Deals
In the latest artist-food tie-up, Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton George have partnered with meal solutions company Home Chef to create a limited-edition range of meal kits inspired by their new cookbook, 'Good Lookin Cookin'. Customers can order from the 'Good Lookin Cookin' collection until 18 Oct, with recipes changing weekly and available in various formats including classic Meal Kit, Express Plus and Culinary Collection. The special menu features dishes such as fried chicken with gravy and mashed potatoes, meatloaf with southern green beans, and sirloin steak with blue cheese butter. Dolly Parton says, "We are so excited to know Home Chef is bringing some of our favorite recipes to homes across America".
Prescription Songs has re-signed songwriter, producer and artist Shae Jacobs. Jacobs, a Nigerian, British-born talent, has credits on songs for artists including Megan Thee Stallion, Shenseea and Adekunle Gold. "Prescription Songs is a one of a kind publisher. They have thoroughly kept their word on their initial promises with me over eight years ago. In this era that is rare", says Jacobs. Rhea Pasricha, the publisher’s Head Of A&R West Coast adds, "I am so THRILLED we get to continue our partnership and re-sign him to Prescription Songs".
Sony Music Entertainment has formed a strategic partnership with Ghanaian-owned music company Crux Global to support artists based in Ghana. The collaboration, which will be headquartered in Accra, comprises three tiers of support for emerging and established artists, including distribution through The Orchard, full-service artist development, and catalogue management. Sean Watson, Managing Director of Sony Music Africa, says, "This represents a significant step forward in our mission to support artists at every stage of their career and to bring the Ghanaian sound to a global audience".
The Circuit Group has expanded into the UK market, forming a joint venture with CTRLFRK to launch Circuit Management. James Sutcliffe has been appointed CEO and President of The Circuit Group UK to lead the expansion. The new management company's roster includes electronic artist Volaris, singer-songwriter Camden Cox, DJ and producer Florian Picasso, and house icon Fat Tony. Michael Boyce, Founder of CTRLFRK and Co-President of Circuit Management, says, "Circuit Management is the culmination of our vision to create an environment where artists can truly succeed. Partnering with Circuit enables us to offer a comprehensive approach to management, focusing on both artistic integrity and commercial success".
Adam Wheeler has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with HoriGlobal Entertainment. The deal covers select portions of Wheeler's back catalogue and future copyrights. Butch Baker, Senior VP of HoriGlobal Entertainment, says, "It's awesome to have Adam with us at HoriGlobal. He has been a friend for many years, and I have always admired him as a person and a great songwriter".
Spirit Music Nashville and The Futuristics have signed Brock Westover to a worldwide publishing deal. The agreement, which includes Westover's entire songs catalogue and future works, is part of a new creative joint venture between the Nashville-based music publisher and the multi-platinum songwriting and production duo. Westover, a Nashville-based multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and producer, has recently worked on tracks for artists including Flyanaboss, Martin Jensen and Jay Sean. Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer of Spirit Music Group, says, "Brock is an undeniable talent as a songwriter, producer, musician and singer. The sky is the limit for Brock in both Nashville and Los Angeles".
Appointments
A.S.S. Concerts & Promotion has appointed a dual leadership team to run its Düsseldorf office. Sabrina Sapone, who joined the company in August 2023 as a local promoter, will be joined by Nils Max, who previously interned at A.S.S. in 2009. Sapone brings experience from Zeche Carl cultural centre, while Max worked at the Popakademie Baden-Württemberg from 2011 to 2024. Florian "Böde" Böhlendorf, Managing Director of A.S.S., says, "We are wonderfully positioned with the dual leadership of these two industry-experienced and competent employees".
Legal
The National Independent Talent Organization has filed a formal complaint with the Federal Trade Commission alleging widespread violations of the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act by ticket resellers. The complaint, signed by 42 independent music companies including Red Light Management and Q Prime, details how technology firms are providing tools that enable scalpers to circumvent ticket purchasing limits. NITO's complaint outlines specific examples of potentially violating technologies and their capabilities, concluding with recommendations for rightsholders and the FTC to combat these practices. Jack Randall, NITO President, says, "We urge the FTC to investigate the practices and companies detailed".
Michael Smith - the man accused of perpetrating a $10 million streaming fraud - has pleaded not guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy charges in a US District Court in Manhattan. Smith is accused of using artificial intelligence to generate songs and bot accounts to stream them, allegedly defrauding music platforms of approximately $10 million in royalties. Prosecutors claim Smith created hundreds of thousands of AI-generated tracks and used automated systems to stream them repeatedly on platforms including Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube.
The US Federal Trade Commission has released a report criticising major social media and video streaming platforms for inadequate data privacy practices. The report, based on responses to orders sent to nine major online players including YouTube, Amazon, TikTok and Facebook in December 2020, claims that these companies engage in "vast surveillance" of users to monetise data through targeted advertising. FTC Chair Lina M. Khan says, "The report lays out how social media and video streaming companies harvest an enormous amount of Americans' personal data and monetise it to the tune of billions of dollars a year". The report recommends Congress should pass comprehensive federal privacy legislation and urges companies to limit data collection, delete unnecessary consumer data, and adopt clearer privacy policies.
Lil Reese has been accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend at The Pinkhouse nightclub in Houston, with police issuing a warrant for his arrest. The Chicago rapper allegedly punched and strangled the woman after she rejected his advances, according to Houston police. The woman, who claims to have dated Reese for about two months, told police she was "gasping for air" during the incident. This latest legal trouble follows a recently dismissed rape case against Reese in Los Angeles.
A witness in the ongoing Young Thug YSL RICO trial may face life-threatening health risks if forced to testify, says his lawyer. On the 132nd day of proceedings in the long-running trial, the witness's attorney told Judge Paige Reese Whitaker that his client is hospitalised, heavily medicated, and could "die" if put under stress. Lead prosecutor Adrienne Love countered, saying she had spoken with the witness's doctor who deemed him fit to testify. Judge Whitaker ruled the witness should take the stand with a medical team on standby, to which the attorney responded, "As long as the court understands, if he's made to come here, and put in a crisis situation, he could die".
Streaming, Digital, Broadcast & Retail
Meta, Spotify and other industry stakeholders have criticised recent European Union decisions regarding artificial intelligence in an open letter. The signatories argue that Europe is becoming less competitive in AI development due to fragmented and unpredictable regulatory decision-making. They call for "harmonised, consistent, quick and clear decisions" from data privacy regulators to enable European data use in AI training. The letter specifically addresses recent rulings under the General Data Protection Regulation, with Meta halting plans to use European user data for AI model training after pressure from privacy regulators. A European Commission spokesperson says, "All companies in the EU were expected to abide by data privacy rules".
TuneCore has announced that tracks within its TuneCore Accelerator programme experienced nearly 10 billion new streams in the first half of 2024. The company's second 'TuneCore Accelerator Report' reveals that more than 250,000 independent artists globally have signed up for the programme, which was launched in 2023 to provide DIY artists with access to promotional and marketing opportunities on digital service providers. Andreea Gleeson, CEO of TuneCore, says, "With TuneCore Accelerator, we are providing artists with unparalleled access to marketing and promotional opportunities that fuel streaming growth, support audience development, and ultimately help artists make more money."
AMPOLLO, a new music collaboration platform, has launched, offering tools for artists, songwriters and producers to practice, record, collaborate, network and generate revenue. The platform, which has raised £2.3 million in early-stage funding, features stem separation for remixing, video and audio recording capabilities, and audience engagement tools. AMPOLLO has announced partnerships with BIMM, The Royal Academy, Pirate Studios, and others, allowing their members access to the platform's services. Yoram Ben-Israel, Co-Founder and CEO of AMPOLLO, says, "Everyone deserves the chance to find aligned talent to collaborate with. Utilising emerging technologies enables the creative process to be accessible to everyone, not limited by their location or network".
Live
MOTH Club in London has called for support to oppose a new planning application for flats opposite the venue, which it says could "pose a serious threat to the future of our venue". The Hackney-based live music space, which has existed since 1972, is asking local residents to object to the development by contacting the borough's planning department. A spokesperson for the Music Venue Trust says, "We've already mobilised our planning and acoustic gurus who have gone over the application details with a fine tooth comb". The Trust will place an objection, calling for the proposal to be rejected, citing the developers' failure to consider the venue's noise impact in their application.
Music Venue Trust has announced the full programme for its tenth annual Venues Day event, taking place at Woolwich Works, London on 8 Oct. The event, celebrating a decade of the grassroots music venue movement, will feature panels exploring common goals of artists and venues, with speakers including Sam Duckworth (Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly), Lily Meff (The Meffs), and Kwame Kwaten (Ferocious Talent). Steve Lamacq, MVT patron and Chairman of LIVE, will deliver the keynote welcome address. Bev Whitrick, Chief Operating Officer at Music Venue Trust, says, "The landscape for grassroots music venues in 2024 is still challenging. Ten years of work has not solved everything, but this annual opportunity to bring our community together to update on progress, offer support, forge new connections and celebrate the wins is needed now more than ever".
The Musicians' Union has criticised Northern Ballet's decision to use recorded music for most of its performances, starting with tonight’s performance of 'Romeo And Juliet' at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. The change follows funding cuts from Arts Council England. The MU has organised a protest outside the theatre, with supporters leafleting audience members to raise awareness about the loss of live music. Members of the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, the company's core group of musicians, have been campaigning since last year to protect their jobs, with some now relying on food banks to survive. Naomi Pohl, General Secretary of the MU, says, "Replacing live music with a recording is a betrayal to its audience. The opportunity to enjoy live music experiences should be available to everyone and as soon as you begin to scale this back, you start to erode access to culture".
We Group has acquired a 10% stake in Eventwise, an event budgeting platform. Launched in September, Eventwise has provided financial management services for clients including We Out Here, Outlook Festival, Brighton & Hove Pride, Gottwood and Houghton. We Group UK, which also holds stakes in marketing agency advisory Capital A and Bristol's independent arts centre Lost Horizons, comprises event production agencies The Fair and We Are Placemaking, as well as We Are OPS, which offers operations, health & safety and licensing services. Nick Morgan, CEO of We Group, says, "Like us, the Eventwise team really care about making the industry a better place, and their robust solutions align perfectly with our ongoing mission to support the independent sector – particularly in this difficult climate". Chris Carter, founder of Eventwise, adds, "We are THRILLED to join forces with We Group to drive meaningful change for the better".
Other Industry News & Events
Booking agency Wasserman Music and music therapy charity Nordoff And Robbins have raised over £75,000 through the Music Mudder 2024 event. The music-inspired endurance challenge, held on 13 Sep in Dorking, Surrey, saw 540 participants from 56 teams across the music industry tackle over 40 obstacles. Atlantic won the fastest overall team award with an average time of one hour 18 minutes and 38 seconds, while ASM Global raised the most funds at over £8000. "We're so grateful to the hundreds of music industry execs who took part in Music Mudder 2024 and raised so much money for Nordoff And Robbins' vital music therapy services", says Sandy Trappitt, Deputy Director Of Fundraising at the charity.
Making Music has announced the winners of its 2024 Awards, celebrating leisure-time music groups and individuals across the UK. The awards, which were presented online yesterday by Making Music President Debbie Wiseman, recognise achievements in categories including Best Music Creator, Best Music Arranger and Best New Project. Barbara Eifler, Making Music Chief Executive, says, "These shortlists and winners tell you about the immense creativity and dedication to music to be found all over the UK, which we should all know far more about".
US collecting society The MLC has introduced a free online micro-course and expanded its Student Ambassador Program for college students. The 2.5 hour course, 'The MLC 101: Introduction To The MLC', covers the organisation's role in mechanical royalty distribution. The ten week Student Ambassador Program involves campus outreach and songwriter engagement. Both initiatives aim to educate students about The MLC's functions in the music industry. Serona Elton, The MLC's Head Of Educational Partnerships, says, "We're THRILLED to offer our first online micro-course as a way for students to learn about mechanical licensing and The MLC's role in a self-paced course structure".
Sony Music Publishing has won Publisher Of The Year at the 2024 SESAC Music Awards in the US for the third consecutive year. Jack Harlow, a Sony Music Publishing songwriter, secured Songwriter Of The Year for the fourth consecutive time and Song Of The Year for his single 'Lovin On Me'. Walter Jones, Executive Vice President and Head of A&R at Sony Music Publishing, says, "We are THRILLED to be recognised as Publisher Of The Year for the third year in a row, and to celebrate the incredible achievements of SMP songwriters".
The Music Managers Forum has elected four new board members at its 2024 Annual General Meeting. Marit Berning, Paul Smernicki, Shaurav D'Silva and Tania Lee have joined the board, while Sandy Dworniak has been re-elected. Paul Craig and Kwame Kwaten have stepped down as Chair and Vice-Chair, with their successors to be announced in early October. The MMF also announced plans to develop a deeper relationship with Music Minds Matter to provide mental health support for managers, and to organise a retreat for advanced managers in January 2025. Annabella Coldrick, Chief Executive of the Music Managers Forum, says, "I am absolutely delighted to welcome Tania, Shaurav, Marit and Paul to the MMF board. Alongside Sandy, their backgrounds and experiences encapsulate the depth and diversity of the MMF's membership, particularly its representation beyond London."
Headline Publishing Group has announced the release of a new book celebrating Manchester's iconic Haçienda nightclub, set for publication on 10 Oct. 'The Haçienda: Threads', compiled by Rebeca Hook, documents the music, fashion and culture of the institution through photographs and interviews with key figures. Peter Hook, former member of Joy Division and New Order, who partly financed the club alongside Factory Records, has written the foreword. The book features accounts from various personalities including Noel Gallagher, Bez from the Happy Mondays, and DJs Todd Terry and Roger Sanchez. A launch event is scheduled for 9 Oct at New Century Hall in Manchester, with proceeds going to charities including AKT, Mind and Sarcoma.
Manchester Music City has announced the full line-up for the WOMEX 24 Festival, taking place from 23-26 October across five venues in Manchester. The event will feature over 50 international acts spanning genres including folk, afrobeat, jazz and electronica. Tickets are now available as three night festival passes, one night festival passes or one night venue passes. Manchester icon DJ Paulette will host the Opening Night Concert at The Bridgewater Hall on 23 Oct. "I am THRILLED to be hosting the Opening Concert for WOMEX's 30th edition. Manchester is the place where innovation, inspiration, music, passion and community collide," says DJ Paulette.
A Greener Future has announced the seventeenth edition of its Green Events And Innovations Conference for 25 Feb 2025 in London. The event, focused on sustainability in events, music and sport, will feature discussions on various topics including audience travel, with an exclusive deep dive into the TICKET TO RIDE project by The Changency & Crowd Impact together with German band AnnenMayKantereit. Massive Attack's Act 1.5 Climate Action Accelerator will also be presented, along with a panel on the project's second phase. Claire O'Neill, AGF CEO & Founder, says, "Events and the live sector are feeling the impact of global tensions first hand with growing costs, ethical scrutiny, and uncertainty, and in the worst cases, direct impacts to operations caused by war and climate change".
The Isle Of Wight Festival has launched an exhibition called ‘Experience 25’ at London's O2, celebrating the event's history. The launch, held yesterday, featured appearances by John Giddings, who has promoted the festival since its 2002 revival, and Ray Foulk, creator of the original events from 1968-70. The exhibition showcases archival images and footage of past performers, including Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and Amy Winehouse. Giddings recounted memorable moments from the festival, saying, "In 2007 I came up with the idea of putting Amy Winehouse onstage with The Rolling Stones. I thought the hardest bit would be to get Mick Jagger to let Amy up there. So I went to him and he jumped at the opportunity… but then I went to Amy who said she could never do it; she was too nervous!"
The BRIT Awards 2025 has announced its return in a Saturday primetime evening slot on 1 Mar 2025, broadcasting live from The O2 arena exclusively on ITV1 and ITVX. Damian Christian, Managing Director and President Of Promotions at Atlantic Records, will serve his third and final year as Chair of the BRITs Committee, overseeing all aspects of the event. Christian says, "It is a privilege, once again, to chair The BRITs for the third and final time. I'm proud of the changes we've implemented and the results we've achieved over the last few years, and I'm looking forward to going out with a bang in March".
Artist News
Swedish House Mafia have released the stems for their recent single 'Finally' and invited fans to create remixes. The track, which features Alicia Keys on vocals, is a new version of the Kings Of Tomorrow anthem originally sung by Julie McKnight. Unveiled last month with a live performance at Ushuaïa Ibiza, the stems are now available on joinstems.com for non-commercial use.
Bright Eyes have cancelled their upcoming record release shows after frontman Conor Oberst lost his voice. The band was set to perform multiple US shows this week to celebrate the release of their new album 'Five Dice, All Threes', including dates at Brooklyn Steel in New York City, Riot Fest in Chicago, and the Steelhouse in Omaha. In a statement, the band says, "The warm-up shows we played earlier this week resulted in Conor losing his voice and, on the advice of doctors, we've made the difficult but sensible decision to prioritise rest and recuperation for the remainder of the month". 'Five Dice, All Threes', Bright Eyes' first new record in four years, is set for release tomorrow and features collaborations with artists including Cat Power and Matt Berninger of The National.
Asake and WizKid made a surprise appearance at a London pop-up event on Tuesday to celebrate Asake's latest album 'Lungu Boy'. The block party, held at LDN East in Canning Town, featured a playback of Asake's third studio album for fans. The appearance comes ahead of a headline show at London's O2 Arena on 21 Sep, which kicks off the UK and European leg of his 'Lungu Boy World Tour'.
Dan Smith of Bastille and Emma Nagouse from BBC Radio 4's 'You're Dead to Me' have launched a new podcast called 'Muses: An Ampersand Podcast'. The series explores historical figures who inspired songs on Bastille's upcoming album '&', set for release on 25 Oct. Each of the twelve episodes focuses on a different track from the record, with Smith and Nagouse discussing the historical context and songwriting process. The first episode, available now, examines the biblical figure Eve and her influence on Smith's song 'Eve & Paradise Lost'. An official blurb states, “As the series progresses, Dan will have a go at writing brand new songs based on historical figures and moments of Emma’s choosing. This podcast will be an ecosystem in which all of that can live - stories feeding into new songs, and songs creating new stories to discuss”.
Lars Frederiksen, guitarist and co-vocalist of punk band Rancid, has announced he will be selling nearly 30 of his guitars on Reverb. The collection includes a 1993 Epiphone Les Paul used on Rancid's albums 'Let's Go' and '...And Out Come the Wolves'. Frederiksen says, "I played it about a week or two ago and it still sounds awesome, but you know what - it's time to find another home for this one". The sale also features the smashed Gibson guitar from the cover of Rancid's 'Roots Radicals' single, which Frederiksen describes as his first real guitar, joking, "It's in great shape, as you can see. Super playable. Obviously the sustain's kind of shit, but other than that, it sounds great".