Charlie Daniels’ Blue Hat Records label has restructured, as co-founder and longtime president David Corlew exits. Daniels’ wife Hazel Daniels and son Charlie Daniels Jr. will handle label operations going forward. The label will continue its relationship with Bob Frank Distribution, with Frank remaining a partner in Blue Hat Records. Daniels, known for classics such as “Uneasy Rider” and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” died in 2020 at age 83. “When Dad wanted to step away from the Music Row establishment and do the projects he was passionate about, David was there to help pave the way for some outstanding and diverse music,” said Daniels Jr. “David enabled Dad to outstretch his creative wings, and we will always be grateful to David and Carolyn Corlew for helping him do that.” –Jessica Nicholson
Sony Music Publishing promoted Sarah “Pixie” Pickering to vice president of creative and writer services, co-head of sync. Based in London, Pickering will continue reporting to UK co-managing director Tim Major and president David Ventura. In her expanded role, she’ll co-lead SMP UK’s sync division and take on broader responsibilities to enhance creative opportunities for songwriters across Sony’s global ecosystem. She joined EMI Production Music in 2009 and transitioned to Sony/ATV (now SMP), where she rose to vp creative in 2020. Her promotion reflects Sony’s commitment to its “One Sony” initiative, which SMP president and svp of international David Ventura calls “central to our ethos, being the only music company in the world with such a wide scope of activity across movies, gaming, hardware and, of course, music.”
Julien’s Auctions announced four major executive appointments to help drive its expansion in entertainment memorabilia. Danny Bennett, a Grammy-winning music and marketing veteran, joins as senior managing director of business development, bringing decades of experience with artists like Tony Bennett and Elvis Costello. Ken Blaustein, named managing director, will lead strategic growth into youth culture and collectibles, leveraging his background with Universal Music Group and Hard Rock International. Lou Robinson, former svp at Atlantic Records and RCA, becomes director of music business development, known for his work with Ed Sheeran and Cardi B. Emmy-winning executive Shanna Strassberg joined as director of music business development in Nashville, following her success with CMT and CBS. These appointments follow a period of record-breaking sales for Julien’s, including auctions for Bob Dylan, David Lynch and Princess Diana. “Julien’s success will be further fueled by these high achieving and visionary leaders,” said Darren Julien, co-founder and executive director. “Their dynamic experience, proven track records, creativity, and passion will elevate Julien’s commitment to ensuring long term success and adaptability in the marketplace for our exceptional buyers and esteemed clients who have entrusted Julien’s with celebrating their legacies at our premium auctions.”
Concord Music Publishing elevated Tom Coulson-Smith to vice president of A&R. Based in London, Coulson-Smith steps up from his previous role as senior director of A&R, which he held since joining Concord in 2020. He has played a key role in signing and developing a diverse roster of acclaimed talent—including Zach Nahome, Mount Kimbie, Wesley Joseph, Fred Ball, and Yazmin Lacey—while also collaborating closely with The 1975 on their chart-topping 2022 album and Glastonbury headline performance. Coulson-Smith’s latest signings include Ed Thomas and rising producer Kurisu, and he continues to collaborate with key Concord artists like Yussef Dayes and Bombay Bicycle Club. Reporting to EVP Worldwide A&R Kim Frankiewicz, he will focus on expanding Concord’s creative reach in the UK and globally. Frankiewicz praised Coulson-Smith as a “genuine A&R powerhouse who has made an enormous contribution to where Concord sits today.”
NASHVILLE NOTES: Dreamcatcher Management welcomed Phil Guerini aboard to focus on advancing Callista Clark’s career. Guerini brings extensive experience from his roles at Disney Channels Worldwide and Jonas Group Entertainment, having helped launch the careers of major artists like Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber and Jonas Brothers … Project Admission appointed Carl Thomas as senior strategic advisor to support its expansion across live sports and entertainment. Thomas, formerly with ASM Global, will guide market expansion, partnerships and revenue strategy at the ticketing technology platform … RED Creative Group vp of publishing Taylor Lamb left the company to become a 30A Wealth Management financial advisor … Krista Dykes launched She Laughs Media, a podcast booking and publicity firm. To take on her new role, she stepped down as senior media relations manager at PLA Media, though she continues to host her Secret Mom Hacks podcast.
Prescription Songs promoted Christian Conant to senior director of A&R, based in Nashville and reporting to vp of A&R Nashville Chris Martignago. Since joining the company in 2019 and rising to A&R manager in 2022, Conant has built a strong roster including Maggie Rose, Joy Oladokun and Nick Bailey, and recently signed Anderson East and Ryder Johnson. The Ohio native moved to Nashville in 2015, beginning his career in digital marketing before transitioning to tour management for artists like Mitchell Tenpenny and eventually shifting into publishing and A&R at Riser House Entertainment. Prescription Songs has offices in LA and Nashville. Martignago called out Conant’s “great ear for talent,” saying, “In a place like Nashville, it’s all about teamwork and creativity, and Christian really brings both to every conversation he’s a part of.”
Black River Publishing appointed Evie Grace Fowler as creative coordinator. A recent Belmont University graduate and former intern at the company, Fowler also participated in BMI’s 2024 Catalog Cast. She joins a roster that includes songwriters like Scotty Hasting, MaRynn Taylor and Grammy winner Josh Kerr. Meanwhile, parent company Black River Entertainment hired Traci Hite as director of promotion in the Southeast. Based in Alabama and reporting to vp of national promotion Bill Macky, Hite brings extensive experience from roles at Capitol Christian Music Group, Curb-Word and most recently Quartz Hill Records.
Three Six Zero, a global management company with offices in London, Los Angeles and Miami, appointed Aimee Jessiman as UK head of management. In her new role, Jessiman will oversee artist management operations, mentor talent managers and drive business development across the UK division. Jessiman, who currently works with superstars like Calvin Harris and Swedish House Mafia, will collaborate closely with founder and CEO Mark Gillespie to strengthen Three Six Zero’s UK presence. Gillespie praised Jessiman’s leadership and experience, calling her a “valuable asset” to the UK team.
Kohl Almire launched Under Color, a new artist management company focused on long-term development and purpose-driven digital engagement. With over seven years of experience — including at Red Light Management — Almire, one of the few transgender artist managers in the industry, has worked with major acts like Rainbow Kitten Surprise and Brent Cobb. His current roster includes Maddie Medley and Charlie Holt. Under Color reflects Almire’s commitment to identity, creative freedom, and artist-first leadership, earning him a spot in the 2025 Equal Access cohort.
BOARD SHORTS: Music Venue Trust, the UK charity representing grassroots music venues, expanded its board of trustees with four new appointments. Joining are Adrian Norman, founder and CEO of Ocean Music and MVT’s Treasurer since 2024; Helen McGee, head of venues at Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events; Richard Perry, a recently retired partner from an international law firm; and Sammy Andrews, CEO and founder of Deviate Digital. They join a board that already includes industry pros such as Bonita McKinney, Phyllis Belezos and Jeremy Pritchard … LIVE, rep’ing 15 UK live music orgs, added eight new trustees to the board of its LIVE Trust. The new trustees — Adem Holness, David Jones, David Laing, Estelle Wilkinson, John Cornwell, Simon Rix, Victoria Smith and Wendy Smith — join founding trustees James Ainscough, Steve Lamacq and Kirsty McShannon.
Key Production Group appointed Laura Bessell as its new chief financial officer, strengthening the UK music manufacturer’s senior leadership team. Based in London, Bessell will work alongside COO Neil Gibbons and report directly to CEO and founder Karen Emanuel. She brings over 25 years of financial experience, most recently as COO at global production group Argonon, where she led UK and international finance teams through expansion and transformation. Her appointment comes as Key Production scales its operations, including the recent launch of a German office, and continues to thrive amid rising demand for vinyl and physical music.
Symphonic Distribution, the indie music distribution and label services company, expanded its European presence by hiring a new team of A&R client development leads. The team includes Thomas Williamson (UK), Sander Stijnen (Netherlands), Romain Dilouya (France), Henry Burke (UK) and Brunno Constante (Portugal/Angola), with Gui Morais promoted to manager of A&R and clientdevelopment in the EU. Reporting to chief creative officer Randall Foster and vice presidents Oz McGuire and Jakub Alexander, the team is tasked with tailoring solutions for artists and labels across Europe.
Nippon TV Music appointed Kako Kuwahara as its new president and CEO, succeeding Akihiro Shimizu, who now leads Tipness Co. Ltd. Kuwahara, formerly head of international and anime business at Nippon TV, played a key role in launching global anime hits like The Apothecary Diaries and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Reporting to Keiichi Sawa, she will now focus on expanding Nippon TV Music’s global presence. Established in 1969, the Tokyo-based company manages music and character IPs, including HUNTER×HUNTER, and oversees theme music, copyright management and international merchandising.
