Michael Goldstone , founder and co-owner of Mom + Pop Music, will receive the second annual Seymour Stein Global A&R Award from MUSEXPO and A&R Worldwide. The award will be presented during the International Music Industry Awards gala on March 19, 2025, at the conclusion of the 25th global edition of MUSEXPO, which is set to take place in Burbank, Calif. This award holds special significance for Goldstone, who moved to Stein’s Sire Records in 2003.
While at Sire, Goldstone’s signings included Regina Spektor , Tegan and Sara and The Veronicas . Prior to Sire, Goldstone worked in various capacities (PR, marketing, artist development and ultimately A&R) at Chrysalis, MCA, PolyGram, Epic and DreamWorks. In May 2008, Goldstone left Sire to launch the indie label Mom + Pop Music Company together with Peter Mensch and Cliff Burnstein of Q Prime management.
Goldstone and Mom + Pop Music co-owner Thaddeus Rudd were named to Billboard ’s 2024 Indie Power Players list, where Goldstone said being indie means “Staying true to artistic integrity and collaboration. We deeply value the relationships that we’ve built with our artists and take pride in empowering creative freedom.” The Seymour Stein Global A&R Award celebrates excellence in A&R worldwide, and the spirit of discovery in music.
The award was created by Sat Bisla , president & founder, A&R Worldwide/MUSEXPO; Sire co-founder Richard Gottehrer ; and Mandy Stein , Seymour’s daughter. The inaugural recipient was Wendy G.