DEALS
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Blue Raincoat Music has signed a publishing deal with Lightning Seeds frontman Ian Broudie covering the “vast majority” of his catalogue. “It is such a thrill to be back working with Ian”, says CEO Jeremy Lascelles. “We enjoyed huge success together back in the 90s with that great succession of hit songs of his. Ian was and remains one of the finest tunesmiths of his generation”.
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TuneCore has partnered with Amazon Music to offer independent artists in the UK free recording time at Metropolis Studios’ Studio X. Throughout the year, one act per month will be given two full days in the studio at no cost. “By offering free studio time to emerging artists, we can make a real difference in their recording journey, and help advance their career trajectory”, says TuneCore UK boss Sarah Wilson. “TuneCore are a vital part of the local music community and committed to helping those at a grassroots level”.
APPOINTMENTS
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Warner Music UK has hired Natasha Billing as SVP Commercial & Data Insight. The move sees her return to the company, which she previously left in 2010. “I’m delighted to be rejoining Warner Music at an exciting time for the industry and the company”, she says. “I look forward to energising existing and new partner relationships and working with my team and the wider UK company to drive an innovative approach to data strategy and commercial success”.
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Sony Music Publishing UK has announced a new hire and two promotions in its A&R department. ZaZa Kazadi joins as Senior A&R Manager, while Adrienne Bookbinder has been promoted to Senior A&R Manager UK & Europe and Nasra Artan becomes Senior European A&R Manager. “Nasra, Adrienne and ZaZa embrace what A&R is in 2024 and we are all looking forward to seeing their achievements in their respective roles”, says co-MD David Ventura.
LIVE BUSINESS
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FC Barcelona has become the first sports club to join pan-European anti-ticket touting campaign group FEAT. “We’re delighted to bring FC Barcelona, our first non-music member, on board to continue our fight against unethical ticket resale”, says FEAT’s founding director Neo Sala. “This strengthens our voice, building a united front on the issue across entertainment and live events. In this way, FC Barcelona becoming FEAT’s first sports member, Barcelona will now become FEAT’s official home city, and will host its Annual General Meeting there every year”
ARTIST NEWS
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You Me At Six have announced that they will mark their 20th anniversary next year by splitting up. After the customary farewell tour, of course. “We’re in a fortunate position where our fans still want to see us live and come celebrate the life of this band”, says frontman Josh Franceschi. “So that is what we will do for 2024 and 2025”.
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Deap Vally have also announced that they are splitting up, with farewell tour dates in the UK set for the beginning of June. Out today is a re-recorded version of their debut album ‘Sistrionix’, including the single ‘Ain’t Fair (Deap Vally’s Version)’.
RELEASES
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Bicep have released ‘Chroma 001 Helium’ - the first track on their new album Chroma. There will also be a series of Chroma AV/DJ performances this summer.
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Fears - aka Constance Keane of M(h)aol - has released new single ‘4th Of the 1st’ and announced that she will release new album ‘Affinity’ on 22 Mar.
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Ellen Arkbro and Johan Graden have released ‘Postcard Greetings’, an offcut from their album ‘I Get Along With You Very Well’.
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Efé is back with new single ‘Truth☆Truth’.