| TOP STORIES | Record labels sign up to Music Climate Pact READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| LEGAL | US Ninth Circuit court questions class action status of interesting performer rights case
READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| DEALS | Primary Wave announces deal with James Brown estate
Måneskin extend Sony publishing deal READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| MEDIA | New Radio 1 podcast puts the spotlight on objects that shaped pop star careers
READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| ARTIST NEWS | TikTok reveals most popular music in the UK in 2021 READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| ONE LINERS | Metallica, The Ivors, Animal Collective, more READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| AND FINALLY... | Avril Lavigne to turn Sk8ter Boi into a movie 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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FOUNDATION.FM - EXECUTIVE PRODUCER (LONDON) Foundation.fm is the leading platform championing the hottest emerging female, non binary and queer talent in the UK: an online community radio station, talent management agency and record label. The Executive Producer runs the day-to-day operation of the radio station, and is tasked with hitting audience, staffing and output requirements. For more information and to apply click here. |
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GONDWANA RECORDS - JUNIOR PRODUCT MANAGER (REMOTE) Gondwana Records is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated and highly organised full time Product Manager. The chosen candidate will assist with the day to day project management of the artist roster and releases and reporting directly to the Label Manager and General Manager. For more information and to apply click here. |
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HARDWICK & MORRIS - MANAGER (LONDON) Hardwick & Morris is a firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Managers specialising in music and entertainment. It is looking for a manager or senior manager to join our exciting team. For more information and to apply click here. |
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UD - HEAD ENGINEER (LONDON) UD Music is looking for an experienced Head Engineer to run its brand new suite of studios at The Talent House. For more information and to apply click here. |
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NINJA TUNE - DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER (LONDON/REMOTE) The Digital Marketing Manager is the key bridge between Ninja Tune's Marketing, Streaming and Social Media teams, ensuring all its release marketing plans are at the cutting edge in order to maximise its artists' footprint across ever-changing social media, streaming and creative marketing worlds. For more information and to apply click here. |
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BLUES KITCHEN/OLD QUEENS HEAD - MARKETING MANAGER (LONDON) The Columbo Group is looking for a Marketing Manager to work on The Blues Kitchen and The Old Queens Head, with responsibilities including event promotion, running social media platforms and developing venue marketing strategies. For more information and to apply click here. |
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JAZZ CAFE - MARKETING MANAGER (LONDON) The Columbo Group is looking for a Marketing Manager to work onThe Jazz Cafe, with responsibilities including event promotion, running social media platforms and developing venue marketing strategies. For more information and to apply click here. |
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WINAMP - CHIEF ARTIST OFFICER (BRUSSELS/IBIZA/PARIS/REMOTE) Winamp is seeking a Chief Artist Officer reponsible for designing, implementing and executing a strategy for the acquisition, onboarding and cross-/up-selling of music artists and audio content creators to the Winamp platform. For more information and to apply click here. |
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NIGHT DEPARTMENT - MARKETING MANAGER (LONDON) Night Department is looking for an ambitious, driven and dedicated Marketing Manager to join its team and drive forward the marketing efforts of its roster. For more information and to apply click here. |
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NINJA TUNE - COPYRIGHT ASSISTANT (LONDON) Sitting within the Copyright team at Ninja Tune, Just Isn’t Music and Ninja Tune Production Music, you will be responsible for recording and composition registrations at various domestic and international rights societies, with a focus on the library side of the catalogue. For more information and to apply click here. |
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OUTLOOK FESTIVAL - MARKETING EXECUTIVE (LONDON) Outlook Festival is looking for a creative and organised Marketing Executive to provide support across all areas of marketing, with a particular focus on social media marketing and content curation. For more information and to apply click here. |
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HAL LEONARD EUROPE - COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER (LONDON) Hal Leonard Europe is seeking a Communications Manager to lead and deliver the company's external communication strategy, managing corporate website and social media channel activity, overseeing media relations and developing the corporate brand. For more information and to apply click here. |
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NONCLASSICAL - LABEL & ARTIST DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (REMOTE) Nonclassical is looking for a collaborative Label Manager to support emerging artists to develop new music to share with diverse audiences through our label and event platforms. For more information and to apply click here. |
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BAND ON THE WALL - JUNIOR PROMOTER (MANCHESTER) Band On The Wall is seeking a dynamic, confident, enthusiastic self-starter who is ready to develop their career as a live music promoter, to join our programming team as the venue gears up for reopening in 2022 following a major expansion project. For more information and to apply click here. |
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AWAL - SENIOR GLOBAL COMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER (LONDON) AWAL is looking for a personable and ambitious manager to work within the Global Commercial Partnerships team in a unique, future-facing promotions role. For more information and to apply click here. |
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AWAL - ASSISTANT, GLOBAL COMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIPS (LONDON) AWAL is looking for an Assistant to join the Global Commercial Partnerships team. The role is responsible for the administrative and operational tasks within the Global Commercial Partnerships team (GCP), the team responsible for working with global digital service providers such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube. For more information and to apply click here. |
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9PR - PUBLICIST (REMOTE) 9PR is looking to build the team by recruiting a full time music publicist. Candidates must have at least two years' experience in either print, online or radio publicity. For more information and to apply click here. |
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DOMINO PUBLISHING - COPYRIGHT & ROYALTIES ASSISTANT (LONDON) Domino Publishing requires a passionate music person to assist the copyright and royalties staff. This is a unique opportunity to work within the worldwide hub of a young, expanding music publishing company and help us provide an unrivalled and exemplary service to our songwriters and publishers. For more information and to apply click here. |
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FIRE RECORDS - PRESS OFFICER (LONDON) Fire Records is looking for a highly motivated individual to fill a newly created role assisting the established press department at its new offices in the heart of Dalston, East London. For more information and to apply click here. |
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BAXTER PR - PRESS OFFICER/RADIO PLUGGER (LONDON) Baxter PR is a music and entertainment PR agency working with a variety of international stars, new artists and bands, venues and festivals across an array of genres. It is looking for someone to join our team to assist on campaigns across print, online, radio and TV. For more information and to apply click here. |
| The CMU Library is our online educational resource for the music industry, full of guides, briefings and reports from CMU Trends, CMU Insights and CMU:DIY. You can browse the Library and access all the resources by using the links below... | |
| THE MUSIC INDUSTRY | MUSIC COPYRIGHT |
| THE RECORD INDUSTRY | THE MUSIC PUBLISHING SECTOR |
| THE STREAMING BUSINESS | THE LIVE MUSIC SECTOR |
| THE DIRECT-TO-FAN BUSINESS | MUSIC MARKETING |
Record labels sign up to Music Climate Pact
A new initiative to reduce the carbon emissions of the global music industry, the Music Climate Pact, has launched. Initiated by the UK's Association Of Independent Music in partnership with UK record labels association the BPI, signatories include all three major labels, as well as independents like Beggars Group, BMG, Ninja Tune, Secretly Group and Warp.
Developed with the UN Environmental Programme, the Pact aims to align efforts already being made by music companies to reduce the environmental impact of the industry. Aiming to be collaborative among companies that are often seen as rivals, it provides shared goals and targets.
Founding signatories now have until February 2022 to sign up to either the Science Based Targets Initiative or the UN-backed Race To Zero SME Climate Commitment. This will see the companies work directly with climate experts and set targets on which they will report regularly. Members also commit to sharing data, insights and resources with each other, as well as providing support for artists to engage and speak up about climate issues.
AIM says it expects hundreds more music companies to sign up to the Pact by June next year. The initial signatories are Anjunabeats, Beggars Group, BMG, Brownswood Recordings, Full Time Hobby, Inside Recordings, !K7 Music, Ninja Tune, Secretly Group, Sony Music, Universal Music, Warner Music and Warp.
In addition to this, there is a list of 'Supporters' - mainly trade bodies - which commit to aid in the achievement of the Pact's goals. They are: AIM, A2IM, BPI, EarthPercent, IFPI, IMPALA, Julie's Bicycle, Key Production, Music Declares Emergency and WIN.
"The climate crisis is the single greatest challenge facing the world's population", says AIM CEO Paul Pacifico. "No single business can solve this global threat on their own and it has been inspirational to see so much of the global music sector come together to take action".
"This Pact builds on the amazing work already underway by individual businesses of all sizes, and brings the knowledge sharing and cross collateralisation needed to effect substantive change", he continues. "I would like to thank the Pact's supporters and partners and look forward to welcoming more businesses to the Pact and helping them deliver on its commitment".
Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive of the BPI, adds: "The music community must take a leadership position on this most urgent of issues to support the work already being progressed by record labels to make their operations more sustainable. It means not just taking our own effective and coordinated industry action to respond to the climate crisis, but using the power of music to help inspire others in effecting meaningful change".
US Ninth Circuit court questions class action status of interesting performer rights case
An interesting case testing performer approval rights under US law was in the Ninth Circuit appeals court last week, the specific dispute being whether a musician's lawsuit against the sometime controversial Wolfgang's Vault concert recordings website should be granted class action status.
Wolfgang’s Vault began life as an archive of concert recordings previously owned by promoter Bill Graham, although it later expanded its content sources. As that happened, and the channels through which the firm disseminated and monetised the live recordings expanded too, the company became somewhat controversial in music circles.
Litigation followed, with the National Music Publishers Association pursuing a lawsuit on behalf of various publishers, including all the majors, back in 2015. The publishers prevailed in that lawsuit in 2018 and last year the companies behind Wolfgang's Vault were ordered to pay damages.
Shortly after that musician Greg Kihn and his publishing company Rye Boy Music filed two lawsuits against the streaming site, both seeking class action status. The first relates to some of the song rights that Kihn controls, which he says Wolfgang's Vault has been exploiting without the right licences. That lawsuit pretty much replicates the claims made in the earlier NMPA litigation.
However, the second relates to live recordings in the Wolfgang's Vault archive on which Kihn performs. He doesn't claim to own the rights in those recordings, but says that he never granted permission for his performances to be recorded in the first place, meaning his performer approval rights are being violated.
Most copyright systems provide approval rights for performers so that anyone recording a performance first needs to get permission from everyone performing.
In this domain, US copyright law specifically says that "anyone who, without the consent of the performer or performers involved, fixes the sounds, or sounds and images, of a live musical performance in a copy or phonorecord, or reproduces copies or phonorecords of such a performance from an unauthorised fixation, shall be [liable] to the same extent as an infringer of copyright".
By seeking class action status, Kihn basically wants his lawsuit to also benefit any performers who appear on the Wolfgang's Vault website who believe they never granted the required permissions for their live performances to be recorded.
However, lawyers for Wolfgang's Vault have argued that because whether or not approvals were granted will be different for each musician and each performance, it's all too complicated for this lawsuit to be a class action, because it would be hard to work out who qualified as a class member.
But, at the court where the case was originally filed, the judge did not concur. That was on the basis that, while it’s the responsibility of Kihn and any other members of the performer class to prove their performances have been exploited by Wolfgang's Vault, it's then for the defendants to prove that permission was granted when each live recording was originally made. So while working out who is actually due damages might be a little bit complicated, class membership is relatively easy to define.
Nevertheless, lawyers for Wolfgang's Vault are now trying to have the Ninth Circuit rule that this lawsuit is not appropriate for class action status. And, according to Law360, at a hearing last week judges there did seem to raise some concerns about this case being a class action.
One judge told Kihn's legal rep: "You may be correct, ultimately, that in any given case there wasn't consent, but I'm trying to imagine the class-wide trial on that issue and having difficulty imaging how it would be fair to the defendants, to force them to defend against so many different claims in one consolidated proceeding".
Another appeals judge noted that Kihn himself had had to remove some recordings in which he appears from his legal claim, because paperwork had been found showing the required approvals had been secured. Those related to recordings made for an old US radio show called 'King Biscuit Flower Hour'.
Kihn's rep countered that those recordings should be distinguished from the concert recordings on the Wolfgang's Vault service, because they were radio programmes and therefore more like studio recordings. Except, the judge replied, they were actually recorded in theatres.
Questions were then raised about what the process was for securing approval. "In the case of a band, who would give consent? Does each individual band member have to give consent or does the lead do that?", one judge queried.
It remains to be seen if Kihn performer rights case can now hold on to its class action status.
Primary Wave announces deal with James Brown estate
Primary Wave Music has announced a deal with the James Brown estate which sees it acquire a stake in the late musician's song rights, recording royalties, and name and likeness rights.
The music company says that it will "also continue a partnership with the estate, which will include several projects related to The James Brown 2000 Trust, which was established in 2000 by Mr Brown for charitable and educational purposes".
Plus, "the estate will now have access to Primary Wave's entire marketing team, digital team, publicity department, branding team, and publishing infrastructure which includes licensing and sync opportunities".
Confirming the deal, Primary Wave CEO Larry Mestel says: "I feel good! Wow, I am awed that Primary Wave has been chosen by the estate of James Brown to partner with the godfather of soul. We are THRILLED to help continue the expansion of his influence and further his legacy through both his music and The James Brown 2000 Trust".
Meanwhile, speaking for the estate, Russell Bauknight adds: "The James Brown Estate and related Trust are very proud and excited to work with Larry Mestel and Primary Wave. We believe that our choice of professionals to take the James Brown legacy to the next level is going to prove to be one of the most successful events in Mr Brown's long history in show business".
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Måneskin extend Sony publishing deal
Sony Music Publishing has extended its deal with 2021 Eurovision winners Mâneskin. Originally signed in 2017, the deal covers the band's past and future catalogue.
"It has been a huge privilege to work with Måneskin over the past four years, because they reflect how music should be - free-spoken, inclusive, and authentic - and it's why their songs are so incredible", says Paola Balestrazzi, A&R Director at Sony Music Publishing Italy. "Their achievements this year also remind us of the power of dreams, showing what's possible through hard work, commitment, and strong will. We are honoured and grateful to continue working with Måneskin and we can't wait to see what the future holds for them".
Sony Music Publishing's International President, Guy Henderson, adds: "We are THRILLED that Damiano, Victoria, Ethan and Thomas have decided to extend their relationship with us. Their songs have taken popular music forward into new uncharted waters around the globe, single-handedly creating a genre that is both new and fresh, as well as true to rock n roll. We look forward to working with them on this exciting phase of their momentous career".
Måneskin won this year's Eurovision Song Contest with their song, 'Zitti e Buoni'. They subsequently had an international hit with their cover of 'Beggin' and recently released latest single 'Mammamia'. The band are currently working on new music.
New Radio 1 podcast puts the spotlight on objects that shaped pop star careers
Scott Mills is hosting a new podcast for Radio 1 called 'Pop 101', the first edition of which arrived on the BBC Sounds app yesterday.
The format? Well, 'Pop 101' will "take listeners through the stories of famous artists and a completely unexpected object that helped them to make it as world-recognised pop stars". What kind of objects? Well, Billie Eilish's futon, Sam Fender's beer pump, Ed Sheeran's loop pedal, and Christine And The Queens' whisk, that's what.
Says Mills: "I can't wait to get chatting about some of the world's biggest pop stars and the everyday objects that changed their life… Seriously, who would have thought that a whisk, a futon or a humble beer pump could have helped create the superstar artists we all love today! It's unexpected and hilarious, I can't wait for you all to hear it".
| On The CMU Stereo 2021 - Summer Here we are then, part three of our round up of our favourite tracks of 2021. And that must mean we've come to the summer. You know summer, right? Boundless possibility, endless sunshine? Actually, in the UK this year I seem to remember it mainly rained. It was the sort of summer people in other countries imagine we always have. And just when we were allowed out again. There was plenty of new music though. Like the second album from Dave, 'We're All Alone In This Together'. Another expertly crafted longform release from the rapper, it features collaborations with Stormzy, Wizkid, Fredo, James Blake and more. For our playlist though, we've (perhaps appropriately) picked a track with just him. 'We're All Alone' opens the album and sets the scene for what is to come, delivering a wide-ranging story packed with twists, emotional heft and sudden shifts in musical style. The big release of the summer - and indeed the year - was the second album from Billie Eilish, 'Happier Than Ever'. After the immense success of her debut, which set her up as a pop star who doesn't play by the rules, fans went through months of anxiety that it had all been some sort of fluke. What if she couldn't do it again? Well, bad luck to the alternate reality that had to deal with that, because over here she nailed it. Building on what she set up on her debut, it's another album packed full of ideas and stand out tracks. The title track here is a mini epic melodrama. Another big pop release was the new album from Halsey. As a teenage Nine Inch Nails fan, I often told anyone who'd listen that I'd like to hear a pop album produced by Trent Renzor. It seems Halsey did the same, the difference being that she grew up to have a status that would allow her to make that happen. And so, 'If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power' was born - a concept album about pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood provided with a dense, cinematic sound by Reznor and his production partner Atticus Ross. Elsewhere we've got the always awesome combination of The Bug and Flowdan, two very different takes on hopes of one day having a musical legacy from Hamish Hawk and BXKS, a track from Buffalo Daughter's excellent 'We Are The Times' - their first LP for seven years - and more. Listen to these tracks, plus our winter and spring selections, on our Spotify playlist here, and come back on Thursday for the final instalment - our autumn choices. Here are the ten tracks on our summer playlist: Indigo De Souza - Hold U |
TikTok reveals most popular music in the UK in 2021
Tick tock, tick tock, the end of the year is coming. And so TikTok has become the latest digital platform to reveal the most popular music among its users this year.
Like on YouTube, the most popular track in the UK this year was Tion Wayne & Russ Millions' 'Body 2 (feat ArrDee, E1, ZT, Bugzy Malone, Buni, Fivio Foreign and Darkoo). Yeah, not Ed Sheeran like you thought. Actually, in the top tracks list, Ed Sheeran only got to number eight with 'Bad Habits'.
Sheeran also failed to top the list of artists with the most followers, coming in at number two behind Sam Ryder again. And if you don't know who Sam Ryder is, well, he's quite famous on TikTok.
It's not all new, new, new either. TikTok has seen various older songs bubble up this year. Most popular is 'Bills, Bills, Bills' by Destiny's Child. Well, energy prices are pretty brutal this year. After that is 'Rasputin' by Boney M. What a strange world we live in.
Anyway, here are some lists for you to look at and enjoy...
Top Tracks by UK Artists
Tion Wayne & Russ Millions - Body 2 (feat ArrDee, E1, ZT, Bugzy Malone, Buni, Fivio Foreign and Darkoo)
Sam Smith - Like I Can
PinkPantheress - Just For Me
Charli XCX - Unlock it (Lock It) (Jeff Prior Mix)
Dua Lipa - Levitating
Central Cee - Obsessed With You
Nathan Evans, 220 KID & Billen Ted - Wellerman - Sea Shanty (220 KID x Billen Ted Remix)
Ed Sheeran - Bad Habits
ArrDee - Oliver Twist
Wes Nelson - Nice To Meet Ya
Top Comeback Tracks in the UK
Destiny's Child - Bills, Bills, Bills
Boney M - Rasputin
Van McCoy - The Hustle
Caterina Valente - Bongo cha-cha-cha
Noisettes - Never Forget You
Justin Timberlake - SexyBack (feat Timbaland)
Britney Spears - Circus
Britney Spears - Gimme More
Baddiel, Skinner & Lightning Seeds - Three Lions 98
Soft Cell - Tainted Love
Most Total Followers
Sam Ryder
Ed Sheeran
KSI
Dua Lipa
Anne-Marie
Liam Payne
The Stickmen
HRVY
Yungblud
Niall Horan
DEALS
Warner Chappell and NLess Entertainment have signed a joint publishing administration deal with producer Turn Me Up YC, covering his full catalogue and future works. "I appreciate Warner Chappell and NLess Entertainment for the opportunity to take my career to the next level", he says. "I want to be a motivation to everyone back home in Moscow, Tennessee, and Fayette County, that anything is possible when you believe in yourself and put God first".
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APPOINTMENTS
Michelle Jubelirer has been promoted to chair and CEO of Universal Music's Capitol Music Group in the US. She has been COO since 2015 and also became President in 2020. "Michelle is a highly experienced executive and inspiring leader who has been integral to the success of Capitol Music Group since we relaunched the company nearly ten years ago", says overall Universal CEO Lucian Grainge. "She is a fierce advocate for artists, a savvy deal maker and a hands-on builder of partnerships within the industry and creative communities".
Universal Music has promoted Tom Lewis and Laura Monks to become co-Presidents of Decca Records Group. "Laura and Tom are exceptional leaders who complement each other brilliantly", says Universal UK CEO David Joseph. "They are perfectly placed to steer the legendary label into this exciting new chapter with both their creative vision and fearlessness to do things differently".
Air Studios has appointed former Head Of A&R Administration And Recording at Island Records, Nikki Affleck, to the role of Head Of Mastering. "Nikki is perfect for this role because she combines a thorough understanding of the recording and mastering business with extensive music industry contacts", says Senior Mastering Engineer Barry Grint. "We are very lucky to have her on the team, particularly at this crucial time in our development".
Gill Mansfield has been appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the PRS Members' Council and board. "I am looking forward to working with the PRS Members' Council and board, continuing their diligent work on behalf of the songwriters, composers and music publishers that PRS represents", she says.
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EDUCATION & EVENTS
Following her recent appointment as President of The F-List, Brix Smith will take the headline slot at AIF's 2022 Festival Congress conference to discuss the mission to achieve gender balance at UK festivals with The Guardian's Deputy Music Editor Laura Snapes. More info here.
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RELEASES
Animal Collective are back with new single 'Walker', taken from their upcoming album 'Time Skiffs', which is out on 4 Feb.
Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland has revived his Big Dumb Face solo project for new Christmas album, 'Christmas In The Cave Of Dagoth'. From it, this is 'Lost In A Forest Of Christmas Trees'.
Napalm Death will release new mini-album, 'Resentment Is Always Seismic - A Final Throw Of Throes', on 11 Feb. From it this is 'Narcissus'.
Team Me have announced that they will release their first album for seven years, 'Something In The Making', on 12 Mar. Here's new single 'Just Another Sleepless Night In The Dark'.
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GIGS & TOURS
Metallica will livestream their two upcoming 40th anniversary concerts on Amazon Prime. If you're in the UK, that will mean a 5am start. Bad luck. UK time, the shows will take place on 18 Dec and 20 Dec.
The initial round of BRITs Week charity shows in aid of War Child have been announced. Performing in February will be Anne-Marie, Joy Crookes, Bastille, Becky Hill, Maisie Peters, Mimi Webb, Craig David and Damon Albarn. Tickets go on sale on Friday here.
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AWARDS
Entries are now open for the 2022 edition of The Ivors Awards. You have until 21 Jan to put forward songwriters and composers for consideration. Do that here.
Check out our weekly Spotify playlist of new music featured in the CMU Daily - updated every Friday.
Avril Lavigne to turn Sk8ter Boi into a movie
Avril Lavigne's 'Sk8ter Boi' is not just a great feat of songwriting, it's one of the great contributions to the history of storytelling. And so it makes total sense that, 20 years after it was originally released, the song is going to get turned into a full-length feature film.
It's an age old story, of course. Boy likes girl. Girl (secretly) likes boy. Girl rejects boy because of their incompatible social groups. Boy gets famous in adulthood. Girl is pilloried for not committing to spend the rest of her life with boy when they were fifteen. Her punishment is to care for her child while knowing that he's with Avril Lavigne now.
So, finally someone's planning to make a movie for the incel market. Anyway, Lavigne revealed plans to make a film based on the song while discussing its upcoming 20th anniversary - it having been released in 2002 - on iHeart's She Is The Voice podcast.
"Recently, with it being almost the 20th anniversary, a lot of people have been asking me to play this song on TV shows, so it keeps getting brought back up and people will always reference it to me", she said. "And so, I’m actually going to turn this song into a film and take it to the next level".
"You know what it was like in high school", she went on. "You have all the different groups and cliques, and there's, like, skaters, preps and jocks. It's kind of like a missed opportunity at love. The skater boy is in love with the preppy girl and she's too cool for him, but then five years from now she's feeding the baby and she's all alone and she wishes she would have followed her heart and not tried to live up to society's expectations".
It's unclear whether the plan is to make a lighthearted teen comedy in the vein of 'Mean Girls', or a dark arthouse film about a woman filled with regret and resentment for her young child. That latter one probably directed by Lars Von Trier.
The idea of turning 'Sk8ter Boi' into a movie isn't actually new. Back in 2003, Paramount Pictures hired screenwriter David Zabel (best known for his work on 'ER') to adapt the song into a story for the screen. It's not clear if Lavigne's new project has any connection to that.
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