Sony Music acquires distribution company Human Re-Sources, brings in J.Erving in new EVP role

J.Erving, founder, Human Re Sources

Distribution and label services company Human Re-Sources has been acquired by Sony Music, MBW can reveal.

Los Angeles-based Human Re-Sources was founded by J. Erving in 2017, and merged with Troy Carter’s own distribution and services startup, Q&A, last year.

MBW has confirmed that following Sony Music’s acquisition of Human Re-Sources (from Q&A), Erving’s company will become part of The Orchard, Sony‘s global independent distribution and artist/label services arm.

Human Re-Sources will continue to sign and develop artists as part of The Orchard.

Consequently, J.Erving will take up a new senior role as Executive Vice President, Creative Development for Sony Music.

Erving will report to Sony Music Group Chairman, Rob Stringer, in the new position, and work closely with SME’s recorded music teams.

He will serve as a resource for Sony’s artists and labels on various projects, providing exclusive artist development and A&R expertise.

In a dual role, Erving will also become EVP at The Orchard, reporting to its CEO, Brad Navin, and will continue to lead Human Re-Sources.

Under Erving’s leadership, Human Re-Sources signed and developed artists such as YBN Nahmir, Pink Sweat$, Baby Rose, Bren Joy and more.

Human Re-Sources’ signings have attracted over 2.5 billion streams since the company was founded.

MBW has confirmed that, subsequent to leaving Q&A, Human Re-Sources will bring artists 2Tone and Grip as well as Grammy-nominated Ant Clemons to The Orchard.

“J has consistently managed to combine a natural A&R background with futuristic entrepreneurial flair.”

Rob Stringer, Sony Music

In the past, Human Re-Sources’ work with YBN Nahmir has led to two Platinum US single certifications, while Pink Sweat$ single Honesty was certified Platinum (US) in July 2020.

Rob Stringer said, “J has consistently managed to combine a natural A&R background with futuristic entrepreneurial flair. We have wanted to work with him for a long time so we are excited to have his label and expertise at The Orchard and a wider role within the core Sony Music company as a double step forward together.”

J.Erving said: “Since founding the company in 2017, I’ve made it my mission to seek quality over quantity, thereby establishing Human Re-Sources as a formidable independent powerhouse of talent development. I am proud of what we’ve built and look forward to continuing to sign artists we truly care about in conjunction with our new partners at The Orchard. Our goal from the onset was to move culture. This partnership is a win for the culture. I am looking forward to this next chapter.”

“Our goal from the onset was to move culture. This partnership is a win for the culture. I am looking forward to this next chapter.:

J.Erving, Human Re-Sources

Brad Navin commented: “The Orchard empowers entrepreneurs as well as artists. Partnering with J and the Human Re-Sources team allows us to leverage both companies’ strengths as powerhouses to foster the development of great artists and deliver their music to a global audience.”

And Q&A founder Troy Carter said: “Today marks another bittersweet and historic moment in my 21-year friendship and partnership with J Erving.

“Brad Navin and Rob Stringer’s passion for the Human Re-Sources roster made it the right home for the future of the brand. The HRS team will forever be a part of the Q&A family.”Music Business Worldwide

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