Apple Music Global Head of Artist Relations Zane Lowe has been announced as a keynote speaker for the 2019 Music Biz Conference. Lowe will offer a keynote interview on Sunday, May 5 at 5 p.m. This year’s Music Biz Conference will be held at Nashville’s JW Marriott from May 5-8.

In addition to leading Apple Music’s artist relations team for the world, Lowe oversees Beats 1, Apple Music’s global livestream, where he serves as one of the anchor hosts, broadcasting his flagship show every Monday through Thursday to over 100 countries around the world. He also curates original programming for the service which includes feature shows hosted by Nicki Minaj, The Weeknd, Elton John, Virgil Abloh, Kendall Jenner, Mike D, Ezra Koenig, DJ Khaled, St. Vincent, Lars Ulrich, Charli XCX, Drake’s OVOSOUND Radio, Frank Ocean, Pharrell Williams, Dr. Dre, and more.

Lowe has an established career in music broadcasting, first at MTV UK and XFM, then heading to BBC Radio 1 where he hosted the New Music show for 13 years before moving to Los Angeles to join Apple Music in 2015.

“It is a huge honor to welcome Zane Lowe to this year’s Conference program,” says James Donio, President of Music Biz. “He is one of the most influential names in the broadcast industry today, and his vision and insight will be of great interest to our audience.”

Alongside this announcement, Music Biz has also revealed a first glance at the preliminary agenda for Music Biz 2019.

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Friday Pilots Club has signed with Big Machine/John Varvatos Records. The band will release their first single under the BMLG imprint, “Glory,” next Friday (Feb. 8) on all digital platforms. Caleb Hiltunen (vocals) and Drew Polovick (guitar) front the Chicago-based band, which has already earned a loyal local following. They will release “Glory” to alternative radio on February 11.

“I’m always on the lookout for a rock band that cuts through the noise with songs, imagination, power and identity,” said BMLG President and CEO Scott Borchetta. “From the first time I met Caleb, Drew and the band, to their electric live show, I knew we found something special. Serving notice now, the Pilots are coming.”

“Friday Pilots Club have everything that a great rock band should possess – memorable songs, big hooks, and an exciting stage presence,” adds John Varvatos. “Caleb and Drew are the real deal!”

“Working with BMLG has been incredible in understanding how many parts there are to a successful (pun intended) machine,” said Hiltunen. “Over the past two months, Scott, John and the team have helped us prepare for what I’m hoping will be our first big step into the public eye (and ear). Without them and our personal team, Drew and I (and our boys) would be right where we started. It’s good to have a solid team, the state of rock should always be solid.”

Business management firm FBMM (Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.) has promoted Samuel Klemz and Erica Vogler to account executive and Erin Pettit to account manager.

“These team members are prime examples of the high standard of commitment and service we provide each of our clients,” said Julie Boos, FBMM chairwoman. “Their passion for our clients and our company is evident in everything they do. We have enjoyed watching them grow since they first joined our team, and we feel fortunate to continue to watch these talented individuals excel in the industry.”

Klemz has been with FBMM since 2016 and is now an account executive. His previous experience includes working as a video editor at Red Heron Productions and a compliance manager at Public Affairs Support Services. He also served as the 106.7 The Fan web videographer at CBS Radio. He received his bachelor’s degree in integrative studies/arts and culture from George Mason University.

Vogler came to FBMM in 2015 and is now an account executive. Before her time at FBMM, she served as an intern for the Marketing and Communications department at Presbyterian College. Her previous work experience includes serving as an intern at J-2 Music and the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs. She is a member of WMBA (Women in Music Business Association) and SOLID (Society of Leaders in Development), and she graduated from Presbyterian College with a degree in business administration.

Pettit joined the FBMM team in 2013 and has been promoted to account manager. Her previous industry work experience includes serving as a licensing intern at Sony/ATV and as the office manager at Lyon & Phillips, PLLC. She is also a member of the Troubadour Society, is an alumna of the WMBA, and has been an active member of SOLID for three years and currently serves as the treasurer on the board. Pettit graduated with a degree in music business from Middle Tennessee State University.