California singer/songwriter Ilsey has signed with Elektra Records and will release her debut album, “From the Valley,” on October 6, the label announced today. The first single from the album, “No California,” is out now.
The album was produced by BJ Burton (Bon Iver, Soccer Mommy, Low) with additional production and co-writing from Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. Earlier this month, Ilsey shared another collaboration with Vernon, their cover of Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold,” which was also produced by Burton. The cover, and the ‘70s vibe of some of her music, reflects Ilsey’s childhood growing up in Los Angeles’ Laurel Canyon neighborhood.
Isley has already made her mark as a two-time Grammy-nominated songwriter, contributing to songs by Miley Cyrus, Kacey Musgraves, The 1975, Shawn Mendes, Panic! at the Disco and others.
Johnny Minardi, Elektra senior vice president of A&R, says, “Ilsey’s timeless, captivating vision and brilliant songwriting immediately drew us in. We are thrilled to be working together on the next chapter of her artistic journey as a solo artist and couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to the Elektra family.”
+ Singer-songwriter Dream (not to be confused with The-Dream) has signed with Mercury/ Republic Records and dropped his first new music in two years, a single titled “Until I End Up Dead.”
The video features a YouTube fundraiser for the Sarcoma Foundation of America, which also works closely with the One of Us Global Foundation, a non-profit set up by the late Technoblade’s father (known as MrTechnoDad in the streaming and gaming community). MrTechnoDad co-wrote the music video treatment with Dream, and even makes a small cameo in the video playing the doctor. Recently, TechnoDad hosted a fundraiser on the one year anniversary of Technoblade’s death that featured twenty plus creators and streamers – including Dream.
Dream said, “ ‘Until I End Up Dead’ is about enjoying every moment that life gives you because you never know when life will end, and it’s really important to live yours to its fullest. The song is special to me because I was able to take two really serious events that impacted me and my community and put them into a song that I think is really meaningful. The passing of my friend’s mom when I was a kid and also the passing of Technoblade, one of the largest streamers in the space at the time, had a major impact on my life and made me realize how quickly life can change, and how important it is to enjoy the moment, your friends, and your family.”
Thursday, June 22
Republic Records has appointed Marguerite Jones as vice president of A&R to discover, sign and develop the label’s fresh talent. She will work out of Los Angeles on projects for artists across hip-hop, R&B, and pop, including upcoming releases from G Herbo, ATL Jacob, and more.
“MJ has established herself as one of the industry’s most prescient and forward-thinking A&R executives,” commented Wendy Goldstein, co-president of Republic. “She has been instrumental to culture-defining breakout talent, and her ability to spot greatness is already proven. Plus, she knows hip-hop and R&B inside out. It’s an honor to welcome her to the Republic family.”
Jones was previously manager of A&R at RCA Records and also signed Latto to the label. She got her start with RCA as an intern but rose to the role of manager of A&R over the course of four years.
“Republic’s reputation for strong instincts and commitment to excellence led me here. Even though it’s home to some of the world’s biggest superstars, it maintains the environment of a close-knit family,” said Jones.
“Artists and executives are offered the flexibility to craft unique and fruitful partnerships. Monte and Avery Lipman have not only set the gold standard, but they also brilliantly keep the pace. I have tremendous respect for their impact on the business. It’s always driven with a hands-on approach and no complacency. Wendy is a genius and an innovator. Our connection was instantaneous. The opportunity to work for a President who has championed women in the business is also an honor I’m extremely grateful for.”
+ Caron Veazey joins Dice‘s board of directors to support the ticketing company’s aim to transform the live music industry. In addition to working alongside the artist development, content, and leadership teams, Veazey will also utilize her leadership experience in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) spaces to mentor Dice’s DEI team.
Veazey is the founder of Something In Common, a management and consulting agency specializing in music, film, art and culture. Prior to founding Something In Common in 2020, she managed Pharrell Williams for nearly a decade. Veazey has also held positions at major music groups including Sony Music, RCA Records, Island Def Jam, and Epic Records and is a co-founder of the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC).
“Caron is one of the industry’s top music executives and her global knowledge will be invaluable as Dice continues to expand,” said Phil Hutcheon, founder and CEO of Dice. “Not only has Caron worked at some of the biggest record labels and managed one of the world’s most successful artists, I greatly admire her commitment to advocacy work and desire to change the industry for the better.”
+ The City Parks Foundation (CPF) has announced Tim McGraw as a headliner for the benefit concert scheduled to take place on Sept. 28 at SummerStage in Central Park. McGraw will perform after the dinner and awards ceremony honoring Tom Poleman, chief programming officer and president of national programming for iHeartMedia, with the SummerStage Icon award. They will also recognize Devon Eisenberg, co-founder and principal of the Young Women’s Leadership School of the Bronx, with the People and Parks award.
+ MusiCares has launched Humans of Hip-Hop, a program that provides health and human service resources across three years for hip-hop communities nationwide. The initial focus will be on eight key cities including Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles/Compton, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
“Like so many other communities post-pandemic, the hip-hop community is in need of support,” said Rico Love, chair of the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective. “I’ve heard my community voice their needs. With MusiCares and Humans of Hip Hop, I’m excited to work directly with artists and change-makers to get people the services that will really make a difference in their lives.”
“I’m thankful to be part of Humans of Hip Hop and bring a voice to my community,” added Salt-N-Pepa. “With MusiCares we’re going to listen to leaders and creators and make sure our people are getting the help they need.”
+ Music marketing firm Feature.fm promoted Michael Sherman (formerly director of business development) to the company’s vice president of business development to lead the company in identifying expansion and diversification opportunities.
Sherman will continue to work with cross-functional teams to identify trends, conduct market research, and assess the competitive landscape. He will also lead negotiations with potential partners and clients.
“My role as [VP] of business development will involve fostering relationships with key industry players, negotiating high-level partnerships, and driving revenue growth through innovative initiatives,” said Sherman. “Additionally, I will collaborate with other departments to align business development efforts with marketing, product development, and customer success to ensure seamless execution and optimal results.”
Wednesday, July 21
Wasserman Music has named industry vet Jason Roth vice president of communications. In his new role, Roth will lead the agency’s communications strategy – encompassing media relations, executive communications, thought leadership, industry relations, and partner communications – in collaboration with the company’s marketing, social media, and internal communications teams.
He joins after most recently serving as communications director for SiriusXM, which followed senior communications roles at Pandora, Apple, HP, and Capitol Records. He is also a veteran music writer who has contributed to NPR Music, Spin, the Chicago Tribune, and numerous music books and album liner notes as well as Variety.
Wasserman CMO Lori Beth Feldman says, “Jason’s breadth of communications experience with music-related brands, technology, and artists will be invaluable for the strategic development and messaging of Wasserman Music’s growth on a global scale. He is a tremendous addition to our company and culture – we’re thrilled to have him on board.”
+ Tim Devine has joined Sunset Blvd. Records as head of A&R, the company announced. Devine has already signed several bands to the label including Portland-based Everclear, Austin-based rock ‘n’ roll band Fastball and the San Antonio-born Butthole Surfers.
“These are exactly the kinds of groups we are looking to sign,” commented Devine. “Acts who remain active with fan and touring bases and are still writing and recording vital new material as they continue to expand their audiences.”
Among his many accomplishments as a seasoned exec, Devine oversaw Bonnie Raitt’s stint at Capitol Records, discovered Brandi Carlile, helped launch Katy Perry and developed multi-platinum artists Blind Melon, Train, Switchfoot and others. He began his career at Warner Bros. Records in Burbank, where he served as product management for U2, Prince, Bob Marley, Thin Lizzy, B