During the month of June, people in different parts of the world celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community with pride and raise awareness of the ongoing pursuit of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other people who identify within the spectrum. This year we’re embracing the theme “Pride and Joy.” 

At Sony Music Group (SMG), we believe that when everyone belongs, creativity is amplified. We’re committed to promoting a fair and consciously inclusive workplace for all genders and will continue to support initiatives designed to advance the LGBTQIA+ community. That’s why, throughout Pride Month, we celebrated LGBTQIA+ representation through various internal events that empowered LGBTQIA+ team members to lead with impact—authentically.  

Celebrating the LGBTQIA+ Community With Pride and Joy 

SMG’s Talent Advisory Groups (TAGs) OutLoud and The Village kicked off our Pride Month activities by hosting a virtual conversation with Anne Sutkowi-Hemstreet, the founder and director of Rainbow Collective for Change (RCC), an organization aimed at supporting LGBTQIA+ and gender-inclusive families. Throughout the event, Sutkowi-Hemstreet detailed various ways families can foster LGBTQIA+ friendly environments for children through educating oneself on gender stereotypes, the importance of gender inclusion, and championing for advocacy organizations including ACLU and the Human Rights Campaign. 

SMG team members participated with their local communities to show up and show out for Pride from the East Coast to the West Coast. Beginning in Culver City, CA, members took to the streets to march at the 53^rd annual Los Angeles Pride Parade, alongside their peers at Sony Pictures Entertainment. In Nashville, TN, they showed off their pride and joy together at the 2023 Nashville Pride Parade. Check out some of our favorite highlights from both events below: 

Our celebrations continued in our New York City office with OutLoud’s annual Pride Month Party, where teammates gathered to celebrate with food, drinks, giveaways and a special performance by Columbia Records artist, INIKO. Take a look: 

A huge thank you to Sutkowi-Hemstreet, INIKO and SAGE—the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ elders—for joining us for our Pride and Joy celebrations. And a big round of applause to OutLoud and The Village for contributing to this month’s events and activities. Thank you for making this Pride Month a joyful celebration of LGBTQIA+ inclusion, representation and empowerment. 

Supporting of LGBTQIA+ Community Beyond Pride Month 

Though Pride Month is coming to a close, SMG’s efforts to support the LGBTQIA+ community grow every day, all year round. Through our Global Social Justice Fund, our support continues with aiding various LGBTQIA+ advocacy organizations, including those listed below: 

• National Black Justice Coalition: NBJC’s mission is to end racism, homophobia, and LGBTQIA+/SGL bias and stigma. NBJC supports Black individuals, families, and communities in strengthening the bonds and bridging the gaps between the movements for racial justice and LGBTQIA+/SGL equity. 
• Marsha P. Johnson Institute: The Marsha P. Johnson Institute (MPJI) protects and defends the human rights of BLACK transgender people. We do this by organizing, advocating, creating an intentional community to heal, developing transformative leadership, and promoting our collective power. 
• Ally Coalition: The Ally Coalition provides critical support for organizations dedicated to bettering the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth and raises awareness about the systemic inequalities facing the LGBTQIA+ population.  
• Transgender Law Center: The Transgender Law Center changes law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression.

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Trailer is Available Now; Listeners Can Subscribe to The Binge For The Full Season on July 1

(New York, NY) – June 30, 2023 – Sony Music Entertainment today announced the premiere on July 1 of Cover Up: The Pill Plot, an investigative podcast revealing the never-before-told true story behind the battle to bring the abortion pill to the United States. The Pill Plot is the second season of the Cover Upseries, which tells stories that expose deceit, deception, and the abuse of power. The 7-episode series is hosted by investigative reporter T.J. Raphael (“BioHacked: Family Secrets”, “Broken: Jeffrey Epstein”).  The first episode is available on July 1, and subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes then.

In the 1990s, a ragtag group plotted an international drug smuggling scheme and set up a secretive lab to cook up tablets. However, they weren’t trafficking narcotics – they were fighting to bring the abortion pill to America. Timed to the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Cover Up: The Pill Plot takes listeners inside the epic struggle facing activists who battled presidents, the Supreme Court, militant anti-abortionists, would-be assassins and murderers.

“Cover Up: The Pill Plot exposes an important piece of history and the fight for reproductive rights in the United States, at a time when these stories are more relevant than ever,” said host T.J. Raphael. “The show plays out like a crime thriller, spotlighting the raucous battle between anti-abortion forces, and activists who were determined to legalize the abortion pill in the United States – even if it required breaking the law.” 

Cover Up: The Pill Plot is produced by Sony Music Entertainment. T. J. Raphael is reporter, host, and senior producer. Lizzie Jacobs is executive producer. Maureen McMurray is the show’s story editor. Queena Kim is senior producer. Producers are Casey Georgi, Kyra Assibey-Bonsu, and Gabriela Santana.

Listeners can subscribe to Cover Up: The Pill Plot on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on other Sony podcasts, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram. Follow the show’s host @TJRaphael.

The post Sony Music Entertainment Launches the Pill Plot, a New Season of Cover Up That Unravels the Epic True Story of the Fight to Bring the Abortion Pill to the U.S. appeared first on Sony Music.

Based in Mumbai, AWAL will be led by OKListen Founder, Vijay Basrur

Mumbai, India – 27^th June 2023 – AWAL announced today the launch of AWAL in India and South Asia, following the acquisition of OKListen, a digital music platform for independent artists and record labels.

Based in Mumbai and supported by Sony Music India, AWAL will offer independent-minded artists in the region a range of services including global marketing, creative, synch and brand partnerships, radio promotion and distribution as well as access to real-time comprehensive music analytics.

OKListen founder and CEO Vijay Basrur has been appointed Head of India & South Asia, AWAL, reporting to Lonny Olinick, CEO of AWAL and Vinit Thakkar, Managing Director, Sony Music India.

“The independent music community across the region is full of potential,” said Lonny Olinick, CEO of AWAL. “Together with Vijay, I look forward to AWAL becoming a true creative hub for India and South Asia’s independent artists, with resources dedicated to developing careers that are committed to creator integrity and global success.”

“AWAL alongside Sony Music, provides an exciting and comprehensive offering for artists at any stage of their career, putting the artist first and in control of their own future, and enabling more opportunities to showcase their music to fans around the world,” said Vinit Thakkar, Managing Director, Sony Music India.

“It’s a privilege to join AWAL and spearhead the next chapter for the company and its global roster in the region,” added Vijay Basrur, Head of India & South Asia, AWAL. “AWAL is already well known in the region for helping artists at any stage of their career. I look forward to bringing AWAL’s expertise and global reach to our creators and developing the next phase in their careers.”

Basrur brings more than 23 years of music, technology and business experience to the company. He founded OKListenin 2012 as India’s first homegrown digital distribution service. To date, OKListen works with more than 4,000 musicians across India, including leading independent artists such as The Local Train, When Chai Met Toast, Bipul Chettri, Sanam and more.

Prior to founding OKListen, Basrur worked with several digital startups and corporations in a wide range of product, technology and digital transformation leadership roles. Basrur is also on the Board of Trustees for the Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF) which focuses on biodiversity conservation.

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This Summer, Sony Music Group (SMG) is welcoming the third cohort of the SMG Impact Fellows Program. The program launched in 2021 as a partnership with 4A’s Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP), and has since expanded to include American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL), Lime Connect, Out For Undergrad (O4U) and Scholarships Plus. Through these partnerships, we accelerate and strengthen our efforts to recruit, develop, and retain diverse entry-level talent. 

This year’s cohort is comprised of 15 fellows—the largest class yet!—working across multiple record labels and at Sony Music Publishing, on various teams such as: People eXperience, Premium Content, International Marketing, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Publicity, Global Brand Partnership, Soundtrack Film/TV & Licensing, Radio Promo, Digital Marketing, Artist Development, and Brand Partnerships. 

Welcome to the team, 2023 Impact Fellows! 

The SMG Impact Fellows Program was launched in 2021 and aims to provide college students from underrepresented communities the unique opportunity to learn about and experience the music industry during a 10-week summer fellowship, supplemented by professional development opportunities and programming from their host organizations.  

This year, we evolved the fellowship by extending its program to include: 

• Office tours 
• Insights discovery workshops 
• Meet & greet with senior leaders 
• Impact Fellow showcase 
• Participating in internal DE&I discussions 

To follow along with the Impact Fellow experience and to learn more about what it’s like working at Sony Music, follow @lifeatsonymusic on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

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Last year, Sony Music Group (SMG) published our inaugural Global Impact Report, capturing a pivotal period in our company’s history.

The report was a critical opportunity to assess all we had been doing to respond and adapt to a rapidly changing world, highlight areas where we’re growing (inside and outside of our offices), and convey our near-term ambitions in our continued effort to lead the industry into a more socially responsible and inclusive future of music.

Now, with our second report, we have dug deeper—to highlight the topline impact of our policies and programs, and the day-to-day experiences of our employees, creators, and community members whose careers and creative lives we strive to fulfill. And, since our first report, we’re already seeing how our ongoing commitment to equity, transparency, and entrepreneurship is carrying us closer to a more fulfilling workplace experience and community-focused industry with an active role played by our Company.

We’ve continued to scale up support for our artists’ and songwriters’ health and prosperity. To name just a few of our latest strides: We’ve reimagined ways we foster an inclusive, collaborative workspace, through our People eXperience department and our DE&I framework, MILES. We’ve championed essential causes around the world through charitable contributions and advocacy alike. And we’ve done all of this while adhering to responsible business practices, rooted in our unyielding mission to be a world-class home for creative collaboration.

With our 2023 Global Impact Report, we are thrilled to once again pull back the curtain and spotlight SMG’s success in translating our values into action each and every day. And, with the same enthusiasm, we are taking this occasion to challenge ourselves to seek new heights.

As ever, we will continue seeking out new ways to put our people first, bring communities together, and shape society for the better—just as music always has.

Preview and download the Impact Report below.

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New York and Los Angeles – June 7, 2023 – Today Sony Music Entertainment and Hyperobject Industries announced the launch of Without, a new podcast hosted by international bestselling author Omar El Akkad that takes listeners on an exploration of the things we stand to lose, the things we should be losing, and what might still be saved.

Every episode of Without is a thought experiment – what would the world look like if something we’ve become used to were no longer around? In some cases, it’s something we’re already losing – species, natural phenomena, places. In other cases, it’s things we probably should learn to live without – fossil fuels, nuclear weapons. In other cases, it’s purely a speculative thesis – what would happen if the internet totally collapsed tomorrow? Available today, episode one digs into the surprising significance of sand, uncovering its looming scarcity and the unexpected underworld of sand crime.

El Akkad is an author and journalist whose debut novel, American War, is a prophetic and haunting allegory for a very near dystopian future: a United States ravaged by climate change and disease. In Without, El Akkad continues his thought experiment around what our future could look like. From antibiotics to glaciers to public spaces, the podcast tackles how we process a world that’s changing faster right now than any other time in human history.

“Without is in many ways a show about the end of certainty. If there was ever a time when we could rely on the load-bearing beams of the world to stay unchanged, that time is over,” said El Akkad. “From glaciers to seasons to the continued availability of a resource as common as sand, the Anthropocene is ridding us of our communal belief that some things will always be around, always be the same. This isn’t a show meant to scare people or scream that the end is nigh, it’s about how we think and behave in a world that’s changing faster and more fundamentally than at any other time in our history.”

Without is a Sony Music Entertainment and Hyperobject Industries production. It is written by Omar El Akkad. Executive Producers are Clare Slaughter, Harry Nelson, and Adam McKay. 

Listeners can subscribe to Without on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on other Sony podcasts, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

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Lewis has served as the company’s Executive Vice President and Head of A&R since 2020. Throughout his tenure, he has worked with the record label’s new artists and helped develop the careers of Epic’s GRAMMY® Award-winning roster including 21 Savage, BIA, Black Eyed Peas, DDG, Future, GIVEON, Madison Beer, Meghan Trainor, Mimi Webb, Southside, Zara Larsson and more.

In making the announcement, Rhone said, “Having been a hit songwriter and producer for many years, Zeke brings an invaluable understanding of the artist’s creative journey. His knowledge and experience of the inner workings of the music industry give him an immeasurable edge to drive key business conversations, while staying true to his A&R roots.”

Lewis remarked, “The entire Epic Records team embodies what it means to champion artist development in this fast moving industry and I’m excited to help shape its future. I will honor the musical legacy of Epic, our artists, and partners with my most intentional effort. I look forward to continuing our collaboration, with the singular goal of giving the world some of the most incredible and influential music created, to last for generations.”

Prior to joining Epic Records in 2017, Lewis served as Senior Vice President of A&R at Motown Records from 2011. In that role, he worked with leading artists including Ne-Yo, Erykah Badu, Migos, Lil Yachty, T.I., and Rich Homie Quan.

Previously, Mr. Lewis’ credits included co-writing and co-producing artists such as Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige and Usher. Mr. Lewis also played an instrumental role in the careers of Mariah Carey and Yo Gotti. In 2010, Lewis founded Bar Music Group, a music publishing company responsible for a roster of successful songwriters and producers whose work spanned projects by Chris Brown, Future, Trey Songz and many others.

A musician in his own right since high school, Lewis signed with David Foster’s 143 Records and went on to play a key role in Trey Songz’s successful career.

In 2004, Lewis co-founded The Clutch, a collective of songwriter-producers responsible for hits by Omarion, Ciara, Britney Spears, Timbaland and more.

Across the music industry, Lewis stands out as a Grammy Award-winning songwriter and has been recognized for his leadership and success. Billboard notably included him among its 2023 Power 100 List. He is the recipient of numerous BMI and ASCAP songwriter and publisher awards.

Lewis attended Morehouse College, studying music and film.

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This May for Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi, and Asian American (APIDA) Heritage Month, we’re proud to embrace the theme “The Golden Diaspora: Exploring a New Era for the APIDA Community.”  

Over the last year, the APIDA community has been recognized and applauded in media, music, and entertainment, dawning a new era for APIDA representation. The Asian community is not a monolith, which is why we celebrate “APIDA.” This term encompasses all the Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi and Asian American communities, which all have unique cultures, languages, and histories. 

SMG honors and commemorates the many contributions of the APIDA community and embrace equity and support for the Asian diaspora. 

Celebrating the Golden Diaspora 

Our month-long celebration of APIDA culture and representation started with a discussion at our New York City office featuring members of the three-time Tony Award-nominated musical, KPOP. Moderated by K-pop expert Jeff Benjamin, we listened to Helen Park—the first Asian American woman composer in Broadway history—and KPOP cast members Abraham Lim and Kevin Woo speak about the global influence of Korean pop culture as well as their personal journeys and experiences on and off the stage.  

Park explained that it was rare for her to see accurate Asian representation in American theater and media growing up. “Many of the Asian centric stories were written by non-Asians. It was oftentimes exotified with beautiful music, but the authenticity was questionable.” This prompted her to praise KPOP for its commitment to authenticity and allowing its Korean cast and crew members to be unapologetic about their culture. 

KPOP – Original Broadway Cast Recording is now available through Sony Masterworks Broadway. Listen here. 

We continued our APIDA Heritage Month celebrations with an ‘Ori Tahiti’ dance class led by Madilyne Nguyen-Acosta—SMG’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Specialist—at our New York City office. As a Tahitian dancer since childhood, Nguyen-Acosta was thrilled when she was asked to share her knowledge and passion for the artform with her fellow teammates.  

“I noticed that Polynesian culture was not as prevalent in New York City compared to my home state, California, so when I had the opportunity to share it at Sony Music, I did not hesitate to say yes,” she said. “It was fun teaching Tahitian dance to my Sony teammates, and I think everyone had a lot of fun learning as well.” 

Lastly, we tuned into an in-person and online hybrid chat with John C. Yang, President and Executive Director, and Tiffany Chang, Director of Community Engagement at Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, a non-profit partner through the Sony Global Social Justice Fund. The conversation—which was moderated by SMG’s Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Tiffany R. Warren—highlighted the history and mission of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, the efforts to address the nationwide rise in hate crimes against the AAPI communities, and the importance of allyship. 

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our APIDA Heritage Month celebrations—especially those who joined us from outside of SMG: 

• Abraham Lim, Singer and Actor 
• Helen Park, Broadway Composer 

• Jeff Benjamin, K-Pop Editor and Columnist for TIDAL and Billboard 
• John C. Yang, President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC 
• Kevin Woo, Singer, Actor, Host and Creative Director 
• Sahaj Kaur Kohli, Mental Health Professional and Founder of Brown Girl Therapy 
• Shiv Nadkarni, Singer, Actor and Dancer 
• Tiffany Chang, Director of Community Engagement at Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC 
• Vinh Pham, Physical Therapist and Founder of Myodetox 

And a special shoutout to Sony Masterworks Broadway and Talent Advisory Groups (TAGs) HUE (Helping Unite Everyone) and Wellful for dedicating time and effort to coordinating this month’s internal programming. 

Our Ongoing Efforts to Support the APIDA Community 

Through our Global Social Justice Fund, we continue to celebrate and support the APIDA community worldwide beyond the month of May. Below, learn about a few of our partner organizations who are advancing social justice in different communities across Asia: 

• Yayasan Sosial Indonesia untuk Kemanusiaan (Indonesia) – An empowered community in fighting for a just, dignified, and prosperous life for all within the framework of human rights and natural preservation. 
• Milaan Foundation (India) – Empowering girls to stand up for themselves by advancing their skills, rights, and opportunities to unlock their voice, choice, and inner power. 
• Modern Women’s Foundation (Taiwan) – With a firm force, we strive to defend the rights and interests of women and children who witnessed domestic violence, and to eliminate inequality in the system and modern culture. By providing professional services, we comfort the injured hearts and souls, and we hope to become the most trusted organization for gender-based violence victims. 
• Swadhar Institute for Development of Women and Children (India) – Swadhar envisions a society where in women in distress and underprivileged children are empowered to uplift themselves and become responsible members of our society. 

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WHAT: On Season 2 of Seeking, Katherine Rowland meets with members of a wide and growing movement, life extension and transhumanist pioneers who believe they can use science and technology to overcome mortality. While some of these ideas seem pretty out there (e.g., compiling your consciousness on a chip and beaming it to the cosmos), it taps into a near universal feeling: a fear of the end. 

Season 2, Episode 1: CHURCH OF PERPETUAL LIFE
Bill Falloon has built an empire trying to forestall death—his own and those of his followers. He has made millions selling and manufacturing supplements and helping connect people to overseas drugs they believe will stop disease and turn back the clock. About a decade ago, he founded a community for immortalists, where people congregate around the hope of living forever. Katherine visits the Church of Perpetual Life to uncover whether these people are putting their faith in science, or something else altogether. 

Season 2, Episode 2: THE FREEZATORIA
In 1948, when a wounded vet wrote a short sci-fi story about a rich old man being frozen and resurrected in a distant future he sparked an entire movement: cryonics. For sixty years, researchers have been exploring methods to freeze corpses, in the hopes that one day they can be revived and that the technology will be there to rejuvenate their bodies, cure their illness, or— barring that—upload their consciousnesses to future robotic selves. It had always seemed like a fringe idea, unsupported by science and unlikely to ever be truly possible. Then, tech money got involved, and now the idea of awakening in a perfect future has started to shift into the mainstream. We hear from some of the people making that happen.

Season 2, Episode 3: IS THE FUTURE TRANSHUMAN?
To some it’s a philosophy, a scientific movement or a techno-utopian fantasy, the belief that our species, in its current form, is only half-realized. Biology has been holding us back. But science can set us free. Transhumanists believe that by embracing new advances in biotech, cybernetics, AI and nanotech we will cross into the next stage of evolution. What exactly that evolution looks like is up for debate.  This week, Katherine meets a pioneer of the movement, Natasha Vita-More, whose once science fiction-sounding visions of the future are inching closer to reality.

WHEN: New episodes of season 2 of Seeking premiere every Monday. 

WHO: Katherine Rowland is a journalist and the author of “The Pleasure Gap: American Women and the Unfinished Sexual Revolution.” She is the former executive director and publisher of Guernica and her work has appeared in Aeon, Outside, Psychology Today, The Guardian, and TIME, among other places. She lives in Brooklyn NY.

WHERE: Listeners can follow Seeking each week on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. For more information on the new podcast and all other Sony Podcast shows, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

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Sony Music Iberia—inclusive of Sony Music Spain and Sony Music Portugal—is officially Great Place to Work-certified by Great Place to Work^®, a leader in the identification and certification of work environments that foster growth, high-trust culture and employee happiness.

The award is a national and international recognition in the fields of employee management and business strategy, annually granted to companies around the world that meet the certification requirements, which includes an analysis of the environment including a research-backed employee experience survey.

The results of the employee survey surfaced several items that Sony Music Iberia employees recognize as being particularly valuable as part of their workplace experience: employee welfare, the full flexibility model, the close collaboration between teams and the mutual respect at all levels within the organization.

Among the main Human Resources strategies implemented by Sony Music Iberia, a few that stand out is its efforts to promote work-life balance, cross-functional work and the emotional and physical health of employees.

José Mª Barbat, President of Sony Music Iberia, comments on the certification saying “This certification proves that we took the right direction when, years ago, we decided to put people—artists and talented employees—at the strategic centre of the organization, building a more flexible and friendly working environment, where the focus is not only on the what but also on the how.”

Barbat continues, “We are very privileged to work in an industry that is tremendously fun and at the same time very demanding. It is no longer an option to keep up with the times and build the best working environments for the best professionals. For us, this certification is not an end, but a means; it represents a clear commitment to continuous improvement where, year after year, we will continue to work with great focus to remain a benchmark working and collaborative environment and, we will continue to do so, tending to the needs of the people who passionately dedicate their professional lives to making artists’ dreams come true.”

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This past March, Sony Music Group and GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, announced “ICONS,” an uplifting and intimate three-part episodic video series designed to advance LGBTQ inclusion in music and amplify LGBTQ voices in the industry. 

This year, the series featured three rising LGBTQ icons in the music industry: Isaac Dunbar, INIKO and MK xyz.

The series debuted on GLAAD’s YouTube on Friday, March 10, and we’re happy to share that all three full-length episodes are available to watch now. Binge all three episodes below and read more about “ICONS” and the SMG x GLAAD partnership here.

Issac Dunbar (He/Him)
Listen to Issac Dunbar (an Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist nominee for the 34th annual GLAAD Awards) dive into his past, his relationship to music and what his newest project, Banish the Banshee, really means to him.
Follow Issac on Tiktok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

INIKO (They/Them)
INIKO talks about musical influences, how their experiences growing up shaped their identity today and so much more in “ICONS” episode 2.
Follow INIKO on Tiktok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

MK xyz (She/Her/They)
In episode 3, MK xyz reminisces about the first time she went viral and felt all the love, along with what it feels like to dismantle constructs and find your own path.
Follow MK xyz on Tiktok, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube

The post Watch: All ICONS Episodes Out Now appeared first on Sony Music.

Launching on 30th May 2023, The Referral… with Dr Karan is your one-stop-shop demystifying the world of medicine and health. Join NHS surgeon Dr Karan Rajan for weekly conversations covering health-related news stories such as doctors striking, potentially ‘awkward’ topics you want a steer on but don’t know where the turn, and busting medical myths like ‘masturbation ruins sex with your partner’.

An NHS surgeon for over 8 years, Dr Karan has been bringing his passion for medicine and education to TikTok, YouTube and Instagram since 2020. He’s amassed over 7 million followers on social media, and is one of the most successful health and science content creators on social media. His refreshingly frank no-nonsense health advice videos combine education, entertainment and generous servings of dark humour – it’s meducation! His podcast promises even more, an audio antidote in a world of wellness waffle. 

Each week on The Referral, Dr Karan will be joined by an expert to discuss a particular topic. They’ll be seeking to replace misinformation with fact, wading through the medical garbage that exists online so you don’t have to. Whether it’s a professor from Oxford University, a scientist, a fellow doctor or a pornstar, the aim will be clear:  offer straightforward tips and practical takeaways and improve listeners’ day-to-day lives. 

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Trailer is Available Now

New York, NY – May 18, 2023 – Academy Award-winner Adam McKay’s Hyperobject Industries and Sony Music Entertainment today announced Death on the Lot, a new eight-episode podcast series that will spotlight the untimely deaths of the biggest stars in 1940s and 1950s Hollywood, launching Thursday, June 1. Developed and hosted by McKay, Death on the Lot will dive into the cultural transformation of Post-war America and Hollywood’s fabrication of a new American dream, as well as Hollywood unions and labor strikes. The trailer is available now and all eight episodes will be available on The Binge on June 1. 

In each episode, McKay will focus on the story behind one celebrity’s tragic death and the cultural implications that upended their life. The podcast will cover the deaths of gangster Willie Bioff, method actor John Garfield, teenage idol James Dean, Superman actor George Reeves, first Black Academy Award winner Hattie McDaniel, swashbuckling star Errol Flynn, and western legend John Wayne. Death on the Lot will also provide an overarching view of the transformation of the U.S. following World War II, as well as a divide the country faced between the rising right wing seeking to create conformity and fear and the left wing fighting for Civil Rights.

In reporting the series, McKay and team conducted interviews with experts, journalists and Hollywood insiders, including director Ron Howard; actor James Cromwell; Academy Award-winning actress Lee Grant; cultural critic and historian Isaac Butler; Hattie McDaniel’s great grand-nephew Kevin Goff; Sidney Poitier’s daughter Sydney Poitier Heartsong; and Errol Flynn’s daughter Rory Flynn and grandson and child star Sean Flynn. 

Adam McKay says “The first season of “Death at the Wing” was one of the most satisfying and fascinating projects I’ve ever personally been a part of. It combined a real life murder mystery, history and incredible personal stories to paint a truly unique portrait of the 1980’s. Now we’re looking at the 40’s and 50’s through the lens of a spate of tragic and bizarre deaths in Hollywood.”

Death on the Lot is a follow-up to McKay’s acclaimed podcast “Death at the Wing,” which focuses on the tragic intersection of basketball, politics, and socioeconomics in the 1980s that led to an extraordinary number of deaths of rising basketball prospects. 

The series is executive produced by Adam McKay, Hyperobject Industries Clare Slaughter and Harry Nelson, and Jody Avirgan of Roulette Productions, who also serves as series editor. Brian Steele and Hadley Meares are writers on the series, which they completed writing on earlier this year.

All episodes of Death on the Lot will be available to subscribers of The Binge on June 1. Listeners can subscribe to Death on the Lot for new weekly episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and wherever you listen to your podcasts. For more information on Death on the Lot follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

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The company — which has sold 2 million tickets over the last 5 years — works with top talent and brands to stage concerts and festivals, touring and immersive experiences based on established intellectual property, and live productions of family shows, theatre, musicals, and other entertainment.

Under the agreement, Proactiv Entertainment’s managing director Nicolas Renna will continue to lead the company’s day-to-day operations and work closely with Masterworks President Mark Cavell, as well as Sony Music Spain & Portugal President Jose-Maria Barbat on behalf of SME’s Latin Iberia region, to grow the business through an expanded range of events, venues, and experiences.

Founded in 1987 by Horacio Renna, a pioneer in event production in the Spanish and Latin American markets, Proactiv Entertainment’s live music shows and events have included performances in Spain by Andrea Bocelli, Malu, Juan Luis Guerra, Dani Martin, Juanes and Maluma, among others. It has also delivered world class shows based on top international IP such as Disney on Ice, Disney Live!, The Lion King, WWE Live, Hamilton, the Harlem Globetrotters, Monster Jam, Harry Potter In Concert, Star Wars In Concert, Walking with Dinosaurs, Marvel Universe Live and Peppa Pig, among others. Proactiv Entertainment is also the producer behind the touring experiences of Meet Vincent Van Gogh, FC Barcelona Exhibition, and Secret Garden.

Mark Cavell, President of Sony Music Masterworks, commented, “We are thrilled to partner with Nico and Horacio Renna to take Proactiv Entertainment’s business to the next level and help more leading artists and brands connect with fans through high-quality productions globally. They have a strong vision and key creative relationships around the world. Taken together with Sony Music’s expertise, resources, and broad portfolio of live entertainment properties, we look forward to creating even more innovative live experiences for audiences everywhere.”

Nicolas Renna, Managing Director of Proactiv Entertainment stated, “I feel very proud to continue my father’s legacy, as well as the work I began at Proactiv Entertainment almost 20 years ago, with a partner like Sony Music Entertainment. We share vision and values, and we are firmly committed to creating a global leader in production and promotion of live experiences. With the support of Mark Cavell and the rest of the team across SME’s global network, we will access new territories, grow our portfolio of properties and generate emotions to new audiences.”

Horacio Renna, Founder of Proactiv Entertainment, added, “I am very happy and proud that Proactiv Entertainment, which I founded over 35 years ago, is joining the Sony Music Entertainment family. We have built our company to be one of the leaders in our sector and a standard-bearer through our values, professionalism, and hard work. Today starts a new era of success, made even greater by a partner with such great history and world-class capabilities.”

The relationship with Proactiv Entertainment is the latest in a series of strategic partnerships and agreements advancing Sony Music Masterwork’s growth as a multi-faceted worldwide entertainment business. Investments by Sony Music Masterworks include Backyard Cinema, an experiential cinema event producer; Culture Creative, a production and project management team specializing in developing site-specific and bespoke projects in unique heritage and landscape settings; Holland-based GEA Live, which designs, represents and produces shows and experiences based on prominent IP in music, film, television, anime, and gaming; The Luna Entertainment Group, the UK market-leader of open-air, drive-in and pop-up cinema experiences which also stages high quality location-based entertainment experiences, exhibitions and events; MAC Global, an award-winning, pan-regional concert promotion, talent management, events and production company based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Raymond Gubbay Ltd., the music, dance & Light Trail/Lightscape promoter; RoadCo Entertainment, the New York-based a producing and distribution agency specializing in live entertainment experiences; Seaview, the Tony and Olivier award-winning media company with theater, film, TV, and digital verticals; Senbla, the London-based producer/promoter of quality music, theater and immersive events, shows and festivals; and Terrapin Station Entertainment, an artist management, tour production and sports/stadium consultancy company which specializes in family-friendly and brand-led events, immersive exhibits, game shows, and charity concerts.

Sony Music Masterworks comprises Masterworks, Sony Classical, Milan Records, XXIM Records, and Masterworks Broadway imprints. For email updates and information please visit www.sonymusicmasterworks.com/.

For more information and upcoming announcements about Proactiv Entertainment visit https://proactiventertainment.com/en/home.

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Larissa Slezak | Sony Music Masterworks 
Larissa.Slezak@sonymusic.com 

SOURCE Sony Masterworks

The post SONY MUSIC MASTERWORKS ACQUIRES A MAJORITY STAKE IN SPAIN-BASED LIVE EVENT PRODUCER AND PROMOTER, PROACTIV ENTERTAINMENT appeared first on Sony Music.

The First Episode is Available Now

New York, NY – May 17, 2023 – Standup comedian, actor and writer Cameron Esposito and Sony Music Entertainment today announced the launch of Survive or Die Trying, a new podcast providing real advice on how to survive anything and everything life can throw at you: from giant bear attacks to the zombie apocalypse to being stranded on a deserted island or meeting your in-laws.

Without taking herself too seriously, Esposito, star of ABC’s hit drama series “A Million Little Things,” tackles the wildest situations you might find yourself in —whether they are downright ridiculous or all too real — and prepares you to come out the other side intact.  During the series, Esposito will be joined by some of her funniest friends to discuss high and low-stakes survival strategies with humor and creativity.

“Survive or Die Trying is a podcast for anyone who has mentally walked through life’s scariest situations – like the zombie apocalypse – or actually survived the more mundane, but equally bananas, like that one breakup in high school where you almost got her name tattooed on your forehead after the fact,” said Esposito. “My guests and I are not survival experts, but we’ll learn together how to prepare for the absolute worst case scenarios.”

Cameron Esposito is an award-winning standup comic, actor, writer, podcaster, host and bestselling author who has been seen across tv and film, from HBO, Amazon and Hulu to ABC, NBC and CBC. In her free time, Cameron runs, swims, kickboxes, practices yoga and rests almost never. 

Survive or Die Trying is produced by Somethin’ Else, a Sony Music Entertainment company. The executive producer is Jazmine Henley-Brown and Cameron Esposito. Madena Parwana is senior producer and Alex Zonneveld is producer.

Listeners can subscribe to Survive or Die Trying on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on other Sony podcasts, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

The post Comedian Cameron Esposito and Sony Music Entertainment Launch New Comedy Podcast Survive or Die Trying Today appeared first on Sony Music.

Emily Ratajkowski, Heather McDonald, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Michael Harriot Headline Presentation About Network’s Expanding Roster of Always-On Podcasts 

NEW YORK – May 11, 2023 – Sony Music Entertainment’s (SME) Global Podcast Division today highlighted some of its top powerhouse talent to preview the company’s robust slate of shows at the 2023 IAB Podcast Upfront.  

Headlined by New York Times bestselling author, actress and model Emily Ratajkowski, comedian Heather McDonald, Tony award-winning actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and author and journalist Michael Harriot, the presentation outlined SME’s focus on building engaging narrative franchises and big entertainment shows with premium hosts and stories. The Company’s presentation also featured a video from Emmy-nominated television personality, 2x New York Times best-selling author, podcaster, comedian and hairstylist Jonathan Van Ness, to announce that his hit podcast Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness will be joining SME’s network of always-on shows this summer.  

Ferguson joined the conversation to discuss his newly announced podcast Dinner’s On Me, while Ratajkowski delved into new details about her podcast High Low with Em Rata and Heather McDonald expanded on the loyal audience behind Juicy Scoop, a show that has averaged +10% MoM growth since joining SME in November. In addition, Michael Harriot joined the stage to announce Drapetomaniax: Unshackled History, a new podcast premiering June 19 in partnership with Pharrell’s production company OTHERtone.  

“Sony Music’s Global Podcast Division is proud to be a place where podcasters are artists. Our premium shows and top creative talent provide robust opportunities for advertisers to work with us to go beyond the midroll and engage listeners in a variety of ways across our network.” said Nick Southwell-Keely, Vice President of Ad Sales, Sony Music Entertainment.  

SME, whose Q1 podcast downloads were up 70% vs. 2022, continues to partner with best-in-class storytellers, journalists, and creators to deliver premium experiences to passionate audiences. The company engages listeners with bingeworthy content and develop loyal audiences with popular franchises – including the 2022 Ambie Podcast of the Year Chameleon: Wild Boys and the Apple Podcasts chart-topping Witnessed: Devil in the Ditch with partner Campside Media. 

For more information on all our podcasts, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram. 

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First Two Episodes Available at Launch Include Conversations with Julie Bowen and Jesse Williams; Future Guests Include Kristen Bell, Fred Armisen and more

Trailer is Available Now

New York and Los Angeles – May 10, 2023 – Tony award-winning actor and cookbook author Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Sony Music Entertainment today announced Dinner’s On Me, a new weekly podcast that takes Jesse into restaurants across Los Angeles and New York City for an intimate meal with some of the biggest names in entertainment, music, politics and sports. Premiering Tuesday, May 23, the first episode features an honest, open and hilarious discussion with Jesse’s former Modern Family castmate Julie Bowen and in the second episode, Jesse is joined by Grey’s Anatomy star Jesse Williams for a deep and authentic conversation at an Indian-American sports bar in Silver Lake.

In each episode, Jesse sits down for a meal and gets vulnerable with his guests about everything from mental health and imposter syndrome to relationships and family history. Featuring episodes with stars like Fred Armisen, Kristen Bell and more, Dinner’s On Me is a place for intimate sharing, laugher and honest discussion, all while enjoying delicious food from some of the hottest spots in town.

Over the course of an incredible meal, Dinner’s On Me will treat listeners to enjoy the entire restaurant experience alongside Jesse and his guest: from the clinking of glasses to the breaking of bread and providing access to never before heard conversations in between.

“Some of my favorite memories are first dates at my neighborhood Italian spot with my husband or lunch with my castmates from Modern Family – because the best conversations always happen over meals” said host Jesse Tyler Ferguson. “That’s why I’m so excited for listeners to hear Dinner’s On Me. We’re going deep, opening up and inviting fans to join us along the way.”

Dinner’s On Me is a production of Sony Music Entertainment, Neon Hum and A Kid Named Beckett Productions. Jonathan Hirsch is the Executive Producer. Joanna Clay is the senior producer.

Subscribers to Dinner’s on Me PLUS will be able to listen to episodes ad-free and access new episodes 1-week early.

Listeners can subscribe to Dinner’s On Me each week on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. For more information on the new podcast and all other Sony Podcast shows, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

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London – May 2, 2023 – AWAL today announced the appointment of its UK executive leadership team. Effective immediately, Matt Riley has been named Managing Director. Based in London, he will report directly to Paul Hitchman, President of AWAL. Victoria Needs and Sam Potts have been elevated to their respective roles as Senior Vice President for AWAL. Both executives will report to Riley. 

In his role, Riley will expand his current oversight as the Company’s Head of A&R, working closely with Hitchman and AWAL CEO Lonny Olinick to sign new artists and develop AWAL’s rising global roster. Since joining AWAL in 2014, Riley has been responsible for signing artists that have reached more than a billion streams including Bruno Major, Rex Orange County and Tom Misch. Additionally, he’s supported the development of global artists Eloise, Lovejoy, MorMor, Shay Lia and The Wombats.

As the Company’s new Senior Vice President, Needs will add the UK market to her existing international marketing remit for AWAL, continuing to drive all global artist campaigns and releases. Prior to her appointment, Needs served as Vice President of International Marketing for AWAL since 2020, supporting campaign launches for notable artists such as JVKE, Jungle, girl in red and Lizzy McAlpine. 

Potts joined AWAL in 2019, as Vice President of Promotion, overseeing the Company’s UK and international digital accounts team, driving promotional strategy with streaming platforms, as well as overseeing UK radio and TV promotion strategy for AWAL artists. In his new role as Senior Vice President, Potts will continue to work closely with the executive leadership team to maximize audience development and growth strategies for AWAL artists across digital and traditional media.

In making the appointments, Hitchman said, “AWAL’s mission is to be the world’s best artist development company and, by creating a new leadership team for the UK that spans A&R, marketing and promotion, we have all of the skills and focus to deliver on that aim for UK artists. Matt, Victoria and Sam have all proven themselves as market leaders in their respective fields and have highly complementary skills. The combination will be an unstoppable force as we look to take the AWAL business to the next level in the UK.”

Riley continued, “I’m really happy and super energised having formed a formidable leadership team with Sam and Victoria. We are working hard every day to build a fantastic team and culture at AWAL, delivering fantastic results for our artists through hard work, storytelling and above all a commitment to artist development.”

“To be part of AWAL UK’s leadership driving the next phase of the business with Matt & Sam is incredibly exciting,” said Needs. “Working with our impressively strategic, collaborative & creative marketing teams every day, it’s a privilege to be able to tell the stories of our artists and find audiences for their music in all corners of the world.”

Added Potts, “Seeing the company and our artists grow is what gets me up in the morning and I’ve never enjoyed coming to work this much. We’re having more success now than at any point in AWAL’s illustrious journey from startup to future facing record company and are uniquely placed to be the home of maverick and uncompromising artists with global ambition.”

The announcement of the new leadership team comes as AWAL has seen singles chart success this year with a debut Top 40 chart entry with Lovejoy’s ‘Call Me What You Like’ and two tracks in the Official UK Top 40 biggest songs of 2023 so far; JVKE’s ‘Golden Hour’ and Lizzy McAlpine’s ‘Ceilings’ – which not only spent 7 weeks in the UK Top 10 singles chart, it charted in 15 territories worldwide.

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Listeners Can Subscribe to The Binge to Listen To The Full Season Today

New York, NY – May 1, 2023 – Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment, in partnership with The Marshall Project, today launched the latest season of hit investigative podcast series Smoke Screen: Just Say You’re Sorry. This season takes listeners inside the interrogation room, uncovering the gripping drama behind one of Texas Ranger James Holland’s most controversial cases: the murder of a woman named Bobbie Sue Hill. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes, all at once today.

Hosted by The Marshall Project’s journalist Maurice Chammah, Just Say You’re Sorryinvestigates the extreme, yet legal, tactics employed by Holland against the murder suspect: an Air Force veteran named Larry Driskill. These tactics include hypnotizing a witness, lying about evidence, and a psychologically brutal interrogation that eventually breaks Driskill down. With access to Holland’s recordings, Chammah follows the men through two days of a high-stakes dance ending in Driskill’s confession. 

Driskill was sentenced to 15 years in prison but was released on parole during production. He is now working to prove his innocence. Driskill’s experience sheds light on the methods used by Holland and many police across the U.S., even as Holland continues to be celebrated for his skill in coaxing confessions from killers.  

“Just Say You’re Sorry offers a firsthand look at this shocking story of manipulation and gaslighting, and how even people who don’t believe they committed a crime can find themselves confessing to it,” said host Maurice Chammah, who previously wrote “Anatomy of a Murder Confession,” the Marshall Project article that the podcast is based on. 

Just Say You’re Sorry is produced by Somethin’ Else, a Sony Music Entertainment company, and The Marshall Project. The producers are Tom Fuller and Georgia Mills.

The post Just Say You’re Sorry, New Season of Smoke Screen Podcast Franchise Explores Interrogation Tactics Used by ‘Serial Killer Whisperer’ Texas Ranger James Holland appeared first on Sony Music.

London, 27th April 2023 – Sony Music Entertainment UK has today announced the relaunch of legendary record label Epic Records UK and the appointment of Sarah Lockhart, who has been named President of the label effective from 1st May 2023. Lockhart will report to Jason Iley, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK & Ireland. 

Epic Records UK will relaunch as a frontline label, operating alongside other iconic Sony Music labels including RCA, Columbia, and Ministry of Sound, with the ambition to champion global music and British culture. The announcement coincides with the anniversary of Epic Records, who will celebrate 70 years of recorded music in 2023. 

Lockhart joins Epic from Sony Music Publishing, where she served as Head of A&R for three years and signed artists including BRIT Award-winning Aitch, PinkPantheress and D Block Europe.

Lockhart has been at the forefront of youth culture and London’s grassroots music communities for the past two decades. She co-founded East London community radio station Rinse FM, championing emerging artists in the early stages of their careers, and launching artists including Magnetic Man and Katy B. Lockhart successfully campaigned for its radio licence, building it from a pirate station into the recognised brand it is today. She also oversaw its community outreach, empowering and educating diverse and disadvantaged communities with skills and opportunities.

Lockhart spent four years at EMI Music Publishing in the early noughties where she had discovered seminal UK artist Ms Dynamite, Skepta and Benga & Skream. 

Spearheading various brands that have a track record of supporting alternative audiences, Lockhart has consistently stayed at the forefront of music trends. In her early career, her label Tempa Recordings coined the genre name ‘Dubstep’ and her East London dubstep and grime club night FWD>> created a space for new underground music to thrive, inspiring countless artists and creatives of today. Lockhart was also instrumental in the development of UK garage through her work in distribution, where she was one of the key influencers on the evolution of the scene. 

Jason Iley, MBE, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK & Ireland says: “I’m confident that Sarah is the right person to relaunch Epic UK and enrich its legacy while protecting its artist-first ethos. Throughout her career Sarah has challenged the norm, pre-empted trends, and supported artists from the very beginning of their careers.”

Sarah Lockhart, President, Epic Records UK says: “The pioneering global artists signed to Epic have inspired me and countless fans for decades. The relaunch of the label in the UK provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance to celebrate Epic’s legacy and build a culture that encourages us to think differently, honouring and supporting artists to create connection through the power of music.”

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London, 25^th April 2023 – Oracle Red Bull Racing today launches the first episode of its brand-new series of Talking Bull podcast produced by Sony Music Entertainment’s (SME) Global Podcast Division.

The Official Oracle Red Bull Racing Podcast, Talking Bull, will bring fans exclusive, unrivalled access to the Oracle Red Bull Racing Formula 1 Team. Listeners can expect in-depth, behind-the scenes insight into how the Team maintain their top spot.

Recorded in Milton Keynes, the beating heart of Oracle Red Bull Racing, the podcast will be visualised for first time ever. Each episode will bring fans closer than ever to the Team and allow them to ask questions directly.

The first guest of the series, Team Principal Christian Horner sits down to discuss Oracle Red Bull Racing’s flying start to the 2023 season. He reveals who he thinks will be their biggest contenders this year, why he brought Daniel Ricciardo back as reserve driver, and he tells the story of how he became an F1 team principal at the age of just 31. Throughout the series, Talking Bull will put key people in the hot seat: those who build the cars, drive them, and keep the Team moving.

Presenter Nicola Hume (Heart FM, Auto Express, CarBuyer UK) joins as the podcast’s new host, bringing plenty of personality and knowledge from across the automotive industry. In each episode, she puts real fans’ questions to guests and asks them to choose an item for the ‘Oracle Red Bull Racing in 100 Objects’ Hall of Fame.

Sony Music Entertainment’s (SME) Global Podcast Division is a full-service production agency. Working closely together, SME’s branded podcast division has brought to life Oracle Red Bull Racing’s access and insights to create an experience the Team’s fans can’t get anywhere else.

Christian Horner, Team Principal and CEO at Oracle Red Bull Racing, said: “It is great to have the Talking Bull podcast back up and running. It’s a brilliant way for fans to get an insight into the everyday at Oracle Red Bull Racing. Each episode will feature a different voice from the Team offering in-depth, behind the scenes peak about the goings on at Oracle Red Bull Racing both at the track and back at the factory in Milton Keynes. Tune in and don’t miss out!”

­Annabel Wilcken, Head of Branded Podcasts at Sony Music Entertainment, said: “We are thrilled to be working with the Oracle Red Bull Racing team at such an exciting time in the Team’s history. Podcasts are an integral way for sports fan to stay connected to their teams and we hope The Oracle Red Bull Racing fans enjoy the new look of Talking Bull. We look forward to helping drive its continued success.”

Talking Bull will be released monthly from Tuesday 25^th April on all major podcast platforms.

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Winners’ prizes include production coaching, grants, free music equipment and a producer workshop at SonyMusic Germany’s Circle Studios

Berlin April 19, 2023 – Sony Music Entertainment Germany and non-profit artist association, Music Women* Germany (MWG), announce today the launch of the 2023 Female*^[1] Producer Prize. Now in its second year, the prize aims to support and promote the careers of emerging female-identifying producers from across the country, and applications open today until 22^nd May with five awards up for grabs this year. 

Together with Sony Music, music equipment retailer Thomann, Ableton Live, NEUBAU Music Management and Musik Women* Germany, winners will receive a support package consisting of production grants, vouchers for music equipment and a producer workshop at the Sony Music Germany’s Circle Studios. The winners will also be added to the Female Producer Register at Sony Music and NEUBAU Music Management, putting them in touch with various labels and artists. Newly added partners are Sony Music Publishing and the Female* Producer Collective, who will also offer coaching sessions and their wide network.

Jovanka v. Wilsdorf, initiator, Female* Producer Prize, said: “The great response and the high level of 147 applications last year not only showed how overdue the Female* Producer Prize was, but above all how many highly competent and visionary female music producers there already are out there. Visibility creates measurable success. There’s still a lot to do – but we’re on the right track!”

Sarah Schneider, Head of A&R Columbia Germany, said: “Currently, women* are still outnumbered in musicproduction. An internal evaluation of the “Top 100 Singles Annual Charts 2021” in Germany shows a strong deficit, 96 out of 100 songs were produced by men. We want to address this deficit, consequently I am very much looking forward to the applications of female producers, and am thrilled to have gained support for this round from new partners like Sony Music Publishing and the Female* Producer Collective.”

NOVAA, producer, winner of the Female* Producer Prize 2022 and jury member 2023, said: “The Female* Producer Prize is a unique opportunity to create more space and visibility for all the great, talented and hardworking female or non-binary producers out there, as well as for all the amazing, fierce female* producers to come.”

This year, the selection criteria is based on the quality of the productions as well as a Producer’s individual musical signature. In this round, a jury made up of artists, songwriters and A&R managers as well as one of last year’s winner will select five finalists, evaluating applicants based on the quality of their productions and their individual musical signature. 

The 2023 Jury Panel includes:

1. Novaa, producer and finalist of last year
2. Charlie McClean, UK music producer, composer, sound engineer and co-founder of the world’s largest online community for women writers, sheWrites, and Grammy Nominee 2022
3. Pamela Owusu Brenyah Consultant I Afropop A&R I Music & Program Curator of Musicboard Berlin und Freie Universität Berlin, Board member of Music Women Germany
4. Moses Schneider, Musicproducer and songwriter
5. Jovanka v. Wilsdorf, consultant, songwriter, and initiator of the DIANA AI songcontest and the female* producer prize
6. Sarah Schneider, Head of A&R at Columbia, Sony Music Entertainment

Female-identifying producers based in Germany can apply here.

^[1] „Female*“ equals all those who identify as female and are non-binary

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New Podcast Dissects True Stories Behind Some of the Most Infamous or Underrated Rivalries of All Time, Including Joan Crawford vs. Bette Davis, Cleopatra vs. Everyone and Oprah vs. Texas Cattle Ranchers

The First Two Episodes are Available Today

New York, NY – April 18, 2023 – Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment today announced the launch of Fierce Rivalries, an all-new podcast hosted by Peabody-winning producer Kelsey Padgett and RuPaul’s Drag Race favorite and Very That host Delta Work. Fierce Rivalriesis a weekly series that digs into the world’s wildest rivalries and dissects the fights, feuds, frenemies and drama that often ensue from them. 

Each week, Kelsey tells Delta the story of a rivalry that has gone off the rails–the ones that have gone beyond friendly competition to become something much more pathological. And as Kelsey spins the tale about what exactly went wrong, Delta weighs in with witty commentary and decides who wins—or at least, who loses least. 

Available starting today, the first episode will dissect the decades-long rivalry between Hollywood legends Bette Davis and Joan Crawford and the second episode will explore the incredible lengths teenage royal Cleopatra went to stay in power, including killing her own siblings. 

“Fierce Rivalries is a show where we tackle serious rivalries in a fun and humorous way, especially when it comes to choosing who we think the true winner is,” said host Kelsey Padgett. “While we get into the petty and the drama in each episode, we hope listeners will see that there is so much more at play. Corporate greed, racism, misogyny, and homophobia are so often behind the scenes, pulling the strings and making everyone lose.”

Fierce Rivalries is produced by Somethin’ Else, a Sony Music Entertainment company. The executive producers are Lizzie Jacobs, Tom Koenig, and Caitlin Pierce. It’s produced by Kelsey Padgett; Gabriela Santana is the associate producer. Caitlin Pierce is the editor.

Listeners can subscribe to Fierce Rivalries on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on other Sony podcasts, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

The post Fierce Rivalries, New Podcast From Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment Diving Into the Juiciest Rivals in Pop Culture, Premieres Today appeared first on Sony Music.

Most recently, Geller served as Senior Vice President, Artist Relations & Marketing, where he led artist strategy for the label’s award-winning multiplatinum roster across the global Latin music ecosystem. In his new role, he will continue to facilitate strategic opportunities for artists, adding to his scope the Puerto Rico and West Coast Operations, Radio/Promotions, Video Commissioning, and Sony Music US Latin’s relationship with Management companies. Geller worked across tentpole projects for artists like Shakira, Maluma, Jennifer Lopez, Camilo, Rauw Alejandro, Becky G, Ricky Martin, Carlos Vives, Marc Anthony, Wisin & Yandel, Manuel Turizo, Nicki Nicole, Farruko, Christian Nodal, C. Tangana, and many more.

Regarding the promotion, Gallardo stated, “Esteban is one of the most dynamic, savvy, energetic, and enthusiastic executives in the business. He has played a key role in our expansion and the sustained success of countless acts. He’s a true team player who doesn’t just envision big ideas; he actively executes them at the highest level.”

Geller added, “It has been amazing to be part of Sony’s growth in the industry and I’m proud of what we have achieved over the past few years. Latin music has become a respected mainstream genre, and I’m honored to have experienced this development every step of the way at Sony. This wouldn’t be possible without our incredible and passionate staff, managers and amazing artists. Every project is so important to us, and we approach each artist with the same care and diligence. Much appreciation to Alex and Afo that have entrusted me to not only develop music releases, but most important artists careers.”

Prior to joining Sony Music in 2018, Geller represented artists like Ricardo Arjona and Diego Torres, and held positions at Fenix Entertainment Group Latin America and MTV/Vh1 Latin America. He has been named on several occasions to Billboard’s coveted Latin Power Players list.

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New Season Spotlights Host Larrison Campbell’s Mission to Re-Examine the Unsolved Murder of Her Grandmother 

Subscribers to “The Binge” Can Listen to All Episodes, All At Once Starting Today

New York – April 3, 2023 – Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment (SME), the team behind the 2023 Podcast of the Year at The Ambies, today released Witnessed: Devil in the Ditch, the fourth season of its critically acclaimed investigative podcast series. This season reexamines one of Greenville, Mississippi’s most notorious unsolved murder cases through the eyes of the victim’s granddaughter. All eight episodes of the series are available today on “The Binge,” SME’s one stop destination to binge all episodes of new series each month on the day of its premiere. 

Hosted by journalist Larrison Campbell, Witnessed: Devil in the Ditch spotlights the almost 20-year-old unsolved murder of her grandmother Presh, who was found bludgeoned to death in the parlor of her Greenville, Mississippi, home during the summer of 2003. Not just any Greenvillian, the 85-year-old Presh was a local legend and her murder sent shockwaves across the entire Delta region. Throughout the eight episodes, Larrison re-opens her own investigation into Presh’s death, starting with the killing itself and widening out to look at the cast of potential suspects, including some who are very close to home. Devil in the Ditch is an incredible tale of family murder in a corner of the deep South where there are many unsolved murders and where a town becomes its own criminal justice system. 

“I was incredibly close with my grandmother, but her murder has always been something of a taboo topic in our family,” said host Larrison Campbell. “But working on this podcast changed that. Over the last year, I’ve made it my mission to investigate not just this murder but how this tragedy has affected everyone in my family in the 20 years since then.”

Witnessed: Devil in the Ditch is based on the investigative reporting of Larrison Campbell, who also hosts the series. The new season of Witnessed is from Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment and produced by Campside Media’s Lindsey Kilbride and Sheeba Joseph. Executive producer is Matt Shaer. 

Listeners can subscribe to Witnessed: Devil in the Ditch on major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and wherever subscribers listen to podcasts. For more information on Witnessed: Devil in the Ditch follow @SonyPodcasts and @campsidemedia on Twitter and Instagram. 

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Premiering Today, Journalist and Author Katherine Rowland Dives Into the Complex Portal of Psychedelics and Plant Medicine in Season One

New York, NY – April 3, 2023 – Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment today premiered Seeking, a new weekly podcast exploring the questions that keep us all up at night and lengths we go in search of answers. Each week, public health researcher turned journalist Katherine Rowland sets out to talk to people who have gone to radical ends to find answers to our deepest and most discomforting questions.

Premiering today, season one dives into the portal of psychedelics and plant medicine to examine what the renaissance in mind-altering compounds means for mental health, healing and communities. Throughout the season, Rowland travels to Baltimore, the English countryside, and the Peruvian Amazonto meet the shamans, clinicians, scholars and activists behind all of this, and through her journey, she explores what it means for these ancient practices to go global, what’s lost and gained as psychedelics become pharmaceuticals, and something even more profound—what does it mean to heal?

“Seeking is all about our biggest questions and how our search for answers can take us to the edge,” said host Katherine Rowland. “With this podcast, we’re meeting people with unique, challenging, and inspiring ideas about what it means to be human, and this season we’re taking a deep and intimate journey into psychedelics and their healing potential.” 

Seeking is executive produced by Lizzie Jacobs and Grant Irving at Somethin’ Else, a Sony Music Company.

Listeners can subscribe to Seeking each week on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. For more information on the new podcast and all other Sony Podcast shows, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

The post Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment Debut Seeking, New Weekly Podcast Exploring Life’s Biggest Questions and Our Journey for Answers appeared first on Sony Music.

We’re committed to making a positive impact on the environment.  

Which is why, in alignment with Sony’s Road to Zero campaign, we have taken a unique approach to address the disparity of climate change and how it disproportionately affects environmentally overburdened communities worldwide.  

In 2022, we committed nearly $500,000 to organizations confronting years of underinvestment in historically excluded communities across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.  

Below, learn about some of our Global Social Justice Fund partner organizations who are helping communities affected by climate change around the world. 

Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator

Partner Task Force: SMG Latin Iberia

“Our islands are at the forefront of the climate crisis. The Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator actively unlocks growth opportunities for organizations specializing in everything from green hydrogen to smart farming. The Accelerator is a driving force in the journey to create the world’s first climate smart zone.” 
– Racquel Moses, Chief Executive Officer, Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator

Community Foundation of Greater Flint

Partner Task Force: SMG U.S. 

“In Flint, our focus has been clean drinking water since the lead-tainted crisis began. Ensuring the healthy future of our local drinking water supports the economic well-being of everyone in our region.” 
– Isaiah M. Oliver, President & CEO, Community Foundation of Greater Flint 

Cool Earth

Partner Task Force: SMG Latin Iberia

“IPLCs (Indigenous People and local communities) have a track record of protecting rainforests. But when people who live in the rainforest lose control over their lands because of discriminatory policies, the rainforest becomes collateral damage. Cool Earth seeks to remedy this by addressing the inequalities that IPLCs face.” 
– Isabel Felandro, Acting Head of Global Programmes, Cool Earth

East End Food Institute

Partner Task Force: SMG U.S. 

“Our programs support farmers, promote the launch of new businesses, and advocate for systems change to create a more sustainable and equitable regional food system. Building resilient regional food systems keeps money in our communities, creates jobs, influences land use, reduces pollution through food transport and ensures the viability of socially disadvantaged producers and consumers.” 
– Kate Fullam, Executive Director, East End Food Institute

New York City Environmental Justice Alliance

Partner Task Force: SMG U.S. 

“While we know climate change affects everyone, its impact will not be evenly felt—particularly for low-income communities of color. NYC-EJA empowers its members to advocate for improved conditions by coordinating campaigns designed to inform policies.” 
– Eddie Bautista, Executive Director, New York City Environmental Justice Alliance Inc. 

Niles Foundation

Partner Task Force: SMG U.S. 

“The Niles Foundation is addressing underlying inequities that affect communities of color by increasing their access to land, food, clean energy, climate action and agriculture. We’re taking land and reconstructing it into environmentally friendly, green, fruitful, open outdoor community spaces that HEAL underrepresented communities long-term.” 
– Shante Walker, CEO & Founder, Niles Foundation 

Thanda 

Partner Task Force: SMG Africa 

“Climate change most deeply affects those already suffering from racial inequality. This population includes a lot of our farmers, 84% of whom are women. We’re working to help our farmers improve soil health, restore natural habitats, and implement stormwater management techniques to improve efficiency and prevent crop devastation during flooding.” 
– Sibusiso “Raah” Msimango, Head of Programmes, Thanda

Vusumnotfo 

Partner Task Force: SMG Africa 

“We [teach sustainable practices] at family and community levels [to] advance child development and learning. Over time, this will result in children reaching their full potential, resulting in communities setting up a positive cycle of sustainable development.” 
– James Mlingo Tsabedze, Programme Manager, Vusumnotfo 

Water First Education and Training Inc. / L’Eau d’Abord Éducation et Formation Inc.

Partner Task Force: SMG Canada 

“Water First strives to provide safe spaces for Indigenous learners to strengthen their relationship with the Land and connect with career opportunities in STEM fields. By increasing the representation of Indigenous voices in [climate] conversations, we are supporting more opportunities to receive critical direction from Indigenous Peoples necessary to best navigate climate change-related decision-making while respecting the cultures and rights of these peoples.” 
– Dillon Koopmans, Senior Manager of the Indigenous Schools Water Program, Water First Education and Training Inc. 

The post Highlighting Our Partners This Earth Day appeared first on Sony Music.

Envision a world where gender equality prevails and there is no room for prejudice, stereotypes or discrimination. Diversity, fairness and inclusivity are paramount, and differences should be acknowledged and celebrated. This sentiment helped inspire Women’s History Month at Sony Music Group this year.  

Through various internal events and activities, we embraced equity and recognized our differences as a positive pillar for a more just and inclusive society. 

Embracing Equity This Women’s History Month 

We kicked off the month’s celebrations with an International Women’s Day panel discussion hosted by Sony Women in Music (SWIM)—a Sony Music UK Talent Advisory Group (TAG)—moderated by YolanDa Brown OBE, musician, broadcaster and Chair of the BPI. This panel, featuring women leaders from across the Sony companies, touched on the common challenges women face in the workplace as well as the different ways we can improve gender equality and equity.

To close out the conversation, each of the panelists were asked to share some words of wisdom they would tell their younger selves. Sonia Grant-Yendell, Sony Music Publishing’s Vice President of People eXperience UK & International, said, “Trust your gut, trust your instinct. When you’re focused you can achieve what you want. Trust your belief.” Learn more about SWIM’s International Women’s Day panel discussion here. 

Sony Music U.S. TAGs The Village and WIN (Women’s Initiative Network) also held an interactive workshop, led by executive career coach and Co-Founder of EQUALibrium Rachelle Pereira, that focused on making space for career development when work/life harmony seems elusive. 

A huge thank you to all our SMG teammates who attended and participated in our Women’s History Month events. Special shoutouts to Pereira, Brown and Kelly Austin, Psychology Coach and music industry veteran, for lending their time, wisdom and voices to support our celebrations this month. And a big round of applause to TAGs SWIM, WIN, The Village and Wellful for all the coordination efforts that went into this month’s events and activities. Thank you for making our Women’s History Month a true celebration of gender equity and diversity in the workplace. 

Looking Ahead 

Although Women’s History Month has come to an end, we will continue to embrace and advance gender equity in the music industry and beyond. That’s why, through our CSR, COVID Relief and the Global Social Justice Fund, we continue to support organizations serving women and girls around the world. 

Learn about some of those organizations we have supported below: 

• Alliance For Women Film Composers – Through advocacy, support and education, the Alliance for Women Film Composers aims to increase the visibility of women composers active in media scoring. The AWFC advocates for the inclusion of women composers within industry events; supports filmmakers, game developers and studios in their inclusion of women composers; and educates, mentors and inspires emerging women composers.  
• Fondo Guadalupe Musalem (Guadalupe Musalem Fund) – Fondo Guadalupe Musalem supports the educational aspirations of young indigenous Oaxacan women from impoverished rural communities in the state. The non-profit organization aims to provide the tools and resources needed for the successful completion of high school and university. 
• Girls Make Beats – Girls Make Beats is a non-profit organization that empowers women and girls by expanding their presence as music producers, DJs and audio engineers. Sony Music Publishing (SMP) partnered with Girls Make Beats in 2022 to host the Beyond the Instrument program, an ongoing initiative designed to develop the next generation of music industry leaders. 

• Milaan Foundation – The Milaan Foundation is a non-profit social impact organization with the purpose of empowering girls to stand up for themselves by advancing their skills, rights and opportunities and unlocking their voice, choice and power. Through the Global Social Justice Fund, Sony Music Entertainment India supports the organization’s flagship Girl Icon Program, a leadership development program that invests in empowering girls at the grassroots level, delivering comprehensive life-skills-based education and instigating collective social action.  
• Tap Elderly Women’s Wisdom for Youth – Tap Elderly Women’s Wisdom for Youth’s mission is to bridge the intergenerational and mental health treatment gaps. The organization trains elderly women in World Health Organization’s mental health Gap Action Program (mhGAP) to provide free and accessible mental health services, support and resources in underserved and marginalized communities. 
• Young Women’s Freedom Center – Young Women’s Freedom Center provides support, mentorship, training, employment and advocacy to young women and trans youth of all genders in California who have grown up in poverty, experienced the juvenile legal and foster care systems, survived living and working on the streets, and experienced significant violence in their lives. Their mission is to build the power and leadership of directly impacted young people and inspire them to create positive change in their lives and communities.  
• The YWCA of Brooklyn Inc. – The YWCA of Brooklyn, Inc. (YWCA Brooklyn) is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. 

The post Sony Music Group Celebrates Women’s History Month ‘23 appeared first on Sony Music.

This article is part of our Local Impact Report series: a collection of informal catchup-ups where we connect with different members of Social Justice Task Forces within Sony Music. These Task Forces were formed after launching our $100 million Global Social Justice Fund in 2020, to ensure each region in which Sony Music operates is successfully shepherding funds in their area. 

As part of our company’s mission to foster connections with global communities and contribute in meaningful ways, Sony Music Group continues to work with our business divisions across 60 regions to partner with grassroot organizations that are breaking down barriers in communities around the world. We strategically pair with chosen organizations to implement on-the-ground activations and programs, in an effort to drive nonpartisan solutions in areas of civic and community engagement, criminal justice reform, diversity through impact and educational programs.  

Most recently, we caught up with Carmen Spencer, Senior Director, People eXperience, from Sony Music Canada’s Social Justice Task Force. Spencer helps identify key organizations the group can support.  

“We have a core team here in Canada that drives large initiatives, while keeping close contact with various organizations we’ve supported through the Global Social Justice Fund, and develops regional-specific strategies,” says Spencer. “We also have a larger group that comes together primarily when there is a new round of funding, and we explore new organizations for funding.” 

For Sony Music Canada, determining which organizations to partner with is easier said than done—because the goal is far more extensive than just supporting these organizations financially. Together, the Task Force believes that time and expertise is equally as valuable to the community organizations as financial contributions. It’s why they follow these core principles: 

1. Be advocates for the organization they support through the Global Social Justice Fund. 
2. Select organizations that can accomplish a significant amount within their ecosystem with the funding provided. 
3. Support organizations that provide services in historically underserved, underrepresented or marginalized communities.  
4. Understand the need of the organization and support the community it impacts with product and expertise for the greatest impact. 

There is never a shortage of organizations for the group to put forward for consideration. They also encourage everyone across Sony Music Canada to submit organizations throughout the year. It’s very much a team effort.  

Let’s hear from some of the organizations that have been funded by Sony Music Canada’s Task Force:  

Foodshare
“We leveraged Sony’s grant to coordinate and host a Digital Day of Action around the goals of the Right to Food campaign, which is about mobilizing community members to push for changes at the municipal level. The Digital Day of Action was basically a phone and email zap, with folks first meeting over Zoom to hear from leaders at community groups Dietitians for Food Justice and Birchmount Community Action Council speak on why updating Toronto’s food charter would be relevant to the work they do, and what the tangible impact would be in the communities they serve. 50 people attended the live Zoom event, with a total of 125 people using our email tool to send messages to their government officials.” – Sydney Hyatt, Development Manager
Support Foodshare here.  

Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund 
“This support [from the Global Social Justice Fund grant] allows us to achieve our goal of improving the lives of Indigenous people by expanding our educational programming and creating connections between all peoples in Canada.” – Sarah Midanik, President and CEO
Support Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund here.  

Pour 3 Points
As a longtime recipient of the Global Social Justice Fund, “A heartfelt MERCI for your continued support of coaches, young people and a more just society!” – Meg Hewings, Philanthropy and Partnership Development 
Support Pour 3 Points here.  

Stella’s Place 
On receiving the donation from the Global Social Justice Fund, “Gifts like yours help young people get well, stay well, stay out of hospital and live the lives they choose.” – Catherine Dyer, Director of Development 
Support Stella’s Place here.  

Looking ahead, the Task Force continues to see each partnership as the beginning of a new relationship. It gives their team the opportunity to witness the work being done in the communities around them. This includes organizing a symposium to bring together every organization they have supported through the Global Social Justice Fund and other initiatives.  

Congrats to Sony Music Canada and the work they’ve done to support their community. More to come! 

Read more stories about Local Impact:
Local Impact Reports: SME Mexico Social Justice Task Force On Making a Difference
Local Impact Reports: SME Brazil Social Justice Task Force On Making a Difference
Local Impact Reports: SMG Asia Social Justice Task Force on Making a Difference

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This is Jeopardy! takes listeners behind the scenes for never-before-heard stories of Jeopardy!’s incredible six decades on-air

New York City & Culver City, Calif. – March 27, 2023 – Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television today announced the launch of This is Jeopardy!…America’s Favorite Quiz Show, a new podcast that goes behind the scenes of Jeopardy! with intimate, never-before-heard stories from the iconic series. Hosted by former Jeopardy! Champion and guest host Buzzy Cohen, the podcast will take listeners on an exciting journey through the history of the quiz show, while featuring legendary guests along the way, including contestants, producers, and more. This is Jeopardy! will premiere on Wednesday, April 26 and the trailer is available now.

This is Jeopardy! will engage listeners and superfans by revealing the show’s amazing history and exploring the intrigue that has made Jeopardy! America’s Favorite Quiz Show for decades. From hours of archival tapes to Buzzy’s unique perspective gained through his journey from contestant to guest host, the podcast will give listeners an entertaining and thought-provoking new angle on the beloved show.

“For 60 years and counting, Jeopardy! has established itself as a household name. I am so excited for the opportunity to give listeners a never-before-seen look at the show,” said Buzzy Cohen. “I will examine the impact Jeopardy! has had in cultural conversations and bring on some legendary guests who helped shape Jeopardy! into the show we all know and love.”

This is Jeopardy!…America’s Favorite Quiz Show is a Somethin’ Else & Sony Music Entertainment production. Lizzie Jacobs, Tom Koenig, and Sarah Kramer are the Executive Producers and Mia Warren is senior producer. Julia Doyle, and Sylvie Lubow are the producers. 

Listeners can subscribe to This is Jeopardy!…America’s Favorite Quiz Show on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and more. For more information on other Sony podcasts, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram

The post Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television Partner for This Is Jeopardy!…the Story of America’s Favorite Quiz Show, New Podcast Hosted by Legendary ‘Jeopardy!’ Champion Buzzy Cohen appeared first on Sony Music.

March 27, 2023 – On Monday 3rd April, Sony Music Entertainment and Goldhawk Productions launch a fiction, social media thriller TAGGED starring Ben Hardy (Bohemian Rapsody, X-Men: Apocalypse) and Jessica Plummer (BBC’s The Girl Before).

While travelling through Europe on their honeymoon, newly-wed influencer couple Karlie (Jessica Plummer) and Tre (Ben Hardy) notice an almost identical couple is following them.

This couple is even posting the same content on their own social media. They’re imitating their photos. The exact same poses, clothes, filters and tags…

Hopping from country to country, Karlie and Tre begin to get closer to the truth. But their journey snowballs into being interrogated for a double homicide and discovering an influencer-targeted cult.

The podcast’s rich narrative and soundscape takes listeners on a dark fictional journey to the underbelly of influencer life, exploring what could happen when social media bleeds into real life…

TAGGED is Sony Music Entertainment’s first ever fiction podcast. This eight-part series will be available weekly from Monday 3rd April on major podcast platforms. Subscribers to The Binge channel via Apple Podcasts or GetTheBinge.com can access all episodes, ad-free on Saturday 1st April.

Listen Here.

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March 21, 2023 – Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment will launch season two of This is History: A Dynasty to Die For, on 28th March 2023. Hosted by award-winning medieval historian, broadcaster and author Dan Jones, season one topped Spotify’s UK History Chart, and the Apple History Chart in the US.

Season two picks up where we left off with England’s longest reigning and most dangerous dynasty – The Plantagenets. Richard the Lionheart now takes centre stage as he ventures East on a Crusade, leading an attack on his nemesis, the formidable Muslim general Saladin. Meanwhile, back at home, Richard’s devious younger brother John plots to steal his throne, their mother Eleanor of Aquitaine caught in the crossfire. The sagas play out like episodes of a medieval Succession, or a real-life Game of Thrones.

The season consists of 12 weekly episodes. Dan guides his listeners through this tumultuous period of history in a manner that’s at once compelling and dramatic, as well as accessible, fun and family-friendly; a perfect companion for both the morning commute and a family road-trip. Dan’s even heard from teachers that they use it as a tool in history lessons.

Dan’s narration is supported by an impressive, immersive soundscape and score, which transports listeners to medieval England. A weekly bonus episode will be made available for paid subscribers, in which Dan divulges some more morsels of medieval gossip. 

Dan is a New York Times bestselling author, and he’s written and hosted dozens of TV shows including the acclaimed Netflix/ Channel 5 series Secrets of British Castles. However, Dan isn’t your typical historian; he’s a friend of Guns N’ Roses base guitarist Duff McKagan (he’s taken the band on historical tours before), listens to Fred Again when he’s writing, and is probably the first (and only?!) historian to have DJ’d at the Ministry of Sound.

To celebrate the launch of season two of the podcast, Dan will be hosting “The Ultimate History Lesson” at Warwick Castle with a class from a local school. The lesson will be inspired by the first two episodes of the season, taught within the walls of the building that was once home to The Plantagenets.

Listen here.

The post This is History: A Dynasty to Die For, Hit History Podcast from Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment, Debuts New Season March 28 appeared first on Sony Music.

March 21, 2023 – On 28th March 2023, Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment will launch season two of Please Tell Me A Story, the comedy podcast led by actor & comedian Omid Djalili, who’s joined by five pals from the world of comedy.

The premise of the show is simple; six comedians with one funny story to tell – what could possibly go wrong?

The comedians taking part in series two of Please Tell Me A Story are: 

Omid Djalili – West End star, Hollywood actor, regular at the Edinburgh Fringe
Mark Thomas – Award-winning comedian, writer & creator of the The Mark Thomas Comedy Product, the TV show that cost an MP their career…
Felicity Ward – Live at the Apollo star and ‘Best Comedy at Edinburgh Fringe Festival’ nominee for her show Felicity Ward: Busting a Nut
Helen Bauer – AKA Madam Good Tit, host of Trusty Hogs and Daddy Look At Me podcasts
Nabil Abdulrashid – Shot to fame as a finalist in the 2020 series of Britain’s Got Talent, and recently performed at the Just For Laughs comedy festival in London
Megan Jayne Crabbe – Best-selling author and body positivity activist, with a following of over 1.3 million across her socials

Each episode starts with one comedian passing their story along the chain. But, can their fellow comedians pass on the story without completely twisting it? Can they resist their comedic urges and tell it to us straight?

Listeners will be treated to tales of wild nights out, a fantastical trip to the arcade, mishaps on the set of Gladiator, plus much more…

Join Omid and friends for a weekly storytime, in the game where story telling goes horribly wrong.

Listen here.

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Mumbai, INDIA – March 16, 2023 – Sony Music Entertainment India (SME) today announced the appointment of Vinit Thakkar as Managing Director of the company. Thakkar will oversee the company’s operations in one of the fastest-growing and dynamic music markets in the world, collaborating closely with regional and global teams to strengthen SME India’s strategic partnerships and identify new growth opportunities for its artists. Reporting directly to Shridhar Subramaniam, President of Corporate Strategy and Market Development for Asia and the Middle East, Thakkar will assume the Managing Director role from Rajat Kakar, who is scheduled to leave at the end of this month. 

“We are thrilled to have Vinit at Sony Music Entertainment India,” said Shridhar Subramaniam, President, Corporate Strategy and Market Development, Sony Music Entertainment Asia, and the Middle East. “His expertise, wide breadth of experience, steadfast belief in supporting artists and focus on placing creativity at the center, all while driving strategic and commercial growth, makes him ideal for our company. I am confident that he will achieve our aspirations for this important market. I would also like to thank Rajat who has done an excellent job elevating our business and we wish him all the best for the future.”

“India is a remarkable country for musical talent and creativity, transcending cultural and geographical divides. I look forward to driving greater success for our artists and creators through new partnerships and introducing them to new and exciting ways to connect with their fans. Rajat has done a commendable job steering the company and I feel privileged to be working with this stellar team to drive our business forward,” said Vinit Thakkar.

“I started my music career with this incredible team over 25 years ago and I leave with a huge sense of satisfaction. I am confident that the company will have continued success in the years ahead under Vinit’s stewardship,” added Rajat Kakar. 

Prior to joining SME India, Thakkar held the position of Chief Operating Officer for Universal Music in India and South Asia, after having previously worked in banking and consumer products. Thakkar has played a key role in major label signings with leading artists and is also widely credited for the creation and launch of artist-centred platforms. This has cemented Thakkar’s wide-ranging impact on India’s pop music industry and the wider music ecosystem through the promotion and creation of culturally significant and commercially successful non-film music in India. 

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In her new role, Sanjines will oversee general operations for the label, utilizing her vast knowledge of the music industry, complimented by her strong discipline in both strategic marketing and artist relations. Under her purview, she will collaborate with the entire roster, including multi-platinum marquee artists such as Måneskin, JP Saxe, Tai Verdes, and rising talent such as Lola Brooke.

Regarding this appointment, Massey commented, “Veronica is a natural leader and creative executive with genuine passion for music and a keen perspective on culture. Veronica’s reputation for visionary marketing and strategy precedes her. We are excited to welcome her to the Arista family. We know she’s going to be an incredible asset to the label’s next era.”

Sanjines added, “The success David and the team have built over the last five years is a testament to their dedication and focus on artist development in a highly competitive landscape. I hope to continue to build upon this foundation in my new role at Arista and I am so excited to return to the Sony Music family where I started my career over 20 years ago as a college rep.”

For the past two decades, Sanijnes has held various roles in the music industry. Most recently, she served as Vice President, Marketing at Warner Records where she led campaigns for established artists such as Anitta and Gorillaz. She was integral in igniting projects for buzzy newcomers like platinum-selling artist Ashnikko, Bella Poarch, Omar Apollo, and Nessa Barrett. Prior to Warner, she worked at Astralwerks/Capitol Music Group, overseeing the launch and subsequent album roll-outs for multi-platinum superstar Halsey. Her career also included stints in marketing at Epic Records and Columbia Records’ sales team.

The post Arista Appoints Veronica Sanjines as General Manager appeared first on Sony Music.

Currently in development, the series will depict Messi as a child as he confronts obstacles while traveling throughout a video game. Produced for children and young adolescent audiences, the global series will feature original music from Sony Music Entertainment artists and composers. 

“Since I was a kid, I’ve always loved animated series and my kids are big fans of animated characters. Being able to participate in an animation project makes me happy, because it fulfills one of my dreams! I would like to thank Sony Music for joining this project and we hope that everyone will like the result, especially the girls and the boys,” said Messi. 

“It is a privilege for Sony Music to collaborate with Lionel Messi on this project to showcase the power and lessons of sports in partnership with the greatest football player of all time and one of the greatest athletes in history,” said Fernando Cabral, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Latin-Iberia Regional, Sony Music Entertainment. “We look forward to bringing this heartwarming and humbling series to screens for audiences of all ages around the world.”

Messi, the Rosario-born soccer player, is a global icon and inspiration to millions around the world. To date, he is the only athlete in the world to win seven Ballon d’Or awards, six FIFA World Player of the Year awards, six Golden Boots and two World Cup Golden Balls. In addition, Messi led Argentina to a World Cup win in December 2022. Off the pitch, Messi is recognized for his sportsmanship and passion for the sport, which will be featured heavily throughout the series. 

The series will be available in English, Spanish, and several other languages. Sony Music’s Premium Content Division will oversee the development and distribution of the series. 

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New York, NY (03/06/2023)—GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization and Sony Music Group (SMG) today announced “ICONS,” an uplifting and intimate three-part episodic video series designed to advance LGBTQ inclusion in music and amplify LGBTQ voices in the industry. Isaac Dunbar, INIKO, and MK xyz will be this year’s featured artists in the series.

Building on the two companies’ ongoing partnership, “ICONS” will bring together LGBTQ musicians, songwriters, and producers across generations for culture-driving conversations about the history of LGBTQ inclusion in music and the future of the industry. Artists will discuss the personal connection that exists between queerness and craft, how LGBTQ artists have shaped music, where we are today, and what it takes to break through as a queer music artist.

“ICONS” debuts on GLAAD’s YouTube Friday, March 10, featuring these rising LGBTQ icons in the music industry:

Isaac Dunbar (He/Him), premiering Friday, March 10
Isaac Dunbar is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer based in New York. Isaac’s keen emotional intuition and artistic acuity belie his age, and at just 19 years old, he has asserted himself as the rare talent who gleefully defies genres, rules, and eras all at once and has received recognition from various media outlets such as TIME, Billboard, and The FADER. He has released several projects, including the 2022 Banish The Banshee EP via RCA Records, which explores themes of self-love and healing. Inspired by musicians such as Lady Gaga and David Bowie, Isaac uses his music to inspire others to be themselves. He is nominated for the 34^th Annual GLAAD Media Awards for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist.

INIKO (They/Them), premiering Friday, April 14
Iniko is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter from Brooklyn, New York. Known for their cosmic music and unique style, Iniko makes music for soul searchers. By fusing sinewy vocals, the musicality of a poly instrumentalist, and their adventurous imagination, their music tackles themes of anxiety, damaged romance, and philosophy with warmth and whimsy. Their song “The King’s Affirmation” went viral on TikTok and represented their growth as an artist. Iniko identifies as nonbinary and wants to use their music to stand up for their peers in the queer community. They are currently working on a new project that reflects both their journey and experiences with others. Iniko has 2 million TikTok followers and is signed to Columbia Records.

MK xyz (She/Her/They), premiering Friday, May 12
The 25-year-old triple-threat R&B artist from Jacksonville, Florida, is known for her unique expression of individuality and refusal to be labeled. Born to dancer parents, she has been performing since age three and drew inspiration from famous entertainers such as Chris Brown, Ciara, Aaliyah, Toni Braxton, Sade, and Michael Jackson. Dubbed by Wonderland as a rising R&B star “for her fierce lyricism and captivating dancing ability,” MK xyz is undoubtedly an artist to watch. After releasing her debut single “Pass It” featuring G-Eazy, MK xyz has received critical acclaim from outlets such as Wonderland, Flaunt, Bustle, Lyrical Lemonade and more. MK xyz is signed to EPIC Records.

GLAAD and Sony Music Group’s partnership was announced last year, and “ICONS” is one of several initiatives aiming to further Sony Music Group’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and redouble the company’s commitment to inclusiveness. 

“The impact of queer artists across history and their influence to shape the landscape of music and the industry at large is undeniable. It’s as important to honor the trailblazing legacies of LGBTQ icons in music, as it is equally imperative that we elevate new voices in music who have unique backgrounds and stories to tell,” said Tony Morrison, Senior Director of Communications at GLAAD.“‘ICONS’ establishes this path forward to increase the visibility of queer artists, and Sony Music Group continues to be a valuable partner to help lead the way for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging throughout the music industry.” 

“We’re thrilled to announce the continuation of our partnership with GLAAD through the launch of “ICONS.” This interview series will be a powerful platform for raising awareness and inclusion of LGBTQ artists and songwriters and their contributions to music,” said Tiffany R. Warren, Executive Vice President, Chief Diversity, and Inclusion Officer at Sony Music Group. “We believe that by exploring the impact that LGBTQ artists and songwriters have had on music, we can foster a deeper understanding of what it takes to break through as an LGBTQ artist. “This series is a testament to our commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion while breaking barriers in the music industry. We’re excited to bring this series to the world.”

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The First Episode is Available Now

New York and London – March 1, 2023 – Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment today premiered their new podcast Cover Up: Ministry of Secrets. Hosted by writer and historian Giles Milton, Ministry of Secrets aims to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of famous British Navy diver Lionel ‘Buster’ Crabb, a figure who has been said to be the inspiration for James Bond. The first episode is available now. 

Crabb was a diver and highly decorated war hero. During World War Two, he worked in special ops diffusing mines planted by the Nazis in Venice, saving the city from destruction. He became a household name as a result and was thus rumored to be the inspiration for Bond. 

Throughout the series, Milton learns that in Spring 1956, Crabb took part in a top-secret diving mission to investigate a Russian ship docked in Portsmouth Harbour. The ship had brought Nikolai Bulganin and Nikita Khrushchev over for a state visit during the Cold War. After this dive, Crabb was never seen again.

What happened next is a state secret that has been concealed for decades: Milton’s mission throughout the podcast is to discover what really happened and establish why the truth continues to be hidden from the public. Normally files pertaining to such incidents are released after 20 years, but the Lionel Crabb files are officially embargoed for a century, to be kept under lock and key until 2057. 

Giles Milton is a writer and historian whose career has seen him dig into forgotten stories from the past. He’s come across some remarkable stories, from the doctor who supplied Hitler with cocaine to the MI6 spy who helped kill Rasputin. Yet, he’s never come across anything as strange as this story.

Throughout Cover Up: Ministry of Secrets, we hear Giles speak with his producer and oldest friend Sarah Peters, as they unpick this dark, shocking and disturbing story. Sarah is the founder of Tuning Fork Productions and produced the hit narrative podcast series Bed of Lies.

Listeners can expect weekly revelations on a journey into a world of rogues, royalty, spies, and lies, as Milton investigates the truth behind one of the last great secrets of the Cold War… and why it’s remained a mystery for so long. Cover Up: Ministry of Secrets is now available on all major podcast platforms and for subscribers to The Binge.

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This Black History Month, Sony Music Group proudly embraced the theme “History in the Making: The Future Is Now.” Throughout February, we held internal events that acknowledged, advanced and supported Black artists and creatives paving the way for a more inclusive future, while still reflecting and remembering our history. 

Highlights From Our Black History Month Celebrations 

As part of our month-long celebration of Black culture and the Black community, we hosted a virtual conversation with Greg Noire, award-winning live music and portrait photographer and Sony Alpha camera ambassador, moderated by Towalame Austin, Sony Music Group’s Executive Vice President of Philanthropy & Social Impact. Noire reflected on his journey as a Black photographer and shared his experiences capturing some of today’s most notable artists, like Doja Cat and Steve Lacy. 

During his conversation with Austin, Noire highlighted that he often finds himself the only Black photographer in the photo pits he operates in, which prompted him to stress the significance of inclusive hiring practices. “If you look outside of who you already know, you would see that talent exists in other diverse [candidates],” Noire said. Austin added, “We all have a responsibility to make sure we are hiring diverse people, looking at credentials and the people themselves.” 

Additionally, in a panel discussion held by HUE (Helping Unite Everyone)—a Talent Advisory Group (TAG) at Sony Music Group—and The Orchard, we listened as Niyi Osidipe, Sony Music’s Director of Artist Development & Global Strategy Africa; Tunde Ajaba-Ogundipe, Sony Music’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of African Music Strategy; and Ashley Hall, Associate Director of International Label Management at The Orchard, described the impact of Afrobeats on the global music scene.

Hall explained that one of the most important ways the music industry can champion African artists is by allowing them to maintain their authenticity. She added, “[The industry] must continue to provide vital resources into the market to bring their music to the forefront of what is considered mainstream, popular music.” 

A big round of applause to all SMG employees who participated, contributed and attended our Black History Month events and activities. Shoutout to our special guests Noire and Mackenzie Palmer, yoga instructor and sensual movement leader, for lending their time and wisdom to enrich our celebrations. And, to our TAGs HUE U.S., HUE GSA and Wellful, thank you for spearheading the event programming and making this Black History Month at Sony Music Group so special. 

Supporting the Black Community Beyond the Month of February 

While the month has come to an end, we are committed to continuing our support for the Black community—and all communities around the world—through our Global Social Justice Fund (GSJF). With World Day of Social Justice also falling in February, we highlighted a few of our GSJF partners raising awareness and driving action to eradicate poverty, discrimination, inequity and unfairness in society, like Bridges for Music. 

Bridges for Music is a South African-based nonprofit organization that provides young students in under-served communities the tools and skills to excel in creative industries. “In the face of an ever-increasing lack of education in our communities about what equal rights and opportunities really mean, ensuring everyone has equal economic, political and social opportunities is becoming an increasing challenge,” said Thulani Headman, Bridges For Music’s Co-Founder and Operations Manager. “Through our program (and its music) we have been able to change minds, and we consider that the most important tool for social justice.” 

Learn more about Bridges for Music and our other partners impacting social justice in different communities around the world here.

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New York, NY– February 21, 2023 – Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment today announced the launch of The Social Dose, a new podcast giving the latest takes on the most talked about conversations and hottest happenings across social media. From the biggest viral video to the latest trending dance, content creators Michael Judson Berry and Paris Nicholson invite listeners to join them three times a week for candid and timely hot takes, kicking off today with the show’s first episode. 

The Social Dose is the new destination for daily roundups of all the best news, gossip, insights and beefs from our favorite social media platforms: Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, and more (and on occasion, the Metaverse). Every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Berry and Nicholson will be joined by a selection of social media experts including Nikki G, Christian Banda, and Candiace Dillard Bassett to dig way too deep into all of social’s most popular trends, bringing listeners up to speed on the most talked about videos or posts, and covering the stuff they just need to vent about.  

“We are so excited to become the new go-to destination for roundups of all the best news, gossip, insights, and plain ole’ beef”, said Judson Berry and Nicholson. “We like to think of The Social Dose like our listeners favorite daytime talk show, but for all things social! We can’t wait to get started.”

The Social Dose is a Somethin’ Else & Sony Music Entertainment production. Danielle Jones-Wesley is the producer and Jazmine Henley-Brown and Serita Wesley serve as executive producers. 

Listeners can subscribe to The Social Dose on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on other Sony podcasts, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

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Sony Music Group’s commitment to giving is at the heart of our philanthropic programs and activities across the globe.

Each year on February 20, World Day of Social Justice brings together diverse communities to raise awareness and drive action to eradicate poverty, discrimination, inequity and all forms of unfairness in our society. 

Since launching our $100 million Global Social Justice Fund in June 2020, we’ve supported over 400 organizations worldwide. Over 56% of our partners are led by a person of color or a member of a historically under-resourced population.   

We consider each partnership incredibly valuable and influential—and we take the time to ensure every organization supported is the right fit.   

There is a rigorous submission process to become a Global Social Justice Fund partner, and each potential organization is thoroughly vetted. While this review process is important, it’s also equally important that the organizations align with our Company’s mission and values and operate programs around our three core pillars: Civic Engagement, Criminal Justice Reform and Education. (You can read more about that here.) 

Below, learn more about some of our partners and the impact they’re having on social justice in different communities around the world. 

Bridges for Music

Partner Task Force: SMG Africa

“In the face of an ever-increasing lack of education in our communities about what equal rights and opportunities really mean, ensuring everyone has equal economic, political and social opportunities is becoming an increasing challenge. Through our program (and its music) we have been able to change minds, and we consider that the most important tool for social justice.” 

– Thulani Headman, Co-Founder and Operations Manager, Bridges For Music

Drummond Street Services

Partner Task Force: SMG Australia

“For us, social justice work means we work with and for communities. We share our resources, knowledge and creativity to support the hopes and aspirations of every young person that we connect with. Our program, Real Youth Music Studio (RYMS) is a platform for local young people to showcase their talents, learn new things, meet positive peers and just have fun. 

RYMS continues to celebrate our local young people with a number of recordings, showcases and live performances over the past year. The program is in the process of evolving to a mobile Caravan of Sound, aimed at ensuring young people from across the different Inner Melbourne public housing estates can access opportunities to write, perform and record.” 

– Karen Fields, CEO, Drummond Street Services

Milaan Foundation

Partner Task Force: SMG Asia 

“Gender justice will be achieved when girls and women will be able to exercise their human and constitutional rights and live a life with dignity, free from violence, discrimination, abuse and exploitation. Our work aims at ensuring that girls continue and complete their secondary education, challenging norms that maintain the patriarchal status quo to unlock their potential.  

From the girls we work with, the results of the programming have been very encouraging: 58 percent pursue higher education, 85 percent of the girls we work with report improved adolescent health outcomes, 99 percent have delayed their age of marriage, and over 80 percent are able to prevent and defy gender-based discrimination and violence.” 

– Dhirendra Pratap Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Milaan Foundation

Plansverige (Plan International Sweden) & Sisters Create

Partner Task Force: SMG Continental Europe 

“The project has provided a place for young girls and non-binary people where they can be themselves. Young people from different socio-economic backgrounds have been able to meet and this has helped them to gain an increased understanding for each other. For myself, the project has helped me to feel more assertive in a music studio, which is an environment often dominated by men.”  

– Isabella, Sisters Create group leader and young musician

Pour3Points

Partner Task Force: SMG Canada 

“We believe that with the right training, sports coaches can become mentors and community leaders. Pour3Points has grown into a community of over 100 certified coach-mentors and civic leaders who make a difference in the daily lives of the young people they coach in low-income communities across Québec. Today, Pour3Points’ programs support coaches as they accompany thousands of young people each year as they fight for social justice, racial justice and equality in their communities, and reshape the sport and education sectors.” 

– Fabrice Vil, Founder, Pour 3 Points

Sistema Aotearoa

Partner Task Force: SMG New Zealand 

“Sistema Aotearoa provides rare opportunities and creates pathways for students and tutors. As well as developing the students musically and socially, it has created a safe space for people like me to feel a sense of belonging in such a competitive field. As one of the Polynesian tutors, it is an absolute privilege to be part of the journey of unleashing the limitless talent in the youth of South Auckland, New Zealand.” 

– Anne Filimoehala, Lead Tutor, Sistema Aotearoa 

Small Green Shoots

Partner Task Force: SMG UK 

“Small Green Shoots champions under-represented young people, supporting them with opportunities and access into the music industry. Working around London, we have successfully placed 150 young people in permanent jobs in music and creative businesses, thanks to our incredible partnerships with various organisations, including Sony Music.” 

– Makeda McMillan, Managing Director, Small Green Shoots

Tennessee Innocence Project

Partner Task Force: SMG U.S. 

“The Tennessee Innocence Project is leading efforts across the state around wrongful convictions, giving voices to individuals who have been unheard for decades, and educating thousands of Tennesseans about our justice system. Since opening our doors in 2019, we have achieved four exonerations – individuals who collectively spent 95 years wrongfully incarcerated. We fight every day for our clients’ freedom, to bring them home to their families, and to make our community more just. We could not do this without the support of partners like Sony Music!” 

– Hayley Levy, Director of Development, Tennessee Innocence Project

Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights

Partner Task Force: SMG Latin Iberia 

“At the Young Center, our mission is to advocate for children who are forced to navigate our country’s immigration system alone, whether they traveled to the U.S. by themselves or were forcibly separated from their families. A tremendous amount of work remains ahead to advance the rights of all immigrant children, but our team remains committed to fighting for the justice immigrant children and their families deserve.” 

– Gladis Molina Alt, Executive Director, Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights 

Visit the United Nations website to learn more about World Day of Social Justice, here. 

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We have all seen the tragic situation unfolding in Turkey and Syria, following an earthquake which caused the deaths, injuries and displacement of hundreds of thousands of people in both countries. Among those most directly affected are our colleagues based at Sony Music Turkey. Our thoughts are with all the people of Turkey and Syria who are impacted by this catastrophe, and we continue to monitor developments closely.  

Our priority has been to ensure that friends and colleagues based in Turkey are safe and given the help they and their families need during this difficult time. Local leadership and our People eXperience teams have been working closely with our global Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider to ensure all employees in Turkey have 24/7 access to support that includes counseling, financial and legal assistance.  

Additionally, Sony Music Group is donating funds to the Turkish non-government organization, AKUT, which is on the ground helping with disaster relief efforts and fuel long-term recovery efforts in both Turkey and Syria.  

On behalf of all Sony companies, Sony Group Corporate is donating 31 million yen in emergency aid to the Emergency Disaster and Recovery Fund for Children, UNICEF, UNHCR, UN Refugee Agency, and Médecins Sans Frontières. And, Sony Corporation of America is providing funds to non-profit partners including All Hands and Hearts, American Red Cross, Direct Relief, International Medical Corps, Save the Children, UNICEF, and World Central Kitchen. 

Employee Match Donation Initiative

From now through March 20, 2023, employee contributions made to a Sony Music Group-approved organization will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $2,000 USD (or a local currency equivalent). You can also use a credit card or make an offline donation and upload your receipt. Donations will be used to provide food, clean water, and medicine as well as wellbeing support to survivors, shelter and temporary housing to people who have lost their homes. The contributions will also support economic relief and long-term recovery efforts.  

For more information on Sony Music Group’s support for communities globally and locally, please visit our Giving Back site. 

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In his role, Anderson will oversee Santa Anna’s growing marketing, promotion and digital teams. Prior to joining Santa Anna, he served in Vice President of Commerce roles at Geffen and Warner Records.

As the Company’s new Vice President of Promotion, Orgando brings years of experience to Santa Anna, having held the position at both Geffen Records and Warner. In his new role, he will assist the label with creating and executing its promotion strategy across multiple formats. 

Additionally, Derek Lee will add the role of Chief Financial Officer for Santa Anna to his current position at Alamo Records. In his expanded role, Lee will oversee all finance operations, including financial planning, budgeting, reporting and accounting for the label.

In making the appointments, Moscowitz said, “Dave and Los have great skill and talent to work creatively and successfully with artists. I look forward to working with them as they develop incredible opportunities and experiences for our roster, to reach new fans and consumers. I also am thrilled to have Derek join Santa Anna. He has become an invaluable member of the leadership team.”

Santa Anna’s executive leadership announcement marks the Company’s continued expansion and commitment to identify additional opportunities to support entrepreneurs.

The post Santa Anna Record Label Appoints Dave Anderson as General Manager, Carlos “Los” Ogando as Vice President of Promotion and Derek Lee as Chief Financial Officer appeared first on Sony Music.

New York and Los Angeles – February 1, 2023 – Neon Hum and Sony Music Entertainment, in partnership with Bloomberg, today launched Smoke Screen: Deadly Cure, a new season of its hit investigative podcast series exploring and exposing stories of alleged fraud and deception. This season dissects the story of a family that convinced tens of thousands of people across the world to buy a miracle liquid of poison, something that experts agree is toxic and for which family members are now being prosecuted. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes, all at once today.

Hosted by Bloomberg health journalist Kristen V. Brown, Smoke Screen: Deadly Cure spotlights the Grenon family, the creators of Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, an organization that encouraged people to purchase and ingest a toxic bleaching agent they called Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS) as a sacrament. The eight-episode series tracks the rise and fall of the group’s dangerous scheme amidst a heightened misconception that bleach products reportedly cured COVID-19, as well as the rag tag activists and keyboard warriors who chased them down for years, known as “The Bleach Hunters.” 

“The Grenon family and Genesis II church exploited the mistrust that people have in their government and health-care system, ” said host Kristen V. Brown. “Deadly Cure shows how toxic misinformation gains hold in the public view, and what it takes to stop the people spreading it.”

Smoke Screen: Deadly Cure is based on reporting by Thomas Buckley in Bloomberg Businessweek. It is a production of Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment in collaboration with Bloomberg. It is hosted by health journalist Kristen V Brown. Executive producer at Neon Hum is Jonathan Hirsch. 

Listeners can subscribe to Smoke Screen: Deadly Cure on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and wherever you listen to podcasts. For more information on Smoke Screen: Deadly Cure follow @SonyPodcasts and @NeonHumMedia on Twitter and Instagram, as well as @business and @podcasts on Twitter and the Bloomberg Podcasts YouTube channel.

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Mallory has served as the company’s Executive Vice President and General Manager since 2018. In her new post, she will continue to oversee marketing, digital, publicity, video production, licensing, and brand partnerships departments. 

Known for her global marketing expertise, Mallory has played a key role in helping break Columbia’s new artists and elevating the careers of its superstars. Specifically, she has guided successful campaigns for iconic superstars such as AC/DC, Adele, Baby Keem, Barbra Streisand, Beyoncé, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Daft Punk, Depeche Mode, Harry Styles, Lil Nas X, Pharrell Williams, Polo G, Rosalía, Solange, The Kid LAROI, and Tyler, the Creator among others.

Regarding her promotion, Ron Perry shares, “Jen’s steadfast championing of artists, extraordinary leadership abilities, and unwavering dedication to Columbia Records makes her truly Presidential.”

Says Jenifer Mallory, “I’ve had the privilege of spending much of my career at Columbia Records and am proud of what we have achieved over the past few years. I’m thankful to our incredible staff and most importantly our inspiring artists. I’m forever grateful to Ron Perry and Rob Stringer for entrusting me with this role and their mentorship. I will continue championing our artists and honor Columbia’s legacy.”

Prior to her five years as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Columbia, Mallory was Executive Vice President of International at Sony Music Entertainment working across the Columbia, Epic, RCA, and Arista labels. Leading teams in both New York and London, her work focused on spearheading global marketing campaigns for U.S.-signed artists.  

Joining Columbia Records in 2006, Mallory rose through the ranks with positions in digital marketing and international marketing until becoming Executive Vice President, International for Sony Music Entertainment. In 2018, Columbia Records named her Executive Vice President and General Manager. Along the way, she has been recognized across the industry for her leadership and success. Billboard notably included her among its 2022 Women in Music and coveted Power 100 in 2019, while Variety, Music Business Worldwide, HITS, and more have chronicled her career thus far.

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Diaz, former Vice President of A&R at Interscope Records and manager to rising star Babyface Ray, previously oversaw the promotional careers of DaBaby, Moneybagg Yo, Est Gee, Rob 49, Lil Poppa and more. Great Day Records will be headquartered in New York.

“Baroline is a force to be reckoned with and a major player in the music industry,” said Todd Moscowitz, CEO and Founder of Alamo Records and co-Founder of Santa Anna. “We cannot wait to work alongside her and develop new ways to scale her impressive roster and discover new ways to expand her growing empire.” 

“I want my label, Great Day Records, to bring back real artistry and artist development,” said Baroline. “I want it to be a label where we are building the next generation of super stars in music and Alamo / Santa Anna is the best partner to execute that. They understand my vision and what the future of music is gonna look.”

Great Day Records joins Santa Anna as the Company continues to expand and identify additional opportunities to support entrepreneurs.

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Now in its third year, Notes for Notes® and Fender Play Foundation® will join to Promote Music Creativity, Education and Career Development in the US and UK Music Industries  

Program Held at the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles – Watts-Willowbrook Clubhouse on February 1 and Harris Academy Greenwich school in London on February 9

New York, NY – January 30, 2022 – Sony Music Group (SMG) today announced the global expansion of its annual Beyond The Instrument initiative. Now in its third year, the program will include academic activations in the U.S. and U.K. throughout the month of February, providing international resources and exposure to music professionals and creatives and collaborating with community partners to help prepare future music leaders. Since its launch, Beyond The Instrument has donated thousands of dollars’ worth of instruments, equipment, software and curriculums as well as provided mentoring and is on target to support nearly 10,000 students over the course of five years. This year, SMG will work with non-profit partners Notes for Notes® and Fender Play Foundation® to bring music education to students through innovative and sustainable programs that put instruments and learning tools directly in the classroom.

On Wednesday, February 1 – ahead of the 65^th Annual GRAMMY Awards – Beyond The Instrument will launch in Los Angeles, California at the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles – Watts-Willowbrook Clubhouse. Together with Sony Music artists, songwriters and composers, Boys & Girls Clubs youth members will join a discussion with KayCyy, DIXSON, Adam Lukas (Bleeding Fingers Music) and James Everingham (Bleeding Fingers Music), designed to inspire U.S. attendees’ personal development and musical aspirations. In addition, national non-profit organization Notes for Notes® with the support of SMG, will also open its largest recording studio in LA at the clubhouse providing club members with year-round free access to explore, create and record music. With access to guitars, drums, keys/synths, DJ and production gear, as well as headphones and microphones donated by Sony Electronics, the fully equipped digital recording studio for aspiring young artists will work alongside a talented Producer to develop their skills as artists, producers, engineers and film/TV composers.

The program will launch for the first time in London, England on Thursday, February 9, at Harris Academy Greenwich, a school in south east London, prior to the BRIT Awards. Joined by Sony Music artist and triple BRIT Award Nominee Cat Burns, the students will get a chance to perform and then participate in an active discussion about Burns’ career – and the evolution from being a BRIT School student and busking on the Southbank, to achieving the biggest debut hit and top single by a female artist in 2022 with Go. The school was selected in partnership with music education charity Restore the Music UK (RTM), who received a Sony Music UK Social Justice Fund grant in 2022. RTM noted that school has an excellent record in developing its music program and also won the RTM ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition last year. Fender Play Foundation® will provide educational workshops and core music and sound equipment to participating students and teachers thereafter. Established in 2019, the Fender Play Foundation® (FPF) is a 501(c)(3) organization on a mission to equip, educate and inspire the next generation of players through music by providing access to instruments in schools that need it most and has already gifted guitars, basses and ukuleles to over 15,000 students in the United States. This partnership is the Foundation’s first in the UK.

“It’s a privilege to continue Sony Music Group’s Beyond The Instrument program this year and to partner with first-class community partners, artists and songwriters to inspire and enhance music education programs,” said Towalame Austin, Executive Vice President, Philanthropy and Social Impact, Sony Music Group. “Developing opportunities to support under resourced communities – now to also include the UK – is part of the Company’s overall global giving strategy and I look forward to seeing what these students create in the future and on their paths to becoming incredible music professionals.”

“We are so thrilled to be expanding in Los Angeles in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro LA,” said Phil Gilley, Notes for Notes® Co-founder/CEO. “This studio marks our 26^th and first in partnership with a major music company, Sony Music Group, who have proven with their support how dedicated they are to developing the next generation of artists.”

“We grateful to our partners at Sony Music Group and Notes for Notes® for the opportunity to expand our music programming,” said Patrick Mahoney, CEO of Boys & Girls of Metro Los Angeles. “Access to music is a core focus for BGCMLA and this studio will amplify opportunities for our Club members to explore their creativity and prepare for the future.”

“Through the Fender Play Foundation, we’ve seen firsthand how providing access to instruments and music education can truly transform lives,” said Aarash Darroodi, FMIC EVP, General Counsel and President for Fender Play Foundation.  “We’re thrilled to join forces with Sony Music Group to further our mission and give even more young people the opportunity to learn and express themselves through music, fostering connection and community around the world.”

Since 2021, the Beyond The Instrument program grant aims to accelerate equity and access to cutting-edge music technology education for students in high-need schools, located in historically excluded communities. To date, the program has been active in California, Tennessee, and Florida. The 2022-2023 program is designed to collaborate with first-class community partners, artists, and songwriters to enhance music education programs on a global scale. 

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January 26, 2023 – Welcome to brand-new podcast Shrink The Box, taking a deep dive into some of the most popular and complex TV characters of all time.

On 31st January 2023, Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment will launch Shrink The Box, a brand-new podcast series set to take a deep dive into the most popular and complex TV characters of all time.

Shrink The Box is hosted by actor and comedian Ben Bailey Smith and psychotherapist Sasha Bates. The duo will put their favourite fictional characters ‘on the couch’, and analyse why their behaviour causes them so much drama, and why we find it so fascinating. 

From Succession‘s Shiv, to Omar from The Wire and Ross from Friends, Ben and Sasha will explore why these characters make certain decisions, what would happen if they made different ones, and what we can learn from their mistakes.

Shrink The Box promises the perfect combination of psychology, self-help, and the best TV since the birth of the box-set. Sasha brings her expert opinion to the conversation, whilst Ben, a writer and long-term beneficiary of therapy, taps into how these characters are brought to life so effectively. 

In each episode, Ben and Sasha will discuss what we’ve learnt about the character, and see how this can be translated into useful takeaways for our own lives. The show is the latest film and TV podcast to be added to the Sony Music Entertainment slate, which already boasts hit podcast Kermode & Mayo’s Take; subscribers of which will also be able to listen to Shrink The Box ad-free at no extra cost. 

If you live and breathe fan culture and are obsessed with all things TV, Shrink The Box is for you. 

Ben and Sasha will discuss the following iconic characters:

Tony Soprano – The Sopranos
Walter White – Breaking Bad
Beth Harmon – The Queen’s Gambit
Omar Little – The Wire
Fleabag – Fleabag
Don Draper – Mad Men
Wanda – Wandavision
Arabella Essiedu – I May Destroy You
Danny Rayburn – Bloodlines
Vanessa Keifer – Atlanta
Ross Geller – Friends 
Shiv Roy – Succession

The post Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment Launch Shrink The Box, New Podcast Series Taking Deep Dives into Popular TV Characters Throughout History appeared first on Sony Music.

The First Episode is Available Now

New York, NY – January 26, 2023 – Actor, musician, model and RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Shea Couleé and Sony Music Entertainment today announced the launch of It’s Giving Fashion, a weekly chat series that dissects the hottest fashion and pop culture news of the moment. It’s Giving Fashion premieres the first episode today, featuring a juicy discussion on Hollywood’s latest trends across entertainment. 

Couleé and her on-mic companion, costume designer and long-time best friend Tiger Lily, will critique, shade and obsess over the latest and greatest in fashion, gossip, pop culture, social media and more. From street style to red-carpet looks to awards shows to viral social posts, It’s Giving Fashion will tackle all things messy, all things fun and all things fashion.

“It’s Giving Fashion is a podcast that is fabulous, passionate and most importantly, fun – all alongside one of my best friends” said Couleé. “We’re not holding back in this show and we are so excited to bring listeners timely takes and hilarious judgments each week.”

It’s Giving Fashion is produced by Somethin’ Else, a Sony Music Entertainment company. The executive producers are Serita Wesley and Jazmine Henley-Brown. Madena Parwana is senior producer, Rob Dozier is producer and Sunny Balkin is associate producer.

Listeners can subscribe to It’s Giving Fashion on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on other Sony podcasts, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

The post International Drag Superstar Shea Couleé and Sony Music Entertainment Launch New Podcast It’s Giving Fashion Today appeared first on Sony Music.

Launched in 2020 by Founder and CEO, Conor Ambrose, LISTEN TO THE KIDS’ previously signed artists include Yeat, Alexander 23, ericdoa and Sally Sossa. In addition, Ambrose manages Grammy nominated, multi-platinum songwriter and producer Omer Fedi. Ambrose will continue as CEO of the label. LISTEN TO THE KIDS will remain headquartered in Los Angeles, inside the Company’s new offices and recording studios. 

“We are thrilled that LISTEN TO THE KIDS has joined Santa Anna. We are committed to supporting entrepreneurs and look forward to developing this new roster of artists and working with Conor to take his label to the next level,” said Todd Moscowitz, CEO and Founder of Alamo Records and co-founder of Santa Anna.  

“LISTEN TO THE KIDS is a label for artists who want to pioneer sounds and push boundaries,” said Ambrose. “Our team – including Ari Kononov, Alana Aksoy, Jake Nañez, Alex Scher and Nanika Sandhu – has helped unique artists reach important milestones early in their careers. Now, as a new partner of Santa Anna, we are excited to build on what we’ve started and leverage their expertise to keep supporting exceptional talent. As an entrepreneur, I have always admired Todd’s innovative approach and I am grateful he will be providing us with resources and freedom.”

LISTEN TO THE KIDS joins Santa Anna as the Company continues to expand and identify additional opportunities to support entrepreneurs.

The post Santa Anna Record Label to Partner With ‘LISTEN TO THE KIDS’ appeared first on Sony Music.

Throughout November and December of 2022, Sony Music Group supported every local community that we conduct business in—totaling nine regions—through our Season of Giving program.  

Season of Giving is an annual campaign that represents our ongoing philanthropic commitment to forge partnerships and support communities that need it most, inside and outside the music industry. Every global organization selected to receive funding was determined by members of our global internal task force. 

This year, the program primarily focused on providing aid in four key areas: food insecurity, homelessness and refugee support, music industry relief and educational programs for communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Within those two months, notable Sony Music artists and Sony Music Publishing songwriters volunteered at in-person events with local partner organizations. (See a full list of those organizations here.) 

Simple Plan, Canadian rock band distributed by The Orchard, explained how and why supporting the Simple Plan Foundation was so important to them. “Over the last two years, we were not able to play any shows, so it’s been tough not being able to organize any fundraising events,” said Chuck Comeau, the band’s drummer. “This donation is going to make a huge difference—it’s going to kickstart the Foundation again and get us motivated to give more and help as much as we can.” 

Want to get a closer look inside our Season of Giving program? Check out our recap video below.

The post How Sony Music Group Supported Local Communities Throughout the Holidays appeared first on Sony Music.

Subscribers To The Binge Can Listen to All Episodes, All at Once Today 

New York, NY – January 9, 2023 – Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment today premiered Chameleon: Dr. Dante, the newest season of the fan-favorite, con-themed franchise podcast series Chameleon. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes, all at once today. 

Season five of the series is hosted by journalist Sam Mullins, who returns to the Chameleon franchise from season three Wild Boys. Chameleon: Dr Dante follows Dr. Ronald Dante, a prodigiously talented hypnotist (and not an actual doctor) whose mind-bending schemes spanned decades. Dante worked the smoke-filled nightclubs of 1960s Hollywood and rode the self-help craze of the 1980s and 90s, hypnotizing women out of their fortunes, taking out hits on his rivals and opening up one of the biggest fake universities in history. Mullins tracks Dante through yacht clubs, prison cells, trailer parks and theme parks to uncover the unbelievable true story of the greatest con man you’ve never heard of. 

“The story of Ronald Dante is filled with twists and hilarious turns, sure to shock and intrigue listeners as we dive into his journey of conning and deceiving people all over the country for decades.” said Sam Mullins, writer and comedian who, like his subject on this show, has toured North America as a stage performer. 

Chameleon: Dr. Dante is produced by Abukar Adan and executive produced by Josh Dean at Campside Media.

Listeners can subscribe to Chameleon: Dr. Dante on The Binge, as well as all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. For more information on Chameleon: Dr. Dante and all other Sony Podcast shows, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

The post Chameleon: Dr. Dante, the Newest Installment of Podcast Series From Campside and Sony Music Exploring the Greatest Con-Man You’ve Never Heard Of, Debuts Today appeared first on Sony Music.

The premise of the show is simple; six comedians have one funny story to tell. But, can they pass the story along the chain without completely twisting the tale? Can they resist their comedic urges and tell it to us straight?

Please Tell Me A Story features an all star comedy cast including:

Omid Djalili – West End star, Hollywood actor, regular at the Edinburgh Fringe
Abi Clarke – Social media sensation known for her viral Tik Toks where she has over 20 million likes
Seán Burke – Star of RTÉ’s sketch show ‘No Worries If Not!’
Kai Samra – Regular at Soho Theatre where he’s had 3 sell-out runs of his show ‘Underclass’, available as an Amazon Prime special
Sikisa – BBC New Comedy Award finalist and cabaret superstar 
Helen Bauer –AKA Madam Good Tit, host of Trusty Hogs and Daddy Look At Me podcasts

Omid tells his story to Abi. Abi tells Omid’s story to Seán, then Seán to Kai, Kai to Sikisa and Sikisa to Helen. However, with 6 comedians involved, things rarely go to plan, with each episode featuring hilarious misrememberings, improvisations, stumbles, fumbles and, of course, laughs. 

This isn’t like the game you play at school where you only whisper a word or phrase. Each episode features a complete story, with each retelling getting funnier (and weirder!) as it passes on.

Join Omid and friends for a story-time like no other.

The post Brand-New Comedy Podcast ‘Please Tell Me a Story’ Launches on 10th January 2023 With Omid Djalili and Friends appeared first on Sony Music.

Throughout 2022, Sony Music’s Artists Forward initiative delivered more benefits and services to on roster and legacy talent around the world—from new and expanded services to increased engagement on key issues that make a difference to creators. 

As part of these efforts, we’ve enhanced the range of wellness offerings available to SME talent under our Artist Assistance Program and helped greater numbers of our artists worldwide make use of our free counseling services. We’ve expanded the criteria of our Legacy Unrecouped Balance Program, allowing more long-term creators around the world to qualify for pay through on future earnings. We’ve delivered more critical data analysis to help our talent identify audiences anywhere and everywhere and lean into a range of creative and commercial opportunities. We’ve also grown global adoption for our Cash Out and Real Time Advances features, which SME participants have used to quickly and conveniently access millions of dollars in earnings.

To learn more about the growing array of services and solutions available to Sony Music artists with Artists Forward, as well as the progress we’ve made in enhancing our offerings over the last year, click here for our 2022 recap.

The post Artists Forward 2022: A Year of Expanding Support for Sony Music Creators appeared first on Sony Music.

New York, NY – December 14, 2022 – Sony Music Entertainment (SME) today announced Rachel Chernoff has been appointed to the newly created role of Senior Vice President of Data Science & Analytics. Based in New York, she reports to Dennis Kooker, President of Global Digital Business (GDB) at SME.

Chernoff leads a newly combined team that brings together the GDB group’s Strategic Analytics and Data Science functions and is responsible for driving the continuing growth and prioritization of the Company’s data capabilities worldwide. Working in partnership across the SME Partner Development, Global Product, and Sales and Analytics teams, Chernoff is focused on continuing to enhance and develop analytic- and data science-based tools, techniques and expertise that support the needs of Sony Music’s labels and businesses around the world. She also leads the ongoing evolution of SME’s data capabilities with external partners worldwide. 

Commenting on Chernoff’s appointment Kooker stated, “Rachel is a talented and experienced executive with a proven track record of accomplishments, and we are thrilled to have her taking on this new leadership position in the critical area of data intelligence. As the market continues to evolve, data science and analytics are increasingly important capabilities for supporting and maximizing the creative and commercial goals of our artists, labels and businesses, and we look forward to her driving the strategy that leads to actionable insights for all SME stakeholders.”  

Chernoff said, “I am so pleased to have the opportunity to continue growing in my career at Sony Music with a role that builds on the decade I’ve spent here focused on the many ways data can support our artists, labels and companies. It’s exciting to be leading our combined Strategic Analytics and Data Science teams as we work to keep advancing the utility of data insights, data science and predictive outcomes within our business solutions and data product development around the world.”

For the last three years, Chernoff has served as Senior Vice President of Partner Development for SME, responsible for driving revenue and growth opportunities with the company’s largest commercial partners around the world, and overseeing the GDB group’s Partner Development team, including its partner analytics efforts. Previously she was VP, Analytics & Research for SME, working in GDB’s Sales team to generate data and insights that enhance the commercial results of artist releases. Prior to that, she spent five years in a number of different analytics roles within Sony Music, adding critical context to a rising tide of information coming from streaming partners and social networks. Before joining Sony Music in 2012, she worked in various roles in finance before going to business school to transition into the music industry. 

Chernoff holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and completed her undergraduate degree at Cornell University.

The post Rachel Chernoff Appointed to New Role of Senior Vice President of Data Science & Analytics at Sony Music Entertainment appeared first on Sony Music.

Sony Music commits to creating a dynamic, safe and inclusive environment for all its employees. A driving force behind it? Talent Advisory Groups.

Talent Advisory Groups (TAGs)—or, commonly known as Affinity Groups, Employee Resource Groups or Business Network Groups—are employee-led communities that help foster a safe environment and provide growth opportunities to all employees within a company. At Sony Music, TAGs are created around common interests, identities and experiences. Whether employees identify as a community member or an ally, all are welcome to get involved.

In addition to the sense of togetherness that TAGs offer to employees, they also play an integral role as a partner to the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I), and the People eXperience (PX) team. This mutually beneficial, advisory partnership ensures that Sony Music is always reflective of its employees.

“Our TAGs are integral partners who help us drive cultural change at Sony Music Group,” says Madilyne Nguyen-Acosta (Specialist, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion). “They directly inform us about what their communities are experiencing, and we use those insights to implement policies and initiatives that feed back into their groups and further foster a culture of safety, belonging and inclusion.”

From hosting networking and community building events to spearheading diversity initiatives, Talent Advisory Groups ensure that every voice is heard and appreciated. Being part of a TAG means you get to enhance the employee experience through collaborative work that drives cultural awareness across the company.

To help meet their goals, every TAG has an executive board (think: president, vice president, communications director, treasurer and more) who work together with TAG committees and members to organize initiatives and events open to all employees. In addition to the boards, each TAG also has an executive sponsor—AKA a senior leader who plays an advisory role. Executive sponsors tap into their years of experience and knowledge of the business to help shape TAG strategies, and champion their efforts.

Eva Amesse (Associate Director, Learning & Development) finds value in being involved both as a TAG member and leader. “I’m part of the Emerging Professionals board, and really enjoy meeting employees from all areas of the business and creating opportunities for us to learn from each other,” says Amesse. “Also, I recently returned from parental leave and members of The Village have been so supportive during this period of transition. I’m so grateful to have found two wonderful communities within Sony Music Group.”

The most important characteristic of Talent Advisory Groups? They know no boundaries when it comes to creating new spaces for their members. They are globally available to every Sony Music office and offer endless opportunities to create new groups or chapters.

Talent Advisory Groups are a fundamental part of the company culture experience at Sony Music Entertainment. (Not part of the Sony Music team, but now you’re thinking it sounds pretty awesome? Visit our careers page to browse open positions.)

Click on each TAG logo below to learn more about each group and their unique missions.

ABLE

ABLE fosters and nurtures a disability-inclusive environment for both the employees and customers of our products. We are determined to remove any stigma around physical/mental disabilities, inspire accessible innovation and create an environment where everyone feels free to be their whole selves.

HUE (Helping Unite Everyone)

HUE’s (Helping Unite Everyone) mission is to empower, celebrate and build community among the diverse and intersectional community of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) at Sony Music Group and beyond. HUE focuses on harnessing the collective power of our communities to shape global culture throughout the entertainment industry.

OutLoud

OutLoud is a group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) folks, and LGBTQIA-friendly employees. Raising awareness of important LGBTIQA+ issues and culture, networking opportunities and finding opportunities to extend support to the larger community.

SOMOS

SOMOS (translated to “we are”) promotes awareness of and acts as an advocate for the Hispanic and Latinx communities both inside and outside of Sony. SOMOS aims to focus on social contribution and employee development, ultimately in support of Sony’s diversity strategy and community involvement goals.

Sony Emerging Professionals

Sony Emerging Professionals is a highly motivated, diverse group of employees committed to the personal and professional development of all Sony employees. Through educational events, peer-to-peer mentoring and community outreach activities—all designed to expand internal and external Company networks—we strive to find innovative ways to equip, engage and empower our cross-divisional member base.

The Village

The Village’s mission is to create a space for working parents and caregivers to come together to share diverse experiences, resources and solutions in a supportive and non-judgmental way to ensure our employees and their families thrive. We want to support employees through their parenting and caregiving journey from pregnancy, delivery, time away from the office, return to work and beyond.

Wellful

Wellful is committed to inspiring, encouraging and educating members to maintain and grow healthy lifestyles through educational events, stress-reducing activities, community outreach and team building. We strive to create an employee network that is goal driven, healthy and strong while creating an environment that helps strengthen both employees and the company, contributing to the overall success of both.

Women's Initiative Network (WIN)

Women’s Initiative Network’s (WIN) mission is to unite and support Sony women of all levels and backgrounds, to promote their professional development and opportunities within the company, and to foster community in the Sony universe as well as with other external women’s groups.

The post How Sony Music TAGs Create Space for Everyone to Belong appeared first on Sony Music.

First Two Episodes Are Available Now

New York, NY – December 12, 2022 – Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment today premiered their new anthology podcast, The Evaporated, which explores stories of mysterious disappearances. Season one of the series, Gone With the Gods is co-hosted by crime writer Jake Adelstein (Tokyo Vice, I Sold My Soul For Bitcoins), and the Japanese-American journalist Shoko Plambeck. Gone with the Gods is an investigative probe into the phenomenon of Japan’s johatsu, or evaporated people — random and unexplained disappearances. The first two episodes are available today and subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes, all at once.  

In this first season of The Evaporated, the Tokyo-based team of Adelstein and Plambeck begin with the sudden disappearance of Adelstein’s accountant, who vanished one tax season and opened the door to an unpredictable mystery. The resulting journey takes Adelstein into the mysterious realm of Japan’s “evaporated” people, the tens of thousands who go missing every year for reasons that are often unique to Japan. Some, they’ll find out, vanish on purpose. 

The nine-episode series explores the ripple effects of these vanishing people throughout Japanese society, from “night movers,” the underground industry devoted to helping people disappear, to the personal and societal incentives that encourage vanishing, to how and where the vanished survive in Japan. Gone With the Gods provides a fascinating look at the skills it takes to both disappear and find missing people with a sprawling, entertaining narrative led by Adelstein and Plambeck, a journalist with her own history of “vanishing.” 

“When I was a kid my dad got into some trouble so we ended up hiding out in rural Japan for a while. That’s one reason I feel drawn to johatsu, evaporating,” said Shoko Plambeck. “We had our own reasons for choosing to evaporate, but there’s such a fascinating array of circumstances that’s led others to do the same.” 

“I am excited to take listeners into a colorful, mysterious realm that’s yet to be explored in audio,” said Jake Adelstein. “I’ve been a reporter in Japan for 30 years, and I’m sadly used to seeing people here one day and gone the next. Including trusted sources. This series will take us into the underworld and beyond as we explore unique stories of Japanese society that have rarely been revealed before, including the worlds of police, private detectives, night movers and the vanished—as they pursue and hide from each other”  

The Evaporated: Gone with the Gods is executive produced by Campside Media co-founder Josh Dean, who also co-created and co-hosted the first season of Chameleon: Hollywood Con Queen. 

Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes, all at once today. The Evaporated: Gone with the Gods is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on The Evaporated: Gone with the Gods and all other Sony Podcast shows, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram. 

The post Campside Media & Sony Music Entertainment Debut New True Crime Podcast Series the Evaporated: Gone With the Gods (神隠し） appeared first on Sony Music.

New York – December 12, 2022 – Neon Hum Media, in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, is proud to announce today the selected participants for its third annual Editors’ Bootcamp, a multi-week training program for aspiring podcast editors from underrepresented groups.

Led by Neon Hum’s Executive Editor Catherine Saint Louis, the course will kick off on January 12, 2023, and is designed to develop the selected students into top candidates for employers to also consider hiring as editors after graduation. The Editors’ Bootcamp was designed in 2020 to provide an opportunity for Black and Indigenous storytellers, LGBTQ+, Latino, AAPI, people with disabilities and all communities of color, to help drive their rarely heard, yet critical stories in podcasting.  At the end of the Bootcamp, one graduate will be offered a freelance editing gig.

“Now more than ever it’s important to not just work towards one’s own goals, but to give back to people who are coming up,” Saint Louis said. “Bootcamp helps talented people pivot to story editing and learn by editing actual podcast episodes and mixes.”

The immersive program will be led by experienced professionals across the audio industry. Neon Hum’s Jonathan Hirsch and Stephanie Serrano (who was hired after the inaugural Bootcamp) will also offer critical guidance. 

Meet the 2023 Participants:

• Morgan Givens (he/they): is a storyteller, writer and performer based in Washington, DC. He works as a developer and consultant from public radio stations to Hollywood.
• Danielle Hewitt (she/her): is a podcast producer based in Brooklyn where she produces narrative documentaries for Prologue. She used to produce Slate’s What Next.
• Eunice Kim (she/her): is an audio producer, journalist, and 1.5-generation Korean Canadian. She’s produced, developed, and helped launch over a dozen award-winning shows.
• Thomas Lu (he/him): is a Vietnamese American producer based in Washington, DC who currently produces for NPR’s science podcast, Short Wave.
• Stephanie Werner (she/her): is a journalist and podcast producer hailing from the Pacific Northwest who until recently produced Every Little Thing at Gimlet.
• Sarah Whites-Koditschek (she/her): is an investigative reporter at AL.com covering inequality issues. She previously worked in public radio as a reporter and producer and produced Points South podcast.

Read more about the 2023 cohort of Bootcamp participants here. 

Meet the 2023 Instructors:

• Phyllis Fletcher (she/her): is a senior story editor for Wondery. She is a decorated editor, mentor, teacher, and coach with two decades of distinguished service in journalism.
• Audrey Quinn (she/her): has edited podcasts for LAist Studios, Futuro Media and Frontline and won a Pulitzer as part of the team that made Suave.
• Sophia Paliza-Carre (she/her): is a senior producer and editor at LAist Studios and worked on LOUD, Anything for Selena and Norco ‘80.
• Antonia Cereijido (she/her): Executive Producer of LAist Studios and Host of Norco ’80.
• Emanuele Berry (she/her): Executive Editor of This American Life.
• Marlon Bishop (he/him): VP for podcasts at Futuro Studios and helped create LOUD: The History of Reggaeton, Anything for Selena and La Brega. He was the executive editor on Suave.
• Ruxandra Guidi (she/her): Ruxandra is new to Bootcamp. She is a long-time contributor to the Fonografia Collective and producer for the first season of Foreign Policy’s The Catchand edited Bone Valley.

Neon Hum has welcomed an overwhelming response to the return of the Bootcamp, with applications received from longtime producers, print reporters and editors, documentary filmmakers and people in public radio interested in switching to narrative podcasts. Graduates of the first two years of the program have gone on to work at Neon Hum and other top podcast companies across the industry including Crooked Media, Snap Judgment, Audio Collective at TED, Virginia Public Media, and KNKX.

The post Neon Hum Unveils Selected Participants from Across the Audio Industry for Third Annual Podcast Editors’ Bootcamp appeared first on Sony Music.

HOLIDAY TV PERFORMANCES INCLUDE THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY: MAGICAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION & DISNEY PARKS MAGICAL CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE

NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Following CHLOE FLOWER‘s performance on ABC’s The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration, the acclaimed pianist, composer and producer releases her new holiday EP, Christmas With Chloe Flower available now from Sony Music Masterworks – listen here. Accompanying today’s release is a new music video ‘Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence‘ directed by Deb Tam, and inspired by the pioneering, influential, experimental, multi-award-winning, visionary composer Ryuichi Sakamoto – watch here.

On her new EP, Christmas with Chloe Flower, fans can enjoy new arrangements of holiday favorites “The First Noel” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” as well as Chloe’s recording of the 1983 film- and chart-topping hit “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto. Plus, “A Liberace Christmas” features melodies from beloved Christmas classics “Jingle Bells,” “White Christmas,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and “Silent Night” seamlessly woven together to create a festive musical masterpiece. This particular Christmas medley was Liberace’s final TV performance before he passed away in 1987.

On ABC’s The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration, which aired Sunday, November 27^th, Chloe performed her showstopping version of “Carol of the Bells” complete with dancers, fireworks, and lights set against the backdrop of Disney’s Magic Kingdom castle. The supremely talented pianist was later joined on stage by pop superstars Ne-Yo and Becky G for an epic rendition of the Stevie Wonder holiday hit “What Christmas Means To Me.”

Chloe continues to reign in the holiday season with a performance of “A Liberace Christmas,” a musical medley of beloved holiday classics, on ABC’s Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade, airing December 25^th, Christmas Day morning and streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

Of her televised performances at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Chloe comments: “The holidays are my favorite time of year, and there is nowhere on earth better to celebrate the magic and joy of the season than Disney! I felt like a modern-day Disney princess performing in front of the iconic castle. I hope my performances will inspire little prince and princesses to learn an instrument and see where music education can take them!” 

Chloe Flower is an official Steinway Artist, composer, producer, activist, and fashion icon who began playing piano at the age of two. Not only in-demand as a solo artist, Chloe is the pianist-of-choice to music royalty having recently accompanied Meek Mill on a custom-wrapped grand piano to a packed audience of 20,000 fans at Madison Square Garden; and collaborated with Cardi B on their show-stopping, internet-breaking, viral Grammy Awards performance.

Chloe Flower proudly celebrates her Asian heritage and culture and is a fierce advocate for women’s representation — particularly women of color — in the music industry. Chloe sits on the board of directors for the Liberace Foundation and is a strong voice against human trafficking. She was honored by the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Activism (CAST) and has spoken at the United Nations as a music education ambassador.

CHRISTMAS WITH CHLOE FLOWER
FIRST SINGLE, “A LIBERACE CHRISTMAS” OUT NOW
EP RELEASE DATE: DECEMBER 2, 2022

1. Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
3. The First Noel
4. A Liberace Christmas

CONNECT WITH CHLOE FLOWER: WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | TIKTOK

Sony Music Masterworks comprises Masterworks, Sony Classical, Milan Records, XXIM Records, and Masterworks Broadway imprints. For email updates and information please visit www.sonymusicmasterworks.com/. 

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Larissa Slezak | Jamie Bertel – Sony Music Masterworks

SOURCE Sony Music Masterworks

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Filmed with 22 IMAX certified cameras through the “Filmed for IMAX” program, Central Tour in Cinema harnesses the same immersive technology used with films such as Dune, Doctor Strange & The Multiverse of Madness and Top Gun: Maverick

PARIS, Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Music France and joint venture partner KMS announced the launch of co-production ‘Central Tour in Cinema’: a film showcasing iconic French rock band Indochine’s 40th anniversary concert, held in the spring of 2022 to a sold-out and record-setting audience of more than 400,000 fans in five of France’s biggest stadiums.

Sony Music France has supported Indochine since the band was first formed. Founded in 1981 Indochine quickly became a national and global success with songs like “L’aventurier” and “Canary Bay”. Four decades on, and several generations of fans later, Indochine has sold 13 million of albums  worldwide, with plans for more collaborations to come.

Captured with 22 IMAX certified cameras, the launch of Central Tour in Cinema means Indochine are the first band ever to offer a concert filmed and broadcasted with IMAX technology and screened in cinemas in nine countries around the world. Thanks to the technology of IMAX certified digital cameras and state-of-the-art post-production work, the brightness, colorimetry and contrast are enhanced for unparalleled results of realism and precision on the big screen. The sound, powerful and vibrant, is customized for an optimal spread. The scale of the IMAX screens guarantees a total immersive experience that rivals the spectacular live show.

Through the “Filmed for IMAX” program, IMAX cameras must be associated with the unique IMAX postproduction process. Among the first films in the new “Filmed for IMAX” program are Dune, Doctor Strange & The Multiverse of Madness, and Top Gun: Maverick – and now Indochine’s Central Tour In Cinema.

“We are very proud that the IMAX system has chosen us to be the firsts,” said Nicola Sirkis, Founder of Indochine and KMS. “This system offers a full immersive experience, a way to be as close as possible to us in our show. The image quality is insane. We have literally never seen a concert filmed like that.”

“Indochine are simply iconic in my eyes,” said Marie-Anne Robert, Managing Director, Sony Music France. “They’re the gold standard of innovation. They’re constantly changing things up, stepping out of their comfort zone, and giving us things we’ve never seen before. And not only that: they’re icons in the unconditional respect they have for their fans. All the teams here at Sony Music France are so proud to have Indochine on our roster, and we can’t wait to help the band build new projects like this one.”

“IMAX continues to be a global destination for fandom of all kinds, and Indochine is a perfect example of how we’re creating unique and immersive entertainment events on the international stage,” added Megan Colligan, President of IMAX Entertainment.

SOURCE Sony Music France

The post Sony Music France Partner With KMS to Launch 'First-Ever' Fully Immersive IMAX-Certified Film of Iconic Rock Band Indochine's 'Central Tour in Cinema' Concert appeared first on Sony Music.

November 15, 2022 – Launching on Tuesday 29th November, Where There’s A Will There’s A Wake is a new podcast hosted by Kathy Burke that asks guests about their perfect death. Think fantasy football, but for funerals…

How do they want to die? Who is meeting them at the pearly gates? What does their tombstone say? Who are they coming back to haunt? And who gets their prized possessions?

As a nation, death is something we shy away from. In this irreverent dark comedy podcast, national treasure Kathy Burke opens up the conversation and asks us to see the funny side.

Kathy helps bring her famous friends’ deaths to life as they plan their final day – from dawn to dusk and into the afterlife. Guests so far include James Acaster, Dawn French, Jamali Maddix, Diane Morgan and Stewart Lee.

Expect hilarious answers, surprising anecdotes, and a few touching moments along the way.

Where There’s A Will There’s A Wake is released weekly on all major podcast platforms from Tuesday 29th November.

Watch the trailer here

Listen to the trailer here

The post Kathy Burke Hosts a Brand-New Podcast ‘Where There’s a Will, There’s a Wake’ appeared first on Sony Music.

NEW YORK, NY – November 28, 2022 – Sony Music Group has partnered with its artists and songwriters to support every local community in which it operates during the holiday season. This year, the Company launched its ‘Season of Giving’ program to support global organizations dedicated to providing aid for those facing food insecurity, homelessness and refugee support, as well as music industry relief and educational programs for communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Beginning in the month of November, SMG committed sizeable amounts in each territory where the Company conducts business: Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Continental Europe, Latin America, United Kingdom, and the United States. 

The nearly 30 global beneficiaries of this year’s campaign include:

• Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome (SMG Latin/Iberia)
• Banco de Alimentos de Bogotá (SMG Latin/Iberia)
• Banco de Alimentos de Perú (SMG Latin/Iberia)
• Bonnie Support Services Ltd (SMP Australia)
• Covenant House (SMG)
• Dream Streets (SMG Nashville)
• Foodbank Australia (SME Australia)
• FoodForward SA NPC (SMG South Africa)
• Fundación Sí (SMG Latin/Iberia)
• help2read (SMG South Africa)
• Lagos Food Bank Initiative (SMG Nigeria)
• MUSICALLY FED (SMG Nashville)
• OzHarvest Limited (SMP Australia)
• Pinball Clemons Foundation (SME Canada)
• Plansverige (SMG Sweden)
• Polska Akcja Humanitarna (SMG Poland)
• Rainbow Youth (SME New Zealand)
• Reach Out and Feed Philippines Inc. (SMG Philippines)
• Rise Against Hunger Philippines (SMG Philippines)
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee (SMG Nashville)
• Settlement Services International (SME Australia)
• Soles4Souls (SMG Nashville)
• The Dream Nurture Foundation (SMG Nigeria)
• The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund (SMP Canada)
• The Simple Plan Foundation (The Orchard Canada)
• The Trussell Trust (SMG United Kingdom)
• Weave Youth and Community Services Incorporated (SMP Australia)
• Worthy of Love (SMG)

Over the course of the last three weeks, Sony Music Group – alongside their notable artists and songwriters including India Shawn (Epic Records), Tyler Shaw (SME Canada), Clara Benin (SME Philippines), NOBITA (SME Philippines), Kobie Dee (SMP Australia), Tom Wilson (SMP Canada) – volunteered with partner organizations in their own communities during a series of in-person events. 

In speaking of the seasonal initiative, Towalame Austin, Executive Vice President, Philanthropy and Social Impact, Sony Music Group, said, “Globally, SMG is committed to supporting local communities throughout the year. For the holiday season, we wanted to bring extra support and relief aid to those in need and dedicate our efforts to more than three million people worldwide. We’re grateful to our artists and international partner organizations who work on-the-ground to provide direct assistance to their neighbors.”   

This campaign represents the Company’s ongoing philanthropic commitment to forge partnerships and support communities that need it most, inside and outside the music industry. For ‘Season of Giving’, every global organization selected to receive funding was determined by a group of global stakeholders including our internal task forces, legal and public policy teams. Learn more about SMG’s giving approach here.

The post Sony Music Group Gives Back This Holiday Season With ‘Season of Giving’ Campaign appeared first on Sony Music.

Filmed with 22 IMAX certified cameras through the “Filmed for IMAX” program, Central Tour in Cinema harnesses the same immersive technology used with films such as Dune, Doctor Strange & The Multiverse of Madness and Top Gun: Maverick

Paris, November 21, 2022 – Sony Music France and joint venture partner KMS announced today the launch of co-production ‘Central Tour in Cinema’: a film showcasing iconic French rock band Indochine’s 40^th anniversary concert, held in the spring of 2022 to a sold-out and record-setting audience of more than 400,000 fans in five of France’s biggest stadiums. 

Sony Music France has supported Indochine since the band was first formed. Founded in 1981 Indochine quickly became a national and global success with songs like “L’aventurier” and “Canary Bay”. Four decades on, and several generations of fans later, Indochine has sold 13 million of albums  worldwide, with plans for more collaborations to come.

Captured with 22 IMAX certified cameras, the launch of Central Tour in Cinema means Indochine are the first band ever  to offer a concert filmed and broadcasted with IMAX technology and screened in cinemas in nine countries around the world. Thanks to the technology of IMAX certified digital cameras and state-of-the-art post-production work, the brightness, colorimetry and contrast are enhanced for unparalleled results of realism and precision on the big screen. The sound, powerful and vibrant, is customized for an optimal spread. The scale of the IMAX screens guarantees a total immersive experience that rivals the spectacular live show.

Through the “Filmed for IMAX” program, IMAX cameras must be associated with the unique IMAX postproduction process. Among the first films in the new “Filmed for IMAX” program are Dune, Doctor Strange & The Multiverse of Madness, and Top Gun: Maverick – and now Indochine’s Central Tour In Cinema.

“We are very proud that the IMAX system has chosen us to be the firsts,” said Nicola Sirkis, Founder of Indochine and KMS. “This system offers a full immersive experience, a way to be as close as possible to us in our show. The image quality is insane. We have literally never seen a concert filmed like that.”

“Indochine are simply iconic in my eyes,” said Marie-Anne Robert, Managing Director, Sony Music France. “They’re the gold standard of innovation. They’re constantly changing things up, stepping out of their comfort zone, and giving us things we’ve never seen before. And not only that: they’re icons in the unconditional respect they have for their fans. All the teams here at Sony Music France are so proud to have Indochine on our roster, and we can’t wait to help the band build new projects like this one.”

“IMAX continues to be a global destination for fandom of all kinds, and Indochine is a perfect example of how we’re creating unique and immersive entertainment events on the international stage,” added Megan Colligan, President of IMAX Entertainment.

The film will be distributed in theaters by Pathé Live on the following dates:

1. Paris, France – November 23
2. Berlin, Germany – November 23
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands – November 23
4. Brussels & Charleroi, Belgium – November 24
5. Melbourne, Australia – November 24
6. Lima, Peru – November 24
7. London, United-Kingdom – November 25
8. Geneva, Switzerland – November 26
9. Montreal, Canada – December 11

The post Sony Music France Partner With KMS to Launch ‘First-Ever’ Fully Immersive IMAX-Certified Film of Iconic Rock Band Indochine’s ‘Central Tour in Cinema’ Concert appeared first on Sony Music.

This article is written by Akhilaa Lakshminathan and is part of the 2022 SMG Impact Fellows Mix Tape Series, a collection of first-person essays written by the 2022 Sony Music Group Impact Fellow cohort. Read more about the SMG Impact Fellows Program here. 

After finishing my first year of college last summer, I clearly remember telling my family that I hoped I would get to intern at Sony Music Entertainment in the near future. Coincidentally, one year later, I am an International Marketing Intern and part of the second class of Sony Music Group Impact Fellows! 

I came to Sony Music Group from a program called Multicultural Advertising Internship Program (MAIP) hosted by the 4A’s Foundation. Because I wanted to intern in the music industry, I reached out to past Sony Music interns via LinkedIn, some of whom were coincidentally SMG Impact Fellows and introduced me to the program. After crafting my application, interviewing, and making it through three rounds of selection—I was matched with Sony Music Entertainment! I almost couldn’t believe it. In addition to all the support I now have at Sony Music, I also have the resources and a network of thousands of professionals of color through MAIP. 

Working in the International Marketing department is so incredible and resonates with me given my Indian-American identity. I love that my job involves thinking about audiences all around the world that are enjoying American and/or Western artists, because that is really the epitome of globalization and the exchanging of cultures and stories. 

Music has always felt like home to me: watching the GRAMMY Awards, staying up until midnight like it’s New Year’s Eve for an album drop, or composing and songwriting, music always makes me feel more like myself. Throughout the years music would bring so much joy into fruition, including my journey with Sony Music. 

Throughout middle school I performed in choir and bands, and became a big fan of many artists. In high school, I started writing, producing, recording, and releasing my own music. Now in college, I am continuing my musical journey, working on the label side, minoring in music, and developing my own artistry. Adele, signed under Columbia, was the first artist I connected with deeply. Her authenticity, lyrics, and delivery will always have an impact on me and my personal creativity. It really is a full circle moment that I get to work at Sony Music, the home of so many artists I have looked up to for many years. 

I’m an avid reader of music news, love listening to industry podcasts and interviews, and am always down to analyze the latest releases and trends. This is why sitting in on the RCA and Arista marketing meetings have been so fun for me! During my first meeting with RCA I was taken aback by how fast the conversation went. Almost like a tennis match, my colleagues were bouncing ideas and opinions off each other, effortlessly throwing in numbers and statistics and highlighting different international markets, then seamlessly transitioning to the next artist or topic to be discussed. I began to understand the different terms, goals, and overall details of the discussion. Sometimes it feet surreal to be in those rooms, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been at a job where I got to do something I genuinely enjoy and looked forward to everyday. 

I am also extremely grateful to work with such amazing people on the International Marketing team. I’ve learned so much through observing the workflow and learning about each of my colleagues’ experiences.   

When we listen to a song or album, it is hard to comprehend how many people went into making that release a success. It’s an amazing feeling that even through my small contributions as an intern to my respective team, I am helping music and stories reach people who will cherish them across the globe. 

5 songs I’m enjoying this summer 

1. “Comic Sans” – AUDREY NUNA (ft. Jack Harlow)
2. “Oh My God” – Adele
3. “Do It” – Chloe x Halle 
4. “Matilda” – Harry Styles
5. “Girl Like Me” – Jasmine Sullivan (ft. H.E.R)

For more stories on the SMG Impact Fellows second cohort:

• Sony Music Group Welcomes Second Cohort of SMG Impact Fellows
• How This Sony Music Group Impact Fellow is Helping Implement Social Change Through Philanthropy & Social Impact: Makiyah Owens
• A Day in the Life of a SMG Impact Fellow from the 2022 HBCU in LA Cohort: Bria Whitaker
• How This SMG Impact Fellow Learned to Support the Future of Music: Keona Leono
• Spend A Week in International Marketing With SMG Impact Fellow Francis Amponsah: Francis Amponsah
• Paving a Path for Indigenous Professionals in Music: Sierra Real Bird
• All You Need to Know About the SMG Impact Fellow Internship: Jocelyn Peña
• Catching the Contagious Passion of the DE&I Team: Sasha Campbell

The post A Full Circle Moment for SMG Impact Fellow Akhilaa Lakshminathan appeared first on Sony Music.

34-TRACK DIGITAL EXPANDED EDITION OF THRILLER 40 STREAMING ON ALL DSPs

ALL CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE HERE

NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Sony Music and the Estate of Michael Jackson have announced the release of Thriller 40, a double CD set comprised of Michael’s original masterpiece Thriller and an exciting second disc full of surprises for fans including never-released tracks which were worked on by Michael for the Thriller album. To date, the album has amassed in excess of 100 million in sales worldwide.

Immersive audio mixes of Thriller are now available at various DSPs, including 360 Reality Audio on Amazon, Spatial Audio on Apple Music, mixed by Serban Ghenea from the original masters for immersive audio, with the immersive mixes by John Hanes.

The original Thriller album, on vinyl is also available today at Walmart and Target. The Walmart exclusive has an alternate cover; the Target exclusive includes a Thriller 40 Slipmat. Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MoFi) has the original Thriller album available as an UltraDisc One-Step 180g 33RPM LP and a hybrid SACD. The MoFi One-Step is sourced from the original 1/2″ / 30 IPS / analog master tapes to DSD 256 to analog console to lathe, pressed at RTI, and strictly limited to 40,000 numbered copies.

Transferred from the original film master of each short film, for the first time ever, 4k versions of the “Beat It” and “Thriller” short films are now available – watch HERE.

A new animated lyric video for “Wanna Be Startin‘ Somethin'” will be out on November 21. Watch teaser HERE.

The release of Thriller 40 celebrates the 40^th anniversary of the biggest selling album of all time worldwide. The pop up events and worldwide activations planned to honor the King of Pop’s masterpiece kicked off with the immersive experience in Dusseldorf, Germany last week. Next up is the immersive event in New York, New York which starts today and runs through the weekend. More information on all of the activations HERE.

In addition, SiriusXM is launching The Michael Jackson Channel, a special limited-engagement channel to commemorate The King of Pop’s legendary career from his early days in The Jackson 5 to his solo career. The Michael Jackson Channel, which includes a Thriller special hosted by Jackson family friend and music historian Steven Ivory, will air on Limited Edition 2 (ch. 502) November 23 through December 22 and on The Groove (ch. 50) from November 23 until Wednesday, November 29. 

Michael’s epic creation won a record setting 8 Grammys, smashed musical barriers and changed the frontiers of pop music and music videos forever. Michael Jackson’s Thriller has spent more than 500 weeks on the Billboard album chart and has sold over 100 million albums since its release on November 30, 1982.

About Michael Jackson:

Michael Jackson is one of the most beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time. He was also a dedicated philanthropist and an astute business professional. To date Jackson has sold more than 1 billion records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and Thriller as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 17 Grammy Awards including 8 in one year, a record, and received 26 American Music Awards, including the Artist of the Century Award. Jackson defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking short films as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and the classic “Thriller,” which in 2009 became the first and only music video inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. In his short films “Black or White,” “They Don’t Care About Us,” “Bad and “Smooth Criminal” and others, Jackson set an aesthetic standard for video production that remains unsurpassed even today. The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil have produced two top shows: Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour was one of the top grossing tour of all time; and MICHAEL JACKSON ONE, a permanent show at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, which continues to thrill audiences and to receive critical raves. And on February 1, 2022, MJ the Musical premiered on Broadway. The acclaimed show won the most Tony Awards for a new musical in the 2021-2022 season and continues to break weekly box office records at the Neil Simon Theater. Jackson’s sound, style and dance moves continue to inspire today’s performers and new generations of fans worldwide continue to discover his artistry.

SOURCE Sony Music Entertainment

For further information: CONTACTS: The Estate of Michael Jackson, Chris Chambers, Chris@thechambergroup.com, Lydia Kanuga, Lydia@thechambergroup.com; OR Legacy Recordings / Sony Music Entertainment, Maria C. Malta, Maria.Malta@sonymusic.com

The post THRILLER 40 – A DOUBLE CD SET OF MICHAEL JACKSON'S ORIGINAL MASTERPIECE THRILLER & BONUS DISC OUT NOW appeared first on Sony Music.

Sony Music Africa is proud to announce its new partnership with Culture Management Group, the parent company of Afrochella, and media streaming service Audiomack, to expand the flagship ‘Rising Star Challenge’ competition for unsigned and emerging artists in Africa.

Up to 10 prize winners chosen from a shortlist of 25 unsigned and emerging artists who enter the competition will benefit from global distribution deals from Sony Music Africa, bringing their music to the world. Five of these prize winners will also be chosen to perform on Afrochella’s Rising Star Stage alongside the festival’s powerhouse headliners and electric musical line-up on December 29th, 2022. 

One artist from the Rising Star Challenge will be selected for the Grand Prize: an exclusive recording agreement with Sony Music Africa for a single release. In addition, the Grand Prize winner will receive:

• Global distribution for their new single 
• Marketing support such as a music video and more 
• Free access to Afrochella’s recording studio 
• Mentoring and training from industry executives and leading musicians and producers  
• The opportunity to perform live at Afrochella.

To enter, artists upload an original song to Audiomack and create an Instagram Reel that includes an introduction about the artist, their approach to music and music-making process, and what they want their potential audience to know about their style of music. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with Sony Music Africa to help expand our “Rising Star” challenge and to further catapult the growth of Africa’s up and coming talent.” says Abdul Karim Abdullah, CEO & Co-Founder of Afrochella. “With the strong backing of Sony Music, we now have the exciting opportunity to make an artist’s dreams come to life by providing them with a distribution deal and sustainable resources to help jumpstart their musical career.”

“It’s exciting when we get an opportunity to work with partners who are at the forefront of music culture in Africa, and working with Afrochella to surface exciting new talent fits right into our arc,” added Sean Watson, Managing Director, Sony Music Africa. “Abdul and his team are passionate about being closely connected to the creativity in their environment and so are we at Sony Music Africa. We are excited to partner on the Rising Star Challenge to provide a platform for the best new artists we can find together.”

The “Rising Star Challenge” is now underway, and winners will be chosen during the Afrochella Festival. For more information on the Afrochella Rising Star challenge, please visit https://afrochella.com/risingtalent and for the latest events and news on Afrochella, please visit https://afrochella.com/ and follow @afrochella on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more details.

The post Sony Music Africa Partners With Afrochella and Audiomack to Launch Expanded ‘Rising Star Challenge’ Competition appeared first on Sony Music.

Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald tackles all things Hollywood, celebrity romances, Bravo TV and Heather’s real-life drama. Each week, Heather digs into the juiciest and most controversial topics, not holding back her opinion on anything or anyone. From actors to comics to reality stars, each episode features a range of guests who join Heather to dive into the latest gossip, answer the tough questions and offer candid commentary on the latest happenings. 

“Juicy Scoop has transformed into an incredible community over the last four years and I’m so grateful for all of the support and engagement from our loyal fans,” said McDonald. “I’m excited for this new chapter as we aim to bring our show to even more Juicy Scoopers who want a place to hear about the juiciest stories in Hollywood.”

Sony Music Entertainment will exclusively distribute Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald. With the new partnership, Juicy Scoop will also expand its subscriber offering to Apple Podcasts. Listeners can subscribe directly to Juicy Scoop to access ad-free listening along with subscriber-only episodes every Friday. 

Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald joins a growing network of female-focused podcasts from Sony Music, including the recent launches of High Low with Em Rata and Best Friend Energy. 

Listeners can subscribe to Juicy Scoop on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on other Sony podcasts, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

About Heather McDonald
Heather McDonald’s wildly successful comedy and pop culture podcast, JUICY SCOOP WITH HEATHER MCDONALD, is in its seventh year and has over 600 episodes and 100+ MILLION downloads. The show has over 20,000 five-star reviews on iTunes and is ranked #2 in Comedy Interview charts and the #1 Female Comedy Interview Podcast. Her loyal Juicy Scoopers continue to laugh out loud as they get the juiciest inside scoop from Heather and her celebrity guests.

Heather has released stand-up comedy specials on Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Showtime. Her latest stand-up Special, JUICY SCOOP, racked up an unheard of 1,800 five-star reviews in its first two weeks of being available. It continues to grow and make people laugh daily. Her debut stand-up special, I DON’T MEAN TO BRAG, was released on SHOWTIME and NETFLIX. She is a headlining comedian who has sold-out shows at theaters and clubs throughout the country.

Her stand-up comedy, podcast, and other creative content are celebrated for their relatability. She is always sharing authentically about her over 20-year marriage, two teenage sons, and being a stepmother, all while making girl’s nights out her main priority in life.

Heather’s celebrity impressions and comedic pop culture sketches have gone viral on multiple social media platforms and continue to bring joy to the world.

She is most recognized from E!’s top-rated show CHELSEA LATELY where she wrote, produced, and appeared for its entire 7-year run. She also starred in the mockumentary series AFTER LATELY. Heather was also a contributing writer who had featured roles in the major motion films “White Chicks” and “Dance Flicks” by The Wayans Brothers.

She has hosted TLC’s All About Sex and Hollywood Today Live. She has been seen on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live, The Bachelorette, Wendy Williams, HLN, Nightline, CNN, 25 Words or Less, Punchline, RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Tonight Show, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, and more.

She has two New York Times Bestselling memoirs, titled YOU’LL NEVER BLUE BALL IN THIS TOWN AGAIN and MY INAPPROPRIATE LIFE.

About Sony Music Global Podcasts 
Sony Music Podcasts is a division of Sony Music Entertainment, a global leader in audio at the intersection of music, podcasting, entertainment and technology. Through our diverse global partnerships with leading creators and our team of sales, marketing and business development professionals, Sony Music Podcasts uses our core strengths to help the podcast community achieve greater levels of success. In alignment with our creator-first philosophy, we drive impactful storytelling through compelling content everywhere.

The post Juicy Scoop With Heather McDonald Joins Sony Music Entertainment’s Podcast Network appeared first on Sony Music.

This article is written by Sasha Campbell and is part of the SMG Impact Fellows Mix Tape Series, a collection of first-person essays written by the 2022 Sony Music Group Impact Fellow cohort. Read more about the SMG Impact Fellows Program here. 

Sasha was a 2022 Impact Fellow working with Sony Music Group’s DE&I team. 

What’s been your favorite part of the internship so far?  
My favorite part of working with the DE&I team so far has been my community of coworkers. The DE&I team is a tight-knit group of amazing women and their enthusiasm for our partnerships and initiatives is super contagious.  

What projects have you been working on?  
I recently started a collaboration with Sony Music Publishing (SMP) to discuss the state of diversity and inclusion within the songwriting community at SMP. I will be conducting interviews with Sony Music songwriters, Artists & Repertoires team members, and publishing executives to gather information about how we can use DE&I practices and resources to increase the number of women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ people in songwriting. I have also been working on developing DE&I partnerships with major organizations that we are super excited about. 

What does music mean to you and how does your outlook on music fit in with your internship at Sony Music Group? 
As a queer songwriter and podcast host, my approach to the music industry has always been through the lens of diversity and inclusion. On my podcast “Songwriting Saves the World,” we feature interviews with amazing women and queer people in music like Jenna Andrews, Brandra Ringo, Ali Tamposi, and Miki Ratsula. As a songwriter, I write pop songs for mostly women and queer artists! Working with the DE&I team at SMG is incredibly informative for me as I navigate the music industry prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of what I do.  

What does an average week look like in DE&I? 
An average week with the DE&I team is incredibly dynamic and no two days look the same. Our team works with several amazing partners like GLAAD, Lean In, Disability:IN and more, so a lot of the week consists of organizing and implementing the collaborative initiatives that we create with them. We also have Talent Advisory Groups at Sony Music that we meet with regularly, heritage months that we organize programming for, and a major project with our external partner GLAAD created to advance LGBTQ+ representation within SMG. My schedule as an Impact Fellow is hybrid in-person and virtual so my weeks look different depending on whether I am in office or working from home!  

Could you tell us about one of your highlights of the role? 
As an Impact Fellow, I have loved the creativity and independence that has been encouraged during my internship experience at SMG. Working to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in songwriting has always been a passion of mine and it is such a highlight to be able to learn about and pursue that larger mission while working with the DE&I team at SMG.  

How would you describe your SMG internship experience using a song from a Sony Music artist? 
Mmmm that’s a good question. I think the song that best represents my experience at Sony Music Group so far is “Take Me Where Your Heart Is” by Q. It’s a song I’ve been listening to on my walk to work a whole lot and I also hear it playing in the elevator at Sony New York occasionally!  

What songs are currently in your rotation and on repeat?  

1. “Take Me Where Your Heart Is” – Q 
2. “Softly” – Arlo Parks  
3. “Vegas” – Doja Cat  
4. “Cinema” – Harry Styles 

For more stories on the SMG Impact Fellows second cohort:

• Sony Music Group Welcomes Second Cohort of SMG Impact Fellows
• How This Sony Music Group Impact Fellow is Helping Implement Social Change Through Philanthropy & Social Impact: Makiyah Owens
• A Day in the Life of a SMG Impact Fellow from the 2022 HBCU in LA Cohort: Bria Whitaker
• How This SMG Impact Fellow Learned to Support the Future of Music: Keona Leono
• Spend A Week in International Marketing With SMG Impact Fellow Francis Amponsah: Francis Amponsah
• All You Need to Know About the SMG Impact Fellow Internship: Jocelyn Peña
• Paving a Path for Indigenous Professionals in Music: Sierra Real Bird
• A Full Circle Moment for SMG Impact Fellow Akhilaa Lakshminathan: Akhilaa Lakshminathan

The post Catching the Contagious Passion of the DE&I Team appeared first on Sony Music.

Subscribe to The Binge for All Episodes About The Girls Gone Wild Scandal Now

New York, NY – November 10, 2022 – Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment today announced the launch of Infamous, the all-new podcast from acclaimed journalists Vanessa Grigoriadis and Gabriel Sherman, special correspondent to Vanity Fair and author of The Loudest Voice in the Room, diving into the most explosive scandals of this century. From high-profile divorces to sex cults to the lies that started a war, Campside co-founder Grigoriadis (host of Fallen Angel and Run, Bambi, Run) and Sherman will guide listeners through the juiciest stories of the last two decades, providing a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to shine an unflattering light on the world’s most powerful people. 

The show’s premiere episodes explore and expose the incredible story behind Joe Francis’s rise and fall as the creator of Girls Gone Wild. Available today as a full series on The Binge, Boy Gone Wild tells the saga of a volatile founder watching his empire crumble while going toe to toe with an old school Florida mayor, a kinky blackmailer, and his own ruinous egomania.

Told through the unique lens of the journalists who covered these cases, Infamous includes exclusive, never before heard archival compiled during high-profile magazine pieces penned at the height of these stories – as well as a contemporary point of view. Infamous unpacks the downward spiral of American culture, one infamous story at a time. The series features exclusive interviews with people who have never previously spoken on the record, including actress and high-profile NXIVM member Allison Mack.

“After reporting on these scandals for years, I look forward to dissecting the real stories behind the headlines.” said host Vanessa Grigoriadis, “Infamous gives listeners a chance to hear directly from the people involved in these stories in their own words, and uncover new insights and twists for the very first time.”

“We’ve lived with some of these stories for decades, but there is so much more to be said about the way that journalism reveals the truth behind powerful people,” said host Gabriel Sherman. “We’re excited to bring listeners along on this journey as we dissect and reveal the incredible truth behind some unbelievable stories.” 

Infamous is executive produced by Vanessa Grigoriadis and Gabriel Sherman, and Adam Hoff, Josh Dean and Matt Shaer at Campside Media. 

Subscribers to The Binge can access all six episodes of Boy Gone Wild today. For weekly episodes, listeners can subscribe to Infamous on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on other Sony podcasts, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

The post Infamous, New Podcast From Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment, Examines the Most Explosive Scandals of Our Time appeared first on Sony Music.

Subscribe to The Binge for all Ten Episodes Today

New York, NY – November 7, 2022– Marc Smerling’s truth.media and Sony Music Entertainment, in partnership with Novel, today announced the premiere of The Emerald Triangle, the second season of hit podcast Crooked City. Hosted by journalist Sam R. Anderson, Crooked City: The Emerald Triangle examines the complex story behind a grisly murder in an area of Northern California known as The Emerald Triangle, home to the nation’s outlaw culture of marijuana growing. The first episode is available now and subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes today.  

After moving back to his family home in the sleepy suburb of Ringwood, New Jersey, Sam Anderson learns that one of his high school classmates has been arrested for murder in The Emerald Triangle. It’s a legendary place in the mountains of Northern California where most of the marijuana grown in the US comes from. People who have been there describe it as a hippie nirvana that promises freedom, money and an escape from the expectations of everyday life.

Following in his classmate’s footsteps, Sam travels West to the small town of Laytonville where the murder took place.  What begins as the journey of an earnest reporter trying to get to the truth quickly devolves into a drug-fueled gonzo adventure that nearly goes off the rails. Then, Sam discovers a treasure trove of police tapes that reveal what really happened to his high school classmate. Desperation, greed and a seemingly never-ending acid trip created a perfect storm of paranoia that the locals refer to as “hill crazy,” culminating in a moment of unspeakable violence. He learns that the promise of freedom comes at a very high price. 

Crooked City: The Emerald Triangle showcases an incredible cache of original law enforcement audio tapes surrounding the murder investigation, allowing listeners to step foot inside the interrogation room and ride along with detectives as they solve the mystery.

Sam Anderson said, “When I first started reporting this story, I thought it was going to be about proving the innocence of a high school classmate. But the truth about what happened on this pot farm is stranger than anything I could have imagined. While marijuana is increasingly accepted in our society, the stories of the people who grow it illegally and the laborers they rely on have been largely untold. As we approach a new era of legalization, I hope this investigation sheds light on the human cost of growing and harvesting marijuana under prohibition.”

Crooked City: The Emerald Triangle is produced by Jo Wheeler, Alexa Burke, Leigh Meyer, and Zach Saint Louis. Story editing is by Marc Smerling and Austin Mitchell.

Subscribers to “The Binge” can listen to all ten episodes of Crooked City: The Emerald Triangle all at once today. Subscribing to “The Binge” channel will also grant listeners access to Crooked City: Youngstown, OH and new podcasts All Relative: Defining Diego, Witnessed: Mystic Mother, Chameleon: Scam Likely and more. 

Listeners can subscribe to Crooked City: The Emerald Triangle on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on The Emerald Triangle and all other Sony Podcast shows, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

The post The Emerald Triangle, New Season of Hit Podcast Series Crooked City, Premieres Today appeared first on Sony Music.

This article is written by Jocelyn Peña and is part of the SMG Impact Fellows Mix Tape Series, a collection of first-person essays written by the 2022 Sony Music Group Impact Fellow cohort. Read more about the SMG Impact Fellows Program here. Read Jocelyn’s first Inside Sony Music article here. 

Jocelyn was a 2022 Impact Fellow working with Sony Music’s Premium Content team. 

What was it like to be a returning SMG Impact fellow? 
I cannot express enough how much gratitude I have for the SMG Impact Fellow program! It sounds cliche, but this program changed my life in the most positive way. To start off, last year I interned at Sony Music Nashville as a Radio Promo intern. This year, I am returning to Sony Music in the Culver City, CA, office as a Premium Content Intern. This company really trusts and cares for their interns, so I was more than happy to be back. 

The Premium Content team is a content development and distribution team that strengthens our artist relationships, expanding their creative capabilities beyond core music. It includes Podcasting, Soundtracks, Gaming, Film & TV Development & Production, and Long Form Global Distribution. I truly feel like I am being treated as a regular employee and not just an intern—I always feel included and welcome to contribute to the conversation. As a young professional with a goal to work in the music industry, the level of team integration I’ve experienced at Sony Music is a dream come true! 

What is the difference between working from home versus working in the office? 
Virtual or not, this program is built to help you succeed. However, I will say that as an entry-level professional it is easier to build relationships with people in the office. I learned this when I had the opportunity to travel to California for a week to work in person at the Sony Music Culver City Office and meet my team! (Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the program was fully virtual during my first year.) There is a difference between setting up a virtual meeting vs. being able to sit right next to your supervisor and ask them questions you have in real-time, while also getting to know and building a relationship with them.  

Regardless, you can still create strong relationships virtually! Most of my internship is virtual but I still reach out to people in the office online. I recommend checking in with your supervisor every morning and sending them a list of what you’ll be working on that day so there is constant communication. Set up regular check-ins to get feedback on your performance as well. 

While in the office, I made sure to schedule one-on-ones with everyone on the team. I got to see what kind of personality everyone has and got to show them my personality as well. Taking the time to speak with them in the beginning of my internship allowed me to build relationships and to make it known that I am available to support any projects. My supervisors, Charlie Yedor (Sr. Director, Business Development) and Eric Shirkness (Manager, Premium Content Sales, and Distribution), took the time to get to know me personally and they connected me with professionals and invited me to events such as a Kenny Ortega screening and the Bullet Train premiere. What intern gets to meet Kenny Ortega and see Bad Bunny on the big screen on their first day? A Sony Music Group intern! 

What advice do you give someone who has imposter syndrome? 
Imposter syndrome is real. In case anyone needs to hear this, it’s time to overcome it. When talking to other interns, I realized that almost everybody felt this way. Sometimes we tend to doubt our abilities and find it difficult to accept our accomplishments. Yes, there are going to be times where you are challenged. Yes, there will be times when you are going to struggle with an assignment your supervisor gave you. You are going to make errors and that is okay! There is even going to be vocabulary you might not know, but you will learn. Never doubt why they chose you! Internships are a crash course. You are surrounded by professionals. The best you can do is learn from them. The biggest lesson I had to learn was trusting that MAIP, the program I came from, chose me for a reason.  

Favorite memory from the program? 
My first day in the office! It was very eventful. I was running around meeting everyone, having one-on-one meetings to get to know my teammates on a more personal level. I had lunch with the team, dinner with my supervisor and attended a Kenny Ortega screening! I could not believe I got to be in a room full of professional icons on a random Tuesday.  

I never felt like I was “working” because I was having so much fun. I enjoyed the projects and tasks I got to work on and the people I got to work with. You can tell how passionate everyone is about their work which got me so excited to get started and further confirmed my love for the entertainment industry. I want to be surrounded by brilliant, talented, hardworking people who challenge me every day. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and will forever cherish the many memories and opportunities this program gave me. I would recommend this program to anyone interested. You’d be surprised at how many opportunities you get during the semester.

On Repeat: 

1. “eScoRpiÓn :)” – Ramon Vega
2. “RUNITUP” – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Teezo Touchdown)
3. “Alien Superstar” – Beyoncé
4. “Cinema” – Harry Styles

Favorite Soundtrack:  
Euphoria Original Score From The HBO Series By Labrinth

For more stories on the SMG Impact Fellows second cohort:

• Sony Music Group Welcomes Second Cohort of SMG Impact Fellows
• How This Sony Music Group Impact Fellow is Helping Implement Social Change Through Philanthropy & Social Impact: Makiyah Owens
• A Day in the Life of a SMG Impact Fellow from the 2022 HBCU in LA Cohort: Bria Whitaker
• How This SMG Impact Fellow Learned to Support the Future of Music: Keona Leono
• Spend A Week in International Marketing With SMG Impact Fellow Francis Amponsah: Francis Amponsah
• Paving a Path for Indigenous Professionals in Music: Sierra Real Bird
• Catching the Contagious Passion of the DE&I Team: Sasha Campbell
• A Full Circle Moment for SMG Impact Fellow Akhilaa Lakshminathan: Akhilaa Lakshminathan

The post All You Need to Know About the SMG Impact Fellow Internship appeared first on Sony Music.

New York, NY – November 3, 2022 – Sony Music Group (SMG) today announced the 50 global scholarship recipients of the Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program, a new initiative designed to help educate the next generation of music leaders. Grant beneficiaries showcase immense passion for music and represent a diverse group of students with a commitment to pursuing a career in music and transforming the industry to inspire new opportunities for artists, songwriters, and composers. 

The Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program received applications across more than 70 countries. The 50 scholarships awarded represent a global cohort of students across all regions where Sony Music Group operates including Africa, Asia, Australia, Continental Europe, Latin/Iberia, New Zealand, North America and the United Kingdom. As a commitment through SMG’s Global Social Justice Fund, the Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program will provide a wide range of enrichment programs to support core academic development. With additional opportunities to for skill building activities and leadership developing opportunities, students can explore skill-building mentorships and internships across disciplines of their respective interests and strengths. Scholarships may be renewed for up to three additional years or until degree completion, whichever occurs first.  

“We were moved by the stories and submissions we received from the grant recipients and are honored to be a part of the students’ journey to express their creativity freely and fearlessly,” said Towalame Austin, Executive Vice President, Philanthropy and Social Impact, SMG. “Some of the beneficiaries are first-generation college students, so it’s a privilege to give them a more accessible path to develop their own careers and create opportunities for young music visionaries with limited resources.”

“An education in music is so important because it can give those who have one, an edge over those who don’t, and it can shorten the amount of time needed to succeed professionally,” said Sean McMahon, Chair, Screen Scoring Department, Berklee College of Music. “It’s critical that those with lesser means can access the same opportunities as those with more to expand the music industry’s talent pool of artists and thought leaders. The Global Scholars Program will be transformative and life-changing, not just for Berklee students who receive this honor, but for all scholars of the program. The music industry needs more diversity and this program could not have come at a better time. It’s truly monumental and I cannot wait to see the impact this program will have on the industry!”

“As Director of Music Industry Studies, I am given the opportunity – the privilege – of working with gifted, talented students who have passion for music and industry,” said Darryl Tookes, Department of Music, Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University. “This is an exciting time to be a student as the gates to worldwide collaboration and distribution are open wider now than ever before. Sony Music Group, thank you for the extraordinary opportunity you are providing to students through the Global Scholars Program. We look forward to having a dynamic relationship with you for many years to come.”

Sony Music Group’s Global Scholar Program expands the company’s dedication to recruit and advance underrepresented talent through educational partnerships, internships, and career advancement opportunities. The Company continues to work alongside equity-driven organizations and our own communities to engage with some of the brightest students from around the world to build stronger opportunities for the next generation of music industry leaders.

The post Sony Music Group Announces 50 Scholarship Recipients for Inaugural Global Scholars Program for 2022-2023 Academic Year appeared first on Sony Music.

Founded in 2014 by Rob McIntosh and Daniel Goldberg, MAC Global is recognised as a leader in the live music and live entertainment industry in the Middle East, known for bringing big-name international touring acts to the region such as Ed Sheeran, Michael Bublé, Drake and Sia, among others. With clients including Dubai Opera, Saudi Aramco, Al Dana Amphitheatre and Coca-Cola Arena, MAC Global produces concerts in the most prestigious venues across the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, India and Saudi Arabia.

Day-to-day operations of the company will continue to be led by McIntosh and Goldberg, who in turn will work closely with Mark Cavell, President of Sony Music Masterworks, Josh Lerman, Masterworks Senior Vice President of Business Development and Ollie Rosenblatt, Managing Director of Senbla.

With this agreement, Sony Music Masterworks is further expanding its presence in live music and event production around the world. The combined talent of the MAC Global and Masterworks teams will create new and synergistic experiential opportunities for audiences across the Middle East region. MAC Global’s remit will also expand to include comedy, sports, virtual events, orchestral events, and immersive movie experiences.

Today’s announcement coincides with the start of MAC Global’s new concert season. Two shows by George Ezra and EDM legend Tiesto have already successfully sold to capacity, and Lewis Capaldi is set to perform in both Dubai and Bahrain in the coming weeks.

Cavell said: “We are thrilled to partner with Rob, Dan and the MAC Global team to bring the best in live entertainment to the Middle East and North Africa. Their unrivalled experience in the MENA region combined with Sony Music’s wealth of expertise, resources, and broad portfolio of live entertainment properties will provide enhanced benefit to touring artists, productions, and audiences alike.”

McIntosh and Goldberg commented: “Having established the MAC Global brand over many years, ensuring its position at the forefront of the live music industry in the Middle East, we’re excited to take our company to the next level of development and growth by joining the Sony Music Masterworks family. We are very much looking forward to working with Mark Cavell and the wider Masterworks team to develop new event intellectual properties alongside our core vision of bringing the biggest names in entertainment to the MENA region and beyond.”

The relationship with MAC Global is the latest in a series of strategic partnerships and agreements advancing Sony Music Masterwork’s growth as a multi-faceted worldwide entertainment business. Recent investments include The Luna Cinema, UK-based producer of open air, pop-up, and drive-in cinema experiences; Seaview, a theatrical production company; Terrapin Station Entertainment, an artist management and production company; RoadCo Entertainment, a booking agency; Backyard Cinema, an experiential cinema event producer; GEA Live, a Holland-based agent and promoter; Senbla, a UK-based concert promotion and production company; and Raymond Gubbay Ltd. (RGL), the music, dance & Christmas Light Trail promoter.

Sony Music Masterworks comprises Masterworks, Sony Classical, Milan Records, XXIM Records, and Masterworks Broadway imprints. For email updates and information please visit www.sonymusicmasterworks.com/.

For more information and upcoming announcements about MAC Global visit www.macglobal.com and follow Mac Global on Facebook: @MAC-Global

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Larissa Slezak | Sony Music Masterworks  
Larissa.Slezak@sonymusic.com 

SOURCE Sony Music Masterworks

The post Sony Music Masterworks Acquires a Majority Stake in Dubai-Based Concert Promotion, Event Management and Production Company, Mac Global appeared first on Sony Music.

THRILLER 40 TO BE RELEASED ON NOVEMBER 18

Preorder HERE

NEW YORK, Nov. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Forty years after the release of Thriller, the album that catapulted Michael Jackson into the superstardom stratosphere, Sony Music and The Estate of Michael Jackson announce the start of the global campaign to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the King of Pop’s landmark album. As part of the campaign, the Estate of Michael Jackson and Sony Music will host fan events around the world, all free to the public, including immersive experiences, screenings of the Thriller 40 documentary and other fan parties.

There will be two immersive experiences. One in Dusseldorf, Germany, November 10-13 and the second in New York City, November 18-20. Each will feature specific track-focused experiences, interactive elements, and social and photo opportunities throughout.

Fans in eight other cities around the world will be treated to a private one-time-only screening of the Thriller 40 documentary which details the making of the biggest selling album in the world.

And in other cities, fans will be invited to special Thriller-themed parties celebrating the release of the new expanded album and will have the opportunity to hear the full double-disc album for the first time.

Further details along with info on how the fans can get tickets for the various fan events can be found HERE.

Released November 30, 1982, the Thriller phenomenon revolutionized music, video standards, and choreography through Michael’s innovations for melding sound and visual art, the influence of which is still felt today. Thriller went on to win a record-setting eight Grammys and, with over one hundred million copies sold, it is the best-selling album of all time and the first album to be certified triple diamond by the RIAA. Read more HERE.

About Michael Jackson:

Michael Jackson is one of the most beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time. He was also a dedicated philanthropist and an astute business professional. To date Jackson has sold more than 1 billion records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and Thriller as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 17 Grammy Awards including 8 in one year, a record, and received 26 American Music Awards, including the Artist of the Century Award. Jackson defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking short films as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and the classic “Thriller,” which in 2009 became the first and only music video inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. In his short films “Black or White,” “They Don’t Care About Us,” “Bad and “Smooth Criminal” and others, Jackson set an aesthetic standard for video production that remains unsurpassed even today. The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil have produced two top shows: Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour was one of the top grossing tour of all time; and MICHAEL JACKSON ONE, a permanent show at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, which continues to thrill audiences and to receive critical raves. And on February 1, 2022, MJ the Musical premiered on Broadway. The acclaimed show won the most Tony Awards for a new musical in the 2021-2022 season and continues to break weekly box office records at the Neil Simon Theater. Jackson’s sound, style and dance moves continue to inspire today’s performers and new generations of fans worldwide continue to discover his artistry.

SOURCE Sony Music Entertainment

For further information: The Estate of Michael Jackson: Chris Chambers, Chris@thechambergroup.com, Lydia Kanuga, Lydia@thechambergroup.com; Legacy Recordings / Sony Music Entertainment: Maria C. Malta, Maria.Malta@sonymusic.com

The post Sony Music & the Estate of Michael Jackson Announce the Start of the Thriller 40 Global Campaign appeared first on Sony Music.

WHO: On August 4, 2022, Christopher Knipe was arrested for the murder of Sean Kealiher, a prominent face of the anti-fascist movement in Portland in 2019. Knipe was charged with murder in the second degree in August. “The Fault Line: Dying for a Fight” podcast, along with other media organizations, were instrumental in the pressure campaign waged against law enforcement.

WHAT: A new bonus episode of “The Fault Line: Dying For a Fight,” from Somethin’ Else and Oregon Public Broadcasting, debuts today, examining how the fall 2021 podcast helped advance the ongoing investigation of the unsolved 2019 homicide of Kealiher. Today’s episode highlights critical lapses in the investigation and offers insights into what may have delayed an arrest. New reporting and interviews with OPB reporter, Jonathan Levinson and senior producer Ryan Haas are featured. Ellen Osolnach, an attorney with Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, is interviewed for the episode and she offers her very candid opinion on how the podcast pressured law enforcement to finally make an arrest.

WHERE: Listeners can follow “Dying for a Fight” on all major podcast platforms and listen to the bonus episode today. Subscribers to “The Binge” can listen to the entire Dying for a Fight series all at once today

DETAILS: A complete unedited transcript is available upon request. For more information on “Fault Line Dying for a Fight” and all other Sony Podcast shows, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

The series is executive produced by Lizzie Jacobs and Grant Irving from Somethin’ Else, as well as Anna Griffin and Ryan Haas from Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Editor’s Note: Reporter host Sergio Olmos, who was on the ground for the reporting for the DFAF series, is currently covering the war in Ukraine.

The post “The Fault Line: Dying for a Fight” Bonus Episode Examines How Podcast Helped Lead To Arrest in Death of Portland Anti-fascist Sean Kealiher appeared first on Sony Music.

New joint venture is the first Sony Music imprint dedicated to Israeli talent 

Berlin, 28 October 2022 – Sony Music Entertainment Continental Europe and Africa has today announced it has entered into a new joint venture agreement with management and record label ONEWAY. Records, to discover and develop new artists from Israel with international appeal. The new joint venture will focus on discovering and signing artists with English-language repertoire, and leverage Sony Music’s global reach and extensive experience to showcase artists to audiences around the world.   

ONEWAY. Records is founded by music executives and brothers, Josh and Sam Fluxgold. The two are former managers of Dennis Lloyd, discovering the Israeli singer and songwriter in 2017 and enjoying historic international success for the Israeli artist with over two billion streams, various Platinum and Gold records across several markets and multiple sold-out world tours across US, Europe and Australia. 

“Josh and Sam have a proven track record for breaking Israeli talent abroad,” said Daniel Lieberberg, President of Sony Music Entertainment Continental Europe and Africa. “We are excited to work with them to discover the next wave of international artists from the country.” 

“During our time working in the Israeli market, we recognized the substantial talent that is being overlooked and underrepresented in the region,” added Josh and Sam. “Together with our partners at Sony Music, we look forward to showcasing the unique Israeli sound and artists that the world has been missing.”

The post Sony Music Entertainment Continental Europe and Africa and ONEWAY. Records Announce Joint Venture to Discover and Develop Israeli Artists With Global Appeal appeared first on Sony Music.

This article is written by Sierra Real Bird and is part of the SMG Impact Fellows Mix Tape Series, a collection of first-person essays written by the 2022 Sony Music Group Impact Fellow cohort. Read more about the SMG Impact Fellows Program here. 

Sierra was a 2022 Impact Fellow working with Sony Music Publishing’s Copyright & Film TV team. 

Hello, my name is Sierra Real Bird, and I am from Montana. I am enrolled as a Crow (Apsaalooke) Tribal member based on the Crow Reservation of Southeastern Montana. I belong to the Piegan Clan and am a child of the Sore Lip. My Crow name (Baa-eguin-na-dush) was given to me by Agnes Pretty Weasel, and it translates to Ambitious One. I am also Gros Ventre (aaninen) from the Fort Belknap Reservation and adopted Blackfeet and my Blackfoot name is (Ee nuck see bee gun Ahki) meaning Little Piegan Woman given to me by my paternal grandmother Darnell Ridesatthedoor. This past spring, I graduated with my B.A. in Film and Photography, with an emphasis in Film, from Montana State University-Bozeman with a minor in Native American studies. I am currently working on obtaining a minor in Business Administration and pursuing film to help create content that provides correct representation of Native peoples.  

What has been one of your favorite tasks as an intern on the Copyright and Film & TV Team at Sony Music Publishing (SMP)? 
When I first started as an intern, one of my tasks was working on a cue sheet for a Media Blanket License. (A cue sheet is a list of all musical elements in an AV program, and it’s how Performing Rights Organizations know how to pay out performance income.) I could not believe I had the opportunity to work on a project related to major songs and composers I am familiar with. It is still amazing to me that some of the artists I have listened to on the radio or seen in concert were on the cue sheet! Another project I am proud to work on is registering songs for films and TV shows to the Copyright Office in Washington D.C. As an aspiring filmmaker, working with the Copyright Department has broadened my perspective and appreciation of the process films must go through even after showing in theaters.  

How does AIBL tie into your SMP Internship and do you have any advice for future interns from AIBL? 
American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL) is a program available to all Native American high school and college students, and members of AIBL participate in a “chapter” at a high school or college. At my school, Montana State University-Bozeman, we created a chapter in 2019 and students of any major and ethnic background can join. Every spring there is a conference that chapters can attend, with competitions to win prizes for their chapter and network with business professionals.  

I’ve used the skills I gained from AIBL’s conference, networking, and professional development sessions while interning at Sony Music Publishing. AIBL has also been very supportive and does weekly check-ins with the interns to make sure their journey is going well and to offer professional tools and advice. Some advice I’d give for future interns who come from AIBL is to make sure to write everything down, do not be afraid or shy to ask questions, and practice good time management.   

Can you share a personal takeaway from being an Impact Fellow? 
As a Native American woman, I’ve noticed that there have been very few opportunities that help Native people strive to succeed in their professional career. There is a lot of pressure to succeed with any chance given because I feel as though I am representing the entire Indigenous/Native population, even though there are many diverse tribes and cultures within my community. Since my career path is one that is very different from what people back home do, I am paving a path for others to hopefully be successful.  

I learned a lot being an SMG Impact Fellow and SMP intern from the various workshops and advice offered through both the program and from the department I worked with. Recently, I attended a resume and interview workshop where I received so many tips that I’ll be applying in the future. What I enjoy most about this opportunity is how the program thinks ahead and prepares every intern for success even if they do not continue with Sony Music Group.  

What has your daily work life looked like, while completing this Fellowship remotely? 
Working remotely has been very helpful to me this summer because I get to be with my family and kick off my professional journey on a healthy foundation of work-life balance. My remote workdays can break into two buckets: 

First, I log on in the mornings and greet my supervisor and my teammates, and foster connections. (I feel blessed in having similar interests with my team which helps make those connections.)  

Second, I tackle different tasks I’ve been assigned to work on. It’s really helpful that the team is patient with showing me the process of how to do the task at hand. Each team member makes themselves available to answer any questions I have and to support me via video calls to help.  

Overall, interning with the Copyright team has been a very joyful, professional learning experience.  

What songs are currently in your rotation and on repeat? 

1. “Vegas” – Doja Cat
2. “Speak To Me” – Koryn Hawthorne
3. “Take What You Want” – Post Malone (ft. Ozzy Osbourne and Travis Scott)
4. “WAVE” – ATEEZ

For more stories on the SMG Impact Fellows second cohort:

• Sony Music Group Welcomes Second Cohort of SMG Impact Fellows
• How This Sony Music Group Impact Fellow is Helping Implement Social Change Through Philanthropy & Social Impact: Makiyah Owens
• A Day in the Life of a SMG Impact Fellow from the 2022 HBCU in LA Cohort: Bria Whitaker
• How This SMG Impact Fellow Learned to Support the Future of Music: Keona Leono
• Spend A Week in International Marketing With SMG Impact Fellow Francis Amponsah: Francis Amponsah
• All You Need to Know About the SMG Impact Fellow Internship: Jocelyn Peña
• Catching the Contagious Passion of the DE&I Team: Sasha Campbell
• A Full Circle Moment for SMG Impact Fellow Akhilaa Lakshminathan: Akhilaa Lakshminathan

The post Paving a Path for Indigenous Professionals in Music appeared first on Sony Music.

First Episode is Available Now

New York, NY – October 27, 2022– Somethin’ Else, a Sony Music Entertainment company, today debuts They Did That, a new podcast showcasing incredible stories of global innovators and trailblazers who’ve been forgotten from history books because of who they were — women, people of color, LBGTQ+, and more — and the stories about how their life’s work has changed our lives for the better. The first episode premieres today, featuring the story of Alice Ball – a woman who developed the first known long-term treatment for leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, in the early 1900s, but died shortly after at just 24 years old, which allowed her work to be stolen and credited to a male colleague. 

Each week, journalist, and broadcaster Takara Smallwill shine a light on stories about extraordinary people whose remarkable inventions and contributions were largely ignored due to systemic bias and prejudice. This season will highlight the stories of people like Alice Guy-Blaché, who innovated countless film techniques and cinematography that we know today to be a regular part of movie watching, like close-up shots and special effects, Guillermo González Camarena, who created the original color television wheel, and Big Momma Thornton who recorded the now classic song ‘Hound Dog’, three years before Elvis Presley topped the charts – her version, considered an anthem for female Black empowerment. 

Takara Small said, “I have spent much of my career researching and studying incredible innovators whose accomplishments have been erased from history because of who they were. This podcast will share the stories of extraordinary people who built our modern world only to be simply forgotten or have their discoveries deliberately stolen”

They Did That is based on an original idea by Takara Small. The podcast is produced by Tiffany Walker and Ava Ahmadbeigi and executive produced by Lizzie Jacobs at Somethin’ Else. 

Listeners can subscribe to They Did That on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on all other Sony Podcast shows, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram. Listeners can use #TheyDidThat on social to follow along throughout the season.

The post Somethin’ Else Debuts They Did That, New Podcast Highlighting Brilliant Innovators Overlooked Throughout History appeared first on Sony Music.

This article is part of our Local Impact Report series: a collection of informal catchup-ups where we connect with different members of Social Justice Task Forces within Sony Music. These Task Forces were formed after launching our $100 million Global Social Justice Fund in 2020, to ensure each region in which Sony Music operates is successfully shepherding funds in their area. 

More than two years since the inception of Sony Music Group’s (SMG) $100 million Global Social Justice Fund (GSJF), a commitment has already been made to support over 400 organizations across 7 regions and 60 countries.

This year, the GSJF expanded its work in Asia, and has recently made donations to three well-established non-profit organizations in the region – Milaan Foundation in India, Modern Women’s Foundation in Taiwan, and SPARK! Philippines.

We spoke to our SMG Asia Social Justice Fund Task Force recently to learn more about how they are collaborating with local communities and grassroots organizations to help tackle social injustice across Asia. 

Abhipray Agrawal, who works as a Manager on Sony Music’s analytics team in India, has been a pivotal part of the social justice fund in India, helping identify one of the key organizations who have benefited from this year’s funding.

“We, as a committee, all have a vested interest in philanthropy, independent of our roles within the organization,” says Agrawal. “In our personal capacities, many of us volunteer with various non-profits and charities that support a variety of causes – ranging from environmental conservation and animal welfare to female empowerment and displaced youth. When it was announced that the fund would be expanded to impact communities in Asia, we took on the task to identify organizations that addressed issues that are most pressing in the region and that are closest to our own mission here at Sony Music.”

One of these organizations that have recently received funding is the Milaan Foundation, an India-based non-profit that collaborates with women to impart skills, develop knowledge, and foster safe environments.

“Every girl deserves a life of dignity, opportunity and access to education,” said Dhirendra Pratap Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Milaan Foundation on receiving the funding. “We envision an inclusive and equal world, where every girl is educated, healthy and safe to explore her full potential. Thanks to funding from Sony Music Group’s Global Social Justice Fund, we can fast-track the education and empowerment of adolescent girls, cultivating our next generation of female leaders. We are delighted to work hand in hand with Sony Music Entertainment India to further our mission to impart young women with the knowledge, skills, and the social environment needed to pursue their aspirations”

The task force also, purposely, seeks to ensure that SMG supports historically excluded communities across the region. For this tranche of funding allocated for Asia, the focus is on female empowerment and gender equality across the region.

“We wish to leverage music as a platform to uplift marginalized communities of women in Asia,” said Kevin Foo, General Manager of Sony Music Taiwan and MD of RCA Greater China. “Women in Asia face a multitude of challenges, including lack of access to education and healthcare, being subject to domestic and sexual abuse and underpromotion of rights’ issues. We have the benefit at SMG to leverage our collective strengths – in our case, music, culture, and creativity – to empower them with the tools needed to spark change, raise awareness about the most pressing issues they face and uplift their communities.”

How does the task force collectively decide which organizations to partner with and donate to? It is a meticulous process.

“Asia is home to many developing countries, within which there are communities of women who are neglected and underserved. Numerous organizations are already present in those communities addressing these issues and it is no easy task picking who we want to collaborate with. We seek to work with like-minded organizations that share the same values and principles as us. SMG makes available its stable of resources, such as our songwriters and sound engineers, creative technologies, and facilities like recording studios. We welcome these organizations to make full use of these resources and are also open to the idea of co-ideating solutions. These can include anything, from a creative arts curriculum or a talent show to skills enrichment or job placements,” said Shawn Paltiel, Vice President, Digital Partner Development, Sony Music Asia.

Looking ahead, Sony Music Asia continues to forge ahead in its philanthropic journey. “We seek to expand the scope of the GSJF to cover other issues that affect communities across Asia,” said Taeky Kim, Director, Digital Analytics from Sony Music Entertainment Korea. “We will work relentlessly over the upcoming months to identify the most pertinent issues, and like-minded partners we wish to collaborate with to tackle them. Our commitment to Asia remains steadfast.”

The post Local Impact Reports: SMG Asia Social Justice Task Force on Making a Difference appeared first on Sony Music.

First Episode Is Available Now

New York, NY – October 24, 2022– Academy Award-winning filmmaker Adam McKay’s Hyperobject Industries, in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, today announced the launch of Bedtime Stories with Adam McKay, a new storytelling podcast series that tells light, improvised tales to help ease busy, stressed minds. Developed and hosted by McKay, Bedtime Stories was inspired by both his love of improv comedy, as a veteran of the legendary Second City, and his habit of listening to podcasts to help him fall asleep. The first episode is available now.

Over the course of the approximately 15-episode season, celebrity guests like Sarah Silverman, Cole Escola, Monica Padman and Michaela Watkins take on the weekly mantle of improvising the meandering tales meant to lull you to sleep – stories of wayward polka dots, martial arts in mysterious platinum suits, and the terrifying panic of grabbing free stuff. The episodes follow a classic improvised comedy format, beginning with a prompt ranging from the mundane “Stick of Butter” to the mysterious “Atlantis,” which inspires funny bedtime stories for the anxious, sleep deprived adult. 

Adam McKay said, “For years, I told my daughters’ bedtime stories. And honestly, now that they’re in college and headed to college, I miss doing it. The improvised stories in this podcast aren’t anything like the tales I told Lili and Pearl when they were children. Those were most definitely rated G. These ‘yarns’ are hopefully funnier and definitely stranger. Maybe some people will actually fall asleep to them. I’d love to know what kind of dreams they have.” 

Bedtime Stories is executive produced by Adam McKay, Harry Nelson and Clare Slaughter at Hyperobject Industries. 

Listeners can subscribe to Bedtime Stories on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on Bedtime Stories and all other Sony Podcast shows, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

The post Adam McKay’s Hyperobject Industries and Sony Music Entertainment Premiere New Podcast Bedtime Stories With Adam McKay appeared first on Sony Music.

This article is written by Francis Amponsah and is part of the SMG Impact Fellows Mix Tape Series, a collection of first-person essays written by the 2022 Sony Music Group Impact Fellow cohort. Read more about the SMG Impact Fellows Program here. 

Francis was a 2022 Impact Fellow working with Sony Music’s International Marketing team. 

What does music mean to you and how does your outlook on music fit in with your internship at Sony Music Group? 
Listening to music is a form of meditation to me, like another dimension—or an escape, an enhancement to our reality. It’s fascinating to see how music makes an impact on a global scale as an International Digital Marketing intern and even more fascinating to be a contributor to that impact in countries such as the UK, France, Germany, Brazil and more.  

Music is a universal language, and my internship experience has proven just that. It’s eye-opening to see tracks from artists trend in markets you wouldn’t have even expected. For example, did you know that at one point, Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul” lyric video was trending on YouTube in Israel at #12? It was also surprising to see DJ Khaled’s “Staying Alive” music video trending at #2 on YouTube in South Africa. 

What does an average week look like in International Marketing? 
I start Mondays off with a deep dive into the releases for the week and create reports on global trends, social chatter, and streaming data of various signed artists to share with project managers.  

Throughout the week, I attend and take notes during production calls and label meetings where teams congregate to make sure everyone is aligned with digital assets and necessary tasks ahead of an album, single, or music video release. I also work on campaign projects such as assisting in the development of ad assets, creating a weekly internal newsletter to highlight digital and TikTok trends and collaborating with two other international marketing interns to discuss our joint internship project/case study on influencer marketing.  

Could you tell us about one of your highlights of the role? 
One highlight is the real-world experience I’ve gained in marketing by assisting the four digital project managers that I work with. This experience broadened my knowledge of the music industry from a marketing perspective because I get to work with colleagues that have different leadership styles and work with different regions and markets. I have a lot of different interests including creative strategy, brand management, and graphic design and feel like I’ve been able to exercise most of them in this role. 

How would you describe your internship experience using a song from a Sony Music artist? 
The song “Blessed” by Wizkid ft. Damian Marley! 

Last but not least, what songs are currently in your rotation and on repeat? 

1. “Where I Belong” – Joey Bada$$
2. “Call Me Every Day” – Chris Brown ft. Wizkid
3. “STAYING ALIVE” – DJ Khaled (ft. Drake & Lil Baby)
4. “WAIT FOR YOU” – Future ft. Drake & Tems
5. “KU LO SA” – Oxlade 
6. “Ice T” – Tems

For more stories on the SMG Impact Fellows second cohort:

• Sony Music Group Welcomes Second Cohort of SMG Impact Fellows
• How This Sony Music Group Impact Fellow is Helping Implement Social Change Through Philanthropy & Social Impact: Makiyah Owens
• A Day in the Life of a SMG Impact Fellow from the 2022 HBCU in LA Cohort: Bria Whitaker
• How This SMG Impact Fellow Learned to Support the Future of Music: Keona Leono
• Paving a Path for Indigenous Professionals in Music: Sierra Real Bird
• All You Need to Know About the SMG Impact Fellow Internship: Jocelyn Peña
• Catching the Contagious Passion of the DE&I Team: Sasha Campbell
• A Full Circle Moment for SMG Impact Fellow Akhilaa Lakshminathan: Akhilaa Lakshminathan

The post Spend A Week in International Marketing With SMG Impact Fellow Francis Amponsah appeared first on Sony Music.

Partnership with GHMZA will see new wave of Khaleeji pop artists emerging across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region

Dubai/Kuwait City, October 19, 2022 – Sony Music Entertainment Middle East and Kuwait-based creative studio, music, and video production company, Ghmza, announced today a new partnership to produce music and promote emerging Khaleeji pop artists across the Middle East.

Under this partnership, renowned actor and Arabic pop singer Bader Al Shuaibi, and Kuwaiti singer, songwriter, and television personality Bashar al-Shatti will be the first two artists to work with Sony Music Middle East under the new partnership.

A pioneer in Khaleeji pop reinvention, Bader Al Shuaibi has over one billion audio and video streams and three million social media followers, building a career that has seen him pioneer new sounds and styles. He released his first single ‘An Hob’ with Sony Music Middle East on the day of the announcement, accompanied by an exciting new music video. Bader Al Shuaibi is also slated for more singles and a new album launching later this year, with ambition to become a major breakthrough global Arabic talent in 2023.

“The chance to join the team at Sony Music, to share my music and vision with more people around the world is a dream come true,” said Bader Al Shuaibi. “I look forward to evolving as an artist, working with everyone’s support to put my sound and culture on the global map for my fans.”

Bashar al-Shatti, well known for his songs Hal Bilhabib and Habib El Donya, and a former Arab Idol judge, will release his first single with Sony Music Middle East in November 2022, with more projects lined up through to the new year.

“I am blessed to have enjoyed such a TV and film career to date, and I am looking forward to connecting more deeply with my fans through my music,” added Bashar al-Shatti. “I cannot wait to share my sounds and work with my team at Ghmza and Sony Music to take the genre to even greater heights.”

“We are incredibly excited to partner with the talented team at Ghmza,” said Mike Fairburn, General Manager, Sony Music Entertainment Middle East. “The Middle East and North Africa are a dynamic hotbed for talent and music innovation, where a young population continues to drive new waves of sounds and collaborations, reaching an ever-growing audience of Arabic listeners around the world. We passionately believe in always putting the artist first, providing them with the right tools and expertise needed to reach their fans. Through this new partnership, we look forward to helping discover and develop exciting new Khaleeji pop talent and showcasing what the Middle East has to offer.”

Thamer Al Thamer, Founder and CEO, Ghmza, added: “Sony Music has decades of experience in the industry and will be able to give our artists access to global music and production experts and new platforms to reach wider audiences. As a culturally diverse region brimming with musical talent, we have so much to offer and now is the opportunity to showcase that to the world and grow our genre.”

The partnership comes at a time when the MENA region has become one of the fastest growing regions for music. According to IFPI’s Global Music Report 2022, more than half (54%) of people in the MENA region listen to at least one Middle Eastern genre, with the region experiencing a 35% increase in revenue growth. Through Sony Music Middle East’s partnership with Ghmza, the company seeks to contribute to the growth of the industry by supporting and nurturing creative talent from the Middle East, its belief in Khaleeji pop, and the emergence of the genre as a MENA sound. This will also broaden Sony Music Entertainment’s footprint across the region.

The post Sony Music Entertainment Middle East Agrees New Partnership With Ghmza Creative Studios, to Support Growth of GCC Talent and Khaleeji Pop Scene appeared first on Sony Music.

There are over 25 Hispanic and Latino nations in the world, each with their own food, music, heritage and culture. To honor the diversity, achievements and contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx community worldwide, Sony Music Group proudly celebrated this Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month with the theme, “Somos una comunidad, esta es nuestra voz / We are a community, this is our voice.” 

Below, read about how Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month came to life at Sony Music Group. 

The Design: Let’s Break It Down 

Sony Music Group’s Talent Advisory Group (TAG), SOMOS, led the design and programming for the entire month. As SMG’s representative for the Hispanic and Latinx communities both inside and outside of Sony, SOMOS helped develop a theme that could inform the design—which was later created by David Santana—that best represented the Hispanic and Latinx community across the globe.  

A vibrant color palette was used to represent the different colors of Latin nation flags, to symbolize the liveliness of the unique cultural traditions within Hispanic and Latinx communities, and to showcase the colors seen in many traditional clothing of their indigenous cultures. 

The wide array of instruments incorporated were a nod to music’s significance not only to our company, but also to Hispanic and Latin American history. Plus, what’s a celebration without music? 

How Sony Music Group Celebrated the Month 

From learning salsa and bachata to the importance of representation in music and media, Sony Music Group teammates took part in a variety of company-wide activations dedicated to celebrating and empowering the Hispanic and Latinx community.  

One event featured a conversation moderated by award-winning journalist and motivational speaker Mariana Atencio, with actor, producer and activist Wilson Cruz. Cruz reflected on his career and emphasized how powerful media representation has been for himself and others in minority communities. 

“To this day, I will get a message on social media or on the street where someone will tell me that I was the first time they saw themselves on screen and felt like they weren’t alone,” Cruz explained. “To give that comfort and solace to a community, especially to young people of color, is the one thing I will forever be proud of and grateful for.” 

Teammates in our New York City office also had the chance to gather in-person to celebrate the month with food, drinks and special performances. The Orchard kicked off our celebrations with a special performance by Gulf Coast Soul band The Suffers, and Sony Music Group closed out the month with rising Puerto Rican singer and songwriter from Sony Music Latin Gale. Get a glimpse of Gale’s performance here:

A huge thank you to all the people who enriched Sony Music Group’s Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month celebrations this year: 

• Gale, singer and songwriter, Sony Music Latin 
• Mariana Atencio, award-winning journalist and motivational speaker 
• The Suffers, Gulf Coast Soul band, The Orchard 
• Wilson Cruz, actor, producer and activist 
• Yai Vargas, career and diversity strategist, founder of The Latinistas 

And a special shoutout to SOMOS for taking lead in programming the month’s events, and for all its efforts to make this year’s Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month at Sony Music Group so special. 

Our Continued Support for the Hispanic and Latinx Community 

Through Sony Music Group’s Global Social Justice Fund, we continue to partner with organizations dedicated to supporting the Hispanic and Latinx community—like the Guadalupe Musalem Fund, whose mission is to support the education of young women from rural, indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities. 

“Our young graduates are paving the way in their communities and are dedicated to advancing women’s rights,” said Martha Aparicio Rojas, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Guadalupe Musalem Fund. “Some have excelled in the public space and received recognition for their activity in favor of their community.” 

Check out the Global Social Justice Fund Impact Report to learn more about the Guadalupe Musalem Fund. 

The post Sony Music Group Celebrates Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month ‘22 appeared first on Sony Music.

This article is written by Keona Leano and is part of the SMG Impact Fellows Mix Tape Series, a collection of first-person essays written by the 2022 Sony Music Group Impact Fellow cohort. Read more about the SMG Impact Fellows Program here. 

Keona was a 2022 Impact Fellow working with Sony Music’s Early Career, Talent Acquisition team. 

Yá’át’ééh & Talofa lava (hello). My name is Keona Leano, I am a young woman in the U.S. who comes from two strong and beautiful Indigenous cultures; Navajo (Diné) and Samoan. I grew up living on the Navajo Reservation which requires strength physically, emotionally, and mentally because Diné people are still trying to heal and rebuild in modern-day society while preserving their traditions. Today, Indigenous populations face immense hardship. For example, according to the PNPI, only 24 percent of 18–24-year-old Native American students are enrolled in college, where, in most institutions, they will make up less than one percent of the U.S. graduate and undergraduate student population. Fortunately for me, through American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL)—an organization that empowers indigenous leaders and promotes Indigenous representation through education and leadership development opportunities—I am part of Sony Music Group’s Impact Fellows Program. I’m both amazed and honored to have a space carved out for me at such a prestigious organization. 

What does music mean to you and how does your outlook on music fit in with your internship at Sony Music Group? 
I consider myself a broad music appreciator since I value a wide range of genres and artists. My role as an intern on the Talent Acquisition (TA) team connects to my appreciation for music because the TA team hires talent that brings music to the world.  

Artists and producers, marketing and A&R, communications and public relations—there are so many jobs that help music reach the world. The TA department seeks to recruit and hire individuals that will support each department, and the Early Career team under the TA function recruits and invests in students and recent graduates who could potentially join the music industry in the future. So, by assisting the Early Career team, I feel like I’m assisting the future of music. 

What does an average week look like on the Early Career team? 
An average week consists of individual and team meetings where we set department goals, provide business updates and have fun with team building activities. Team members handle tasks independently, but there are always open lines of communication between everyone.  

What I admire most about this team is their teamwork, accountability, and commitment to developing young professions—like me—by creating a great learning environment filled with respect and understanding. I’ve been fortunate to experience a little bit of everything the department has to offer by working on unique projects with each team member, such as creating requisitions, helping to create standard operating procedures for rotational programs, tracking intern data, brainstorming content ideas and recruiting college prospects.  

Could you tell us about one of your highlights from the role? 
It’s hard to name just one as there are numerous highlights from my role, so here’s three: 

1. Every conversation I had with my team members taught me something about the TA function, that I could also apply to my own life lessons.  
2. Watching the process of passionate people becoming a part of Sony Music Entertainment. It’s exciting to see new candidates go through each interview step and then reach the offer stage; I get so happy for them.  
3. The greatest highlight would be when I traveled to the New York City Sony headquarters for an SMG Fellows session, organized for us to connect with professionals across the business. The visit exceeded my expectations on every level. I was very fortunate to tour the studios and archives, as well as meet Rob Stringer, SMG’s Chairman, in person during the session. (It was incredible to see him take the time to listen and offer great words of wisdom to the SMG Impact Fellows!) In addition, there was a special moment during the session where I was given the opportunity to speak about land acknowledgement and its importance to indigenous nations. I was relieved when my statement was heard and well-received by such influential people.  

How have you changed after your time in the internship program? 
I’ve blossomed through my experience at Sony Music Entertainment in various ways. I am walking away with new skills and valuable life lessons. I’ve gained more self-confidence in my work and realized that my perspective has value and there are people who are open to listening to a different point of view. I have told many people that my biggest takeaway from my time with Sony Music Entertainment is Hope. I am hopeful for the future generations of my people and hopeful for the future of music. I have also been fortunate to have a special place carved out for me, because like I said, opportunities like this don’t come by too often for Indigenous people.  

Great advice you’ve received so far? 
I have been fortunate to have great conversations with great people. Here are a few pieces of advice I’ve received so far, and hope others can find value in for themselves: 

• Be your authentic self.  
• If knowledge is power, then learning is your superpower. When you reach an obstacle, pivot, and find your superpower. 
• Always take care of yourself. If you’re not good to yourself, you won’t be good to others, let alone your job.  
• You learn your lessons in the valley. It could be two days or two years. Break through. 
• It’s okay if you don’t know everything. Give yourself time to learn and permission to ask questions. 

What songs are currently in your rotation and on repeat? 

1. “Alien Superstar” – Beyoncé
2. “x10” – Koffee
3. “She” – Harry Styles
4. “Déjà Vu” – ATEEZ
5. “Brown Skin Girl” – Leon Bridges

For more stories on the SMG Impact Fellows second cohort:

• Sony Music Group Welcomes Second Cohort of SMG Impact Fellows
• How This Sony Music Group Impact Fellow is Helping Implement Social Change Through Philanthropy & Social Impact: Makiyah Owens
• A Day in the Life of a SMG Impact Fellow from the 2022 HBCU in LA Cohort: Bria Whitaker
• Spend A Week in International Marketing With SMG Impact Fellow Francis Amponsah: Francis Amponsah
• Paving a Path for Indigenous Professionals in Music: Sierra Real Bird
• All You Need to Know About the SMG Impact Fellow Internship: Jocelyn Peña
• Catching the Contagious Passion of the DE&I Team: Sasha Campbell
• A Full Circle Moment for SMG Impact Fellow Akhilaa Lakshminathan: Akhilaa Lakshminathan

The post How This SMG Impact Fellow Learned to Support the Future of Music appeared first on Sony Music.

The First Episode Premieres on November 1 and the Trailer is Available Now

New York, NY – October 12, 2022 – New York Times bestselling author, actress and model Emily Ratajkowski and Sony Music Entertainment today announced their partnership to launch High Low with EmRata, a new podcast digging into a range of raw, fun and smart conversations across today’s cultural zeitgeist. High Low with EmRata will premiere on Tuesday, November 1 and the trailer is available now.

High Low with EmRata will marry high brow and low brow topics, exploring whatever is on Ratajkowski’s mind from politics, philosophy and feminism to sex, pop culture and Tik Tok. In each Tuesday’s episode, she’ll host intimate conversations with special guests, including big name celebrities, incredible authors, close friends and individuals she admires. In the week’s second episode, Ratajkowski will speak candidly about what’s happening in the world, delivering an episode peppered with anecdotes, personal opinions and thought provoking questions.

“I am thrilled to partner with Sony Music for my first podcast and give listeners intimate access to my candid thoughts and perspective on whatever is happening in our world,” said Emily Ratajkowski. “I am interested in examining pop culture and happenings that may seem frivolous in a way that raises big questions. My hope is that the series will be a place where listeners can come to participate in thoughtful discourse while also having fun.”

Listeners can subscribe to High Low: Talk Back for ad-free episodes and access to an exclusive additional episode where Ratajkowski will discuss questions and comments submitted by listeners.

High Low with EmRata is produced by Somethin’ Else, a Sony Music Entertainment company. The executive producer is Serita Wesley, producer is Chelsea Jacobson and associate producer is Rachel Chodor. Listeners can subscribe to High Low with EmRata on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on other Sony podcasts, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

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SPARK! Philippines will receive funding from Sony Music’s Global Social Justice Fund to accelerate young women’s rights advocacy through music and film    

Through the Global Social Justice Fund, Sony Music Philippines is partnering with SPARK! to champion young women’s rights and provide access to free and quality education, improved reproductive health products and services, and support for gender sensitive and responsive programs.

As a new beneficiary, SPARK! Philippines will develop an initiative that capitalizes on the power of storytelling through film and music to showcase inspirational narratives of the young women they support. The selected applicants will collaborate with amateur filmmakers and Sony Music Philippines artists to produce original short biopics or documentaries featuring impactful musical scores and theme songs. A separate series of short videos will also be made to showcase how Sony Music Philippines artists engage with the young women through their workshops and songwriting and recording sessions.

“In addition to elevating young women and raising awareness for the issues they face, we want to inspire them to be more creative, to dream deeply, and to aspire for more,” said Maica Teves, Executive Director at SPARK! Philippines. “Young women need help with strengthening and amplifying their advocacy efforts, and support from the Sony Music Philippines’s musicians and filmmakers will help them achieve that in a creative way. Through our collaboration with Sony Music’s Global Social Justice Fund, we aim to give our young women a positive platform to showcase their collaboration and develop meaningful stories that shed much-needed light on the pressing issues they face. We want to embed a belief in equal rights and the importance of education at a young age and will work hand-in-hand with Sony Music Entertainment Philippines to realize these goals.”      

“We are happy to partner with SPARK! who are impacting the lives of young women across the Philippines,” said Roslyn Pineda, General Manager, Philippines, Sony Music Entertainment. “As a global music company, Sony Music Entertainment is dedicated to empowering and elevating all members of societies where we have a presence. We are committed to bridging gaps in society and look forward to working with SPARK! to unlock the creative potential of young women in the Philippines.”

Established in 2012, SPARK! Philippines is an NGO composed of empowered women committed to the development of women and women’s organizations as full partners in national development. The funding from Sony Music Philippines will help strengthen collaboration and build alliances with people and organizations across various fields and sectors to advance the rights and welfare agenda of young women, encourage young women to be agents of change from a young age by actively participating in social development programs and community projects, claiming their right to engage in spaces of policy discussion, and support men in allyship and activism by joining activities that advance gender equality.

SPARK! Philippines is the latest recipient announced in Asia from Sony Music Group’s Global Social Justice Fund. Launched in 2020, the Fund supports social justice and anti-racist initiatives around the world. Two years on, the Fund has pledged 71% of the total $100 Million USD fund to more than 400 community organizations worldwide, covering areas including civic engagement, environmental justice, criminal justice reform, and education.

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Funding from the Sony Music Group’s Global Social Justice Fund will be used to promote education, health, and gender equality among adolescent girls in Uttar Pradesh

Sony Music India is excited to announce the Milaan Foundation as a new partner through our Global Social Justice Fund. Milaan Foundation aims to uplift and empower adolescent girls across the state of Uttar Pradesh in India, which has the largest population of adolescent girls in the country. 

Through this new funding, Milaan Foundation plans to scale its flagship Girl Icon Program, a leadership development program that invests in empowering girls at the grassroots level, delivering comprehensive life-skills-based education and instigating collective social action. In the first phase, Milaan will train 2,000 leaders across three states to work with 40,000 young women, with a goal of reaching a total target of working with 100,000 girls by 2025. With the support of funding from Sony Music India, Milaan Foundation will further promote continued secondary education, work to prevent child marriages and gender-based violence, and support the health and wellbeing of adolescent girls from marginalized communities across India.

“Every girl deserves a life of dignity, opportunity and access to education,” said Dhirendra Pratap Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Milaan. “We envision an inclusive and equal world, where every girl is educated, healthy and safe to explore her full potential. Thanks to funding from Sony Music Group’s Global Social Justice Fund, we can fast-track the education and empowerment of adolescent girls, cultivating our next generation of female leaders. We are delighted to work hand-in-hand with Sony Music India to further our mission to impart young women with the knowledge, skills, and the social environment needed to pursue their aspirations”.

“We are delighted to partner with the Milaan Foundation who are doing fantastic work to empower and inspire young women across the country,” said Rajat Kakkar, Managing Director, Sony Music Entertainment, India. “As a global music company, Sony Music is committed to actively supporting communities across where we operate. Empowering people is key to what we do, and we hope to do the same in partnership with the Milaan Foundation.”

Established in 2007, Milaan Foundation is a social impact organization with the purpose to empower girls to stand up for themselves by advancing their skills, rights and opportunities and unlocking their voice, choice, and power. The funding from Sony Music will be used to invest in technology, deliver life skills and leadership education, offer mentorship, and promote community participation to advance gender equality.

Milaan Foundation is the latest recipient announced in Asia from Sony Music Group’s Global Social Justice Fund. Launched in 2020, the Fund supports social justice and anti-racist initiatives around the world. Two years on, the Fund has pledged 71% of the total $100 Million USD fund to more than 400 community organizations worldwide, covering areas including civic engagement, environmental justice, criminal justice reform, and education.

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Sony Music Entertainment Taiwan is proud to announce its new partnership with the Modern Women’s Foundation (MWF) through the Global Social Justice Fund. MWF is a Taiwan-based organization that focuses on addressing issues of domestic and sexual abuse against women and children.

Through this new funding, MWF will expand its offering of essential services for domestic violence and sexual assault victims in Taiwan through its service centers, as well as continue to raise awareness through education and advocacy programmes. In particular, funding from Sony Music Taiwan will support MWF’s latest program which focuses on addressing economic empowerment for women subjected to domestic violence. The new MWF program helps women stand up to physical forms of abuse as well as economic abuse including exploitation, limiting the victim’s use of money or her earning potential, and more.

MWF also plans to work with Sony Music Taiwan to raise awareness about domestic violence among different communities in the country.

“There is no place for violence in modern society and every woman and child has the right to have agency over her personal safety and wellbeing,” said Wei-Kang Pan, Chairwoman of the Board at Modern Women’s Foundation. “From the founding of our first Women Protection Center more than 30 years ago to our involvement in legislation for the prevention of domestic and sexual violence over the years, MWF has been a pioneer in the protection of women and children in Taiwan. With support from Sony Music’s Global Social Justice Fund, we can do even more to aid those who come to us and defend the rights of women and children who witness or are subjected to violence, and to eliminate inequality from our society.”

“We look forward to partnering with MWF who do vital work to support and empower women across the country,” said Kevin Foo, General Manager, Taiwan, Sony Music Entertainment. “As a global music company, Sony Music is committed to actively supporting communities across all the countries where we operate. Through this partnership with MWF, we hope to continue working towards our goal of fostering equitable and liveable societies for all.”

Established in 1987, MWF is a non-government, non-profit organization offering services for victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and sexual harassment. Through its six local centers and service centers located within five courts in Taiwan, MWF helps more than 7,000 victims each year, providing them with case management, legal aid, counselling and other services.  At a community level, MWF raises awareness about gender-based violence and contributes to the prevention and intervention of such violence through workshops, trainings and campaigns. On a policy level, MWF continues to advocate for changes in legislation to better protect the rights of women.

MWF is the latest recipient announced in Asia from Sony Music Group’s Global Social Justice Fund. Launched in 2020, the Fund supports social justice and anti-racist initiatives around the world. Two years on, the Fund has pledged 71% of the total $100 Million USD fund to more than 400 community organizations worldwide, covering areas including civic engagement, environmental justice, criminal justice reform, and education.

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This article is written by Bria Whitaker and is part of the SMG Impact Fellows Mix Tape Series, a collection of first-person essays written by the 2022 Sony Music Group Impact Fellow cohort. Read more about the 2022 SMG Impact Fellows Program here. 

Bria was a 2022 Impact Fellow working with Sony Music Publishing’s Film & TV Synch team.  

If you ever visit the Sony Pictures Entertainment Lot in Culver City, CA, make sure you go to Coffee Bean at the center of the lot for the best matcha latte! 

Grabbing a Matcha or Chai on the way to work has become a crucial part of my daily routine as an intern in the Film and TV department with Sony Music Publishing. In addition to my internship, I am so excited to be a part of the 2022 SMG Impact Fellow cohort! 

As an FTV intern, every quote I look at or project I work on revolves around a dynamic rotation of upcoming TV shows, movies, video games, and commercials. My day starts off with checking my email (as most do) to see what I may have missed over the weekend or from the previous workday. Sony Music Publishing is great at sending interactive emails with monthly playlists, songs currently charting from our songwriters, or gems from the catalog. After reading through those emails, I begin working through my tasks for the day. 

I currently work with clearance in the Creative Marketing department, which is more of the administrative side of music licensing. With the FTV department, we work with any music synchronized with some type of visual (TV, movies, music video, etc.). When a production knows that they’re going to use a certain song for their upcoming show that was published through Sony Music Publishing, they will reach out to SMP for approval. The coordinators in the Creative Marketing/Clearance department work as liaisons from the song writers to the licensing company. As an intern working in this department, I assist with looking up songwriters and entering quotes into SMP’s database that tracks songwriter credits, official song titles, publishers, and territories reached. 

Each time a song is quoted, denied, licensed and/or paid, it is logged into the database. Every day, I log anywhere from 5-50 of these quotes depending on how detailed the quote is. Along with looking up songs and getting to enter quotes, I ask questions about the entire process and receive valuable insight into how negotiations for license fees are usually administered as well as great general knowledge about license Clearance. 

Around 1 p.m. is a great time to take a break and explore for lunch. Working on the studio lot, there is always something happening, from productions filming to new sets being built, and even fun events on the yard like Ghostbusters Day! I always make sure to walk around every once in a while, just to see what’s happening. You never know what you may see or who you might run into! 

To wrap up, here are three Culver City office tips:  

1. I always need to have some caffeine for my commute in the morning and on the way home! I don’t drink coffee, but there are a lot of great alternatives in the office or on the lot.  
2. If you need food to stay energized while working, the SMP office is always stocked with snacks and drinks to get you through the day.  
3. Bring headphones to listen to music or to take meetings. Once everyone is plugging away at their own individual projects, it’s nice to listen to music and zone in on your work.  

So far, my internship experience with Sony Music Publishing has been great and I cannot wait to see what it has in store! I am so grateful to represent Howard University and my 2022 HBCU in LA cohort as an SMG Impact Fellow this year. 

Songs for the Summer: 

1. “Late Night Talking” – Harry Styles
2. “It’s Givin” – Latto
3. “damn Right” – Audrey Nuna
4. “Gravity” – Brent Faiyaz (feat. Tyler, the Creator)
5. “Good Days” – SZA

For more stories on the SMG Impact Fellows second cohort:

• Sony Music Group Welcomes Second Cohort of SMG Impact Fellows
• How This Sony Music Group Impact Fellow is Helping Implement Social Change Through Philanthropy & Social Impact: Makiyah Owens
• How This SMG Impact Fellow Learned to Support the Future of Music: Keona Leono
• Spend A Week in International Marketing With SMG Impact Fellow Francis Amponsah: Francis Amponsah
• Paving a Path for Indigenous Professionals in Music: Sierra Real Bird
• All You Need to Know About the SMG Impact Fellow Internship: Jocelyn Peña
• Catching the Contagious Passion of the DE&I Team: Sasha Campbell
• A Full Circle Moment for SMG Impact Fellow Akhilaa Lakshminathan: Akhilaa Lakshminathan

The post A Day in the Life of a SMG Impact Fellow from the 2022 HBCU in LA Cohort appeared first on Sony Music.

Sony Music has introduced a new policy that entitles parents to claim a significant financial contribution towards the cost of childcare for pre-school age children. The childcare initiative provides employees with funding towards the cost of childcare during working hours and is structured to offer tapered grants, correlating to an individual employee’s salary. This entitles lower and middle earners the ability to benefit from increased funding, up to a maximum of £15,000 per year towards childcare costs.

Jason Iley, MBE (Chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK & Ireland) said, “We have a longstanding commitment to ensure our company reflects all corners of society. This is one of several measures that we have introduced to support parents and increase the proportion of women in roles throughout the company. Our hope is that the tapered model ensures that financial support is going to those employees who need it the most.”

This policy demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to providing the best support for parents and underlines our commitment to diversity and inclusion. It follows the announcement of additional measures devoted to improving diversity, talent retention and addressing issues that disproportionately affect women.

Click here to read the full article on sonymusic.co.uk.

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New York, New York – October 4, 2022 – To commemorate the 40-year anniversary of Michael Jackson’s revolutionary Thriller album, the Estate of Michael Jackson and Sony Music Entertainment are celebrating the artistic vision that anchored the biggest selling album of all time with a new official documentary. Directed by acclaimed journalist, music historian, and filmmaker Nelson George, the film which is currently in production takes fans back in time to the making of the record-breaking album and release of revolutionary short films that redefined the music video format and captivated audiences globally. “Billie Jean” remains the most streamed Michael Jackson song and “Thriller” is the only music video that has been inducted onto the elite National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. 

Featuring never-before-seen footage and candid interviews, the as yet untitled documentary chronicles thepoint in Jackson’s career that launched the singer into mega-stardom and created a pop culture phenomenon that is woven through the culture and continues to influence the worlds of music, television, dance, fashion and more to this day. 

“The release of Thriller redefined Michael Jackson, taking him from teen star to adult superstar, who composed memorable songs, sang beautifully and reached the highest level of on-stage performance,” said Nelson George. “The album, and the short films they inspired, created a new template for marrying music and image. It’s been a privilege to explore this extraordinary album and revisit its magic.”

The music on Thriller is so dynamic and singular that it defied any definition of rock, pop or soul that had gone before. “Beat It” was a new kind of pop-rock hybrid and demolished the longstanding segregation between black and white music with Eddie Van Halen’s incendiary guitar. On “The Girl Is Mine,” a black man and a white man bantered about the same girl.  When a fledgling MTV, which was programming white rock artists almost exclusively, refused to play the video for “Billie Jean” Epic persisted. Once the wall came crashing down, MTV’s ratings soared and a door was opened for a generation of African American artists. “He was MTV’s Jackie Robinson,” said cultural critic Touré

Thriller was the second studio album by Jackson as a solo artist on Epic Records. It went on to capture a record 12 Grammy® nominations and a record-setting eight wins, including Album of the Year. And Michael captured a record eight Grammy Awards that same night, including for “E.T. The Storybook” album.  Since its debut, Thriller has sold over 100 million albums worldwide, and was the first album to be certified triple diamond by the RIAA. 

The latest Optimum Productions and Sony Music Entertainment documentary, produced by Company Name, joins “Bad 25” and “Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall” as the third documentary film with a focus on a Jackson album. Additional productions celebrating Jackson’s unparalleled impact include the 2009 film, This Is It, Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas and MJ The Musical on Broadway.

“Michael opened and explored emotional depths and pushed the boundaries of sonic innovation on Thriller. In the process, he breached destructive barriers in the music industry and literally united the world through his music: there isn’t a place on this planet that hasn’t been exhilarated by the music of Michael Jackson”, stated John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Michael Jackson Estate. “This documentary’s exploration of Michael’s process and impactis revelatory.”

“Michael Jackson’s Thriller marked a momentous and pivotal moment in both music and pop culture around the world,” said Tom Mackay, President, Premium Content, Sony Music Entertainment. “We’re excited to expand the estate’s documentary collection with our upcoming film and look forward to sharing it with fans around the world.”

Sony Music Entertainment is distributing the film. Colin Hanks and Sean Stuart from Company Name serve as producers. John Branca and John McClain serve as Executive Producers.

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Based in New York, she reports to SME’s Kevin Kelleher, Chief Operating Officer and Dennis Kooker, President, Global Digital Business.

Lopes is responsible for working with the Company’s Executive Leadership and Global Digital Business (GDB) teams in helping to generate and develop strategies and investing opportunities that support SME’s continuing creative and financial growth. These efforts build on a series of strategic transactions by SME over the last 24 months, including the acquisitions of Alamo Records, AWAL/Kobalt Neighboring Rights and Som Livre. She also is focused on expanding SME’s investments across key development areas including global streaming, artist services, the creator economy, social media, gaming, NFTs, the metaverse and more. 

In making the announcement, Kelleher said, “Advancing our investments and strategy worldwide is an important part of our ongoing success as a company. By combining these efforts under Angela’s experience, we continue to be in a great position to efficiently spot and maximize opportunities that further evolve our business globally.”

Said Lopes, “I’m thrilled to be continuing my career with Sony Music in this expanded role, and excited to be supporting the Company’s overall growth in a dynamic and changing marketplace. I look forward to working with SME’s leadership and the Global Strategy and Investments team to identify technologies, strategic partnerships and investments that further enhance Sony Music’s business and the scale of our support for our artists and labels.”

For the last nine years, Lopes has been responsible for finding and evaluating partnership and investment opportunities, as well as negotiating digital music distribution deals, as part of Sony Music’s GDB team. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy & Investments, overseeing numerous transactions, such as SME’s acquisition of podcast producer Somethin’ Else and its strategic investment in Chinese music streaming platform NetEase Cloud Music. Additionally, she has led SME’s participation in funding various music and technology startups, including superfan social platform Fave and creator-safe music platform Slip.stream, among others.

Prior to joining Sony Music in 2013, Lopes worked as a strategy consultant, serving clients across the retail, manufacturing, logistics, and energy industries in previous roles for McKinsey & Company in London and Port Jackson Partners in Sydney.

Lopes holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School, and both a Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours and the University Medal) in Aerospace Engineering and a Bachelor of Advanced Science from the University of Sydney.

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New York, NY – October 3, 2022 – Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment today announced the premiere of the new podcast series All Relative: Defining Diego, an extraordinary story of one Guatemalan adoptee and his mother, a reporter who documented their journey from his earliest steps.  

At its heart, Defining Diego is a deeply personal narrative of a mother and son that raises questions about identity, race, family, community, and home, while also digging into larger questions about how international adoption boomed and busted, and what it all means for families like theirs. Using 20+ years of the family’s archive recordings, this season showcases Laurie and Diego’s relationship for decades, as listeners get access to the sounds of Diego’s childhood and the emergence of his own journey towards self-discovery. As one of more than 50,000 Guatemalan adoptees, Diego is still navigating what it means to be Guatemalan, American, Indigenous and an adoptee raised by white parents. Defining Diego invites listeners into Laurie and Diego’s world as they continue to navigate these complex issues together as a family.  

“When I started recording Diego as a baby in Guatemala, I had no idea how many places the story would go,” said host Laurie Stern. “And we kept the tape rolling as international adoption got shut down and as our own family wellbeing was threatened, but now I’m so proud that Diego and I are bringing this story to listeners around the world.” 

Diego Xicay added, “We realized while making this series that even though Laurie has been reporting and recording all these years, this story is my story too. I’m the one who has to figure out what it really means to be from two very different places. Defining Diego is 23 years of me growing up Minnesotan, while also deepening my connection to the Guatemalan village where I was born. And it’s a story I’m ready to tell.” 

All Relative: Defining Diego is executive produced by Lizzie Jacobs, Jude Kampfner, and Tom Koenig at Somethin’ Else, a Sony Music Entertainment company.  

Listeners can subscribe to All Relative: Defining Diego on The Binge, as well as all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. For more information on All Relative: Defining Diego and all other Sony Podcast shows, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

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This article is written by Makiyah Owens and is part of the SMG Impact Fellows Mix Tape Series, a collection of first-person essays written by the 2022 Sony Music Group Impact Fellows cohort. Read more about the SMG Impact Fellows Program here. 

How would you describe your internship experience, using a song from a Sony Music artist? 
‘Dreams’ by Solange accurately describes my internship experience at Sony Music Group (SMG). The song starts with the lyrics, “I grew up a little girl with dreams, dreams, dreams” and she then goes on to sing, “Dreams come a long way.” It has been a dream to intern with SMG. Music has a special place in my heart, and I love working on social impact initiatives. The fact that I’m in a position where I can marry those two passions is surreal. Not to mention, the instrumentals in that song are amazing and make my soul happy. 

What is your favorite aspect of interning in the Philanthropy and Social Impact Department? 
Being able to learn and contribute to Sony Music Group’s social impact initiatives, as well as brainstorming/pitching creative ways our team can get SMG artists involved in these initiatives. One of the main things I have learned during my internship is how influential celebrity and artist involvement is in terms of advocating for social change within our society.  

I also enjoyed learning about the missions, goals, and initiatives of the organizations that Sony Music Group funds through the Sony Music Global Social Justice Fund. The individuals leading the organizations that have received funding through the GSJF are passionate about the work that they do, and it is so rewarding to listen to and understand how they drive change in our society. I also enjoy working with our partner organizations to find opportunities where Sony Music Group can support the advancement of helping them meet their goals. 

For example, one of our partner organizations that I enjoyed learning more about was When We All Vote. When We All Vote was created by Michelle Obama and “aims to change the culture around voting and to increase participation in every election by helping close the race and age gap.” On my first day interning with the department, I was able to attend a ‘Democracy Summit’ put on by the organization. This was an amazing experience in which I was able to listen to several leaders within our community discuss voter rights, voter education, the state of our democracy, and how we can combat voter suppression. It was a such an impactful experience for me, and I will carry the knowledge I obtained during that summit with me throughout my career. 

What are the benefits of being a MAIP student and an SMG Impact Fellow? How has it been balancing the MAIP Fellowship and SMG Impact Fellowship?
In addition to being an SMG Impact Fellow, I am also a part of the MAIP program. As a MAIP Fellow, I participated in a series of agency-sponsored professional development workshops and seminars. Attending the educational MAIP seminars along with completing my SMG internship was extremely beneficial because the MAIP sessions offer professional development and networking advice that I directly apply to my SMG internship.  

For example, there was a MAIP seminar regarding wellness and prioritization in the workplace and how to fit wellness into your professional life. I was able to take what I learned from the seminar and implement that into my internship the next day.  

At first, it was challenging to juggle both my MAIP responsibilities and my SMG Impact Fellow experience, but after a week or two, I was able to create a structured routine that centered around prioritization, to make sure that I was completing my requirements for both. 

What advice can you offer to future SMG Impact Fellows? 
Be a sponge during this experience. Soak up all the knowledge that you can in any way possible, whether it be attending meetings, asking questions, or conversing with everyone in your department as well as people in other departments. You get out of this experience what you put into it so take every opportunity you can to understand the roles of the people in your department. This is also an opportunity to understand more about yourself and if this is a career path that you are still passionate about. Internships are all about learning and growing so use this time to do as much of that as you can.  

Songs on rotation:

1. “Vegas” – Doja Cat
2. “RUNITUP” – Tyler, The Creator
3. “Baby Doll” – Dominic Fike 
4. “Cash In, Cash Out” – Pharrell Williams, 21 Savage & Tyler, the Creator
5. “Dark Red” – Steve Lacy

For more stories on the SMG Impact Fellows second cohort:

• Sony Music Group Welcomes Second Cohort of SMG Impact Fellows
• A Day in the Life of a SMG Impact Fellow from the 2022 HBCU in LA Cohort: Bria Whitaker
• How This SMG Impact Fellow Learned to Support the Future of Music: Keona Leono
• Spend A Week in International Marketing With SMG Impact Fellow Francis Amponsah: Francis Amponsah
• Paving a Path for Indigenous Professionals in Music: Sierra Real Bird
• All You Need to Know About the SMG Impact Fellow Internship: Jocelyn Peña
• Catching the Contagious Passion of the DE&I Team: Sasha Campbell
• A Full Circle Moment for SMG Impact Fellow Akhilaa Lakshminathan: Akhilaa Lakshminathan

The post How This Sony Music Group Impact Fellow is Helping Implement Social Change Through Philanthropy & Social Impact appeared first on Sony Music.

Manila, September 30, 2022 – Sony Music Entertainment (SME) Philippines today announced the opening of its new office in Manila, to continue the Company’s business to discover and develop the next generation of Filipino artists.

Located in Pasig City, a major business, entertainment and cultural hub, the new Office will be the home for SME Philippines and The Orchard Philippines, housing specialists in A&R and digital marketing to support SME Philippine’s roster of more than 70 local artists, discover and develop up-and-coming musical talent, and promote music from the country.

SME Philippines is home to some of the most well-known artists and musical groups in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, including Ben&Ben, SB19, NOBITA, Ace Banzuelo, and Clara Benin.

The opening event was attended by Pasig City Deputy Mayor Dodot Jaworski, as well as senior executives from Sony Music Group, artists, and business partners. Guests enjoyed performances by local SME stars Ace Banzuelo, I Belong to The Zoo, Alex Bruce, Clara Benin, Young Cocoa, and Of Mercury.

“The Philippines is a music-loving nation. It is exciting to witness the growth of the local music industry and see local musicians making it big regionally and internationally. We are heartened to see that Sony Music Philippines is calling Pasig City its home,” said Vice Mayor of Pasig City, Dodot Jaworski.

“Here, in the Philippines, the vibrant cultural fabric of the country has given rise to a new generation of artists who are pushing boundaries with their music and showcasing the best of local music,” said Shridhar Subramaniam, President, Corporate Strategy and Market Development, Asia and Middle East, Sony Music Entertainment. “The cultural diversity and creativity in the Philippines  coupled with the pace of digital adoption presents enormous opportunities for artists to create and share their music, and we are committed to supporting their efforts.”

“Over the years, we have worked closely with musicians, creators and partners to build an impressive roster of local artists and provide each of them with best-in-class support,” said Roslyn Pineda, General Manager, Philippines, Sony Music Entertainment. “As a result, we’ve created numerous international hits and local favorites, as well as making our mark as the only music company with a Christian music sub label in the country. Looking ahead, we are ready to further our efforts to support Filipino music both in the country and beyond.”

Among the homegrown artists who have made a name for themselves regionally and internationally are Ben&Ben and SB19.

“Sony Music has been a lovely partner in helping us reach out to our fanbase, Liwanag, with our music,” said Ben&Ben. “They have opened so many doors for us, making it possible to bring the emotions and messages of the songs we’ve made to the people who need it. They have constantly given us renewed energy to keep pushing boundaries and keep moving forward, no matter what direction the wind blows. It’s an honor to be working alongside an organization full of passionate and dedicated people. As we embark on a new adventure with our first North American Tour, it’s sad that we’ll miss the opening of the new office, but we’re proud to see how far Sony Music Philippines has come.”

Five-member sensation SB19 debuted in late 2018 and has received widespread recognition with their singles, “What?”, “Alab (Burning)” and “Go Up”. The pop group was nominated for “Top Social Artist” at the 2021 Billboards Music Awards and has the longest-running number one hit in the history of Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart for “Bazinga”.

‘Sony Music has been a key and vital partner for us through the years, helping us reach our fans and audiences through their wide and extensive network’, added SB19 in a statement. ‘From working with us on our first album, to supporting us on our recently released international single ‘WYAT’ and helping us with our upcoming world tour, we couldn’t have asked for a better team. From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to congratulate them on the opening of their new office.”

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This summer, Sony Music Group (SMG) proudly welcomed the second cohort of the SMG Impact Fellows Program. This program launched in 2021, when Sony Music Group became the first music industry partner of the 4A’s Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP). This year, to continue accelerating and strengthening Sony Music Group’s efforts to recruit, develop, and retain diverse entry-level talent, the program expanded to welcome more fellows from additional diverse talent partners including American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL), HBCU in LA, Out4Undergrad and Scholarships Plus. 

This second cohort of SMG Impact Fellows was comprised of nine multicultural and multidisciplinary fellows—almost double the size of the inaugural cohort—working across several Sony Music Group teams including International Marketing, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Philanthropy & Social Impact, Film & TV, Premium Content and Early Career. 

“Being part of the 2021 SMG Impact Fellow Program accelerated my career by providing me a network in and outside of Sony Music and various opportunities to grow as a young professional. Now, I work full-time at Sony Music with the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and it’s a surreal feeling to be leading the programming for this year’s cohort,” says Madilyne Nguyen-Acosta, a 2021 SMG Impact Fellow, and Specialist with SMG’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

The SMG Impact Fellow Program provides diverse young professionals with the unique opportunity to learn about and experience the music industry during a 10-week summer internship, supplemented by several weeks of professional development opportunities and programming from their host organization. 

According to Tessa Sayers, Director of Marketing and Program Development at American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL), the partnership between AIBL and SMG has helped propel indigenous students in their professional careers, “AIBL thoroughly enjoyed partnering with Sony Music Group this year. They provided a platform and space for two of our indigenous students to thrive and connect with highly professional and encouraging individuals. I tracked our student’s progress weekly during their internship and the feedback received was fantastic. Their Sony managers and teammates were invested in their learning, experience, and growth over the summer. Both of our students were offered extensions at the end of their internship.”  

Throughout the internship term, Fellows receive additional support and training from their host organization including virtual training, professional development opportunities, access to diverse resources and exclusive events for networking across marketing, advertising, and entertainment industries. Fellows also engage in exclusive SMG programming like attending office tours on the Sony Lot in Culver City, LA, and the headquarters in NYC, listening to panel conversations with host-organization alum, and participating in a special Q&A session with members of Sony Music Group leadership. 

International Marketing intern, Francis Amponsah, returned to Sony Music Group this summer as a 2022 Impact Fellow, after previously working with Sony Music’s Corporate Communications team. As an SMG Impact Fellow, Amponsah learned about a new segment of the business, “One of the highlights of the role is the real-world experience that I’ve gained in marketing by assisting the four digital project managers that I work with,” shares Amponsah. “This is an experience that is broadening my knowledge of the music industry from a marketing perspective because I get to work with colleagues that have different leadership styles and work with different regions and markets.”  

To read more about what our SMG Impact Fellows accomplished this summer, check back every Monday through mid-November to read our #LifeAtSonyMusic 2022 Impact Fellows article series. 

• How This Sony Music Group Impact Fellow is Helping Implement Social Change Through Philanthropy & Social Impact: Makiyah Owens
• A Day in the Life of a SMG Impact Fellow from the 2022 HBCU in LA Cohort: Bria Whitaker
• How This SMG Impact Fellow Learned to Support the Future of Music: Keona Leono
• Spend A Week in International Marketing With SMG Impact Fellow Francis Amponsah: Francis Amponsah
• Paving a Path for Indigenous Professionals in Music: Sierra Real Bird
• All You Need to Know About the SMG Impact Fellow Internship: Jocelyn Peña
• Catching the Contagious Passion of the DE&I Team: Sasha Campbell
• A Full Circle Moment for SMG Impact Fellow Akhilaa Lakshminathan: Akhilaa Lakshminathan

The post Sony Music Group Welcomes Second Cohort of SMG Impact Fellows appeared first on Sony Music.

First Episode Featuring Tamar Braxton Is Available Today

New York, NY – September 28, 2022 – Sixteen-time GRAMMY-winning artist, songwriter, and producer Kirk Franklin and Sony Music Entertainment today announced the launch of its second season of Good Words With Kirk Franklin. Through intimate discussions exploring faith, redemption, and the realities of today’s world, Franklin invites listeners into shared moments with some of the biggest names across entertainment. Premiering today, the first episode includes a candid conversation with Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Tamar Braxton. 

Throughout this season, Franklin will lead thought-provoking conversations with some of today’s most impactful leaders and artists, including Dr. Bernice A. King, Iyanla Vanzant, John Boyega, Jenifer Lewis, Karamo Brown, Omarion, Tamron Hall, Tobe and Fat Nwigwe, W. Kamau Bell and more. Together, they engage and explore their thoughts around race, religion, politics, music and self-expression. The conversations will make space for laughter, joy and lighter moments. 

“Good Words is a podcast where culture meets faith and a place where my guests can be real and open like you have never heard before,” said Franklin. “I’m excited to return for a second season and share more enlightening conversations with some of my favorite artists and thought leaders.” 

Good Words with Kirk Franklin is produced by Janicia Francis and Danielle Jones-Wesley at Somethin’ Else, a Sony Music Entertainment company. 

Subscribers on Apple Podcasts can access weekly episodes ad-free. Listeners can subscribe to Good Words with Kirk Franklin on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on other Sony podcasts, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

The post Kirk Franklin and Sony Music Entertainment Launch Second Season of Good Words With Kirk Franklin Today appeared first on Sony Music.

Listen to the First Episode Now and Subscribe for Access to Weekly Bonus Episodes   

London and New York – September 20, 2022 – Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment today launched their new podcast This is History: A Dynasty to Die For. Hosted by bestselling author and historian Dan Jones, the series explores the story of the most dysfunctional family of the Middle Ages - The Plantagenets – and examines how power, greed, religion and sex fueled their lives with turmoil. Previously described as the “real life Game of Thrones”, the story of The Plantagenets takes listeners on a wild ride as the family leaves a trail of destruction across Europe and beyond, their personal feuds and psychodramas playing out on an epic scale. 

The series consists of 24 episodes, two released per week. Each 15-minute installment is packed with drama, following  Henry II – The Plantagenet’s answer to Succession’s  Logan Roy - as he employs charisma, recklessness and strategic masterstrokes to win his crown. His children betray each other in their hunger to take him down, and the family matriarch, Eleanor of Aquitaine, navigates a man’s world to claim her own power.  

Despite being England’s longest reigning and most ruthless dynasty, with moments that feel like they’ve been taken straight from The Sopranos playbook, the story of The Plantagenets is still relatively unknown. Jones guides his listeners through this tumultuous period of history in a manner that’s at once compelling and dramatic, as well as accessible and fun. His narration is supported by an impressive, immersive soundscape and score, which transports listeners to medieval England. 

Subscribers will get access to a weekly bonus episode, in which Dan divulges more morsels of medieval gossip.  

Listeners can subscribe to This is History: A Dynasty to Die For on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information for this series and all other Sony Podcast shows, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram. 

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