Deals
Beyoncé has partnered with billionaire trinkets company LVMH to launch her own brand of whisky, SirDavis. The joint venture with LVMH subsidiary Moët Hennessy, set to debut in September, claims that it will “redefine” the taste of American whisky, which frankly can’t be that difficult. The whisky is named after Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s great-grandfather, a “farmer and a moonshiner” called Davis Hogue. “When I discovered that my great-grandfather had been a moonshine man, it felt like my love for whisky was fated”, enthuses Knowles-Carter. “SirDavis is a way for me to pay homage to him, uniting us through a new shared legacy”.
Alex Cooper has signed a new multi-year agreement with SiriusXM, bringing her top-ranking podcast Call Her Daddy and her Unwell Network’s roster of programmes to the audio entertainment company, after a previous three year $60 million deal with Spotify expired. The new deal, reported to be worth up to $125 million over three years, grants SiriusXM exclusive advertising and distribution rights for Cooper’s content. Exclusive programming is set to debut on SiriusXM in 2025, with the podcast remaining available on other platforms. Cooper says, “The Daddy Gang will always be my top priority, and with SiriusXM we will continue to find new ways to evolve and provide my listeners the best experience”.
Create Music Group has partnered with Los Angeles-based electronic trio Cheat Codes to release their upcoming music. The collaboration begins with the release of new single ‘BLOOM’, featuring Train. Thomas Garcia, Create Music Group’s Director Of A&R, Dance/Electronic, says, “Create Music Group is THRILLED to partner with Cheat Codes as they begin a new chapter in their musical career”. The deal follows Create Music Group’s recent $165 million investment led by private equity firm Flexpoint Ford, aimed at supporting the company’s growth and enhancing its services for independent artists and labels.
HarbourView Equity Partners has purchased select publishing assets from songwriter and producer James Fauntleroy. Known for collaborations with artists such as Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé, Fauntleroy recently co-wrote Lady Gaga and Mars’ new single ‘Die With A Smile’. Sherrese Clarke Soares, Founder and CEO of HarbourView, says, “James Fauntleroy has made an incredible impact with his contributions across several genres, including pop, hip hop and R&B. With a keen ear for creating global hits, he has solidified his position as one of the best singer/songwriters and producers of this generation. We are excited to welcome him to the HarbourView family”.
Warner Records has signed Madrid-based pop singer and multi-instrumentalist Rusowsky via a joint venture with Rusia IDK, an artist collective led by Rusowsky and singer-producer Ralphie Choo. Rusowsky is a prominent figure in Madrid’s alternative music scene and has been releasing music since 2019, collaborating with artists including C Tangana and DELLAFUENTE. Jackson Harris, manager of A&R at Warner Records, says, “This partnership is emblematic of Warner Records’ storied history as a home for true artists across all genres”.
Warner Music’s ADA has signed a global distribution deal with FTS Global Management, the independent label founded by former athlete and banker Travis Wilson. The partnership will see ADA handling worldwide distribution for FTS’s roster of artists, which includes The Game, Eric Bellinger and Konshens. Cat Kreidich, President of ADA, says, “We’re excited to welcome a label led by a visionary committed to artist empowerment. This partnership perfectly aligns with ADA’s mission to not only distribute exceptional music, but also to foster the growth of enduring catalogues and cultivate new audiences”.
Benztown has launched Benztown Production Music, a new production music library aimed at the film and television industries. The audio production company, known for its work with broadcasters like National Geographic, the BBC and iHeartMedia, has expanded its services to cater to a new client base. Andreas Sannemann, Benztown’s Co-Founder and CEO, says, “The new Benztown Production Music library will marry advanced German audio technology, structure and craft with a distinct vibrancy and contemporary musical tastes. With our modern arrangements, instrumentation and European flair, our new production music library will present a sonically superior presence when our clients are searching for ultra-modern and up-to-date tracks, mixes and stems”.
Max Wolfgang has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Kobalt. The UK-based songwriter and producer, known for his work with Olivia Dean, BLACKPINK, BTS and Ed Sheeran, has collaborated on the release of Dean’s single ‘Time’ to mark the beginning of the partnership. Kenny McGoff, Head Of Creative, UK at Kobalt, says, “The quality of songwriting speaks for itself. He brings so much to the party and we are proud as punch to be in it with him”. Angus Murray of Headlights Management, who has managed Wolfgang since the start of his career, adds, “We’re delighted to be working with the Kobalt team as Max embarks on this next phase of his career”.
Appointments
TikTok has upped two executives to key roles covering the UK, Ireland, EMEA and Sub-Saharan Africa regions. Toyin Mustapha has been promoted to Head Of Music Partnerships for UK, Ireland and SSA, while Nichal Sethi has been appointed Head Of SoundOn EMEA. Both confirmed their new positions on LinkedIn, with Mustapha moving back into music partnerships after previously leading music promotions for TikTok’s distribution service SoundOn in the UK. Sethi, who joined TikTok parent company ByteDance in January 2022, says, “I’m very excited to continue growing SoundOn in Europe, Middle East and Sub Saharan Africa, building upon the many successes we’ve had since launching in various markets while opening and growing in new markets”.
Margrethe Vestager will not return for a third term as the European Union’s competition commissioner. Following her party’s poor performance in Denmark’s 2022 elections, which saw it lose its place in Denmark’s ruling coalition, the Danish government is preparing to nominate a different candidate as their European commissioner, with three men from the ruling Social Democrat party considered frontrunners. During her decade-long tenure as competition commissioner, Vestager became known for imposing multi-billion euro fines on major US technology companies - including a €1.8 billion fine for Apple - and implementing the Digital Markets Act. “Vestager is out. Nobody owes her anything”, says a former minister from one of the current coalition parties. It’s understood that European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will begin interviewing potential candidates for competition commissioner as early as next week, with handover to take place in the autumn.
Warner Music Finland has promoted Isadora Kamotskin to the role of Marketing Director. In her new position, Kamotskin will report to Ramona Forsström, the territory’s Managing Director, and join the management of Warner Music Finland and Warner Music Live. Kamotskin, who joined Warner Music in 2016, has previously worked as Marketing Manager in the domestic marketing department and played a role in the A&R team. During her career, she has contributed to the success of Finnish artists such as Antti Tuisku, Arttu Wiskari and BEHM. Forsström says, “I’m really excited to see Isadora rise to the position of Marketing Director at Warner Music Finland and also join our management team. She has a strategic vision, strong marketing skills, a deep understanding of our roster and the ability to help artists achieve success”.
Confetto Productions has launched Confetto Artist Management and appointed Mike Williams as Executive Vice President of Artist Management & Talent Acquisition. Williams, who has over 25 years of experience in the music industry, previously worked with artists such as Pat Green, Cory Morrow and Robert Earl Keen. The new division says it aims to provide personalised support and guidance to artists, leveraging Williams’ expertise in negotiating deals with major labels, booking agencies and sponsors. Stephanie Stegall, Founder of Confetto Productions, says, “After two decades of working closely with both venues and artists, I am beyond excited for Confetto Artist Management. This will allow us to support and nurture talent in a more profound and personalised way”.
All Things Live Denmark has made two additions to its promoter team, hiring Louis Andersen-Risager and Snorri Astradsson. Astradsson joins from Reykjavík-based concert promoter Garcia Events, which he co-founded in Iceland in 2021. Andersen-Risager’s previous roles include agent assistant at UTA in London and booker for various Danish venues. Pernille Pedersen, CEO of All Things Live Denmark, says, “Both Louis and Snorri are young, knowledgeable, hardworking individuals that are keen to make a name for themselves in our business. They are great additions to our existing strong team in Copenhagen”.
ASM Global has appointed Meg Walker as Group Director Of Arena Operations for the Asia Pacific region from October. Walker, who joins from Live Nation, will be responsible for the company’s arena network in Australia while supporting other arena venues in the region, focusing on event acquisition and operational planning. She replaces Tim Worton, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Harvey Lister, ASM APAC Chairman and CEO, says, “The depth and scale of Meg’s experience in the operation of major events and live entertainment is the perfect fit to lead our portfolio of world class arenas, frequently featured in Billboard, Pollstar and Rolling Stone”.
Streaming, Digital & Broadcast
Music journalist and software developer Christopher R Weingarten has launched Fuzzzel, a new “artisanal white noise” app, which features contributions from a number of notable musicians. The app includes infinite loop soundscapes with accompanying videos from artists such as Owen Pallett, Mary Lattimore, Kelly Moran, Eluvium, clipping and Chris Watson. Each artist has provided a statement about their contribution, which is included alongside the music and imagery in the app. Weingarten says, “I’ve intentionally left Fuzzzel abstract. Play these pieces quietly or loudly. Use them for daydreaming or for focusing. Use them as ambient noise or as your favorite jams”.
Musical AI has partnered with Symphonic Distribution to offer Symphonic’s music catalogue to AI companies for legal model training. The partnership allows generative AI models to be trained on Symphonic’s commercial releases when artists and labels opt in, potentially creating a new revenue stream for the distribution company’s artists. Musical AI, a music rights management platform for AI, employs proprietary technology to determine AI attribution and metered usage, and - under its former branding Somms.ai - is certified by Ed Newton Rex’s FairlyTrained.org. Jorge Brea, founder and CEO of Symphonic, says, “By partnering with Musical AI, we’re unlocking a truly sustainable approach to generative AI that honours our community. We’re excited to see the musical innovation that results from this partnership”.
will.i.am has launched a new AI-driven interactive radio service called RAiDiO.FYI. The service, part of will.i.am’s tech company FYI, allows users to converse with AI DJs about topics ranging from music to breaking news, creating personalised listening experiences. RAiDiO.FYI aims to evolve traditional radio into a more engaging medium, particularly for younger audiences who have been moving away from AM/FM radio. will.i.am tells Billboard, “This is an infotainment revolution where you can go back and forth with information in a deep way, and I’m so excited to be launching that with FYI”.
OpenAI has signed a multi-year content partnership with Condé Nast to display content from the publisher’s brands within OpenAI’s products, including ChatGPT and its SearchGPT prototype. The deal will allow OpenAI to access Condé Nast’s large archives of text from publications such as Vogue, Wired and The New Yorker. This partnership follows similar agreements OpenAI has made with other publishers including Time magazine, the Financial Times and Axel Springer. Brad Lightcap, Chief Operating Pfficer at OpenAI, says the company is committed to working with Condé Nast and other news publishers to “ensure that as AI plays a larger role in news discovery and delivery, it maintains accuracy, integrity and respect for quality reporting”.
Live
The Association Of Independent Festivals has reported that 60 UK festivals have announced postponement, cancellation or closure for 2024, bringing the total number of UK festivals lost since 2019 to 192. The organisation cites rising and unpredictable costs as a primary factor in these closures, with notable events such as Secret Garden Party in Cambridgeshire announcing its final year. AIF is campaigning for a temporary reduction in VAT on festival tickets from 20% to 5% to support the industry. AIF CEO John Rostron says, “The number of festivals forced to cancel, postpone or shut down entirely in 2024, largely because of unpredictable costs and a credit crunch within the sector, shows no signs of slowing”.
Aitch, Caity Baser and Sugababes are set to perform at the ParalympicsGB Homecoming event on 12 Sep at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena. The celebration, hosted by Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker from ‘The Last Leg’, will welcome home athletes returning from the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Additional artists are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The ballot for 10,000 ‘free’ tickets (which actually cost £2 when you throw in booking fees) opened on Monday. Channel 4 will broadcast highlights from the homecoming a couple of days after the event takes place.
Coldplay has achieved the highest-grossing rock tour of all time with their ‘Music Of The Spheres’ world tour. The British band’s ongoing trek has reportedly grossed $945.7 million and sold 8.8 million tickets since launching in March 2022, surpassing Elton John’s ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’, which grossed $939.1 million from 2018-2023. The tour, which has visited Asia, North and South America, and Europe, is set to continue with shows in Australia and New Zealand later this year. With 21 dates remaining, Coldplay is strongly rumoured to be planning a ten night run at London’s Wembley Stadium next summer in support of their upcoming album ‘Moon Music’.
KVU - Kirche von Unten, a Berlin music venue and youth centre, has announced its impending closure after its rental contract was cancelled for the second time. The venue revealed the news on Instagram on 16 Aug, stating that it expects to have approximately six months left to operate. KVU, located on Storkower Straße, describes itself as a “cross-generational leisure facility” and has recently hosted performances by artists such as Ossia and Migz. The closure follows a similar announcement by Berlin club Renate, which also recently announced that it would be closing.
Australian venue operator Playbill Group has entered into a partnership with AEG Presents and Frontier Touring. The company, which operates Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, will maintain business as usual with Michael Nebenzahl continuing as Managing Director. Playbill Group, founded in 1958, manages the Hordern Pavilion and provides merchandising for theatrical productions in twelve countries worldwide. Dion Brant, CEO of Frontier Touring, comments, “Playbill and Frontier have a lot in common. Australian-founded family companies proving competitive on the global stage”.
Artist News
Gunna has partnered with the Black Music Action Coalition to launch the Gunna x BMAC 30349 Guaranteed Income Program. The $500,000 initiative will provide a $1000 monthly stipend to 30 families in South Fulton, Georgia for one year, starting 18 Sep. The programme, targeting the area where Gunna was raised, aims to offer direct financial assistance as well as support services in areas like financial empowerment and mental health. Gunna says, “Partnering with BMAC to introduce the Guaranteed Income Program in South Fulton is a significant step toward enhancing these communities and transforming the economic landscape of the city”.
Lorde has returned to the studio, working with producer Jim-E Stack. Stack shared a photo on Instagram showing the ‘Green Light’ singer working on her laptop in a recording studio. This development comes a week after Lorde wiped her social media accounts, fuelling speculation about a new album. The singer has been teasing a follow-up to her 2021 album ‘Solar Power’ for nearly a year, recently posting a brief clip of what appears to be new music alongside a studio image. Lorde’s current social media bio reads, “THE THEMES ARE ALWAYS THE SAME— A RETURN TO INNOCENCE— THE MYSTERIES OF THE BLOOD— AN ITCH FOR THE TRANSCENDENTAL”.
Phil Collins has reportedly begun working on new music, according to an Instagram post from Simon Napier-Bell, who interviewed him for an upcoming documentary about legendary London music venue The Marquee Club. The former Genesis singer and drummer has not released solo material since the 2003 Disney film ‘Brother Bear’ soundtrack, but Napier-Bell said after the interview that Collins was “in top form, full of wicked stories, hugely fun. And he’s just had his studio revamped. For sure, before too long we’re going to hear some new music”.
Metallica has donated $40,000 to People Serving People, Minnesota’s largest organisation providing services for homeless people and families, through the band’s All Within My Hands foundation. The donation was made following the band’s visit to Minneapolis, with the non-profit organisation announcing the gift on 19 Aug via Instagram. Amanda Finman-Palmer from People Serving People says, “For us, it’s really, really exciting to be recognised like that. Clearly they did some research and thought, ‘This organisation is doing some really exciting stuff’”.
Releases & Tours
Fontaines D.C. have released their new single ‘In The Modern World’. Their new album ‘Romance’ is out this Friday.
duendita has released her new single ‘born with power’. Her new EP ‘Direct Line To My Creator’ is out 27 Sep.
Sunship and Tracy Ray have collaborated on new single ‘You’re My Thrill’.
CARI has released her new single ‘Bleeding’.
Pendulum, Joey Valence and Brae have collaborated on new single ‘Napalm’.
julie have released their new single ‘very little effort’. Their debut album ‘my anti-aircraft friend’ is out 13 Sep.
Chastity have released their new single ‘Offing’. Their new eponymous album is out 13 Sep.
Robert DeLong has released his new single ‘soft boy (sad boy edition)’. His new album ‘PLAYLIST of DOOM’ is out 13 Sep.
LEGZDINA has released her new single ‘Bitter Truth’.
Hayden Thorpe has released his new single ‘He’. His new album ‘Ness’ is out 27 Sep.
OMBIIGIZI have collaborated on new single ‘Laminate The Sky’. Their new album ‘SHAME’ is out 1 Nov.
Benji Bower and The Terra Collective Orchestra have collaborated on new single ‘Perpetuus’, featuring Melanie Marshall. Their debut collaborative album ‘Terra Coda’ is out 11 Oct.
Michigander has released his new single ‘Giving Up’.
Du Blonde has released her new single ‘TV Star’. Her new album ‘Sniff More Gritty' is out 1 Nov.
Jade Hairpins have released their new single ‘Get Me the Good Stuff’. Their new album of the same title is out 13 Sep.
Speedy Wunderground’s Joyeria has announced a headline performance and art show at London’s New River Studios on 3 Oct. Tickets go live this Friday here - and also include three new Joyeria songs on cassette.
El Khat have added more dates to their UK tour, including a show at Where Else? in Margate on 12 Oct.