Music For Nations expands into US
Music For Nations, the legendary British heavy metal label responsible for discovering and releasing records by Metallica, Tool, and Opeth, amongst others, has teamed up with SonyMusic Independent Network (SIN) to become an active front- line label for the first time in more than a decade, and for the first time with a dedicated US presence. Headed by Julie Weir (pictured) in the UK and in association with SIN in New York, the label will be signing and releasing new product by new artists while additionally, starting in June 2016 with Opeth and Paradise Lost albums, reissuing and repackaging classic catalogue titles.
The O2 ranks No.1 worldwide in Pollstar rankings
AEG Facilities dominated Pollstar’s 2016 first quarter rankings, accounting for four of the top 10 venues worldwide, with 46% of ticket sales in the top five, 43% in the top 10, and 33% in the top 50 arenas, based on concert and show ticket sales. In total, AEG Facilities accounted for more than 2.4 million tickets sold in the first quarter of 2016, accumulated from venues across three continents. AEG Facilities’ The O2 in London tops the list at No.1, with more than 470,000 tickets sold in the first quarter of 2016. The O2 has led the rankings every year since it opened in 2007, Twenty-two venues owned, operated or affiliated with AEG Facilities were named in the list of the top 100 arenas worldwide including nine of the top 25 arenas for the first quarter of 2016, compiled by the well-respected concert and venue industry publication Pollstar magazine.
Rising grime star Cadet signs to Absolute Label Services
Absolute Label Services has signed a label services deal with grime artist Cadet and his management company J Star Entertainment. Under the deal, Absolute will look after all label management, music distribution, social media promotion and video releases for Cadet. Drawing on its experience in the grime and UK hip hop genre, Absolute will focus on a multi-platform digital strategy initially, with a performance, music and animated video plan executed via YouTube and VEVO to promote Cadet's debut EP, Commitment. In 2015, Cadet supported Krept & Konan and Bugzy Malone as well as having his own sold out headline show at London's Islington Academy in March 2016 with guest appearances from Krept & Konan, MoStack and Donae'O. In the week that followed Commitment's release on February 19, Cadet dominated the iTunes Hip Hop chart despite not having the backing of a label or proper marketing.
BMI promotes Jessica Frost to executive director of industry relations
BMI has promoted Jessica Frost to Executive Director of Industry Relations. In her newly-expanded role, Frost will continue her work to develop and cultivate relationships with industry associations and businesses across the country that use BMI music. Frost is based in Nashville and reports directly to Dan Spears, Vice President of Licensing, Industry Relations. “Jessica’s ability to both educate business associations on the importance of having a music license and explaining the value that music brings to each establishment is second to none,” said Dan Spears, Vice President of Licensing, Industry Relations. “She has strong relationships in the industry and is a true advocate for our songwriters who rely on the licensing fees we collect so they can get paid for the music they create.”
Midem to receive award for outstanding contribution to global music publishing
The International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP) has today revealed that leading music trade fair Midem is the special honouree of the 2016 ICMP Ralph Peer II Award for Outstanding Contribution to Global Music Publishing - the unique and prestigious prize in the international music publishing field. The Award, initiated by ICMP in 2013, and named after its first honouree Ralph Peer II, recognises visionaries in the field of music publishing, whose roles have helped develop, protect and value the music of composers and authors around the world. The ceremony will take place on 4 June during the Midem International Awards.
Music Week Awards 2016 to take place tonight
The Music Week Awards takes place tonight (Thursday, 28) at The Grosvenor Hotel on Park Lane in London, with pre-dinner drinks starting at 7pm. Here's a reminder of tonight's finalists. The evening's schedule can be found here.
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