Roc Nation’s in-house distribution arm describes the platform as its effort to maximize artists’ “global audience reach” towards fan bases, “unlocking new business opportunities by offering all-encompassing tools, services and resources in a centralized hub,” according to a press release.
As part of the announcement, independent artists will now be able to sign up and begin distributing their music directly through Roc Nation Distribution’s new dashboard. Whether artists are releasing their own music or having their representatives upload on their behalf, the platform is open to musicians seeking to leverage its distribution and analytics tools.
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“The introduction of this new dashboard will be a game-changer for independent artists releasing music with Roc Nation Distribution,” Roc Nation Distribution President Krystian Santini said. “It’s a one-stop shop that will enable artists to receive a holistic understanding of their followers, so they can build impactful strategies and broaden their music’s reach without financial barriers. This dashboard is democratizing access to tools and information historically reserved for the very few established label superstars. Our technology is uniquely ours and sets a new standard with no equivalent in today’s music industry.”
The dashboard will be accessible to Roc Nation Distribution artists such as Clipse, Rapsody, Flau’jae, Yailin La Mas Viral, The LOX, SAINt JHN, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Jay Electronica, Bootsy Collins, and many more who distribute with Roc Nation Distribution.
The announcement comes after Clipse just earned five Grammy nominations, marking a major milestone for Roc Nation Distribution. The group scored nominations for album of the year and best rap album for “Let God Sort Em Out” as well as best rap performance for “Chains & Whips,” best rap song for “The Birds Don’t Sing,” and best music video for “So Be It.”
+ Sony Music Publishing has promoted Dee Hale to senior vice president of film, television and TV administration. Hale will be based in the company’s Nashville office and continue to report to executive vice president, worldwide administration, Dale Esworthy.
In the new role, Hale will be the primary administrative contact for Sony Music Publishing’s studio clients and provide ongoing support to the company’s UK studio clients. She will also continue her role as co-chair of the Society and Publisher Forum A/V Committee.
Hale has been with Sony Music Publishing for over 30 years, first joining in 1993 as director of film and television music administration. During her time at the company, she has worked with a variety of production studios such as Sony Pictures, Tyler Perry Studios, A&E, Discovery, Twentieth Century Studios and Apple.
“I love working for a great company, with great people, doing something I love! It’s been an honor to work with our amazing studio clients and so many others throughout the world to take this part of the business to a higher level, and I am excited for what’s ahead,” shared Hale.
“Dee’s dedication to songwriters and composers is unsurpassed and unwavering,” added Esworthy. “Her leadership as co-chair of the Society Publisher Forum’s AV Data Exchange working group has been instrumental in strengthening the global administration practices for composers at SMP and beyond. I look forward to seeing Dee step into this new role and am excited to see what she’ll achieve next.”
+ Warner Music Group today announced that Leho Nigul is being promoted to chief technology officer, WMG, from his current role as senior vice president, engineering. Effective Dec. 1, Nigul will lead WMG’s technology strategy, team, and product roadmap, reporting to CEO Robert Kyncl.
At the same time, it was announced that Ariel Bardin has decided to leave the company after a three-year tenure as president of technology. He will remain with the company through the end of 2025 to ensure the continuity of key initiatives and a smooth leadership transition.
Having joined WMG in 2023, Nigul has overseen engineering teams responsible for wide-ranging initiatives covering distribution, global licensing, royalty management, fan engagement, and AI projects, among others.
During his time at WMG, Bardin has meaningfully upgraded the company’s tech infrastructure and processes. Under his leadership, the company has launched cutting edge tools for artists, songwriters, and employees, simplified and strengthened its global supply chain, and delivered a whole suite of improvements to its data systems.
Nigul said, “WMG’s dynamic approach to pioneering the future of music is creating powerful, new opportunities for our artists, songwriters, and teams. I’m delighted to be passed the baton by Ariel, my long-time friend and colleague. With strong foundations in place, we’ll continue to help drive growth, efficiency, and an expanded suite of services for the creative community.”
Bardin said, “It has been an honor to collaborate with the incredible teams at WMG and serve our extraordinary artists and songwriters. Together, we’ve achieved so much, and I’m pleased to be planning my next opportunity knowing the company is well positioned to win over the long term.”
+ Jeremy Vuernick has been named executive vice president, Atlantic Music Group, joining AMG’s global leadership team. In this new post, reporting jointly to AMG CEO Elliot Grainge and Atlantic UK Co-Presidents Ed Howard and Briony Turner, Vuernick will be based in London and work closely with the company’s UK and U.S. teams to sign and develop artists with global potential.
In 2024, Vuernick founded the Los Angeles-based independent company Queens Road Music in partnership with Atlantic. Prior to launching Queens Road Music, he spent over a decade as an executive at Capitol Music Group, most recently serving as president of A&R. While at CMG, Vuernick oversaw the company’s portfolio of labels, developing global superstar talent across genres.
Ed Howard and Briony Turner noted, “This is the next exciting step to further link our UK and US teams to super-serve our artists and their visions. With Jeremy’s impressive A&R track record and stellar relationships, he’ll be a fantastic addition to our team, as we work together to discover and elevate the next generation of global superstars.”
Grainge said: “I have worked with Jeremy for a number of years and I’m excited to officially welcome him into the AMG family. He comes to us with outstanding experience, instincts, and passion for artists, so he’ll be an ace addition to our newly aligned teams. Under the expert leadership of Ed and Briony, Atlantic UK has been a formidable source of chart-topping, game-changing artistry. With Jeremy now based in London, we are continuing to build our bridge across the ocean, ramping up our collective A&R and cultural firepower.”
+ Merlin has appointed Charlie Lexton as its CEO, effective Jan. 1 2026.
Lexton, who succeeds Jeremy Sirota, has worked for Merlin since its inception, initially alongside founding CEO, Charles Caldas. Most recently, Lexton has served as Merlin’s COO since April 2020.
He has been at the centre of key milestones throughout Merlin’s history, from the negotiation of its suite of DSP and social media deals to the recent announcement of its groundbreaking partnership with the pioneering AI audio company, ElevenLabs.
Commenting on his appointment, Lexton said: “I am delighted at the opportunity to lead this organisation. My focus is on our members—the most significant grouping of independent music companies in the world—and on the Merlin team, our incredibly hard working and dedicated staff. I can do nothing without the support of our team. And without our members, there is no Merlin.”
Outgoing Merlin CEO Jeremy Sirota remarked: “Charlie has been a great partner in evolving Merlin into what it is today. He consistently delivers – from his unwavering commitment to the Merlin team to pioneering the first significant AI deal with ElevenLabs to empowering our members via Merlin Insights. Next year, I’m proud he will champion Merlin Engage to empower the next generation of female leaders for independent music. I’m excited for Charlie and the team to write Merlin’s next chapter.”
