Music Industry Moves: Shira Knishkowy Leaves Spotify for Another Management Company; Lauren Alaina Leaves Mercury Records

variety.com:

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorIn a move that sounds like a “Who’s on first?” routine, Shira Knishkowy is joining Another Management Company, leaving Spotify after three years to join the company that oversees the careers of such artists as Kurt Vile, Waxahatchee, Stephen Malkmus, Mary Timony, Snail Mail, Mdou Moctar and Horsegirl, as well as High on Fire, Protomartyr, Sheer Mag and others.

Knishkowy’s artist-centric role at Spotify and previous multi-year roles at Matador Records, Partisan Records and Big Hassle Media make her a solid fit for her new role as artist manager and director of digital and creative strategy.Another co-founder Rennie Jaffe says, “I have ultimate confidence that Shira will take the relationships, skill-sets and most importantly the instincts she’s developed over the past 10+ years as a leading music publicist to quickly emerge as a world class artist manager.

Shira was always one of the strongest components of the most successful album campaigns I’ve managed, and I’m excited to now have her bring that strength to every campaign we manage.” + In what was considered a surprising move by much of the country music community, singer Lauren Alaina announced on social media that she is parting ways with Mercury Records, the label that she has recorded for since her second-place stint on “American Idol” as a teenager.“I want to thank the staff at Mercury Records and UMG Nashville for everything they have done for me over the last 11 years,” Alaina wrote. “They have been my label home since the day I walked off the American Idol stage as a really young, wide-eyed, eager 16 year old kid.