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Artist News Business News Deals Gigs & Festivals Industry People Labels & Publishers Management & Funding One Liners Releases
One Liners: Lana Del Rey, Skrillex, Alexi Cory-Smith, more
By Andy Malt and Chris Cooke | Published on Wednesday 15 February 2023
DEALS
Former BMG UK President Alexi Cory-Smith has formally launched her new business, Bella Figura Music, and confirmed a number of deals that are already in the bag. Backed by private equity fund Freshstream, the firm has acquired a stack of rights over the last year from the likes of Guy Chambers, David Gray and Darrell Brown. Bella Figura, which also involves another former BMG exec – Neelesh Prabhu – describes itself as “a purpose-built, artist-centric music company, bringing together leading technology and a relentless focus on creative excellence”.
Iconoclast – headed up by the former CEO of Irving Azoff‘s Iconic Artists Group, Olivier Chastan – has bought the catalogue of Diplo’s Mad Decent Publishing, which sounds like fun. Chastan’s business is another entity splashing the cash on acquiring artist and music rights, spending monies provided by its investment fund backers.
Seeker Music – the music rights firm headed up by songwriter Evan Bogart – has confirmed that it has acquired the catalogue of Christopher Cross, with work already underway to reissue and newly promote that music. “I’ve been a Christopher Cross fan going back to when I was a kid”, says Bogart. “I’m so proud to have the opportunity to carry his legacy forward and of what we’ve already been able to do with his catalogue, and will continue to do this year to keep introducing music fans to Chris’s incredible songs and timeless songwriting”.
Influence Media has announced a deal with pop producer and songwriter – and frequent Harry Styles collaborator – Tyler Johnson. The music rights investment outfit says it has “invested in a diverse catalogue of titles created by Johnson between 2012 and 2020”. Johnson himself adds: “These songs are very important to me and I feel our deal reflects the value of this catalogue that I have built over the last ten years”.
Sony Music Publishing has expanded its global admin partnership with songwriter, musician and Bread vocalist David Gates and his publishing entity Kipahulu Music Co. “Mr Gates’s heartwarming songs will enrich lives for generations to come and we look forward to supporting his songwriting legacy”, says Sony Publishing’s Audrey Ashby.
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APPOINTMENTS
The US music division of management firm YMU has promoted Dani Chavez to the position of Senior Marketing Manager. “I am THRILLED to promote Dani to Senior Marketing Manager”, says YMU Music US’s Head Of Marketing SuzAnn Brantner. “She has shown exceptional marketing skills, creative acumen and a deep understanding of artists’ needs”.
Music publisher Wixen in the US has formally announced the appointment of Jon Pikus as VP A&R/Business Development. “Jon is that rare breed of creative who has been on multiple sides of the proverbial fence, so he can authentically relate in any situation, to artists, writers and producers, and to managers, attorneys and executives”, says COO Andrew Wixen.
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RELEASES
Lana Del Rey has released new single ‘A&W’. The track is taken from her new album ‘Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd’, which is out on 24 Mar.
Ahead of the release of his new album ‘Quest For Fire’ this Friday, Skrillex has released new single ‘Don’t Get Too Close’, featuring vocals from Bibi Bourelly and Skrillex himself.
Keaton Henson will release new album ‘House Party’ in Jun. “I wanted to make an upbeat confident pop record about depression and being a performer”, he says. “[One] written from the viewpoint of an artist who has hollowed himself out over a long career in the name of success, an alternate universe version of me, who is left empty and lonely from climbing to the top, but is still only able to express these feelings in the language of confident, performative pop songs”. Out now is new single ‘Envy’.
Temples have released new single ‘Cicada’. The track is taken from new Sean Lennon-produced album ‘Exotico’, which is out on 14 Apr.
Dry Cleaning have released two previously unreleased tracks – ‘Swampy’ and ‘Sombre Two’. Both were recorded during sessions for their 2022 album ‘Stumpwork’. “They share a dusty, desolate and spacey atmosphere”, say the band of the two songs. “On the eve of this release we have been touring through the southwest US, where these songs feel at home in the arid, Mars-like landscape of the Arizona desert”. Both tracks will feature on a new EP, out on 1 Mar and also called ‘Swampy’, which will include remixes of ‘Stumpwork’ tracks and the demo of ‘Peanuts’.
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GIGS & TOURS
The Chicks have announced UK tour dates this summer, finishing with a performance at the Manchester Arena on 4 Jul. “This last year on the road has been a whirlwind for us but it’s time to bring the party to the UK”, say the band. “We can’t wait to see everyone and play for all our fans across the pond – it’s been a long time coming, and we can’t wait to get back!” Tickets will go on sale tomorrow.
Megadeth have announced that they will livestream a show from the Budokan venue in Tokyo on 27 Feb, which will see them perform with former guitarist Marty Friedman for the first time since 2000. “Marty and I have remained friends over 23 years, since we last played together”, says frontman Dave Mustaine. “However, I hear his music every night, and he still is among the top guitar players I’ve ever heard. This is an amazing treat for the fans, as well as myself. I am going to enjoy this as much as the fans are, and I’m sure many of you will catch me sneaking a peek during Marty’s appearance”. Tickets available here.
Jamz Supernova will host ‘The Supernova X-perience’ all-nighter at Village Underground in London on 21 Apr. “If you love what I do on the radio, [or have] caught me at a festival or club, then just know we’re turning it all the way up”, she says. “London, I would love to see you!” Tickets are on sale now.
They Might Be Giants have announced UK tour dates in November, which will see them perform their 1990 album ‘Flood’ in full. The run will finish with a performance at The Roundhouse in London on 18 Nov. Tickets go on general sale on Friday.
Check out our weekly Spotify playlist of new music featured in the CMU Daily – updated every Friday.
