The Circuit Group Launches Label Services Division with Key Hires, Appoints Chief Strategy Officer 13 Jun 2024
The Circuit Group, the new enterprise led by some of the most respected artist managers in the world to build business opportunities around artists’ intellectual property, today announced several new hires made up of music industry experts.
The Circuit Group is a groundbreaking music business collective aiming to acquire ownership in artists' IP portfolios and partner with them to build opportunities in a multitude of verticals within the music business, alongside traditional artist management. Founded by industry veterans Dean and Jessica Wilson (Seven20), along with Brett Fischer, David Gray, and Harvey Tadman (AYITA), Circuit will make catalog acquisitions of an artist’s song catalog, which will not only provide an immediate source of revenue for artists, but also ensure they are incentivized to work alongside the company to create additional opportunities around the IP.
These are the newest members of The Circuit Group:
James Sutcliffe, Chief Strategy Officer
With a distinguished career spanning prominent roles at global music institutions, Sutcliffe has a highly respected pedigree in music, culture, and entertainment. Formerly holding leadership positions at Ministry of Sound, LIVENow, and Monster Energy, Sutcliffe has curated partnerships with industry giants such as Dua Lipa, Stormzy, SZA, and Post Malone, as well as spearheading collaborations with UFC, Lewis Hamilton, and various festival brands. His expertise in live touring, artist relations, and brand partnerships, coupled with his strategic vision, positions him as the driving force behind The Circuit Group's strategic planning and business development initiatives.
Simon Birkumshaw, Director of Operations, Label Services
Simon Birkumshaw is a seasoned professional with a track record of success. Formerly serving as Head of Label Acquisitions & A&R at LabelWorx, Birkumshaw played a pivotal role in optimizing releases and catalogs while spearheading global strategies. Prior to his time at LabelWorx, Birkumshaw served as A&R for Defected Records, where he contributed to A&R'ing records and produced Defected Radio. Later, at Champion Records, Birkumshaw managed Madhouse & Madtech for Kerri Chandler, developing a highly respected relationship with the artist and now running and A&R'ing his label Kaoz Theory.
Ian Massoth, Director of A&R, Label Services
A highly experienced music executive, Ian Massoth joins The Circuit Group as Director of A&R. Massoth became the first employee of AYITA, collaborating with artists like Chris Lake, Fisher, and Yolanda Be Cool on their musical output and strategy. Ian and Chris Lake launched Black Book Records in 2016, taking Lake independent. Massoth will leverage his extensive experience to drive the success of the company's A&R and label services.
Shivani Phull, Chief Financial Officer Advisor
Shivani Phull joins The Circuit Group as Chief Financial Officer Advisor. Previously serving as a finance leader across diverse industries, including Pixelynx/Animoca Brands, Reckitt Benckiser (FTSE 20), and the United Nations, Phull’s accolades include an impressive record of delivering over $45 million in investments and revenue. In her role at The Circuit Group, Phull will support the development of innovative business models in the music industry, focusing on ownership of intellectual property and value creation.
Bianca Price, Social Media Manager
Bringing a dynamic blend of industry experience and creative energy, Bianca Price is The Circuit Group’s Social Media Manager. With a diverse background in freelance social media work, Price has contributed to projects for Electric Daisy Carnival, Beyond Wonderland, Day Trip, Under Construction, Griz, LSDREAM, and others. A lifelong music lover, Price has been involved in the electronic music scene since her teenage years.
Nick Sung, Director of Marketing
Nick Sung's passion for music has evolved into a career dedicated to amplifying the stories of artists. Sung’s robust background includes leading publicity campaigns for renowned artists such as Good Times Ahead, Tchami, and Nicky Romero at Get In! PR, and overseeing marketing campaigns for Chris Lake, SG Lewis, ILLENIUM, ZHU, Bob Moses, and others during his six years at Astralwerks. As Director of Marketing, Sung will oversee all marketing efforts within the roster, ensuring the maximization of every aspect of an artist's business, including recorded music, merchandise, brand partnerships, shows, licensing, and fan acquisition.
Charlie Tadman, Director of A&R
Joining The Circuit Group as Director of A&R, Charlie Tadman brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the team. With a focus on independent clients and their creative pursuits, Tadman leads the A&R strategy across the company's diverse roster. Prior to joining The Circuit Group, Tadman spent six years at Spotify, contributing to the development of the company's Songwriter & Producer facing business. Before that, Tadman ran Calvin Harris' Fly Eye Publishing, where he signed notable talents such as SG Lewis, Louis the Child, and Disciples. In his role, Tadman will oversee A&R across Circuit management and artist-centric projects.
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THE HEADLINES
Daddy Yankee files lawsuit against former manager and third parties for alleged royalty scheme (see News)
EU touring: Impact of Brexit worsening, says UK Music report (see Reports)
ORCA released a report analysing the economic investments and social impact of nine leading independent record labels (see Reports)
Jorja Smith’s label requests share of royalties from ‘AI-cloned’ song (see News)
A creative nation is a thriving nation (see Opinion)
Australian report also highlights how other non-US English-speaking countries are hit by algorithms (see Reports)
AI slop: Spotify, Tunecore, and credibility (see Comment)
Warner Music signs deal with Suno, settles lawsuit (see News)
EC sends UMG its statement of objections to Downtown acquisition (see News)
20 years of Spotify — who’s winning, losing and making money? (see Features)
The future of labels: Shifting sands (see Comment)
Robert Kyncl on Udio deal: Growing the value of music for artists and songwriters (see News)
Ticket touts’ worst nightmare has finally come true (see Comment)
