Kesha has launched Smash, a new community platform where creators connect, collaborate and hire each other and retain rights to whatever they create.
“My goal is to shift the power structure of the music making business in favor of the creators,” said Kesha. “I signed a predatory deal when I was 18 and then spent more than a decade fighting to regain rights to my voice and image. When I finally gained my freedom I realized the fight wasn’t over. I want to make sure what happened to me never happens to anyone else again.”
Smash was co-founded by CEO Kesha Sebert, CTO Alan Cannistraro and COO Lagan Sebert alongside a team of music industry and tech veterans. Its core mission aims to give creators access to the professional community they need to make music without the need to fight for ownership over what they create.
To celebrate the announcement of Smash, Kesha is inviting creators to take part in an exclusive remix challenge for her acclaimed new single, “Boy Crazy.” Interested participants signing up to the official Smash email list at smashmusic.io will receive stems for “Boy Crazy,” and then have a week to rework it. The best remix will then be personally selected by Kesha and officially released on Kesha Records later this summer.
+ Warner Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has extended its strategic joint venture partnership with Lilly Raye Music, the management company and publisher run by founder Edward Matthew and A&R Manager Justin Martinez.
The partnership, established in 2020 and expanded in 2023, is focused on supporting collaborations between creatives across Asia, Europe and the United States. The partnership is stepping up its activity in Germany and the Netherlands, with a sharp focus on the dance and electronic scenes, and building its A&R firepower in the UK to support the careers of top-tier talent in that market.
The Lilly Raye management team also continues to make waves behind the scenes, contributing to breakout success for artists such as Ayra Starr, Cian Ducrot, Raye and Renee Rapp.
Matthew and Martinez said: “We’re delighted to renew our deal with Warner Chappell, which has expanded so much in scope over the past few years. Connecting creative talent across three continents is as exhilarating and inspirational as ever, and Warner Chappell’s combination of global firepower, local knowledge and cultural curiosity makes it an essential partner for us.”
+ Big Loud Records has promoted industry veteran Tyler Waugh to senior VP, radio promotion effective immediately.
“Tyler’s leadership, strategic vision and dedication have been instrumental to our continued growth and success,” shared executive VP of radio promotion, Stacy Blythe. “The deep respect that he earns from the team speaks volumes. We are excited to see the impact that he will make in this new role as Big Loud continues to push boundaries.”
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will honor Cardi B with the distinguished ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award at a private ceremony on June 8 in Los Angeles.
Cardi, who claims over 30 ASCAP awards, including the title of ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Songwriter of the Year, will be recognized for her impact on music and culture. Last year, Usher was the recipient of the distinguished award.
“Cardi B has left an indelible mark on the culture of hip-hop by redefining and challenging the norms for women,” said ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams. “Having broken through countless barriers with her unapologetic authenticity and talent, she continues to use her voice to advocate for and inspire others, a true testament to her undeniable impact. We are proud to present Cardi B with this year’s ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award.”
+ SoundCloud has announced its integration into TikTok‘s Add to Music App — a music discovery feature that gives music fans the ability to save the songs they discover on TikTok to their preferred music streaming service.
Emmy Lovell, SoundCloud’s global head of music, said: “SoundCloud has always been the go-to platform for discovering what’s next in music, from emerging artists to breakout genres. Partnering with TikTok makes it easier than ever for fans to save the songs they love and stay connected with the artists behind them. This integration helps turn casual listeners into lifelong superfans while strengthening our commitment to fueling the next generation of music culture.”
SoundCloud’s addition follows that of Spotify and Apple Music, which together have totaled over a billion track saved. This new integration will begin rolling out to all TikTok users on Wednesday, making it easier for users to save the music they discover on TikTok directly to their Liked Tracks playlist on SoundCloud.
Lindsey Kelt Zikry, TikTok’s global product partnerships lead, added: “Tens of millions of TikTok users take advantage of the Add to Music App feature to save the music they discover on TikTok to their favorite streaming platform. We are thrilled to be partnering with SoundCloud – the leading platform helping artists to bring their music from concept to audience – to support emerging and aspiring artists in reaching new fans and superfans on TikTok.”
+ The Wave Music Group has signed Argentine artist Hana Fox to its roster. In a press release, the Wave Music Group says it’s “reaffirming its commitment to nurturing rising talent while reshaping the future of Latin music through high-level, innovative artistic development.”
The Buenos Aires-born singer- songwriter and dancer is known her unique fusion of K-pop and urban pop. After debuting her first singles “Solo” and “Oh no” in 2023, Fox released a new single on May 15 called “JaJa.”
“It’s about looking at life with humor and getting through a breakup. I love sharing those emotions with people, and it’s also a very personal way of showing who I am and how I think,” said Fox in a statement.
+ BMI has hired 11 new partners to its recently launched Spark program. Available through the company’s online service portal, Spark features discounts, offers and resources to help BMI songwriters and composers elevate their craft.
New Spark partners include Backline, iZotope by Native Instruments, Kaotica, Mamas in Music, Pandion Music Foundation, Pinpoint, RoEx, RootNote, Splice, Sight for Sound and TuneHatch. Each service falls within one or more of the program’s three areas of focus: “career development,” “learn and connect,” and “well-being and support,” offering invaluable discounts and resources to assist music creators along their creative journeys and help them thrive throughout their careers.
This new group joins Spark’s inaugural partners BandLab, Berklee Online, Cosynd, DISCO for Artists, FedEx, Hutton Hotel and its Writers Studio, LANDR, Manny’s, Music Health Alliance, Output, Porter’s Call, Rise, School of DISCO and Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.
SoFi Technologies has teamed up with Kelsea Ballerini and tnAchieves, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to college access and success, to launch the Rising Stars Program.
All of the parties involved have together raised $2 million to help the next generation of Tennessee students achieve financial independence. SoFi will provide tnAchieves with over $500,000 in grants to expand its Complete program.
SoFi’s contributions will fund students’ one-on-one coaching and financial support as they prepare for their careers, as well as a specialized financial readiness curriculum for the 60,000 students across their programs. In addition, to help people start investing early, SoFi is offering every Tennessee resident between the ages of 18 and 24 the opportunity to receive a minimum of $5 in stock of their choosing, at no cost, with a chance to receive up to $1,000 in stock – all with no minimum deposit or fees required.
“It has taken me years of hard work to reach my ambitions, and I’ve been lucky to have the support of so many people along the way,” said Ballerini. “I’m incredibly proud to be working with SoFi to give students in Tennessee the financial tools and education they need to succeed. Investing even small amounts of money in your 20s will go further than larger amounts invested later in life. Building true financial independence starts by investing in your future early… in all the ways!”
The Rising Stars Program will enable tnAchieves’s Complete to expand its support for students across Tennessee to help them meet college enrollment requirements and successfully earn a college credential, from coaching to financial assistance for food, housing, laptops, textbooks, and emergency funds. SoFi will also equip all tnAchieves students with a financial planning curriculum covering topics like budgeting, investing and saving for future life milestones.
“At SoFi, we’re committed to helping people achieve financial independence to realize their ambitions. And we know access to financial education, coaching, and investment tools can drive generational wealth and long-term success,” added Lauren Stafford Webb, CMO at SoFi. “This partnership is about creating real opportunity for young people to get their money right and build the foundation for their financial future. As a mother and a Tennessean, I care deeply about investing in the state’s next generation, and SoFi is honored to work alongside Kelsea Ballerini and tnAchieves to make an impact.”
+ Bandcamp, an online music marketplace and community, has announced that its latest Bandcamp Friday, which took place on May 2, generated over $3.2 million for independent artists in just 24 hours.
Celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, Bandcamp Friday was launched during the Covid-19 pandemic to support independent acts. On these selected Fridays, Bandcamp waives its share of revenue, so all artist and label proceeds from music and merch sales go directly to them. Bandcamp Fridays have generated over $140 million alone since 2020, per the company’s press release.
+ GTS (Global Talent Services) has acquired Latin music management company RLM (Rosa Lagarrigue Management), to enhance the global development of artists.
Founded in 2011, GTS is one of the leading agencies in the sector, with a presence in Spain, Portugal, the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. Under the leadership of Narcís Rebollo, GTS represents artists such as Aitana, Amaia, David Bisbal, Ela Taubert, Lola Indigo, Lauana Prado, Pablo Alborán, Pablo López, and Vivir Quintana.
Rebollo said, “It is a pleasure to announce the addition of Rosa Lagarrigue and her RLM team to GTS. With her extensive experience, knowledge, and track record, Rosa is a key and respected figure in the management world, and this addition to our organization is a further investment in our position as a leading Talent Management and Services Company in Latin Music today. I am convinced that the integration of our teams will provide each of our artists the best service and strategic support to achieve their goals across all markets.I would like to thank the entire GTS team worldwide, the RLM team, and all of the wonderful artists we represent, for their full support in this acquisition.”
Lagarrigue commented, “I have always believed that every artist needs unique and personalized support; one that combines listening, intuition, strategy, and honest work. I’m excited to share this project with Narcís, undoubtedly one of the most brilliant executives in the industry, and with his team. What we started at RLM not only continues, but it is amplified and strengthened alongside them.”
+ New York-based indie label Equal Vision Records and Donovan Melero’s Kill Iconic Records have inked a new partnership for 2025 and beyond.
With a roster that includes Moondough, Lobby Boxer, Dwellings, Mella, Resilia, ahh-ceh and Gold Necklace, the partnership will aim to combine boutique-style care with larger label resources and experience.
“Donovan Melero is a force of nature,” said Daniel Sandshaw of Equal Vision Records. “After working with Hail The Sun for nearly a decade, I’ve seen firsthand the passion and drive he brings to everything he touches. Watching kill iconic evolve into a vibrant hub of art and culture has been incredibly inspiring. Now feels like the perfect time for EVR and kill iconic records to join forces, as we look to grow and support the next wave of groundbreaking artists together.”
+ Regional Mexican music imprint Kartel Music (Luis R Conriquez, Tony Aguirre) is rebranding as K Music.
“This rebranding to K Music marks a significant milestone for our team and artists,” said Freddy Becerra, CEO/co-founder of K Music, in a statement. “Our new name reflects an ambition with no borders.”
+ Asher Angel, with co-management by Jeff Golenberg of Strand Entertainment, has signed with Vitalize Projects, an artist-first music management company.
Asher is best known for his breakout role as Jonah Beck on Disney Channel’s “Andi Mack,” and as Billy Batson in the “Shazam!” film franchise. His debut songs include “Alternate Ending” and “Thinkin Bout Me.”
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Fontaines D.C. members Carlos O’Connell and Tom Coll have been behind the production of the forthcoming second album from French indie outfit Film Noir. To introduce the project, the band has unveiled the paired singles ‘VIENS TIENS TOI’ and ‘VEGITA’, which you can listen to below.
The Fontaines D.C. guitarist and drummer worked alongside Film Noir at La Frette Studios just outside Paris. The renowned recording space is also where Arctic Monkeys created their two most recent albums, ‘Tranquillity Base…’ and ‘The Car’.
O’Connell is partnered with Film Noir vocalist Joséphine de La Baume, who is also known for her work as an actor, filmmaker and model. Together, they share two children, with their first child serving as the inspiration for Fontaines’ 2025 track ‘It’s Amazing To Be Young’.
Reflecting on the project while announcing his role in the album, O’Connell shared on social media: “In early 2020 I walked into a gig in a club in Paris and was introduced to a band called Film Noir. I fell in love with the singer, I went on to make babies with her to to fall in love twice again with them.
“A little while back myself, [Coll] and @filmnoirmusic went to La Frette and recorded their upcoming record.”
The guitarist continued: “Producing this record was one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve had. Blessed to have so many. This album means the world to me & I hope it’ll mean something to many more.”
Film Noir have offered an early look at the still untitled album through the release of ‘VIENS TIENS TOI’ and ‘VEGITA’. O’Connell handled production duties on both tracks, while Coll contributed drums. O’Connell also took care of mixing on ‘VEGITA’.
Opening with a light acoustic arrangement, ‘VIENS TIENS TOI’ gradually unfolds into a dreamy sound shaped by shoegaze influences. In contrast, ‘VEGITA’ leans into a brighter, surf inspired feel that complements de La Baume’s floating vocal performance.
The group has also released a behind the scenes video capturing moments from the recording sessions for their sophomore album, which can be viewed below. At this stage, no official release date has been announced.
Back in spring 2020, O’Connell collaborated with Film Noir on a rendition of Lee Hazlewood’s ‘For A Day Like Today’ (via LiveForever). When the track arrived, the band described the guitarist as “a great supporter of the European rock scene and a common friend”.
Film Noir first emerged with their debut EP, ‘Vertiges (Men Of Glory)’, in 2019, followed by ‘Tendrement’ a year later. Their first full length album, ‘Palpitant’, arrived in 2022.
Outside of music, Joséphine de La Baume portrayed Marie in the 2011 film adaptation of One Day alongside Anne Hathaway. She has also appeared in Apple TV’s The New Look and the Polish period feature Chopin, a Sonata in Paris.
O’Connell also produced the self titled debut album from Dead Dads Club, the new project led by former Palma Violets singer Chilli Jesson. Released in 2026, that record was also created at La Frette Studios.
Speaking with NME earlier this year, O’Connell explained that the French studio “feels like a home”. He continued: “There’s nothing about it that feels corporate or constrained by time. My mind goes into this creative mode in which I can hear things in a certain way, and it doesn’t stop until I leave the building.”
Jesson also spoke about the experience, saying: “It was really organic. Carlos, on one of the tours we were on together, was working on a Film Noir album, and he was always mixing it and playing around with sounds. He’d just come out of the studio at La Frette and to see that process, with the production, I was like, ‘Holy shit.’ I’d been in a world where it was all on the computer, and then suddenly he’s talking about a fucking bass drum that’s two metres long.’”
More recently, Fontaines D.C. contributed music to the soundtrack for Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. The band also appeared on the collaborative charity release ‘Help(2)’, which supports War Child.
The group are preparing to return to the stage this summer for their first performances in nearly a year, beginning with three headline concerts in Spain before taking on their first ever top billing appearances at Reading & Leeds 2026.
Their schedule also includes a headline performance at Electric Picnic in Ireland, alongside appearances at European and American festivals including Frequency, La Route du Rock and Shaky Knees.
Discussing new material with NME at the beginning of the year, O’Connell revealed: “We’ve been writing, it’s been fun. We’re at [Reading & Leeds] and there are a couple of shows before that. I think if the music is there, it could get busy.”
Asked whether any fresh songs could appear during the Reading & Leeds performances, he responded: “I’d say so. If there is stuff written, then I would say so, yeah. That’s what we used to do all the time, play the new stuff live, songs that weren’t even finished. It’s a good way to test the songs.”
O’Connell was also asked whether elements of the visual production from the ‘Romance’ era might carry over into the band’s 2026 shows. “I think ‘Romance’ was so intense in every [way]… the visual, the production, the setlist… It wasn’t just about the music,” he explained.
“It’s almost a bit of the identity of the band now, but I guess that’s the decision to make. Does that become the identity of the band, or actually, it’s just a phase and you reinvent it? I don’t know.”
He went on to add: “I personally like the idea of revisiting some old stuff at Reading & Leeds, making the setlist maybe a bit more ‘Dogrel’ heavy. I’m excited about that. I’ve been listening to music like that much more. This morning I was listening to Sonic Youth. I want to go [in] that direction, but we’ll see, because anything could happen now, literally anything.”
‘Romance’ ultimately secured the Number Two spot on NME‘s list of the 50 best albums of 2024, finishing just behind Charli XCX’s ‘Brat’.
