Avex Music Group’s first major publishing deal under CEO Brandon Silverstein included something most companies avoid: funding a competitor. When producer Elkan joined AMG in May, the agreement included backing for his joint venture publishing company Toibox by Elkan, which will sign and develop its own roster of writers and producers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Artists are some of the most incredible entrepreneurs, and they just need an infrastructure, the right infrastructure, to have their ideas prevail,” Silverstein said when announcing the deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toibox signed its first two writer-producers, Kavin Smith and Luke “Cobali” Gobrial, with more signings planned. AMG will collaborate closely with Elkan, his longtime manager Kasual Kas, and business partner Kristina Mazzola to identify and develop talent through the venture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The structure reflects Silverstein’s philosophy that successful artists function as CEOs of their enterprises. Rather than restricting talent to work exclusively within AMG’s system, the company provides capital and infrastructure to support creative visions that extend beyond traditional publishing relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elkan arrived at AMG with momentum. His production on Drake’s “Nokia” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, while his work on Travis Scott’s JACKBOYS 2 contributed to that album’s No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200. He also co-wrote and produced Rihanna’s “Friend of Mine” from the Smurfs movie soundtrack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I wake up every day with the same mission in mind: making the world dance,” Elkan said. “No one’s ready for what 2030 will sound like. Toibox is the future.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The joint venture approach differentiates AMG from traditional publishers that typically insist on exclusive relationships. Giving producers equity in their own companies, backed by AMG resources, may attract talent that might otherwise remain independent or sign with competitors offering more autonomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silverstein’s experience managing artists informs this strategy. He founded S10 Entertainment in 2017, building a roster that generated over 22 global No. 1 hits. S10 Management continues to operate with separate staff under his leadership, maintaining independence even as Avex acquired the largest stake alongside Silverstein and Roc Nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n