DEALS
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What did we learn from Beatles documentary ‘Get Back’? That people are willing to watch a huge amount of Beatles content. So now the band’s Apple Corps company has agreed a deal with Sony Pictures, director Sam Mendes and his Neal Street Productions company to make four biopics - each told from a different band member’s perspective. “I’m honoured to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies”, says Mendes. The films are scheduled for release in 2027.
🖊️
Warner Music’s artist and label services division ADA Worldwide has signed a new global distribution deal with South Coast Music Group. “SCMG is excited to begin our partnership with ADA”, says founder Arnold Taylor. “Their goals, persistence, drive and perseverance match our SCMG brand. This will only strengthen our journey to success we are embarking on!”
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Wolf Alice have signed a new record deal with Sony Music’s Columbia Records, according to the Independent. The band were previously signed to Universal-aligned indie label Dirty Hit.
APPOINTMENTS
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Warner Music’s Atlantic Records in the US has promoted Erica Bellarosa to Head Of Business Affairs and General Counsel. “It’s an honour to be leading a team that I’ve had the privilege of being a part of for nearly the entirety of my professional career”, she says. “I’ve grown and learned from the best in the business, and I'm THRILLED to contribute to the incredible legacy of Atlantic Records”.
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Black Lives In Music has appointed new board members Janeace Thompson, Kienda Hoji, Orphy Robinson, Chair James Joseph and Vice Chair Moses Oyediwura. “Black Lives In Music is an organisation well placed to hear the voices of those integral in creating this rich universe of creativity”, says Joseph. “I am honoured and excited to be an integral part of advocating a guided and informed response to offer effective change and much needed support to make a difference for positive development in our musical community and wider cultural landscape”.
INDUSTRY EVENTS
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Mothers In Music has announced that it will hold its first Mothers In Music All-Dayer at The Mount Without in Bristol on 7 Mar, featuring performances and discussion on balancing motherhood with a career in music. “We aim to bring about change so that women will be able to be both mother and musician simultaneously, building creative and professional practice that brings together these brilliant skillsets”, says event host Alice Ballantine Dykes. “Part of the group's ambition is to create more inclusive events so that women do not ‘drop off the radar’ once they become parents”. More info here.
DIGITAL
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Sure, you can wait all year for Spotify Wrapped to tell you what music you listened to, but now Apple Music has updated its Replay feature to allow you to reminisce on a monthly basis. Users of the streaming service can find out what music they’ve been enjoying here.
AWARDS
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Just when you think there can’t possibly be any more BRITs performances to be announced, one more is added to the list. Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding are set to take the stage together for the first time. Harris shouts, "Can't wait for a VERY SPECIAL performance with Ellie!” You’ll get to see it on 2 Mar.
RELEASES
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Kasabian will release new album ‘Happenings’ on 5 Jul. Out now is first single ‘Call’.
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MGMT have released new single ‘Dancing In Babylon’ featuring Christine And The Queens. Their new album ‘Loss Of Life’ is out on 23 Feb.
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Bullion has released new track ‘A City’s Never’ featuring Panda Bear. His new album ‘Affection’ is out on 26 Apr.
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Real Estate have released new single ‘Flowers’. Their new album ‘Daniel’ is out on 23 Feb.
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Kneecap have announced that they will be releasing their debut album ‘Fine Art’ on 14 Jun. Out now is new single ‘Sick In The Head’.
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Drahla have released new single ‘Second Rhythm’. New album ‘Angeltape’ is out on 5 Apr and they will be touring the UK in June.
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Káryyn has released new single ‘The Real’. Her new EP ‘Calm Kaoss!’ is out on 22 May.