DEALS
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Reservoir has acquired the royalty rights and songs catalogue of late hip hop producer-songwriter Big D Evans - real name Deon Evans - best known for his work with Tupac. “Big D Evans was a key creator behind the music of one of the biggest hip hop artists of all time”, says Reservoir’s Global Creative Director Donna Caseine. “The music Big D and Tupac created together shaped hip hop into a genre capable of reflective social commentary, collectively inspiring fans and other artists to this day”.
🎹
Warner Chappell has signed a publishing deal with jazz musician Patrice Rushen. “It’s been wonderful to feel the energy and support of a company whose respect for music is matched by the progressive perspectives and ideas which serve to protect music-makers”, he says. “I look forward to the celebration of my existing catalogue as well as the creation of new collaborative projects and songs”.
🖋️
Music licensing hub Broma16 has signed a new licensing agreement with YouTube and partnered with three new collecting societies - ANCO in Moldavia, SIIP in Uzbekistan and KAZAK in Kazakhstan. “We’re delighted to be expanding our international reach with YouTube”, says CEO Vladimir Philippov. "Together with the new society deals, this shows how we are continuing to expand to become more relevant at the global level”.
APPOINTMENTS
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Bauer Media Audio UK’s Chief Content & Music Officer Ben Cooper has announced his departure from the company after four years. “I've had a fantastic time at Bauer winning new audiences in new ways, with record breaking listening figures, including the industry changing success of Ken Bruce and Greatest Hits Radio”, he says. “It’s been a privilege to have led my talented team through a time of huge change, of renewed creative ambition, and exciting innovation, and we are in a strong position for me to hand over the baton”.
LABELS
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Downtown Music has launched an artist and label financial services division called Downtown Royalties & Financial Services. It will be led by founder of Curve Royalty Systems Tom Allen - Downtown having acquired Curve in January 2023. “Tom’s leadership at Curve has already elevated the industry standard for royalty management and financial services”, says David Driessen, Chief Business Officer at Downtown Music. “His expertise will be crucial as he guides this new division at Downtown”.
LIVE BUSINESS
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Take That have become the first act ever to play 50 shows at the AO Arena in Manchester. They achieved this milestone thanks to the nearby Co-op Live arena’s failure to open, meaning that their planned residency there had to be moved. “We’re delighted that we’ve been able to celebrate Take That’s 50th Show at the AO Arena, right here in the heart of the action”, says General Manager Jen Mitchell. “Not only do we enjoy having the band here, we love hosting their fans and making every moment memorable”.
😅
Co-op Live did finally open last night, with Elbow becoming the first band to headline a show there. And I’m sure everyone let out a sigh of relief when it was over.
AWARDS
🏆
The AIM Independent Music Awards will return to London’s Roundhouse on 17 Oct. Submission are now open if you want to put yourself (or someone else) forward. “We’re incredibly honoured to give emerging and established independent superstars a platform, as well as shine a light on the pioneering minds driving the whole industry forward”, says AIM interim CEO Gee Davy. “With the free-to-submit and publicly voted categories, everyone can be a part of the AIM Independent Music Awards”.
GIGS & FESTIVALS
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House music promoter Love To Be... is launching its own festival in Harrogate this summer to mark its 30th anniversary. Headlined by Roger Sanchez, it will take place on 14 Sep. It will also support local suicide prevention charity The Ostrich Foundation.
RELEASES
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Berwyn has released new single ‘I Am Black’.
🦪
Kate Nash has released new single ‘My Bile’. Her new album ‘9 Sad Symphonies’ is out on 21 Jun.
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John Grant has released new single ‘All That School For Nothing’. His new album ‘The Art Of The Lie’ is out on 14 Jun.
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Colin Stetson has released new single ‘The Love It Took To Leave You’, the title track from his latest album, which will be released on 13 Sep.
🏎️
Bad With Phones has released new single ‘Drive’. His debut album ‘Crash’ is out on 12 Jul.
💦
Cumgirl8 have released new single ‘Quite Like Love’.
🍋
Mal Not Bad has released double A-side single featuring the songs ‘Come On/Hard Times’ and ‘Mustang’ featuring Junaco. Both tracks are taken from her debut album 'This Is Your New Life', which is out on 9 Aug.