DEALS
🤠
Warner Chappell has signed a new publishing deal with country artist and songwriter Morgan Wallen. He will also partner with the publisher on signing other writers. “I look forward to working with Warner Chappell as my new music publishing partner and would like to thank them for also offering support in signing songwriters I believe in”, he says. “In many ways, I feel like I've always been a songwriter first, and because of that, the publishing community is especially close to my heart. I'm honoured to use this partnership as an opportunity to give other songwriters a helping hand”.
🍳
Cooking Vinyl has signed singer-songwriter Elles Bailey to a worldwide deal, with new music expected later this year. “I’m very proud of my journey and achievements so far as an independent artist running my own label but I’m delighted to partner with the wonderful Cooking Vinyl for the release of my new studio album”, she says.
APPOINTMENTS
💡
Warner Chappell has hired Lina Tebbs as Director of UK Production Music. She joins from Felt Music. “Production music is such an important part of a publishing company and an integral part of many TV, advertising, film and gaming productions, so I’m really excited to join the UK team, as well as the wider global business, to continue to build our business, brand and music offering”, she says.
ROYALTIES
💸
UK record industry collecting society PPL paid out £279.6 million to 165,000 performers and recording rightsholders in 2023 - an increase of £34.9 million (or 14.3%) on 2022. It’s the society’s highest ever annual total. “We understand these payments are critical for many and we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver them consistently and on time”, says CEO Peter Leatham. “As neighbouring rights continue to develop around the world, we see a huge opportunity ahead to grow our market share and maximise revenues for performers and recording rightsholders”.
GIGS & FESTIVALS
🙏🏾
Akon has announced UK tour dates in April, including a show at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on 28 Apr. Tickets go on general sale on Friday.
🎡
The London Calling showcase festival will return on 28 Feb. Part of the International Live Music Conference programme, it will see artists including August Charles, b1no*, Luna Morgenstern, and Noah And The Loners perform at five venues around Soho - The 100 Club, 21Soho, The Lower Third, Phoenix Arts Club and The Spice Of Life. More information here.
RELEASES
🎀
Sia has announced that she will release new album ‘Reasonable Woman’ on 3 May. It’ll include guest appearances from artists including Chaka Khan, Paris Hilton, Tierra Whack, Labrinth and more. Out now is new single ‘Dance Alone’ featuring Kylie Minogue.
⏰
The 1975 have released new single ‘Now Is The Hour’, taken from the soundtrack of upcoming Apple TV+ show ‘The New Look’.
👗
Kate Nash is back with new single ‘Change’, her first under a new deal with Kill Rock Stars. She will play EartH in London on 17 May.
🌌
Parquet Courts frontman A Savage has released new single ‘Black Holes, The Stars And You’. He begins a tour of the UK and Ireland tomorrow.
💔
Dea Matrona have released new single ‘Stuck On You’ and announced that they will release new album ‘For Your Sins’ on 3 May. They’ve also announced UK and Ireland tour dates in the same month, with tickets going on general sale on Friday.