MUSIC WITHOUT BORDERS
As the biz gathers for Midem, a look at the true game-changers in a new world order
Music has gone global, and with that expansion, new leaders have emerged to guide the business’ most robust territories. Who in the industry is driving music consumption with creativity, acumen and passion? And which companies are best poised to forge into a promising future? As the international music community gathers for Midem in Cannes June 5-8, Variety recognizes the true game- changers in a new world order.
Recorded Music WILLARD AHDRITZ Founder/ceo, KOBALT MUSIC GROUP
The Swedish jazz music aficionado and tech entrepreneur has been at the forefront of making the music publishing industry increasingly transparent, creating a more efficient system to retrieve maximum returns for
its songwriters. Ahdritz’s datadriven business model enables Kobalt to provide the kind of services traditionally offered by a record label at a lower cost, gathering market share and a valuation of $790 million. This past January, he spearheaded the $140 million acquisition of Songs Music Publishing, while the company’s Artists Without a Label, acquired in 2012, spawned its first major hit with Lauv’s “I Like Me Better.” Kobalt’s innovative model has attracted global superstars like Paul Mccartney, Dave Grohl, Beck and Childish Gambino, with Ahdritz proven to be an influential disruptor.
GEORGE ASH President
UNIVERSAL MUSIC ASIA PACIFIC
The New Zealand native started at UMA in 2001 and throughout his tenure has demonstrated a keen ability to mate music and technology. His innovations include teaming up with noted Pr/creative agency One Green Bean and Host to create marketing initiatives and the Creative in Residence (CIR) series, which unites “artists and influencers” like Ellie Goulding and Lady Gaga with brands. The initiative got under way with a partnership between Troye Sivan and Australian mobile chain Optus. Ash manages to combine success for local artists like Gotye, Powderfinger, Hilltop Hoods and Wolfmother with expanding the territory for superstars Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Frank Ocean and Rihanna.
SI HYUK “HITMAN” BANG Ceo/executive producer BIGHIT ENTERTAINMENT
Bang founded Bighit Entertainment 13 years ago, but 2018 will mark the year its boy band BTS solidifies as the K-pop act that is also a global pop force. The septet’s new album “Love Yourself: Tear” is on its way to making history for Korean artists as it battles Post Malone for the No. 1 spot in the U.S. This after 201’s “Love Yourself: Her” EP moved 1.6 million copies