Deals
Sony Music Masterworks has acquired a majority stake in Black Sky Creative, a Los Angeles-based producer of immersive entertainment experiences. Black Sky, led by founder Jeff Delson, will become part of Masterworks’ live division, focusing on creating experiential properties across music, social media, children’s entertainment, film, TV and gaming. The company’s recent projects include Stranger Things: The Official Store and an AC/DC Official Dive Bar Takeover. Mark Cavell, President of Sony Music Masterworks, says, “We’re excited to be partnering with Black Sky Creative to further grow our capabilities for developing unique live entertainment experiences around fans’ favourite artists, influencers, and film/TV characters”. Delson adds, “Together, we are expanding the landscape of live entertainment by pioneering new compelling ways for fans to connect with their favourite IP”.
Music rights acquisition outfit Iconoclast has partnered with Ujama Designs, a Colorado-based music publishing and management firm, to acquire intellectual property rights of reggae artists, beginning with Jamaican performer Half Pint. The deal covers music publishing and name, image, and likeness rights, aiming to preserve and expand reggae’s cultural impact. Olivier Chastan, founder of Iconoclast, says, “Working with Robert allows me to reconnect with my long history and passion for reggae music that started 20 years ago when I worked at VP Records and acquired Greensleeves Publishing”. Robert Oyugi, owner of Ujama Designs, adds, “The combination of my background in reggae music and Iconoclast’s technology-driven strategies makes this a perfect match for success”.
Universal Music Publishing Group has signed UK producer Scott Forshaw to a worldwide publishing agreement in collaboration with Organized Chaos, the independent dance music publisher. Forshaw, who has racked up co-production credits with artists like John Newman, will work closely with Organized Chaos co-founders Adam Griffin and Robert Davies. Dougie Bruce, Senior A&R Director at UMPG, says, “Scott is a rare, versatile and highly skilled producer. Working with our sub-publisher Organized Chaos, we are very excited to welcome him to our joint roster and realise the project together”. Forshaw says, “I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my career with Adam, Rob, and the UMPG/Organized Chaos team. I believe that together, we can build upon the strong foundations we have established and advance towards future successes”.
Warner Chappell Music and Tape Room Music have signed songwriter Ben Williams to a worldwide publishing deal. Williams will work closely with both companies’ A&R teams. “Ben is everything you could look for in a writer: talented, driven, and all around a great person”, says Caroline Hodson, Director of A&R at Tape Room Music. Williams adds, “I couldn’t be more excited to be joining forces with Tape Room and Warner Chappell. I’m so excited to work alongside my close friends Caroline and Benji and have some of the best people and best teams in my corner!”
Tia Sillers has inked a publishing deal with Nashville-based Toby & Molly Music. Sillers’ catalogue includes over 40 singles and 30 million records sold globally, featuring tracks recorded by The Chicks, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Lee Ann Womack. Rob Filhart, Co-Founder of Toby & Molly Music says, “Her talent is second to none, she will not be outworked and her songs are timeless”. Sillers adds, “Robert is not only one of my closest friends, he’s got the best ears in town”.
Legal
Hipgnosis Songs Fund has filed a lawsuit against Barry Manilow over bonus payments related to its 2020 acquisition of the American singer’s catalogue. The breach of contract claim was filed at the High Court in London on Monday, with Hipgnosis SFH 1 Limited represented by law firm Clintons. Hipgnosis purchased the rights to 917 of Manilow’s songs in 2020. The amount under dispute is, according to a FT source “in the low single-digit millions”, with a Hipgnosis spokesperson telling the paper that, “In discussion with Mr Manilow’s representatives it became clear that there was a difference in understanding of certain clauses in the sale agreement regarding bonus payments”.
Mariah Carey has asked a judge to dismiss a $20 million copyright infringement lawsuit targeting her hit song ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’. The lawsuit, filed by songwriter Andy Stone (known professionally as Vince Vance) and co-writer Troy Powers, claims Carey’s 1994 holiday classic copies elements of their 1988 song of the same name. Carey’s legal team argues in a new motion that the songs share only “commonplace musical building blocks” and unprotectable elements like Christmas-related words and phrases. “Plaintiffs’ reliance on a few commonplace words and phrases, the pitches of four isolated notes, the ‘function’ of three different chords, and other musical building blocks, all of which are selected and arranged differently in Vance and Carey, cannot satisfy the extrinsic test as a matter of law”, say Carey’s lawyers.
Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter has filed a $2.5 million defamation lawsuit against former Dream singer Melissa Schuman, who previously accused him of rape. The countersuit, filed in California’s Superior Court, follows Schuman’s April 2023 lawsuit alleging Carter sexually assaulted her in 2003 during the filming of ‘The Hollow’. Carter denies the allegations, claiming their encounter was consensual and that Schuman’s accusations have cost him significant business opportunities. Schuman’s lawyer, Karen Barth Mezies, criticised Carter’s legal strategy, saying, “Carter’s California counter-claim makes the same arguments as his stalled Nevada lawsuit, and both show that his approach to defend sexual assault claims is to attack the victims”.
Kanye West has been hit with a $1.5 million lawsuit from photo agencies BackGrid USA and Backgrid London for alleged copyright infringement. The companies claim Ye posted at least 10 of their photos on his Instagram and Yeezy website without permission, potentially costing them “up to hundreds of thousands of dollars” in revenue per image. The suit, filed in a California federal court, seeks damages of $150,000 per photo and an injunction against further use. BackGrid’s complaint argues, “Defendant West’s career relies heavily on the strictures of copyright law as an artist and entrepreneur, and therefore is on notice of the requirements to obtain a licence prior to exploiting the works of others”.
Katy Perry’s latest music video has sparked an environmental investigation in Spain’s Balearic Islands. The pop star’s ‘Lifetimes’ video, released last week, allegedly includes unauthorised footage shot on protected sand dunes on S’Espalmador, a small uninhabited island known for its ecological diversity. Officials are examining potential damage to the area, which forms part of the Ses Salines de Ibiza and Formentera natural park. The Balearic Islands’ environmental department stated, “Preliminary investigation actions have been initiated”, noting that while not a “crime against the environment”, the filming constitutes an infringement as the production company failed to request proper authorisation.
Streaming, Digital & Broadcast
SoundCloud has launched its own merchandise store, allowing select SoundCloud Next Pro artists to create and sell exclusive items directly to fans while keeping 100% of the profits. The SoundCloud Store, initially available in the United States, Canada, and the European Union, features merchandise from artists such as Wiz Khalifa, Denzel Curry, and Armani White, alongside SoundCloud-branded items. Explaining the strategy behind the move, Eliah Seton, CEO of SoundCloud, says, “Superfandom and willingness to pay is as old a role as there is in music. Think about all the different examples of this – merch and live [events]. Even in a download environment, 80% of the revenues were driven by 20% of the fans”.
Kavinsky’s ‘Nightcall’ has broken the record for the most Shazamed song in a single day following its performance at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday. The French electronic producer’s 2010 track achieved the highest ever Shazam count on 11 Aug after being played alongside other French artists at the event. Shazam, the music identification app, confirmed the record-breaking feat on social media the following day. The song, which gained widespread recognition after featuring in the 2011 film ‘Drive’, was performed by Kavinsky with Phoenix and Belgian singer-songwriter Angèle at the ceremony.
TikTok has expanded its messaging features, adding group chats for up to 32 people and introducing custom stickers to its direct messaging system. The video-sharing platform, known for its short-form content, now allows users aged 16 and up to create and join group conversations within the app. Alongside this, TikTok has launched a sticker management platform where users can upload their own creations and track usage. Users can create group chats by selecting friends from their inbox, with safety measures in place for teenage users. TikTok says, “To help everyone feel comfortable with who they are messaging, people will be able to use muting and blocking tools and also report messages or the entire chat if they are concerned content violates our Community Guidelines”.
YouTube Music has introduced a new ‘personal radio’ feature that allows users to publicly share their listening habits. The streaming service, owned by Google, will soon enable subscribers to broadcast daily playlists based on their recent music preferences via their profile or channel page. This addition expands upon YouTube Music’s existing profile functionality, which was launched in April 2023 and already includes top songs, artists, playlists, and music videos. Users can opt-in to the feature through their privacy settings, with personal radios being refreshed daily.
MTV’s annual backslapper, the Video Music Awards, will be broadcast a day later than planned, pushing back to 11 Sep to avoid clashing with a televised US presidential debate. The change comes after ABC News confirmed that the campaigns of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump had agreed to participate in a debate on 10 Sep, the VMAs’ previous date. Performers at this year’s awards show will include Sabrina Carpenter, Camila Cabello, and Chappell Roan. Taylor Swift leads the nominations with 10 nods, including eight for her ‘Fortnight’ music video, as well as artist of the year and best pop categories.
Other industry news & events
Worldwide Independent Network has published its 2023-24 Annual Report, highlighting a year of collaboration and growth. The network now spans 43 territories across five continents, representing over 8,000 music businesses through 37 national and regional associations. WIN has introduced a new governance structure with five geographic blocs and launched a Supporters programme for companies wanting to champion the global independent music sector. Noemi Planas, WIN CEO, says, “As industry paradigms continue to shift, trade associations keep the independent music sector informed and empowered, ready to tackle challenges and spearhead the response to key issues”. Zena White, WIN Chair and Partisan Records COO, adds, “By working together, WIN compounds the combined value of its members’ resources, making it effective and efficient, an organisation I am proud to chair”.
K-pop company JYP Entertainment has reported a 36.9% year-on-year decrease in revenue to 95.7 billion won (USD $70 million) for Q2 2024. The company, which is home to acts like Stray Kids and TWICE, attributed the decline to an absence of major artist activities during the quarter, with album sales dropping 82% to 13.5 billion won. Despite this, JYP saw growth in other areas, with advertising revenues increasing 29% year-on-year to 9.23 billion won. JYP’s CEO Wook Jeong explains, “Although JYP saw gains from global streaming, album sales declined 82% to 13.6 billion won ($9.9 million), and albums’ share of the overall revenue mix declined to 14% from 49%”. In its investor presentation, the company states, “Various group/unit activities are planned for the second half of the year”, including a new Stray Kids EP ‘Ate’ released in July, which has already topped the ‘Billboard 200’ chart.
Live
Boundary Brighton Festival has launched a ‘Pay What You Can Afford’ initiative for 1,000 tickets to its 28 September event. The electronic music festival, held annually in Stanmer Park, Brighton, is offering tickets priced from £10 to 18-24 year-olds for one week (14-21 Aug) in response to cost-of-living pressures. Despite industry challenges, Boundary Brighton aims to maintain production standards while giving back to its community. The festival will donate 25% of sales from this initiative to its charity partner, Starr Trust, which empowers young people in the region. Joshua Billinge from Boundary Brighton says, “This initiative ensures that the acknowledged, positive impact of live music events and socialising on mental health is not limited just to those who can afford it”.
Beer company Molson Coors has signed a five-year deal to become the official sponsor and exclusive pouring rights partner for All Points East festival. The agreement will see Molson Coors’ brands, including Madrí Excepcional, Sharp’s, Aspall, and Rekorderlig, available throughout the festival site at Victoria Park in East London. Jim Black, National Partnerships Manager at Molson Coors Beverage Company, says, “This partnership allows us to connect with music lovers and enhance their festival experience with a range of drinks that will appeal to a diverse range of tastes”. The collaboration also emphasises sustainability efforts, with Molson Coors supporting waste reduction initiatives. Carla Morini, Senior Director for Partnership Sales at AEG Presents, the festival organiser, adds, “Together, we look forward to creating unforgettable memories for music lovers in a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere that boasts a low carbon footprint”.
HYBE has partnered with internet bank Toss (no sniggering at the back, please) and ticketing company InterparkTriple to develop facial recognition technology aimed at curbing ticket scalping. The new system will utilise Toss’s facial recognition technology to verify ticket purchasers’ identities upon venue entry, with InterparkTriple operating the ticketing service. Kim Tae-ho, HYBE’s Chief Operating Officer, says, “We hope that the introduction of facial recognition technology will significantly reduce the procedure and time required for identity verification and address issues related to illegal ticket sales and distribution”. The companies have not yet announced a release date for the new service.
Artist News
Fontaines D.C., IDLES, Enter Shikari, and other prominent musicians have signed a statement from Love Music Hate Racism, an antiracist campaign organisation, following violent riots sparked by far-right misinformation. The statement, which also includes signatories such as Nadine Shah and Frank Turner, argues that politicians and media share blame for fostering a climate of racist and Islamophobic discourse.
Noah Kahan is bringing his mental health foundation, The Busyhead Project, to the UK. The not-for-profit organisation, which provides resources to groups supporting marginalised communities with crisis care and resilience tools, will implement mental health safeguarding measures used during Kahan’s US tour at his UK arena shows. Initiatives include an ‘Activism Village’ featuring local organisations, partnerships to increase donations, and access to mental health providers for band and crew members. Local mental health organisations like PAPYRUS UK have been invited to engage with fans at the shows. Kahan says, “I’ve been given so many wonderful opportunities in my career and it really is all for nothing if I don’t try and give back to the community that has supported me”.
Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre are opening a new high school in Inglewood, California, expanding their educational initiatives. The Iovine and Young Center Integrated Design, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Magnet, opening next year, will initially serve ninth graders before expanding to all high school grades. The school aims to combine interdisciplinary curriculum with real-world learning opportunities, following the pair’s successful ventures in music and technology. Iovine says, “We believe that this will differentiate them in the workforce and colleges. To go out and say you have an education in disciplinary learning, being able to collaborate with different disciplines and innovate is an advantage”.
Texas post-rockers This Will Destroy You, have split into two separate groups, with both continuing to use the original band name for the time being. Co-founding guitarists Jeremy Galindo and Christopher King have decided to pursue individual creative endeavours, each leading their own iteration of This Will Destroy You with distinct lineups. The band’s statement explains, “Each lineup will perform different material from the TWDY catalog during their respective tours and shows, and both will release new music under separate project names in the future”. The unusual arrangement is likely to cause some head-scratching among fans, with King commenting, “We’ll continue to honour our roots by touring globally with two distinct lineups of This Will Destroy You”.
In his latest rant, Ozzy Osbourne has criticised musicians who attempt to transition into acting, while praising Johnny Depp as an exception. Speaking on his Sirius XM show, Osbourne ranted, “Why do you want to be a rock star when you want to be in movies? There ain’t many that can do it all and pull it off. Johnny Depp is pretty good at doing both”. The rocker suggested artists should be given “two movies” to prove their acting abilities before quitting, adding, “Have a stab and if you’re shit acknowledge it and stop”. This outburst follows Osbourne’s recent criticism of Britney Spears’ social media dancing videos.
Releases & Tours
ARXX have released their new single 'Trouble'. Their new album ‘Good Boy’ is out 4 Oct.
Confidence Man have released their new single ‘Let Them Bells Ring’. Their fabric mix series, ‘fabric Presents Confidence Man’, is out 23 Aug.
Okay Kaya has released her new single ‘Check Your Face’. Her new album ‘Oh My God—That’s So Me’ is out 6 Sep.
TSHA has released her new single ‘Master Peace - Can't Dance’. Her new album ‘Sad Girl’ is out 27 Sep.
Fousheé has released her new single ‘war’. Her new album ‘Pointy Heights’ is out 13 Sep.
Blind Pilot have released their new single ‘Brave’. Their new album ‘In The Shadow Of The Holy Mountain' is out this Friday.
Cairo has released his new single ‘Double Love’. His debut EP ‘Double Love’ is out 27 Sep.
October Drift have released their new single ‘Tyrannosaurus Wreck’. His new album ‘Blame The Young’ is out 27 Sep.
Katy J Pearson has released her new single ‘Maybe’. Her new album ‘Someday, Now’ is out 20 Sep.
wilo wilde has released her new single ‘over you’. Her new EP ‘what is a heart?’ is out 13 Sep.
Jordan Alexander has released her new single ‘Out Of Reach’.
HIPPO CAMPUS have released their new single 'Forget It'. Their new album ‘Flood’ is out 20 Sep.
BE:FIRST have released their new single ‘Blissful’.
Nada Surf have released their new single ‘Losing’. Their new album ‘Moon Mirror’ is out 13 Sep.
Ariella has released her new single ‘Now’. Her debut album ‘CryBaby’ is out 11 Oct.
Dizzee Rascal has announced a UK tour celebrating the fifteenth anniversary of his album ‘Tongue N Cheek’. Shows include London’s Eventim Apollo on 18 Oct. Pre-sale tickets go on sale 27 Aug, you can sign up here.
Better Lovers have announced a 2025 UK headline tour, including a show at London’s Electric Brixton on 18 Jan. Tickets go on sale this Friday here.