Music Week’s round-up of essential music biz stories you might have missed...
Summer’s day
Warner Chappell Music has entered into a global publishing administration agreement with singer-songwriter Summer Walker. The deal covers all existing and new compositions written by Walker, including her hit, Girls Need Love Remix with Drake.
“I’m really excited to have my songs looked after by the fantastic Warner Chappell team,” said Walker. “It’s great to partner with a company that nurtures both established and new artists with equal passion and devotion, and I’m look forward to working with Ryan, Wallace, and everyone there to take my music to exciting new places.”
James Henke
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame chief curator and Rolling Stone writer James Henke has died, following a battle with dementia. He was 65.
Henke had a long, influential career in the industry, writing groundbreaking stories and interviewing artists including U2, Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young. “We are so grateful for the life we spent with our father,” his sons Arthur Henke and Chris Henke said in a statement. “His legacy of generosity and passion for music lives on in the lives of everyone he touched through his writing.”
Berklee honours Heap
Singer-songwriter and producer Imogen Heap has received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee’s campus in Valencia, Spain. The degree was presented by the president of the university, Roger H.Brown, during their commencement ceremony.
In presenting the honorary degree, Brown praised Heap for “her visionary, pioneering artistry; her singular contributions to the development of emerging music technologies; and her profound and lasting impact on reshaping the landscape of data and music rights.”
Take The Hit returns
Take The Hit has returned for its second series. The podcast focuses on UK chart hits and the people behind them.
Hosted by OfficialCharts.com editor Rob Copsey, the first episode features vocalist and Queen collaborator Adam Lambert. Talking about the impact working with Queen has had on him, Lambert said: “It is the biggest blessing of my career.”
Shore Fire hire
Shore Fire Media’s James Rainis has been promoted to senior account executive. "James is an exemplary publicist and manager who approaches every campaign with vision, sensitivity, and nuance," said Shore Fire senior vice president Matt Hanks. "His skills as a storyteller are matched only by the depth of his musical knowledge."
Since joining Shore Fire, Rainis has helped guide campaigns for Bon Iver, Nakhane, Raphael Saadiq, Neko Case, Mt Joy, the Brooklyn Museum’s David Bowie is exhibition, and others.
US vinyl celebration
Barnes and Noble is bringing back the Vinyl Weekend beginning from July 12, with exclusives from artists including Kacey Musgraves.
“We’re pleased to announce that Barnes and Noble’s Vinyl Weekend is back, with a unique selection of exclusives available only at Barnes and Noble,” said Moyo Labode, vice president, general merchandise manager of specialty entertainment at Barnes and Noble.
Introducing stage
The line-up for the Reading and Leeds Festivals’ BBC Music Introducing has been announced. The Introducing stage is known for nurturing up-and-coming talent – past performers include The 1975, Royal Blood and Slowthai.
Over 30 emerging artists are included on this year’s bill, including Marsicans on Friday, Ishani on Saturday and The Mysterines on Sunday. There will also be performances by Olivia Nelson, Blackwaters, Do Nothing, Kid Kapichi, Balcony, Prima and Talkboy.
By Kayla Effner
