COVID-19 CANCELLATIONS & POSTPONEMENTS
Travis have postponed their May 2021 tour dates to May 2022. But they have also released 'Waving At The Window', the opening track from their new album 'Ten Songs', as a single.
DEALS
Australian live entertainment firm TEG has acquired a majority stake in also Australian promoter Handsome Tours. "Time and time again, Handsome Tours have showcased their ability to discover new talent and nurture it from the tiniest of clubs to sold out theatres and arenas", says TEG CEO Geoff Jones. "The team's passionate work ethic and artist-first philosophy is the perfect complement to TEG's integrated model, built on client-first technology solutions and customer-first ticketing services".
LABELS & PUBLISHERS
The Recording Industry Association Of America has published a new report from economists Robert Stoner and Jéssica Dutra which - like UK Music's annual 'Music By Numbers' report - seeks to demonstrate the economic impact of the music industry. Only on the American economy, not the British one, obviously. "The music industry contributes $170 billion to US GDP annually and supports 2.5 million jobs nationwide in core music activities like recording, streaming, and live performance, as well as adjacent fields like travel, retail, and marketing", it says. You can download the report here.
RELEASES
Slowthai has released new single 'Cancelled', featuring Skepta. His new album, 'Tyron', is out on Friday.
Architects have released new single 'Meteor'. Their new album, 'For Those That Wish To Exist', is out on 26 Feb.
Anchorsong has released new single 'Tunis Dream'. "I was invited to play at a nightclub in Tunis last summer", he says. "It was a very hot day, and everyone was chilling on the beach by the venue. There was a certain scent in the air, and I sensed something nostalgic with it. I recalled that night when writing this track".
Dry Cleaning have released new single 'Strong Feelings'. "It's about secretly being in love with someone who doesn't know it, and Brexit's disruptive role in romantic relationships", says vocalist Florence Shaw. The band's debut album, 'New Long Leg', will be out on 2 Apr.
Mouse On Mars have released new single 'Youmachine'. Their new album, 'AAI (Anarchic Artificial Intelligence)', is out on 26 Feb through Thrill Jockey.
Ebhoni has released new single, 'X-Ting'. Her debut EP is due out later this year.
Drones have released new single 'Live And Let Live'. The song, says vocalist Lois McDougall, "is for anyone who has ever felt trapped in their own skin".
Elder Island have released new single 'Purely Educational'. Their new album, 'Swimming Static', is out on 28 May.
GIGS & TOURS
Where have you been livestreaming from? Your mum's living room? You need to up your game, because next month Kygo is going to be beaming to a screen near you from the top of a mountain. In the UK you'll be able to watch at 6pm on 5 Mar. Tickets go on sale here on 12 Feb.
The Hold Steady have announced that their annual two night residency at London's Electric Ballroom will go ahead as usual next month. Well, not entirely as usual. They'll be playing at the Brooklyn Bowl in New York, for one thing. And you'll have to watch it all on the internet. But other than that, exactly the same. It'll all take place on 5-6 Mar. Tickets here.