Sony Music Entertainment unveil Rob Stringer as new CEO
Sony Music Entertainment has appointed Rob Stringer as its new CEO, with former CEO Doug Morris to assume the role of chairman as of April 2017. Stringer, who is currently chairman and CEO of Columbia Records, will take over operational responsibility for Sony Music Entertainment in April 2017, reporting directly to CEO Michael Lynton. The appointment means that two of the three majors are now being run by Brits, with Lucian Grainge CEO of Universal Music Group. During six years as CEO, Morris has increased Sony Music’s market share and profitability, bolstering the company through partnerships with Ultra, Astronauts Wanted, and Disruptor Records. He also extended its joint venture deal with Syco Entertainment in 2015, while playing a key role in Sony Music acquiring 100% of The Orchard. Stringer, meanwhile, has helped Columbia become the industry’s leading label by market share, with a roster including Adele, Beyoncé, AC/DC, Bruce Springsteen, Barbara Streisand, Bob Dylan, Calvin Harris, David Bowie, Daft Punk, Dixie Chicks, John Legend, John Mayer, One Direction and Tony Bennett.
Music Venue Trust announce new initiatives at Venues Day 2016
The third annual Venues Day 2016 took place in London yesterday (October 18) with Music Venue Trust founder and CEO Mark Davyd unveiling three new initiatives. Davyd announced a new ticket offering to small venues, an audiovisual initiative and an outreach operation in Northern Ireland. Developed by TicketWeb in collaboration with MVT and .tickets, TicketWeb Backline is designed to empower grassroots venues and promoters (see next story). Meanwhile, the Sound And Vision scheme will provide small venues with technological solutions, and Help Musicians UK is launching its Northern Irish brand, with the MVT offering its support to the region’s musical infrastructure.
TicketWeb launches new service to help indie venues
TicketWeb has launched a new service created specifically to benefit independent venues and promoters. Unveiled at the third annual Venues Day, TicketWeb Backline gives grassroots venues and promoters complete control over selling tickets through their individual bespoke platforms. Features of the specially designed portal include end-to-end management, user-friendly functionality, help with PRS responsibilities, social media integration, mobile capabilities and integrated marketing.
Metallica plot 'WorldWired' tour dates
After recently unveiling Moth Into Flame, the second track from upcoming new album Hardwired… To Self-Destruct, Metallica have announced a run of tour dates. So far, the tour stretches from gigs on October 22 and 23 at California's Shoreline Amphitheatre through to next April's Lollapalooza in Chile. New dates are set to revealed in the coming days. Metallica's new album is due via their Blackened Recordings label on November 18.
Jake Simon becomes director of creative at Universal Music Publishing Group
Universal Music Publishing Group (UPMG) has appointed Jake Simon as director of creative. Reporting to David Gray, executive vice president/head of west coast A&R, Simon joins UPMG from Atlas Music Publishing, where he held the same position and worked with artists including Toby Gad, Makeba Riddick, Best Kept Secret, Major Myjah, and Mike and Keys. Prior to Atlas, he was associate director of writer/publisher relations at Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). "It’s a privilege to be working for Universal and I’m ecstatic to be joining such a strong and forward thinking creative team," said Simon.
Phil Collins streams double in the wake of comeback
Following the announcement on Monday (October 17) that Phil Collins is set to return to the stage next year with the Not Dead Yet tour, Spotify has revealed that streams of the singer's solo catalogue were up 94% on the same day in 2015. The most-streamed Collins track is his 1983 cover of The Supremes' You Can't Hurry Love, which spent two weeks at Number One. The top five is completed by In The Air Tonight, Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now), You'll Be In My Heart and Another Day In Paradise.
Tupac, Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode among nominations for Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame
Rapper Tupac Shakur, krautrock originators Kraftwerk and electro pioneers Depeche Mode are among a group of 19 artists nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. The list is drawn up by fans and an international group of music business execs, artists and historians and to be eligible, acts music have released their first recording at least 25 years ago. The list will be voted on by industry experts and fans, with the 2017 inductees to be revealed in December. Also on the initial list are prog rockers Yes, protest singer Joan Baez, funk star Chaka Khan and pop veteran Janet Jackson. Tupac Shakur's nomination follows last year's induction of influential Californian rap group NWA, who were the fifth hip-hop act ever to be voted in.
90-year-old Chuck Berry plans first album in 38 years
Rock'n'roll legend Chuck Berry turned 90 yesterday (October 18) and used his birthday to surprise-announce his first new album since 1979's Rock It. Due for release one Dualtone next year and produced by Berry, it was recorded in his St Louis hometown. In a statement, Berry dedicated the record to wife Thelmetta and implied it may be his last: "“This record is dedicated to my beloved Toddy. My darlin’ I’m growing old! I’ve worked on this record for a long time. Now I can hang up my shoes!” Berry's children Charles jr and Ingrid are set to feature on the alb,, playing guitar and harmonica respectively.
Bruce Springsteen calls Donald Trump a "conman" in BBC interview
In a new interview with the BBC to promote his new autobiography Born To Run, Bruce Springsteen labelled US Presidential candidate Donald Trump a "conman". The singer acknowledged some voters "feel Donald Trump has been listening to them and speaks for them on some level," but countered, "I think he's a conman, we're getting played." Elsewhere in in the interview, he discussed 1975 hit Born To Run, saying "That was one of the few records I've ever made where I thought 'that's exactly what I want it to sound like." Watch the full interview here. (BBC)
One Direction singer Liam Payne signs with Republic Records in America
After signing with Captiol Records in the UK in July, Liam Payne has inked a deal with Republic Records in America. The One Direction singer is now signed with divisions of Universal in both territories. Republic CEO Monte Lipman said, “Being a member of the most successful group of the last decade, Liam has a tremendous opportunity to make an even greater impact on pop culture. We’re honoured by Liam’s decision to join Republic Records, and have extremely high expectations for his solo career”.
Lady Gaga premieres new song A-YO
Ahead of the release of new album Joanne on October 21, Lady Gaga has unveiled another new song. A-YO, debuted earlier this month at a small gig in Nashville, follows Perfect Illusion and Million reasons as the third track to be released from the follow-up to 2014's Cheek To Cheek. Last month, Perfect Illusion peaked at No.12, while details of streaming plans for Joanne are yet to emerge.
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