Tate McRae’s Collaborator Grant Boutin Signs Extended Deal with Ryan Tedder’s Runner Music and Avex

Avex Music Group, in collaboration with Ryan Tedder’sRunner Music,has prolonged their publishing agreement with musician and producerGrant BoutinA Los Angeles-based artist affiliated with Avex in 2021, and Runner Music became part of the group through a partnership two years later.

Both Tedder and Boutin contributed to Tate McRae’s popular songs “Sports Car,” “Greedy,” and “Revolving Door,” along with other tracks from her top-charting album.So Close to What” which marked her first No. 1 album in the U.S. in March.

Besides his collaboration with McRae, Boutin has also been involved in Meghan Trainor’s album “Timeless,” co-produced for Blacpink’s Lisa, and contributed to the “F1: The Album” soundtrack along with Don Toliver and Doja Cat’s “Lose My Mind.”

Ryan Tedder and Amanda Hill from Runner Music stated: “We are extremely proud of everything Grant has accomplished and can’t wait to witness what’s next. He is a remarkable talent, and we’re thrilled to keep working with him and our colleagues at Avex Music.”

“I’m extremely thrilled to collaborate with Grant, Ryan, and Amanda Hill on this fantastic opportunity, and I can’t wait to keep supporting Grant’s career with the Runner Music team,” said Brandon Silverstein, CEO of Avex Music Group.

Grant Boutin is represented by Anthony D’Annunzio, along with Damon Bunetta and Wes Geiken from Big Family.

“I’m really thrilled to keep moving forward on this path with Avex and Runner. Both companies have been amazing partners and have offered so much support for me and my career; I can’t wait to keep growing together,” said Boutin.

Pictured above ((Left to right): Justin Hunter (Avex), Brandon Silverstein (Avex), Ryan Tedder, Amanda Hill (Runner Music), Grant Boutin, Wes Geiken (Big Family), Anthony D’Annunzio, Lila Reinecke (Runner Music).

+ The Latin Recording Academy has announced the list of participants for their 2025 eventLeading Ladies of EntertainmentThe initiative, established nine years ago, celebrates and acknowledges accomplished and socially aware women in the arts and Latin entertainment industries who have provided notable contributions and motivated upcoming leaders.

This year’s honorees are:

Maricarmen “Tuti” Bou, Vice President of Sony Music Entertainment in Puerto Rico

Amarilys Germán, Entertainment Executive and Manager for Latin Grammy and Grammy-winning artist Juan Luis Guerra

Paula Kaminsky, Director of Operations at Global Talent Services US (GTS), a talent management firm

Rozalén, Latin Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter

I am honored to introduce our Leading Ladies of Entertainment recipients, a remarkable group of women who have stood out not only through their accomplished careers but also through their contributions beyond their professional fields,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Our previous honorees have contributed to the expansion of our Mentorship Program, and we are excited to see this year’s group carry on that tradition and inspire future generations of young women.

The private gathering honoring this year’s recipients will occur during Latin Grammy Week in Las Vegas, with Amazon Music serving as the presenting sponsor for the second straight year. Amazon Music is also contributing to the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation’s Scholarship Fund to aid upcoming Latin music artists.

Monday, Aug. 18

Core members of Big LoudThe executive team has been elevated within the marketing department, effective immediately. Furthermore, the indie has recruited new staff across its marketing, creative, digital, publicity, streaming, and international departments.

Brianne Deslippehas been promoted to senior vice president of marketing, with Amy Beardpromoted to Vice President of Marketing andMorgan Sweatto Vice President of Creative Services.

Recently, Deslippe served as senior VP of international, leading global campaigns for Big Loud artists and labels. Before her 10-year tenure at Big Loud, Deslippe worked in music marketing and promotion in Canada. Beard joined in 2022 and previously held marketing positions at MCA Nashville, where she oversaw campaigns for Alan Jackson, Sam Hunt, Maddie and Tae, Parker McCollum, Dierks Bentley, and others. In her new position at Big Loud, Beard will keep refining her skills as the marketing expert for some of country music’s top talents, including Stephen Wilson Jr., Charles Wesley Godwin, and the up-and-coming duo Thelma & James.

Sweat heads the label’s internal creative team, managing music videos, visual design, photography, and the overall brand aesthetics for a top-charting, genre-redefining group of artists. As a member of the Big Loud team since 2014, Sweat has played a key role in developing the visual image of the label and its musicians from the beginning.

This year, new department heads have joined Big Loud.Corey Brewer, Vice President of Media and Public Relations;Jen Danielson, Vice President of Streaming; andAlex Henderson,Vice President of global marketing. Brewer transitions to the team from Atlantic Records, where he led successful media campaigns for top artists such as Burna Boy, Kehlani, and Wallows. Danielson contributes 20 years of expertise to her role, having previously worked at Warner Music Group, Pandora, and CMT.

Henderson has been involved in both major and independent sectors, and his recent position at EMI was crucial in helping Morgan Wallen achieve his first ever UK No. 1 album, along with impressive outcomes for artists like Bastille, the Chemical Brothers, and Bon Jovi.

This signifies an exhilarating new phase for Big Loud Records,” says Co-Founder and CEO Seth England. “These well-deserved updates highlight the commitment and skill of our team, and this outstanding group of executives is ready to lead the next chapter of artist growth, creativity, and lasting influence.

Above, from top: Hired (L-R): Corey Brewer, Alex Henderson, Jen Danielson. Promoted (L-R): Brianne Deslippe, Amy Beard, Morgan Sweat.

+ Femme It Forwardhas revealed the 5th group of itsNext Gem Femme Mentorship InitiativeThis program helps young women of color advance their careers by providing them with opportunities to connect with leading professionals in fields including marketing, public relations, live events, touring, talent management, artist engagement, television and film, and business growth.

This year’s group features Burna Boy’s manager and sister,Romani Ogulu, in addition to Phiona Okumu, head of music for Spotify in South Africa, and Natasha Stambuli from Boomplay (Kenya), among others.

Building upon the program’s past achievements, the 5th cohort of Next Gem Femme will include more than 100 mentors from top-tier companies, who will provide guidance and motivation to the upcoming generation of women in the entertainment field. Participants will also have access to professional coaching, expert insights, and unique networking events.

In line with our ongoing dedication to diversity and global expansion, Femme It Forward is broadening its reach across the world, establishing fresh collaborations in Africa, and increasing its mentorship network to feature more women in the sports sector and other areas that have historically lacked representation.

“The Upcoming Gem Femme Mentorship Initiative focuses on overcoming obstacles and providing genuine opportunities for young women of color,” stated Heather Lowery, president and CEO of Femme It Forward.

As we begin our 5th year, I’m even more enthusiastic than before about the progress we’re making—expanding globally across Africa and bringing in a wider range of mentors from areas such as sports, business, and technology. Our collaboration with HBCU Week is another step in helping talented women from historically underserved communities gain opportunities. This goes beyond offering young women a chance; it’s about providing them with the access, tools, connections, and resources necessary to succeed in the entertainment industry and beyond. We’re not just developing talent—we’re shaping the future.

+ Hamzaa has signed to Prescription Songs UK.

Hamzaa’s 2018 debut EP, “First Signs Of Me,” brought her initial recognition through emotionally resonant tracks that explore mental health, love, and adolescence. The single “You” led to an opportunity for Hamzaa to appear on BBC’s “Later…with Jools Holland,” boosting her career. She has since performed on various TV programs around the world.