MUSEXPO, (www.musexpo.net) the preeminent global music industry conference known as the “United Nations of Music,” is thrilled to announce the establishment of the Seymour Stein, Global A&R Award. This annual honorarium will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of Seymour Stein, one of the most influential A&R executives in modern music history, and co-Founder of the iconic Sire Records. The award will be presented at the MUSEXPO conference, set to take place in the Media Capital of the World, Burbank, CA, from March 17 - 20, 2024.
Seymour Stein’s storied career is synonymous with the discovery and nurturing of some of the most iconic artists of our time. His signings, including Madonna, Talking Heads, The Ramones, The Pretenders, Body Count (featuring Ice-T), as well as international acts like The Cure, Depeche Mode, Erasure, and The Smiths, have left an indelible mark on the music industry. His profound contributions to the industry and his unwavering dedication to the art of A&R make him a true visionary and an inspiration to countless music professionals worldwide.
Seymour Stein’s association with MUSEXPO was deep-rooted, often finding him at the event as a prominent speaker and devoted attendee. It was at this very conference that he discovered the now Platinum-selling artist Forest Blakk, helped with his signing to Atlantic Records, and pursued numerous other talented acts such as The Temper Trap, LMFAO, Gavin James, and more whom he discovered at the MUSEXPO. Seymour’s passion for music and his instinctive A&R approach cemented his legacy as a true music fan and an unparalleled industry tastemaker.
Sat Bisla, President & Founder of A&R Worldwide (www.anrworldwide.com) and MUSEXPO, shared a close bond with Seymour Stein, built upon a shared love for music and the insatiable desire to uncover raw talent. Their global escapades took them across continents, spreading their message of gut-driven A&R from India to Finland, Australia to Israel, the UK to France, and beyond. Their shared philosophy emphasized the importance of nurturing talent and retaining a profound connection to the essence of music itself.
When Bisla approached Richard Gottherer, Seymour’s longtime friend and co-Founder of Sire Records, and Seymour’s daughter Mandy Stein about the idea of the “Global A&R Award” their immediate enthusiasm validated the notion. Both were eager to support the initiative, recognizing the intrinsic alignment between Seymour’s values and A&R Worldwide’s reputation as a global leader of artist discovery and development that has helped hundreds of artists with record label, publishing, booking, sync, and brand deals, as well as MUSEXPO's mission of championing and showcasing talent on an international stage.
Mandy Stein stated, “In a lot of ways when I reflect on my father and his legacy in music, I am proud of his position as both a pioneer and a risk taker. I think about him taking a gamble on this unknown music genre - Punk Rock - and an unknown band - the Ramones - and his undying belief in both, which would go on to change the world of music. Signing Madonna from his hospital bed when every other label had passed on her - a risk taker! In addition to these qualities, what is so admirable was his faith in the artist and being prepared to back up their ideas and creative vision, and persevere with them hand in hand, despite the obstacles placed in front of them. Just look at his dogged pursuit of Talking Heads for over a year, letting them develop to a point where they felt ready to sign to a label and make an album for the ages. Whether it be Punk, Pop, Hip-Hop, or Country, the common thread for Seymour was the strength of the song. Its importance was paramount to my dad, and he could hear a hit - even in its rawest form. These qualities were the essence of his being, and I think had an impact on both music and the other A&R people that followed in his footsteps. He was a leader and a role model, and I am thrilled that both A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO have recognized these qualities and strive to keep up his great work and legacy alive with the first-ever Seymour Stein – Global A&R Award.”
Richard Gottherer, Founder & Chief Creative Officer, The Orchard added, “Seymour was the music. Although he never played an instrument, he was better at it than anyone I’d ever met. The music was part of him, and he shared it with the world through the artists he discovered and the legendary label we started together. This award will keep his legacy alive by honoring the individuals that maintain that spirit of discovery and contribute to making our industry so unique and special.”
The inaugural Seymour Stein, Global A&R Award promises to uphold Seymour Stein’s legacy by celebrating A&R excellence, artistic vision, and the spirit of discovery that continues to drive the music industry forward. This award will serve as a timeless tribute to a man whose influence will forever resonate in the world of music. Seymour Stein’s Global A&R Award event will take place during a gala dinner on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
The inaugural honoree of this prestigious award will be announced soon.
For more information about the Seymour Stein, Global A&R Award, please contact Sat Bisla ([email protected]), or 323.782.0770.
About MUSEXPO:
MUSEXPO is the global music industry’s leading international showcase and networking event, widely regarded as the "United Nations of Music." Founded by Sat Bisla, A&R Worldwide, and MUSEXPO have been instrumental in connecting emerging artists, established acts, and music industry professionals on a global scale. The conference serves as a dynamic platform for discovering, developing, and promoting musical talent across genres and borders. With a legacy of fostering connections and championing innovation, MUSEXPO continues to be a vital hub for shaping the future of the music industry.
For more information about MUSEXPO, visit www.musexpo.net.
About A&R Worldwide:
A&R Worldwide is an independent, forward-thinking, multi-faceted company specializing in music, media, and technology. They leverage their vast relationships and market knowledge to facilitate the thriving of these elements in the global marketplace. The company and its team have been key supporters in the early discovery, development, support and/or helping with the signing of artists including Muse, LMFAO, Lily Allen, Gavin James, Adele, Coldplay, Dido, Muse, Katy Perry, Frank Turner, Keane, The Temper Trap, Forest Blakk and many more. For more information about A&R Worldwide, visit www.musexpo.net.
