Hudson Stone, who stars as Desi in the Disney Channel movie “Camp Rock 3,” has signed an exclusive recording contract with Hollywood Records. The singer-actor, who turns 14 this month, will release his debut solo music later this year and will hit the road this fall on the “Worlds Collide Concert Tour.”
“Signing with Hollywood Records is honestly a dream,” Stone said. “I’ve been playing guitar since I was little and writing songs means so much to me. I get to connect and hopefully move people through my music. Getting it out there is really exciting. I can’t wait for people to hear it.”
Added Disney Music Group President, Ken Bunt, “We are thrilled to welcome Hudson to the label. He brings a rare combination of artistry and authenticity, with a clear vision for his music. We are honored to support his vision and to bring his music to a global audience.”
Hudson Stone is represented by Margot Menzel at Luber Roklin Entertainment and Jason Boyarski of Boyarski Fritz LLP.
+ The Black Music Action Coalition has announced “BMAC x America250 Voices of Tomorrow,” a nationwide youth talent search and music collaboration initiative “rooted in truth, powered by legacy, and driven by the next generation of voices in music,” according to the announcement, which adds, “This is not just a talent search; this is a national call to purpose. At a moment when America is being asked to reflect on its history and redefine its future, BMAC is calling on young creators across the country to step forward and use their voices to tell the truth, challenge the present, and inspire what is possible.”
Selected artists will enter a collaborative process with leading artists, producers, and songwriters. Each selected participant will receive a $10,000 BMAC Music Maker Grant, along with a year of mentorship, development, and access to BMAC programming and industry connections. The program was made possible through an initial gift from the Hearthland Foundation.
Application Window: April 1, 2026 to April 30, 2026; the call is open to all musical genres; applicants must be 18 years or older and residents of the United States. For more qualification details and information see https://www.bmacoalition.org/voicesoftomorrow.
+ Warner Music Group has signed a global deal with H//PE Princess, a hip-hop group formed through the Japan-Korea joint competition “Unpretty Rapstar: Hip Pop Princess, produced by South Korean music channel Mnet.
Following a three-month competition, seven finalists were selected through a global fan vote, leading to the formation of H//PE Princess in December 2025. The group is aiming to debut in the first half of 2026
H//PE Princess is the first artist represented by Chapter-I Inc., a joint venture established by entertainment company CJ ENM and global integrated marketing and innovation company Hakuhodo Inc.; it will work with Warner going forward.
Lofai Lo, President of Warner Music APAC, said: “I’m super excited to work closely with H//PE Princess and help this newly minted group turn audiences around the world into passionate fans. By harnessing our global network and cutting-edge marketing capabilities, while opening the door to international collaborations, as we develop their long-term careers worldwide.”
+ Devin Landau has joined Creative Artists Agency as an agent in the Global Touring division. He will be based in CAA’s Los Angeles office.
Landau was a founding partner at TBA Agency, where he played a key role in shaping the company’s focus on the growth and global expansion into the European market, working closely with such artists as Rawayana, Cuco, Rusowsky, Pabllo Vittar and more. He began his career at Surefire, and later joined the Windish Agency (which later merged with Paradigm).
“Devin brings a rare combination of deep expertise in the Latin music market and a true entrepreneurial mindset. He has spent years building meaningful relationships across Central and South America, and his ability to identify and elevate globally resonant talent is exceptional,” said CAA’s Co-Head of Global Touring, Rick Roskin.
+ WME has hired two new agents for its contemporary music team: Andre Belcourt and Will Marshall. The announcement was made by Kirk Sommer, Global Head of Contemporary Music and Touring.
Belcourt joins WME from NGE Agency and brings several of his clients to the Electronic Music Department at WME, including Bontan, Elliot Schooling & Liam Palmer, La La, L.P. Rhythm, Mad.Again and Us Two. He is based in London and reports to Stephanie LaFera, Partner and Head of EMD at WME.
Marshall joins WME from Primary Talent and brings a stable of alternative, indie, and rock artists with him, including Beabadoobee, Antony Szmierek, Baby Queen, Gurriers, Matilda Mann and Momma. He is based in London and reports to Josh Javor, Partner & Head of London Music.
“Andre and Will are both exceptional agents with sharp creative instincts and deep relationships in their respective genres,” said Sommer.
+ It’s back to the future for the Band Perry, who have signed with the new Borchetta Entertainment Group management division, founded by Scott Borchetta, head of the group’s former label Big Machine. The group, now Kimberly Perry, Johnny Costello, was brought in by Shelby Marvel, formerly of Make Wake Artists, who joins the B.E.G. management team. The group, signed to Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, released “Psychological,” its first new song in nine years, last month.
“There are very few people who truly see your vision and fight for it the way Scott has always fought for mine,” adds Kimberly Perry. “Being apart for a moment only made it clearer how rare that kind of belief is. I’m obsessed with building this second chapter with him. I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve built so far and wildly excited about everything we’re about to.”
+ Kobalt has signed a publishing deal with Los Angeles-based songwriting and production duo the Wavys (Jack Brady and Jordan Roman). The pair have collaborated with such artists as Jisoo (whose debut EP they executive produced), Ambar Lucid, Gus Dapperton, G-Eazy, and more.
“The Wavys have proven themselves as innovative and globally minded creators whose music resonates across cultures and genres,” said Desi O’Meara, director of creative at Kobalt. “Their track record of hitmaking and artist collaboration makes them an exciting addition to the Kobalt community.”
+ Element1 Music, the artist management company behind Twenty One Pilots, NF, The Band Camino and others, has elevated longtime executive Daniel Rubin to vice president.
Rubin joined Element1 in 2015 after running his own independent artist management company, along with an early stint at Hopeless Records. In his new role as Vice President, Rubin will continue his work as manager for the Band Camino, Half•alive, Sawyer Hill, and producers Erik Ron and James Flannigan.
“Daniel has been an integral part of Element1 for 10 years, and it has been beyond impressive to be by his side as he has worked tirelessly for our artist-partners,” said Chris Woltman, Founder of Element1 Music. “He has become a manager whose approach defines commitment and creativity in our constantly evolving world. He has grown into a force in management and a leader within our team.”
+ FatBeats, a key brand within Rostrum Pacific,has announced the completion of its acquisition of Traffic Entertainment Group and its direct-to-consumer store and label, Get on Down. The acquisition brings together three of companies deeply involved in vinyl distribution, physical distribution, premium catalog re-issues, and global direct-to-consumer retail. The combined entity will be led by FatBeats President Chris Atlas and general manager Kevin Engler.
“This acquisition represents a natural and exciting evolution for both companies,” said Atlas. “Traffic and Get on Down have long been trusted partners to independent artists and labels across the globe. This is not simply a combining of two businesses, it is a shared commitment to preserving and amplifying independent music and artistry”
+ ATG Entertainment has announced ATG Live, a newly formed concert, comedy and events division led by senior VP Erik Newson. The company partners with artists, promoters, and industry leaders to stage more than 500 concerts, comedy shows, and one-night events each year, moving upwards of 1 million tickets across 18 venues nationwide, according to the announcement.
“ATG Live represents an exciting next chapter for our business. Backed by the scale and global reach of ATG Entertainment, this launch strengthens our position in the live music and one-night event space,” says CEO of ATG Entertainment North America, Lori Hotz.
Tuesday, March 31:
Universal Music Latin America has announced three key strategic appointments, under the leadership of Jesús López, chairman & CEO of Universal Music Latin America and Iberian Peninsula.
Alfredo Delgadillo has been promoted to CEO & President, Universal Music Latin Entertainment, assuming oversight of Universal Music Latino in the United States, while continuing to lead Universal Music Mexico and the Regional Mexican label Fono. He will be based in Mexico City and report directly to López. Delgadillo began his career at Universal Music Mexico in 1998 before joining EMI Music Mexico. Following UMG’s acquisition of EMI in 2013, he returned to Universal as GM of Universal Music Mexico, being appointed CEO & president in 2024. He has worked closely with such artists Danna, Mon Laferte, Caloncho, Ed Maverick, Zoé, José Madero and León Larregui, as well as Luis Fonsi, Juanes, Feid, Metallica and U2.
In a related move, Daniel Luna has been appointed general manager of Universal Music Latino, based in Miami and reporting to Delgadillo. Most recently, he served as founder & CEO of D Luna Music, following A&R and marketing roles at Warner Music Group.
Also, Angel Kaminsky has been appointed president of A&R and artist relations for Universal Music Latin America and Iberian Peninsula, based in Miami and reporting to López. He has been with Universal Music since 2010 and has worked closely with such artists as J Balvin, Karol G, Sebastián Yatra and Feid. He began his career in Buenos Aires at his family’s independent record company, Microfon, and prior to UMG held senior roles at Warner Music Mexico, Warner Music U.S. Latin and Líderes Entertainment Group.
“These appointments represent the next phase of our evolution as a unified, forward-thinking organization,” López said. “Alfredo’s expanded leadership strengthens our regional integration and cross-border label strategy; Angel’s deep creative expertise ensures we continue to elevate artist development across all Latin markets; and Daniel’s operational leadership will position us to accelerate growth in the U.S. Latino market. Latin music is shaping global culture, and our focus remains clear: empower our artists, foster creative excellence, and build seamless collaboration across all territories to drive sustainable, long-term global success.”
+ ASCAP has announced that composer David Vanacore (“Hell’s Kitchen,” “Big Brother,” and for 50 seasons the score composer for “Survivor”) will receive the ASCAP Golden Note Award, presented to members who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Previous recipients include Lionel Richie, Jeff Lynne, Quincy Jones, Jermaine Dupri, Reba McEntire, Alicia Keys and composers Alf Clausen and Mark Snow. He has been named the top ASCAP winner for Most Performed Themes & Underscore 21 consecutive times. Vanacore will receive the award on April 28 at the ASCAP Screen Music Awards celebration in Los Angeles.
ASCAP has also announced the recipients of the 2026 Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards, recognizing gifted young jazz composers up to the age of 30. Recipients are listed below with their age, current residence and place of origin. If under the age of 18, only the age and state are listed:
Miranda I. Agnew, age 27 of Brooklyn, NY (Tucson, AZ); Sam Chandler, age 25 of Duluth, MN; Hannah Claire, age 24 of Dallas, TX (Coeur de Alene, ID); Rafael Enciso, age 26 of New York, NY (Ithaca, NY); Ariel Sha Glassman, age 30 of Chicago, IL (Dublin, OH); Sean Kiefer, age 21 of Cedar Falls, IA; Amos Landau, age 20 of Boston, MA (Jerusalem, Israel); Erik Larsen, age 29 of New York, NY (Visalia, CA); Aditi Malhotra, age 28 of Boston, MA (New Delhi, India); Hannah Marks, age 28 of Brooklyn, NY (Des Moines, IA); Will Robinson, age 18 of West Lake Village, CA (Thousand Oaks, CA); Denin Slage-Koch, age 30 of Knoxville, TN (Richland, WA); Izzy Stone, age 21 of Rochester, NY (Palo Alto, CA); Teresa (Naphatraphee) Um, age 24 of Denton, TX (Chiang Mai, Thailand) and Immanuel Wilkins, age 28 of Brooklyn, NY (Philadelphia, PA).
Composers receiving Honorable Mention this year are: Bella Amada, age 24 of Philadelphia, PA; Nick Mikhail, age 21 of Wayne, NJ; Klara Poznachowska, age 25 of Boston, MA (Warsaw, Poland); Noah A. Silver, age 16 of MA; Thomas Wandborg, age 28 of Los Angeles, CA (Hjoerring, Denmark) and Henry Zucarello, age 23 of Rochester, NY (Boston, MA).
+ United Talent Agency has named 35 partners to the agency, seven of them in music:
Christian Bernhardt, UTA LIVE/Music
Alisann Blood, UTA LIVE/Music Brand Partnerships
Brandi Brammer, UTA LIVE/Music
Jules De Lattre, UTA LIVE/Music
Sara Schoch, UTA LIVE/Music Brand Partnerships
Elisa Vazzana, UTA LIVE/Music
James Wright, UTA LIVE/Music
In making the announcement, UTA CEO David Kramer stated, “Congratulations to our new partners, whose contributions have been at the center of our momentum — championing clients, building teams, and pushing our business forward in a rapidly evolving industry. Their achievements exemplify what differentiates UTA: ambition paired with integrity, collaboration at the highest level, and a commitment to always looking ahead. Partnership is more than a title—it’s a recognition of impact, trust, and dedication to our clients and one another. As we enter our next phase of growth, their partnership will play a critical role in shaping the future of our agency.”
+ Los Angeles long-running Teragram Ballroom has named Molly Majorack its new talent buyer, replacing outgoing buyer Scott Simineaux. She will work closely alongside fellow Teragram Presents rooms, collaborating with the Bellwether’s Jordan Anderson and Moroccan Lounge’s David Murphy.
Most recently, Majorack has been focused in Orange County, buying for the Observatory & Constellation Rooms in Santa Ana, House of Blues and the Parish in Anaheim, and Riverside Municipal Auditorium and Fox Performing Arts Center. She was previously based in Washington D.C., first booking U Street Music Hall for I.M.P. and later a variety of rooms for Live Nation.
“I’m incredibly happy and excited to have her in the family,” states Michael Swier of Teragram Presents. “Molly’s reputation precedes her, as expressed by those who have personally worked with her and by the accolades the industry bestows upon her; we welcome her with arms wide open.”
Of Simineaux, he added, “During his eleven-year tenure, Scott has been a loyal defender and a fierce advocate for the Teragram, and most of all, he became a true friend,” shares Swier. “I wish him all the success he deserves in this next life.”
+ Sony Music Publishing has promoted Shane Knotts to senior VP of global royalties, effective immediately. Based in the company’s Nashville office, he will continue to report to EVP of worldwide administration Dale Esworthy. He joined the company in 1994 as royalty manager.
Esworthy said, “Shane’s application of lean principles and love of making everything more efficient has allowed SMP to continually handle increasing volumes of data smoothly and proficiently for our songwriters and clients. We couldn’t be happier to recognize Shane’s ongoing contributions with this promotion.”
+ British singer-songwriter Fliss has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Pulse Music Group, as announced by co-CEOs Scott Cutler and Josh Abraham and president Ashley Calhoun. The South London-based singer -songwriter’s debut single, “Coming Around,” will appear on her forthcoming debut project expected later this year. She is managed by Sarah Stennett, CEO/co-founder of the London-headquartered FAE Music Group, alongside Jessica Nolan Teyha Bingham Thaker.
+ Concord Music Publishing announced the signing of Nashville-based artist, songwriter, composer, and producer Austin Bianco. The worldwide go forward co-publishing deal is effective immediately. Bianco attended Nashville’s Belmont University and signed his first publishing deal right after college. He quickly became involved in writing and producing in various music genres including pop, hip-hop, country, and EDM as well as writing music for film and TV. He has secured synch placement with credits including “Grey’s Anatomy,” “American Horror Stories,” “All American,” “The Bold Type,” Netflix’s “Elite” and HBO’s “The New Pope,” and has collaborated with Hayley Warner, Sierra Ferrell, Breland and more.
+ Parallel Vision, label founded by Daniel Oakley, Darren Potuck and Cage the Elephant’s Brad Shultz has signed Florida-based duo Modern Cult, in partnership with Big Loud Rock. The band’s debut single, “Be My Friend,” was produced by Shultz.
+ Direct-to-fan platform Tipify has named Sam Shah to lead its artist relations and development. He previously held an A&R roles at ATO Records and worked as an artist manager at Mick Management. He later founded General Public Management in Austin, Texas, and launched a digital video platform focused on helping fans discover emerging artists.
“Independent artists have never had more tools available to them, and yet the gap between making great music and building a sustainable career has never felt wider,” said Dan Carucci, CEO of Tipify. “Bringing Sam on board right now as we’re scaling our artist community and deepening our platform is about closing that gap. He knows the label world, he’s managed artists through real career moments, and he’s built programs from scratch. That’s exactly what this role calls for.”
+ In a recent study on the impact of Instagram on music and artist engagement, both on and off platform, parent company Meta partnered with Luminate, Variety’s data partner and the insights and analytics firm behind the Billboard charts. Results include:
* 58% of all music superfans use Instagram to engage with artists or music content;
* Nearly 1 in 3 (32%) of Instagram’s daily music engagers qualify as superfans, which is nearly double the rate of the overall base audience (18%);
* The concentration of superfans on Instagram rises to 38% among Gen Z and younger consumers;
* Daily music engagers on Instagram are disproportionately aged 18–34 and are more likely to have higher disposable incomes, with 28% earning over $100,000 annually compared to 20% of the base audience.
With regard to financial impact and spending trends:
* Daily music engagers on Instagram spend an average of $55 per month on non-live music activities, compared to $34 for the base audience;
* Those users have a 71% paid DSP (Digital Service Provider) usage rate and are more likely to purchase vinyl (21% vs. 12% for the base audience);
* Instagram users lead in live music engagement, with 45% attending events in the past year, significantly higher than the base audience (32%) and TikTok users (41%).
Finally, the study found that:
* The median “Instagram Artist” saw 23% year-over-year growth in off-platform streaming (Q2 2024 to Q2 2025), while the median artist overall grew only 3%; and
* Growth driven by Instagram is often persistent, supported by users who are 51% more likely to follow artist fan pages and 48% more likely to look up music on DSPs post-discovery.
Meta’s VP of music and product partnerships Tamara Hrivnak said, “Meta’s study with Luminate validates our belief that Instagram is the best place for artists to foster deep relationships with their fans and build their careers. Instagram uniquely connects artists with music fans who spend and engage more on music – we’re home to the densest population of Superfans in any social environment.”
Jaime Marconette, VP of music insights and industry relations at Luminate, added, “Superfans are the primary drivers of the modern music economy, and Luminate provides the standardized data necessary to measure their actual impact across the industry. Our analysis confirms that Instagram is a central environment for building these deep relationships, as it hosts a high concentration of fans willing to invest their time and money back into the artists they follow.”
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