DEALS
🖊️
Warner Music has signed Nora Fatehi to a worldwide record deal. “I’ve enjoyed great success in my career so far, but this deal is a significant step forward in my musical journey, a new chapter in my international career”, she says. “I want to use my diverse cultural background to create music and dance that brings everyone together! I’m excited to work with Warner Music to leverage their experience and expertise to help me fulfil this goal”.
APPOINTMENTS
💄
Dua Lipa has been announced as Global Makeup Ambassador for YSL Beauty. “For me, fragrances and makeup are another form of self-expression, a way to explore my playfulness, my creativity and my individuality”, she says. “I am THRILLED to be on this journey as part of the YSL Beauty family”.
👋
TikTok’s Global Head Of Music Operations Paul Hourican is departing the company. “After four and a half amazing years and with a lifetime’s worth of memories and achievements in the bag, I have made the decision to move on from TikTok and I’m excited about what the future holds”, he said in a post on LinkedIn.
📻
Graham Norton has announced that he is leaving his weekend afternoon show on Virgin Radio, having moved to the commercial station from BBC Radio 2 back in 2021. His slot will be temporarily filled by Angela Scanlon until a permanent replacement is announced. "His are big boots to fill and we'll be announcing the owner of those feet in the weeks to come”, says Content Director Mike Cass.
🚪
Mark Forrest, Mark Kermode, Luci Holland, Richard Allinson and Sam Hughes are set to leave Scala Radio, as the Bauer-owned classical station goes presenter-free between 2pm and 6pm on weekdays. “At Scala Radio we’re continually looking at how we can review and update our offering to provide something new for our audiences and with these new programmes and curations, we’re really pleased to be offering even more music to accompany them across the day”, says Content Director Nick Pitts, putting a positive spin on what some might think is a cost-cutting measure.
🚀
Live music company FKP Scorpio has promoted Rauha Kyyrö and Rense van Kessel to become co-Presidents Of Touring & Artist Development. “Rauha and Rense’s work has been a vital part of our success for several years now”, say FKP bosses Folkert Koopmans and Stephan Thanscheidt. “Their new roles as Presidents [Of] Touring & Artist Development are the next step in strengthening our natural growth and diverse portfolio, with the aim of being the best partner for artists and music fans alike”.
LIVE BUSINESS
❌
The Connect Music Festival in Edinburgh has announced that it is cancelling its 2024 edition. Organisers say that they have "decided to take a break” in order “to take the time to build the next edition of the festival”.
INDUSTRY EVENTS
🙆♀️
The Abbey Road Equalise festival will return on 4-8 Mar to coincide with International Women’s Day. It will feature workshops, masterclasses and panel talks featuring leading female figures from across the music industry. More information here.
AWARDS
🏆
The BRIT Awards has announced Chase & Status as winners of this year’s Producer Of The Year award. Set to perform at the ceremony on 2 Mar, the duo say, "We couldn't be more proud - we've been flying the flag for British music now for a long time, we're super proud of all the music that has come out of the UK. As producers, and as a creative duo, I think we are probably in one of the best places we've been”.
RELEASES
🕊️
BMG is to release an album of previously unreleased recordings by Paco and Pepe de Lucía. ‘Pepito y Paquito’ will be released in May to mark the tenth anniversary of Paco’s death. Originally recorded to cassette, the recordings have been enhanced using AI. “I never thought these recordings would ever see the light of day, but thanks to the tireless work of the team that has been part of this process, the tapes have finally been restored and are ready to be released”, says Pepe.
🇬🇧
AG Cook will release new album ‘Britpop’ on 10 May. His new single, also called ‘Britpop’, is out now.