Blackpink member Rosé, who was named Variety’s Global Hitmaker of the Year at our Hitmakers event last weekend, is now represented by WME worldwide in all areas of her music career.
Her first studio album “Rosie” and its massive single “APT.” (with Bruno Mars) scored a total of three 2026 Grammy nominations and won Song of the Year at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. She is also global ambassador for brands including Saint Laurent, Tiffany & Co, Rimowa and Puma.
“Rosé is a creative force with a voice that transcends borders and languages,” said Lucy Dickins, Global Head of Contemporary Music and Touring at WME. “We are honored to welcome her to WME and excited to support her as she continues to shatter records, break new ground as a solo artist and reach even greater heights in her music career.”
+ Robert Pollard, frontman of the long-running indie-rock band Guided by Voices, has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing administration deal with independent music publisher Third Side Music.
TSM will represent Pollard’s entire catalog, spanning a whopping 40-plus GBV albums and his solo projects. He has written thousands of songs, including the critically acclaimed “I Am a Scientist,” “Game of Pricks,” “Motor Away,” “Glad Girls,” “Tractor Rape Chain,” “Echos Myron,” “Hot Freaks,” “Hold On Hope,” “Everywhere with Helicopter,” “Learning to Hunt,” “Chasing Heather Crazy,” and “Teenage FBI,” among many others.
Patrick Curley, president and co-founder of TSM, said, “Robert Pollard is one of the most prolific and influential artists and songwriters in history. We’re very honored to be entrusted with his songs and help create opportunities for new generations to experience the brilliance of Guided by Voices.”
+ Legendary punk rock band Bad Brains have partnered with Trust Records, a company “formed to ensure that classic punk and hardcore music continues to endure,” according to the announcement. Additionally, Trust Records has established an Artist Advisory Board upon which Bad Brains’ bassist Darryl Jenifer will serve.
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The partnership will govern and administer the entirety of Bad Brains owned and controlled intellectual property, including music publishing, recorded music, name and likeness, trademark, and visual IP, including the self-titled debut album as well as classic albums “Rock For Light,” “I Against I” and “Quickness.”
Bad Brains bassist Darryl Jenifer said, “After 40-plus years of forging the spirit PMA through our brand of progressive punk rock aka hardcore, I’m happy that Bad Brains will be sharing the wheel with Trust in our ongoing quest to keep Bad Brains alive in the hearts and minds of our supporters as we step into the future. Trust’s love and knowledge of Bad Brains and the PMA ethos makes them a perfect match to partner with as we keep Bad Brains ‘Sailin’ On.’”
Trust Records founder Matt Pincus said, “We started Trust Records to promote, preserve, and protect punk and hardcore music and the culture that surrounds it. Bad Brains is the absolute top of the mountain in punk and hardcore. They taught the rest of us how to do it. It is the highest honor partner with Darryl and Bad Brains in the stewardship of their iconic work. ”
+ Universal Music Group U.K. announced the promotion of Rebecca Allen to the newly-formed role of chief artist and strategy officer. In what is described as a first-of-its-kind leadership role, Allen will support UMG U.K.’s labels (Island-EMI Label Group, Polydor Label Group – including Polydor, Capitol UK and 0207 Def Jam – Decca, Fontana and Universal Music Recordings, pant… wheeze) in helping artists navigate every step of their journey within the company, from new signings to established acts.
Dickon Stainer, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group UK and Ireland, says, “Becky is an exceptional executive whose experience across many different parts of the company gives her unique insight into the artist journey. This new role will empower her to ensure that every part of UMG is harnessed and activated for the benefit of the artist.”
+ 4 Non-Blondes cofounder and solo artist Linda Perry has announced a new partnership with Kill Rock Stars and the launch of imprint 670 Records. The collaboration arrives as Perry prepares a new solo album and a 4 Non Blondes album, both scheduled for release in 2026. According to the announcement, earlier this year, Kill Rock Stars approached Perry’s team about reissuing her debut solo album “In Flight” on vinyl for Record Store Day Black Friday 2025 and the idea of collaborating on new music came up.
“I’m super excited to partner up with Kill Rock Stars for yet another release,” Perry said. “‘Let It Die Here,’ my new album, needs a dedicated and creative team behind it. For me, releasing music is a very personal and intimate experience so I want to know that the company I’m going on this journey with is supporting art and longevity. I feel very confident saying that John Burk and everyone at Kill Rock Stars are intent on building a company led by architects, sculptors, and musicians.”
+ Creative Artists Agency has promoted six — Jack Belkin, Carly Damelio, Ella Fernandez, Rhys France, Todd Matsumoto and Sydney Weltman — to agent/executive within the Global Touring department.
Belkin, who is based in Los Angeles, has been promoted to Agent in the Global Touring department, where he will book tours for clients across the agency’s roster. He began his career at CAA in 2021.
Damelio has been promoted to executive in the Global Touring department’s Brand Partnerships division. Based in Los Angeles, she began her career at CAA as an assistant in 2019.
Nashville-based Fernandez has been promoted to executive in the Global Touring department’s Marketing division. She joined CAA in 2022 as a Tour Marketing Assistant before being promoted to Professional in 2023.
Based in London, France has been promoted to agent within the Global Touring department, where he will focus on corporate and private deals such as exclusive non-ticketed events, high-profile corporate gatherings, private celebrations, and branded events for the agency’s roster of music clients. He previously spent five years working in Shanghai, China booking music artists for live shows and branded deals. He moved to London in 2016, where he first worked at Primary Talent International. He joined CAA in 2022.
Matsumoto has been promoted to executive within the Global Touring department’s Brand Partnerships division, driving commercial endorsement and brand opportunities for talent across the agency’s roster, with a focus on K-Pop, J-Pop, AAPI, and global Asian music. He joined CAA in 2020.
Finally, Weltman has been promoted to agent in the Global Touring department. Now based in Los Angeles, she began her CAA career in New York in 2021.
Wednesday, December 10
Laura Segura has been appointed executive director of She Is the Music, the nonprofit dedicated to gender equality and increasing the number of women working in music — including songwriters, engineers, producers, artists, and industry professionals. In her new role, Segura will lead SITM’s strategic vision, oversee its global programs and partnerships, and guide the organization’s continued expansion and impact.
According to the announcement, as executive director, Segura will oversee and expand SITM’s core initiatives — including its all-women songwriting camps, global creator database, mentorship cohorts, research and advocacy work, and community partnerships across labels, publishers, studios, management companies, DSPs and educational institutions. She will shape the organization’s long-term strategic vision, guide international expansion efforts, strengthen industry relationships, manage day-to-day operations, lead fundraising and development strategy, and ensure all programs meet SITM’s equity and representation goals. Segura will also serve as a key spokesperson and advocate for SITM’s mission across the global music community.
Segura joins after five years as executive director of MusiCares, where she helped oversee the pandemic relief effort that included 140,000 services and $35.7 million distributed, and led a $16 million relief effort during the recent Los Angeles–area fires. Previously, Segura served as Vice President of Membership & Industry Relations for the Recording Academy.
Alicia Keys, artist, producer and co-founder of She Is The Music, said, “I’m so proud to welcome Laura into this role. She has spent her career lifting people up, building support systems that work, and making sure no one is left behind — and that spirit is at the heart of She Is the Music. Laura understands the challenges women face in this industry and brings the strength, clarity, and compassion needed to create real, lasting change. I know she will help us push our mission even further, opening more doors, elevating more voices, and building a future where women are fully seen, heard, and supported.”
Jody Gerson (Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group), Ann Mincieli (GRAMMY-winning engineer and studio owner), and Sam Kirby Yoh (Partner & Head of East Coast Music, WME) — co-founders of She Is The Music, jointly stated, “We’re excited to welcome Laura as she leads She Is the Music into its next chapter. Her dedication to driving meaningful change reflects the mission we set out to champion from day one. Laura brings a rare combination of vision, experience, and genuine care for the people who make this industry what it is. With her leadership, SITM will continue opportunities for women across every part of the music ecosystem.”
+ Rapper-singer Don Tolliver has signed with United Talent Agency (UTA) for touring representation in North America. Last summer, Toliver wrapped the second leg of the “Psycho Tour” with a summer run in the UK and Europe. The headline tour also saw sold-out arena shows across the U.S., including New York’s Barclays Center and Los Angeles’ Cypto.com Arena. He has landed four consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200 with records “Heaven or Hell,” “Life of a Don,” “Love Sick,” and “Hardstone Psycho,” the latter of which landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart.
He is managed by David Stromberg, Randall “Sickamore” Medford and Erin Duran, and is represented by Wasserman Music outside of North America.
+ Atlantic Music Group has elevated Dave Rocco to the newly created position of chief creative officer at the company. In this new role, Rocco will guide the creative strategy for the label group globally and will continue to lead the team that collaborates with the label’s roster of artists on all visual creative elements, including creative strategy, video, artwork, advertising and more.
He was previously president of creative, joining the label in 2024. He held prior senior roles at Spotify, Universal Music Group and the advertising agencies Deutsch LA and BBDO New York. He will continue to report to AMG Chairman and CEO Elliot Grainge.
“For the last year, Dave has played a crucial role in reenergizing and reimagining Atlantic Music Group,” said Grainge. “His creative contributions to our organization and to our artists have been immeasurable. I’m happy to be able to promote him to this important new leadership role.”
+ Sony Music Publishing has announced the promotion of Jeff Smarr to senior vice president, global copyright, effective immediately. Based out of SMP’s Nashville office, Smarr — a 31-year company veteran — will continue to report to EVP of worldwide administration Dale Esworthy. In his elevated position, Jeff will take on a greater role across strategic initiatives and high-profile deal and acquisition integrations, and continue to oversee SMP’s Global and North American Copyright Administration teams.
Esworthy said, “Jeff is our go-to expert for any copyright question or concern and is unwavering in his commitment to our songwriters and team. I am continually impressed by Jeff’s encyclopedic knowledge of our catalog, and I’m delighted to recognize his work with this well-deserved promotion.”
From Variety US