WMG Names Eliah Seton As President of Independent Music and Creator Services

Warner Music Group has named Eliah Seton has been named its first President of Independent Music & Creator Services.  Seton is bing promoted from his post as President of ADA Worldwide as of WMG's effort grow its footprint in independent music.

Seton's portfolio will include WMG owned indie distributor ADA (Alternative Distribution Alliance), Asylum Records and Level – WMG’s platform for unsigned artists. In addition, Seton oversees WMG’s Arts Music division, headed by President Kevin Gore, which serves as a repertoire center for classical, musical theatre, children’s music, and other fields outside the pop mainstream.

Seton will be based in New York.

“Eliah champions the indie community and artistic diversity with a true fan’s passion, a musician’s sensibility, and an entrepreneur’s ingenuity,” said Max Lousada, WMG’s CEO of Global Recorded Music.  “His new post reflects the wide scope of his responsibilities, and the brilliant job he’s been doing to make WMG a world-class home for artists at every stage of their careers – from raw talent starting out in their bedrooms to superstars headlining stadiums. As the creator economy booms, Eliah and his team will help us expand our value proposition for music-makers on a global scale.”

“It’s our mission to help original artists and forward-thinking label partners realize their visions,” said Seton. “Whether those artists are signed or unsigned, whether those labels are big or small, our extraordinary teams at ADA, Asylum, Level, and Arts Music are laser-focused on providing innovative solutions to amplify the voices of our artists around the world. By backing our global ambitions with local expertise, we strive to support and nurture the full spectrum of musical creativity.”

Seton Has Reshaped ADA

Since taking on the role of President of ADA Worldwide in 2015, Seton and his team have more than doubled the size of the business, with global business up 38% in 2018, and international revenues more than tripling over the past two calendar years.

Under Seton’s leadership, ADA secured an exclusive global distribution pact with BMG, as well as deals with Doug Morris’ 12 Tone, Ciara’s Beautymarks Entertainment, Paradigm’s Big Picnic, Cherrytree, Platinum Records, and Knightvision. ADA has also established added a Nashville office, where it has inked deals with country labels Broken Bow and Big Label.

In 2017, Seton oversaw the re-launch of WMG’s iconic Asylum Records as a new label focusing on streaming and offering uniquely flexible recording deals to new and emerging artists. Asylum is led by Gabrielle Peluso, with a roster that includes Ugly God, Sada Baby, and Dice Soho, among others.

Seton also launched a new Arts Music division, which focuses on signing, developing, and marketing artists and releases across genres – from musical theatre and classical, to jazz and children’s music, to soundtracks and mood music. Run by Kevin Gore, Arts Music houses the historic Erato and Warner Classics labels, led by Alain Lanceron, and includes the Broadway label Ghostlight Records, led by Kurt Deutsch.

Arts Music recently re-launched Sesame Street Records in partnership with the nonprofit educational organization Sesame Workshop, as well as releasing the Original Broadway Cast Recording of the ten-time Tony Award-winning The Band’s Visit.

Last year, launched Level, WMG’s digital distribution platform serving unsigned artists. The team at Level, led by Christine Taylor, is readying for a springtime launch of new features.