Music
Chvrches Sign With Futures Music Group, Release First Single in Three Years
Chvrches sign with Futures Music Group and return with "Roses," MSG Entertainment names Josephine Vaccarello president, and Primary Wave partners with the Robert Palmer estate.

Scottish pop trio Chvrches have signed with Futures Music Group and released "Roses," their first single in three years. The group will play two U.K. shows next month, in London and their hometown of Glasgow. The release follows singer Lauren Mayberry's solo album on Island last year.
Futures Music Group was founded in 2024 by Derek Davies of Neon Gold and Dave Wallace of Avenue A. The independent label collective operates separately from those companies and describes itself as offering "transparent deal structures [and] integrated technology partnerships," with deals designed to align incentives with artists and prioritize "long-term partnership and participation over traditional ownership models." Its roster includes Lykke Li, Mt. Joy, Cavetown, Phantogram, the Knocks and others.
Vaccarello Named President of MSG Entertainment
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. has named Josephine Vaccarello as its president. In the elevated role, she will oversee strategy and operations across multiple areas of the business, comprising all non-New York Knicks and non-New York Rangers sports bookings, as well as the productions business, which includes the Radio City Rockettes and the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. She will also continue to book live concert residencies and touring acts at Sphere, owned by Sphere Entertainment Co. and part of the MSG Family of Companies. Vaccarello was most recently the company's EVP of live.
"Over her nearly thirty-year career with MSG, Josephine has not only been instrumental in growing our live event business but also established herself as one of the industry's most impactful and respected leaders," said Jim Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MSG Entertainment and Sphere Entertainment. "Her deep understanding of our businesses and unparalleled industry relationships will continue to be an asset in this new role as we execute on our strategic vision for the Company, including identifying innovative growth opportunities and furthering our leadership position in live experiences."
Primary Wave Partners With Robert Palmer Estate
Primary Wave Music has struck a partnership with the estate of R&B/pop singer Robert Palmer that spans his publishing and recording catalog as well as a share in his name, image and likeness rights. The catalog includes the 1985 smash "Addicted to Love" along with hits such as "Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)," "Simply Irresistible," "Johnny & Mary" and "She Makes My Day," plus collaborative hits "Some Like It Hot" with the Power Station and "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" with UB40. Palmer, who also collaborated with New Orleans legends the Meters, died in 2003, shortly after the release of his final album, "Drive."
A rep for the estate said: "We are very excited to partner with Primary Wave. As we continue to honor Robert's incredible legacy, we also look forward to working with the team on exploring ways to bring his music to both new and existing audiences, preserving his lasting impact for years to come."
Samantha Rhulen, Primary Wave's SVP of Business & Legal Affairs, added: "Robert Palmer was a truly unique artist whose distinctive voice, songwriting, and style left an indelible mark on popular music. His catalog continues to resonate with audiences, and we are honored to welcome his incredible body of work to the Primary Wave family."
MPH Signs With DisOrder/Capitol
U.K.-based garage artist-producer MPH has signed with DisOrder/Capitol Records, which will release his new album, "Here, Forever," on November 20. He launches a U.S. tour on October 2 in Portland, Oregon, running through the end of November. MPH has collaborated with or remixed tracks by Calvin Harris, Chris Lake, Anderson .Paak, Four Tet, Sammy Virji and Tokimonsta.
ASCAP Appoints Wagener Head of General Licensing
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has named Jackson Wagener Senior Vice President and Head of General Licensing, effective January 1, 2027. Reporting to ASCAP Executive Vice President and Head of Licensing Stephanie Ruyle, Wagener will oversee the team that licenses ASCAP's repertory of more than 20 million musical works to restaurants, bars, hotels, airlines, fitness studios, live music venues and other establishments. A 12-year ASCAP veteran, Wagener currently serves as SVP, Business and Legal Affairs, a role he has held since 2020. He previously worked at Greenberg Traurig and Weil, Gotshal & Manges.
"Jackson pairs deep legal expertise with a clear sense of what licensees want and music creators need in today's world," said Ruyle. "In a rapidly changing market, he is uniquely equipped to pioneer the kind of innovative licensing solutions that make it easier than ever for businesses to utilize music, while ensuring songwriters are fairly compensated for performances of their work."
Chrysalis Records Restructures Marketing Team
Chrysalis Records, part of the Reservoir group of companies, has announced a new integrated marketing structure for its London-based team. Senior Vice President of Marketing James Meadows continues to lead, with Marketing Director Colin Rice overseeing the label's roster and leading marketing campaigns.
Roman Tagoe's responsibilities have expanded under the new title of Digital Partnerships Director. Matt Sherratt, most recently with Amuse, joins the digital team in the newly created post of Head of Audience Development. Jonny Halliday joins from Fire Records as Marketing Manager. Grace Campbell has been appointed Associate Marketing Manager, and Marianne Frederick has taken on the role of Senior Vice President, Production & Distribution. Eva Davies has been promoted into the newly created role of Project Coordinator, working closely with Frederick on frontline production.
Attorney Sasha Safavi Launches Syndicate
Entertainment attorney Sasha Safavi, most recently of UnitedMasters, has launched Syndicate, a law firm whose initial roster includes the sports media company Overtime, the streaming service Audiomack, Rebellion Records and a variety of artists and producers, as well as UnitedMasters. Safavi previously held roles at TuneCore and worked with UnitedMasters' sister company Translation.
With Chvrches' London and Glasgow dates set for next month and "Here, Forever" arriving November 20, the autumn calendar now carries the first test of several of these new pairings.
Source: Variety Film
Elena Vasquez
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Senior reporter covering media and advertising at Arts & Voices.




