Deals
Beatdapp, an independent streaming fraud detection company, has been selected by the Mechanical Licensing Collective to enhance its streaming fraud detection capabilities. The collaboration aims to complement the US collecting society’s existing processes in protecting its 43,000+ members and ensuring accurate royalty distribution. “Beatdapp has built its technology by learning from the best trust and safety solutions serving other online verticals and tailoring our technology to the unique attributes of music", explain Morgan Hayduk and Andrew Batey, Co-CEOs at Beatdapp. Andrew Mitchell, Chief Analytics And Automation Officer at The MLC, adds: “We are proud to be working with Beatdapp to further amplify the many ways The MLC serves its members".
Warner Chappell Music has signed a global administration deal with singer-songwriter Liz Phair, covering her full catalogue including hits like ‘Why Can’t I?’, ‘Supernova’ and ‘Never Said’. The agreement comes as Phair celebrates the 30th anniversary of her influential debut album ‘Exile In Guyville’. “My songs represent my life’s work, and I am excited to take a fresh look at my catalogue with the support of such a unique and maverick team at Warner Chappell", says Phair. Carianne Marshall, WCM Co-Chair and COO, adds: “She opened doors for women in music in the 90s, ushering in a new era of rock and roll with her bold, empowering lyrics and trailblazing sound.”
Panini America has partnered with The Rolling Stones to produce the band’s first comprehensive, licensed trading card collection. The ‘Prizm The Rolling Stones’ set will feature special die-cut cards showcasing the Stones’ discography, artwork and tour history, with 100 base cards and numerous special editions. “We’re THRILLED to be working with Panini on this career spanning collection that celebrates the history, success and continued global appeal of The Rolling Stones", says Matt Young, President of Universal Music’s Bravado merchandise business.
Republic Records has signed Punjabi music star AP Dhillon in partnership with Universal Music Canada. Dhillon’s first release under the deal will be the single ‘Old Money’ on 9 Aug’, followed by an album titled ‘The Brownprint’ on 23 Aug. “Republic Records always saw the vision", says Dhillon. “They got and understood who I am from day one". Monte Lipman, founder and chairman of Republic, adds, “AP Dhillon is not only an incredible artist who continues to defy gravity in real time, but a shrewd visionary with a global reach that has already sparked a cultural revolution.”
Arcstream, a specialist in interactive and immersive technology, has acquired fan engagement and digital experience firm Innovate Live. The partnership aims to combine expertise in areas including fan engagement, experiential installations, interactive broadcasts and AI technology. “This partnership means we can rapidly develop our AI integration and will be key to get ahead of the curve for what audiences will expect in 2025 and beyond", says Arcstream AV Managing Director Neil Dickinson.
Solange Knowles has partnered with glassblower Jason McDonald to create a new glassware line for her creative house Saint Heron. The ‘Small Matter: Form Glassware 001’ collection, now available at the MoMa Design store, represents Knowles’ first venture into product design. “I began to make silicone moulds to work with resin to just explore different forms, and I fell in love with the luminosity and transparency in these resin objects, but some months later I took some glass blowing classes, and felt really connected to the process and material", Knowles explains.
Finnish heavy metal band Lordi have partnered with smartphone manufacturer OnePlus to create a promotional song for their latest device. The track, titled ‘Made Of Metal’, incorporates OnePlus’ “Never Settle” tagline in its chorus. Celina Shi, Chief Marketing Officer at OnePlus, comments, “We knew the OnePlus Nord 4 was an exceptional phone, so we needed to do something exceptional to bring it to market". The collaboration also includes a behind-the-scenes video of Lordi in the studio, which you can watch here.
Appointments
Help Musicians has appointed renowned conductor John Wilson as an official ambassador. The music charity aims to expand its reach with Wilson’s support. “Nothing beats the thrill of hearing live music and here in the UK we have some of the greatest musicians in the world - singers and players who continually strive to be the best they can be, in an environment which is often precarious and uncertain", says Wilson.
Venue operator ASM Global has appointed Ed Sanderson as Executive Vice President Of Business Development for Europe. Sanderson, who has spent the past three years developing ASM Global’s presence in Asia, will now focus on expanding the company’s European operations. “Europe represents a dynamic and exciting market for us. Our recent successes in the UK, Portugal, Italy and Finland have reinforced ASM Global’s market-leading position", says Chris Bray, ASM Global Europe President.
The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra has appointed Anja Bihlmaier as its principal guest conductor, effective from September. Bihlmaier will collaborate with orchestra director Adam Szabo on programming concerts, projects, recordings and broadcasts for Manchester audiences and BBC Radio 3. “I am THRILLED to join the BBC Philharmonic team as principal guest conductor, alongside such a respected colleague as John Storgårds", says Bihlmaier. She is set to conduct the orchestra at the BBC Proms on 8 Aug, in a programme featuring Beethoven, Brahms and Sarah Gibson.
Legal
London technology company BlueJay Technologies has sued Spotify for patent infringement over group listening features. The London-based startup, led by former Arqiva Chair Leonard Peter Shore, alleges Spotify’s “Group Session” and “Jam” services violate its US patent for “systems, methods, software, applications and devices for the broadcasting of short-lived personal internet radio stations”. In materials relating to a crowdfunding campaign in 2017 - which saw the company raise more than £150k - BlueJay said its technology “allows listeners to connect and interact socially over music through group instant messaging, and combines both in a smooth, enjoyable, real-time environment. This ability to run an internet radio station from your pocket is new and unique”. BlueJay claims it developed the technology in 2015 and shared details with Spotify in 2018, prior to Spotify launching similar features in 2020 and 2023. The lawsuit seeks damages and a jury trial to resolve the dispute.
50 Cent has won a legal battle over his hit TV series ‘Power’ after a judge dismissed a $1 billion lawsuit claiming the show was based on a former drug dealer’s life. Cory Holland sued 50 Cent in 2021, alleging over 100 scenes from Power were taken from his real-life experiences. US District Judge Analisa Torres rejected the claim on 1 Aug, ruling any similarities were too general to constitute theft of Holland’s life story. 50 Cent mocked the lawsuit on Instagram, writing: “Fool thought he was GHOST😆 da fvck wrong wit these 🥷🏾’s man 🤨LOL”. The dismissal marks the second failed lawsuit against the rapper over ‘Power’, which ran for six seasons on Starz from 2014 to 2020.
Drake and Lil Yachty have been given an ultimatum by internet personality Mr HotSpot regarding their unreleased track ‘Super Soak’. Mr HotSpot, whose song ‘Goodness Gracious’ was sampled without permission, has offered to clear the sample if the rappers record a clean version suitable for children. “We recorded them a clean reference and we sent it into them, so hopefully they re-record the clean reference and we come out with the clean ‘Goodness Gracious’ altogether", Mr HotSpot explains. He adds, “We ain’t trying to hold them back from nothing, but we just need the morals correct, that’s all.”
Labels, Publishing & Distribution
HYBE, the South Korean music company behind BTS and SEVENTEEN, has launched a label services business in the United States. The new unit, operating under HYBE AMERICA, will provide comprehensive services including distribution, marketing and promotion for labels and artists. “We have identified a growing demand for change in the traditional business structure in the US market due to its fragmentation, complex contractual relationships, and simplified care for individual artists at larger labels", explains Jason Jaesang Lee, HYBE’s new CEO. The move comes as part of HYBE’s new global strategy, dubbed HYBE 2.0, which also includes plans for “discreet investments” in areas such as generative AI and gaming. Simultaneously, HYBE IM, the company’s gaming arm, has raised $80 million from HYBE, Makers Fund, and IMM Investment to strengthen its position in the global gaming market. “Through the investment, HYBE IM will strengthen its competitiveness in the global gaming market and become a holistic gaming company by diversifying our portfolio in both publishing and developing games", it says in a press release. The gaming subsidiary, established in March 2022, has already launched successful games utilising HYBE artists’ intellectual property, particularly BTS.
Digital
ByteDance has launched Jimeng AI, a text-to-video generation tool, on Apple’s App Store for Chinese users, following its Android release on 31 Jul. The app, developed by ByteDance-owned Faceu Technology, joins a growing market of AI video generation tools from Chinese tech firms. Jimeng AI operates under ByteDance’s Jianying business, known for its video editing app CapCut.
Live
Independent Venue Week has announced its return for 2025, with the twelfth edition set to run from 27 Jan to 2 Feb. The organisation has launched venue sign-ups and introduced ‘Venue T-Shirt Day’ on 9 Aug, encouraging fans to show support for local venues. IVW Founder and CEO Sybil Bell says, “We are so happy to announce the return of Independent Venue Week for 2025. Every year, we look at new ways to shine a spotlight on these brilliant cultural spaces, highlighting their vital importance in sustaining the UK’s music culture and ecosystem at a local level". The 2024 edition saw 205 venues participate, with support from BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Music Introducing.
Scotland’s largest camping festival, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, has celebrated its 20th anniversary by raising over £100,000 for local grassroots charities. The Kilimanjaro Live-promoted event, held near Beauly, Inverness, drew 20,000 attendees and featured acts including James Arthur, Deacon Blue and Sugababes. Promoter Dougie Brown states, “We’ve always stuck to our roots of being a ‘festival for all’, all are welcome here and we carefully curate a line-up that will wow our full audience spectrum". Notably, attendees praised improved logistics and traffic control measures introduced following issues at last year’s event.
The Live Music Society has opened applications for its 2024 Toolbox Grant programme, offering up to $10,000 to small music venues across the US. The non-profit, which has distributed $3.7 million in funding since 2020, aims to support projects enhancing venues for staff, musicians and fans. Grants can be used for improving safety and comfort, increasing efficiency with technology, hiring consultants, or staff development. The 2024 round follows two rounds in 2023 that granted $300,000 to 43 small music venues.
Other industry news & events
Paul McCartney has honoured four new Companions at the Liverpool Institute For Performing Arts graduation ceremony, including music equality campaigner Vick Bain. The annual event saw McCartney, LIPA’s Founding Patron, present the accolades for outstanding achievement and practical contribution to students’ learning. Bain, recognised for her work in music equality, was joined by theatre director Jamie Lloyd, actor Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, and theatre designer Rae Smith in receiving the honour. Additionally, Sennheiser CEOs Dr Andreas Sennheiser and Daniel Sennheiser were made Honoured Friends for their long-time support of the institute.
Gibson Gives and Music Forward Foundation have partnered to present the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards for 2024. The programme will select ten US artists aged 18-24 to receive a $3000 grant, $1000 in Gibson retail credit, performance opportunities and quarterly mentorship. “Gibson Gives is proud to partner with Music Forward to support the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award", says Erica Krusen, Global Executive Director of Gibson Gives. Applications are open until 18 Aug, with winners to be announced at a virtual award show in mid-late October.
A former Cold War nuclear bunker in The Hague is set to become a seventeen room studio complex and venue called Subterra by the end of the year. The project, led by a group of artists previously associated with the Schenck space, aims to provide a permanent home for local musicians and producers. “We saw a broad demand for a safe, permanent place where these makers can leave their instruments and equipment", explains Benjamin Havenaar, who also directs Crave Festival. In addition to studios, Subterra will house an independent digital radio station and offer educational programming.
Spotify has subleased a significant portion of its World Trade Center office space in New York to secondary ticketing company StubHub as part of its ongoing downsizing efforts. The music streaming giant has now reduced its footprint to just over half of its original 564,000 square feet at 4 World Trade Center. This latest deal sees StubHub more than doubling its office space, moving from 44,000 to 103,000 square feet. “This significant expansion at 4 World Trade supports StubHub’s growth within its global headquarters", says Scott Bogetti of Savills, which represented StubHub in the transaction.
Artist news
SZA has announced a break from performing to focus on recording new music. She made the announcement following her headlining set at Montreal’s Osheaga Festival on 5 Aug, capping off a busy touring schedule that included her SOS world tour and festival appearances at Glastonbury and Lollapalooza. SZA teased an unreleased track called ‘Cry Baby’ during her Lollapalooza set, telling the crowd, “It’s not out, but it will be”. The singer tweeted after her Osheaga performance: “Yesterday was my last show for a while. Finally bout to get my life together thank u God.”
Rod Stewart has stirred controversy during his Las Vegas residency by mocking Donald Trump’s appearance, projecting images of the former president’s changing skin tone alongside text parodying his recent comments about Kamala Harris’s race. The singer interrupted his performance at the Colosseum to display the satirical content, which included the caption: “I didn’t know he was orange until a number of years ago, when he happened to turn orange". Stewart later shared the images on Instagram, extending the reach of his political commentary beyond the concert audience.
Releases & Tours
Emmanuel Jal has collaborated with STORRY on new single ‘CHOOSE LOVE’. Profits from the release are going to Choose Love, a non-profit organisation supporting refugees and displaced people across the globe.
Sad Night Dynamite have released their new single ‘Wake Up, Pass Out’. Their debut album ‘Welcome The Night’ is out 27 Sep.
Porches have released their new single ‘Crying At The End’. Their new album ‘Shirt’ is out 13 Sep.
Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker has released her new single ‘Once a Bunch’.
The Go! Team have collaborated with Los Bitchos on a rework of their track ‘Junior Kickstart’.
Behemoth have announced The Unholy Trinity European Tour for spring 2025, with Satyricon and Rotting Christ. Their UK show is on 12 Apr at the Brixton Academy. Tickets are on sale here.
Bright Eyes have announced an international tour, including a show at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire on 11 Nov. Tickets are on sale here.