Nebula17 has expanded its US team, publishing roster and label while signing a global distribution agreement with The Orchard. The Los Angeles-based company is also developing projects that connect Japanese and American artists and creators.
Executive appointments
Founded by former Avex USA chief executive officer Naoki Osada, Nebula17 has named Daniel Hong chief operating officer. Hong, a former chief executive officer of YG USA and chief operating officer of JYP USA, has worked with BLACKPINK, Stray Kids and GIRLSET. He will work with Osada on strategy, operations and growth, and lead Nebula17’s international division.
- Martha Blair Reynolds joins as senior director of marketing after working at Ricky Reed’s Nice Life Recording Company.
- René Mark joins as director of digital. At Interscope Geffen A&M and Nice Life Recording Company, Mark worked on campaigns for BTS, LE SSERAFIM and Tinashe.
- Natalie Walsh joins as director of artist and repertoire (A&R), having worked with Sabrina Claudio, Nasri and Adam Messinger.
- Harukaze Wakabayashi joins as senior manager, international, from Warner Music Japan, where she worked on campaigns for PinkPantheress and Charli xcx.
- Zac Cruz joins as A&R and marketing manager following roles at Avex and Revels Group.
- Oscar Cornejo joins as head engineer. His credits include GRAMMY-winning work with Tyla and projects with Kanye West and Willow Smith.
Publishing and label additions
Nebula17 has added three creators to its US publishing roster: producer, musician and sound designer Oh Gosh Leotus, who has collaborated with Doechii, SZA and Ty Dolla $ign; Florida-born artist, songwriter and producer Hydra, whose credits include Sango and GoldLink; and producer Xansei, known for XG’s “SHOOTING STAR” and collaborations with NLE Choppa and Sabrina Claudio.
The label has signed New York-based artist, producer and musician Hojean, whose music has generated more than 260 million streams. It has also added XAMIYA, the duo of Xansei and Kamiya, which appeared on Kesha’s “ATTENTION! feat. XAMIYA” and was selected for Spotify’s Fresh Finds 2026.
San Diego-born alternative artist, producer and creative director Brent de la Cruz has joined the label. His recent placements include EA SPORTS FC 26, Hulu’s Chad Powers and Cara Delevingne’s Planet Sex.
Distribution and international projects
The Orchard agreement gives Nebula17 a global distribution partner and provides its artists and partners in Japan a route to US and international streaming platforms and audiences. Nebula17 is also using its West Hollywood studio house for collaborations and writing camps involving Japanese artists and US creators.
With Japanese entertainment company Dwango, Nebula17 is leading A&R, marketing and strategy for BEYOND BORDERS, a project featuring virtual singer Hatsune Miku alongside Vocaloid producers. The company is also leading A&R initiatives for the US launch of Japanese boy group BE:FIRST.
“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. 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.”
Daniel Hong, Nebula17’s chief operating officer, made the remarks about the company’s work with Japanese artists.
