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MMF MECHANICS OF MUSIC MANAGEMENT WEBINARS Tuesday evenings in March and April The Music Managers Forum is currently running the CMU Insights-led 'Mechanics Of Music Management' programme as a series of webinars, taking place every other Tuesday. [READ MORE] |
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CMU+TGE CONFERENCES AT THE GREAT ESCAPE Wednesday 8 - Friday 10 May 2019 This year's CMU+TGE conferences put the spotlight on music education, digital dollars and music marketing, and are packed with research, case studies, interviews and debates. [READ MORE] |
| TOP STORIES | Woodstock 50 is cancelled but then not cancelled READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| DEALS | SideOneDummy Records allies with AWAL READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| MEDIA | Stephen Fry, Sharon Osbourne and more say calls for Eurovision boycott turn "a tool of unity into a weapon of division" READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| INDUSTRY PEOPLE | Vanessa Reed named CEO of New Music USA READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| RELEASES | Kate Tempest announces new album, The Book Of Traps And Lessons READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| GIGS & FESTIVALS | Ozzy Osbourne reschedules farewell shows READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| ONE LINERS | Spotify, Jayda G, Hayden Thorpe, more READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| AND FINALLY... | Twitter announces content partnerships with Live Nation and MTV READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| 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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RAYMOND GUBBARY LIMITED - EVENT ASSISTANT (LONDON) Raymond Gubbay Ltd, London’s leading promoter of popular classical music, dance and trail events, is seeking to appoint a full time enthusiastic Event Administrator to join its busy event department. For more information and to apply click here. |
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SECRETLY DISTRIBUTION - INTERNATIONAL PROJECT MANAGER (LONDON) Secretly Distribution is seeking a full-time International Project Manager for its growing family of distributed artists and labels. The ideal candidate is a skilled writer and communicator with a minimum of three years professional experience related to product management, artist relations, marketing and/or promotions in the music industry. For more information and to apply click here. |
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!K7 MUSIC - SALES & MARKETING MANAGER (BERLIN) !K7 Music is expanding the sales and marketing division and is looking for an experienced professional to direct, implement and manage robust international release campaigns across multiple artist and label projects for both our in-house and partner labels.UK and non-Berlin based applicants that may be interested in relocating to Berlin for the role are very welcome to apply. For more information and to apply click here. |
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ROCKET MUSIC - DIGITAL MANAGER (LONDON) Rocket Music Entertainment Group is looking for a highly motivated, dynamic and passionate individual to join the team as Digital Manager. You will be responsible for creating, developing and managing our visual assets and content, working across our Artist Roster, both signed and in development. For more information and to apply click here. |
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MUSIC PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION - GENERAL MANAGER (LONDON) The Music Publishers Association is seeking a General Manager to implement a clear strategy which will deliver the best possible results on matters of music copyright protection and industry related policies. For more information and to apply click here. |
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SENTRIC MUSIC GROUP - DIGITAL MARKETING ASSISTANT (LIVERPOOL) Sentric Music is looking for an enthusiastic, creative and ambitious Digital Marketing Assistant to oversee all company social media marketing and analysis, as well as assist our Group Marketing Manager with overall company marketing implementation. For more information and to apply click here. |
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IDOL - UK KEY DIGITAL ACCOUNT MANAGER (LONDON) IDOL is looking for a UK Key Digital Account Manager to help promote its roster of labels and launch creative and innovative release campaigns to achieve commercial goals. For more information and to apply click here. |
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SOUND CITY - SPONSORSHIP SALES MANAGER (LIVERPOOL) Sound City is looking for a Sponsorship Sales Manager with a proven track record. You will be selling across our portfolio of services and products that are both B2B and B2C related in both the UK and internationally. For more information and to apply click here. |
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THE ORCHARD - DIRECTOR, UK SALES & MARKETING (LONDON) The Orchard is looking for an experienced and passionate Head of Sales & Marketing to join us in the UK, you will be responsible for managing The Orchard’s local and global repertoire in the UK market; as well as driving a talented team of local account managers. For more information and to apply click here. |
Woodstock 50 is cancelled but then not cancelled
There was quite a bit of confusion yesterday over that big festival being staged to celebrate the five decade anniversary of Woodstock, after one of the event's financial backers announced that it had been cancelled only for Woodstock company to insist it was going ahead.
The 2019 event - the third time a milestone anniversary has been marked with another festival - is due to take place from 16-18 Aug with Jay-Z, Dead & Company and The Killers all set to headline. To date Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang has been the main spokesperson for the festivities, telling reporters that he hoped the event would celebrate activism and political engagement as much as the music happening on stage.
However, yesterday it was another entity putting out statements about Woodstock 50. Amplifi Live, a division of marketing group the Dentsu Aegis Network, was one of the festival's backers, and it announced that "despite our tremendous investment of time, effort and commitment, we don't believe the production of the festival can be executed as an event worthy of the Woodstock brand name while also ensuring the health and safety of the artists, partners and attendees. As a result and after careful consideration, Dentsu Aegis Network's Amplifi Live, a partner of Woodstock 50, has decided to cancel the festival".
In the wake of that announcement, Billboard reported that organisers had recently approached both Live Nation and AEG to step in as new backers of the festival, mainly by pumping $20 million into the event. Neither of the live music giants seemed keen to get involved, possibly because of divisions between those running the show, and rumours that the festival's main production partner was about to be fired.
However, pretty much as soon as the news Woodstock 50 was cancelled had circled around the internet, a new statement was issued from the festival's organisers insisting the show was still going ahead. They stated: "We are committed to ensuring that the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock is marked with a festival deserving of its iconic name and place in American history and culture. Although our financial partner is withdrawing, we will of course be continuing with the planning of the festival and intend to bring on new partners".
Elsewhere, the aforementioned Lang told TMZ that Amplifi Live's statement had come as a "complete surprise" to him. Meanwhile, other people involved in the actual Woodstock company told media that their financial backer had no right to unilaterally announce the festival had been cancelled, indicating that legal action could now follow over that announcement.
Quite who the new partners will be to help make the big anniversary party happen is not yet known. But in their statement, the Woodstock team insisted: "The bottom line is, there is going to be a Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival, as there must be, and it's going to be a blast".
SideOneDummy Records allies with AWAL
Kobalt's AWAL has announced one of those exclusive distribution and services deals with LA-based independent label SideOneDummy Records. And if you don't believe me, maybe you'll believe it when Lonny says so.
Says AWAL CEO Lonny Olinick: "AWAL is proud to work with the best artists and labels across genres. Signing this deal with SideOneDummy Records is an amazing opportunity for AWAL to continue this tradition with a legendary indie label. Whether working in punk, indie rock, or with singer songwriters, their team has created an artist friendly label focused on true artist development. They have bold ambitions to expand SideOneDummy".
Still not believing this news? Well, what about Bill? You've gotta trust Bill. "We have been fans of Kobalt for many years and have watched them grow from the sidelines", says SideOneDummy Records co-founder Bill Armstrong. "We have been impressed with their forward thinking, independent spirit, transparency and creative initiatives".
He goes on: "Our meetings with Lonny, combined with how much he knows and understands our company culture made AWAL the natural next step into the future for SideOneDummy. The evolution of the music business has been dramatic in recent years and Kobalt is leading the charge, we are THRILLED to be a part of it".
In its nearly 25 years in business, SideOneDummy Records has worked with the likes of The Gaslight Anthem, Flogging Molly and Gogol Bordello. Current acts include Xavier Rudd and Rozwell Kid.
Stephen Fry, Sharon Osbourne and more say calls for Eurovision boycott turn "a tool of unity into a weapon of division"
Stephen Fry, Sharon Osbourne, Gene Simmons and comedian Al Murray are among various people from the creative industries to sign a letter opposing calls for a boycott of this year's Eurovision Song Contest. A number of music industry reps are also among the names on the list, including Scooter Braun, Glassnote's Daniel Glass, Downtown's Andrew Gould, BMG's Zach Katz, JEM Artists' Colin Lester, and artist manager Jonathan Shalit.
There have been various calls to boycott this year's Eurovision due to it taking place in Israel. In January, creative types including Peter Gabriel, Wolf Alice and Reverend And The Makers joined the Boycott, Divestment And Sanctions movement - which calls for the cultural boycott of Israel over its policies towards Palestine - in pressuring the BBC not to broadcast the contest.
Since Madonna announced that she would be performing at the event, there have also been various calls for her to withdraw.
However, the new counter-protest to these protests, which has been put together by an organisation known as Creative Community For Peace, says that "the spirit of togetherness is under attack by those calling to boycott Eurovision 2019 because it is being held in Israel, subverting the spirit of the contest and turning it from a tool of unity into a weapon of division".
"We believe the cultural boycott movement is an affront to both Palestinians and Israelis who are working to advance peace through compromise, exchange, and mutual recognition", the statement goes on. "While we all may have differing opinions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the best path to peace, we all agree that a cultural boycott is not the answer".
This year's Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place in Tel Aviv in May.
Vanessa Reed named CEO of New Music USA
Vanessa Reed has been named the new president and CEO of New Music USA. She has, of course, been head of similar UK-based organisation the PRS Foundation for the last eleven years.
New Music USA was founded in 2011 as a result of the merger of the American Music Center and Meet The Composer. The organisation supports new music created in the United States, including through grant funding. Reed replaces Ed Harsh, who stood down as its CEO last year.
"I believe that music, like every art form, deserves specialist resources and advocates that offer support, build new connections, and create a better future for its creators, practitioners, and audiences", says Reed. "That's why I've loved every minute of my time at PRS Foundation in the UK and why I'm excited to be taking up this post at New Music USA, which plays a crucial role in supporting and connecting America's many talented and diverse new music communities".
Waving her off, PRS Foundation chair Simon Platz says: "Vanessa has been the power house behind the force that has transformed the Foundation in recent years. Her passion and energy has been infectious and the strategic partnerships she has struck up between the Foundation and all kinds of major funders, music organisations and national bodies like the BBC will be her enduring legacy. We wish her all the best with her exciting new appointment in New York".
Meanwhile, chair of New Music USA Frederick Peters says: "The board of New Music USA feels profoundly grateful that our search has sourced such an extraordinary woman to lead our organisation into the future. Vanessa's deep knowledge of the field, her boundless energy and fountain of transformative ideas, and her collegial approach make her the perfect leader for New Music USA's next phase".
Reed will officially take up her new post on 12 Aug.
| Approved: Mount Forel Mount Forel's debut single 'America' is unusual in that the band's opening gambit is, in part, an apology. "It's about the rise of the far right and fascism, and the demise of the liberal agenda", says frontman Ross Thompson of the track. "The triumph of Trump and the normalisation of racism, misogyny and general douchary that has sadly become so acceptable. As an American I find that, increasingly, I have to say 'we're not all cunts'". Alright, perhaps not an apology. More an exasperated lament. The song is the closest to home for Thompson, who is American. Other songs on the album take their names from other places, with each band member also harking from a different country. While the thoughts on the state of the planet are intriguing, what really draws you in is the music - inventive guitar-led songs that use pop, dance and psychedelic influences. At ground level, the song structures are rock solid, which allows them to switch genres and leap into odd time signatures while maintaining an anchor to hold you there with them. Watch the video for 'America' here.Stay up to date with all of the artists featured in the CMU Approved column by subscribing to our Spotify playlist. |
Kate Tempest announces new album, The Book Of Traps And Lessons
Kate Tempest has announced that she will release her third solo album in June. Titled 'The Book Of Traps And Lessons', the first single from the record is 'Firesmoke'.
"I think of the song like a cleansing moment in the wider context of the record, in the same way that a relationship can be a cleansing moment in the wider context of a life", Tempest says of the single. "A kind of a turning point. I wrote it for my woman. Inspired by her and everything that falling in love with her has taught me".
The follow-up to 2016's 'Let Them Eat Chaos', the new album has been in the works with producers Rick Rubin and Dan Carey for the last five years. It will finally be released on 14 Jun.
Ozzy Osbourne reschedules farewell shows
Ozzy Osbourne has announced rescheduled British Isles dates for his farewell tour. With the finale venture already hampered by hand surgery and a bout of flu, the Black Sabbath frontman pulled all remaining 2019 dates after injuring himself in a fall.
Everything's back on now though, with the UK and Ireland leg of the tour now rescheduled for early 2020.
"I'm really looking forward to getting back to Europe for these shows", says Osbourne. "Thank you to all the fans for sticking with me and waiting for the new dates to be announced. I can't wait to see you all next year".
Tour dates:
31 Jan: Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
2 Feb: Dublin, 3Arena
5 Feb: Manchester Arena
7 Feb: Newcastle, Utilita Arena
10 Feb: London, O2 Arena
21 Feb: Glasgow, Hydro
14 Feb: Birmingham, Resorts World Arena
Spotify, Jayda G, Hayden Thorpe, more
Other notable announcements and developments today...
• Spotify now has 100 million paying users. The streaming firm included the big fat stats brag in its latest quarterly report yesterday. They should really launch 100 million green balloons into the sky to celebrate. Though that would be very bad for the environment. I can't believe Spotify is going to damage the environment by launching 100 million green balloons into the sky. It's a scandal! And anyway, we all know balloons are meant to be red. And they should really have done the balloon stunt when they reached 99 million users. OK people, cancel the balloons. The party is officially off.
• Producer Jayda G has announced the next in her series of JMG Talks environmental science events. Taking place at Giant Steps in Hackney Wick on 22 May, she will be talking to Alex Cancelli about his research into the behaviour of contaminants in treatment wetlands.
• Banks is back with new single 'Gimme'. "'Gimme' is a song about getting what you want", she says. "It's about knowing what you deserve, saying it out loud, and demanding it with no apologies. I'm ready to release this into the world and begin a new chapter".
• AlaskaAlaska have released new track, 'Tough Love'. "'Tough Love' is a protest and a paradox", says band leader Lucinda Duarte-Holman. "It is an invite to each individual listener to interpret however they like".
• Former Wild Beasts frontman Hayden Thorpe has announced five shows around the world, where he will perform songs from his new album solo on piano. He will hit London on 20 May. Register for free tickets here.
• D Double E has announced that he will play The Borderline in London on 23 May, followed by shows in Glasgow and Brighton in June.
• Hootie And The Blowfish have announced UK tour dates in October, including a performance at the Hammersmith Apollo on 12 Oct.
• Check out our weekly Spotify playlist of new music featured in the CMU Daily - updated every Friday.
Twitter announces content partnerships with Live Nation and MTV
Now, we all know that - in 2019 - Twitter is primarily a platform for adding sarcastic remarks underneath the posts of professional shit stirrers, ensuring that warm glow you can only feel after taking down some cunt with a clever witticism and seven emojis. But Twitter HQ is still insisting that its app is some kind of brand-friendly modern media platform, and to that end its just announced some new content partnerships.
Those partnerships include one with Live Nation which will be pumping exclusive footage of gigs and festivals into Twitter and "bringing the power of live to millions of music fans". There will also be "must-see moments from iconic festivals", which -together with the live music - "give brands the opportunity to meaningfully engage with fans when they're truly listening". Yeah, whatever you say Twitter. Sorry, #whateveryousayTwitter
Not only that, via a partnership with Viacom, MTV will be running a Twitter gimmick at the VMAs where fans will be asked "to decide which audience member they'd like to watch on a live reaction cam or follow backstage and behind-the-scenes during the show's biggest moments". Exciting stuff. Sorry, #excitingstuff
And now here's Twitter's Global VP And Head Of Content Partnerships Kay Madati saying some nonsense: "When you collaborate with the top publishers in the world, you can develop incredibly innovative ways to elevate premium content and bring new dimensions to the conversations that are already happening on Twitter".
"Together with our partners", he adds, "we developed this new slate of programming specifically for our audiences, and designed the content to fuel even more robust conversation on Twitter".
Meanwhile, every Twitter user everywhere nodded politely and then returned to diligently telling Donald Trump to fuck off. Sorry, #fuckoff
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