DEALS
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Universal Music has signed a new ten year agreement with HYBE to distribute the K-pop company’s releases worldwide. It extends and expands an existing partnership, and also includes Universal collaborating with HYBE’s superfan platform Weverse. "A partnership of this magnitude only comes together when both sides are equally committed to continued growth”, says HYBE Chair Bang Si-Hyuk. “UMG is an iconic music company and together with HYBE, the potential is endless. We are certain that this will expand our global footprint, while benefiting our fans, artists and labels”.
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Warner Chappell has signed Teddy Swims to a global publishing deal. “THRILLED to be teaming up with Warner Chappell as my publisher”, he says. “Songwriting has always been the core of who I am as an artist and it will continue to be. It’s my therapy and having a team behind me that gets that means the world to me”.
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Concord Music Publishing has signed an administration deal with songwriter William Bell. "We are beyond honoured to be working with William Bell - one of the true architects of modern American popular music, as songwriter, recording artist and entrepreneur”, says Tom DeSavia, SVP A&R at Concord. “It's incredibly exciting to be entrusted by Mr Bell to work alongside him and his team on his incredible body of work, both classic and contemporary”.
LEGAL
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Micheal Jackson’s mother Katherine Jackson has filed a response to her grandson Bigi Jackson’s objection to her using funds from the late pop star’s estate to fight a legal battle against the estate’s executors. Bigi believes that an appeal against a previous ruling (reportedly relating to an attempt to block a $600 million catalogue deal) to be a waste of time. In her new filing, seen by People, Katherine argues that she should be allowed the money and that the beneficiaries of the estate - Jackson’s children, but not her - will not lose out.
LIVE BUSINESS
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Australia’s Splendour In The Grass festival has been cancelled, just two weeks after the event’s 2024 line-up was announced. “We know there were many fans excited for this year’s line-up and all the great artists planning to join us, but due to unexpected events, we’ll be taking the year off”, said organisers in a statement.
INDUSTRY EVENTS
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This year's Great Escape showcase festival is getting closer, taking place from 15-18 May in Brighton. CMU is no longer involved in programming the TGE Conference - having stepped down after delivering twelve successful editions - with a number of industry organisations curating the conference sessions instead, including the Night Time Industries Association and the Council Of Music Makers. A number of speakers were confirmed earlier today, including Jarvis Cocker, who will present a climate-themed talk in partnership with Brian Eno's EarthPercent charity. Record industry veteran Darcus Beese will be in conversation as he publishes his memoir 'Rebel With A Cause'. And, as part of the CMM-presented strand, Tom Gray will be in conversation with YolanDa Brown. More info here.
AWARDS
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Bruce Springsteen has become the first non-British songwriter to become a Fellow of The Ivors Academy. He will formally receive the honour at this year’s Ivor Novello Awards in London on 23 May. “I’m proud to be the first international songwriter to be recognised by The Ivors Academy”, says Springsteen. “In addition to recognising my songwriting, the award stands as a tribute to the fans and friends who have supported me and my work for the last 50 years. This entire country has made me feel welcome every step of the way, and for this, I will always remain deeply appreciative”.
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The nominations for this year’s ARIA UK radio industry awards have been announced. The ceremony, hosted by Alice Levine and Romesh Ranganathan, will take place at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London on 7 May. See the full list of nominees here.
ARTIST NEWS
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Metallica’s Lars Ulrich and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith will make cameo appearances in the upcoming ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ sequel, according to Deadline.
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Jordan Rakei has been announced as the first ever Artist In Residence at Abbey Road Studios. “This is a significant moment for Abbey Road Studios as we introduce our Artist In Residence programme, a new chapter that underscores our commitment to fostering creativity and innovation within the music industry”, says MD Sally Davies. “We are THRILLED to welcome Jordan Rakei as our first ever artist in this role”.
GIGS & FESTIVALS
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The Blockheads have announced three shows to mark their 45th anniversary later this spring. They will play The Ropetackle in Shoreham-by-Sea on 10 May and The Forge in London on 11-12 May. Tickets are on sale now.
RELEASES
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John Cale will release his latest album ‘POPtical Illusion’ on 14 Jun. Out now is new single ‘How We See The Light’.
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DIIV have released new single ‘Everyone Out’. Their upcoming album ‘Frog In Boiling Water’ is out on 24 May.
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Shygirl has released new track ‘Making The Beast’, which will appear on her upcoming ‘Fabric Presents: Shygirl’ mix, out on 26 Apr.
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Eivør will release new album ‘ENN’ on 14 Jun. Out now is lead single ‘Jarðartrá’.
