Atlantic Records U.K. has named Briony Turner and Alec Boateng co-heads of A&R. The two will oversee the A&R team and joint projects, as well as maintain their own artist rosters. Turner and Boateng will report to Atlantic Records U.K. president Ben Cook.
“Briony and Alec are two of the most exciting players in A&R, their dynamism as individuals and potency as a pair means they deliver with our brilliant artists time and again," Cook said in a statement announcing the promotions. "As our world-class roster continues to flourish both artistically and on the global stage, it’s great to be able to nurture and develop the talent within our ranks, too.”
Together, Turner and Boateng were instrumental in developing Jess Glynne, who holds the joint record for the most number one singles by a British female solo artist.
Grammy-winners Clean Bandit said of Turner, "We’ve worked with Briony for five years and over this period her insight and knowledge has been invaluable to us in achieving higher standards and delivering the best possible music that we can. Her courage, passion and commitment have always helped drive us on during moments of doubt and brought us through the other side. In addition to helping us create better art, she is a lightning bolt of fun, energy and enthusiasm that never seems dimmed."
Stormzy, whom Boateng, also known as Twin B, had a hand in signing to Atlantic, said, "In my short four years in this music industry, I can honestly say I’m yet to pick a mind as brilliant and exceptional as Twin’s. The attention to detail, the creative brilliance, the true and absolute passion for music that shines bright in an industry where the business can overshadow the art, the dedication, the commitment and the ear to notice the out of time hi-hat that’s making your song a chart position away from a #1 -- all while remaining the most humble, kind, generous and clean-hearted people you’ll ever meet."
Vince Szydlowski has been appointed executive vp of commercial sales at Universal Music Enterprises, overseeing the development and execution of UMe’s strategies in both digital and physical formats and working with all UMG labels and partners to maximize opportunities for the largest music catalog in the world.
Szydlowski joined UMG in 2004 and most recently served as senior vp of label sales for Capitol Music Group, where he played a key role in the commercial success of such artists as Sam Smith, Katy Perry, Lil Yachty, Niall Horan and Beck, among others.
Announced on Feb. 20, Nada Taha launched Blind Copy Creative, LLC, a creative services company following her combined 10-plus years in the radio industry.
“I’m never going to be satisfied with the status quo or living in the middle. I have a passion to help lead people to the growing edge,” Taha said about the new company. “There is a desperate need to tell someone’s story in an authentic way that reaches an audience on a deeper level, and I want to be the person who does that.”
On Feb. 20., Concord Music announced that their publishing creative team will have representatives worldwide. Kim Frankiewicz will be leading the team as executive vp of worldwide creative in London. Frankiewciz got her start working with INXS and The Models at MMA Management in her native Australia, then moved to New York in 1997 where she was vp of international at Universal Music Publishing until eventually getting transferred to London. She later took the role of managing director at Imagem Music U.K. in 2012, where she signed artists like Daft Punk.
Frankiewicz’s U.K. team consists of Harri Davies and Ed Poston, who are senior creative, creative manager Olly Manhi, and senior international creative Leo Chantzaras.
Tom DeSavia will be working as senior vp of artist creations and relations from the Beverly Hills office and will report to Frankiewicz. Before his role at Concord Music, DeSavia was head of creative services and A&R for SONGS Music Publishing. Also reporting to Frankiewicz from Beverly Hills is Michael Pizzuto, taking the hybrid role of senior vp of creative and synchronization. Pizzuto has signed artists such as Marilyn Manson and Tyler Bates.
Reporting to Frankiewicz from New York will be Jeremy Yohai, as head of creative (US). Formerly, Yohal worked at Global A&R at Downtown Music Publishing as vp, where his responsibilities included signing new artists and overseeing the worldwide A&R staff. Anna Carpenter, creative consultant from New York, will report to both Yohai and Frankiewicz. Also from the New York office is Michelle Fantus, senior creative director who will be reporting to Yohai, as well as Grace Adeyemo, creative manager from L.A.
Brad Kennard will take the role of vp of creative at the Nashville office and report to Frankiewicz. Prior to his new role, Kennard was vp of A&R at Razor & Tie Music Publishing in Nashville. Jen Duke will report to Kennard in her new role of creative manager.
