L-R: Charlie B, Nicholas Causarano, George Kalivas, Warner Music Canada
Ajay ‘Charlie B’ Saxena and Nicholas Causarano have joined Warner Music Canada as A&R Directors.
The pair will drive new hip-hop, R&B and pop signings across the country, while existing team member George Kalivas has also been promoted to become an A&R Director.
Charlie B is the stage name of DJ and producer Ajay Saxena.
He began his career through monthly residencies at clubs across North America, as well as appearances on the BET 106 & PARK TV show.
He released his debut album, Across The Board, in June, and has been involved in fundraising projects to support the wider community and for organizations such as the Toronto Black Health Alliance.
Causarano joins WM Canada after running artist management company Cause & Effect, which operates in Toronto and Los Angeles.
The company’s roster of songwriters and producers has contributed to songs for artists such as Alessia Cara, bülow, Hailee Steinfeld, Leah Kate, renforshort, Travis Barker and Wiz Khalifa.
George Kalivas, meanwhile, has worked in the marketing department at WM Canada for more than five years, and as A&R Director will split his time between creative and operational work.
The “reset” of WM Canada’s A&R team, says the company, also sees Taylor Nishimura promoted to the new role of Associate Manager, A&R Operations, having previously worked as A&R Coordinator.
She will report to Kalivas in her new role.
The restructuring of WM Canada’s A&R team is the latest company move under the direction of Kristen Burke, who was appointed President of the company in August 2021.
Since taking on her role, Burke helped WMG source and move its Canadian operations to downtown Toronto, hired executive Andy West as EVP and General Manager, and in June, brought in Julia Hummel, VP of Digital Strategy and Business Development, and Madelaine Napoleone as VP, Marketing.
“I feel privileged to join Kristen’s A&R team.”
Charlie B
Charlie B, said: “I feel privileged to join Kristen’s A&R team.
“We both share the same passions around positivity, work ethic and getting things done.
“We know maximum success is a shared result. We want to make sure we’re signing and nurturing artists that are moving the cultural dial here in Canada and have the capacity to become global stars.”
“I’m looking forward to utilizing my network to sign the most interesting and impactful artists.”
Nicholas Causarano
Nicholas Causarano, added: “I’ve known Kristen for a while and when she got in touch about the new position it was immediately obvious that we have a shared vision of what a new A&R roll could be.
“I’m looking forward to utilizing my network to sign the most interesting and impactful artists through our Toronto office as we enter this new era for the company.”
“The newfound energy that Kristen has brought to the company has been infectious and the whole team is excited for the future.”
George Kalivas
George Kalivas, said: “I’m so happy to have the opportunity to step up into the A&R Director role to help write this new chapter in WM Canada’s history.
“The newfound energy that Kristen has brought to the company has been infectious and the whole team is excited for the future.”
“I’m delighted that Charlie B and Nick have chosen to join the team.”
Kristen Burke
Kristen Burke, said: “I’m delighted that Charlie B and Nick have chosen to join the team – I know they’ll help us become even more culturally relevant and commercially successful.
“It’s also fantastic that George and Taylor are stepping up into their new roles.
“They’ve done an incredible job out of the gate and will be the engine room of the A&R team, driving projects forward.”Music Business Worldwide
