Music Industry Updates
The music industry has been buzzing with exciting news and announcements. Musexpo has announced Kirk Sommer, Wm’s Senior Partner and Global Co-Head of Music, as their International Music Person of the Year for 2025. Sommer is being recognized for his years of efforts in supporting renowned artists such as Amy Winehouse, Adele, Andrea Bocelli, Arctic Monkeys, Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, and many more.
Musexpo Awards and Events
Sommer will be honored at a VIP Awards Gala Lunch on March 24, 2026, in Burbank, California. As part of a one-week series of industry meetings, including the Global Synch and Brands Summit, the A&R Summit, and other marquee events, Musexpo will bring together important decision-makers and innovators from around the world to discuss the future of music, media, and technology. Before the lunch, Musexpo will organize a keynote conversation with Sommer, offering a rare and detailed view of his professional journey from the start of the WME Mailroom in 2000 to becoming an industry leader in global music representation.
New Appointments and Signings
Sat Bisla, President and founder of A&R Worldwide and Musexpo, praised Sommer’s contributions to the global music ecosystem. In other news, Ting-fai, also known as Lofai, has been appointed President of Warner Music APAC at Warner Music Group, effective August 11th. Lofai will be based in Hong Kong and report to Robert Kyncl, CEO of WMG. He will oversee all operations in the Asian-Pacific region.
Red Bull Records and New Signings
Red Bull Records has signed country artist and award-winning songwriter Pynk Beard (Sebastian Kole). In addition to the release of his new single "SIP", the third offering from his debut EP "Red Dirt Diaries", is set to come out this autumn. Greg Hammer, Managing Director of Red Bull Records, praised Pynk Beard’s unique sound, which effortlessly mixes traditional southern roots with culturally resonant lyrics.
Brand Partnerships and Campaigns
Pynk Beard expressed his gratitude to be part of the Red Bull Records family. Meanwhile, brand Los Angeles lifestyle and fitness clothing Youngla has tapped artist Lil Baby to star in their latest campaign, which will launch online on August 13th. Adidas has announced multi-platinum international DJ producer Uncle Wafffles as the latest global talent for "Superstar: The Original", a campaign celebrating the long-lasting influence of the sneaker on sport, culture, and beyond.
New Record Deals
5020 Records, a division of Sony Music, has signed singer-songwriter Carla Morrison to their roster. Morrison is a three-time Latin American Grammy winner and two-time Grammy nominee, widely recognized for her blend of indie pop and alternative styles. She shared the news of her signing with 5020 Records on her official social media channels and published a welcoming letter from the label, thanking her for entrusting them with her music.
