| Available to premium subscribers, CMU Trends digs deeper into the inner workings of the music business, explaining how things work and reviewing all the recent trends. | |
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CMU TRENDS IN FIVE STEPS: SAFE HARBOUR As the draft new copyright directive in Europe reaches its final stages, the safe harbour reforms it contains remain very much in the spotlight. But what is the safe harbour and why does it need reforming? CMU Trends explains. [READ MORE] |
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CMU TRENDS GUIDE TO MUSIC RIGHTS This three part CMU Trends guide provides a beginner's guide to music copyright and the music rights business. In it, we cover ownership, controls and licensing, and review key trends in streaming, physical, sync and public performance. [READ MORE] |
| TOP STORIES | Bestival's money-lender is trying to buy the company READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| LEGAL | Ricky Nelson estate sues Sony over international deductions on streaming money READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| LABELS & PUBLISHERS | Label that dropped Zex over sexual assault claims retracts allegations READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| LIVE BUSINESS | Koko temporarily closed due to "structural issue" READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| ARTIST NEWS | Kylie Minogue set to confuse you on your train journey tomorrow READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| RELEASES | Mono announce new album, Nowhere Now Here READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| ONE LINERS | The Teskey Brothers, JID, Amazon Music, more READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| AND FINALLY... | Eddie Vedder warned Bradley Cooper not to make A Star Is Born READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| CMU Insights is our training and consultancy business providing training courses, conference sessions and research reports for music companies. | |
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MAKING MONEY FROM MUSIC COPYRIGHT SEMINARS Three weekly evening seminars from Monday 17 Sep These three seminars provide a concise guide to how music copyright works, the ins and outs of music licensing and current trends in the music rights sector. [READ MORE] |
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MECHANICS OF MUSIC MANAGEMENT SEMINARS A new five part seminar series starting Tuesday 2 Oct The Music Managers Forum has teamed up with CMU Insights to present a new five part training programme exploring best practice and current trends in artist management. [READ MORE] |
| Check out all the latest job opportunities with CMU Jobs. To advertise your job opportunities here email [email protected] or call 020 7099 9060. | |
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THE ORCHARD - INTERACTIVE MARKETING MANAGER (LONDON) The Orchard is looking for a savvy, seasoned digital music marketer to promote its distributed artists in Europe and beyond. The ideal candidate will come from a label or distribution background and have an exceptional understanding of the digital space. For more information and to apply click here. |
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DOMINO - PRODUCT MANAGER (BERLIN) Based in our Berlin office, Domino Recording Company is seeking a full time Product Manager to run artist campaigns for the German market. For more information and to apply click here. |
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ONE LITTLE INDIAN - HEAD OF RADIO/TV (LONDON) One Little Indian Records is looking for Head of Radio/TV. You will oversee the National Radio/TV for our roster. You will initiate, coordinate and implement the promotional strategy for artists on our roster. For more information and to apply click here. |
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FABRIC - SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER (LONDON) Fabric is looking for a savvy and experienced marketing person with an expert touch on digital. The successful candidate will work alongside the Booking & Promotions Team and lead the fabric communications requirement. For more information and to apply click here. |
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BIMM - EVENTS & CAREERS ASSISTANT (LONDON) This role provides a unique opportunity to assist the BIMM Artist Development, Events, Guests and Careers teams. The position will involve assisting with day to day administration as well as getting involved with hosting masterclasses and assisting at the external BIMM events. For more information and to apply click here. |
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MANCHESTER ACADEMY - OPERATIONS MANAGER (MANCHESTER) The University of Manchester Students’ Union and Manchester Academy is looking for two enthusiastic Operations Managers. Our Operations Managers make sure all our clients, visitors and customers receive an excellent service experience, whilst ensuring the safe and legal operation of the venues. For more information and to apply click here. |
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KILIMANJARO LIVE - PROMOTER ASSISTANT (LONDON) Kilimanjaro Live have a vacancy for a Promoter Assistant. The role requires a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, a great work ethic and good language and spreadsheet skills. It would likely suit someone who is looking for progression from their first or second admin role. For more information and to apply click here. |
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WARP RECORDS - UK PROMOTIONS CO-ORDINATOR (LONDON) Warp Records has an exciting opportunity for a UK Promotions Co-ordinator, to be based in their London office. The full-time role is part of the UK team, supporting creative and effective campaigns for the label’s roster of ground-breaking artists. For more information and to apply click here. |
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SECRETLY DISTRIBUTION - DIGITAL MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR (LONDON) Secretly Distribution seeks a full time Digital Marketing Co-ordinator based in our London office. This individual will work closely with our international and digital teams in a wide reaching role that will focus on sales and marketing in multiple territories outside of the US. For more information and to apply click here. |
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PARAMOUNT ARTISTS - JUNIOR BOOKING AGENT ASSISTANT (BRIGHTON) This is an exciting opportunity for a hard-working, enthusiastic individual to join a sociable, dynamic and successful agency as a Junior Booking Agent Assistant to work on the Steve Aoki, Cheat Codes and Martin Jensen team. For more information and to apply click here. |
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DOMINO - DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER (LONDON) Based in our London office, Domino Recording Company is seeking a full time Digital Marketing Manager. The Digital Marketing Manager is our central conduit for all digital marketing and advertising initiatives. For more information and to apply click here. |
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WARP PUBLISHING - ROYALTIES & COPYRIGHT MANAGER (LONDON) Warp Publishing, an independent music publishing company with offices in London and Los Angeles, is looking for a Royalties & Copyright Manager, with a strong focus on data analysis and reporting, to be based in the North London office. For more information and to apply click here. |
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MANCHESTER ACADEMY - ASSISTANT TECHNICAL MANAGER (MANCHESTER) The University of Manchester Students’ Union and Manchester Academy is looking for two Assistant Technical Managers to help make our events shine. You'll need a keen eye for details and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders to deliver first class events. For more information and to apply click here. |
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MPA GROUP OF COMPANIES - CHIEF EXECUTIVE (LONDON) The Music Publishers Association Group of Companies is recruiting a Chief Executive Officer to run its three companies – the MPA, the MCPS and PMLL. This is one of the most important positions in the UK music industry and comes at a time of great opportunity and significant change. For more information and to apply click here. |
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KOBALT MUSIC GROUP - SENIOR DIRECTOR, AWAL LABEL MANAGEMENT (LONDON) Kobalt is looking for someone to be responsible for the day to day management of the UK AWAL Label Management team. You’ll be looking after a small roster of the higher profile clients while also managing the label managers. For more information and to apply click here. |
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KOBALT MUSIC GROUP - INCOME TRACKING ANALYST (LONDON) Kobalt is looking for an Income Tracking Analyst. This is a completely new role where you would be responsible for implementing and maintaining efficient royalty tracking and analysis processes for income receipts from Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) around the world. For more information and to apply click here. |
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BNDR MUSIC - PRODUCT MANAGER (LONDON) BNDR Music is seeking a Product Manager. Duties include, compiling and implementing artist marketing campaigns, plugging artists at radio, liaising with online and national PRs, and working closely with A&Rs and the Label Manager to schedule release roll outs. For more information and to apply click here. |
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SJM CONCERTS - MARKETING COORDINATOR (MANCHESTER) We are looking for a Marketing Coordinator to implement marketing campaigns to generate sales for new tours and events via various platforms including press, radio, TV, digital and print. For more information and to apply click here. |
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ELITE MUSIC MANAGEMENT – ADMIN ASSISTANT/ASSISTANT BOOKING AGENT (BRIGHTON) We are looking for a dynamic, talented individual to work as part of a hard-working team. You will be required to assist the agents and directors with admin tasks for the acts we represent. For more information and to apply click here. |
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THE O2 – PROGRAMMING ASSISTANT (LONDON) We are looking for a Programming Assistant to join the programming team at The O2 and provide them with business support information paying particular attention to the analysis of key sales information, the reporting of ticket figures and the production of venue hire contracts. For more information and to apply click here. |
Bestival's money-lender is trying to buy the company
The loan company that recently filed legal papers confirming its intent to force the Bestival Group into administration yesterday said that it had now made an offer to buy the festival firm, a move that it says will assure Camp Bestival 2019 can go ahead.
The Bestival company itself confirmed last weekend that it had had "some financial challenges" of late. This followed media reports that money lender the Richmond Group - which seemingly loaned the festival £1.6 million early last year - had filed administration notices with the High Court.
It its statement, Bestival HQ said that, despite the ongoing financial challenges, "the process we are in allows a new partner to come on board with the financial commitments required to deliver Camp Bestival 2019 in its finest form".
Yesterday the Richmond Group announced that it had "made an offer of £1.1 million to purchase the brand and assets of Bestival Group, with the intention of running the successful Camp Bestival going forward".
The boss of the loan outfit, James Benamor, then said: "We have been fans and supporters of Bestival since the beginning. Our children have grown up with wonderful memories of these festivals".
The Richmond Group is based in Bournemouth in Dorset, the county which has always hosted Camp Bestival and where, as of last year, the main Bestival festival has also been staged. Noting this local connection, Benamor's statement went on: "Bestival is an example of Dorset being world class and we are keen to ensure that this fantastic institution goes on to delight families and local businesses for many years to come".
Although in his comments Benamor talks about the Bestival enterprise at large, his company's official statement only makes a commitment to continue running Camp Bestival, the more family-orientated event that spun off from the main Bestival festival in 2008. In the always competitive UK festivals market, Camp Bestival arguably has a stronger USP than the flagship Bestival event because of its family-orientated programming.
Bestival HQ's statement last weekend also focused more on Camp Bestival, though that's mainly because tickets are already on sale for the 2019 edition of that event, whereas nothing has been formally announced for Bestival 2019. Meanwhile many people are still awaiting refunds after the final day of Camp Bestival 2018 was cancelled because of bad weather conditions.
Although not commenting on outstanding issues with the 2018 edition, Benamor's statement did specifically say that "under this offer all Camp Bestival 2019 tickets sold so far will be honoured".
The Bestival company - and its founder Rob da Bank - have not yet commented on Richmond's statement from yesterday. Though the fact that the two parties are currently issuing statements separately suggests that Richmond is not the "new partner" coming on board with some new finance that Bestival HQ was optimistically talking about on Sunday.
Ricky Nelson estate sues Sony over international deductions on streaming money
The estate of 1950s pop star Ricky Nelson has sued Sony Music over a common royalties gripe. Namely, the way global music companies often make deductions to income as it moves its way around their various regional subsidiaries, before calculating what the artist is due under the terms of their record contract in their home country.
Such deductions have traditionally been common in the record industry. Partly because, when it comes to physical product, releasing a record in each new territory requires additional work and extra risk for the label. And partly because in the early days of the record industry, when there were few truly global music companies, third party labels and distributors might be involved in a record's release in other countries.
With the shift to digital, some artists and managers argue that deductions of this kind are harder to justify. Especially on catalogue, which can start earning money from the streaming platforms in other countries with no real effort on the part of the label.
As a result, some labels don't charge international deductions on streaming income, although there remains quite a lot of confusion about label deductions in general. Sometimes a label says it no longer applies any deductions to an artist's streaming monies, but then it might turn out there are some exceptions to that general rule.
Either way, the Nelson estate accuses Sony of applying a hefty "intercompany charge" on international streaming revenue before calculating the royalties it is due. The estate has no problem with such deductions if there is a third party company involved which is making the additional charges, but it argues that international deductions are not allowed under Nelson's record contract where another Sony Music label is in control of his recordings abroad.
According to Law360, the Nelson estate's lawsuit says that, because of the international deductions, Sony "impermissibly takes up to 68% off the top of the international revenue earned from streaming sales, and bases the artist's royalty rate on the remainder". Because it is usually other Sony subsidiaries making the deduction, they add, Sony "does not have a contractual or equitable right" to deduct money in this way.
The estate is pushing for class action status for its lawsuit, which it says could mean that "hundreds, if not thousands" of artists who are beneficiaries of Sony Music released recordings could be involved in the case and, if it was successful, see their streaming royalty payments increase.
This is by no means the first lawsuit involving this particular royalty gripe, and Sony itself has been involved in such cases in the past. The Nelson estate also sued Capital Records, then still part of EMI, back in 2011, again over allegedly underpaid royalties. That dispute was seemingly subsequently settled.
Label that dropped Zex over sexual assault claims retracts allegations
The owner of a record label that dropped Canadian punk band Zex over sexual assault claims against guitarist Jo Capitalcide has withdrawn his allegations. In return the musician has dropped a defamation lawsuit against the label boss.
In a new statement on the record company's Facebook page, Magic Bullet founder Brent Eyestone says: "In September 2017, I published a statement on the website of Magic Bullet Records, and on Facebook, in which I made certain allegations about Jo Capitalcide, guitarist of the band Zex. My statement was later republished on social media and by various news outlets including Pitchfork, CBC and The Star".
"Upon reflection", he goes on, "I hereby retract these allegations without reservation. The statements that I made were unverified and I regret any impact such statements may have had on Capitalicide and Zex".
He then adds: "I am also pleased to announce that the litigation commenced by Jo Capitalcide against Magic Bullet Records and me has been resolved and we have all agreed to put this matter behind us".
Zex drew massive media attention last year after some of their songs were accidentally pressed on vinyl copies of Beyonce's 'Lemonade' album. This prompted a number of people to come forward with assault accusations against Capitalcide, leading to Eyestone's decision to cut his ties with the band.
At the time, Eyestone said that "information shared first-hand by singer Gretchen Steel" had confirmed one of the accusations shared with him directly. But Steel then denied this and Capitalcide promptly launched his legal action.
Magic Bullet Records subsequently shut down at the end of the year and Eyestone launched a new company called Dark Operative.
A statement on the Zex Facebook page acknowledges that Eyestone has retracted his earlier statements, although does not comment directly on the dropping of the lawsuit.
Koko temporarily closed due to "structural issue"
Camden's Koko venue will be closed until next month, it has been announced, so that "a structural issue" can be dealt with. Several shows affected by the closure have been moved to other venues, while others have been cancelled.
Operations Director of the venue's owner Mint Group, Larry Seymour, says in a statement: "Our consultant surveyors recently made us aware of a structural issue with this 117 year old building. The protection and well-being of our customers and staff is of paramount importance and we have therefore decided to close the venue while work is carried out".
"We place the utmost value on our relationships with our clients", he continues. "But we were unable to work around the diary. The nature of the work means that there is no alternative to a full closure. We offer sincere and heartfelt apologies to all our clients and customers who have been affected by the closure".
He concludes: "Our contractors are working diligently and at all speed to ensure that we are able to welcome back a full programme of events as soon as possible".
Currently shows between 27 Sep and 15 Oct are affected. See a full list here, including new venues where shows have been moved.
| Approved: Gabi Gabrielle Herbst's biog is lengthy and impressive. She's studied Balinese dance, traditional Indonesian percussion, piano, clarinet and composition. She's also composed orchestral works and operas. Gabi is, for want of a better word, her pop project. Away from the long-form of classical music, she aims to write short, vocal-focussed pieces. She released her first album as Gabi, titled 'Sympathy', in 2015. It's a very good album, you should listen to it. But the new music she has released recently, taken from her upcoming second album 'Empty Me', takes the project to a completely new level. Struck with inspiration, Herbst wrote music for the new album at all times of the day and night. Literally, she would often wake up in darkness with an idea in her head, which she'd bash out on the piano half asleep - such as the song 'Sleep'. "I was not interested in virtuosity, really", she says. "I was drawn to music that had that element of necessity to it. I wanted to find that in myself and strip everything else away". It's that feeling of music that needs to come out that really elevates her new songs. New single 'Wild Sunflowers' is a fine example. Ahead of the new album release on 5 Oct, listen to that here.Stay up to date with all of the artists featured in the CMU Approved column by subscribing to our Spotify playlist. |
Kylie Minogue set to confuse you on your train journey tomorrow
I'm sure you don't need reminding that it's BBC Music Day tomorrow. And I'm absolutely certain you don't need to be told that Kylie Minogue is one of its ambassadors. You remembered all that, right? So it seems entirely redundant that she'll be informing you of both those things at train stations around the country.
Minogue's voice will be heard throughout Friday at Birmingham, Bristol, Euston, Glasgow Central, Kings Cross, Leeds, London Liverpool Street, London Bridge, London Victoria, London Waterloo, Manchester and Reading railway stations.
Among the things she'll be saying is this: "Hi, it's me Kylie. I know what you're thinking; 'Why is Kylie doing the announcements?' It's because it's BBC Music Day... so I can! Have a great weekend, everyone! Happy BBC Music Day!"
That's really not going to help you catch the right train. If you're late for work tomorrow, you know who to blame. Oh, and just to put your mind at ease, another of the announcements does contain an incredibly laboured set-up in order to crowbar in the phrase "do the locomotion". Sort of like that sentence I just wrote, but worse.
Manchester Metrolink tram users getting all shirty about train passengers enjoying all the BBC Music Day treats can just bloody well calm down. Lisa Stansfield's got you covered. Equally as contrived, her announcements are at least a bit more helpful.
"Hi this is your guest announcer Lisa Stansfield here for BBC Music Day", goes one. "I've been around the world, but I, I, I, could always find my ticket. So make sure you've got yours before you get on board. Happy BBC Music Day!"
In another, she'll say: "Hey Manchester, Lisa Stansfield here for BBC Music Day! Remember when the tram's in motion, people hold on!"
As well as this, the British transport system will be further impeded by performances from various acts in stations - and Manchester Airport - at various points during the day.
I assume there's stuff happening on BBC TV and radio stations too, but I've invested too much time in this train thing now for it to be worthwhile finding out. Oh no, there's that special edition of 'Bargain Hunt', isn't there? What larks!
Mono announce new album, Nowhere Now Here
Mono have announced that they will release their tenth studio LP, 'Nowhere Now Here', in January.
Recorded with Steve Albini, it's the band's first album to feature new drummer Dahm Majuri Cipolla. To mark the announcement, the band have shared a short film directed by Julien Levy, which features new track 'After You Comes The Flood'.
The album is set for release on 25 Jan, meanwhile the band will be on tour in the UK next month. Here are the dates:
1 Oct: Bristol, The Fleece
2 Oct: Norwich Arts Centre
3 Oct: Glasgow, Classic Grand
4 Oct: Newcastle, The Cluny
5 Oct: Leeds, Left Bank
The Teskey Brothers, JID, Amazon Music, more
Other notable announcements and developments today...
• Universal's Decca Records and Vertigo Records have jointly signed Australian band The Teskey Brothers. "The Teskey Brothers are a proper band", says Decca A&R Manager Danny Roberts, a bit like your tedious uncle at Christmas. The band will release their debut album, 'Half Mile Harvest', later this year.
• Reservoir has signed rapper and songwriter Destin Route, who performs as JID, to a worldwide publishing deal. "I'm happy to be a part of the Reservoir family and thankful for their belief in me and my team to give us this opportunity", says Route.
• Amazon Music Unlimited has launched in Canada, following the introduction of the firm's Prime Music set-up there last year. "We're THRILLED for our Canadian customers to start streaming with Unlimited", says Amazon Music's Sean McMullan.
• The PRS Foundation has announced the latest winners of the Lynsey De Paul Prize. Soul singer-songwriter Amahla receives the top £2500 development bursary. "I am incredibly excited and grateful to be awarded the Lynsey De Paul Prize", she says. "With this award I can start shooting music videos to accompany the release of my debut EP in February and start the recording of my second project". Five runners up - Bianca Gerald, Dani Sylvia, Fiona Lee, Rebekah Fitch and Harpy - will all receive £1200.
• To mark the release of their new album, 'VI', on 5 Oct, You Me At Six will be opening a pop-up vegan kebab shop in East London. 'You Me At Shish' will open at the Temple Goods Café in Hackney Downs Studios at 6pm on 5 Oct.
• Olly Murs is releasing a new single, called 'Moves', tomorrow. It features Snoop Dogg. "Snoop was just perfect for the song", says Murs. "There's no one else that has that much character in his raps. He's such an original". Here's a clip.
• William Shatner is recording a Christmas album called 'Shatner Claus'. Really. It features guests including Iggy Pop, Todd Rundgren, Rick Wakeman, ZZ Top's Billy Gibson and more. Featuring Henry Rollins, here's 'Jingle Bells'. Why is this happening?
• Brockhampton have released the video for 'San Marocs', from new album 'Iridesence'.
• MGMT will release an album of remixes of tracks from their latest LP 'Little Dark Age' tomorrow. From it, here's Matthew Dear's take on 'One Thing Left To Try'.
• Soft Cell have released the video for 'Northern Lights', their first new song for fifteen years. New compilation, 'The Singles - Keychains & Snowstorms', is out tomorrow.
• Matt Corby has released the video for new single 'No Ordinary Life'. His new album, 'Rainbow Valley', is out on 2 Nov. He'll also tour the UK in January, finishing with an already sold out show at The Forum in London on 29 Jan.
• Holychild have released the video for new single 'Hundred Thousand Hearts'. "The video is about love and art and the endless cycle of inspiration between the two", says the duo's Liz Nistico. "My art is so inspired by love. Is my love inspired by the unrealistic romantic images portrayed in art? In the end does it matter? Tune in to find out!"
• Methyl Ethel have released new single 'Scream Whole'. The band's Jake Webb describes the song thus: "That cold sweat. That swollen throat. That sick feeling bubbling up from your guts. When midday movies dredge suppressed memories that scream for closure. What to do?"
• Darwin Deez has released the video for 'Say It First', taken from new album 'Ten Songs That Happened When You Left Me With My Stupid Heart'. He'll be touring the UK not this month, not after Christmas, but next fucking month (October).
• Ah! Kosmos has released new track 'June'. Her new album, 'Beautiful Swamp', is out on 5 Oct.
• Rina Mushonga has released the video for new single, '4rtrs'.
• Shy FX will play a four week residency at Omeara in London in November. Guests will include Andy C, David Rodigan, Octavian, Big Daddy Kane, D Double E, Mike Skinner, Idris Elba and Ghetts.
• Check out our weekly Spotify playlist of new music featured in the CMU Daily - updated every Friday.
Eddie Vedder warned Bradley Cooper not to make A Star Is Born
Bradley Cooper's new remake of 'A Star Is Born' is a hit with the critics, thanks to his performance alongside co-star Lady Gaga. And it turns out that Cooper sought advice on looking like an authentic musician from Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder.
"He was so wonderful", Cooper tells Yahoo. "I went up to Seattle and spent four or five days with him and I asked him 9000 questions. And he gave me minor, little things that only musicians know about what to do, just aesthetically and the inner workings".
Among the helpful pieces of advice that Vedder imparted, it turns out, was a warning not to make the movie at all. "He was a big, big champion", Cooper begins, before recalling the reality. "Well, actually, no, he thought it was crazy I was going to do this movie. He was like, 'What? Bro, don't do that'".
To be fair, I think we all thought that. I'm still thinking it now.
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