Music Week's round-up of essential music biz stories you might have missed…
UnitedMasters names first president
The New York-based independent distribution service UnitedMasters has announced the appointment of Lauren Wirtzer-Seawood as the company’s first president a year and a half after the company was set up.
Wirtzer-Seawood joins UnitedMasters after three years as part of the Instagram team, where she her spent her time focusing on utilising technology to allow artists to better reach their fanbase.
Perry confirms new single
Katy Perry has announced the release of her new single titled Never Really Over, out this Friday (May 31). Never Really Over features a sample of the Norwegian artist Dagny’s Love You Like That and is the first track on which Perry is lead artist since her release Cozy Little Christmas, which peaked at no.23 on the singles charts.
Hipgnosis acquires Al Jackson Jr Catalogue
Hipgnosis has acquired the music catalogue of American drummer, producer and songwriter Al Jackson Jr. Jackson Jr was one of the founding members of the band Booker T & The MG’s, whose songs Green Onions and Time is Tight are part of the music catalogue bought by Hipgnosis.
The deal gives Hipgnosis 100% of the copyright interest from the catalogue, which is comprised of 185 compositions and 199 recordings.
Hipgnosis founder Merck Mercuriadis said: “We are proud to be the custodians of Al Jackson Jr’s incredible work and to celebrate him in a way that is worth of his almost singular achievements’.
BBC Introducing Live returns
The first details of the event BBC Introducing Live, which will take place at Tobacco Dock, London, have been unveiled. The event, which is due to take place between October 31 and November 2 will play host to over 150 acts and feature panels including What Does It Take To Start Out In A&R?, Meet the Artists Managers and Jobs in a Label – Who Does What?
BBC Introducing Live will also have a range of new events for 2019, which include The Album Masterclass, which takes a look into how some of the most influential albums came to life, networking sessions and Meet A Mentor, which gives the opportunity to be paired up with mentors from the industry.
It was also announced that BBC DJs including Steve Lamacq, Mary Anne Hobbs, Gilles Peterson, Tom Robinson and Huw Stephens will be in attendance at this year’s event.
The Cure head to cinemas
Trafalgar Releasing in collaboration with Eagle Rock have announced that The Cure Anniversary 1978-2018 Hyde Park London is set for global theatrical release on July 11. The film, which is directed by Tim Pope, a long-time collaborator with the band, captures their 40th anniversary gig at Hyde Park in 2018.
Speaking about the release, lead singer Robert Smith said “this really was the perfect way to celebrate 40 years of the band”.
Andy C and Wilkinson in Dreamland
DJs Andy C and Wilkinson are to play sets at Dreamland on August 3. The event will see a host of acts play the theme park in Margate, with Andy C headlining.
Indie artist Mac DeMarco is headlining a separate Dreamland event on June 29.
Virtual insanity
The virtual reality music platform MelodyVR has added four new performances to their platform. Fans of Kelly Clarkson, Jamiroquai, Bullet For My Valentine and Plan B will now be able to immerse themselves virtually within a selected concert from each of these artists via virtual reality gear.
MelodyVR were in attendance at Kelly Clarkson’s sell out performance in Dallas, Jamiroquai’s show at the O2 in London, Bullet For My Valentine’s performance at Alexandra Palace and Plan B’s show at the O2 Academy in Brixton.
By Nick O'Leary
