Spotify launches first UK brand campaign
Today (Monday Oct 24) sees Spotify launch its first ever brand campaign in the UK. The campaign is designed to highlight the variety of playlists available on Spotify, and will see OOH executions running across cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Bristol. It will run until December 4 and will be featured on billboards, buses and the London Underground over the six-week period, as well as on Spotify’s social channels. Spotify’s head of consumer marketing in the UK, Karen Staughton, commented: “This campaign is built on the foundations of what makes Spotify so unique; our amazing community of music fans, and the passion they have for discovering and sharing music. We are celebrating those users by showcasing the breadth of playlists that soundtrack so many moments in their lives - from the weird to the wonderful. I couldn’t be more excited to be rolling out a full brand campaign in the UK for the first time, and particularly because it showcases Spotify doing what it does best - helping our listeners to tell their stories through music.”
Maria Pallante removed as US register of copyright
US Register of Copyrights Maria Pallante has been removed from her position by the new Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, effective today. Pallante, in her position as the head of the Washington, DC-based US Copyright Office (USCO), was the country’s foremost copyright expert to the government and the legislative branch. Pallante has been appointed by Hayden as senior advisor for digital strategy. Search for a new Register of Copyrights has started. In the interim, Assistant Register of Copyrights and Director of Policy & International Affairs Karyn Temple Claggett will be the acting Register. In the role of senior advisor, Pallante "will support the Librarian’s agency-wide digital strategy, advising on collecting and preserving digital materials, collections copyright status, licensing opportunities and third-party collaborations related to digital content," said the Library of Congress. "I want to move aggressively toward making our collections as widely accessible as possible," Hayden said. “I need focused expertise in the areas of copyright and licensing to ensure we execute these plans in full consideration of copyright protections. This is an opportunity not only to expand collections access, but to integrate education about the nation¹s copyright system into that process." (Music Week)
Taylor Swift, The Vamps and Adele among BBC Radio 1’s Teen Awards winners
The annual BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards took place yesterday (Sunday, October 23), with Taylor Swift, The Vamps, Shawn Mendes and Adele among the big winners. Now in its seventh year, the ceremony was hosted by Nick Grimshaw, Dua Lipa and Dan and Kyle from Bastille. In addition to an array of the biggest names from the pop world, the event also celebrated the achievements of four teen heroes: 15-year old Lewis from Hampshire who, despite being diagnosed with a brain tumour and spending his life in and out of hospital, has set up a social platform for ill and disabled young children. 15-year old Niamh from South Wales who has a rare autoimmune illness that has left her paralysed, she still continues to raise awareness of her condition through via her blog, as well as running her own online support group for young people with chronic illnesses. Meanwhile, 17-year old Joe and 15-year old Toby from Suffolk were recognised for their fundraising work for Cancer Research UK, in memory of their best friend Arran who passed away after discovering a brain tumour. The winners of the first Make It Digital Teen Hero Award were 17-year old Lucy and 16-year old Lauren, whose idea for a lightweight medical emergency kit has been put into effect in the military field. (Music Week)
Take That announce new 2017 album and tour
Take That have revealed details of their new album Wonderland and its supporting Wonderland Live tour. The band have announced 22 dates across the UK and Ireland, with the new album set for release in March 2017. For the first time in their history, the group will perform on a stage in the centre of the venue floor. Tickets for the show go on sale at 9.30am on October 28.
The X Factor – Relly C out, John Legend performs new track
Singer Relly C has become the third contestant to be eliminated from The X Factor facing off against girl group 4 Of Diamonds in the live sing-off. Controversially, the much-derided rapper Honey G once again secured a place in the next round. Meanwhile, US star John Legend was this week’s star guest, performing his new track Love Me Now.
New Music Week out now
The latest issue of Music Week is out now. This week we take a close look at the recent sterling crash and its impact upon the music industry, while the Association of Independent Festivals takes on The Big Interview. Elsewhere, we chart the remarkable slow-burn success of Jack Savoretti and present 10 things you really need to know about the year-to-date sales figures. Subscribe now.
