Music Industry Shifts: Hayley Williams' New Label Joins Secretly; NMPA Names New Board Leaders

Hayley Williams Joins Secretly Distribution for New Album Release

Following the release of her album, “Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party,” and the 17 singles that preceded it, Hayley Williams has entered a partnership with Secretly Distribution. This collaboration marks a significant step in her career as she moves forward with her label venture, Post Atlantic. Through this global distribution deal, Secretly Distribution will handle physical and digital distribution, digital and retail marketing, and financial and technological support for all Post Atlantic releases.

Williams expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, “I chose to go with Secretly because one of the founders told me they’d always be independent because his co-founder ‘would never take the money’ and that just made my little punk rock heart sing.” She also highlighted the importance of being able to start her career over in this way, with more connectedness among the team and ownership for the first time ever.

Evan Whikehart, head of label and shared services at Secretly Distribution, added, “It is a thrill to work with Hayley Williams and her team on this incredible album and creative campaign. The fact that such an accomplished and iconic artist elected to self-release with Secretly Distribution and our Label Services team is a testament to the growing power of independence in the music industry today. We’re honored to support a generation-defining musician and her tremendous work.”

Secretly Distribution will distribute the forthcoming physical edition of “Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party,” which arrives on November 7. This album marks Williams’ first independent release since the end of her contract with Atlantic Records, both as a solo artist and with band Paramore.

Leadership Changes in Music Publishing

The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) announced that Ralph Peer II, Executive Chair of peermusic, has been elected chair of its board of directors. Golnar Khosrowshahi, founder and CEO of Reservoir, has been elected vice chair. This election followed the retirement of former Board Chairman Irwin Z. Robinson.

Peer has served on the NMPA Board for 54 years. Under his leadership, peermusic has developed a global network of music publishing companies operating from 39 offices in 32 countries. With well over a million titles owned or administered, he directs the largest privately owned music publishing company of its kind in the world.

Khosrowshahi’s perspective and innovative mindset have been an asset to the NMPA Board for over a decade. As founder and CEO of Reservoir, she has built an award-winning independent music company headquartered in New York City with operations in Los Angeles, Nashville, Toronto, London, Abu Dhabi, and Mumbai.

Prodigy Artists Promotes Key Talent

Prodigy Artists, the music management company founded by Steven Haddad and Will Runzel, has announced the promotion of Bryce Buckner and Eric Bindman to partners. Haddad and Runzel commented, “Bryce and Eric have been invaluable to Prodigy Artists, not only as managers but as leaders shaping the future of the company. Their promotions are a reflection of the critical roles they play in our continued success.”

Buckner is a partner, senior manager, and label manager at Prodigy Artists, where he has led and managed a roster of acclaimed talent and guided major projects spanning touring and brand partnerships. He also leads the teams behind the Gud Vibrations and Heaven Sent labels, in partnership with Insomniac Music Group, releasing over 70 tracks annually from top artists.

Bindman is a partner and director of operations at Prodigy Artists, where he manages a roster of high-profile talent, including Audien and more. In his dual role, Eric not only manages his roster but also oversees the company's internal operations, supporting other managers and artist teams while helping scale Prodigy Artists' infrastructure.

Karol G Launches Latina Pwr Initiative

On Monday, September 8, Karol G's Con Cora Foundation is launching its new Latina Pwr initiative through a first-ever partnership with LatinoJustice PRLDEF, aimed at empowering the next generation of Latina leaders in the United States. LatinoJustice, established in 1972, has provided leadership development to more than 10,000 participants.

The Latina PWR for Leadership program was created to celebrate the strength and influence of Latinas and to expand their opportunities in spaces of power and decision-making. The inaugural program will focus on boosting Latina representation in leadership roles and broadening access to education as a way to drive social change.

Running from September 2025 through July 2026 in New York, the program will support Latinas pursuing careers in fields such as law and community advocacy. Participants will be primarily first-generation college students who face systemic barriers to higher education but stand out for their drive and commitment to professional growth.

Warner Chappell Music Renews Deal with Kacey Musgraves

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville has renewed its global publishing deal with eight-time Grammy award-winning superstar Kacey Musgraves. Musgraves shared, "Warner Chappell has been a wonderful longstanding home for my songs and I'm so grateful for the continuation into a future I'm so excited about."

Phil May, general manager, WCM Nashville, said, "Kacey has been a valuable part of our Warner Chappell family here in Nashville for a long time, and we're proud to continue championing her artistry and songs. She joined WCM shortly after I did, and I was fortunate to be a part of her first deal with us. It's been an honor to watch her career growth over the years, and we're very excited to see what the future holds for her as she continues to raise the bar as both a songwriter and artist.”

Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO, and Carianne Marshall, Co-Chair and COO, WCM, added, "Kacey is an exceptionally gifted songwriter who has been a powerful voice in country music from the start, and we're looking forward to helping shape this next chapter."

HYBE Latin America Launches S1ENTO Records

HYBE Latin America has set up a new regional Mexican music-focused label called S1ENTO Records. Emmy-nominated executive Myrna Pérez has been selected as general manager, based in Los Angeles.

At HYBE, she played a key role in the development of “Pase a la Fama,” a musical reality competition in partnership with Exile Content Studio and Telemundo, focused on discovering new talent in the regional Mexican genre and offering a debut recording contract under the HYBE Latin label.

Prior to joining HYBE, Pérez worked as a producer, director, and creative executive, contributing to campaigns and documentary work for Netflix, Telemundo, Hulu, and NBCUniversal.

Bruce Allen Talent Names New President

Bruce Allen Talent has selected Paul Haagenson, former Live Nation President of Canada, to become president of the firm. Bruce Allen will transition to a role as founder and chairman.

"The company has a tremendous roster of talented artists, and I want to make sure they continue to get the best service we can offer," said Allen. "Paul is going to add so much. He has a big reputation and he understands the business incredibly well."

"For me to be able to walk into this company with these people that I respect, trust and even enjoy, is the best situation for me. I always saw the way Bruce managed careers, and the level of detail, and the care, and thought that went into it," said Haagenson. “Bruce and I have a 25 year relationship which evolved from him being a friend and mentor to becoming colleagues and now business partners."

Sony Music Publishing Promotes Jordi Tello

Sony Music Publishing announced the promotion of Jordi Tello to managing director of Iberia, effective immediately. Tello will succeed longtime SMP Spain MD Juan Ignacio Alonso, who retired at the end of August.

As managing director, Tello will be responsible for overseeing creative and business operations across Spain and Portugal, strengthening key relationships with clients and industry partners, and expanding global support for SMP songwriters. He will continue to be based out of Madrid and will report directly to Sony Music Publishing President, International Guy Henderson.

Tello said, "It's a great honor to have the opportunity to lead our Spain and Portugal teams. Juan Ignacio has cultivated a strong, creative team that I am grateful to work alongside, and I am thankful for his trust and guidance. We are focused on providing our incredible songwriters and composers with the best possible tools to make the best possible songs, and our teamwork will make the difference. Thank you to Jon and Guy for believing in me. My belt is fastened, and I am ready to go for it!"

New Podcast Explores Independent Record Labels

Music journalist and podcast producer Rob Fitzpatrick has launched a new podcast called “States of Independence” that explores the hidden histories of independent record labels with the founders who built them and artists who grew them.

The first season goes deep into the story of Beggars Banquet with the founder and chairman of the Beggars Group, Martin Mills. “States of Independence” launches with episode one on September 11, with guests Martin Mills, the Lurkers, and Gary Numan.