Music Industry Moves: Jesse Jo Stark Signs With WME, Rebecca Allen Steps Down at Universal Music U.K.
Jesse Jo Stark has signed with WME for worldwide representation across all areas, while veteran executive Rebecca Allen is leaving Universal Music Group U.K. after 27 years and will remain an adviser. The announcements, alongside new publishing and catalogue deals, highlight changes in representation, leadership and the management of songwriters’ work across the music industry.
Stark’s album “Muse” is due on 6 November; her recent work includes performances with Post Malone, Guns N’ Roses and Jane’s Addiction, as well as festival appearances. Sony Music Publishing Colombia has agreed to administer more than 300 works by the late vallenato artist Omar Geles worldwide. Richard King, Faber Music’s chief executive since 1999, has been named chair of the U.K. Music Publishers Association for three years, succeeding Paulette Long, who remains a board director.
- Jesse Jo Stark signs with WME for worldwide representation.
- Rebecca Allen leaves UMG U.K. after 27 years, remaining as an adviser.
- Sony deal covers more than 300 Omar Geles works; Richard King chairs the MPA.
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Music companies work with artists in several ways. A booking and talent agency such as WME negotiates opportunities and represents clients across parts of their careers, while a music publisher helps manage songwriters’ rights and collect income when their work is used.
Universal Music Group is one of the major record companies, and its U.K. division works with artists and music professionals in Britain. Senior leadership changes can affect how a company is run, while an adviser may continue to offer expertise after leaving a formal role.
Publishing and catalogue agreements also shape who manages music and how royalties are handled. Omar Geles was a Colombian vallenato singer and songwriter; an agreement covering his works can affect their administration worldwide. The U.K. Music Publishers Association represents music publishers, so its chair helps lead an industry body during changes in how music is created and used.
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