LEGAL
⚖️
A judge has ordered Marilyn Manson to reimburse Evan Rachel Wood for legal fees incurred while fighting a defamation lawsuit he brought against her, reports Rolling Stone. The case is actually still heading to trial later this year, but in massively reduced form, after the judge dismissed many of Manson’s claims last year.
DEALS
🎭
Actor Kate Hudson has partnered with Universal Music’s artist and label services division Virgin Music Group to release her first recorded music. Her debut single ‘Talk About Love’, which she co-wrote with Linda Perry and Danny Fujikawa, is due out later today.
🖊️
Universal Music’s Decca Records has signed Victor Ray. “I’m really excited to have joined Decca and to be working with the team. It was clear from our first meeting that [the team] understood my long term vision as an artist”, he says.
🤖
BMG has partnered with the GenAI Lab at TUM School Of Management - part of Munich’s Technical University - “to fast-track the deployment of artificial intelligence in the company”. “The core objective of this first phase of our work will be to demonstrate how generative AI can improve the creative efficiency and effectiveness of multi-modal marketing content”, says project leader Dr Jochen Hartmann. “I am delighted to be working with BMG in this groundbreaking area”.
APPOINTMENTS
🚀
Vicky Eacott - formerly of Wichita and Motive Unknown - has launched new project and label management firm Hit Reset. “Whether it’s a self-releasing artist looking for someone to manage their campaign, or a label or management company looking to bolster their presence in the UK and Europe, it's clear that there is a growing need for flexible project and label management services”, she says. “I’m excited to be setting up my own offering in this area with Hit Reset”.
🌊
Water & Music founder Cherie Hu is set to join Syracuse University later this year to teach music business modules at the institution’s Newhouse School Of Public Communications. “I look forward to bringing real world insights and innovative practices on music and tech into the Newhouse classroom, crafting dynamic and enriching learning experiences for the next generation of industry leaders”, she says.
EVENTS
🎶
UK National Album Day will return again this year on 19 Oct, this time with the theme of Great British Groups. “From the iconic influence of The Beatles and Spice Girls to the dynamic new sounds of BRITs winners Wet Leg, countless artists spanning diverse backgrounds and rich genres make for an exciting celebration of Great British Groups”, say ERA’s Kim Bayley and BPI’s Jo Twist in a joint statement. “With so many legendary albums produced by British groups, National Album Day has a brilliant grounding for fans to explore records both new and old, revisiting or enjoying them for the first time”.
LIVE BUSINESS
🚨
AEG has apologised for a technical error that saw Sleep Token fans who signed up for a US tour presale receive their access codes 24 hours after tickets had gone on general sale. The band have since said that they are working to identify and cancel tickets bought by bots and touts in order to redistribute them to fans who missed out.
AWARDS
🏆
Raye is the second performer to be announced for this year’s BRIT Awards, joining Dua Lipa on the bill. The ceremony will take place at the O2 Arena on 2 Mar and will be broadcast live on ITV1.
GIGS & FESTIVALS
🧊
Chaka Khan will curate this year’s Meltdown Festival at London’s Southbank Centre. “I'm beyond excited to be a part of this legacy, bringing everyone together, young and old, for a summer celebration like no other”, she says. “This festival isn't just about music, it's a feast for all your senses, a gathering of hearts and souls. The Southbank Centre's about to light up!” The event will run from 14-23 Jun.
🍭
Stray Kids have been announced as the latest headliners for this year’s BST Hyde Park festival in London - a UK exclusive performance. They will play on 14 Jul. Tickets go on sale on 12 Feb. Other headliners announced so far are Andrea Bocelli on 5 Jul and Robbie Williams on 6 Jul.
RELEASES
🦌
Sega Bodega has released new single ‘Deer Teeth’.
🤍
Sheherazaad will release her debut mini-album ‘Qasr’ on 2 Mar. Out now is new single ‘Dhund Lo Mujhe’.