Concord’s Film and TV Unit Acquires RKO

Concord Originals, the film and television division of Concord, has acquired RKO, the film studio behind such classic titles as “King Kong,” “Citizen Kane,” “The Best Years of Our Lives,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Suspicion” and “The Woman in the Window.”

In purchasing RKO, Concord Originals has secured the derivative rights to over 5,000 titles, which include the remake, sequel, story, stage and copyrights (including unproduced screenplays) of the company’s storied film library. Concord acquired RKO from Ted Hartley, who served as chairman and CEO of RKO for 35 years.

“Concord’s commitment to championing legacy is unmatched,” said Hartley. “We are confident that RKO has found its next big step into its future at Concord. They have committed to continuing and enhancing the rich history of the iconic studio. I am proud to build this with them and look forward to what this power team will bring to our industry.”

RKO will continue to operate as an imprint under Concord Originals. Sophia Dilley and current RKO President Mary Beth O’Connor have been named co-presidents of RKO and will jointly run the company with the support of the Concord Originals team. Dilley will also continue with her current role as head of Concord Originals.

Hartley will remain as lead producer and chief storyteller on a slate of active RKO projects and will function as Chairman Emeritus at RKO. Hartley, with partners, is concurrently launching Roseblood Pictures, which focuses on book pick-ups, original programming, and becoming a home for selected writers, storytellers, and independent producers.

Concord CEO Bob Valentine stated, “RKO is a treasure trove of filmed storytelling that has had a permanent and profound impact on global popular culture. We are honored that Ted Hartley has entrusted us as the next stewards to shepherd the studio and its storied catalogue alongside our constantly growing roster of important IP.”

Adding, “As we continue to expand our catalogue and content capabilities, RKO makes sense as a strategic step in widening Concord’s foothold in film, television, and theatrical rights, providing our Originals and Theatricals divisions with an extraordinarily deep collection of titles to develop and reimagine.”

+ Avex Music Group, the global music division of Japanese entertainment company Avex, announced today the signing of longtime Justin Bieber collaborators and backing band, We The Band. With offices in Los Angeles and Tokyo, Avex Music Group is led by CEO Brandon Silverstein, who is based in LA.

Forged over the years through hundreds of tour dates, studio sessions, and global performances, We The Band features Harv (Bass), Tay James (DJ), Julian Micheal (Guitar), Devin “Stixx” Taylor (Drums), and O’Neil Palmer (Keyboards). Beyond the stage, the group has contributed to some of Bieber’s biggest hits including “Peaches,” and James has served as Bieber’s longtime A&R and DJ since they first met in 2009. Harv joined Bieber’s team in 2010.

“Through my friendships and conversations with both the band and Justin, I saw how much they believe in and inspire each other—not just as collaborators, but as people,” said Silverstein. “Harv and Tay’s vision, and the band’s genuine talent, made it clear this was something special with real potential. That energy sparked something in me and the Avex team. We’re genuinely excited about what’s ahead.”

We The Band is currently finalizing their debut album at Avex Studios in Los Angeles. The project will spotlight the band’s unique sonic identity, honed through years of collaboration both as performers and creators. The album will feature a number of special guest appearances and is set for release later this year.

“This has been a dream of ours for many years now,” said We The Band. “To create our own music that represents who we are as musicians with the support of a global powerhouse like Avex is incredibly exciting for all of us. We can’t wait for our fans to hear what we’ve been working on.”

Thursday, June 5

Post Malone has partnered with TC Restaurant Group to open a Nashville entertainment venue under his name. Opening in Lower Broadway, the venue will be 26,000 square feet and feature six bars, three stages, a full-service dining room, and a rooftop.

“We’ve created a space where everyone can come together and kick some ass,” said Malone. “Nashville has really become a second home for me so I can’t wait to invite y’all over to my house.”

The venue, located at 305 Broadway, is undergoing construction to refresh the spaces, while preserving historical architecture. Once complete, the venue will be Broadway’s largest ground floor footprint.

“Post Malone is one of the most influential and gravitational artists of our time, and we’re thrilled to partner with him on this exciting concept,” said Adam Hesler, president and CEO of TC Restaurant Group. “We’re honored to work with someone as dynamic as he is and create a venue that embodies his spirit and brings a new experience to Nashville’s Entertainment District. There’s only one reason we would consider expanding our artist partnerships, and that is to have the ability to partner with someone of the caliber, innovation and authenticity of Post. His talent and ability to transcend multiple genres is one of a kind, and we look forward to creating a venue that resonates with his global fan base.”

TC Restaurant Group is well known across the U.S. for its successful management and operations of celebrity branded venues such as Morgan Wallen’s This Bar and Tennessee Kitchen, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, Luke’s 32 Bridge, Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa, and Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up.

+ Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed singer-songwriter Frank Ray to a global publishing agreement.

Ray has quickly become a driving force in modern country music, infusing his Mexican-American roots into his songwriting and opening doors for a new generation of Latino country artists. He has earned continued success with tracks including “Streetlights” and “Uh-huh (Ajá),” leading to his performances alongside Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Old Dominion, Luke Bryan, Kip Moore and Brett Eldredge.

Ray said, “I can’t express how excited I am to be a part of the Sony familia! It’s always been a dream of mine to write songs for a major publishing company in the heart of music city and now I get to say that out loud. I’m grateful to the Sony team and the writers for helping me tell my story and to hone the craft of songwriting when I’m blessed enough to share someone else’s. I’d also like to express my appreciation for my manager, Oscar Chavira, without whom this dream wouldn’t be possible!”

+ Zion, one half of the reggaeton duo Zion y Lennox, is stepping into the culinary world with the launch of Casa Crudos Wynwood, a Japanese-Latin fusion fast casual restaurant opening in Miami on June 6.

“This project is about legacy,” says Zion. “We’ve made waves through music, and now we’re channeling that same energy into hospitality — something that’s personal, fresh, and deeply rooted in our culture.”

+ Leslie Fram Presents FEMcountry has announced its first strategic partnership with AB Hillsboro Village, Nashville’s only female-owned live music venue led by music executive and entrepreneur Marcie Allen and Derek Van Mol.

The Summer Series will feature rising female artists performing acoustically in the round and will kick off on July 16 at 7 p.m. with the line-up to be announced. Tickets will be on sale to the public later this month.

“This Summer Series at AB is the first of many key alliances we’re planning for FEMcountry,” said Leslie Fram, CEO, founder, FEMco. “From listening parties, showcases and industry events to festivals, tours and artist sponsorships, FEMcountry is committed to creating opportunities for women in country music, and we’re honored to partner with my longtime friend and colleague, Marcie Allen, who shares that same vision. Together, we’re building spaces where women can thrive and be heard.”

“Leslie and I have known each other for over 25 years and I could not be more excited to build alongside her as she continues to support female artists in Nashville,” says Marcie Allen, co-owner, AB Hillsboro Village. “AB is proud to partner with FEMCountry as our mission to provide a home for independent artists aligns perfectly with Leslie’s work. Watch out boys, the ladies have entered the chat!”

Tuesday, June 3

Sony Music Publishing has signed songwriter-producer Joe Reeves to a worldwide publishing agreement. Originally hailing from the United Kingdom, Reeves is now an LA-based producer, songwriter and guitarist who has worked with Charlie Handsome, as well as Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, Ed Sheeran, Juice Wrld, Don Toliver and Central Cee, among many others.

Reeve’s credits include the Billboard Hot 100 hit “Broadway Girls” by Morgan Wallen and Lil Durk, as well as “Man of the Year” by Juice Wrld. He also contributed across tracks “Losers” featuring Jelly Roll, “Goes Without Saying” featuring Brad Paisley, and “Ain’t How It Ends” from Malone’s “F-1 Trillion.” Most recently, Reeves contributed across Wallen’s latest album, chart-topping album, “I’m The Problem,” with credits on songs “Where’d That Girl Go,” “What I Want (feat. Tate McRae)” and “I Got Better.”

Reeves said, “Since moving to the States less than a year ago, the Sony Music Publishing creative team have been incredible champions and have a shared vision for the music and projects I have had the incredible opportunity to work on in Los Angeles, Nashville and beyond.”

“Joe is an incredible songwriter who is constantly upping his game. He has already made a significant impact across many genres of music, and he is poised for even greater success ahead. We’re honored to be Joe’s publisher for this next chapter in his career,” added Sony Music Publishing Manager, Creative A&R Clark Adler.

+ Hallwood Media has promoted Tal Meltzer to chief operating officer. Meltzer previously served as senior vice president, head of A&R and business affairs. He will now oversee Hallwood Media’s operations and continued expansion.

Meltzer is based at the company’s West Hollywood headquarters and reports to Hallwood Media CEO Neil Jacobson. Since joining Hallwood Media, Meltzer has been key to helping build the company’s record label, distribution, and publishing divisions while laying the operational foundation to support them.

Through strategic partnerships, he has helped extend Hallwood’s reach beyond producers and songwriters, enabling the company to work more closely with artists. He also led the expansion of Hallwood’s A&R and marketing teams, enhancing the company’s ability to develop artists and adapt to an evolving industry.

“Tal’s deep understanding of both the creative and operational sides of our business has been instrumental to our growth,” said Neil Jacobson, CEO of Hallwood Media. “His leadership and vision will drive our continued success as we innovate in the music industry.”

Having spent a decade as a successful producer and songwriter before transitioning into A&R and business affairs, Meltzer brings a rare dual perspective to the position.

“I’m incredibly excited to take on this role and continue contributing to Hallwood’s future. I’ll always be grateful to Neil for his unwavering belief in me and his mentorship throughout my career. Hallwood is a truly special place—an independent company that moves fast, adapts, and creates real opportunities for the world’s most talented musicians. I look forward to pushing boundaries and redefining what a modern music company can be.”

+ Spirit Music Group has formed a music publishing joint venture with NFL All-Pro receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, in conjunction with writer/producer/manager, Erik Belz. Through the deal, Hopkins establishes his music publishing company, LASA Music. Belz will serve as chief creative officer for LASA Music and will work with Spirit Music Group to sign and develop a roster of artists, writers and producers.

The first signing to the joint venture is Big Machine Record’s Lecade, a singer-songwriter based in Nashville. The publishing deal with Lecade is a worldwide deal that encompasses select songs from his catalog as well as future works.

“So excited to be a part of such a fantastic team,” said Lecade. “From the moment I met these guys I knew this was where I wanted to be and that we could make some really special things together. I know we’re gonna prove that as we continue to work and grow as a family.”

+ Music Nation Copyrights Management, a music rights management company in the United Arab Emirates, announced the company received formal approval to license, collect and distribute royalties from public performance and neighboring rights, delivering a vital new source of revenue for music rights holders.

Music Nation is part of a broad UAE initiative to support the creation of a thriving music ecosystem and to elevate the region’s music industry by protecting the rights of music creators and compensating them for the commercial use of their work. This new source of royalty revenue in the UAE will help recording artists, songwriters, composers and others create sustainable careers and ensure music creators, labels, publishers and other music copyright owners, both local and international, are compensated for the use of their work.

“Today marks a pivotal moment for the UAE and Music Nation,” said Chairwoman Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak. “After years of careful planning, Music Nation is positioned to become a cornerstone of music licensing, empowering the Emirates’ vibrant creative industry. As an Emarati, I am honored to establish a world-class music rights infrastructure that not only elevates local artists to greater heights, but also showcases our rich musical heritage and cultural traditions to the world. In partnership with industry leaders BMI and SoundExchange, our cutting-edge technology and services will protect music rights holders and propel the UAE’s music economy to new frontiers.”

+ TouchTunes Music Company has hired Scott Levine as chief executive officer.

Levine brings deep expertise at the intersection of media, technology, and entertainment, having previously led high-performing teams for some of the industry’s most recognized brands. He most recently served as chief product officer at Brightcove, where he led global teams across product, engineering, and data, helping transform the company into a full-service streaming engagement platform. His career also includes leadership roles at Univision and AOL, as well as co-founding one of the earliest online car-buying platforms, CarOrder.com.

“Scott is a transformative leader with a rare blend of strategic vision, product expertise, and a deep understanding of how people connect through entertainment,” said Charles Goldstuck, executive chairman of TouchTunes. “His track record of building innovative platforms and scaling digital businesses makes him the ideal person to lead TouchTunes into its next phase.”

“I’m thrilled to be part of the TouchTunes journey, to join such a talented team, collaborate with amazing partners and operators, and push the boundaries of social entertainment as we pioneer new ways to connect, delight, and wow our users,” said Levine. “TouchTunes is poised to strengthen its position as the leading in-venue entertainment platform, bringing people together through the power of music, darts, and social entertainment and creating unforgettable experiences in bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues everywhere.”

Monday, June 2

Gospel music superstar Kirk Franklin is joining forces with  Insignia Assets, a new entertainment venture established by Norman Gyamfi and Jonathan Jay. The deal will see Franklin’s companies, Fo Yo Soul Recordings and CLTRE Lab, uniting with Insignia Assets’ portfolio, which includes recorded music and publishing, television, film, touring, and events. In addition to this partnership, Franklin will serve as Insignia Assets’ Chief of Creative Services.

Franklin, who will be honored with the BET Ultimate Icon Award during the 2025 BET Awards on June 9, said, “This partnership with Insignia is bigger than business. It’s about building a platform where our stories, our faith, and our culture can live and breathe across every screen and stage. I’ve always believed in pushing gospel beyond the margins and into spaces where it can challenge, inspire, and connect with the world in a real way. Joining forces with Insignia gives us the reach, the resources, and the creative freedom to do just that.”

To kick off the venture, Franklin will release a new single, “Do It Again,” on June 6. Additionally, his media production company, CLTRE Lab, will collaborate with Insignia Assets’ 3 Diamonds Entertainment division on Den of Kings, a new dinner conversation series hosted by Franklin premiering on Franklin’s YouTube channel on Father’s Day, June 15. 

+ Big Loud Records has hired Lauren “LT” Thomas as senior vice president of radio promotion, effective immediately. She and fellow SVP Tyler Waugh report to EVP of radio promotion Stacy Blythe.

Previously, Thomas was SVP of promotion at Sony Music Nashville, where she led promotion efforts for Columbia and RCA Nashville and, according to the announcement, contributed to nearly 100 No. 1 hits. Priot to Sony, Thomas spent five years at KMLE-FM in Phoenix.

“LT’s stellar reputation speaks for itself,” Blythe said. “The moment she began exploring her next opportunity, leadership at Big Loud unanimously agreed — she was a natural fit for our team.”

+ Rhythm & Relief is a new 501(c)(3) umbrella charity that supports organizations using music to improve health and well-being. Through partnerships with the music and entertainment industries, the Los Angeles-based organization will produce fundraising initiatives and events — from exclusive product and music releases to intimate livestreams and major concerts — to raise awareness and vital support for important music-based healing programs.

The organization was founded in 2024 by former Virgin Entertainment Group and Music Business Assn. executive Glen Ward, who brings more than 40 years’ music and entertainment industry experience and charity board positions to his role as president. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Rhythm & Relief partners with the music and entertainment communities to support member organizations “using the healing power of music to help individuals facing trauma, anxiety, depression, and other physical and mental health conditions,” according to the announcement, through fundraising initiatives, from livestreamed gigs to full-scale concerts. For more information, see the organization’s website. https://rhythmandrelief.org/

+ Live Nation is expanding its presence in Latin America through the acquisition of SD Concerts, the leading live entertainment company in the Dominican Republic. Founded in 2001 by Saymon Diaz, who remains CEO, SD Concerts is behind many of the region’s most notable live events, promoting Latin and international talent across the DR as well as supporting shows in Aruba, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, and Puerto Rico. SD Concerts also operates a ticketing platform, which currently services all SD events and provides a foundation for future ticketing expansion in the region. Through the acquisition, that platform will become part of the Ticketmaster ecosystem.
 
Live Nation CEO & President Michael Rapino said, “Saymon and SD Concerts have built a remarkable business rooted in deep local knowledge and a passion for live music. We’re joining forces with a proven regional leader to help even more Latin artists reach global audiences and connect international acts with fans across Latin America.”