Seton Named Pres., WMG’s Indy Music & Creator Services
• Warner Music Group (WMG) announced that Eliah Seton has been named President of Independent Music & Creator Services. Seton’s promotion from President of ADA Worldwide to this new position recognizes his leadership of WMG’s expanded commitment to the growing independent music community, through ADA (Alternative Distribution Alliance), the Asylum Records label, and Level — WMG’s platform for unsigned artists. Seton also oversees WMG’s Arts Music division, headed by President Kevin Gore, which serves as a repertoire center for classical, musical theatre, children’s music, and other fields outside the pop mainstream.
Seton is based at the company’s headquarters in New York and reports to Max Lousada, WMG’s CEO of Global Recorded Music, who said, “Eliah champions the indie community and artistic diversity with a true fan’s passion, a musician’s sensibility, and an entrepreneur’s ingenuity. His new post reflects the wide scope of his responsibilities, and the brilliant job he’s been doing to make WMG a world-class home for artists at every stage of their careers — from raw talent starting out in their bedrooms to superstars headlining stadiums. As the creator economy booms, Eliah and his team will help us expand our value proposition for music-makers on a global scale.”
Seton said, “It’s our mission to help original artists and forward-thinking label partners realize their visions. Whether those artists are signed or unsigned, whether those labels are big or small, our extraordinary teams at ADA, Asylum, Level, and Arts Music are laser-focused on providing innovative solutions to amplify the voices of our artists around the world. By backing our global ambitions with local expertise, we strive to support and nurture the full spectrum of musical creativity.”
Since taking on the role of President of ADA Worldwide in 2015, Seton and his team have more than doubled the size of the business and secured an exclusive global distribution pact with BMG, as well as deals for Doug Morris‘ 12 Tone, Ciara‘s Beautymarks Entertainment, Paradigm’s Big Picnic, Cherrytree, Platinum Records and Knightvision. ADA has also established an operation in Nashville, where it has inked deals with Broken Bow Records and Big Label Records. In 2017, Seton oversaw the re-launch of WMG’s iconic Asylum Records, led by Gabrielle Peluso. That same year, Seton initiated the creation of a new Arts Music division, which focuses on signing, developing, and marketing artists and releases across genres — from musical theatre and classical, to jazz and children’s music, to soundtracks and mood music. Last year, Seton oversaw the under-the-radar beta launch of Level, WMG’s digital distribution platform serving unsigned artists. The team at Level, led by Christine Taylor, is readying for a springtime launch of new features.
Seton previously served as SVP, International Strategy & Operations, Warner Recorded Music. Prior to that, Seton established and ran the Office of the CEO for Steve Cooper, where he was part of the team that acquired Parlophone Label Group. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and graduated from Harvard College.
