DEALS
📝
The catalogue of songwriter Will Jennings has been acquired by his longtime publisher Lance Free in partnership with Fuji Music Group. His credits include songs such as ‘My Heart Will Go On’ and ‘Up Where We Belong’.
🌍
B2B streaming company Tuned Global has signed a deal to power Sona, which is described as a "new artist-centric streaming service”. TunedGlobal MD Con Raso explains that Sona seeks “to offer more ways to support artists directly, not just through the usual streaming royalty payouts. [It] offers a particularly exciting opportunity, combining blockchain and traditional music streaming on a single platform. It’s a first and it’s brought together some of Tuned Global’s most exciting technical capabilities”.
APPOINTMENTS
🇨🇳
Universal Music Greater China has appointed Ming Lu as VP Artist Development & Entertainment Strategy. “In my role, I will dedicate myself to advancing artist development with the broader scope of entertainment opportunities, focusing on cultivating talent and enhancing artist services”, he says. “It is an exciting prospect to help bridge Chinese music culture with the global market, thus broadening the horizons for Chinese artists internationally”.
💡
Primary Talent International booking agent Peter Elliott has announced that he will retire at the end of this month, having spent the last 28 years at the company. "We grew Primary with a 'family' ethos, driven by a desire to work with the most creative people and talent”, he says. “In my role as an agent I have been privileged to work with and help develop many wonderful musicians, creatives and great genre-defining artists. All in all, it's been a damn fine journey”.
👋
YolanDa Brown has announced that she will step down from her role as Chair of the trustees at music charity Youth Music. "After six fulfilling years at the helm, I am preparing to pass the baton in March 2024”, she says. “It's been an incredible journey, one filled with learning, inspiration and, most importantly, meaningful impact in the lives of young people through the power of music”.
DIGITAL & D2F
🎙️
Sound engineer Wez Clarke has launched an AI clone of himself, in partnership with AI mastering company Masterchannel. The tool aims to offer Clarke-style mixes to anyone who wants them. “The exciting thing about the clone is that it’s opening up what I can deliver to a much wider audience of bedroom artists and producers”, he says. “It’s great that they can experience working with a major engineer - I would have loved to have had the opportunity to use something like this when I was just starting out, because it’s a perfect way to learn … how to achieve that professional sound themselves”.
RELEASES
👟
Ghetts has not released the video for his recent single ‘Laps’. That’s not a typo, instead of making a visual promo for the track, he’s donated the entire budget to Newham And Essex Beagles Athletics Club instead. The donation will cover the annual membership fees of 150 young people.
🕊️
Toddla T and Big Zuu have released new track 'No Justice4Grenfell, No Peace’. Six and a half years on from the Grenfell disaster, all proceeds from the release will go to Hope Garden and Justice4Grenfell.
AWARDS
🏆
The nominations for next year’s MOBO Awards have been announced. Little Simz and Stormzy lead with four nods each - with both competing for Album Of The Year and Video Of The Year. The ceremony will take place at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on 7 Feb. See the full nominations and vote here.