Music Industry Moves: Gamma. Hires Mike Hamilton and Casey Compernolle; AEG Taps Angie Rho as Senior VP of Global Touring

Gamma. has hired Mike Hamilton as senior VP of commercial partnerships, and Casey Compernolle as VP of A&R and digital strategy.

In his new role, Hamilton will oversee Gamma.’s relationships with digital service providers on behalf of the company’s artist roster. Gamma. has previously partnered with Snoop Dogg and his Death Row catalog, Usher, Rick Ross and Naomi Campbell.

Hamilton joins from his previous role as senior VP of commerce at Def Jam Recordings, where he led key relationships with the DSPs as well as physical retail partners championing artists including Muni Long, Coco Jones, and Big Sean among others. Previously, he held roles at Epic Records and Atlantic Records supporting a diverse array of artists including Travis Scott, Giveon, Yo Gotti, Rick Ross, Cardi B, Nipsey Hussle, Meek Mill, Lil Uzi Vert, Janelle Monáe, Gucci Mane, Future, Jennifer Hudson, BIA, 21 Savage, and K. Michelle among others.

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In her new role, Compernolle will sign and develop artists in addition to managing the company’s digital strategy. She joins Gamma. after nearly eight years at Apple Music, where she played a key role in Pop Programming and launched the platform’s first suite of genre-agnostic playlists, including Superbloom, Lifted, and Glow (among others). Compernolle also led Viral Strategy.

+ AEG Presents has tapped Angie Rho as senior VP of global touring.

Rho joins the company from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), where she most recently served as head of business affairs. Her responsibilities will include operational oversight of the division, global strategy, team development, and business affairs, reporting to President of Global Touring, Rich Schaefer. Rho will be based out of AEG Presents’ headquarters in Los Angeles.

“Angie brings a wealth of expertise and keen insights to the Global Touring division and AEG Presents as a whole, and I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome her to the team,” said Schaefer. “She will play a key part in aligning our company to be best positioned as we continue to build and grow.”

Rho began her career at the nascency of the digital music era, working at the crossroads of technology and music at the music start-up LAUNCH, which was subsequently acquired by Yahoo! Music.

+ Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed Ty Myers to an exclusive, global publishing agreement.

Born just outside of Austin, Texas, Myers grew up on a cattle ranch owned by his family for more than six generations. His biggest inspirations are Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Bill Withers, and Otis Redding, among others. During 2023, he made waves with his debut single “Tie That Binds,” gaining traction organically and generating over 11 million Spotify streams.

Troy Tomlinson, chairman and CEO, UMPG Nashville said, “Roxy King’s and Missy Roberts’ belief in Ty is unwavering, and the moment he stepped into our building, the entire team could see why. Ty is a keen observer of the world and that is reflected, not only in his songwriting, but also in the way he carries himself on and off the stage. We are thrilled to join his journey.”

Ty embarked on his headline Let Em Talk Tour this Fall, and sold-out every date. He is represented by CAA for touring and managed by Narvel Blackstock at Starstruck Entertainment.

+ Nicholas Judd, founder and CEO of Leftbrain, has tapped Larry Tyler as a business manager for the Los Angeles based firm. In his new position, Tyler will overse business management services for music industry professionals.

Judd said, “Leftbrain is entering a new era. In our first five years, we revolutionized business management for modern musicians with technology and refined systems. Now, we’re expanding our mission by partnering with like-minded business managers. Larry’s legendary experience and vision make him a perfect fit for our team, and we’re excited to show what’s possible together.”

Adds Tyler: “Leftbrain has built a culture that is as infectious as it is effective. They are relentless in their pursuit of new and better ways to serve their clients, ensuring long-term value generation for all. I believe Leftbrain is on the brink of something truly transformative, and I’m excited to help them continue leading the industry into a new era of business management.”

Prior to joining Leftbrain, Tyler was a Partner at NKSFB Business Management, where he worked for 13 years, beginning as a senior manager before becoming a director and then Partner. Tyler has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management Information Systems from Long Beach State University.

+ Argentine singer Maria Becerra has parted ways with her manager José Levy, and will now be co-managed by Natanael Real (her current day-to-day manager) along with veteran Mexican manager Armando Lozano. Billboard were the first to report the news on Nov. 11.

Becerra started her career by posting various videos on YouTube including music covers. She released her debut album in 2021 called “Animal” via 300 Entertainment and earned a Latin Grammy nomination for best new artist. Becerra recently signed a deal with Warner Music Latina in a joint venture with 300 Entertainment.

+ Hipgnosis has announced the completion of a $1.47 billion master trust music rights asset-backed securities (ABS) deal, Lyra 24-2. This transaction represents Hipgnosis Song Assets’ second music royalty securitisation, after a $222 million issuance in 2022.

The 2024 deal is backed by royalties from the $2.36 billion music rights portfolio acquired as part of the take-private of Hipgnosis Songs Fund (“SONG”), a UK music royalties investment trust, which comprises 138 catalogues across more than 45,000 songs. The portfolio includes iconic songs from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, the Chainsmokers, Shakira, Bon Jovi, 50 Cent and Eurythmics.

Ben Katovsky, chief executive officer of Hipgnosis, and Dan Pounder, chief financial officer of Hipgnosis, said, “We are delighted to announce the successful completion of our second asset-backed securitisation, a significant milestone for Hipgnosis. This achievement not only reinforces the quality and strength of our music catalogue but also enables us to unlock new opportunities for growth and investment.