Symphonic and High Ground Music to celebrate partnership with launch event
on September 5 at Chic-Chorro / La Fábrica del Ritmo in San Juan
September 4, 2025 (Tampa, FL) – Symphonic Distribution, a leading music technology and services company for independent labels, managers, and artists, is expanding its presence in Puerto Rico by joining forces with High Ground Music (HGM), a new artist development company and independent label led by several key former Rimas Entertainment executives. Symphonic will provide global distribution for HGM’s artists and amplify the company’s presence in Puerto Rico.
In addition to expanding their label presence, Symphonic also hired local resident and business development expert Victor Roque as Senior Director, A&R and Client Development, LATAM. In this role, he will lead the company’s efforts in artist acquisition and catalog growth across the Caribbean region.
To celebrate their collaboration Symphonic and HGM will host a launch event on September 5 at 8 PM at Chic-Chorro / La Fábrica del Ritmo in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they will also be celebrating Roque’s hiring. The event will feature performances, special guests, and a look at HGM’s year-one roadmap. Sponsoring the event are: Chic Chorro / La Fábrica del Ritmo (special thanks to Nicolas Kogan and Anabella Mondi), Infusion Investments, Cerveza La H, Sombrero Media, Palm Exotic Rentals, and EWA. For more information or to RSVP, please visit https://symphonicxhighgroundmusic.splashthat.com.
Symphonic’s strategic distribution partnership with HGM combines Symphonic’s cutting-edge distribution platform and reach with HGM’s creative vision, fast-release strategy, and artist-first development model. HGM’s founding team is composed of former Rimas Entertainment executives, including Kamil Jacob “KJ” Assad (CEO), Federico Carmona (Co-CEO / Managing Partner & Creative Director), Kent James (General Vice President, Head of A&R / Artist Development), José Carreras (Head of Finance & Artist Day-to-Day Operations), and Vissepo Garriga (Head of Legal & Business Affairs).
Left to right: Kent James, Federico Carmona, KJ Assad, Jean Paul Vissepo, and Jose Julian Carreras
Photo credit: Edwin “Kumar” Cruz
“High Ground’s vision is speed with intention: create, release, learn, repeat,” said KJ Assad, CEO of HGM. “With Symphonic, we have the platform and scale to deliver that vision globally, while keeping artists at the center.”
KJ Assad is a multi-platinum music producer / A&R who helped discover artists including Eladio Carrión, Mora, and ROA, as well as award-winning songwriter Dirty. Federico Carmona spent a decade as Senior Label Manager, A&R and Label Relations for Rimas, where he led project management and creative direction for Eladio Carrión, Jowell & Randy, Ñengo Flow, Corina Smith, Cazzu, and Kiko El Crazy, among others. Kent James was also part of that venture, both as the first artist signed as Kent & Tony and then evolving to A&R. He was involved in the early development of talents like Mora.
Left to right: Okayyy, Fonta, and Edwin “Kumar” Cruz / Cuz
Photo credit by Pipe Filmz
HGM is presenting a fresh roster of artists, including Fonta, Okayyy and the visionary Colombian producer-artist CUZ, whose credits include Bad Bunny’s “Velda,” multiple tracks on Eladio Carrión’s latest album DON KBRN, Quevedo, Feid, and more.
“Our goal is simple, to give artists the high ground they need to elevate and break barriers,” added Federico Carmona, Co-CEO of HGM. “We see potential where others don’t, we take risks where others won’t, and we keep going when others won’t.”
“All of us at Symphonic as well as Higher Ground strongly believe in putting artists first,” said Jorge Brea, CEO of Symphonic. “We have big plans for our growth in Puerto Rico and beyond that is already beginning to come to fruition.”
Victor Roque
Based in Puerto Rico and reporting to Symphonic’s VP of LATAM Business Development, Greg Vinas, Victor Roque will bring his expertise from a decade of leading the marketing team and LaMusica app for the Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) to Symphonic. As National Director of Marketing and Special Events for SBS, he oversaw the teams responsible for radio and events promotion, experiential marketing, and business development for the digital division. He also worked with major on-air talents such as Molusco. In addition, Roque played a key role in developing and growing the LaMusica app for SBS, contributing to content strategy, user engagement, and platform positioning. He also oversees marketing for several artists through his company, Looking Pop, including Randy Nota Loca from the iconic duo Jowell & Randy, Lenny Tavárez, Rafa Pabón, Shadow Blow, DJ John Elle, and many others.
“Victor’s deep knowledge of the LATAM music ecosystem and impressive track record made him a natural fit to lead our growth efforts in the region,” said Vinas. I look forward to welcoming the many new artists that will undoubtedly be joining the Symphonic family as a result of both of these exciting developments.”
“Throughout my career, my passion has always been to connect with and showcase the incredible talent of Latin American artists,” said Roque. “Symphonic shares this passion and is constantly on the pulse of the best and brightest new talent. I can’t wait to join the team and hit the ground running to grow our roster together.”
About Symphonic Distribution
Symphonic is a leading independent music distribution and marketing company founded in 2006 by music producer Jorge Brea in Tampa, Florida. With a “by artists, for artists” ethos, Symphonic provides a powerful platform for global distribution, content management, royalty collection, marketing, and label services tailored to independent creators.
Proudly minority-owned and fully independent, Symphonic combines advanced technology with a hands-on approach that keeps artists and labels connected and supported at every stage. With a global presence across the U.S., Latin America, Brazil, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia, Symphonic is committed to both technological innovation and meaningful engagement within the music communities it serves.
Current and past artists include Imogen Heap, Tokischa, Doechii, Surf Mesa, DJ Muggs (Cypress Hill), Daddy Yankee, Nicky Jam, Ozuna, El Alfa, Juan Luis Guerra, Onyx, Pi’erre Bourne, Nick Murphy/Chet Faker, Rob Garza (Thievery Corporation), CloZee, Freddie Gibbs, and many more.
For more information, visit symphonic.com.
Symphonic Press Contacts:
Laurie Jakobsen, Jaybird Communications, laurie@jaybirdcom.com
Bill Greenwood, Jaybird Communications, bill@jaybirdcom.com
About High Ground Music
High Ground Music (HGM) is an artist development company and independent label based in Puerto Rico with an artist-first vision. HGM integrates A&R, production, artist & management services, marketing & digital strategy, label relations, and data-driven release planning to build sustainable artist careers. Its roster is led by Fonta, Okayyy, and Cuz, with additional signings in development.
High Ground Music Press Contact:
Federico Carmona – federico@highground.music
For more information visit www.highground.music