Music company Nebula17 has announced a major expansion of its executive team, artist roster and international operations, alongside a new global distribution partnership with The Orchard.
Launched in 2025 by former Avex USA CEO Naoki Osada, Nebula17 is positioning itself as a bridge between the US and Japanese music industries, with operations spanning A&R, publishing, label services and cross-border artist development.
The Los Angeles-based firm has appointed former YG USA CEO and JYP USA COO Daniel Hong as chief operating officer. Hong, who has worked closely with acts including Blackpink, Stray Kids and Girlset, will work alongside Osada on company strategy, operations and growth, while leading the firm's international division.
“J-pop really feels ready for its moment out here – the production is incredible, the home fanbase is ride-or-die, and the sound is super fresh,” said Hong. “Having seen K-pop grow from day one gives us a solid head start, but J-pop definitely moves at its own pace. What’s most exciting is working with artists who are massive stars back home, yet still have that genuine hunger to try new things and build something from scratch.”
Elsewhere, Martha Blair Reynolds joins from Nice Life Recording Company as senior director of marketing, and René Mark is installed as director of digital, having previously managed campaigns for BTS, Le Sserafim and Tinashe at Interscope Geffen A&M and Nice Life.
Plus, Natalie Walsh joins as director of A&R after working with creatives such as Sabrina Claudio, Nasri, and Adam Messinger, Harukaze Wakabayashi joins as senior manager, international, from Warner Music Japan and Zac Cruz joins as A&R/marketing manager following roles at Avex and Revels Group.
In addition, Oscar Cornejo, whose credits include projects with Tyla, Kanye West and Willow Smith, joins as head engineer.
We’re building an ecosystem where artists and creators can connect across cultures, explore bold ideas, and reach audiences around the world
Naoki Osada, Nebula17
Nebula17 has also added three creators to its US publishing roster: producer, musician and sound designer Oh Gosh Leotus, Florida-born artist, songwriter and producer Hydra, and producer Xansei.
On the label side, it has signed New York-based artist, producer and musician Hojean, Japanese duo Xamiya, and San Diego-born alternative artist, producer, and creative director Brent de la Cruz.
Meanwhile, the firm's new worldwide distribution partnership with Sony Music's The Orchard promises to strengthen the company's global infrastructure, providing artists and partners in Japan with a direct pathway to US and international streaming platforms.
Nebula17 is also expanding its international operations, using its West Hollywood studio as a hub for cross-border collaborations and writing camps connecting Japanese artists with US creators.
In partnership with Japanese entertainment company Dwango and with support from the Japanese government, the company is leading A&R, marketing and strategy for Beyond Borders, a project bringing together virtual singer Hatsune Miku and leading Vocaloid producers with international artists.
It is also spearheading A&R for the US launch of Japanese boy group Be:First, while its recent A&R activity has included sessions with Japanese hip-hop artist Awich, girl group HANA and VTuber and singer Hoshimachi Suisei.
“Supporting creative talent is everything to us,” said Nebula17 founder and CEO Osada. “We’re building an ecosystem where artists and creators can connect across cultures, explore bold ideas, and reach audiences around the world. This expansion brings us closer to that vision, and we’ll keep pushing ourselves to make it a reality.”
PHOTO: Khalil Bowens
