Nebula17 Launches Into Orbit

Nebula17 founder Naoki Osada

L.A. music and creative company Nebula17, founded by former Avex USA CEO Naoki Osada, has expanded its executive team, publishing roster, label operations and international initiatives, connecting artists and creators in the U.S. and Japan.

Daniel Hong will serve as COO, working alongside Osada on company strategy, operations and growth and leading the international division. Hong was previously CEO of YG USA and COO of JYP USA, where he worked with BLACKPINK, Stray Kids and GIRLSET.

Martha Blair Reynolds will become senior director of marketing after a stint at Ricky Reed’s Nice Life Recording Company, where she contributed to campaigns for The Marías, Junior Mesa and John-Robert.

René Mark, Nebula17’s new director of digital, gained her experience managing campaigns for BTS, LE SSERAFIM and Tinashe at Interscope Geffen A&M and Nice Life. Natalie Walsh will step into the role of director of A&R, and Harukaze Wakabayashi arrives as senior manager, international, from Warner Music Japan. Zac Cruz will join as A&R/marketing manager following roles at Avex and Revels Group. Oscar Cornejo will become head engineer.

Nebula17 has signed New York artist, producer and musician Hojean, Brent de la Cruz and the Spotify Fresh Finds-anointed duo XAMIYA and added Oh Gosh Leotus, Hydra and Xansei to its publishing roster.

“Supporting creative talent is everything to us,” Osada said. “We’re building an ecosystem where artists and creators can connect across cultures, explore bold ideas and reach audiences around the world. This expansion brings us closer to that vision, and we’ll keep pushing ourselves to make it a reality.”

Nebula17 has entered into a global distribution partnership with The Orchard to provide artists and partners in Japan with a direct pathway to U.S. and international streaming platforms.

Last but not least, the company is expanding its international business by leveraging its West Hollywood presence for cross-border collaborations and writing camps and, with support from the Japanese government, leading A&R, marketing and strategy for BEYOND BORDERS, a project starring virtual singer Hatsune Miku.

Just kidding—there’s more. Nebula17 is also handling A&R for the U.S. launch of Japanese boy band BE:FIRST, whose debut EP, WATCH ME, features collaborations with Flo Milli, BIA and ATL Jacob, among others.

Whew. We need a nap now.