Music Industry Moves: Angine de Poitrine Signs With Third Side Music Publishing; the War and Treaty Pact With Atlantic Outpost

The Montreal electronic duo Angine de Poitrine has secured a global, exclusive publishing agreement with Third Side Music, an independent firm headquartered in Quebec. The partnership covers the entirety of the band's catalog, with the publisher working in tandem with the artists and their management team at Spectacles Bonzaï. Brothers Khn and Klek de Poitrine saw their profile climb significantly following a live session on KEXP, the Seattle-based radio station that has a storied history of breaking emerging talent. The station's in-studio performances have previously served as a launchpad for acts like Tame Impala and The Lumineers, helping them reach wider audiences.

Third Side Music, which operates its main offices in Quebec, now adds the duo to a roster that includes Sofi Tukker, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Sky Ferreira, Courtney Barnett, and Kurt Vile. "We're thrilled to join forces with Angine de Poitrine and work alongside the band and the Spectacles Bonzaï team," said Jeff Waye, co-founder and COO of Third Side. "Since we're also headquartered in Quebec, this partnership feels like a natural fit to help amplify the incredible music emerging from this region on a global stage." In their own statement, Khn and Klek offered a phrase loosely translating to "Three sides is exactly the right number of sides." The group is currently touring across Europe and North America throughout the summer, which includes an opening slot for Jack White at Toronto's RBC Amphitheatre on July 14. This waterfront venue has hosted legendary performances from Pearl Jam and The Rolling Stones in recent years, underscoring the growing scale of the duo's live presence. Music industry analyst Sarah Chen notes, "A KEXP session can be a career-defining moment for indie artists, as the station's curated approach often leads to viral moments and increased streaming numbers."

In other industry developments, several significant signings and appointments have been announced. The Americana duo The War and Treaty have inked a deal with Atlantic Outpost, with their fifth studio album "The Story of Michael and Tanya" set for release on June 19. The two-time Grammy nominees will mark the album's arrival with a headline show at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium on September 13, a venue famously known as the "Mother Church of Country Music" and a career milestone for many artists. Meanwhile, United Talent Agency has signed multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy winners Rawayana for global representation, coinciding with the launch of their "¿Dónde es el after?" world tour. These moves highlight the continued appetite for live music and album releases as the industry rebounds post-pandemic.

South Korea-based entertainment powerhouse Hybe has launched a new label named ABD, an acronym for "a bold dream," which will concentrate on girl groups. The label's mission is to "pursue the intrinsic joy of music while exploring new possibilities and expanding the horizons of K-pop," per the official announcement. President Jiwon No, who previously led artist planning at Pledis, will head the label, with its debut release anticipated in the second half of this year. Hybe, home to global sensations like BTS, has been aggressively expanding its portfolio, and this move signals a continued focus on diversifying its roster. Separately, Kobalt has promoted Leslie Ahrens to managing director and executive vice president of creative for Latin America, taking over from Nestor Casonu after his 11-year tenure. Ahrens, who first joined Kobalt in 2014, will now oversee a roster that includes Karol G, Ovy on the Drums, and Enrique Iglesias, reporting directly to President Jeannette Perez.

Additional industry shifts include Big Loud Rock signing artist-songwriter-producer Mod Sun, whose label debut is the single "Mirror." The Black Music Action Coalition, in collaboration with Live Nation, has opened applications for the third year of the BMAC Live Accelerator Program, which offers 20 participants a fully-funded, week-long experience in Los Angeles from July 13-17. Warner Music México has also signed the long-running regional Mexican group Los Alegres del Barranco, formed in 2005, who dropped their first single under the label on May 1. Paladin Artists has appointed industry veteran Rick Levy as CEO, while the law firm Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill has relaunched as McKoy Worob Averill Scott & Koenig LLP, with several new partners promoted. These developments reflect ongoing transformations in the music business, as companies adapt to shifting market dynamics and seek to capitalize on emerging talent across genres and geographies.