March 21, 2023 – Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment will launch season two of This is History: A Dynasty to Die For, on 28th March 2023. Hosted by award-winning medieval historian, broadcaster and author Dan Jones, season one topped Spotify’s UK History Chart, and the Apple History Chart in the US.

Season two picks up where we left off with England’s longest reigning and most dangerous dynasty – The Plantagenets. Richard the Lionheart now takes centre stage as he ventures East on a Crusade, leading an attack on his nemesis, the formidable Muslim general Saladin. Meanwhile, back at home, Richard’s devious younger brother John plots to steal his throne, their mother Eleanor of Aquitaine caught in the crossfire. The sagas play out like episodes of a medieval Succession, or a real-life Game of Thrones.

The season consists of 12 weekly episodes. Dan guides his listeners through this tumultuous period of history in a manner that’s at once compelling and dramatic, as well as accessible, fun and family-friendly; a perfect companion for both the morning commute and a family road-trip. Dan’s even heard from teachers that they use it as a tool in history lessons.

Dan’s narration is supported by an impressive, immersive soundscape and score, which transports listeners to medieval England. A weekly bonus episode will be made available for paid subscribers, in which Dan divulges some more morsels of medieval gossip. 

Dan is a New York Times bestselling author, and he’s written and hosted dozens of TV shows including the acclaimed Netflix/ Channel 5 series Secrets of British Castles. However, Dan isn’t your typical historian; he’s a friend of Guns N’ Roses base guitarist Duff McKagan (he’s taken the band on historical tours before), listens to Fred Again when he’s writing, and is probably the first (and only?!) historian to have DJ’d at the Ministry of Sound.

To celebrate the launch of season two of the podcast, Dan will be hosting “The Ultimate History Lesson” at Warwick Castle with a class from a local school. The lesson will be inspired by the first two episodes of the season, taught within the walls of the building that was once home to The Plantagenets.

Listen here.

March 21, 2023 – On 28th March 2023, Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment will launch season two of Please Tell Me A Story, the comedy podcast led by actor & comedian Omid Djalili, who’s joined by five pals from the world of comedy.

The premise of the show is simple; six comedians with one funny story to tell – what could possibly go wrong?

The comedians taking part in series two of Please Tell Me A Story are: 

Omid Djalili – West End star, Hollywood actor, regular at the Edinburgh Fringe
Mark Thomas – Award-winning comedian, writer & creator of the The Mark Thomas Comedy Product, the TV show that cost an MP their career…
Felicity Ward – Live at the Apollo star and ‘Best Comedy at Edinburgh Fringe Festival’ nominee for her show Felicity Ward: Busting a Nut
Helen Bauer – AKA Madam Good Tit, host of Trusty Hogs and Daddy Look At Me podcasts
Nabil Abdulrashid – Shot to fame as a finalist in the 2020 series of Britain’s Got Talent, and recently performed at the Just For Laughs comedy festival in London
Megan Jayne Crabbe – Best-selling author and body positivity activist, with a following of over 1.3 million across her socials

Each episode starts with one comedian passing their story along the chain. But, can their fellow comedians pass on the story without completely twisting it? Can they resist their comedic urges and tell it to us straight?

Listeners will be treated to tales of wild nights out, a fantastical trip to the arcade, mishaps on the set of Gladiator, plus much more…

Join Omid and friends for a weekly storytime, in the game where story telling goes horribly wrong.

Listen here.

Thakkar brings more than 21 years of industry experience to the role, with expertise in Artist & Repertoire, Digital Strategy, Music Publishing, Licensing, and the Live and Management business

Mumbai, INDIA – March 16, 2023 – Sony Music Entertainment India (SME) today announced the appointment of Vinit Thakkar as Managing Director of the company. Thakkar will oversee the company’s operations in one of the fastest-growing and dynamic music markets in the world, collaborating closely with regional and global teams to strengthen SME India’s strategic partnerships and identify new growth opportunities for its artists. Reporting directly to Shridhar Subramaniam, President of Corporate Strategy and Market Development for Asia and the Middle East, Thakkar will assume the Managing Director role from Rajat Kakar, who is scheduled to leave at the end of this month. 

“We are thrilled to have Vinit at Sony Music Entertainment India,” said Shridhar Subramaniam, President, Corporate Strategy and Market Development, Sony Music Entertainment Asia, and the Middle East. “His expertise, wide breadth of experience, steadfast belief in supporting artists and focus on placing creativity at the center, all while driving strategic and commercial growth, makes him ideal for our company. I am confident that he will achieve our aspirations for this important market. I would also like to thank Rajat who has done an excellent job elevating our business and we wish him all the best for the future.”

“India is a remarkable country for musical talent and creativity, transcending cultural and geographical divides. I look forward to driving greater success for our artists and creators through new partnerships and introducing them to new and exciting ways to connect with their fans. Rajat has done a commendable job steering the company and I feel privileged to be working with this stellar team to drive our business forward,” said Vinit Thakkar.

“I started my music career with this incredible team over 25 years ago and I leave with a huge sense of satisfaction. I am confident that the company will have continued success in the years ahead under Vinit’s stewardship,” added Rajat Kakar. 

Prior to joining SME India, Thakkar held the position of Chief Operating Officer for Universal Music in India and South Asia, after having previously worked in banking and consumer products. Thakkar has played a key role in major label signings with leading artists and is also widely credited for the creation and launch of artist-centred platforms. This has cemented Thakkar’s wide-ranging impact on India’s pop music industry and the wider music ecosystem through the promotion and creation of culturally significant and commercially successful non-film music in India. 

New York and Miami – March 6, 2023 – Sony Music Entertainment’s Premium Content Division today announced a partnership with Leo Messi Management SL to develop a new, original animated series inspired by Argentinian soccer star Lionel Messi. 

Currently in development, the series will depict Messi as a child as he confronts obstacles while traveling throughout a video game. Produced for children and young adolescent audiences, the global series will feature original music from Sony Music Entertainment artists and composers. 

“Since I was a kid, I’ve always loved animated series and my kids are big fans of animated characters. Being able to participate in an animation project makes me happy, because it fulfills one of my dreams! I would like to thank Sony Music for joining this project and we hope that everyone will like the result, especially the girls and the boys,” said Messi. 

“It is a privilege for Sony Music to collaborate with Lionel Messi on this project to showcase the power and lessons of sports in partnership with the greatest football player of all time and one of the greatest athletes in history,” said Fernando Cabral, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Latin-Iberia Regional, Sony Music Entertainment. “We look forward to bringing this heartwarming and humbling series to screens for audiences of all ages around the world.”

Messi, the Rosario-born soccer player, is a global icon and inspiration to millions around the world. To date, he is the only athlete in the world to win seven Ballon d’Or awards, six FIFA World Player of the Year awards, six Golden Boots and two World Cup Golden Balls. In addition, Messi led Argentina to a World Cup win in December 2022. Off the pitch, Messi is recognized for his sportsmanship and passion for the sport, which will be featured heavily throughout the series. 

The series will be available in English, Spanish, and several other languages. Sony Music’s Premium Content Division will oversee the development and distribution of the series. 

Isaac Dunbar, INIKO, and MK xyz will be this year’s featured artists in second installment of the series

New York, NY (03/06/2023)—GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization and Sony Music Group (SMG) today announced “ICONS,” an uplifting and intimate three-part episodic video series designed to advance LGBTQ inclusion in music and amplify LGBTQ voices in the industry. Isaac Dunbar, INIKO, and MK xyz will be this year’s featured artists in the series.

Building on the two companies’ ongoing partnership, “ICONS” will bring together LGBTQ musicians, songwriters, and producers across generations for culture-driving conversations about the history of LGBTQ inclusion in music and the future of the industry. Artists will discuss the personal connection that exists between queerness and craft, how LGBTQ artists have shaped music, where we are today, and what it takes to break through as a queer music artist.

“ICONS” debuts on GLAAD’s YouTube Friday, March 10, featuring these rising LGBTQ icons in the music industry:

Isaac Dunbar (He/Him), premiering Friday, March 10
Isaac Dunbar is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer based in New York. Isaac’s keen emotional intuition and artistic acuity belie his age, and at just 19 years old, he has asserted himself as the rare talent who gleefully defies genres, rules, and eras all at once and has received recognition from various media outlets such as TIME, Billboard, and The FADER. He has released several projects, including the 2022 Banish The Banshee EP via RCA Records, which explores themes of self-love and healing. Inspired by musicians such as Lady Gaga and David Bowie, Isaac uses his music to inspire others to be themselves. He is nominated for the 34^th Annual GLAAD Media Awards for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist.

INIKO (They/Them), premiering Friday, April 14
Iniko is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter from Brooklyn, New York. Known for their cosmic music and unique style, Iniko makes music for soul searchers. By fusing sinewy vocals, the musicality of a poly instrumentalist, and their adventurous imagination, their music tackles themes of anxiety, damaged romance, and philosophy with warmth and whimsy. Their song “The King’s Affirmation” went viral on TikTok and represented their growth as an artist. Iniko identifies as nonbinary and wants to use their music to stand up for their peers in the queer community. They are currently working on a new project that reflects both their journey and experiences with others. Iniko has 2 million TikTok followers and is signed to Columbia Records.

MK xyz (She/Her/They), premiering Friday, May 12
The 25-year-old triple-threat R&B artist from Jacksonville, Florida, is known for her unique expression of individuality and refusal to be labeled. Born to dancer parents, she has been performing since age three and drew inspiration from famous entertainers such as Chris Brown, Ciara, Aaliyah, Toni Braxton, Sade, and Michael Jackson. Dubbed by Wonderland as a rising R&B star “for her fierce lyricism and captivating dancing ability,” MK xyz is undoubtedly an artist to watch. After releasing her debut single “Pass It” featuring G-Eazy, MK xyz has received critical acclaim from outlets such as Wonderland, Flaunt, Bustle, Lyrical Lemonade and more. MK xyz is signed to EPIC Records.

GLAAD and Sony Music Group’s partnership was announced last year, and “ICONS” is one of several initiatives aiming to further Sony Music Group’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and redouble the company’s commitment to inclusiveness. 

“The impact of queer artists across history and their influence to shape the landscape of music and the industry at large is undeniable. It’s as important to honor the trailblazing legacies of LGBTQ icons in music, as it is equally imperative that we elevate new voices in music who have unique backgrounds and stories to tell,” said Tony Morrison, Senior Director of Communications at GLAAD.“‘ICONS’ establishes this path forward to increase the visibility of queer artists, and Sony Music Group continues to be a valuable partner to help lead the way for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging throughout the music industry.” 

“We’re thrilled to announce the continuation of our partnership with GLAAD through the launch of “ICONS.” This interview series will be a powerful platform for raising awareness and inclusion of LGBTQ artists and songwriters and their contributions to music,” said Tiffany R. Warren, Executive Vice President, Chief Diversity, and Inclusion Officer at Sony Music Group. “We believe that by exploring the impact that LGBTQ artists and songwriters have had on music, we can foster a deeper understanding of what it takes to break through as an LGBTQ artist. “This series is a testament to our commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion while breaking barriers in the music industry. We’re excited to bring this series to the world.”

Writer and Historian Giles Milton Investigates the Mysterious Disappearance of British Wartime Hero and International Celebrity Lionel Crabb in New Podcast

The First Episode is Available Now

New York and London – March 1, 2023 – Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment today premiered their new podcast Cover Up: Ministry of Secrets. Hosted by writer and historian Giles Milton, Ministry of Secrets aims to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of famous British Navy diver Lionel ‘Buster’ Crabb, a figure who has been said to be the inspiration for James Bond. The first episode is available now. 

Crabb was a diver and highly decorated war hero. During World War Two, he worked in special ops diffusing mines planted by the Nazis in Venice, saving the city from destruction. He became a household name as a result and was thus rumored to be the inspiration for Bond. 

Throughout the series, Milton learns that in Spring 1956, Crabb took part in a top-secret diving mission to investigate a Russian ship docked in Portsmouth Harbour. The ship had brought Nikolai Bulganin and Nikita Khrushchev over for a state visit during the Cold War. After this dive, Crabb was never seen again.

What happened next is a state secret that has been concealed for decades: Milton’s mission throughout the podcast is to discover what really happened and establish why the truth continues to be hidden from the public. Normally files pertaining to such incidents are released after 20 years, but the Lionel Crabb files are officially embargoed for a century, to be kept under lock and key until 2057. 

Giles Milton is a writer and historian whose career has seen him dig into forgotten stories from the past. He’s come across some remarkable stories, from the doctor who supplied Hitler with cocaine to the MI6 spy who helped kill Rasputin. Yet, he’s never come across anything as strange as this story.

Throughout Cover Up: Ministry of Secrets, we hear Giles speak with his producer and oldest friend Sarah Peters, as they unpick this dark, shocking and disturbing story. Sarah is the founder of Tuning Fork Productions and produced the hit narrative podcast series Bed of Lies.

Listeners can expect weekly revelations on a journey into a world of rogues, royalty, spies, and lies, as Milton investigates the truth behind one of the last great secrets of the Cold War… and why it’s remained a mystery for so long. Cover Up: Ministry of Secrets is now available on all major podcast platforms and for subscribers to The Binge.

Content Creators Michael Judson Berry and Paris Nicholson Dissect The Hottest Happenings Across Tik Tok, Instagram, Twitter, and More 

New York, NY– February 21, 2023 – Somethin’ Else and Sony Music Entertainment today announced the launch of The Social Dose, a new podcast giving the latest takes on the most talked about conversations and hottest happenings across social media. From the biggest viral video to the latest trending dance, content creators Michael Judson Berry and Paris Nicholson invite listeners to join them three times a week for candid and timely hot takes, kicking off today with the show’s first episode. 

The Social Dose is the new destination for daily roundups of all the best news, gossip, insights and beefs from our favorite social media platforms: Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, and more (and on occasion, the Metaverse). Every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Berry and Nicholson will be joined by a selection of social media experts including Nikki G, Christian Banda, and Candiace Dillard Bassett to dig way too deep into all of social’s most popular trends, bringing listeners up to speed on the most talked about videos or posts, and covering the stuff they just need to vent about.  

“We are so excited to become the new go-to destination for roundups of all the best news, gossip, insights, and plain ole’ beef”, said Judson Berry and Nicholson. “We like to think of The Social Dose like our listeners favorite daytime talk show, but for all things social! We can’t wait to get started.”

The Social Dose is a Somethin’ Else & Sony Music Entertainment production. Danielle Jones-Wesley is the producer and Jazmine Henley-Brown and Serita Wesley serve as executive producers. 

Listeners can subscribe to The Social Dose on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on other Sony podcasts, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

New York, NY – February 1, 2023 – Santa Anna today announced the appointment of Dave Anderson to General Manager and Carlos “Los” Ogando as Vice President of Promotion. Both executives will report to Todd Moscowitz, CEO and Founder of Alamo Records and co-founder of Santa Anna.  

In his role, Anderson will oversee Santa Anna’s growing marketing, promotion and digital teams. Prior to joining Santa Anna, he served in Vice President of Commerce roles at Geffen and Warner Records.

As the Company’s new Vice President of Promotion, Orgando brings years of experience to Santa Anna, having held the position at both Geffen Records and Warner. In his new role, he will assist the label with creating and executing its promotion strategy across multiple formats. 

Additionally, Derek Lee will add the role of Chief Financial Officer for Santa Anna to his current position at Alamo Records. In his expanded role, Lee will oversee all finance operations, including financial planning, budgeting, reporting and accounting for the label.

In making the appointments, Moscowitz said, “Dave and Los have great skill and talent to work creatively and successfully with artists. I look forward to working with them as they develop incredible opportunities and experiences for our roster, to reach new fans and consumers. I also am thrilled to have Derek join Santa Anna. He has become an invaluable member of the leadership team.”

Santa Anna’s executive leadership announcement marks the Company’s continued expansion and commitment to identify additional opportunities to support entrepreneurs.

New Season of Smoke Screen From Neon Hum, Sony Music Entertainment and Bloomberg Spotlights the International Bleach Conspiracy Ignited by the Genesis II Church

New York and Los Angeles – February 1, 2023 – Neon Hum and Sony Music Entertainment, in partnership with Bloomberg, today launched Smoke Screen: Deadly Cure, a new season of its hit investigative podcast series exploring and exposing stories of alleged fraud and deception. This season dissects the story of a family that convinced tens of thousands of people across the world to buy a miracle liquid of poison, something that experts agree is toxic and for which family members are now being prosecuted. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes, all at once today.

Hosted by Bloomberg health journalist Kristen V. Brown, Smoke Screen: Deadly Cure spotlights the Grenon family, the creators of Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, an organization that encouraged people to purchase and ingest a toxic bleaching agent they called Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS) as a sacrament. The eight-episode series tracks the rise and fall of the group’s dangerous scheme amidst a heightened misconception that bleach products reportedly cured COVID-19, as well as the rag tag activists and keyboard warriors who chased them down for years, known as “The Bleach Hunters.” 

“The Grenon family and Genesis II church exploited the mistrust that people have in their government and health-care system, ” said host Kristen V. Brown. “Deadly Cure shows how toxic misinformation gains hold in the public view, and what it takes to stop the people spreading it.”

Smoke Screen: Deadly Cure is based on reporting by Thomas Buckley in Bloomberg Businessweek. It is a production of Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment in collaboration with Bloomberg. It is hosted by health journalist Kristen V Brown. Executive producer at Neon Hum is Jonathan Hirsch. 

Listeners can subscribe to Smoke Screen: Deadly Cure on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and wherever you listen to podcasts. For more information on Smoke Screen: Deadly Cure follow @SonyPodcasts and @NeonHumMedia on Twitter and Instagram, as well as @business and @podcasts on Twitter and the Bloomberg Podcasts YouTube channel.

New York, NY – Columbia Records has promoted Jenifer Mallory to President as announced today by Chairman and CEO Ron Perry, to whom she will continue to report. 

Mallory has served as the company’s Executive Vice President and General Manager since 2018. In her new post, she will continue to oversee marketing, digital, publicity, video production, licensing, and brand partnerships departments. 

Known for her global marketing expertise, Mallory has played a key role in helping break Columbia’s new artists and elevating the careers of its superstars. Specifically, she has guided successful campaigns for iconic superstars such as AC/DC, Adele, Baby Keem, Barbra Streisand, Beyoncé, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Daft Punk, Depeche Mode, Harry Styles, Lil Nas X, Pharrell Williams, Polo G, Rosalía, Solange, The Kid LAROI, and Tyler, the Creator among others.

Regarding her promotion, Ron Perry shares, “Jen’s steadfast championing of artists, extraordinary leadership abilities, and unwavering dedication to Columbia Records makes her truly Presidential.”

Says Jenifer Mallory, “I’ve had the privilege of spending much of my career at Columbia Records and am proud of what we have achieved over the past few years. I’m thankful to our incredible staff and most importantly our inspiring artists. I’m forever grateful to Ron Perry and Rob Stringer for entrusting me with this role and their mentorship. I will continue championing our artists and honor Columbia’s legacy.”

Prior to her five years as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Columbia, Mallory was Executive Vice President of International at Sony Music Entertainment working across the Columbia, Epic, RCA, and Arista labels. Leading teams in both New York and London, her work focused on spearheading global marketing campaigns for U.S.-signed artists.  

Joining Columbia Records in 2006, Mallory rose through the ranks with positions in digital marketing and international marketing until becoming Executive Vice President, International for Sony Music Entertainment. In 2018, Columbia Records named her Executive Vice President and General Manager. Along the way, she has been recognized across the industry for her leadership and success. Billboard notably included her among its 2022 Women in Music and coveted Power 100 in 2019, while Variety, Music Business Worldwide, HITS, and more have chronicled her career thus far.