CORSINI AND HOVSEPIAN: THE APPLES OF UMG’S EYE

Chris Hovsepian (l) and JJ Corsini (photo by Fouad Jreige)

UMG has lured a pair of rising stars from Apple Music, tapping JJ Corsini and Chris Hovsepian as SVP Artist Development. The two were key members of Apple Music’s global artist relations team since the 2015 launch of the service.

Corsini and Hovsepian will work alongside UMG’s repertoire sources in more than 60 countries to develop and coordinate long-term development strategies for UMG artists at all stages of their careers, reads the 4/25 announcement. They’ll be based in Santa Monica and will report to EVP of Marketing Andrew Kronfeld.

At Apple Music, Corsini and Hovsepian helped create and program the streamery’s global new-artist initiative Up Next, which has featured UMG artists including Billie Eilish and Juice WRLD, as well as programming select playlists and Beats 1 shows including Zane Lowe’s program and Best of the Week.

Additionally, Corsini and Hovsepian were responsible for identifying artists across every genre and every territory, including UMG artists Maggie Rogers, Jessie Reyez, Dean Lewis, Benny Blanco, Trippie Redd and Murda Beatz, and developing strategies to raise their profile inside and outside of the Apple Music ecosystem.

The announcement has occasioned a battery of official quotes, starting with Sir Lucian Grainge.

“To maximize the global success of our artists at every stage of their careers and capitalize on the worldwide growth in music consumption, we are committed to building the most progressive and innovative global artist-development team the industry has ever seen,” the Uni ruler proclaimed. “I’m pleased to welcome JJ and Chris, who bring with them a strong track record for developing impactful narratives around artists that particularly resonate in streaming and social context.”

According to Kronfeld, “JJ and Chris will further our efforts and leverage the strength of our global organization behind the best roster of artists in the world.”

“Artist development is the most critical yet overlooked and underserved process in the music industry,” Corsini noted. “Investing time and resources into artist development requires commitment and an understanding that patience and a common goal are the most core elements of growth. Chris and I have been on the same page with Sir Lucian about that since day one. We are both very excited for this incredible opportunity.”

After echoing his partner’s point about their shared vision with that of UMG, Hovsepian added, “Quick wins may be more frequent than ever, but the artists who take time to build a foundation are the ones who will have long careers. JJ and I look forward to working with Sir Lucian, Andrew Kronfeld, Dave Rocco, the extended team and, of course, UMG’s amazing artists.”