Music Week Sync Awards nominations close on Friday

Nomination for the 2016 Music Week Sync Awards close on Friday, September 2, so now’s the time to send in your entries. This year’s event takes place at London’s Bloomsbury Ballroom on October 20 to celebrate the best sync teams individuals and placements across a broad range of media over the past 12 months. Plus there is the overall Sync of the Year award. Team categories include Record Company, Independent Record Company, Publisher, Independent Publisher, Agency and Broadcaster Music Department. You can find out more on each of the categories for this year’s awards here. The shortlist will be decided on the quality of nominations, rather than the number of nominations. And remember, nominations can come from either companies or individuals. The nominations process has been changed this year so that all entries will be submitted via a standardised form, levelling the playing field for all. Submissions can originate from outside the UK, but please bear in mind that we would ideally like all shortlisted parties to attend the Awards evening if at all possible. Again, that nominations deadline is Friday, September 2. (Music Week)

AIM reveals AGM keynote interview and board director nominations

The 2016 keynote interview at this year’s AIM AGM will see AIM founders Martin Mills (Beggars Group founder) and departing CEO Alison Wenham in conversation with Simon Raymonde of Bella Union, bass player of The Cocteau Twins and former AIM Board member. The nominees for AIM board membership have also been announced. There are currently 18 AIM board members and, in accordance with rotation provisions, one-fifth (four directors) of the members shall be required to retire from office. They are Charlie Larby (CRC Music), Merida Sussex (Stolen Recordings), Michael McClatchey (Moshi Moshi Records) and Tony Morley (The Leaf Label). AIM members will elect new board representatives from this year’s candidates: Achal Dhillon (Killing Moon), Frederick Jude (Snapper Music), George Gargan (Damnably), James Endeacott (1965 Records), Jane Third (Because Music), Jonathan Green (earMusic) and Kristian Davis-Downs (Naim Records).

BMG promotes Scherer to EVP US publishing

BMG has promoted Thomas Scherer to the position of EVP US publishing, effective immediately. Currently EVP of international writer services based in LA, he will also serve as EVP BMG US ublishing with direct responsibility for the firm’s LA and New York-based publishing creative teams. Scherer will report to Zach Katz in connection with BMG's US publishing activities and continue to report directly to CEO Hartwig Masuch in his international role. “We are delighted to promote Thomas Scherer to this new enhanced role,” said BMG CEO, Masuch. “In his understanding of our core values and with his positive energy and ability to inspire others, Thomas is an invaluable member of the BMG team.”  

Ariana Grande and Kanye West Spotify streams surge following VMAs

Ariana Grande and Kanye West saw streams of the tracks they performed at last weekend’s MTV VMAs surge on Spotify after the show, with Grande’s Side By Side receiving the most significant gains. From the weekend prior, streams were up by 355%, while West’s Fade saw gains of 324%. Elsewhere, streams of Nick Jonas’ track Bacon on Spotify were up 133%, while Rihanna saw two tracks benefit from post-VMAs surges with Where Have You Been up 90% and Love On The Brain up 89%.

Official Trending Chart

Tieks feat. Dan Harkna currently top this week’s trending chart with their single Sunshine. Following at No.2 is Anne-Marie with Sunshine, while Martin Garrix and Bebe Rexha are at No.3 with In The Name Of Love. Bob Marley feat. Lvndscape/Bolier is at No.4 with Is This Love (remix) while Ellie Goulding Completes the Top 5 with Still Falling For You. You can view the Top 20 in full below.

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