U.S.-Based Japanese Music Company Nebula17 Expands Team & Roster: ‘J-Pop Feels Ready for Its Moment’
Categoria: Musica
The L.A.-based company was founded by former Avex USA CEO Naoki Osada, who says he's seeing major "momentum" for J-pop in the U.S.
Por Billboard | 03/11/2026
Nebula17, the L.A.-based music and creative company founded by former Avex USA CEO Naoki Osada , has expanded its executive team, publishing roster and label operations and is beefing up its initiatives to connect Japanese and U.S. artists, the company tells Billboard . The new hires include Daniel Hong , who has joined Nebula17 as COO following stints as CEO at YG USA and COO at JYP USA; Martha Blair Reynolds , who joined as senior manager of marketing following her work at Ricky Reed ‘s Nice Life Recording Company; René Mark , joining as director of digital following previous roles at Interscope Geffen A&M and Life Life; Natalie Walsh , who will serve as director of A&R after working with artists including Sabrina Claudio and Nasri; Harukaze Wakabayashi , formerly of Warner Music Japan, who joined as senior manager of international; Zac Cruz , previously of Avex and Revels Group, as A&R/marketing manager; and Oscar Cornejo , who has worked with Tyla and Ye (formerly Kanye West), as head engineer. Related BE:FIRST Is Ready for the World: Inside the J-Pop Superstars’ Long-Planned U.S. Breakthrough Kenny MacPherson, Veteran Music Publisher and Big Deal Music Co-Founder, Dies at 71 Diddy Moved From New Jersey Prison to Similar Facility in Pennsylvania Nebula17 has also signed three to its U.S. publishing roster. They include producer, musician and sound designer Oh Gosh Leotus (Doechii, SZA, Mariah the Scientist); artist, songwriter and producer Hydra (Sango, GoldLink, ELHAE); and producer Xansei (XG, NLE Choppa, Sabrina Claudio). On the label side, the company inked New York-based artist and producer Hojean, who blends indie pop and alt-R&B; XAMIYA, a duo consisting of Sansei and Kamiya that was selected for this year’s Spotify’s Fresh Finds program; and artist, producer and creative director Brent de la Cruz. For distribution, Nebula17 has struck a global partnership with Sony Music’s The Orchard, giving its artists and partners in Japan greater access to U.S. and international streaming platforms. To foster connections between Japanese and U.S. creators, the company will also be using its West Hollywood-based studio house as a hub for collaborations and writing camps. Nebula17 is currently spearheading A&R initiatives for the U.S. launch of Japanese boy band BE:FIRST , whose first global EP, WATCH ME , debuted at No. 130 on the Billboard 200. Other recent Nebula17 projects include Japanese hip-hop artist Awich, girl group HANA and Tuber and artist Hoshimachi Suisei’s single “GUM & DROP,” which was co-written by Sabrina Claudio and co-produced by Xansei. The expansion announced Monday is part of Nebula17’s goal to make J-pop more of a going concern in the U.S. market, similar to how K-pop gained a foothold before exploding in popularity with bands like BTS and BLACKPINK. Speaking with Billboard , Osada says Hong, the company’s new COO, brings “tangible