Symphonic Distribution, a music technology and services company for independent artists and labels, has announced the appointment of Stephen Nightingale as Vice President, A&R and Business Development, Canada.
Nightingale, a music industry professional with over two decades of experience, will lead Symphonic’s expansion efforts in the Canadian market. Reporting to Randall Foster, Chief Creative Officer at Symphonic, Nightingale will be based in Toronto and responsible for building a strong roster of Canadian artists and forging strategic partnerships with Canadian companies.
Nightingale’s career began in 2002 with a marketing internship at BMG, where he eventually transitioned to Marketing and Business Development at Universal Music Group.
During his tenure at UMG, he worked on major releases from artists like Maroon 5, Guns N’ Roses, Slash and Alice In Chains. He also played a role in securing deals with acts such as Nine Inch Nails, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Pretty Reckless, Five Finger Death Punch, Felix Cartal, and The Prodigy.
Following his time at UMG, Nightingale ventured into the independent music space, joining Cadence Music Group as Vice President of Business Development. In 2018, he co-founded ArtistHQ, a Canadian marketing and artist management agency.
“Expanding our presence in Canada has been something we have been working towards for the past few years at Symphonic. Stephen is the perfect person to lead the charge as we grow Symphonic’s Canadian presence.”
Randall Foster, Symphonic Distribution
Most recently, Nightingale led the Canadian division of BMG Rights Management. Under his leadership, BMG Canada nearly doubled its gross revenues and built a roster featuring artists like Half Moon Run, Monster Truck, and Dragonette.
“Expanding our presence in Canada has been something we have been working towards for the past few years at Symphonic. Stephen is the perfect person to lead the charge as we grow Symphonic’s Canadian presence,” Foster said.
“With all that he has accomplished in the last few years at BMG Canada, we know he will be instrumental in helping us bring new Canadian artists and business partners into the Symphonic family. I look forward to seeing how we grow under his leadership.”
Nightingale, commenting on his appointment, said, “With Symphonic’s already impressive presence across the globe, I couldn’t be more excited to head up the Canada team.
“Jorge [Brea] and the team’s passion and track record for finding top independent talent and setting them up for success made this opportunity a no-brainer for me. I can’t wait to dive in and help Symphonic continue to grow in Canada.”
Stephen Nightingale, Symphonic Distribution
“Jorge [Brea] and the team’s passion and track record for finding top independent talent and setting them up for success made this opportunity a no-brainer for me. I can’t wait to dive in and help Symphonic continue to grow in Canada.”
Nightingale’s appointment follows that of Patra Sinner as General Counsel last year, Jonathan Carmel as Web3 and NFT Lead, Nick Gordon as Chief Partnership Officer, and Oz McGuire as VP of A&R and Business Development in 2022.
Founded in 2006 by music producer Jorge Brea, Symphonic Distribution offers a suite of services including a content management and distribution platform, global royalty collection and split payments, and robust label services. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida and Nashville, Tennessee, Symphonic maintains an international presence with offices in Los Angeles, Miami, Canada, Mexico, and several South American and European countries.
Symphonic’s roster of current and past artists includes Imogen Heap, Tokischa, Doechii, Surf Mesa, DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill, Daddy Yankee, Nicky Jam, Ozuna, El Alfa, Juan Luis Guerra, Onyx, Pi’erre Bourne, Nick Murphy/Chet Faker, Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation, CloZee, and Freddie Gibbs, among others.
Brea in late 2022 said Symphonic aims to be a “true alternative” to traditional labels.
The company recently launched its third annual Women Empowered+ mentorship program, aiming to bridge the gender gap in the music industry by connecting aspiring female music industry professionals with established executives for half a year of guidance and support.Music Business Worldwide
