Music Week’s round-up of essential biz stories you might have missed…
Joel Klaiman to leave post as Columbia's EVP/GM
Joel Klaiman is leaving his post as Columbia Records executive VP/GM. Klaiman, who has been at the label since 2012, was responsible for overseeing marketing, digital marketing, promotion, publicity, branding, sync licensing, video production and content development departments. He helped to manage to manage the label for the eight months between Rob Stringer’s April 2017 ascension to CEO of Sony Music Entertainment and the arrival of new chairman and CEO Ron Perry in January 2018. Of his departure, Klaiman said that he is "excited for my next chapter", whilst Stringer stated that Klaiman was an "integral and key part of the success of Columbia over the past six years."
Triller announces licensing deal with 7digital
The AI-powered music video platform Triller has announced a licensing deal with 7digital. The deal will grant Triller's 29 million users across 14 countries and 5 continents access to previews for millions of songs from the world's largest music labels, and manage detailed reporting to Triller's label partners. The integration with 7digital enables users to create, personalise and share Triller videos with music from popular artists. Mike Lu, CEO of Triller, commented that the deal will give content creators an "even greater opportunity to share their talents", while Simon Cole of 7digital said that the music industry would "benefit from broadening access to digital music through continued growth of this exciting platform."
Reservoir signs Jeff Gutt to worldwide publishing deal
Reservoir announced today the signing of Stone Temple Pilots frontman Jeff Gutt to a worldwide publishing deal, including global rights to Gutt’s entire catalogue of titles, including Stone Temple Pilots’ self-titled 2018 release, plus future works. Gutt, who beat 20,000 other hopefuls to become the new voice of Stone Temple Pilots, released his first record with the band in March this year. Gutt, who is currently on a North American tour with the band, has said that he is "looking forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship" with the Reservoir team, whilst the Reservoir SVP of creative and A&R Hussain "Spek" Yoosuf says they "look forward to working closely" with Gutt over the coming years.
Downtown signs Chase & Status
Downtown has signed a worldwide deal with British drum and bass group Chase & Status. The deal covers the duo's upcoming release Return 2 Jungle as well as their external third party writing. The UK dance music duo, who are currently celebrating their 15 year anniversary, commented that they are "very excited for the future and this partnership with Downtown", while Daniel Lloyd Jones, head of Downtown's A&R UK, described the pair as "diamonds in the rough" who will add to the label's "exceptional" roster.
