Sony completes ATV buyout – Martin Bandier speaks
Sony/ATV Music Publishing chairman/CEO Martin Bandier has praised the completion of Sony’s deal to buy out the Michael Jackson Estate’s 50% stake as "terrific news" for the company. The closing of the $750 million (£578 million) deal was announced earlier in a joint statement by Sony Corp and Jackson's Estate. “The completion of this deal is terrific news for Sony/ATV and everyone who works for the company,” said Bandier in a statement. “It marks the start of an exciting new chapter in our proud history and we cannot wait to get started as a 100% Sony-owned company. Sony Corporation has shown absolute faith and support in us and what we do by undertaking this deal and we are ready to repay that trust in the months and years ahead. I’d also like to take a moment to thank the Estate and especially John Branca, John McClain and Karen Langford for everything they have done for Sony/ATV over the two decades of the joint venture. They will remain an integral part of our legacy.” (Music Week)
UTA signs Dave Navarro for representation in all areas
UTA has inked a new deal with guitar legend Dave Navarro for representation in all areas. Navarro, who has played with acts such as Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Jane’s Addiction, has also worked as a filmmaker, author, actor and radio host during his varied career. Last year Navarro produced and released his first feature film, a documentary entitled Mourning Son, to critical acclaim. Shot over seven years, the film tells the story of his mother's murder and the emotional fallout the followed. The doc was directed and also produced by Navarro's producing partner Todd Newman.
London Folk and Roots Festival updates
DMP and promoter Kilimanjaro have partnered to bring together the third London Folk & Roots Festival, which will run from October 27 to November 26 2016 across various London venues, including the Union Chapel, Bush Hall and The Shepherds Bush Empire. Acts already confirmed include Newton Faulkner, former Bellowhead star Jon Boden, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Sarah Jarosz, Tony Joe White, Eliza Carthy, Brandi Carlile and Maz O’Connor, amongst others. David Messer for DMP said: “Now in its third year, the London Folk & Roots Festival is fast becoming an established part of London’s music calendar. It continues to grow in size, with an eclectic mix of UK and international artists. In addition to the bigger names on the bill, our new partners EFDSS (English Folk Dance and Song Society) have helped bring in many new artists, providing them with the platform to play in front of larger audiences.”
Coffee House Sessions return
Returning for its fourth year, the 2016 Coffee House Sessions will once again look to showcase up and coming talent by providing a platform for artist to perform in front of a ‘dedicated tastemaker audience’. Curated by BBC Introducing’s Abbie McCarthy, the sessions have also gained support from Sony, Warner Music and Universal. The sessions have toured more than 60 artists, delivering over 2,600 performances. Previous Coffee House Sessions' artists include BRIT nominee Izzy Bizu, Ady Suleiman, The Shires and The Carnabys.
Music Week out now
In the latest issue of Music Week, retailers discuss their hopes for a blockbuster Q4, with key releases on the way from the likes of Emeli Sandé, Robbie Williams and Lady Gaga, while Bee Gees legend Barry Gibb takes on The Big Interview. Elsewhere, Music Week spends a day with Radio 3 as the station turns 70, and we reveal the finalists for this year’s Music Week Sync Awards. Subscribe here.
