DEALS
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The BBC’s investment arm, BBC Ventures, has invested £500,000 into Condense, a Bristol-based company whose technology powers virtual immersive gigs and is already being used by the broadcaster for its New Music Portal. The head of BBC Ventures, Jeremy Walker, says, “The New Music Portal enables the BBC to bring the best of our performances to younger audiences who are increasingly spending time in these sorts of game-like online environments”. He adds, “We have invested £500,000 in Condense to ensure that as they grow and build on their success the BBC stands to benefit”.
APPOINTMENTS
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BMG boss Thomas Coesfeld has been appointed to the Executive Board of the music firm’s parent company Bertelsmann. Says Bertelsmann CEO Thomas Rabe, “As CEO of BMG, Thomas has made important decisions for the future of the business, for example by bringing digital distribution in-house and using artificial intelligence in various areas of the music business. Thomas will enrich the work of the management board as well. I look forward to working even more closely with him”.
CHARTS
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With the first half of 2024 now done and dusted, the Official Charts Company has published charts for the biggest songs and biggest albums of the year in the UK so far. Noah Kahan’s ‘Stick Season’ tops the songs chart, followed by Teddy Swims’ ‘Lose Control’ and Benson Boone’s ‘Beautiful Things’. Taylor Swift has the biggest album of the year so far with ‘The Tortured Poets Department’. The Weeknd is at number two with ‘The Highlights’ and Noah Kahan is at number three with ‘Stick Season’.
GIGS & FESTIVALS
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DJ Michael Bibi has announced that he will be raising awareness for stem cell transplant charity Anthony Nolan at his sold-old show in London’s Finsbury Park this weekend. Bibi had to cancel concerts last year when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. He says, “advancements in medical treatments like stem cell transplants gave me a second chance at life and are crucial in battling these conditions. Together, our community can make a difference. That’s why Anthony Nolan staff and volunteers will be at my homecoming show, ready to sign people up to the stem cell register”. He will also be selling merchandise to raise money for the Royal Marsden hospital in London where he received treatment.
🧸
Ed Sheeran has announced another run of Mathematics European shows from May to September 2025. The tour will take in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, Poland, Sweden and Denmark. Tickets go on sale 10 Jul.
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Kasbian have announced four UK arena shows in November with special guests The Streets. Tickets go on sale 10 Jul.
🎪
BBC Radio 6 Music has announced the line up for its stage at the All Points East Festival in London next month. Various BBC presenters will be in attendance, plus DJ sets are promised from ANNA, DEADLETTER, Deena Abdelwahed, Kelly Lee Owens, Lambrini Girls, LCY b2b YAZZUS, Los Bitchos, Not Bad For A Girl, Self Esteem, Tim Reaper and Yyre.
RELEASES
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The Streets curated fabric mix series, ‘fabric Presents The Streets’, is out today.
❄️
Ragz Originale has collaborated with Bambii on new single ‘Ice’.
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HNNY has released his new album ‘Light Shines Through’.
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Jake Bugg has released new single ‘All Kinds of People’. His new album ‘A Modern Day Distraction’ is out 20 Sep.
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Bklava has released her new fourteen track mixtape ‘c u l8r’.
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Jim Legxacy has released new single ‘nothings changed (!)’.