Jérémy Erlich Launches ALTA Music Group With BLACKPINK’s JENNIE As First Major Signing
The newly launched music company from the former Spotify executive boasts an impressive roster within its talent and team upon launch, featuring K-pop icon JENNIE alongside rising talents within the global music scene.
Courtesy of ALTA Music Group and OddAtelier.
Courtesy of ALTA Music Group.
Jérémy Erlich, the former Global Head of Music at Spotify, has launched an independent, full-service music company called ALTA Music Group — nabbing BLACKPINK’s JENNIE as its first major signing.
Based in Los Angeles, the newly launched company will operate across recorded music, music publishing, and artist management. The company has secured global distribution via The Orchard, Sony Music’s independent distribution arm, and established a strategic partnership with THEBLACKLABEL, the Seoul-based label founded by hit producer Teddy Park — renowned for his work with BLACKPINK and several other top K-pop acts.
Erlich founded ALTA after nearly six years at Spotify, during which time the streaming platform grew from 230 million to more than 670 million monthly active users and surpassed 275 million subscribers. His experience working at the streaming giant, paired with his tenure at Universal Music Group’s Interscope and Geffen Records’ A&M arm, has provided him with the necessary experience to jump into this new endeavor.
“Throughout my career, I’ve focused on the best way to service artists around the world that would create an environment that sets them up for long-term, global success,” said Erlich in an official press statement. “With ALTA, we have the opportunity to do just that — a best-in-class team focused solely on supporting our artists and the music they create. Everything else does not matter. I’m grateful to the artists and executives who have already put their trust in me and our company.”
The Orchard’s CEO, Brad Navin, expressed his excitement at the distributor’s partnership with ALTA Music Group, calling Erlich’s new venture “a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, deep understanding of the global music landscape, and commitment to artist development.” “His artist-first philosophy aligns with The Orchard’s mission to empower creators,” Navin mentioned. “We are proud to partner with ALTA, leveraging our global distribution network and comprehensive suite of services to help their roster reach worldwide audiences and open new avenues for success.”
ALTA’s leadership team includes Nima Khalilian, who previously led international operations at music distribution and payments platform Stem. Khalilian also served as Senior Director of International Marketing at Interscope Records, working with artists including Gracie Abrams, Karol G, and Glorilla, while other additional members of the founding team include Parker Ulry, Drake Hofer, Elise Eriksen, Gillian Taugher, and Michael Seltzer.
JENNIE, who dropped her debut solo album RUBY in March, is one of the first major artists to join ALTA’s management roster while continuing her existing partnership with her own label and creative company OddAtelier. In addition to JENNIE, ALTA has also signed Cat Matthews, New York group WHATMORE, and rapper Bodhi Bleu for both its publishing and recorded music divisions.
With a high-profile signing, strategic partnerships, and a veteran team, ALTA Music Group has positioned itself as a new player in the evolving landscape of artist-first, global music ventures.