Warner Music Group’s ADA Worldwide has signed an exclusive partnership with Billy Mann and Benton James for the launch of a new JV label called icons+giants.
Mann is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, entrepreneur and artist manager and James is an A&R executive and artist manager.
Mann has sold over 110 million albums as a hit producer and songwriter.
He has also served as President of International and Chief Creative Officer of EMI Music Global as well as President of Creative at BMG North America.
Mann is also the longtime collaborator of superstar P!nk, Having worked with her for nearly two decades.
He has also spotted various artists at the early stages of their careers, including Teddy Geiger, Emma Stone, Alex Aiono, Pablo Alboran, and TikTok stars Charli and Dixie D’Amelio.
James began his career writing songs for television and producing alongside the likes of RedOne and Mutt Lang.
He is responsible for discovering and signing Grammy-nominated hip-hop star Supah Mario, (Drake, Lil Uzi Vert, Tory Lanez) and Ciscero.
Formerly the head of Urban A&R for Red Bull Songs, James signed K-so Jaynes, Mike Gazzo and TwhyXclusive to the company and delivered a string of records with Grammy-nominated artists including Trippie Redd, Drake, Wiz Khalifa, and Kelly Rowland.
“On behalf of everyone at ADA and Warner Music, we welcome Billy and Benton and the icons+giants team to the ADA family.”
Eliah Seton, President of Independent Music & Creator Services, Warner Music Group, said: “On behalf of everyone at ADA and Warner Music, we welcome Billy and Benton and the icons+giants team to the ADA family.
“Billy and Benton are defining what comes next in music – they are on the cutting edge of this business, and we are so proud to be their partner and for ADA to be their home.”
“While everyone is crowding around creators in the digital space, we remain committed to also identifying the talent who are lifers in music, not just seekers of celebrity.”
Benton James
Benton James added: “We continue to be focused on staying in front of trends.
“While everyone is crowding around creators in the digital space, we remain committed to also identifying the talent who are lifers in music, not just seekers of celebrity.”
“We are grateful to have found partners in Max and Eliah who provide the same for icons+giants.”
Billy Mann
Mann said: “Whether you’re an artist or executive, we are all trying to find our tribe—and just as we are partnering with artists that speak to who we are, we are grateful to have found partners in Max and Eliah who provide the same for icons+giants.”Music Business Worldwide
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