Sony’s Visit With Human Re Sources

• Sony Music Entertainment (SME) announced the acquisition of top L.A.-based artist distribution and services company Human Re Sources from Q&A, a modern music and technology company co-founded and launched in 2019 by Troy Carter, Suzy Ryoo and J. Erving. Human Re Sources will now become part of The Orchard, SME’s global independent music distribution and artist and label services company.

Based in Los Angeles and led by J. Erving (pictured), Human Re Sources will continue to sign and develop artists directly as part of The Orchard’s comprehensive suite of global offerings and tools to artists and record labels. Under Erving’s leadership, Human Re Sources has signed and developed artists such as YBN Nahmir, Pink Sweat$, Baby Rose, Bren Joy and others. Human Re Sources will bring artists 2Tone and Grip as well as Grammy-nominated Ant Clemons to The Orchard.

Erving will also take on the newly created role of Executive Vice President, Creative Development for Sony Music Entertainment. He will report to Rob Stringer, Chairman, Sony Music Group and work closely with SME’s recorded music teams. While continuing to lead Human Re Sources, Irving will also become an Executive Vice President at The Orchard, reporting to CEO Brad Navin. In making the announcement, 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.” 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’m 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’m looking forward to this next chapter.”

Navin said, “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.” Q&A CEO Troy Carter noted, “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.”