Nearly 2000 women call out sexual harassment and abuse in the Swedish music industry
Nearly 2000 women working across the Swedish music industry have put their name to a letter calling out overt sexism and sexual harassment in the country's music sector, and demanding a change to the corporate culture that allows such behaviour.

The open letter follows the recent sexual abuse scandals that have rocked Hollywood in the wake of the allegations made against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. Those accusations have, of course, resulted in a much more frank conversation about sexism and sexual abuse in the wider entertainment industry, political community and far beyond.

A number of allegations have since been made against both artists and music industry execs in various countries, though the open letter in Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter more overtly puts the spotlight on a wider misogynistic culture in the country's music industry that allows incidents of sexism and sexual harassment to become common place.

The letter has come together via a closed Facebook group where over 3000 women working in all strands of the Swedish music industry shared their experiences of sexual harassment and abuse. Some of those experiences, including some incidents of sexual assault, have also been published in Dagens Nyheter, taking the conversation to the world at large.

Among the 1993 women who have put their name to the open letter are artists, songwriters, DJs, artist managers, booking agents, PRs, music students and execs working at record labels, music publishers and in the live sector. Artists Zara Larsson, Carola, First Aid Kit, Robyn and Seinabo Sey are among the signatories.

Those who set up the Facebook group say that the gender equality initiatives launched by the music industry to date are insufficient, and that wider cultural changes are required. Both to allow women to speak out about sexual harassment without any fear of damaging their careers by doing so, and to tackle the sexism and sexual abuse that occurs within the music business.

The bosses of all three majors in Sweden have already issued comments on the letter, summarised by MBW here. They have each commended the women who have come forward to share such harrowing stories and have insisted that they will now seek to address the ongoing cultural and structural issues that allow such unacceptable behaviour to go unchallenged. Similar commitments will be required across the industry of course, and it will be interesting to see what measures are now introduced.

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Coalition Talent allies with Ministry Of Sound
Booking agency Coalition Talent has announced what it is calling a "wide-ranging joint venture agreement" with the Ministry Of Sound events and clubbing business. The two companies say that, under the JV, they will "share their resources and expertise" and together "develop and implement a range of new live events and brand partnerships". As part of the arrangement the Ministry events team will relocate to Coalition's offices.

Coalition Talent began life in 1995 as a DJ-focused booking agency, but has since expanded the range of clients it represents. Having been part of the bigger Agency Group for a time in 2014 and 2015, it's now an independent agency again that also boasts an events unit which focuses on developing event brands such as 'Coffee House Sessions', 'Pure Music Live' and the 'Just Can't Get Enough 80s' club night. It's in that latter domain where there are particular synergies between Coalition and Ministry.

Confirming the new deal, Coalition's CEO Guy Robinson told reporters: "I couldn't be more proud to enter into this joint venture with Ministry Of Sound. This iconic brand has been a huge part of my journey in the music industry, from working with them on talent through to more than a few lost nights at the club! We look forward to welcoming the Ministry Of Sound events staff into our brilliant team here at Coalition, our joint focus will be to maximise opportunities for their current offering, and develop additional products to reach new markets, as well as more extensive partnerships with touring DJs and live artists".

From his side, Ministry Of Sound CEO Jonathan Bevan added: "We are delighted to be launching this new partnership. Ministry's brands and reputation coupled with Coalition's talent relationships, expertise and newly expanded team will deliver a whole new range of world class music events".

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Vivendi boss cites $40 billion valuation of Universal Music
The possible valuation of Universal Music was a talking point once again on Friday as the boss of its parent company Vivendi - Arnaud de Puyfontaine - fielded questions at a conference in Barcelona. He told his audience that he'd recently seen one estimate top $40 billion.

According to Reuters, de Puyfontaine conceded that that number is "higher than the highest one that is currently expressed by the markets" but, when asked if he reckoned the Universal Music Group was worth such a high figure, he - perhaps unsurprisingly - answered "yes".

That figure is definitely considerably higher than a valuation that was doing the rounds earlier this year, when the Universal Music business was valued at 20 billion euros, or about $23.5 billion. Some analysts reckon that even that figure is slightly higher than the actual worth of Vivendi's music assets, which includes the Universal labels, publishing catalogues, the Bravado merch enterprise, and an assortment of other music-related interests.

There has been speculation at various points that Vivendi might float a slice of Universal Music, hence the repeated interest in its possible value. The top guard at the French conglom insist that a Universal Music IPO is not currently on the agenda, though usually accompany that with a "never say never" get out, admitting a share sale is always an option.

Of course, it's not really in Vivendi's interest to rush any IPO, given the renewed optimism in the recorded music business fuelled by the streaming boom, optimism that you could arguably see as being confirmed by rising revenues and profits at Universal. To that end, perhaps the only way is up in terms of the music major's valuation, meaning Vivendi could make much more from any share sale in a few years time.

Though, of course, opinion is divided on quite how optimistic you should be about Universal Music's future. In two ways. First, how optimistic are you about the future of the streaming market? Will current growth levels be sustained for the foreseeable future, ensuring ever bigger royalty cheques for big rights owners like Universal, and eventually allowing the key streaming services, mainly Spotify and Apple Music, to go into profit?

Secondly, even if you are optimistic about the future of streaming, will Universal continue to reap the rewards at its current level? As the record companies' monthly cheques from the streaming services continue to increase, pressure will only mount on the labels to allow a bigger share of digital income to go to artists, songwriters and publishers. And while Universal is a major music publisher too, publishing deals always skew in the songwriter's favour, whereas major label deals usually provide the bigger share to the record company.

For new music, the rise of the label services sector offers artists more options, which might ultimately put pressure on the more conventional labels to agree to deals that are more favourable to talent. While on catalogue, an increasingly organised artist community may yet achieve copyright reform that forces heritage deals that are so totally skewed in the favour of the old labels to be reviewed. Plus the potential impact of the reversion right under American copyright law is yet to be fully realised.

So, plenty of variables. Which is presumably why valuations vary so significantly. Though, in the short term at least, there should be enough optimism in the future of Universal Music to keep Vivendi shareholders happy whenever other areas of the group don't perform as well as investors would like.

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Setlist podcast ponders the death of the record label
This week's Setlist podcast from CMU discusses the big news that all record labels are now redundant. Well, that was the fairly bold claim made in one article about new artist services company UnitedMasters, which - according to said article last week - is going to single-handedly replace the apparently now defunct multi-billion dollar, growing-annually, label-led record industry.

Billed as a revolutionary new way for artists to release their music and get back analytics to better service their fanbase, UnitedMasters has been set up by major label veteran Steve Stoute. It also arrives backed with $70 million of investment, including money from Google parent company Alphabet.

Far from being a total game-changer, UnitedMasters - Setlist presenters Andy Malt and Chris Cooke note - has a lot in common with existing artist services companies like TuneCore, CD Baby, Ditto Music, Kobalt's AWAL, and possibly direct-to-fan set-ups like Music Glue. However, after stripping away all the hyperbole, they conceded the new business could still be interesting.

"As far as we can see, this company is going to offer digital distribution to artists, and then it's going to have some data technology", says Cooke. "The hope is that it's going to pull some data off the streaming platforms and then help artists to sell tickets and merchandise. Then, once they've got all that data flowing, and they've got all those direct-to-fan relationships in place, they can then go to brands to get further backing for the artists".

"Nothing here is particularly revolutionary or new, in that loads of people - including people at record companies - have been talking about this kind of thing for some time", he goes on. Although, he adds, while "people have been doing some interesting stuff in this area" already, "it does feel like nobody has yet completely capitalised on these opportunities. So perhaps these guys, with their technical knowhow, will be innovators in this space".

So, the death of the record label? "Even if it does all work, it has to be said, record companies still have a role to play", Cooke adds. "Major record companies still have a role to play. But what is interesting about this, and all of the other companies that we've referenced here, is that there is now a great choice of business partners artists can work with on getting their content out there, marketing both the content and the artist's brand, and raising money. And because there are now more companies doing that, the more traditional record labels are doing more flexible deals".

Greater choice, and the ability to pick and choose services from different business partners, is definitely a good thing. Signing a traditional record deal is no longer the only option. But this does present it's own challenges. Cooke notes: "What it does mean is, as a manager, as an artist, or as a lawyer working with artists, now you've got to make a choice. You've got to decide which of these companies is right for you".

You can find out more about the array of label/distribution deals now on offer to artists in the newly published 'MMF Deals Guide', produced by CMU Insights. And you can listen to the full Setlist conversation about UnitedMasters, as well as chat about CISAC's latest round of stats on global publishing royalties and Ryanair and YouTube getting into ticketing, here.

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CMU Insights launches seasonal in-house primer course as 2018 approaches
CMU Insights, the training and consultancy side of CMU, has today announced a new 'primer course' that will help music companies get fully up to speed on key developments in the music industry from last year as we head into 2018.

The CMU Insights primers are training sessions that are run in-house at music companies and companies that work with music. Taking place at the company's own offices, staff members come together to learn about the wider music business, and to share ideas and queries with each other, as well as getting to question CMU's experts.

The new seasonal CMU Insights primer is called 'Key Music Business Trends 2018'. The blurb runs thus: "As we head into 2018, CMU Insights presents a special two-hour training session reviewing five key areas of the music business, summarising important developments from the last twelve months and looking at the challenges that lie ahead in the next year".

The two hour session will cover the streaming business, piracy and stream-ripping, safe harbour and YouTube, ticketing and the touts, and all things data.

The session costs just £299 (plus VAT and travel costs outside London) and is a cost effective way to ensure all team members are fully informed on key issues, while encouraging knowledge sharing and debate within a company. Slots are available in December, January and February. More info here.

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AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young dies
AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young has died, aged 64, the band confirmed over the weekend.

Young announced in 2014 that he was retiring from the band, which he co-founded with his brother Angus in 1973, and he did not appear on their most recent album, 'Rock Or Bust'. It was later confirmed that he had been diagnosed with dementia.

"Today it is with deep heartfelt sadness that AC/DC has to announce the passing of Malcolm Young", said a statement on the band's website, published on Saturday. "Malcolm, along with Angus, was the founder and creator of AC/DC. With enormous dedication and commitment he was the driving force behind the band".

It continued: "As a guitarist, songwriter and visionary he was a perfectionist and a unique man. He always stuck to his guns and did and said exactly what he wanted. He took great pride in all that he endeavoured. His loyalty to the fans was unsurpassed".

"As his brother it is hard to express in words what he has meant to me during my life, the bond we had was unique and very special", added Angus Young. "He leaves behind an enormous legacy that will live on forever. Malcolm, job well done".

Malcolm and Angus's older brother George, who co-produced the band's first five albums, also died in October, aged 70.

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Morrissey defends Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey
Professional contrarian and occasional singer-songwriter Morrissey has seemingly come out in defence of Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey. In a new interview with Der Speigel, he is quoted as saying that both men's alleged victims should have been aware of what could happen if they went into someone else's bedroom.

Asked about the numerous claims of sexual assault made against numerous men in the entertainment industry since the Harvey Weinstein scandal first broke, Morrissey says that it has now become "theatre".

"All at once everyone is guilty", he says. "Anyone who has ever said to someone else, 'I like you', is suddenly being charged with sexual harassment. You have to put these things in the right context. If I cannot tell anyone that I like him, how should he ever know?"

While quickly adding that he thinks "rape is disgusting", he goes on to say that, in the current climate, "every person on the planet is guilty", adding that some people are "very awkward when it comes to romance" and that their frustration and confusion around it can come across as "aggressive".

On Spacey, he asked where the parents were of the fourteen year old he is alleged to have assaulted, referring to the first accusation made against the actor and director.

"One wonders if the boy did not know what could happen", he remarks. "I do not know about you, but I've never been in situations like this in my youth. Never. I always knew what could happen. When you are in somebody's bedroom, you have to be aware of where that can lead to. That's why it does not sound very credible to me. It seems to me Spacey has been unnecessarily attacked".

As for the accusations against Weinstein - particularly the allegations that he assaulted women after inviting them to his hotel room - Morrissey equally feels that the victims should share the blame.

"People know exactly what happens", he is quoted as saying. "And they play along. Afterward, they feel embarrassed, or they do not like it. And then they turn it around and say, 'I was attacked, I was surprised, I was dragged into the room'. But if everything had gone well and had it given them a great career, they would not talk about it".

While again insisting that he hates "sexual situations that are forced on someone", he says that in "many cases, one looks at the circumstances and thinks that the person referred to as a victim is merely disappointed".

Elsewhere in the interview - in which Morrissey describes himself as "apolitical" - he calls Brexit "a victory for democracy", he attacks the media for being used as "social engineering", and says that he would kill Donald Trump if given the opportunity. He also claims that multiculturalism has made Berlin "the rape capital" of Europe. Yeah, it's quite the interview, even by Morrissey's standards.

"I want Germany to be German", he continues. "I want France to be French. If you try to make everything multicultural, you will not have any culture in the end. All European countries have fought for their identity for many, many years. And now they just throw it away. I think that's sad".

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Manic Street Preachers announce new album and UK tour
Those Manic Street Preachers have announced that they will release their thirteenth studio album, 'Resistance Is Futile', in April next year. The same month, they'll also head out on a UK tour.

"The main themes of 'Resistance Is Futile' are memory and loss; forgotten history; confused reality and art as a hiding place and inspiration", say the band. "It's obsessively melodic - in many ways referencing both the naive energy of 'Generation Terrorists' and the orchestral sweep of 'Everything Must Go'. After delay and difficulties getting started, the record has come together really quickly over the last few months through a surge of creativity and some old school hard work".

The album will be released on 6 Apr. Tickets for the tour go on sale this Friday. Support for all dates will be The Coral. Here are the dates:

23 Apr: Newcastle, Metro Radio Arena
25 Apr: Glasgow, SSE Hydro
27 Apr: Birmingham Arena
28 Apr: Manchester Arena
1 May: Llandudno, Venue Cymru Arena
2 May: Leeds, First Direct Arena
4 May: London, Wembley Arena
5 May: Cardiff, Motorpoint Arena

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Spotify, Maggie Lindemann, Machine Head, more

Other notable announcements and developments today...

• Spotify has bought Soundtrap, a Swedish tech start-up that "empowers artists of all levels to create music online with a web-based, easy to use, collaborative music recording and production studio".

• Maggie Lindemann has released new single 'Obsessed'. "'Obsessed' is about being with someone who only really cares about themselves", she says. "Being with someone physically, but not being able to be with them mentally or emotionally... it's more of a play on words and cheeky song because in the end, I sing, 'I'm obsessed with myself too'".

• Machine Head have released another new song, 'Beyond The Pale', from upcoming new album 'Catharsis'.

• Stefflon Don has released new track, 'Ding-A-Ling', featuring Skepta.

• The fantastic Nils Bech is back with new single 'Apart'. His first new music since 2016, it precedes an album due for release through DFA next year.

• Poppy Ackroyd has released the video for new single 'Trains'.

• Patrick Watson has released new single 'Broken', recorded in Montreal last month. "This is a song I just felt like sharing before the next record", he says. "Dedicated to the storms we went through".

• Pinkshinyultrablast have released new single 'In The Hanging Gardens', taken from their third album 'Miserable Miracles', which is out on 4 May. The band will also be touring the UK the same month.

• Check out our weekly Spotify playlist of new music featured in the CMU Daily - updated every Friday.

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Gene Simmons banned from Fox News
Gene Simmons has reportedly been banned from Fox News for sexist behaviour in the US news network's offices. The incident reportedly took place shortly after the Kiss bassist appeared on Fox Business's 'Mornings With Maria' to promote his new book.

On the programme, he was asked for his view on the growing accusations of sexual assault against Harvey Weinstein. He replied: "The lunatics have taken over the insane asylum when respected business entities such as yourself ask guys that like to stick their tongues out what I think of Harvey Weinstein. OK, I'm a powerful and attractive man, and what I'm about to say is deadly serious. Men are jackasses. From the time we're young we have testosterone. I'm not validating it or defending it".

According to The Daily Beast, after this interview, Simmons went back into the Fox News office, barged into a meeting uninvited, shouted "hey chicks, sue me", and then tore open his shirt. He is then reported to have made jokes about Michael Jackson and paedophilia, before hitting two people on the head with his book and commenting on their perceived intelligence based on the sounds this had made.

Until now a regular Fox News guest, a photograph of Simmons' face has now reportedly been placed at the security desk at the entrance of the company's Manhattan HQ marked "do not admit".

Responding to the Daily Beast report, Simmons said in a statement: "I have appeared frequently over the years on various Fox News and Fox Business programmes and have a tremendous amount of respect for the talented women and men who work there. While I believe that what is being reported is highly exaggerated and misleading, I am sincerely sorry that I unintentionally offended members of the Fox team during my visit".

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