Music Week’s round-up of essential music biz stories you might have missed...
Get Carter
Troy Carter’s music services company Q&A has officially announced its upcoming partnership with Warner Music.
“After speaking with [Warner CEO of recorded music] Max Lousada, it is clear that we are aligned on the mission to maximise our ability to impact an artist’s career. Having a partnership with WMG allows us to upstream independent artists that are looking to release through a major label system, therefore, enabling us to continue to add value at every stage of their career,” Carter said.
Crediting creators
Tidal has created an interactive credit feature that shines a light on contributors that aren’t traditionally highlighted. The feature allows listeners to delve into the deepest part of a song’s production from background singers to mixing engineers.
Tony Gervino, Tidal’s senior VP of culture and content, said; “This is a milestone for Tidal which, at the heart of the platform is a space for music lovers to connect with their favorite artists in unique ways. As a music streaming service and culture hub, it is important to acknowledge that music is a team sport – it takes a talented crew of sound engineers, lyricists, and band members to make a song stick.”
Spotify’s appointment
Former executive at Vice Media and Universal Music Group Cameron Farrelly is taking up the role of creative director at Spotify. With more than 15 years of experience in advertising and entertainment, Farelly will serve as the creative visionary to all of Spotify’s artist and music marketing.
Farrelly's appointment follows the news last week that Spotify's global head of advertising sales, Brian Benedik, will depart his post come September.
Radiocentre report
Radiocentre’s new report, Tuning in to Diversity, was launched at a Parliamentary event.
Siobhan Kenny, CEO, Radiocentre, said: “Commercial radio offers listeners a huge choice of stations and has an incredibly diverse audience. We know we can do more to improve diversity in radio and there are a number of great schemes already working with exciting new talent. Some of the smallest radio stations have the most powerful stories to tell on diversity, highlighted in our report Tuning In to Diversity. We know that radio will be even more successful with the broadest appeal possible, doing all it can to nurture future talent.”
Festival Congress speakers
The first speakers and details have been revealed for the 2019 edition of the Association of Independent Festivals’ flagship Festival Congress. The conference will return to Sheffield for a second consecutive year on November 6–7.
Initial confirmed speakers include Bing Jones of socio-political campaigning group Extinction Rebellion, and Rock ‘n’ Roll cultural historian Jen Otter Bickerdike. Jack Williamson, founder of mental health and wellness company Music & You, will talk about supporting mental health and well-being at music events.
BPI Wisdom Wednesdays
The BPI's Wisdom Wednesdays event returns to London this month (July 10), where a panel including Lewis Silkin LLP’s Cliff Fluet, Abbey Road Studios MDIsabel Garvey, Kobalt’s Dario Morelli and Warner Music UK’s Kate Shepherd will discuss their journeys through the music business. This edition focuses on career paths 'less travelled' in the biz, and the discussion will be moderated by Music Week's Ben Homewood. The event takes place at Gibson Brands, 61-62 Eastcastle St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3QT from 6.30pm.
