Music Industry Moves: Jack Antonoff Shares Plans to Open Public Recording Studios; Spotify’s Global Head of Music Jeremy Erlich Exits

Jack Antonoff shared a written statement on Tuesday that outlines initial plans to build inclusive recording studios that would be open to the public.

The producer and singer-songwriter said he plans “to spend a large part of the next chapter of my life bringing these spaces to people who wouldn’t have access to them, public studios available to those who are priced out.” He continued, “It’s going to take time and a lot of resources but over here we have a plan that starts with working through [Antonoff’s charity] the Ally Coalition to build studios in LGBTQ+ youth shelters. From there, we will have a network of engineers that we will fund who will train people at these sites. Our plan is to build these spaces, pay for maintenance and engineering, and let the centers give out the time slots for people to use them. From there, we can start to expand into cities once we have it happening.”

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Antonoff explained that he was sharing his plans early in the process in an attempt to “raise awareness and ask for help,” he wrote. “Anyone who believes in this and has resources that can help should please reach out as we get this off the ground.” The letter concludes with a point of contact, studio@theallycoalition.org.

+ Spotify‘s Global Head of Music Jeremy Erlich will be exiting the company. Erlich, who has been with Spotify for over five years, will remain in an advisory role through the end of February. The news was first reported by Hits Daily Double.

“As I thought about the future, I found myself more and more excited about embarking on my own entrepreneurial journey,” Erlich wrote in a letter to staff. “It’s been a goal of mine for a long time and now feels like the right time to pursue it. This was a very difficult decision but, as I’ve said many times before, you are the best team in the industry and I know you’ll be in good hands going forward.”

Erlich’s previous reports — Sulinna Ong, global head of editorial, Joe Hadley, global head of music partnerships & audience, and Madeleine Bennett, global head of music go-to-market — will now look to David Kaefer, vice president, music and audiobook business.

+ Align PR has expanded its music and Latin entertainment teams. The company announced they have officially tapped new team members Lauren Morris-Ruff, who joined align in 2022, as well as Erica Goldish in Los Angeles, Victoire Selce and Nick Vinci in New York, and Justin Tejada in Miami.

Madonna, Zayn Malik, Lil Wayne, Ciara, Christian Nodal, Nicky Jam, Bella Poarch, Manuel Turizo, the Pretty Reckless, Ruel, Artemas, Sevdaliza, and Loud Luxury, are all under the Align PR roster.

The music department will continue to work alongside align PR long time staffers who work across talent and music including Nicole Perez-Krueger, Brit Reece, Cait Bailey, Paul Samaha, Alec Huerta, Trixie Richter, and Isa Perez.

+ UTA Music has partnered with Rimas Entertainment for Advertising Week New York.

Together, the companies will host the event’s official wrap party, an invite-only gathering for Advertising Week New York attendees that will feature performances from clients including Eladio Carrión, Latin Mafia and DJ Alex Sensation. Rimas Entertainment and UTA Music will also partner with Advertising Week New York to host two exclusive panels on Oct. 9-10, featuring Carrión and the following executives: Noah Assad (CEO, RIMAS Entertainment), Jorge Bracero (COO, Rimas Entertainment), Kristen Quintero Garriga (VP of Brand Partnerships, Rimas Entertainment), Monica Jimenez (Talent Manager, Rimas Entertainment) and Toni Wallace (Partner & Head of Music Brand Strategy & Partnerships, UTA)

Monday, Sept. 30

Global fan communication platform company Dear U has partnered with J Balvin and Peso Pluma in its first efforts into the Western market.

Launching on Sept. 30, Balvin and Peso will be able to “personally engage with fans around the world through Dear U’s new U.S. version of the app,” per a press release. Dear U’s “bubble” app provides a personal setting where only subscribing fans can engage with the artists. Over 600 artists and celebrities are already on the platform, including major K-Pop stars such as NCT, Stray Kids, LISA and Jisoo of Blackpink, EXO, aespa, Twice, as well as actors, sports stars, and entertainers.

Dear U reports that bubble has over 2 million paid subscriptions, of which 73% comes from outside Korea, across Asia, the United States and Europe.

Balvin offered in a statement, “For me it has always been important to be connected to my fans, La Familia. I love reading comments and conversations, so it’s exciting to communicate with fans no matter what their first language might be. This is why ‘the bubble’ is the perfect platform to keep in touch.”

Peso added: “Peso Pluma wouldn’t exist without our dedicated fans who have supported us since the very beginning. Even though we don’t speak the same language, our music is crossing borders and I’m always excited to find new ways, such as through this partnership with bubble, to connect with them.”

+ Sony Music Publishing UK has announced the signing of singer-songwriter Myles Smith to a global publishing agreement.

Myles has continued to gain momentum in 2024 with his debut EP, “You Promised A Lifetime,” and the release of his platinum-certified single “Stargazing.” He also recently performed on BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend and made his UK and U.S. television debuts.

Myles is currently touring with sold-out dates across the US and Canada after embarking on his first-ever headline tour in the UK and Europe earlier this year. He recently announced his second headline tour, slated to begin in 2025.

Sony Music Publishing UK Senior Director of A&R Saul Fitton said, “Myles is a once-in-a-generation talent, with exceptional drive and dedication. Witnessing his global impact as an artist from the UK is really exciting, and it’s a privilege to be part of his remarkable journey.”

+ The Vita Coco Company has teamed up with its brand ambassador Becky G to build a new green space at her childhood elementary school in Inglewood, California. The greenspace is located in Oak Street Elementary School.

“Growing up, my Inglewood community shaped who I am today,” said Becky. “Partnering with Vita Coco to reimagine a space where students can learn and play means everything to me. We wanted each element to be intentional, reflecting my own experience in middle school and addressing the needs and dreams of the community.”

Designed in close collaboration with the school’s Parent-Teacher Association and local community leaders, and brought to life by Terremoto, the fully customized 2,100-square-foot greenspace features garden plots, compost bins, a farm stand, fruit trees, a water feature, reading nooks, and a versatile outdoor classroom and play area.

+ Adam Wright has been appointed CFO and managing partner of Breakaway, an independent live music company.

Wright previously served as VP of corporate development and M&A at Sony. In his new role, Wright will drive strategic initiatives, corporate development, brand expansion, and overall financial operations for Breakaway.

“Adam Wright’s financial pedigree and industry background, including his executive experience at one of the most recognizable names in entertainment, will fuel Breakaway’s growth as we further extend our geographic footprint and launch new business verticals. We are excited to welcome Adam into the Breakaway family!” said CEO and co-founder Adam Lynn.

+ Day After Day Productions (Day After Day) and Emancipated Icon Entertainment Group have partnered up to represent Lil’ Kim and Teddy Riley for worldwide touring engagements.

Emancipated Icon, recently formed by Emancipated Talent’s CEO Rich Murphy and Icon Entertainment CEO Greg Walker, have established a strategic partnership with Day After Day, founded and led by veteran agent Seth Shomes.

Shomes said, “I have known Greg (Walker) and Rich for many years and have deep respect for all they have achieved in the industry. I couldn’t be happier to strategically align with them on icons such as Lil’ Kim and Teddy Riley and I can’t wait to collaborate on behalf of these legendary artists.”

Walker stated, “I have had the privilege of collaborating with Seth Shomes and Richard Murphy for over a decade in the entertainment industry. Their creativity and vision are truly remarkable, and I couldn’t be more excited about the innovative projects we have lined up together. It’s a thrilling journey to bring our shared ideas to life with two of the most talented individuals in the business.”