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  • Karta continues to expand its workforce significantly to deal with ever-increasing demand for metaverse experiences

  • The startup announces five new hires - eyeing up new sectors and bolstering its game design, programming and production output

 

Karta, an award-winning metaverse studio pioneering the world of in-game experiential marketing, announces new hires from Tommy Hilfiger, Epic Games and Emperia. 

The startup, which works across Fortnite, Roblox and Zepeto, has been growing its senior team significantly with prominent names from fashion, tech and gaming to meet the ever-increasing demand for virtual branded experiences - with the metaverse remaining popular among global brands and artists.

Karta welcomes Morgan Evans as its brand-new Fashion and Beauty Director, joining from Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, as it expands its services to fashion and cosmetic clients. Also joining is Sarah Richards, moving over from the virtual brand and shopping experience platform Emperia to take up the new position as Art Director at Karta - leading on art direction across its upcoming projects.

Karta’s game design, programming and production output has been bolstered with three new hires; Tork Shaw joins from Epic Games and Mediatonic as the new Game Design Director, Oscar Halland, a Roblox and brand experience veteran, is announced as Lead Programmer for Roblox, making the move from well-known Roblox studios SuperSocial and Melon, while Jonny Coelho becomes Lead Producer, joining from well-known Fortnite Studio Beyond Creative.

The metaverse continues to evolve and provide new UGC gaming and marketing opportunities for artists and brands. With a new on-platform ecommerce recently announced, Karta sees an increase in demand as the opportunity for brands is no longer just marketing, engagement and virtual merchandising, but also direct sales of real-world products

Erik Londré, CEO of Karta, says: “At Karta our goal is to deliver results to our clients and joy to the games. We believe a combination of marketers who understand the brands, games industry professionals with deep knowledge of production and game design and platform natives who get the audience is key. Our recent hires reflect that philosophy completely and the impact from Morgan, Sarah, Tork, Oscar and Jonny has been palpable from day one.”

Sarah Richards, Art Director at Karta, says: “I’m hugely excited to join Karta as Art Director and be part of its growing team. Karta’s campaigns have creativity and innovation at their core and it's an incredible opportunity to help develop new ideas as part of Karta’s unique vision for brands.”

The new hires mark the latest development for the fast-growing startup, which launched its own bespoke Fortnite and Zepeto studios in the last year to service the growing demand on these platforms. Also in the past year, Karta has worked with global musicians like Nicki Minaj, for her ‘Gag City’ experience in Roblox, K-Pop giants BLACKPINK with their hugely popular ‘BLACKPINK THE PALACE’ and TWICE, with their ‘TWICE Square’ - becoming the most visited music experience in Roblox history. 

Since launching in 2021, Karta has built a respected client roster of global brands including Amazon Music, McDonald’s, Spotify and most recently HUGO BOSS - which launched the latest update to its PLANET HUGO experience in Roblox with the HUGO GARAGE. Through these partnerships, Karta is reshaping entertainment experiences in the metaverse and creating meaningful connections between brands and their audiences. As well as working with musicians and global brands, Karta creates UGC gaming experiences with its own IP, including its popular BeatBuilder music rhythm game in Fortnite, which reached over 100k players in the first three weeks.

Tony Barnes, CGO of Karta, adds: “We welcome these five brilliant new hires at a really exciting time. There’s still a tremendous amount of potential for musicians and brands across the metaverse and UGC gaming, and with these talented industry professionals we’re looking forward to creating more experiences and reaching new audiences.”

With its new hires, the studio will expand its services with new hires working across upcoming projects, details of which will be announced soon. Karta is also going into a new funding round, where they aim to expand and introduce new opportunities. For more information, go to www.karta.game.

13 Jan 2026 | Press release

Modern Women have signed to One Little Independent Records

Modern Woman, the London art-rock outfit fronted by primary songwriter Sophie Harris, are set to release their anticipated debut album ‘Johnny’s Dreamworld’ on May 1st 2026 via their new label One Little Independent Records. ‘Johnny’s Dreamworld’ represents the culmination of...more

13 Jan 2026 | Press release

Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens celebrate Independent Venue Week 2026 on BBC Radio 6 Music

  From Monday 26th – Thursday 29th January (4-7pm), BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds will broadcast programmes to mark Independent Venue Week – the UK’s annual, seven-day celebration of independent music and arts venues and the people that own, run and...more

13 Jan 2026 | Press release

Chandler Limited and Abbey Road announce ‘The Redd Mixing System’

The first EMI recording console in 50 years Today (13 Jan), Abbey Road Studios and Chandler Limited proudly unveil the REDD Mixing System, a groundbreaking, fully modular console that brings together every era of EMI’s legendary recording equipment in one elegant,...more

13 Jan 2026 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing and Daniel Nigro Sign Global Deal with Jon Buscema

  Sony Music Publishing, in partnership with renowned producer and songwriter Daniel Nigro and his publishing venture, Amusement, have signed hitmaker Jon Buscema to a global deal.Jon Buscema has quickly made a name for himself as a trusted collaborator across genres,...more

13 Jan 2026 | Press release

“Mental Torture for Thousands”: NTIA Seeks Legal Advice on Businesses Marginalised from Rates Support

  The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has confirmed it is seeking legal advice following continued government signalling, through media briefings rather than formal policy announcements, that upcoming business rates relief may be limited to pubs, while excluding large parts of the...more

13 Jan 2026 | Press release

Shazam Fast Forward 2026 Revealed

It’s the start of a new year, which means Shazam Fast Forward is back with its 2026 class. Fast Forward takes a look ahead at some of the most exciting talent being discovered on Shazam. Spanning 20 genres and 22...more

13 Jan 2026 | Press release

Live music for everyone continues as Reading four-piece open Brixton stage to grassroots talent

BAND EXTEND £1 BRIXTON SHOW COMMITMENT OFFERING UNSIGNED UK BAND/ARTIST SUPPORT SLOT AT LANDMARK SHOW  BANDS/ARTIST TO ENTER HERE   Following the landmark announcement of their historic £1 headline show at O2 Academy Brixton, Only The Poets are taking their commitment to accessible live...more

13 Jan 2026 | Press release

BRITs Week 26 for War Child, Delivered by DHL

In More Venues Across the UK Than Ever Before   The Biggest Artists, Playing Their Most Intimate Shows: Fatboy Slim, Myles Smith, Lambrini Girls, Jacob Alon, kwn, Josh Baker, Rossi., Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins OBE to play exclusive shows in aid of...more

13 Jan 2026 | Press release

BMG to relocate global headquarters to iconic Lumina building in Berlin

  BMG has announced it will move its global headquarters to the top floor of the iconic Lumina building, formerly Galeries Lafayette, in Berlin in early 2027. The move follows a lease agreement with leading global real estate firm Tishman Speyer. The...more

12 Jan 2026 | Press release

The Music Industry Therapist Collective CIC (MITC CIC) Announces Nonprofit Status, Expanding Global Mental Health Support for the Music Business

The Music Industry Therapist Collective CIC (MITC CIC) today announces its transition to a nonprofit organisation, unlocking new funding opportunities and partnerships to scale specialist mental health support across the global music industry. The move to nonprofit status will enable MITC...more

12 Jan 2026 | Press release

Europe's Live Events Sector Calls On EU To Stop Predatory Ticket Resale

  Over 130 artists and professionals urge EU Commissioner to consider resale within Digital Fairness Act Signatories span 23 countries, uniting the worlds of popular and classical music with theatre, dance, and sports in protest against resale fraud Over 130 representatives of the...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

Ministry of Sound Undergoes Huge Renovation Ahead of 35th Anniversary Year

A new KV2 sound system, multi-dimensional light installation, and a fully redesigned dancefloor and DJ booth will be completed in January Ministry of Sound is set to undergo the most significant transformation since it opened in 1991. A complete reimagining of sound, space...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

Nightlife Bosses Push Back: ‘It’s Not Just Pubs Under Threat’ Says NTIA

  Sector anger grows as government rhetoric suggests only pubs may receive business rates relief in today's media leak   Nightlife operators and cultural venue owners have pushed back against government and media suggestions that only pubs will benefit from upcoming business rates reductions. Industry...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

Independent Venue Week 2026: January 26th - February 1st

IVW Artist Ambassadors’ Nova Twins, Brògeal and Eve Goodman announce exclusive live shows to celebrate the importance of independent venues Nova Twins play a hometown gig at London’s Amersham Arms on January 27th Brògeal perform two Scottish shows across the week at...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

Bank on it: FreshTunes Expands Payment Options for Artists

FreshTunes, the label services platform for artists everywhere, is rolling out a new option for royalty payments worldwide. Starting in Q1 2026, artists anywhere in the world will be able to receive their payouts directly to their Visa or Mastercard...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

The European Festival Report 2025: Festivals Still Thriving Despite Rising Production Costs and Boycott Pressure

The European Festival Report is the essential annual guide to the continent’s popular music festival industry, offering insights into current challenges, priorities for 2025, and developments in health, safety, and sustainability. Published by IQ Magazine in partnership with YOUROPE, the...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

Introducing Apple Music Integration for AlphaTheta’s CDJ-3000X

Apple Music has announced an update enabling Apple Music integration with AlphaTheta’s next-generation multi-player, the CDJ-3000X.With this update, the CDJ-3000X and its new StreamingDirectPlay feature give Apple Music subscribers access to over 100 million songs on Apple Music and the latest playlists on...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

ESNS The Key Exchange for Emerging New Music Is Gearing Up for Its 40th Edition

  ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), the key exchange for emerging European music talent is gearing up for its 40th edition, which will take place from 14th to 17th January 2026. The event has proven essential in breaking new acts into live music...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

SourceAudio Announces Long-Term AI Dataset Licensing Partnership with Native Instruments

Fully cleared audio dataset will advance next-generation creative tools for musicians   SourceAudio, the music industry's most widely adopted sync platform and leading music-rights platform for large-scale AI dataset licensing, today announced a new long-term partnership with Native Instruments, a global leader in...more

08 Jan 2026 | Press release

NTIA calls for transport investment alongside proposed drink drive limit changes

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “Road safety has to come first, and the night-time economy absolutely supports efforts to reduce harm and save lives. No venue, operator or community wants to see people injured or killed...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Streamed and retail entertainment sales grew four times faster than UK economy in 2025

Music, video and games revenues up 7.1% to £13.3bn    Streaming services and retailers grew UK revenues from music, video and games by 7.1% in 2025 to a new all-time-record of £13,257.3m, according to interim annual figures published today (January 7) by...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Save the date: Record Store Day - 18 April 2026

Celebrating 19 years of independent record shops and vinyl culture in the UK Record Store Day (RSD) returns on Saturday 18 April 2026 for its 19th edition, celebrating independent record shops and the people who support them. More than 280 UK...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Soundstripe and PopArabia Launch First Sync Camp in Middle East

  Soundstripe, the premier music licensing platform, is collaborating with Abu Dhabi-based independent music company PopArabia to create a series of songwriting camps for MENA based artists and songwriters. The first camp, Soundstripe’s first outside of the US, took place this October in...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Universal Music Group to transform music experience for billions of fans with Nvidia AI

Leveraging NVIDIA AI infrastructure and drawing from the world’s leading music catalog comprising millions of culture-defining tracks, this collaboration aims to pioneer responsible AI for music discovery, creation, and engagement    Universal Music Group (EURONEXT: UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, announced...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Universal Music Group appoints James Steven as EVP & Chief Communications Officer

  Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced the appointment of James Steven as its Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer. Steven will be responsible for leading the company’s internal and external communications, and oversee the communications...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Warner Chappell Music strikes global publishing deal with Ziggy Alberts

Today, Warner Chappell Music expands its global roster with the signing of Australian singer-songwriter Ziggy Alberts to a worldwide publishing deal. Signed through Warner Chappell Music Australia, the agreement will encompass Alberts’ complete catalogue and future works, with a close collaborative partnership alongside Warner Chappell Music Nashville to support...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

IRMA announcement of Ireland’s recorded music consumption data for 2025: “Homegrown talent surges in popularity, propelling another year of solid growth for Ireland’s recorded music market”

Homegrown talent surges in popularity, propelling another year of solid growth for Ireland's recorded music market  Releases from Fontaines DC, CMAT, Kingfishr, Amble, Hozier & Jazzy helped grow the Irish singles market by 7% and albums by 12% in 2025. Irish artists' market share...more

06 Jan 2026 | Press release

Italian annual official music charts 2025 celebrates Italian leadership

YOUNG ACT OLLY DOMINATES ALBUMS AND SINGLES, RAPPER CAPAREZZA TOPS THE PHYSICAL CHART Consumption, records and trends in the Italian music market in 2025 ALL THE CHARTS HERE     The soundtrack of 2025 in Italy is strongly dominated by local music: it’s the result...more

06 Jan 2026 | Press release

Superstition is crowned ‘Your Ultimate Stevie Wonder Song’ by BBC Radio 2 listeners

  BBC Radio 2 listeners have crowned Superstition as their ‘Ultimate Stevie Wonder Song’, following an audience vote from a long list of his 60 most played solo tracks on the station.   The song, taken from Stevie’s 15th studio album Talking Book, was a hit...more

02 Jan 2026 | Press release

Christmas break 2025 - News

News from the break will appeared here from 20 December to 4 January.Most stories have now been moved to the 5 January daily email. ————————————————————NEWS Kylie Minogue scooped the festive No1 single, beating Wham! to the top spot. (Mail, Sun) The vibrant pulse...more

13 Jan 2026

  • Spotify’s new co-CEOs highlight what’s ahead for the company (see Digital)

12 Jan 2026

  • Music publishers sued by X in growing licensing battle (see News)

  • Call on EU to clamp down on unauthorised ticket reselling (see News)

09 Jan 2026

  • Lucian Grainge outlines UMG's 2026 plans in staff memo (see News)

  • Skye Newman wins Radio 1's Sound of 2026 (see News)

08 Jan 2026

  • Spotify now lets you share what you’re streaming in real time with friends (see Digital)

07 Jan 2026

  • Streamed and retail entertainment sales grew four times faster than UK economy in 2025 (see News)

  • UMG announces collaboration with NVIDIA to pioneer responsible AI for music discovery, creation, and engagement (see News)

06 Jan 2026

  • 2026 music industry predictions (see Features)

05 Jan 2026

  • New wave of global British breakthrough talent helps UK recorded music grow for 11th consecutive year (see News)

19 Dec 2025

  • What’s going to give you the marketing edge in 2026? (see Features)

18 Dec 2025

  • The global value of music copyright hits an all-time high (see Reports)

17 Dec 2025

  • The 'metamorphosis' of Atlantic Records (see Features)