Warner Music Japan has appointed longtime Universal executive Takeshi Okada as the label’s new president and CEO, with a start date of Dec. 2. He’ll report to Simon Robson, president of international recorded music, who is temporarily overseeing WMG’s recorded business in the APAC region until a permanent appointee is announced.

Okada transitions from EMI Records Japan, part of UMG, where he served as managing director since 2018. Under his leadership, EMI Records saw notable success with artists like Yumi Matsutoya and Mrs. GREEN APPLE. Prior to EMI, Okada spent over a decade at Universal Music Japan, where he played a crucial role in digital marketing and enhancing the label’s embrace of streaming in physical media-loving Japan.

Okada will transition into his new role with the support of outgoing president and CEO Kaz Kobayashi, who announced his departure last month after a decade at the top. Dr. Kenji Kitatani, the newly appointed chairman of WMJ, will also play a supporting role.

“It’s great news that the highly respected Takeshi Okada has agreed to run our business in Japan as we accelerate our growth plans in the world’s second-largest music market,” noted Robson. “Kaz and Kenji will work with him to ensure a smooth leadership transition. These appointments show our commitment to expanding our operations in this vital market.”

The leadership shuffle at WMJ comes amid other high-level changes at Warner, including the recent promotions of chief marketing officer Eric Wong to head of A&R, recorded music, and evp of global marketing Jessica Keeley-Carter to CMO, recorded music. As part of a sweeping summer of change, WMG CEO of recorded music Max Lousada exited the company, and Elliot Grainge was named as the new CEO of Atlantic Music Group, while WMG CEO Robert Kyncl assumed direct oversight of the heads of global distribution company ADA and merch division WMX. Longtime Atlantic leader Julie Greenwald, 300 Elektra Entertainment chairman/CEO Kevin Liles and a host of senior Atlantic and Elektra executives also departed the company, among other moves.

Sony Music Publishing U.K. has signed folk singer-songwriter Myles Smith to an exclusive publishing deal on the heels of his breakthrough hit “Stargazing.” Even before “Stargazing” shot Smith to stardom, he was quickly amassing a fan base with other streaming successes like “Solo” and “My Home.”

Iconoclast has acquired the publishing catalog, sound records and name, image and likeness (NIL) rights for cultural icon David Cassidy. A pop superstar, who shot to fame in the early 70s thanks to his portrayal of Keith Partridge in The Partridge Family, his catalog includes hit songs like “I Think I Love You.”

Concord Music Publishing and Coup D’Etat Music have signed producer, instrumentalist and songwriter Ben “Ben10k” Wilson to a global publishing agreement. Including both his back catalog and future works, this marks Concord and Coup D’Etat’s first joint deal. News of the Bay Area hitmaker’s signing comes after a breakthrough year. In 2024 alone, Ben10k has produced tracks for artists like Blxst, JT, Megan Thee Stallion, Glorilla, Drake, Young Thug and 21 Savage.

BMG has signed a global publishing deal with Ray Dalton. Under the terms of the deal, BMG will work with Dalton’s entire catalog, including the Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis smash “Can’t Hold Us.”

BMG has inked a worldwide publishing administration agreement with the publishing company of flamenco guitarist Paco De Lucía. Now, BMG will represent key tracks in his catalog, including “Entre Dos Aguas,” “Mediterranean Sundance/Rio Ancho” and “Solo Quiero Caminar.”

Warner Chappell and LEX Music Group have jointly signed rising country act Taylor Austin Dye to a global publishing deal. The news comes just ahead of the Kentucky-native’s Grande Ole Opry debut, set for November 9.

iHeartMedia has announced the lineup for the 2025 iHeartRadio ALTer EGO Presented by Capital One, set for Jan. 11 at the Kia Forum in L.A, and will feature performances from some of the biggest names in alternative rock.

Among the star-studded bill includes Cage The Elephant, Fontaines D.C., Glass Animals, Incubus, St. Vincent, The Lumineers, The Head And The Heart and The Offspring, with a special solo performance from Damiano David of Måneskin.

Hosted by Woody from The Woody Show, the concert is set to be one of the most anticipated alternative rock events of the year.

“For the 8th year in a row, every other option was exhausted, and with the announcement looming, a decision had to be made,” said Woody. “That’s when we were handed the keys and warned that we had better not screw this up. It’s an honor — one we fully intend to live up to. Here’s hoping Jan. 11 arrives before iHeart realizes their mistake!”

The event will broadcast live for fans on iHeartRadio Alternative and Rock stations across the country and on iHeartRadio.com.

Now in its eighth year, the iHeartRadio ALTer EGO event continues to grow, attracting top-tier alternative acts. The festival is part of iHeartMedia’s lineup of nationally recognized concert events, including the iHeartRadio Music Festival and Jingle Ball, with Capital One as a returning presenting partner.

“We are thrilled to present this incredible lineup of artists representing all genres of Alternative and Rock returning to one of the most iconic Rock venues Los Angeles has to offer, the Kia Forum,” said Lisa Worden, Program Director for ALT 98.7 and Senior Vice President of Rock and Alternative for iHeartMedia.

“It’s our 8th year doing this and each year it keeps getting better.”

Capital One cardholders will have exclusive early access to presale tickets starting on Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PT, lasting through Oct. 24 or until supplies run out.

The presale tickets come with an option to add a Capital One Access Pass, allowing attendees to experience a private soundcheck performance by Cage The Elephant, along with complimentary food, drinks, and more. General ticket sales will begin on Oct. 25 at 12 p.m. PT through Ticketmaster.

Listeners will also have access to a limited number of tickets through ALT 98.7’s 24-hour VIP-Sale. Fans can register to become an ALT VIP to access tickets beginning Thursday, Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. PT through Friday, October 25 at 10 a.m.

For more information on presales and tickets, visit iHeartRadio.com.