DEALS
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Merlin has announced a new partnership with Audiomack, with a licensing deal covering the main streaming service and its in-built remixing tools. “Through Audiomack’s partnership with Merlin, we're not just amplifying independent music - we're revolutionising how artists connect with their fans and how fans listen to their music”, says Audiomack CEO Dave Macli. “Merlin members can now claim their artists' Audiomack accounts to send messages to their fans, and, using Audiomod, those fans can listen to their favourite artist’s music in a brand new way”.
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Downtown Neighbouring Rights has announced a number of new partnerships, including deals with ANOHNI, Position Music and Th3rd Brain Records. “Downtown Neighbouring Rights has had a great start to 2024 and continues to sign exceptional global talent that serve as a testament to our expertise and offering”, says General Manager Dean Francis. “We’re proud to represent acclaimed artists such as ANOHNI and collect on behalf of forward-thinking labels like Position Music and Th3rd Brain. This all forms part of the global ecosystem at Downtown which ensures artists and creators at all levels are supported and empowered through its multitude of services”.
LABELS
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Warner Music South East Europe has launched new dance music label Balkan Electro covering the Balkans and Ukraine. It has been founded in partnership with Ensis Records and its owner Alex Cristian. “It’s a proud moment for me launching Balkan Electro alongside Alex”, says WM SEE General Manager Izabela Ciszek-Podziemska. “EDM music has no geographical boundaries, so we’ll strive to find the next local superstar and take them to the world stage with the help of Warner Music’s global network”.
MEDIA
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Bauer Media has applied to Liverpool City Council to change the branding on the city’s Radio City Tower. Officially known as St Johns Beacon, the tower has displayed Radio City 96.7 for the last 23 years. However, the company now plans to change this to Hits Radio.
AWARDS
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Mastering engineer Emily Lazar is set to receive the Inspiration Award at this year’s MPG Awards. “There is nothing more gratifying than being recognised by one’s peers”, she says. “I owe my deep gratitude to the remarkable artists I've collaborated with, whose talent and trust have propelled me forward, and to the friends and colleagues whose guidance has been invaluable in navigating this industry. I am truly grateful to everyone at the MPG for this acknowledgment. Receiving this award is a profound honour for me”. The ceremony takes place at London’ Troxy on 25 Apr.
ARTIST NEWS
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Gary Barlow, Shaznay Lewis and Nitin Sawhney have written music for Gurinder Chadha-directed movie ‘Christmas Karma’ - an adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’, set for release in the run up to the 2025 festive season. "It was an absolute honour to be asked to write music for ‘Christmas Karma’”, says Barlow. “I love Gurinder personally and professionally, and to collaborate with such a diverse and eclectic cast on the soundtrack has been really great fun”.
GIGS & FESTIVALS
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Fontaines DC have announced UK and Ireland tour dates in November and December. The run includes a performance at Alexandra Palace in London on 22 Nov.
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Faithless have announced their first live shows in eight years, including a performance at Londo’s Roundhouse on 14 Jun. Tickets go on general sale on 26 Apr.
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Dana Gavanski is set to tour the UK in support of her excellent third album ‘Late Slap’ in May and June. She will finish the run with a performance at The Lower Third in London. Tickets available now.
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Eight years on from the release of their second album ‘Silent Earthling’, Three Trapped Tigers have announced that they are reuniting in order to split up. The band will head out on a farewell tour in November. Their final show will take place at London’s Electric Ballroom on 22 Nov.
RELEASES
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Sia and Paris Hilton have teamed up for new single ‘Fame Won’t Love You’.
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Headie One has released new single ‘Cry No More’ featuring Stormzy. His new album ‘The Last One’ is set for release in June.
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Kings Of Leon have released new single ‘Nothing To Do’. Their new album ‘Can We Please Have Fun’ is out on 10 May.
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AJ Tracey has released new single ‘Joga Bonito’.
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Naughty Boy has returned with new single ‘Blow Trees’, featuring Mist, Abra Cadabra, Tunde and Wardz.
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K-Trap has announced that he will release his debut album ‘Smile?’ on 31 May. Out now is new single ‘Old School Era’.
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Alfie Templeman has released new single ‘Hello Lonely’. His second album ‘Radiosoul’ is out on 7 Jun.
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Rachel Chinouriri has released new single ‘It Is What It Is’. Her debut album ‘What A Devastating Turn Of Events’ is out on 3 May.
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Debby Friday is back with new single ‘To The Dancefloor’.
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Florrie has released new single ’Kissing In The Cold’.