Ed Sheeran tipped to headline Glasto '17
Ed Sheeran is reportedly in talks to headline Glastonbury 2017. A source said: “Ed has always wanted to do Glasto, it’s been a huge ambition.He’s one of the biggest artists in the world, and British, so bosses are desperate to book him.” The singer, who played three sold out nights at Wembley Stadium last year, appeared at Glastonbury in 2014 and headlined the BBC Introducing Stage in 2011. (The Sun)
Deezer appoints VP of Communications
Deezer has appointed Julia Herd as its vice-president of communications. The newly created role is one of a number of strategic hires designed to drive further growth for the streaming service in a period of rapid business expansion. Herd previously worked for agencies Weber Shandwick and Consolidated as a senior lead on accounts including Microsoft, Haagen-Dazs, Virgin Mobile, Disney and Codemasters, and transitions from mobile phone firm HTC.
ADA promotes Brandon Squar
ADA, Warner Music Group’s independent distribution and services arm, has announced the promotion of Brandon Squar to EVP of digital sales and strategy, worldwide. Reporting to David Orleans, ADA’s president of sales and label management. Squar will lead both national and global digital consumer marketing campaigns, spearheading promotional and commercial opportunities for ADA’s label partners. Squar will also develop strategies to better serve their roster of independent label partners, including digital reporting, sales and account management.
Bieber tour passes $70m barrier
Justin Bieber’s Purpose World Tour has now grossed more than $70 million from 51 performances since launching in Seattle on March 9. The North American leg of the tour wraps up at New York’s Madison Square Garden on July 19. (Billboard)
British acts top Amazon Prime streaming list
Amazon Prime Music celebrates its first anniversary in the UK on July 28 and has revealed that British artists dominate its list of the Top 10 streamed artists in 2016. Coldplay come out on top, ahead of The Beatles, Ed Sheeran, One Direction, Little Mix, David Bowie, Sia, Taylor Swift, David Guetta and Panic! At The Disco.
Mumford & Sons to boycott Swedish festival
Mumford & Sons say they will boycott Swedish biggest music festival, Bravalla, after allegations that 17 women were sexually assaulted at the event last weekend. "We're appalled to hear what happened," the band wrote on Facebook. "Festivals are a celebration of music and people, a place to let go and feel safe doing so. We're gutted by these hideous reports. We won't play at this festival again until we've had assurances from the police and organisers that they're doing something to combat what appears to be a disgustingly high rate of reported sexual violence."
MSG Company acquires Boston Calling Events
The Madison Square Garden Company has acquired a controlling stake in Boston Calling Events, LLC, the production company behind the Boston Calling music festival. BCE co-founder and CEO Brian Appel will continue to operate the business, which also also owns and produces other events such as the Boston Calling Block Parties, an annual series of outdoor events showcasing local music, and the Copenhagen Beer Celebration, a new festival showcasing brewers and musical acts that will be held for the first time this September in Boston's City Hall Plaza.
Spotify continues audience growth
Spotify has revealed that its free service now reaches 16.8% of the UK listening audience, widening the platform’s incremental reach versus every major commercial radio station by 2.4% since last year. The research also indicates that Spotify’s Free Service has the largest reach of any digital music service in the UK. The study was conducted by global market research provider TNS.
Pulse Global to list on Australian Stock Exchange
Pulse Global, Australia’s oldest online radio station turned electronic dance network, has unvealed plans to revamp its strategy and upgrade its platform. lt is aiming to raise up to A$6 million and list on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) over the next couple of months. The funds generated from the listing will see founders Wade Cawood (CEO) and Simon Beckingham (chief creative officer) further realise their vision of transforming Pulse Global from streaming platform into a thriving global electronic dance community. Pulse Global has also beefed up its management team with the appointment of ex-Beatport CEO Matt Adell to its board of directors. Adell was also VP of music services at Napster.
Return of Bloomberg Summer at The Roundhouse
Bloomberg Summer At The Roundhouse returns to the London venue for its fifth consecutive year from August 6-29. The season is renowned for introducing new audiences to innovative culture and will feature a series of unique and one-off music events lined up. The line-up includes Matthew Herbert, Eska, BBC Proms with London Sinfonietta, Gaika, Dan Deacon & London Contemporary Orchestra.
Indie bands 'could be hit hardest by Brexit'
While no one can be certain of the implications an EU exit poses for the UK music industry two weeks on from the referendum, it is the belief of many that up and coming independent bands could be hit hardest. In speaking to a number of leading UK indie labels, Music Week has found that many are concerned for the future of young touring bands, as continental tours could be hampered significantly by ramped up travel costs and extensive red tape. (Music Week)
