MCA Records has announced that three-time Grammy winner Miranda Lambert will release future music with the label, which was formerly known as Universal Music Nashville.
“Throughout my life and career, I have found that the common thread in every chapter is finding the right people — songwriters, musicians, collaborators, and team members — to match the moment,” says Lambert. “I am honored to join a roster and a team with such a rich history of championing artistry. I look forward to sharing this new music with the world under their banner.”
MCA President-CEO Mike Harris says, “Miranda is a generational artist whose influence and artistry continue to shape modern music. We are honored to work alongside her as she enters this next chapter and we look forward to building something truly special together.” (Pictured above, L-R: MCA’s Stephanie Wright and Mike Harris, Lambert, MCA’s Katie McCartney, Rob Femia and Damon Moberly.)
Among many other accolades, Lambert is the most-awarded artist in Academy of Country Music history, and is among the most-nominated at this year’s ceremony, with eight nods as an artist, songwriter and producer.
Lambert, who released her most recent album via Big Loud, will continue in her role as founder of Big Loud Texas, “where she remains actively involved in her business partnership and ongoing artist development efforts across the label and its publishing company,” according to the announcement.
+ Concord has formed a strategic multi-year venture with Victor Victor Worldwide, the New York-based record label founded by veteran executive Steven Victor, formerly of Universal Music Group, Def Jam and Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music. Founded in 2016, VVW has helped launch the careers of artists including Pop Smoke and Ski Mask the Slump God.
“At Concord, we build for what’s next by strengthening our creative teams,” said Concord Label Group CEO Tom Becci. “This venture with Steven and Victor Victor Worldwide unites organizations with distinct voices and a shared track record of developing artists at the highest level. By combining Victor Victor’s cultural leadership with Concord’s global resources, we’re creating a long-term partnership designed to break new talent and build lasting careers.”
Victor said, “This marks an exciting new chapter for VVW, and I look forward to working with the Concord team to help propel our artists through its global network of resources. I’m grateful to Bob and Tom for their confidence in our vision.”
+ Jen Tanner has been appointed senior vice president and head of global brand partnerships for Columbia Records and RCA Records. Tanner is based in Los Angeles and has been a member of Sony Music Entertainment brand partnerships team since 2020.
She has spearheaded global campaigns for artists including SZA, Doja Cat, Alicia Keys, Lisa, and Tate McRae, and such brands as PlayStation, Chase, Essentia Water, BMW, Patrón, and Vita Coco, among others. Her work on the Doja Cat and Girls Who Code partnership garnered top honors at Cannes Lions and Clio Awards
+ BMG has named Tim Miles executive VP of global Sync+. Based in London, Miles will report to chief strategy officer Johannes von Schwarzkopf and will lead BMG’s recently launched Sync+ division.
In this new role, Miles will be responsible for defining and executing the division’s strategy and driving growth across BMG’s music-for-media business. He will oversee global licensing, operations, and regional services, while strengthening relationships with key partners across film, television, advertising, gaming, and digital platforms. Miles joins BMG after more than a decade at Warner Music Group, most recently as senior VP of global sync.
Von Schwarzkopf said: “Tim brings a strong track record of building high-performing teams and driving impactful music-for-media partnerships. As we scale Sync+, our focus is on a more innovative, technology-enabled service – combining global scale with advanced capabilities in data, product, and AI to better connect music to opportunity.”
+ Warner Music Group has announced a partnership with TuStreams, an independent company in the Música Mexicana space, and has also made a minority investment in the company.
As part of the agreement, Warner Music Group will serve as the global distribution partner for TuStreams’ full catalog and future releases. In addition, WMG and TuStreams will collaborate on joint artist signings, A&R, and creative development.
Alejandro Duque, President, Warner Music Latin America & ADA said: “TuStreams is a force at the center of one of the most culturally significant movements in music today. Música Mexicana is a global priority for us—it’s one of the fastest-growing and most impactful genres worldwide. This partnership deepens our commitment to investing in the leaders of the movement.”
Founded in 2019 by Tony Larios, TuStreams played an early role in the success of Grupo Firme and its roster now includes Jorge Medina, Panter Bélico and Gerardo Coronel, and has also moved outside Música Mexicana in working with Gloria Trevi and Ivy Queen.
+ Production Resource Group, a provider of entertainment and live event technology solutions, has announced the appointment of Darren Pfeffer as chief commercial officer. He will report directly to CEO Lawrence Burian.
In this newly created role, Pfeffer will lead PRG’s revenue strategy and partner across the organization. He brings nearly 30 years of experience spanning live entertainment strategy and operations, venue management, and large-scale business oversight. Most recently, he served as president of Diversified Production Services, a Live Nation Entertainment company. Prior to DPS, he served as EVP of MSG Live at Madison Square Garden Entertainment, and senior roles at iHeartMedia.
“Darren brings a perspective few people in this industry have — he’s seen how the best productions come together from the rights holder side, the venue side and the production management side,” said Burian. “He is equally known for building terrific internal working cultures where teams are empowered to serve clients with passion and excellence.”
+ 1916 Enterprises has signed Nashville-based producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist David Kerckhoff in partnership with Anomaly Music, the publishing venture founded by Grammy-winning songwriter/artist Nija Charles and Legion Management CEO Christian McCurdy.
Based in Nashville, Kerckhoff has collaborated with artists including Bankrol Hayden, Xanman, Peter McPoland, Willie Jones and Siena Liggins.
“1916 & Anomaly feel like the perfect home,” said Kerckhoff. “I’ve been inspired by Nija’s songwriting for a long time, and being surrounded by a team that truly cares about the craft means everything. I’m excited to keep building and blending the strength of Nashville songwriting with the energy and artistry of L.A.”
+ A3 Merch has named Felix Carrasco senior VP of A&R and new business as the company expands its presence with a new New York office. Joining Carrasco in New York is industry veteran Danny Samet as manager of A&R and international touring. The company also announced the elevation of longtime team member Troy Vest to EVP and GM.
Most recently, Carrasco served as VP of brand management at Warner Music Group’s WMX division, where he spent nearly 15 years. He began his career in London in artist management before moving into roles at Sony Music Entertainment.
“Felix brings a rare combination of creative instinct, operational excellence, and deep artist relationships,” said Jon Elliot, co-founder of A3 Merch. “He has been at the center of some of the most impactful merchandise and fan experiences in the industry, and we are excited to have him help shape what’s next for A3.”
+ Oak View Group has named Shazmah Hakim as its new chief legal officer. He joins after serving as CLO of Remington Lodging and Hospitality in Dallas, Texas. Hakim will be based in Denver and will report to Chris Granger, Chief Executive Officer at Oak View Group. She previously held roles at Remington Lodging and Hospitality, More Development, Marriott International, Kingdom Hotel Investments and more.
“OVG’s innovative venue development and services platforms are increasingly in demand on a global basis, with particular interest and energy from Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Shazmah’s deep international experience will substantially accelerate and support these efforts,” said Granger.
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