From Spotify boardrooms to building a new music empire, Erlich’s latest move reshapes the global music landscape.
A New Era for Artist-First Music Companies
Jérémy Erlich, the former Global Head of Music at Spotify, has launched ALTA Music Group, an independent, full-service music company based in Los Angeles. Less than six months after leaving Spotify, Erlich has already made a major splash signing global K-pop icon JENNIE of BLACKPINK as his first major artist.
The launch signals more than just a new label; it’s a statement. ALTA isn’t just about records. It spans recorded music, publishing, and artist management, built with an international strategy from day one.
“Throughout my career I’ve focused on the best way to serve artists around the world,” Erlich said. “With ALTA a best-in-class team focused solely on supporting our artists and the music they create we have the opportunity to do just that.”
The JENNIE Factor
JENNIE’s decision to join ALTA as a management client is significant. Coming off her solo debut album RUBY, released in March, she’s one of the most sought-after global talents. This move follows her departure from solo management under YG Entertainment and aligns with her current ties to OddAtelier, an agency she co-founded.
ALTA will co-manage JENNIE alongside OddAtelier, reinforcing its collaborative and artist-centered ethos.
The company has also forged a key partnership with THEBLACKLABEL, a Seoul-based label founded by producer Teddy Park, best known for his work with BLACKPINK and other major K-pop acts. This partnership is designed to create a two-way bridge between Western and Asian markets.
Strategic Muscle: Distribution and Global Reach
ALTA has secured a global distribution and label services deal with The Orchard, the indie distribution arm of Sony Music. This gives the company immediate international scale while maintaining its independent ethos.
“Jeremy’s decision to launch ALTA Music Group is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of the global music landscape,” said Brad Navin, CEO of The Orchard. “His artist-first philosophy aligns with our mission to empower creators.”
The Orchard’s infrastructure is designed for agility a key asset for a company looking to work across multiple genres and geographies.
Meet the Team Behind ALTA
Erlich has assembled a tight leadership team of veterans across music, marketing, and legal. Nima Khalilian, former international head at Stem and senior international marketing director at Interscope, joins as General Manager. He brings experience working with global stars like Gracie Abrams, Karol G, Yo Gotti, and GloRilla.
“ALTA is about putting artists first and helping them navigate an ever-evolving industry with a clear strategy,” Khalilian said. “We want to be the best possible partners for artists in order for them to build a lasting legacy.”
Other key members include:
- Parker Ulry, formerly of Interscope and Warner Records, where he led digital marketing for artists like Eminem and DaBaby
- Drake Hofer, Elise Eriksen, Gillian Taugher, and Michael Seltzer, a former EVP at UMG, where he handled major global deals
Their collective experience covers everything from digital marketing and A&R to business affairs and global strategy.
Beyond JENNIE: A Genre-Spanning Roster
JENNIE may be the marquee name, but ALTA isn’t stopping there. The company has also signed:
- Cat Matthews, a rising singer-songwriter
- WHATMORE, an alternative group based in New York
- Bodhi Bleu, a rapper with an eye on both artistry and market reach
Together, they represent the broad, genre-fluid vision Erlich is aiming for: global artists with distinct voices and potential for long-term cultural impact.
Why This Matters
Erlich’s resume speaks for itself. At Spotify, he played a key role in the platform’s explosive growth from 230 million monthly users to over 670 million. Before that, he cut his teeth at Universal Music Group and Interscope Geffen A&M, working on both creative and commercial sides of the business.
ALTA reflects a shift in the music industry where artists seek more control, global connectivity, and partners who understand the full scope of what it means to build a legacy not just land a hit.
It also shows a clear trend: seasoned executives are leaving corporate giants to build agile, artist-focused operations. The infrastructure is there, the talent is abundant, and the audience is global.
The Takeaway
ALTA isn’t just another label launch. It’s a bet on the future of music one where artists call the shots, and companies are built around their vision. Jérémy Erlich is betting that with the right infrastructure, distribution, and mindset, it’s possible to make a globally relevant music company from day one.
Whether it succeeds or not will depend on more than big names. But if ALTA’s roster and team are any indication, Erlich isn’t playing small.
