Sony Music Publishing recently celebrated its second annual SMP x BeatStars Hitmaker Week at Circle House Studios in Miami. The global songwriting camp ran from 4/1-5 and saw a mix of 67 songwriters, producers and artists participate in 45+ creative sessions.
Attendees like Farruko, Brray, Nardo Wick, Rob 49, ScarLip, Hitkidd and more participated in collaborative opportunities, educational workshops and immersive activations powered by Sony Electronics' ForTheMusic and Sony Alpha, while Meta provided an additional workshop on how to leverage Facebook and Instagram.
"With writers from all over the world present, plus the participation of several Sony divisions, The BeatStars camp was a great example of what only Sony Music Publishing as a global company and as part of the One Sony ecosystem can do," said Jorge Mejia, President/CEO, Latin America and U.S. Latin, SMP.
"Thank you to all the participating songwriters and artists for collaborating with us," reads a quote jointly issued by SMP Director, Creative A&R Will Skalmoski and Manager, Creative A&R Simone Dixon, who spearheaded the launch of the camp and were key to its planning. "It was inspiring to see everyone connect with each other and create in new ways, and we are excited for the new releases, relationships and creative opportunities that result from this camp."
"Watching BeatStars producers evolve from crafting tracks in their bedrooms to collaborating in-person with some of the industry's leading talents is truly inspiring," added BeatStars Founder/CEO, Abe Batshon.
"This camp highlights the reach we offer as a global company, and BeatStars as a key resource to creatives everywhere," shared Walter Jones, EVP, Head of A&R, SMP,
“By providing best practice education, content production showcasing songwriters and artists, and cutting-edge product experiences, we empower creators to share their stories, connect, and grow their communities through music on our platforms,” said Alexa Cabellon, Head of North America Music Publishing Partnerships, Meta.
Pictured actively ignoring our emails are (l-r) back row: Jones, Lindsey Buckmeier, Will Skalmoski, Mejia, Monica Jordan, Alberto Grimaldi, Yendi Rodriguez and Nick Bral; front row: Nasra Artan, Khadra Abdirashid, Simone Dixon and Cortney Riles
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has inked Brian Fuller to a global pub deal.
A promising newcomer in Nashville’s country music scene, Fuller recently earned his first major label cut as a songwriter with “I Could Be That Rain,” featured on Randall King’s 2024 album, Into the Neon.
Fuller is also set to drop new music this year, including his single “That Girl Can Drive,” co-written with Joey Hyde and Justin Wilson, due 5/24.
“Brian is a special talent – his song sense, unique melodies and ideas set him apart as one of the most promising young songwriter/artists. We are excited to join forces and be a part of his team,” said Aubrey Landon, SMP Nashville’s director of creative.
“I give all the glory and credit to God for blessing me with the amazing team and people at Sony. The first time I sat down and talked with Rusty [Gaston] I felt like he truly cared to hear about who I was and my story. Aubrey has the drive and work ethic of 10 people and I feel so lucky to have her in my corner. Every time I step foot within Sony, I’m welcomed by nothing but smiles and I feel right at home,” added Fuller.
Fuller kicked off his songwriting career in 2019 after moving from Savannah, Ga. to Nashville. Spending his first few years in the city writing, touring and perfecting his craft, he’s since dropped several tracks as an artist, including “Blue Sky Beautiful” and “Tellin’ on You,” and has songwriting projects in the works.
Seen just before celebrating with hot-chicken infused champagne are (l-r) back row—Kenley Flynn, Dale Bobo, Josh Van Valkenburg, Anna Weisband, Tom Luteran, Synnovea Cleveland; front row—Landon, Fuller and Gaston.
PULSE Music Group has promoted Annie Aberle to SVP/Head of Creative, where she will report to co-CEO Scott Cutler and President Ashley Calhoun.
Aberle will sign, develop and implement creative strategy for the roster of producers and songwriters signed to PMG's publishing division, with the A&R team reporting to her. In tandem, Calhoun is growing her senior management responsibilities, which will now involve overseeing teams for both the publishing arm and PULSE records alongside Cutler and co-CEO Josh Abraham.
"One of the most essential parts of this job is remaining a fan first—Annie does not lose sight of that," said Calhoun. "Annie knows how to deliver a strategy for each of our clients that makes them inspired to show up and show out in the studio every day. Scott, Josh and I are excited to give Annie this opportunity as we continue to grow the success of our clients and help them take their business to the next level alongside the incredible publishing A&R team at PULSE."
"I commend Scott, Josh and Ashley for nurturing a culture of support for both our writers and our staff, and thank them for their belief in me," added Aberle, whose roster includes Jon Bellion, Dan Wilson, Cowboy Carter songwriter Ryan Beatty, Harry Styles collaborator Tyler Johnson, James Blake, Andrew Jackson, SG Lewis and Jonah Christian.
Prior to PMG, Aberle worked in artist management and film & TV development under Robert Kraft, following an internship with Red Light Management. The USC alumni also interned in the A&R Department of Warner Bros. Records and as a Spotify Campus Influencer.
Seen moments before being engulfed by a wall of sentient foliage are Abraham, Aberle, Cutler and Calhoun.
