Encore Recordings, an indie-music company offering a comprehensive range of services, was founded in 2022 by a veteran of the Joei Manda industry. The company has recently appointed two new executives to spearhead its initiatives.
The company has named Jacob Fine as its head of A&R, while Nedes Monakhan has been elevated to the role of president.
Background of the New Leaders
Fine joins Encore from Warner Music Group, where he held the position of EVP and head of A&R at Elektra Records, overseeing the label’s creative and A&R functions. Prior to his time at Elektra, he spent over a decade at Sony Music Publishing in various capacities, including SVP of A&R, as well as in research and analytics.
His impressive track record includes signing and developing numerous artists, most notably Bailey Zimmerman, whose debut album achieved 2x Platinum certification in the United States, along with four platinum singles. Fine was also instrumental in the careers of global superstars like Leon Bridges, The Chainsmokers, Of Monsters and Men, Russ, and Chase Rice.
Fine will be based at Encore’s LA headquarters and will report directly to founder and CEO Mande.
In the meantime, Monakhan has served as the general director of Encore since the company’s inception in 2022 and will now take on the role of president. In this capacity, he will be involved in all facets of the business, collaborating closely with A&R, marketing, legal, and finance teams.
Before his tenure at Encore, Monakhan led the global hits team at Spotify, having been appointed to that role in 2019.
Statements from Key Figures
Regarding Fine’s appointment, Joei Manda stated, “Throughout his career, Jake has been a leading force behind countless hits and breakthrough artists. His ability to identify and nurture talent, along with his innovative approach to industry trends and metrics, is crucial as we continue to build a world-class team and artist roster at Encore.”
“Jake (Fine) has been a leading force behind countless hits and breakthrough artists.”
Joey Manda, CEO of Encore Recordings
Fine expressed his excitement, stating, “The opportunity to identify and develop global talent across all genres within a creative and innovative company like Encore is incredibly thrilling. Joie has assembled a team of ALL-STAR leaders, and I am honored to be part of this effort to shape the future of independent music.”
Since its launch three years ago, Encore Recordings has built a diverse roster that spans various genres, including Puerto Rican rapper Dei V, who recorded 1.25 billion streams in 2024, and South African DJ Uncle Waffles, who Encore refers to as the “leading lady” of the burgeoning Amapiano genre.
Her debut single Tanzania has been certified 7x Platinum in South Africa, and her track Yahyuppiyah has garnered over 2 billion views on TikTok. In April 2023, she became the first Amapiano artist to perform at Coachella.
The Encore roster also features EBC Jaibo, Hamari, and Saul Villarreal.
Lucas focuses on the interaction between music and society. He specializes in how music influences and reflects cultures, analyzing the role of sound in social, political, and cultural events around the world.
