Music Industry Shifts: Jesse Jo Stark Signs with WME, Rebecca Allen Leaves Universal Music UK

Jesse Jo Stark, singer, songwriter, actress and co-creative director of Chrome Hearts, has signed with WME for worldwide representation across all fields. Stark's new album, "Muse," is set for release on November 6, following opening or supporting slots with Post Malone, Guns N' Roses and Jane's Addiction, as well as appearances at several festivals. In addition to her work […]

Chrome Hearts singer, songwriter, actor and co-director Jesse Jo Stark has signed with WME for worldwide representation in all areas.

Stark's new album, "Muse," is out Nov. 6, followed by opening dates or performances with Post Malone, Guns N' Roses and Jane's Addiction, as well as numerous festival appearances. In addition to his work at Chrome Hearts, Stark also runs the Deadly Doll clothing line. Related Stories 'The Ancestors' review: Éanna Hardwicke delivers a whimsical elegy for a lost generation 'The Housewife' review: Naomi Watts tells a watchable but weak true story of hidden Nazism in suburban Queens.

+ According to Musicweek, veteran music director Rebecca Allen is leaving Universal Music UK after 27 years. He will continue as a consultant at UMG. Popular in Variety

Following the merger of EMI and Island in July 2024, Alan was appointed Head of the new Audience & Media division and was subsequently promoted to lead the newly created and "first of its kind" Chief Artist and Strategy Officer in December 2025. Previously, he was president and later chairman of EMI. As head of Decca from 2017 to 2020 - becoming the first female head of a Universal Music label in the UK.

I'm so proud of what we've created together, grateful for the friendships, the adventures, the lessons and the laughs, and 27 years. The years have shaped me in so many ways,” Alan wrote in a farewell letter to staff. I can't thank you all enough for being with me on this journey. Love to you all."

+ Sony Music Publishing in Colombia has signed a global catalog management deal with the estate of renowned Colombian singer, songwriter and accordionist Omar Glass, one of the most influential artists working in Vallenato music. The deal includes more than three hundred famous works written by the Latin Grammy Award-nominated songwriter, including the vallenato anthem "Cuatro Rosas" as well as classics such as "A Blanco y Negro", "Tu Hombre Soy Yo" and "Tarde lo Conocí".

"On behalf of my family and the state of Omar Glass, we want to express our sincerest gratitude for opening your doors and allowing us to be a part of the Sony Music Publishing family," said Maren Garcia. We hope to build a relationship based on trust, respect and commitment to continue passing on the legacy of Omar Glass to new generations. Thank you for making us feel at home from the first moment and for continuing to write the history of the legacy of my eternal love, a legacy that will live on in each of his songs."

"Omar Jales was not only a defining voice in Vallenato music, but one of the great songwriters of his generation," said Jorge Mejia, president and CEO, Latin America and Latin America, Sony Music Publishing. Partnering with his family to preserve, promote and expand his legacy is a true honor and ensures that his songs continue to inspire audiences around the world for generations to come.

+ The Music Publishers Association, the UK trade body representing music publishers, has appointed Faber Music CEO Richard King as its new chairman for a three-year term following a board vote. He succeeds Paulette Long OBE, who will remain a director of the MPA board after her term as chairman ends.

King, who has served as CEO of independent music publisher Faber Music since 1999, brings to the role more than 25 years of publishing leadership with experience in classical music, film and television, pop and print. He previously served as MPA director from 2002 to 2019 before rejoining the board in 2022. He was director of PRS for 18 years until 2022, director of PRS Foundation for 9 years until 2024, and director of PML since its inception in 2012. King will serve as Jack's director of the MPA in July.

"I look forward to Paulette and the MPA executive team doing great work, especially using her experience as a music publisher to further strengthen our chapter's voice on issues that matter to members," said King. There are many things to build. The recently announced Government Program for Music and the new National Music Education Plan are welcome steps, but we need to ensure that these initiatives lead to meaningful and sustainable long-term change. "In a time of massive change, it's more important than ever that music publishers have a strong, unified voice."

Paul Clements, MPA Group CEO, added: "Richard has been an important voice at MPA for many years and I know he will bring fresh thinking, challenge and real ambition to the role of Chairman. Peter has already made a huge impact since joining us, bringing new energy and ideas to the team and a clear vision for how we can do even more for our members."

I also want to thank Paulette for her outstanding leadership and contributions as Chair. "With Richard leading the board and Peter driving MPA forward every day, we have a brilliant team for next season."