Scottish pop trio Chvrches, from the United Kingdom, have signed with Futures Music Group and released their first single in three years, “Roses.” U.S.-based Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. has named Josephine Vaccarello as its president.
Artist signings and catalog deals#
Chvrches will play two U.K. shows next month, in London and their hometown of Glasgow. The single follows singer Lauren Mayberry’s solo album on Island last year.
Futures Music Group, founded in 2024 by Derek Davies of Neon Gold and Dave Wallace of Avenue A, operates as an independent label collective separate from those companies. It describes its model as offering “transparent deal structures [and] integrated technology partnerships,” with terms designed to align incentives with artists and prioritize long-term partnership and participation over traditional ownership models. Its roster includes Lykke Li, Mt. Joy, Cavetown, Phantogram, the Knocks and others.
U.K.-based garage artist-producer MPH has signed with DisOrder/Capitol Records, which will release his new album, “Here, Forever,” on November 20. He begins a U.S. tour on Oct. 2 in Portland, Oregon, running through the end of November. MPH has collaborated with or remixed tracks by Calvin Harris, Chris Lake, Anderson .Paak, Four Tet, Sammy Virji, Tokimonsta and others.
Primary Wave Music has struck a partnership with the estate of singer Robert Palmer covering his publishing and recording catalog, as well as a share in his name, image and likeness rights. The catalog includes the 1985 hit “Addicted to Love,” along with songs such as:
- “Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)”
- “Simply Irresistible”
- “Johnny & Mary”
- “She Makes My Day”
- “Some Like It Hot” with the Power Station
- “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” with UB40
Palmer also collaborated with New Orleans band the Meters. He died in 2003, shortly after the release of his final album, “Drive.”
A representative for the estate said, “We are very excited to partner with Primary Wave. As we continue to honor Robert’s incredible legacy, we also look forward to working with the team on exploring ways to bring his music to both new and existing audiences, preserving his lasting impact for years to come.”
Samantha Rhulen, Primary Wave’s SVP of Business & Legal Affairs, added, “Robert Palmer was a truly unique artist whose distinctive voice, songwriting, and style left an indelible mark on popular music. His catalog continues to resonate with audiences, and we are honored to welcome his incredible body of work to the Primary Wave family.”
Executive appointments and marketing changes#
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. has named Josephine Vaccarello as president. In the role, she will oversee strategy and operations for all non-New York Knicks and New York Rangers sports bookings, as well as the productions business, which includes the Radio City Rockettes and the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. She will continue to oversee booking live concert residencies and touring acts at Sphere, owned by Sphere Entertainment Co. and part of the MSG Family of Companies. Vaccarello was most recently the company’s EVP of live.
“Over her nearly thirty-year career with MSG, Josephine has not only been instrumental in growing our live event business but also established herself as one of the industry’s most impactful and respected leaders,” said Jim Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MSG Entertainment and Sphere Entertainment. “Her deep understanding of our businesses and unparalleled industry relationships will continue to be an asset in this new role as we execute on our strategic vision for the Company, including identifying innovative growth opportunities and furthering our leadership position in live experiences.”
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has named Jackson Wagener Senior Vice President and Head of General Licensing, effective January 1, 2027. Reporting to ASCAP Executive Vice President and Head of Licensing Stephanie Ruyle, Wagener will oversee the team that licenses ASCAP’s repertory of over 20 million musical works to restaurants, bars, hotels, airlines, fitness studios, live music venues and other establishments. A 12-year ASCAP veteran, Wagener currently serves as Senior Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs, a role he has held since 2020. He previously worked at Greenberg Traurig and Weil, Gotshal & Manges.
“Jackson pairs deep legal expertise with a clear sense of what licensees want and music creators need in today’s world,” said Ruyle. “In a rapidly changing market, he is uniquely equipped to pioneer the kind of innovative licensing solutions that make it easier than ever for businesses to utilize music, while ensuring songwriters are fairly compensated for performances of their work.”
Chrysalis Records, part of the Reservoir group of companies, has announced a new integrated marketing structure for its team in London, United Kingdom. The team will continue to be led by Senior Vice President of Marketing James Meadows, with Colin Rice, Chrysalis Records Marketing Director, overseeing the label’s roster and leading marketing campaigns.
The label has expanded Roman Tagoe’s responsibilities under the new title of Digital Partnerships Director. Matt Sherratt, most recently with Amuse, joins the digital team in the newly created post of Head of Audience Development. The label also welcomes Jonny Halliday.
