Deals
Universal Music Publishing Group has signed producer and songwriter James Ford to an exclusive, global administration agreement. Ford, a multi-instrumentalist producer, songwriter and composer with a 20-year career, has worked with artists including Arctic Monkeys, Depeche Mode, Foals, Florence And The Machine, Haim, Gorillaz and Jessie Ware. In 2023, Ford launched his solo project with 'The Hum' and produced albums for Blur, Pet Shop Boys, Fontaines DC, The Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons. Ford says, "I'm very excited to be joining the UMPG family, looking forward to collaborating with their roster of talented artists and writers and seeing more of Pete Simmons' extensive collection of shorts". Pete Simmons, Head Of A&R, UMPG UK, adds, "It's not every day you get the opportunity to work with somebody as influential as James".
Kassner Music has acquired the publishing catalogue of DJ, producer, and artist Paul Oakenfold. Oakenfold, known for his work with artists such as Happy Mondays, Madonna and U2, has had a career spanning several decades in the dance music industry. The deal includes Oakenfold's co-writes on tracks like 'Loose Fit' and 'Bob's Yer Uncle' from Happy Mondays' 1990 album 'Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches', as well as Madonna's 2009 hit 'Celebration'. Alex Kassner comments, "We are delighted to welcome Paul to the Kassner Music family. The dance music scene that he inspired was a huge part of the youth of a whole generation".
Low Profile, the New York music licensing company founded by former Downtown exec Jen Pearce, has launched a music publishing division. The new division aims to prioritise songwriters' interests with transparent deals and resources. The division's roster includes Thandii, Steady Holiday, Lani Rose, Petite Noir, Kassa Overall and Camp Saint Helene, representing over 1000 works. Gareth Smith, Head Of Publishing at Low Profile, says, "We are committed to empowering songwriters by equipping them with the information they need to make the best decisions for their careers".
Universal Music’s Capitol Records has signed singer-songwriter Christian Hayes. Hayes' debut EP, 'Last I Love You', is set to release on 20 Sep. Tom March, CEO of Capitol Music Group, says, "We're THRILLED to welcome Christian to the Capitol Records family. As a singer, songwriter and performer, he demonstrates remarkable depth". Hayes adds, "It all still feels surreal - music has always been a part of my life and to be able to sign with such a longstanding powerhouse of a label like Capitol is more than I could've ever dreamt".
BLACKPINK member Jennie has signed a partnership with Sony Music’s Columbia Records, in conjunction with her own company Odd Atelier. The singer is set to release new solo music as early as October, marking her first solo project since 'You & Me' in October 2023. This partnership makes Jennie the second BLACKPINK member to release solo music since the group opted not to re-sign with YG Entertainment for solo projects.
Legal
Spinal Tap, the fictional band from the mockumentary film, has banned former US President Donald Trump from using its music at campaign rallies. Harry Shearer, who played bassist Derek Smalls in the film, announced on X that the Trump campaign should refrain from playing the song 'Sex Farm' at events. The announcement comes after a recent ruling blocked Trump's campaign from using Isaac Hayes' 'Hold On, I'm Coming' during rallies.
Streaming, Digital, Broadcast & Retail
Roblox has launched new features to boost music discovery on its platform. At the Roblox Developers Conference on 6 Sep, the gaming giant announced three initiatives: integration with music distributor DistroKid, a 'What's Playing' feature for users to identify songs while gaming, and music charts planned for early 2025. Greg Hartrell, Senior Director of Product at Roblox, says, "By fostering an environment where music and creativity thrive, we want Roblox to be at the forefront of the next wave of digital music discovery and engagement". DistroKid claims to distribute 30-40% of all new music globally and says its platform is used by more than 2.5 million artists.
Media company Global has announced the launch of twelve new radio stations for some of the UK's biggest commercial radio brands, set to go live on 12 Sep 2024. The expansion follows the success of brand extensions such as Heart Dance and Capital Dance, as well as nostalgia and mood stations like Heart 80s and Smooth Relax. James Rea, Chief Broadcasting and Content Officer at Global, says, "We're THRILLED to be expanding our offering with one of the biggest simultaneous launches of new radio stations in the country's history". The new stations will be available on Global Player, smart speakers, online, and DAB Digital Radio, with Global reporting that smart speaker listening now represents 17% of total radio listening, an 18% increase year-on-year.
Kendrick Lamar has been announced as the half-time performer for the Apple Music-sponsored Super Bowl on 9 Feb 2025 at The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The show, which will air on FOX, is a collaboration between Roc Nation, Apple Music and the NFL. Lamar says, "Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I'll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one". Apple's Vice President Of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Sports And Beats, Oliver Schusser, adds that Apple is "THRILLED to bring this show, starring the absolutely incomparable Kendrick Lamar, to fans worldwide with Apple Music's industry leading Spatial Audio quality along with tons of exclusive videos, interviews, playlists and so much more across Apple Music".
Live
National Album Day has announced Kilimanjaro Live as its official live partner for 2024. The event, scheduled for 19 Oct, will celebrate Great British Groups with live performances from artists including The Pretenders, New Model Army and Sea Girls. Stuart Galbraith, CEO of Kilimanjaro Live, says, "Nothing compares to the absolute exhilaration between audience and artist when they share an album together during a live performance – that's when you see the true magic of the album spark into an everlasting memory through the wonder of live". The partnership aims to bring album moments to life through live shows, with The Pretenders set to perform in Hull on National Album Day as part of their UK tour.
Other Industry News & Events
PRS Foundation and Southbank Centre have announced a call for proposals for the New Music Biennial 2025. The festival, to be held in Bradford as part of the UK City Of Culture celebrations and at London's Southbank Centre, will feature 20 new pieces of music across various genres. Organisations can apply to commission new works or present exceptional pieces from the last four years, with a deadline of 4 Nov 2024. Joe Frankland, CEO at PRS Foundation, says, "We're delighted to be launching the open call for pieces to be included and created for our 2025 New Music Biennial”. Southbank Centre's Artistic Director Mark Ball adds, "We are THRILLED the New Music Biennial returns in 2025 for an innovative new programme from leading creatives and composers across the UK". The festival will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and made available through NMC Recordings.
Artist News
Fish, former lead singer of Marillion, has announced plans for his farewell tour and the release of remixed versions of his solo albums 'Vigil In A Wilderness Of Mirrors' and 'Internal Exile'. The musician will conclude his touring career with a show at the London Palladium in February 2025. Fish says, "I'm leaving behind a great collection of songs. It might not be that I sold anywhere near Taylor Swift's numbers. I've not sold anywhere near Genesis's numbers. I don't give a shit, because I'm proud of the songs I did". Following the tour, Fish plans to retire to a croft on a remote Scottish island where he has purchased property.
Beyoncé has been overlooked by the Country Music Awards, receiving no nominations despite her album 'Cowboy Carter' featuring one of the year's biggest country hits, 'Texas Hold 'Em'. The singer had been widely expected to gain recognition at the awards, with speculation she could become the first black woman shortlisted for album of the year. Instead, Morgan Wallen received the most nominations, three years after being suspended by his record label for using a racial slur. The CMA has not commented on their reasons for overlooking Beyoncé's album, but states that awards are "determined by eligible voting CMA members comprised of professionals within the country music industry".