Sony Music Entertainment is expanding on its previously announced Artists Forward program with a new initiative covering health and retirement services for its artist roster.
Launched in June, Artists Forward most prominently includes the "Legacy Unrecouped Balance Program," which forgives the unrecouped balances of artists -- and, as of July, songwriters -- who signed to Sony Music prior to 2000 and have not received advances since that same year, effectively allowing them to collect royalties from the label. The overall program -- applied retroactively to Jan. 1, 2021 -- is a play by Sony to distinguish itself as the most artist-friendly of the major labels by being “a true partner of the artist, supporting them in all stages of their career,” a source familiar with the program told Billboard at the time of the original announcement.
The newly-announced initiative, Artist Assistance, will give Sony artists active on the label’s roster across the globe access to free, confidential counseling services from licensed therapists in over 70 languages to address concerns such as depression, anxiety, grief and relationship issues. Additionally, many Sony artists signed in the U.S. will be eligible for qualifying health care and retirement services made available through Sony Music’s affiliations with artist organizations including unions.
Announced concurrently with Artist Assistance was the hire of music industry veteran Susan Moultrie to spearhead the Artists Forward program as senior vp artist initiatives and business administration. According to a release, Moultrie will oversee the development and execution of forthcoming offerings under the initiative, including a global program that will provide newly-signed artists with “expanded information and resources" on how Sony works with artists to secure placements with digital partners; how to avoid leaks ahead of release; and how to prevent last-minute creative changes due to clearance issues. Sony also plans to expand its resources focused on answering artists' and other participants’ questions around earnings statements, payments and how the label’s artist portal and data analytics tools work.
Moultrie's hire marks a return to Sony Music, where she first worked between 1991 and 1993 as manager A&R administration. Following a two-year stint as vp finance & operations at Uptown Records, she returned to Sony in 1995 as vp at Epic Urban (1995-1998) and senior director A&R administration (1998-2008). Other previous roles include CFO at Sean "Diddy" Combs' Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment, COO at NYLON Media and COO at pre-marketing agency Evoke Inc.
In addition to the Artist Assistance and Legacy Unrecouped Balance programs, Artists Forward includes a real-time advance feature that allows its U.S. and U.K. artists to receive instant advances on projected future earnings. It also invites them to use a pre-existing cash-out feature to request a withdrawal of all or part of their payable balance each month as soon as it becomes available, with no fees or charges.
For more information on Artists Forward, artists can speak with their local label representatives and/or visit artistsforward.sonymusic.com.
Rick Astley will take viewers on a reflective look back at his life and career when he appears alongside Dermot O’Leary in a new episode of Reel Stories, due to air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in February 2026.
The series, first broadcast in 2018, invites major music figures into a London cinema to revisit key moments from both their personal lives and professional paths. With his 60th birthday approaching next year, Astley becomes the latest musician to sit down with O’Leary for the thoughtful and personal conversation.
Looking back on taking part, Astley said: “I loved doing Reel Stories with Dermot O’Leary, what a treat to be taken back to the start and come right through to today. Dermot is the perfect companion to go on that rollercoaster of emotion, love and thanks, Rick x.”
O’Leary shared his own praise for the experience, saying: “What a pleasure to spend time with Rick and hear him talk so openly about his memories from over the decades. I’ve long been a fan of his… A true gent, wise soul and real talent. I hope that viewers enjoy this extended interview as much as I did.”
Rachel Davies, Commissioning Editor for BBC Pop Music TV, described the timing of the episode as ideal. She said: “Reel Stories is all about telling artists’ stories in a unique way… I’m thrilled that in February, Dermot will be joined by the one and only Rick Astley, celebrating Rick’s life and work as he reaches his 60th birthday.”
The programme follows Astley’s journey from his early work with the soul group FBI through to becoming an international pop star guided by Stock Aitken Waterman. He revisits his first appearance on Top of the Pops, speaks about the intense pressure that followed worldwide success when Never Gonna Give You Up reached number one in 25 countries, and reflects on his decision to step back from fame to focus on family.
Astley also talks about how his music found a new audience through the Rickrolling phenomenon, his return to recording after a 20 year break with encouragement from comedian Peter Kay, and his later career revival. This includes the success of his 2016 album 50 and his appearance on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in 2023.
As part of the themed evening, viewers will also be able to watch a repeat of Astley’s Glastonbury performance along with Stock Aitken Waterman at the BBC. The additional programme features classic moments from Astley as well as performances by Dead or Alive, Donna Summer, Bananarama, Mel and Kim, and Kylie and Jason Donovan.
Astley now joins a notable group of past Reel Stories guests that includes Dave Grohl, Jon Bon Jovi, Kylie, Noel Gallagher, Pet Shop Boys, Robbie Williams, Shania Twain, Rod Stewart, Sting, and Take That.
