DEALS
Grimes has signed a new record deal with Sony's Columbia label, according to Billboard. The musician has worked with 4AD for the last decade, releasing three albums with the indie label.
LIVE BUSINESS
The Music Venue Trust has launched new campaign #WomenToTheFront, highlighting women and female-identifying people who work in the grassroots music sector. "It's incredibly important to Music Venue Trust to be using International Women's Day 2021 as an opportunity to celebrate the women who play such an important role in the UK's grassroots music industry", says MVT's Sarah Claudine. "We are very proud to have so many remarkable women contribute to MVT, from our core team and coordinators to our board of trustees and patrons, and know that this diversity is reflective of the changing face of the wider live music community".
DIGITAL & D2F SERVICES
TikTok has partnered with Shesaid.so to launch a series of Q&A and mentoring events. The first will be today, starting at 5.30pm UK time, featuring Grace Carter and Jyoty. "As a partner to the industry, we want to help create a more inclusive future for music", says Jana Ulaite, TikTok's Head Of Brand & Partnerships Marketing for Europe. "It's why we've made it our focus this International Women's Day and why we're raising the voice of women in music through our partnership with Shesaid.so, special performances and our #wearehere campaign".
Dance music platform Beatport has announced a month-long residency by Maya Jane Coles, which will see her highlighting women in electronic music through various special broadcasts. In a livestream on Beatport's Twitch, Facebook and YouTube pages today, she will highlight DJs including Charlotte De Witte, Honey Dijon and Yuki.
MANAGEMENT & FUNDING
MMF and The Zoo XYZ will jointly host a discussion on black women in the music industry tomorrow. Taking place as part of the MMF Unite programme, panelists will include Whitney Asomani of Twenty:Two Marketing And Creative Agency, Shikayla Nadine of SNM Management, Shauni Caballero of The Go 2 Agency, and Nike Durosaro of Big Drum Entertainment. More info and tickets here.
MEDIA NEWS
Jazz FM has announced a week of programmes celebrating women in jazz, soul and blues. "The jazz community is full of talented, strong, and passionate women – but the history and nature of the scene means we're outnumbered, and don't often enough get the respect we deserve", says Editor/Producer of Jazz FM Voices, Claire Umney. "This Jazz FM is inviting musicians, event producers, managers, activists, and CEOs to share their experiences, frustrations and hopes for the future… but why limit it to just one day? After all, we'll still be women come 9 Mar".
Pioneer DJ has partnered with women-led radio station Foundation.fm. They will team up for three shows this month - two round table discussions on 9 and 24 Mar, and a five hour takeover by a selection of female DJs on 19 Mar.
RELEASES
Marshmello and 2kBaby have released a new single together, called 'Like This'.
Stefflon Don features on a new remix of Doja Cat and Saweetie's 'Best Friend'.
Duck Sauce have released new single 'Ask Me'.
SZA has released a video for her December 2020 single 'Good Days'.
A new compilation from Unsound Festival features a previously unreleased collaboration between Jlin and Sophie, titled 'Jsloipnhie'.
Mitski has released new track 'The Baddy Man', taken from her upcoming soundtrack to graphic novel 'This Is Where We Fall'.
Au/ra has released new single 'Dead Girl'.
Foxing have released new track 'Speak With The Dead', featuring Why?
GIGS & TOURS
Fabric has announced plans for its first weekend of clubbing after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted - if all goes to plan and those restrictions are removed in June. Line-ups are yet to be announced, but the London club is promising 42 hours of music over 25-26 Jun. Details here.
Ghetts has announced UK tour dates in November, finishing with a show at the Roundhouse in London on 20 Nov. Tickets go on sale on Friday.