ranks of such acts as U2, Phish, the Eagles, and Dead and Company.
“Partnering with Kobalt Music Publishing marks an exciting new chapter with Anyma,” said Anyma manager Evan Baker. “Jeannette and the global Kobalt team are an ideal partner for the world Matteo (Anyma) has built and his unique vision towards a full audio-visual immersive experience.”
“Anyma’s artistry transcends traditional electronic music,” added Rani Hancock, Kobalt’s executive vice president, head of U.S. creative. “He crafts sonic and visual journeys that resonate deeply with his audience. At Kobalt, we champion artists who redefine creative boundaries, and Anyma’s innovative spirit perfectly aligns with that vision. We are incredibly proud to welcome him to the Kobalt family. This is a momentous occasion for myself, Desi O’Meara, Tessa Butler, and the entire global Kobalt team.”
+ Avex has acquired 100% of the S10 Music Publishing song catalog and additional stake in S10 Management. S10 founder Brandon Silverstein has also been named chief executive officer of the newly formed Avex Music Group (AMG).
Silverstein will oversee all company operations for Avex Music Group, including the S10 Music Publishing and S10 Management roster, as well as the full roster and activities across AMG. Silverstein will be a partner in AMG with an equity stake in the company and will join its board of directors. All assets and staff previously under Avex USA will now be consolidated under the Avex Music Group banner, headquartered in Los Angeles, while S10’s existing team and operations will remain unchanged.
“Avex has always been driven by a bold vision: to shape the future of music,” said Katsumi Kuroiwa, CEO of Avex, Inc. “Since forming our strategic partnership with Brandon Silverstein in 2020, we have strengthened our presence in the U.S. market, and now, we are taking that vision to the next level. By deepening our commitment and entrusting Brandon to lead our U.S. operations, we are not only expanding our footprint but also positioning Avex as a potent force in the international music landscape. Together, we will create new opportunities for creatives, introduce Japanese talent to a wider global audience, and push boundaries to redefine what it means to be a global powerhouse in music and entertainment.”
The acquisition gives Avex the largest share in S10 Management alongside Silverstein and Roc Nation. Avex Music Group will be focused on building its music publishing portfolio, promoting Avex artists globally, forming joint ventures with established artists and entrepreneurs, expanding into music catalog deals and managing talent via its S10 Management organization, which will maintain a separate staff and will continue to be led by Silverstein as CEO.
S10’s management roster includes Myke Towers, Big Sean, Madison Bailey, and others. Silverstein will continue to own and lead S10 Records, which will remain a completely independent record label.
+ Secretly Distribution has inked a worldwide distribution deal with Invada Records. Invada Records is an UK independent record company co-owned by musician, producer and composer Geoff Barrow (Portishead, BEAK>) and long term business partner Redg Weeks.
Invada has released numerous modern and contemporary film, television and video games scores, including the likes of “Stranger Things,” “Drive,” “Ex Machina,” “Solaris,” “Red Dead Redemption 2,” “Hannibal,” “Dark,” “Annihilation” and “Black Mirror.”
“All of us at SD are excited to welcome Invada into the fold,” said Chris Welz, COO of Secretly Distribution. “Their history and roster prove them to be a staunchly independent, groundbreaking, and artist-driven label – they share our values and our mission, and we are beyond thrilled to work with them.”
+ Matthew Miller has joined Nashville headquartered talent management agency The Familie, effective immediately. Miller brings with him Texas singer-songwriter William Beckmann and pop-punk artist Lew Lew (Lauren Weintraub) to the company’s roster.
Miller joins The Familie after beginning his career at WME and later leading A&R at Carnival Music under Grammy Award-winning producer Frank Liddell. Most recently, he worked at Triple 8 Management, after an eight-year stint at Red Light Management working with Enzo DeVincenzo’s 377 Management (Parker McCollum, Lee Ann Womack, Randy Rogers Band).
Miller shared: “I couldn’t be more excited to join The Familie and be part of a team that not only pushes the industry forward but also values a strong, collaborative culture. The energy here is unmatched, and you can feel that everyone is building something special. Steve’s vision for The Familie is truly next level—not just in music, but across the entire agency—and I’m excited to help grow that, especially in the country space. Getting to work with Royce again, who’s a force in this world, just makes it even better.”
+ Georgia-born and Nashville-based singer-songwriter Sydney Rose has inked with Mercury Records. The signing announcement falls in line with the upcoming release of her new EP, “I Know What I Want,” due out April 4.
+ Infamous PR has promoted of Jelani Wright to VP of festivals and events, North America.
After graduating from the agency’s Fellowship program, an initiative dedicated to helping BIPOC candidates break into the music industry, Wright began working as a publicist in the Infamous Festival division.
In his new role, Wright will oversee creator and publicity campaigns for CRSSD Festival, Lightning in a Bottle/Do LaB, Hard Summer, Hangout Festival, Sand In My Boots, ARC Festival, Splash House, M3F Festival, and Electric Forest, as well as handling North American campaigns for global events like Primavera Sound, Igloofest, KappaFutur Festival, and more.
“Jelani’s passion, leadership, and innovative approach to earned media have been instrumental in evolving our festival campaigns and helping grow the division,” said Maxfield Frieser, COO of Infamous PR. “His journey from our Fellowship program to VP is a testament to his talent, dedication and hard work, and an example to us all. We are thrilled to see him step into this leadership role.”
+ Prescription Songs has promoted Chris Martignago to VP of A&R. He is based out of the Nashville office where he works closely with recent signing Trent Dabbs, as well as Anderson East, JT Daly, Nick Lobel and Tony Esterly, among others.
“Since joining Prescription Songs, Chris has shown exceptional leadership and creative skills,” said Rhea Pasricha, Prescription Songs’ head of A&R, West Coast. “He has championed and ushered in diverse talent and has helped to shape the future of our roster with his keen ear and passion for artistry. We’re thrilled to see him step into this new role as VP of A&R in Nashville.”
Martignago added: “I have learned so much and we’ve made excellent progress here in Nashville during my first 4 years at the company. I am looking forward to continuing to champion our exceptional creative team and roster with the opportunity of this new role. I am grateful to Rhea for the faith she has in me and my ability to step up to the challenge.”
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