DEALS
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Warner Music has announced a new partnership with African independent label and publisher Small World Records, which will see the indie collaborate with worldwide teams at the major and its ADA and Warner Chappell businesses to expand its international reach. “This resounding partnership with Warner Music Group will help deliver [our] mission by empowering emerging African artists, breaking boundaries and resonating across continents”, says founder SmallGod. “Together, we aim to compose a symphony of boundless diversity, innovation and passion, uniting cultures through the universal language of music with the core being from Africa”.
APPOINTMENTS
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Sony Music Publishing UK has announced a number of promotions in its A&R department. Felix Canetty-Clarke becomes VP UK A&R Strategy & International Research, Sarah Gabrielli moves up to Senior Director A&R UK & Europe, and Saul Fitton is now Senior Director of A&R UK. “Sarah, Saul and Felix are the very best talents in the UK”, says co-MD David Ventura. “Their passion for music, their drive and their unique daily dedication for our songwriters are exemplary”.
LEGAL
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GESAC - the pan-European grouping of song right collecting societies - has welcomed the news that the European Parliament at large has backed a new report on the working conditions of creators - previously backed by two committees in the Parliament - which, among other things, calls on the European Commission to investigate the increasing trend of global video platforms insisting on buy-out deals when commissioning new music in Europe. Says GESAC GM Véronique Desbrosses: “The call is unambiguous: it is time for concrete and effective actions at European level to put an end to this unfairness in the market that jeopardises European creation and drives its value outside of the EU”.
ARTIST NEWS
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The Hives have announced plans to create a network of official cover bands around the world. “We have arrived at a point where The Hives can no longer keep up with public demand for concerts”, say the band. “This is where you come in. Help us create a world where The Hives are playing in every city, all the time. Let's make business together and rock n roll. Sign up now and register your interest. Many rewards wait in store. We have spoken”. Find out more here.
GIGS & TOURS
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Girls Aloud have announced that they will reunite for tour dates marking their 21st anniversary, having abandoned previous touring plans due to the death of the band’s Sarah Harding in 2021. "Over the last year, we've felt this outpouring of love - obviously towards Sarah, but actually towards all of us as a group”, says Kimberley Walsh. “And I guess it's ignited something in all of us again. It feels like something has changed and it does feel like the right time to celebrate Sarah and the 20-year anniversary that we didn't celebrate at the time”. Tickets go on general sale on 1 Dec. Watch a trailer here.
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The Kills have announced that they will play Troxy in London on 1 May next year. Tickets go on general sale tomorrow.
AWARDS
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The MOBO Awards will take place at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on 7 Feb next year, it has been announced. “For the past fourteen years, the MOBO Awards have travelled to cities outside of London - including Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Coventry, and now Sheffield”, says founder Kanya King. “Our desire to bring MOBO to different cities across the UK has always been rooted in the desire to unite massive talent from a local and global level, as well as fans, to deliver an iconic music experience rooted in celebrating black music’s present and future, as well as elevating the culture and being a driving force for social change”.