Jeremy Erlich, who left Spotify in February after serving as its Global Head of Music, has launched an independent, full-service music company called ALTA Music Group with Korean pop star JENNIE as its first major signing.

The Los Angeles-based company will operate across recorded music, music publishing and artist management services.

ALTA Music has secured distribution through The Orchard, Sony Music‘s independent distribution arm, and struck a partnership with THEBLACKLABEL, the Seoul-based label founded by producer Teddy Park, known for his work with BLACKPINK and other K-pop acts.

BLACKPINK’s JENNIE, who released her debut album, RUBY, in March, joins ALTA’s talent management roster alongside her existing partnership with OddAtelier.

Notably in January last year, BLACKPINK members including JENNIE ended their solo contracts with YG Entertainment.

In addition to JENNIE, ALTA also signed Cat Matthews, New York group WHATMORE, and rapper Bodhi Bleu for its recorded music and publishing divisions.

Erlich founded ALTA after spending almost six years at Spotify. There, he helped the platform nearly triple in size from 230 million monthly active users (MAUs) to over 670 million MAus and 275 million subscribers. Before joining Spotify in 2019, he spent eight years between Universal Music Group and Interscope Geffen A&M.

“Throughout my career I’ve focused on the best way to service artists around the world that would create an environment that sets them up for long-term, global success. With ALTA we have the opportunity to do just that.”

Jeremy Erlich, ALTA Music

Brad Navin, CEO of The Orchard, said: “Jeremy’s decision to launch ALTA Music Group is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, deep understanding of the global music landscape, and commitment to artist development.”

“His artist-first philosophy aligns with The Orchard’s mission to empower creators. We are proud to partner with ALTA, leveraging our global distribution network and comprehensive suite of services to help their roster reach worldwide audiences and open new avenues for success.”

Erlich added: “Throughout my career I’ve focused on the best way to service artists around the world that would create an environment that sets them up for long-term, global success. With ALTA we have the opportunity to do just that – a best in class team focused solely on supporting our artists and the music they create. Everything else does not matter. I’m grateful to the artists and executives who have already put their trust in me and our company.”

“Jeremy’s decision to launch ALTA Music Group is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, deep understanding of the global music landscape, and commitment to artist development.”

Brad Navin, The Orchard

ALTA’s leadership team includes Nima Khalilian, who previously led international operations at music distribution and payments platform, Stem. Khalilian also served as senior director of international marketing at Interscope Records, working with  artists including Gracie Abrams, Karol G, as well as Interscope Capitol Label Group’s Yo Gotti, GloRilla and Moneybagg Yo, among others.

Khalilian said: “ALTA is about putting artists first and helping them navigate an ever-evolving industry with a clear strategy. I’m honored to work alongside Jeremy to build a company that prioritizes our artist’s creativity and global impact. We want to be the best possible partners for artists in order for them to build a lasting legacy.”

Joining Erlich and Khalilian are Parker Ulry, Drake Hofer, Elise Eriksen, Gillian Taugher and Michael Seltzer.