Adele rejects Super Bowl Halftime show request
Adele has apparently rejected an offer during the Halftime show at the NFL's Super Bowl. The pop star revealed the news to the audience at a show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Saturday, August 13. "I’m not doing the Super Bowl," said Adele. "I mean, come on, that show is not about music. And I don’t really — I can’t dance or anything like that. They were very kind, they did ask me, but I said no.” (Digital Music News)
Streaming accounts for 83% of recorded music revenue in Norway
Music sales in Norway increased by as much as 7.8% in the first half of the year, driven by revenues from streaming services. Marte Thorsby, CEO of IFPI Norway, said: "It is positive that the sale of music continues to grow significally in Norway. A total increase of 7.8% is among the international elite. Continued revenue growth in streaming services shows that the market is still not saturated and we believe in continued increase in sales in the years to come. Our concern is that the income from the video stream incl. Youtube is still so low. Knowing that 25% of the population daily use YouTube, it is far from reasonable that they only pay a fraction of what competitors Spotify, Tidal and Apple Music pays to artists and record companies. It is necessary that we get a legal amendment that secures fair conditions of competition between these players." (IFPI)
Grime showcase takes place at British House in Rio
Rising London grime MC Elf Kid performed at international showcase curator British Underground’s Grime Showcase at the Rio Olympics British House yesterday, Sunday August 14, as part of London’s Soundtrack culture sector celebration event, which aims to generate new business opportunities and networking for London’s culture and creative industries. Elf Kid stated: “It’s a privilege to be a part of British Underground’s Grime Showcase at British House – Grime music is thriving at the moment and for Sadiq Khan to make it the focus of London’s celebration of culture this year at the Olympics – it’s incredible. Myself, Nadia and Logan are very proud to be representing and showcasing the Grime sound out in Rio.”
High Contrast signs multi-album recordings and publishing deals with 3 Beat Records
British electronic music artist High Contrast (aka Lincoln Barrett) has signed new multi-album recordings and publishing deals with 3 Beat. Barrett is currently working on his forthcoming artist album, his first for the label. A new EP, Save Somebody, will be released soon and follows the nationally playlisted single Remind Me. 3 Beat's Jon Barlow said: "Spending time with Lincoln in the studio is one heck of a fulfilling experience. He's a truly gifted and inspiring artist, excitable and passionate about every aspect of his work. It's a pleasure to be around that energy. I'm sure we've got the makings of one of the key electronic albums of recent (and future) years."
New issue of Music Week out now
This week issue of music features a Big Interview with Songkick’s Matt Jones and an interview with country duo Ward Thomas. There is also a Q2 2016 RAJAR analysis, 10 reasons why you should attend MUSEXPO Europe and all the usual charts and analysis. Subscribe here
