Independent record label + creative agency Big.Ass.Kids (B.A.K) has inked an exclusive joint venture and global distribution deal with ADA Worldwide, Warner Music Group’s label and artist services arm.
Founded by industry veteran le’Roy Benros in 2021, Big.Ass.Kids’ first project via ADA will be SEE YOU NEXT YEAR, in partnership with Complex Network’s music site Pigeons & Planes.
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR will be an annual emerging artist platform & multi-tiered campaign.
The campaign, says B.A.K, will be anchored by a compilation album featuring ten exclusive tracks, executive produced by multi-Grammy award-winning producer and engineer Mike Dean.
B.A.K first struck a deal with Complex Networks’ Pigeons & Planes in 2021, alongside FAE Grp, it says.
In 2012, Benros first partnered with Sarah Stennett, CEO & Founder of FAE Grp, when the company was formerly known as Turn First for a JV in Benros’ then label Noizy Cricket!!, says B.A.K.
When Turn First became FAE, Benros was named VP of A&R in 2017.
B.A.K has also added Carolyn Ortiz, formerly of Universal Music Group, as Head of Label Operations & Brand Partnerships, and is currently expanding its marketing & business development department.
In other ADA news, the company unveiled a new leadership structure in September.
Marcus Siskind joined the company as Head of US, overseeing business development and label management, while Adriana Sein was appointed Head of International, focused on the company’s global business.
ADA also inked a global distribution deal with Grammy-nominated producer and artist Murda Beatz in January 2022.
“le’Roy will always have my support and we at FAE can’t wait to see what he is able to build out of this exciting opportunity.”
Sarah Stennett, FAE Grp
Sarah Stennett, said: “I have had the pleasure of working with le’Roy for the last decade and I am very proud of the perseverance, endless drive, and unique vision that has propelled him to this point in his career.
“le’Roy will always have my support and we at FAE can’t wait to see what he is able to build out of this exciting opportunity.”
“I’m thrilled to be part of it and contribute to an eclectic album along with the Pigeons and Planes + Big.Ass.Kids team.”
Mike Dean
Mike Dean, added: “I caught wind of the SYNY project when it was announced on P&P back in November.
“I commented under the post asking about the Executive producer, shortly after le’Roy & Gustavo reached out to me and told me that it was a big project involving some of the most exciting emerging artists in music.
“I’m thrilled to be part of it and contribute to an eclectic album along with the Pigeons and Planes + Big.Ass.Kids team.”
Cat Kreidich, President, ADA Worldwide, said: “Big.Ass.Kids is redefining what’s possible – bringing together cultural movers and uplifting emerging voices in unexpected ways.
“The ADA community shares in their passion and creativity and we’re so excited to work alongside le’Roy and the entire B.A.K team.
“Already, See You Next Year is zeroing in on the importance of music discovery and showing a true commitment to backing indie creators.”
“What I love about le’Roy and the Big.Ass.Kids team is that no idea is too ambitious to try.”
Jacob Moore, Pigeons & Planes
Jacob Moore, Founder of Pigeons & Planes, said: “We partnered with Big.Ass.Kids over a year ago, and we’re gearing up to release the first ever Pigeons & Planes compilation album with them this summer.
“What I love about le’Roy and the Big.Ass.Kids team is that no idea is too ambitious to try.
“This project started off as a simple concept, and it’s evolved into one of the most exciting, multi-faceted projects that Pigeons & Planes has ever worked on.”
“What I’m looking forward to most is working with brands who want to create unforgettable, unbelievable moments in music.”
Carolyn Ortiz
Carolyn Ortiz, said: “We have an opportunity to make a difference for artists; to push the envelope and engage them with fans all over the world.
“What I’m looking forward to most is working with brands who want to create unforgettable, unbelievable moments in music.”
“FAE has a strong track record of supporting emerging talent and breaking them through the noise.”
le’Roy Benros
le’Roy Benros, said: “Our goal at Big.Ass.Kids is to find unique, unconventional ways to merge music and culture with business opportunities, while providing real value for the emerging artists we work in collaboration with and alongside.
“The ADA team understood and shared my excitement; I am ecstatic to have the support and resources to bring our imagination to life.
“We’ve been fans of Pigeons & Planes for many years; their passion, curation and consistency for introducing new talent to new fans around the world is what attracted us to explore the SYNY idea with them.
“We feel SYNY is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the potential of this partnership, which is why it was important to me to approach the P&P venture with Sarah Stennett and FAE GRP, whom I’ve worked with for over a decade.
“FAE has a strong track record of supporting emerging talent and breaking them through the noise.”Music Business Worldwide
