Sonny Takhar, former President of Syco Music, is teaming up with Live Nation, MBW can reveal – in a deal which could prove transformative for both parties.
The respected British exec has launched Los Angeles-based Kyn Entertainment, which is billed as an ‘entertainment rights and management company’ based in Los Angeles.
Kyn is a joint venture between Takhar and Live Nation, focusing on the discovery and development of new artists.
The deal leaves Takhar free to partner with major record companies and publishing companies on artist/writer projects in the future.
The hope from Live Nation’s side is that Kyn will bring its business closer to content and investing in artists from the beginning of their career.
The over-arching gameplan with Kyn is pretty obvious: to discover and nurture global chart superstars of the future.
That’s a mission which is certainly in Takhar’s wheelhouse: at Syco, he was responsible for artists who sold over 400 millions records – with 244 No.1 albums and 169 No.1 singles globally.
Acts on Syco’s roster during Takhar’s years at the label included the likes of One Direction, il Divo, Leona Lewis, Labrinth, Susan Boyle, Little Mix and Fifth Harmony.
His first management client at Kyn Entertainment is Sony Music’s new priority boy-band, PrettyMuch.
“I am thrilled to announce my partnership with the team at Live Nation and particularly Michael Rapino, a world class executive who has built a world class entertainment company – that at its very core is all about the artist,” said Sonny Takhar, Founder and CEO, Kyn Entertainment.
“Kyn by definition is a company founded on the simple principle of putting relationships at the center of everything that we do – fundamentally forging new kinds of partnerships with our artists. ”
Sonny Takhar, Syco
“Kyn by definition is a company founded on the simple principle of putting relationships at the center of everything that we do – fundamentally forging new kinds of partnerships with our artists. There has never been a more exciting time in our industry to be next to and aligned to the artist, providing them with the tools to become our next global superstars, whether that be hit songs or building their global audiences.
“This state of the art venture with Live Nation allows the artist to thrive and realize every part of value from what they ultimately create. I can’t wait to get started.”
Kyn will be able to tap into various divisions within Live Nation – not least touring and sponsorship – to help grow its artists and their audiences.
“We have previously worked with Sonny on a number of hugely successful global tours. With this partnership, we look forward to supporting the future superstars he develops.”
Michael Rapino, Live Nation
Michael Rapino, President and CEO, Live Nation Entertainment: “We have previously worked with Sonny on a number of hugely successful global tours. With this partnership, we look forward to supporting the future superstars he develops.”
At Syco, working with Simon Cowell, Takhar guided artists who achieved No.1 Albums in the US on eight separate occasions.
Takhar is also the Co-Creator and Co -Chair of UNICEF’s first ever World Children’s Day initiative which takes place as an annual global event on November 20th.
He is a Trustee of Prince Charles’ British Asian Trust, a charity that helps people in the South Asia region.
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