MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AWARDED TO SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC
There has been a major triumph for the South African music industry as $172 million will be awarded back to its community. Damon Forbes, Board Member of SAMPRA, stated “This judgement by the copyright Tribunal that was presided by the High Court is a major breakthrough in our industry, a landmark judgement that gives us a rating structure for our needle time.”
In June 2002, President Mbeki signed into law amendments that had been passed by Parliament to the Copyright Act and the Performers’ Protection Act that required radio broadcasters to pay a royalty each time they broadcast a music sound recording (also called “needletime royaltie”).
The needletime royalty was to be paid to the record company that owned the copyright in the sound recording. The record company was obliged to share the royalty with the performer or performers whose talents were embodied in the recording. The legislation did not define the ratio of sharing but before the legislation was passed and ever since the vast majority of record companies and performers concurred that the royalty should be share equally.
These rights had existed from the dawn of radio broadcasting, but had been taken away from record companies and performers by the National Party controlled Parliament in 1965. The restoration of these rights was the end product of 13 years of lobbying by South African record companies and performers.
Forbes added, “Keith Lister (Ex-BMG/Sony MD) and David Du Plessis (SAMPRA) have worked tirelessly for the cause and I take my hat off to them.” The money will go back to the record companies and artists as performers.
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BMG INKS PARTNERSHIP WITH TURNER BROADCASTING
BMG Chrysalis US has announced that it has signed a music publishing administration deal with Turner Broadcasting . The agreement is worldwide excluding the US and Canada where the company self-administers. The partnership covers the broadcasters’ +100 branded channels in some 30 languages to over 200 countries, including Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Sports, CNN, TCM, and TNT, TBS, and Tru.
“We look forward to pursuing our long and fruitful partnership with Turner. Their brand is synonymous with forward-looking programming and innovative
entrepreneurship and we’re delighted to support them with our state-of-the-art music publishing administration capacity,” said Laurent Hubert, President, Creative & Marketing BMG Chrysalis North America.
In other BMG news, BMG Rights Management Italy announced a few days ago that it has signed an exclusive songwriter agreement with one of Italian music’s most significant figures, Samuele Bersani.
Under the deal BMG has acquired the rights to Bersani’s two most recent albums, L’Aldiqua and Manifesto Abusivo, together with future works from his publishing company, Fuori Classifica.
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EMI MUSIC PUBLISHING AUSTRALIA AND WONDERLICK SIGN JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT
EMI Music Publishing Australia and Wonderlick have announced a new worldwide joint venture and administration arrangement. The deal will see EMI and Wonderlick jointly co-publish songwriters on occasion and also see Wonderlick tap into EMI’s worldwide administration services In regards to its own direct signings such as Jackson McLaren and Max & Bianca.
The first signing to the joint venture is Melbourne 5-piece The Paper Kites. The Paper Kites released their debut EP Woodland to critical acclaim in August 2011. The band has earned the reputation as one of Australia’s best up-and-coming acts. Their songs “Featherstone” and “Bloom” have had more than 2 million views combined on YouTube.
The new EMI/Wonderlick partnership has already seen The Paper Kites music appear in several US television series including a high profile 4 minute slot for “Featherstone” in the season finale of Grey’s Anatomy. The band is currently in the studio recording their next EP with producer Wayne Connolly (Josh Pyke, The Vines, Boy & Bear, You Am I) and will be undertaking another sold-out national tour in July.
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MONTREAL CANADA PREPARES FOR MUSEXPO “ESSENTIAL BEATS”
MUSEXPO President & Founder Sat Bisla and Montreal-based event promoter Nicolas Lemieux will unveil some key artists, panelists and participants for the highly-anticipated MUSEXPO Montreal "Essential Beats,” which aims to be one of the most important rhythmic music events in the world.
The quintessential conference will unite the world of all forms of rhythmic music (Pop / Dance / Hip-Hop / Electro and more) with technology, publishing, club culture, brands, multi-media, live events and synchronization. The multi-day event will bring together stakeholders artist, fan and industry alike, who have a vested interest in the furthering of the creative and business communities of rhythmic music and the collective touch-points that it influences.
The inaugural MUSEXPO Montreal "Essential Beats" will take place October 11th 12th, 2012. The event will be held at the Delta Centre Ville Hotel located in the heart of Montreal just steps from the center of nightlife, shopping and business districts. The Delta offers the quality, convenience and impact that world-class executives and influencers have come to expect from A&R Worldwide’s MUSEXPO events.
MUSEXPO Montreal "Essential Beats" will host some of the most influential executive talent from around the globe to Montreal Quebec, Canada (a central ground for all travelers and entertainment executives). MUSEXPO Montreal “Essential Beats” will also showcase the cr่me de la cr่me of emerging Pop/Dance/Electronica/Hip-hop global talent during its nightly VIP intimate showcases.
The foundation and concept MUSEXPO was inspired by the first ever A&R Worldwide networking dinner back in the spring of 2001, which was at a restaurant in the heart of the Sunset Strip. The dinner's concept was to bring together forwardthinking executives from the music, media and technology arenas from the US and around the world to find ways to work together for the common good and for those who had a true passion for music.
“Hosting MUSEXPO Montreal “Essential Beats” in Montreal Quebec, Canada, makes meeting and doing business more accessible for those looking to forge new creative and business opportunities in the rhythmic music markets,” stated Sat Bisla (President/Founder, A&R Worldwide & MUSEXPO) who hosted the first ever A&R Worldwide networking dinner back in the spring of 2000 with Dave Holmes.
“Our entire team will be raising the bar to ensure we continue to make MUSEXPO better each time. Our delegates, artists, DJs, partners and sponsors are in for a real treat at Montreal Quebec, Canada we are determined to make it our best MUSEXPO and quite unique, incorporating the artist, industry, fashion and fan. This will be one that none of the charter delegates, new delegates, panelists and brand partners will want to miss.”
For showcasing, panelist and sponsorship details and additional information, log on to www.musexpo.net.
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UNIVERSAL SOUTH AFRICA NAMES ABRAHAMS AS MD
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Randall Abrahams
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Randall Abrahams has been appointed Managing Director of Universal Music South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, with immediate effect.
The appointment was announced recently by Vico Antippas, President, Nordic, Central & Eastern Europe at Universal Music Group International, to whom he reports. “Randall’s experience and network of contacts in the entertainment business are unparalleled,” he said. "There is no one better suited to take Universal Music South Africa into the future.”
Randall Abrahams succeeds Harry Voerman, who is retiring after more than two decades in charge of Universal Music South Africa.
Mr. Abrahams has an impressive track record in South Africa’s broadcasting and music industries, not least as a regular judge for the country’s “Idol” music TV series (now in its tenth year) and also featuring on the judging panel of “SA’s Got Talent.” In the broadcasting business, he has been instrumental in successfully launching, as well as revamping, several major radio stations in South Africa. Most recently, as CEO of the South African Music Awards, he led an overhaul of the annual MTN-sponsored music ceremony.
Mr. Abrahams said, “During my time in the entertainment industry, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with many talented personalities and I’ve always tried to stay in tune with the needs of the audience. I hope both these attributes stand me in good stead and I’m looking forward to working with the Universal team and artist roster to produce great music and reach new audiences.”
Max Hole, Chief Operating Officer, Universal Music Group International, paid tribute to Harry Voerman’s long tenure at Universal Music and stated, “Harry is a peerless figure in the South African music business, who has dynamically championed the interests of our artists, and the welfare of the industry as a whole, throughout his time leading our company there. We wish him well in his new life.”
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GLOBAL NEWS UPDATES…
The BJ Olin and Bruce Flohr co-managed singer/songwriting sensation Allen Stone has licensed his self-titled album to ATO Records for this release. He is still available for publishing. Allen Stone was first introduced to A&R Worldwide back in 2009 by his manager BJ Olin. Congrats to Olin, Flohr and ATO Records on this partnership.
GPS has announced the addition of producer/DJ Myndset to its client roster. His popularity on the web has generated high profile shows at some of Los Angeles's and San Francisco's premiere clubs and has landed him opening slots for Steve Angello, Porter Robinson, Congorock, Cedrick Gervais, Morgan Page and more.
Influential 80s ska band The Beat (which featured frontman Dave Wakeling General Public) have signed a long-term global deal with EMI Music Publishing ahead of their entire recording catalogue being re-issued. The agreement includes classic songs such as “Mirror In The Bathroom,” “Too Nice To Talk To” and “Save It For Later,” all of which will be part of a re-issue program being rolled out on Monday June 25th 2012 by Edsel Records.
Independent UK distributor Essential Music & Marketing has added Razor & Tie, Nashville-based eclectic label Thirty Tigers, Canadian label Hidden Pony and Australian major player Staple Group’s label UNFD to its ever expanding roster of leading independent labels. Essential will also be distributing the soundtrack for video game Halo 4, the eighth instalment of the multi-billion dollar science fiction franchise.
Universal Music Group Distribution (UMGD), has appointed Adam Zelinka to Senior Vice President of Marketing & Product Development. The announcement was made last week by Jim Urie, President & CEO of Universal Music Group Distribution, to whom Mr. Zelinka reports. In this role, Mr. Zelinka will spearhead the company’s direct-to-consumer, direct marketing, consumer relationship marketing and product development initiatives. He will work closely with UMGD’s owned and associated label groups to drive and support their consumer directed marketing and e-commerce strategies.
SVP of Programming for CBS Radio and Program Director at KROQ Los Angeles Kevin Weatherly has announced that Music Director Lisa Worden will now act as the Assistant Program Director effective immediately.
Brit Award winning pop-star Mika will return with his new album, The Origin of Love, released on Island Records on September 16. This will be Mika’s third album and the follow up to his multi-million selling worldwide smash, The Boy Who Knew Too Much, which debuted in every single iTunes Top 10 around the world. The debut track from the new album is called “Celebrate,” and is written by Mika and Pharrell Williams, produced by Nick Littlemore from Empire of the Sun and also features Pharrell on vocals. The album has taken two years for Mika to record and features collaborators including William Orbit, Benny Benassi, FrYars, Greg Wells (Katy Perry, Adele) and Teddybears’ Klas Ahlund (Robyn) and a variety of other musicians.
Garett Michaels, Program Director KBZT FM 94/9 San Diego, is leaving the station after nearly 10 years. Michaels is looking for his next opportunity and can be reached at garettsd@gmail.com.
The Warner Music Group UK has launched the Warner Music Artist & Label Services division. The new entity will offer a variety of services to independent artists and labels, which will include distribution, marketing, PR, media buying, brand partnership and music synch opportunities. Warner Music UK CEO Christian Tattersfield confirmed the announcement last week.
Twitter has announced for future plans of expanded tweets, allowing users to tweet more than the standard 140 characters per message and one of Twitter's partners will be SoundCloud. SoundCloud CEO and founder Alexander Ljung stated, “Twitter is a company we’ve had the privilege of working closely with for some time and partnering with them for this rollout allowed us to create a richer experience for our users.”
Aerosmith frontman and American Idol judge Steven Tyler has signed a worldwide music publishing administration deal with music publishing company, ole.The deal includes all of Tyler's co-writes on the upcoming Aerosmith record, Music from Another Dimension, plus four additional Tyler compositions including Japanese major motion picture theme song Space Battleship Yamato and his own single “(It) Feels So Good.”
Apple is putting a halt to their music-focused social network, Ping. Launched just under two years ago, Ping failed to gain momentum and Apple has decided to discontinue the service and will proceed with more Twitter and Facebook integration in the new operating systems.
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has promoted Jessica Rivera to Senior Vice President/Co-Head of East Coast Operations, it was announced last week by Ethiopia Habtemariam, Executive Vice President/Head of Urban Music, UMPG and Monti Olson, Executive Vice President/Head of Pop & Rock Music, UMPG to whom Ms. Rivera jointly reports. Formerly, Ms. Rivera served as Vice President, Creative, Urban Music, East Coast.
British DJ Rob da Bank has been tapped to the curator and music supervisor for the upcoming Xbox 360 racing title Forza Horizon. Da Bank is said to have been eager to see how he could use his knowledge of music and festival programming for the video game, developed by Playground Games and published by Microsoft Studios.
Greenberg Traurig has announced that it has moved its new offices to Century City. The address is 1840 Century Park East, Los Angeles, CA 90067. The phone number for the company remains the same.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: David Massey, Tracy McKnight, Nick Raphael, Guy Moot, John Rudolph, Thomas Scherer, Adam Greenup, Mike Flynn, Jeff Haddad, Steven Melrose, Richard Bishop, Tom Sarig, Mamie Coleman and Chris Cameron.
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JACKASS OF THE WEEK
Have you ever sent a personal IM to the wrong screen name, accidentally replied “send all” on an E-mail, or made a total ass of yourself? Yes, we’ve all had a jackass moment at one time or another in our life. This week, we show you a jack ass dad. Click HERE to watch this bad father drop his daughter for a ball happy Father’s Day! Really?
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A&R WORLDWIDE’S "ARTIST OF THE WEEK" – KIDS ON BRIDGES VS INXS
Kids On Bridges (K.O.B.) is the brainchild of Christian Bragg, who has made it his vocation to produce dirty filthy electro-pop music. The band’s eclectic sound of rock on a synth-pop trip has drawn comparison with The Killers, Daft Punk, Phoenix and Depeche Mode. The singles and forthcoming album feature production by The Chemical Brothers collaborator Steve Dub, and K.O.B’s radio-ready and melody-heavy sound pays homage to the big beat pioneers. Xfm UK Music Director Mike Walsh is a fan of the music as he was quoted saying, “Kids On Bridges are not shy of the BIG chorus and their debut album is full of tunes that will satisfy fans of sophisticated electro-pop as much as lovers of a lad-rock sing-a-long.” Kid On Bridges recently supported electronic legends O.M.D at the reopening of Eric’s in Liverpool and were guests at the legendary Tipitina’s in New Orleans after being heard on WOZ (the radio station in the HBO show “Treme”). Their track “Y Don't U” was featured in the UK Television show, “The INbetweeners” and they’ve been hard at work remixing the likes of 2012 Grammy winner Ledisi, Lenny Kravitz, UK buzz act The Chevin and Australia’s All Mankind. Besides focusing on their upcoming album, This Is Widescreen, Kids On Bridges just wrapped up remixes for INXS’ “Calling All Nations.” The mix refreshes the 1988 vocals of Michael Hutchence and gives it a 2012 feel, without alienating the true INXS sound. Fans will be very happy with both the original remix and the Dance Radio Edit remix. Click HERE to listen to the updated track and for remixes, signing, licensing, publishing, booking and synch opportunities for Kids On Bridges, contact Mario Anastasiades mario3@btinternet.com.
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A&R WORLDWIDE’S "VIDEO OF THE WEEK" – SERENA PRYNE & THE MANDEVILLE’S
Serena Pryne’s voice evokes the tortured purity of Janis Joplin, the soulful power of Big Mamma Thornton, and Loretta Lynn’s absorbing honesty. But even such praise only gives an inkling of the Canadian songstress’ abilities. With a mix of rock and blues, Serena’s songwriting is as timeless as it is unforgettable. Serena is never far from longtime collaborator, guitarist Nick Lesyk. His edgy, Texas flavored playing blends perfectly with Serena's smoky dulcet tones. Originally under the stage name Oliver Black, the band was on the fast track to success as they recorded their first International release. Unfortunately, the label that was affiliated with the project went under and the project was in stuck in limbo. Not to be discouraged, Serena continued to write and record. Working closely with songwriter Dave “Dwave” Thomson, Serena and Nick continued to add to their catalogue under the name Serena Pryne and the Mandevilles. The result of relentless recording and touring is the album, Goodnight Golden Sun, which was released in March. The second and most recent release from the project is the video to “Turn A Blind Eye,” which was directed by Britt DeLara and shot in Toronto. Serena Pryen’s management is now actively seeking label partners for the album in the U.S., Canada, UK and Germany. For more information and further discussing of Licensing/partnership opportunities, please contact Bert Meyer bert.meyer@cnrentertainment@.nl.
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PASSPORT APPROVED™ PLAYLIST – 6/17/2012
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Saturday, June 17th 2012: The two-hour weekly import show. As heard on KCSN “88.5FM” Los Angeles; KNRK Portland (now with a “Passport Approved Daily” segment on KNRK Portland); KCMP “The Current, Minneapolis; WCNR Charlottesville, VA; “YRockOnXPN” WXPN Philadelphia; WEQX Manchester, VT/Albany, NY and on www.indie1031.com and www.moheak.com in the United States. Also, on the worldwide web and twice weekly segment on Flux FM Germany (Berlin, Brandenburg and Stuttgart), Allgauhit-FM Bavaria Germany, Euro Trash Music South Africa, as well as, a regular feature on Japan’s national radio network Tokyo FM.
Listen to this two-hour show by clicking HERE:
OCEANICS “Indigo Lane” (Unsigned, Australia)
HURTS “Wonderful Life” (RCA, UK)
SAN CISCO “Awkward” (Alberts, Australia)
SATELLITE STORIES “Anti Lover” (Rallye, Finland)
FRIENDS OF EMMET “13th Floor” (Unsigned, Ireland) (Unsigned, Ireland)
ALL THE COLOURS “Love Like This” (Unsigned, Australia)
IDIOMATIC “You Are Not The Sun” (Exogenic, Finland)
FILMS OF COLOURS “Capital” (Believe Digital, London)
LIFE DOWN HERE “All That You Are” (Unsigned)
TAILOR “Step Back” (Just Music, South Africa)
CITIZENS! “Girlfriend” (Unsigned, Australia)
VIERKANTTRELAGER “Das Neue Gold” (Unter Schafen Records, Germany)
TEDDYBEARS “Tek It Down” (Sony Music (Scandinavien) Atlantic Records (North America), Sweden)
LADYHAWKE “Sunday Drive” (Island, New Zealand)
MIDNIGHT YOUTH “Come One Come All” (NZ On Air/Warner Bros. New Zealand)
JUNICA “Stay” (Dryden Street, New Zealand)
MAKESHIFT INNOCENCE “Your Body” (OP3 Music, Canada)
ESCAPISTS “Burial” (Unsigned, London)
BURNING HEARTS “Into The Wilderness” (Shelflife/Solina, Finland)
VINCE FONTAINE’S INDIAN CITY “Supernation” (Rising Sun Productions, Canada)
THE TEMPER TRAP “London’s Burning” (Liberation, Australia)
WHO MADE WHOE “Inside World” (Kompakt, Denmark)
CALI “Yours Always (Chris Elliot String Mix)” (Unsigned, Ireland)
THE CHEVIN- “Beautiful World” (SO Recordings, UK)
THE FLUXX “She Cries” (Unsigned, Norway)
SHIELDS “All I Know” (Unsigned, UK)
THOMAS AZIER “Red Eyes” (BMG, Germany)
U.T.R.B. “Pressure” (Unsigned, UK)
KIDS ON BRIDGES “Dancing in the Dark” (Rise International Music, UK)
SUN CITY “Zoetrope” (Unsigned, Australia)
(Check out the Passport Approved Radio “Featured Artists” on the daily profile exclusively on AllAccess.com including Warsonic, Mumiy Troll, All The Colours, The Temper Trap and Citizens).
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