DEALS
🤘
The Black Crowes have signed a new publishing deal with Spirit Music Group. “The Black Crowes have stood as one of rock music’s best bands in the past 30 years”, says Chair of the company Jon Singer. “With this new album and their upcoming tour, they prove to be even stronger than ever. Anyone who does not see their upcoming live shows is depriving themselves. I have a been a fan of their music from the beginning and couldn’t be more psyched to be part of the ride today”.
🖊️
Warner Chappell has signed singer-songwriter Luke Grimes in collaboration with Range Media Partners. “Writing songs has become one of the most fulfilling things in my life”, he says. “To now be able to do it in Nashville, with some of the greatest to ever do it, is beyond a dream come true. Warner Chappell has been incredibly helpful getting me started on this journey and I'm honoured to officially become a part of their family”.
🌎
Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed singer-songwriter Dylan Gosset to a worldwide deal. “From my first meeting with the UMPG Nashville team, I knew they were the perfect creative partner”, he says. “They have been passionate supporters of my songs since day one and I could not be more excited”. Gossett has just released new single ‘Somewhere Between’, and his new EP ‘Songs In The Gravel’ is out on 22 Mar.
🎮
Music and gaming company Reactional Music has agreed two new licensing deals with independent record labels Cherry Red Records and Hopeless Records. “We believe that independent music and emerging artists will be an essential part of the Reactional platform, for developers and for gamers”, says President David Knox. “Cherry Red and Hopeless share this belief and have been vocal supporters of what we are building at Reactional”.
APPOINTMENTS
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Arjun Pulijal is stepping down as President of Universal Music’s Capitol Music Group after two years in the role, as the major proceeds with the restructuring of its US business. He originally joined the company as Director Of Marketing in 2013. He will officially leave the company next month.
💡
Warner Records in the US has promoted Josh Reich to SVP Top 40 Promotion. "I am honoured and excited to take on this expanded role in our department”, he says. “I look forward to expanding our chart share across the format and breaking new artists with our amazing partners at radio”.
💡
Digital marketing agency Creed Media has appointed Christian Birch-Jensen as its new CEO. He replaces founder Timothy Collins, who will remain on the company’s board. “I am grateful for the trust placed in me to support Creed on its continued journey”, says Birch-Jensen. “I am incredibly excited to help the exceptional talent within Creed reach new heights - their creativity, understanding of the zeitgeist and dedication to create customer value inspires me every day”.
🇪🇺
Independent booking agency Upsurge has hired Philippe Van Leuven from Bandwerk in Belgium as the company’s first EU-based agent. “Joining Upsurge is a very logical step to keep developing and growing the acts I've been working with the last few years”, he says. “In an already competitive market, it also feels natural to combine forces. I very much admire Upsurge’s existing roster and their artist-focused approach. I'm super pleased to be able to reinforce the team and bring my own personal touch to the already amazing line-up”.
LEGAL
⚖️
A Florida judge has ruled in favour of a company owned by the family of Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White, saying that promoters Substantial Music Group and Stellar Communications did infringe its trademarks with the name of a tribute show. The promoters have now been ordered to stop using the Earth, Wind & Fire brand. They had previously argued that the name used for their most recent shows - 'Legacy Reunion Of Earth, Wind & Fire Alumni' - made it clear they were presenting performances by musicians who previously played with Earth, Wind & Fire, rather than official shows by the band.
INDUSTRY INITIATIVES
🤝
Applications have opened for this year’s Music Leaders Network. Running from September 2024 until January 2025, the programme is aimed at mid-career women working in the industry, and provides access to training and mentoring. “This network is making a difference in the music industry as a whole because the people that we've worked with are going on to mentor others and to lead in a compassionate and commercial way”, say co-founders Remi Harris and Tamara Gal-On. “They're having a ripple effect”. Apply here by 31 May.
ARTIST NEWS
🧚
Pixies have parted ways with bassist Paz Lenchantin after ten years. In a statement, they said that she has “exited the band to concentrate on her own projects”. Speaking to Rolling Stone she said that her “departure is a bit of a surprise”. She is to be replaced by Emma Richardson, formerly of Band Of Skulls.
GIGS & FESTIVALS
🌊
SZA has been announced as the latest headliner of this year’s BST Hyde Park festival in London. She will play her show on 29 Jun. Tickets go on sale on Friday.
RELEASES
💨
Machinedrum will release new album ‘3for82’ on 24 May. Out now is the single ‘Zoom’ featuring Tinashe.
🦷
Porij have released new single ‘Unpredictable’. The track is taken from their debut album ‘Teething’, which is out on 26 Apr.
💦
Cumgirl8 have released new single ‘Glasshour’. Their debut album is set for release later this year.
🥣
O. have released new single ‘Green Shirt’. They’ve also announced that they will release their debut album ‘WeirdOs’ on 21 Jun.