Arwen Curson appointed VP creative For Universal Music Publishing Australia/New Zealand
Well-known and respected music industry executive Arwen Curson has joined Universal Music Publishing Australia and New Zealand as vice president creative. Reporting to Andrew Jenkins, president, Universal Music Publishing Australia and Asia Pacific Region, Curson will be based out of the UMP Sydney office and responsible for both the company’s A&R and Film/TV Synch teams. With over 12 years broad experience in artist management, label management, publishing and A&R, Curson was most recently Director of Operations, Australia and New Zealand for Crowdmix, the London-based, music-focused social media platform. Prior to her move to Australia, for nearly nine years Curson was Partner and Artist Manager at ATC Management in the U.K., where she managed a number of artists including Kate Nash and Half Moon Run, as well as notably developed and broke the internationally acclaimed band Catfish and the Bottlemen.
Grime takes centre stage at MPA AGM
The UK grime scene was placed under the microscope at yesterday’s MPA AGM, as a panel of leading figures from the genre discussed the many ways in which it is setting new industry standards. Sitting on the panel was Austin Daboh (BBC Radio 1 Xtra), Sian Anderson (DJ, journalist and director of Sigh Tracked), Chris Meehan (Centric Music), Harri Davies (Bucks Music Group) and P Money (artist/writer). Among the topics discussed were the parallels between grime and punk, its DIY roots and the need for record label flexibility when bringing new artists and releases to market.
MPA reveals new board members at AGM
The MPA announced the results of its latest board elections at its AGM yesterday, which took place at London’s Royal Institution. The AGM saw a total of seven MPA members stand for six elected director vacancies on the MPA Board. Results of the voting, which had taken place online in advance of the meeting, were revealed, with Richard King (Faber Music Ltd), Simon Platz (Bucks Music Group Ltd), John Minch (Imagem UK), Stuart Hornall (Hornall Brothers Music Ltd), Crispin Evans (Cote Basque Music Publishing Ltd), and David Kassner (Kassner Associated Publishers Ltd) all re-elected to the Board having been required to retire by rotation. (Music Week)
Spotify: Apple 'wants to have their cake and eat everyone else’s too'
Spotify has responded to a speech delivered by US senator Elizabeth Warren, in which she said that Apple, Google and Amazon are trying to “snuff out competition.” Said Jonathan Prince, Spotify's global head of comms and public policy: "Apple has long used its control of iOS to squash competition in music, driving up the prices of its competitors, inappropriately forbidding us from telling our customers about lower prices, and giving itself unfair advantages across its platform through everything from the lock screen to Siri. You know there’s something wrong when Apple makes more off a Spotify subscription than it does off an Apple Music subscription and doesn’t share any of that with the music industry. They want to have their cake and eat everyone else’s too."
Kobalt's AWAL partners with Music Glue
Kobalt’s digital music services platform, AWAL, has partnered with Music Glue, the direct-to-fan platform for selling tickets, music, merchandise, experiences and more. Mark Meharry, CEO of Music Glue said, “One of the key philosophies we share with Kobalt is a desire to empower artists. Our new partnership will offer AWAL’s clients the freedom to take control of more aspects of their businesses and to engage directly with music fans in a powerful, creative and commercial relationship.”
AEG Facilities appoints Dale Adams GM of Glendale Arizona’s Gila River Arena
Dale Adams has been appointed general manager, Gila River Arena, the 18,300-seat multi-purpose arena home of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, concerts, family shows and other sporting and special events, it was announced by Chuck Steedman, Chief Operating Officer, AEG Facilities, the leading sports, entertainment and venue operator in the world. Adams, who joined AEG in 2007, will also retain his Vice President Content Development, AEG Facilities title and responsibilities. As general manager, Gila River Arena, Adams will be responsible for the management of all of the arena’s front and back of the house operations in addition to guiding business operations, event programming, the creation of new events, advertising, marketing and the development of new revenue opportunities for the arena that opened in December, 2003 and is anchored by the Westgate Entertainment District and also adjacent to the University of Phoenix Stadium.
Pandora-Ticketfly reveal Jam Productions as latest client
Jam Productions, one of the largest and longest-standing independent promoters in the US, has joined the Pandora-Ticketfly platform. The massive deal includes three of Chicago's top venues (The Vic Theatre, Park West, and the Riviera) as well as Jam’s concert promotion business, which spans the midwest.
