MNEK Signs with 1916 Enterprises, UnitedMasters Appoints Four Executives

Grammy-nominated artist MNEK has signed a management deal with 1916 Enterprises, while independent distributor UnitedMasters has named four new executives, among other music industry moves announced this week.

MNEK signs with 1916 Enterprises

1916 Enterprises has signed Grammy-nominated artist, songwriter, and producer MNEK (born Uzoechi Emenike) for management. The partnership precedes the release of his forthcoming album “Bulldozer!!,” scheduled for September 18, and a headline tour of the United Kingdom and Europe this fall. MNEK also recently signed a new publishing deal with Sony Music.

Over the past decade, MNEK has built a catalog of songwriting credits for artists including Beyoncé (“Hold Up” and “Sorry”), Dua Lipa (“IDGAF”), Selena Gomez (“A Sweeter Place”), and Zara Larsson (“Never Forget You” and “Ain’t My Fault”).

“We’re so excited to welcome MNEK to 1916,” said Ruchir Mohan, Partner at 1916 Enterprises. “He’s a creative force whose influence on pop music is undeniable, but what really excites us is where he’s headed next. We truly believe this next era has the potential to be his biggest yet and we’re honored to be part of that journey.”

UnitedMasters appoints four executives

Independent distribution platform UnitedMasters has appointed Todd L. Perry II as vice president and head of artist and label marketing, Luca Zanello as head of brand and sync, Goldie Harris as head of commerce, and Jason Peerless as vice president of artist and label operations.

Perry II joins from Warner Records, where he served as vice president and head of artist and label marketing. Zanello previously worked at the Orchard, Roc Nation, and MSM Group. Peerless arrives after 12 years at Universal Music Group, including a decade at Def Jam Recordings.

“We’re excited to welcome this exceptional group to UnitedMasters as we continue redefining what independence looks like,” said CEO Steve Stoute. “These hires reflect our continued investment in the infrastructure, partnerships, and talent needed to help artists build sustainable careers on their own terms, especially this year as we are achieving milestones within the global music sector of the business.”

Seeker Music relaunches label as catalog-flip imprint

Seeker Music, the creator-led music rights, publishing, and record company led by songwriter-executive Evan Bogart, has relaunched its record label imprint Music Is Fun. The company describes it as the industry’s first label built entirely around catalog flips.

The inaugural release, “Vacation” by Flo Rida featuring Sage the Gemini, is out today. The track reimagines the Go-Go’s classic of the same name, co-written by Charlotte Caffey, whose catalog is represented by Seeker. The company also represents songs by Joan Jett, Christopher Cross, Run the Jewels, Jay Sean, Jon Bellion, and others.

The label will bring together contemporary artists, songwriters, and producers to sample, interpolate, remix, and reinvent songs from Seeker’s portfolio, with the company identifying concepts, assembling collaborators, and releasing the resulting music.

“At Seeker, we believe celebrating great music isn’t just about preserving legacy. It’s about extending it by introducing the songs we love to new generations,” Bogart said. “In the six years since we formed the company, we’ve shown through hits with Shaboozey, Pop Smoke, Coco Jones, Drake, and more, that we know how to successfully take an incredible song and re-invent it.”

AEG Presents partners with Japan’s Creativeman Productions

AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group) Presents has entered into a strategic partnership with Creativeman Productions, a Japanese concert promotion and live events company. The two companies will work together to create new opportunities for artists to connect with audiences throughout Japan. The partnership also provides a platform for expansion across the region for AXS, AEG Presents’ ticketing company.

Founded in 1990, Creativeman Productions promotes concerts, tours, and destination events under CEO Naoki Shimizu. The company owns and operates a portfolio of festivals spanning multiple genres, including its signature festival Summer Sonic, which launched in 2000 and has featured Radiohead, Oasis, Metallica, Linkin Park, Daft Punk, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers alongside top Japanese acts.

“Over the past 37 years, Creativeman has grown from a company with just 2 staff members to become the largest independent music promoter in Asia,” Shimizu said. “This strategic partnership with AEG Presents will propel our growth as we expand our festivals and artists from Japan to Asia and the rest of the world.”

Shawn Trell, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of AEG Presents, added, “Creativeman is an important presence in Japan and across the region. The company’s vision and business strategy align perfectly with ours, and we’re thrilled to be entering into this partnership together.”

Warner Chappell Music signs Fat Papi, Prodshushy, and Lucas Ball

Warner Chappell Music has signed Kurdish rapper Fat Papi and New Zealand-born producer Prodshushy to worldwide publishing deals. The agreements cover the two artists’ entire catalogs and future works, including their hit “Fraked Out.”

“I’m excited to join Warner Chappell Music, home to so many legends and icons. I’m also really proud to represent both my Kurdish and New Zealand people with my music on the international stage,” Fat Papi said. Prodshushy added, “It’s a privilege and an honour to be represented by Warner Chappell Music for publishing. I’m looking forward to working with the team and building connections with their fantastic roster of writers.”

Warner Chappell Music’s Nashville, United States, division has also partnered with Twelve6 Entertainment for a global publishing deal with rising singer-songwriter Lucas Ball. The signing was announced.