Atlanta-based label Love Renaissance (LVRN) is strengthening its female leadership with a new class of executive hires and internal promotions that serves the company's "mission to strive and change the way the music industry currently functions," according to co-founder and president Tunde Balogun.
Recent additions to the team include Vevo’s Priya Minhas, now serving as director of creative content; Q Prime’s Stephanie Gaber as creative marketing and brand partnerships manager; and talent manager Amal Noor as senior director of A&R and manager. Jessica Rodriguez, LVRN's chief of staff, is now adding artist manager to her list of duties, working with dvsn, Eli Derby, Kitty Ca$h, and 6lack, while former marketing and management executive assistant Aaliyah Lambert has been promoted to marketing manager.
"Since we founded LVRN, it has always been intentional for us to realize that diversity and inclusion are important and to make sure that we’re placing women in positions at an executive level," added Balogun in a statement.
"[LVRN's] goal was to bring on super strong women leaders, that can bring something that the company was missing," says Rodriguez. "I think we're in a really great space. Every woman that we have onboard brings a different perspective."
The LVRN family, including label signees and management clients, has been steadily growing over the past five years, most recently adding Canadian R&B duo dvsn to a roster that also includes Summer Walker, 6LACK, Shelley FKA DRAM, Kitty Ca$h, BRS Kash, OMB Bloodbath and more.
"I'm excited to do really innovative activations and elevate these artists in a way that they deserve," Gaber tells Billboard. While Gaber's past clientele include rock and metal bands like The Black Keys and Metallica, she says she's always wanted to work in R&B.
Recently, LVRN launched a mental health initiative, aimed at safeguarding their artists and teams against anxiety and depression, through access to meditation sessions and coaching while on tour. The company has also worked to find innovative ways to both develop and establish their roster of artists, throughout the pandemic. "The height of COVID was around the time when Summer [Walker] was dropping the Life On Earth EP," says Lambert. "Love Renaissance said, 'Okay, how can we make a safe way to still market this EP that's dropping?'"
The team then decided to host a drive-in listening event, for fans and press to safely hear the EP for the first time.
Gaber, Rodriguez and Lambert offered pieces of advice for other women hoping to enter the music business. "It's not an easy road, this entertainment industry," says Rodriguez. "Knowing who you are and giving yourself grace when you get the no's or your career isn't moving as quickly as your counterparts. As a woman -- and this is not the easiest thing to say -- it is a bit harder sometimes because it is a male-dominated industry. But you will find that place that's going to embrace you."
"I think it's doing your research, following up with people and staying on their radar," says Lambert. "And surrounding yourself a community that pours into you, and helps you grow personally and professionally."
Looking forward, Rodriguez says the company is aiming to go global. "I'm hoping that in the next five years, we're continuing to put out music that resonates and touches not just the states, but everywhere."
Sade will not be attending their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony this week.
The English group, made up of Sade Adu, Paul Denman, Stuart Matthewman, and Andrew Hale, are among this year's inductees into the prestigious institution. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles this Saturday.
However, a representative for Sade confirmed on Tuesday through the band's official website that none of the members would be attending the event.
"We're sorry that we won't be able to join everyone in person to celebrate alongside the other artists. However, our absence does not lessen how deeply this recognition means to us," they stated. "Being welcomed into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a wonderful honour and a meaningful opportunity to express our gratitude, not just to everyone who voted for us, but to every person who has made our music part of their lives."
The representative also acknowledged their manager Roger Davies for his support and paid tribute to the late engineer and co-producer Mike Pela, who passed away in 2022.
"We owe so much to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey," they continued, before signing the message: "Sade, Stuart, Andrew, and Paul. Mike Pela, the fifth member of Sade... This recognition belongs to you just as much as it does to us, Mike. You will always be our soul mate."
Sade will be joining Oasis among the artists missing this year's ceremony. Liam Gallagher previously addressed his absence in a message on X, saying the journey was "too far" for him to make just "for the night".
The other musicians being recognised at this weekend's ceremony include Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, the late Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.
