Avex Music Group has assembled a roster of hitmaking producers and songwriters since Brandon Silverstein assumed the CEO role in March, with recent signings contributing to some of 2025’s biggest chart successes. The acquisition strategy emphasizes producers with proven track records alongside emerging talent positioned for breakout success.
Elkan joined AMG in May through a global publishing deal, simultaneously launching his joint venture publishing company Toibox by Elkan. The Sierra Leone-born producer had already made waves with Drake’s “Nokia,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and production credits on Travis Scott’s JACKBOYS 2 album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
“Elkan is without a doubt one of the most talented and successful new producers in music today,” Silverstein said when announcing the deal.
Elkan’s catalog extends beyond hip-hop. He co-wrote and produced Rihanna’s “Friend of Mine” from the Smurfs movie soundtrack, demonstrating versatility that AMG values in its signings. Toibox has already signed its first two writer-producers: Kavin Smith and Luke “Cobali” Gobrial.
Kamal Wilson Signing Follows Kehlani’s Radio Success
AMG added Kamal Wilson to its roster in October after he co-wrote Kehlani’s “Folded,” which reached No. 1 on Rhythmic and Urban radio formats. The track climbed to No. 3 on Apple Music and sparked viral vocal challenges featuring Grammy-winning artists like Brandy and Eric Bellinger.
Wilson, who penned his first song at 11 years old, brings a versatile catalog spanning R&B, hip-hop, and pop. His close creative partnership with Kehlani established his reputation as a trusted collaborator for major artists.
“Kamal represents everything we believe in at Avex — global talent, creativity, and cultural impact,” Silverstein said. “His ability to craft timeless records while connecting deeply with artists is exactly the type of energy we want to champion.”
Nevin Sanitsky, Director of A&R, led the effort to bring Wilson into the AMG fold, with assistance from Brennen Bryant, Senior Director of A&R. The signing reinforces AMG’s strategy of aligning with world-class writers and producers across the U.S. and Japan.
We The Band Signing Connects Justin Bieber’s Musicians to AMG
June brought an unconventional signing: We The Band, Justin Bieber’s backing musicians and collaborators. The group includes Harv (bass), Tay James (DJ), Julian Michael (guitar), Devin “Stixx” Taylor (drums), and O’Neil Palmer (keys).
Harv’s relationship with Bieber dates to 2010, yielding the 2021 smash “Peaches,” which he co-wrote and co-produced. That track reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Harv had signed to S10 Publishing in 2021 before the Avex acquisition.
“Through my friendships and conversations with both the band and Justin, I saw how much they believe in and inspire each other — not just as collaborators, but as people,” Silverstein said. “Harv and Tay’s vision, and the band’s genuine talent, made it clear this was something special with real potential.”
We The Band is finishing its debut album at Avex Studios in Los Angeles, with a release planned for later in 2025. The project will feature special guest appearances, though specifics remain undisclosed.
Member Harv produced and co-wrote Justin Bieber’s “Swag,” which debuted at No. 2 on the charts this summer, demonstrating the group’s continued creative chemistry with the pop superstar.
Brandon Silverstein Leverages Existing Relationships for Talent Pipeline
Several signings build on relationships Silverstein cultivated before becoming AMG CEO. Grant Boutin, already part of the S10 Publishing roster that Avex acquired, has become one of 2025’s most successful songwriters and producers.
Boutin’s work on Tate McRae’s album So Close To What produced “Sports Car,” a No. 1 Mediabase Top 40 hit, and “Revolving Door,” which topped Billboard’s Dance/Pop chart. His most recent collaboration, “TIT FOR TAT,” entered the Hot 100 at No. 3.
His versatility shows in “Lose My Mind,” co-written for Don Toliver and Doja Cat on the F1 soundtrack. The track demonstrates AMG’s reach beyond pure pop into hip-hop and soundtrack placements.
S10 Publishing’s catalog, now fully owned by Avex, features Justin Bieber’s “Peaches,” Tate McRae’s “Greedy,” Doja Cat’s “Agora Hills,” Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby,” Jack Harlow’s “First Class,” and tracks by Rihanna and Bad Bunny. The catalog accumulated over 40 billion streams before the acquisition.
A&R Team Reinforcement Supports Continued Signings
Silverstein reinforced AMG’s A&R capabilities in October with two Senior A&R Consultant appointments. Tay James, who doubles as We The Band’s DJ, brings experience as Justin Bieber’s longtime A&R dating to 2009. Miles Beard arrives from Republic Records, where he served as Head of A&R.
The additions join existing A&R leadership including Nevin Sanitsky, Brennen Bryant, and Hajime Hirada (Senior Manager, A&R International). This team operates from Avex’s bicoastal infrastructure: dual studio facilities in West Hollywood and Los Angeles, plus a midtown Manhattan office.
“Artists are some of the most incredible entrepreneurs, and they just need an infrastructure, the right infrastructure, to have their ideas prevail,” Silverstein said in an interview with Billboard.
That philosophy extends to AMG’s approach with Elkan’s Toibox venture, where Avex provides infrastructure and support while allowing the producer to shape his own roster. Similar joint venture deals may follow as AMG continues expanding its publishing footprint.
Parent company Avex generated nearly $1 billion in revenue during 2024, providing resources few publishing competitors can match. The company employs over 1,500 people worldwide and operates Avex Artist Academy, which auditions more than 10,000 candidates annually.
Silverstein’s signing strategy balances established hitmakers with emerging talent, seeking producers and writers whose work spans multiple genres and markets. The roster’s recent chart successes validate that approach, positioning AMG as a significant player in contemporary pop and hip-hop production.