DEALS
💰
New Songs Administration has acquired a 50% share of the songwriting catalogue of Gary Grainger, best known for his work with Rod Stewart. “It’s a privilege to have these works alongside songs that we already have by Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard and The Beatles”, says Managing Director John Fogarty. “Long live rock and roll!”
APPOINTMENTS
🚀
Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak record label has promoted Lorne Padman to President. “Throughout Lorne’s ten years as Vice President, he has been an integral part of the label’s success story”, Aoki tells Billboard. “His ability to cultivate strong relationships within the industry has been critical in elevating the reputation of Dim Mak’s brand. I’m confident that Lorne’s leadership and hard work will continue to steer the label toward further growth and excellence”.
DIGITAL
🎶
Spotify has launched a music-only subscription in the US, as it recently did in the UK, so basically music and podcasts without audiobooks at a slightly cheaper price. The streaming service also recently reclassified its main premium tier as a music and audiobooks bundle, saying that this allows it to pay lower royalties to music publishers and songwriters in the US by exploiting a bundling clause in the compulsory licence that operates in that market.
MEDIA
📻
Bauer Media has launched a new audio platform called Rayo offering access to more than 50 radio stations as well as curated playlists and on-demand content. The broadcaster’s Planet Radio website, that previously aggregated its radio stations, is also relaunching under that brand. “This is a pivotal moment in Bauer Media Audio UK’s journey”, says CEO Simon Myciunka. “We have an incredibly strong portfolio of brands and millions of engaged listeners – many of whom are increasingly listening to stations on connected devices. Rayo will bring them into the audioverse and offer a much-improved listening experience, with a daily soundtrack that is simplified, personalised and hand-picked by our team of DJs, presenters and special guests”.
GIGS & FESTIVALS
🇮🇪
St Vincent has announced that she will play Dublin’s Olympia Theatre on 13 Oct and Manchester’s Albert Hall on 14 Oct. Tickets go on general sale on Friday.
RELEASES
🖤
Kali Uchis has released new single ‘Never Be Yours’.