Executive Turntable: Blake Duncan & Scott Hendricks Launch TAYCAN Entertainment

Harmen Hemminga has joined Merlin as vp of business development, joining from Downtown Music, where he served as vp of product services and strategy. In the newly created role, Hemminga will report to Merlin’s CEO, Charlie Lexton, and work cross-functionally across the company.

“Harmen is an innovative thinker who will play an important role in helping us create, identify and pursue opportunities that create meaningful value for our members around the world,” Lexton said in a statement. “He brings industry knowhow, strong commercial instincts and a proven track record of helping independent music businesses grow and adapt in a rapidly changing market. His experience both with labels and in distribution gives him invaluable perspective on the issues and opportunities our members face. We’re delighted to welcome him to the team.”

Hemminga spent nine years with Downtown Music and its subsidiary, FUGA. There, he worked across licensing, partnerships, product strategy and strategic partnerships. Hemminga founded Creative Consortium, a music consultancy that advised artists and entrepreneurs in the music industry.

Duncan Smith has joined booking agency ROAM as a senior agent, bringing along his roster which includes Angine de Poitrine, MJ Lenderman and Wednesday.

Smith first signed break-out act Angine de Poitrine in December 2025. Over recent months, the duo has been generating buzz with their unique approach to live performance, fit with polka-dot papier mâché beaks. Smith books the band throughout the UK and Europe, with Angine de Poitrine scheduled to play two shows in London’s Troxy on Oct. 19 and 20.

“Having worked with much of the ROAM team across my career, I have been a long time admirer of their stellar roster, reputation and approach to the business,” Smith said in a statement. “The company’s commitment to discovering, nurturing and developing talent from first shows to global touring is outstanding. Combining this with the singular depth of support they provide to artists on a worldwide scale, without compromising their longtime ethos, and I am in no do doubt it will be a fantastic home for my artists.”

Alex Bruford, partner at ROAM, added: “We first worked with Duncan over a decade ago, when he was cutting his teeth as a grassroots promoter at The Boileroom in Guildford. His passion for discovering and developing exceptional new artists was evident from the very beginning. Since becoming an agent, he has channeled that same instinct to build a world-class roster and a reputation that speaks for itself. His ethos and approach are a natural fit for what we do at ROAM, and we are delighted to welcome him to the company.”

Talent management company Artists First announced the launch of the company’s music division, which will be helmed by Carmen Murray, who comes in as a founding advisor. Murray is the founder and co-CEO of management, production and intellectual property company TITLE 9.

“I’ve worked closely with Carmen for many years and have seen firsthand her ability to deliver results across multiple areas of the entertainment industry,” Peter Pincipato, chairman of Artists First and E. Brian Dobbins, CEO of Artists First, said in a joint statement. “She has an extraordinary reputation and a collaborative approach that aligns with our culture. As we continue to grow, we’re sharply focused on opportunities that create genuine synergy across the company to expand what’s possible for our clients, and Carmen is uniquely positioned to help us do that.”

Murray added, “Artists First has built an extraordinary reputation by championing talent and fostering long-term creative careers. I am honored to help lead the launch of the Music Division and create new opportunities at the intersection of music, entertainment, sports and brands. Throughout my career, I have seen that the greatest opportunities are created when creative communities unite around a common purpose. I look forward to bridging relationships across the creative community and helping build the Music Division into a significant driver of growth, innovation and market impact for the organization.”

Soundmouse has named David McIninch general manager. Based in New York City, he will report to BMI’s president and COO, Todd Horvath.

McIninch previously served as chief revenue officer of Transit Technologies. Before that, he was the senior vp and general manager of Fiserv.

“I’m excited to welcome David to Soundmouse as its dedicated GM to oversee its client relationships and innovation strategy,” Horvath said in a statement. “Dave is a seasoned leader who will work closely with the Soundmouse team across their offices in London, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka, Bulgaria and Greece, to build on their success and accelerate the company’s growth and trajectory.”

McIninch added, “I’m thrilled to lead Soundmouse during this exciting time of opportunity. The company has established itself as a technology leader and premier service provider in the thriving cue sheet space, and I look forward to working with the team to continue to innovate and even better serve our stakeholders.”

TKO Artist Management has announced a series of staff promotions, including Megan Pavlovic and Jordan Bernal to artist manager and Ben Sojka to manager, publishing and internal operations.

Pavlovic previously served as project manager, working with clients Jamey Johnson, Toby Keith, Clay Walker and The Bacon Brothers. Bernal had been a management coordinator and worked with clients Colton Dawson, Jamey Johnson, Jackson Dean and Mac McAnally. Sojka had also been a management coordinator. He also will be on the management teams for The Bacon Brothers, Toby Keith, Chris LeDoux, Ned LeDoux, Mac McAnally and Clay Wlaker.

“Megan, Jordan and Ben continue to be integral pieces of the TKO team,” Cassie Petty, vp of TKO Artist Management, said in a statement. “They care deeply for our artists and are constantly evolving as professionals in this business.”

The California Copyright Conference has elected their new board of directors, as well as new officers. Jonathan Lane (founder of Clearly Music Services and vp of sync and partnerships at Slipstream)  has been named president; Sarah Brockman (owner of Bardic Inspiration Music Services and a royalty specialist at Podium Entertainment) is now vp; Alexandra Guzman (director of film and television at SESAC) serves as treasurer; James Jacoby (music contract administration at Disney Entertainment) is secretary and Janelle Hawkes (publishing royalty manager at beatBread is assistant secretary.

The remaining board of directors includes: