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Rod Stewart
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Universal Music Group has signed iconic artist Rod Stewart to a long-term worldwide recording agreement, it was announced last week by Lucian Grainge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Stewart and his manager, Arnold Stiefel.
As part of this multi-album deal, the two-time Hall of Famer has teamed with Grammy award-winning producer, songwriter and Verve Music Group Chairman David Foster to record his first Christmas album. Stewart’s warm, expressive and distinctively raspy voice is proving a perfect fit for the holiday classics. The album will also feature a handful of star-studded vocal duets and is scheduled for release this fall via Verve Music Group.
“I’ve known Rod and Arnold for many years and have been wanting to work with them for some time,” stated Mr. Grainge. “Rod possesses one of pop music’s most inventive and memorable voices; and we’re delighted to be part of the next great chapter in his already storied career.”
“UMG remains committed to artistic creativity and expanding opportunities for artists in the marketplace,” continued Mr. Grainge. “And nowhere is this more evident than in our new partnership with an artist of Rod’s caliber.”
Rod Stewart commented, “I’m confident that by partnering with my fellow CBE, Lucian, and his cracking, top-notch company, we have the best team in the business. And the chance to work again with David Foster makes it that much sweeter.”
“This is a match made in heaven,” Arnold Stiefel declared. “Rod’s writing spirit has been rekindled and Universal is the perfect keeper of the flame.”
With his soulful and singular voice, narrative songwriting and passionate live performances, Rod Stewart has paved one of the most iconic and successful musical careers of all time. In July, he will reunite with Stevie Nicks to reprise their acclaimed Heart & Soul tour and in September he will return to his Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. All on the heels of his hotly anticipated first memoir and Christmas album, which are both, scheduled for U.S. release this fall.
During Stewart’s iconic five decade-long career, he has sold more than 150 million albums worldwide, scored countless charting hits, 18 Grammy nominations and two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is a Grammy Living Legend and in 2007 was bestowed the prestigious CBE (Commander of The British Empire) title by the Queen of England. For more information, visit www.rodstewart.com.
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Bangladesh
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BMG Chrysalis US has announced that it has signed an exclusive worldwide co-publishing agreement with Bangladesh, the Grammy Award-winning Atlanta-based producer responsible for Lil Wayne’s “6 Foot 7 Foot,” Ke$ha’s “Sleazy,” Rihanna’s “Cockiness (Love It)” and Nicki Minaj’s “Did It On ‘em.” Additionally, Bangladesh has produced hits with artists including R. Kelly, Bad Meets Evil, Nelly and Chris Brown.
Bangladesh’s current projects include a newly-released single with Brandy, “Put It Down” feat. Chris Brown, recent writing sessions with Rihanna and JLS, and the upcoming release of his much-awaited artist single “100” feat. Pusha T, Jadakiss and 2 Chainz.
“We’re thrilled to have Bangladesh on board. He’s the producer of choice for many of today’s most successful hip hop and r&b acts, and we’re extremely proud that he’s chosen to partner with BMG,” said Laurent Hubert, President Creative & Marketing BMG Chrysalis North America.
“Bangladesh is one of those rare producers that has found a way to carve out his own unique sound in today’s competitive musical landscape. His range transcends any one genre and we truly believe he is just beginning to scratch the surface of global pop music
there is no way that we would have passed up the chance to be a part of his new creative team,” said Venus Brown for BMG Chrysalis North America.
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Following last year's success, Music & Media Finland together with Music Finland and A&R Worldwide’s MUSEXPO, have once again teamed up to present the Music & Media Sync Summit. The international two-day program will offer insight to music synchronization and provides participants with an exceptional opportunity to connect with some of the most influential music supervisors in the world.
The Music & Media Sync Summit will bring 15 first-class music supervisors from TV, film, gaming and brands to the intimate and picturesque setting of Tampere, Finland on October 19 20, 2012. The Sync Summit consists of panels and classes that delve into the world of music synchronization, from the do’s and don'ts to hands-on cases. In addition to privileged access to this seminar content, delegates taking part in the program will have a chance to meet the supervisors face-to-face to present their content.
Among the first music supervisors confirmed are Tracy McKnight (Lionsgate), Joe Cuello (MTV), John Katovsich (Fuel TV), Tim Riley (Activision/Blizzard), Andrea von Foerster (Firestarter Music) and many others.
Registration for the sync program opened on June 20th. To read more and register, click here.
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Dead Can Dance
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[PIAS] Recordings have entered into a joint venture deal with the critically acclaimed Dead Can Dance, to release their first studio album in over 16 years. The agreement will see the partners jointly release ‘Anastasis’, the band’s 10th studio album, across the world. This includes the USA, where it will be released via [PIAS] Recordings’ Los Angeles office.
The album, the band’s first since 1996’s ‘Spiritchaser’ (released on 4AD) will be released on August 13th on CD, double LP and download, with a limited-edition package to be sold exclusively via the band’s website.
Dead Can Dance will support the album with their first live shows since their sold-out 2005 tour. A worldwide tour this summer will cover four continents over an eight month period. Much of the tour is already sold out, including a performance at the Royal Albert Hall on 26th October, which sold-out within 48 hours of ticket release. The band is managed by Richard Jones of Key Music Management, who also handles the Pixies and No Ceremony.
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Ghostpoet
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In other [PIAS] news critically acclaimed British artist Ghostpoet has signed a worldwide deal with the label. The agreement will see Play It Again Sam working closely with Ghostpoet on all areas of the artist’s development, with a sophomore album chalked for release in 2013. Recording will begin over summer, with some exciting collaborations in the pipeline.
Originally signed to Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood Recordings, Ghostpoet’s first album, Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam, was nominated for a Mercury Prize in 2011.
Ghostpoet, whose real name is Obaro Ejimiwe, went on to sell-out London’s KOKO venue earlier this year and is midway through a European tour. Festivals he’ll be performing at this summer include: “Lounge In The Farm,” “Parklife Weekender,” “Beach Break,” “Summer Sunday,” “Soundwave,” “Green Man,” “Beacons,” “Pukkelpop” and “Kendal Calling.”
Said Peter Thompson, MD [PIAS] UK, “It’s an exciting time over at [PIAS] and we are happy to announce another great signing to the Play It Again Sam roster namely Ghostpoet.
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Ron Spaulding has left his position as President of Fontana following the recent completion of the company's merger with INgrooves. Spaulding who is a highly-respected music industry executive led Fontana for nearly five years. He will now work with Fontana INgrooves in an advisory role.
INgrooves Founder and CEO Robb McDaniels said in a statement, “Ron’s dedication to all our labels, business partners, and most importantly, his employees, has been second-to-none and he will be sorely missed as he moves on to the next chapter of his life.
“Luckily for us, Ron's next chapter - in addition to getting back to his family in New Jersey - will include an ongoing advisory role to the company. In this capacity, Ron will be working with me directly on a few key label relationships and providing general guidance on new initiatives at INgrooves Fontana.”
Universal Music Group remains an investor in INgrooves Fontana which was established when INgrooves purchased Fontana this past March. The recent changes mean that Dave Dierler will lead the distribution team as President, along with General Manager Amy Dietz and Vice President Marketing Bryan Mead.
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GLOBAL NEWS UPDATES…
Jaymes Foster-Levy Sr. VP A&R Verve Music Group in Los Angeles tells A&R Worldwide she is currently looking to sign a few new acts that fit within the redefined creative spirit of the legendary Verve Music Group. Foster-Levy is working closely with Verve Music Group Chairman and multi-Platinum producer David Foster. Verve Music Group has recently signed a few new artists including Irish singer Keith Harkin.
Big Jon Platt has announced that he will leaving EMI Music Publishing after 17 years. Big Jon has not announced his next steps but he’s sure to land on his feet, no doubt about that.
Downtown Music Publishing has signed Joe DiPietro and David Bryan to a worldwide, long-term publishing administration agreement. The pair is best known for writing the Tony Award winning musical, Memphis. The show garnered much critical acclaim winning multiple Tony Awards, Drama Desk Awards, and Outer Critics Circle Awards making it the most nominated show on Broadway. In other Downtown Music Publishing news singer/songwriter Dave Berg has signed a worldwide co-publishing agreement with Downtown Music Publishing, and his upcoming full-length album Not Quite So Alone will be released by Downtown imprint Mercer Street Records.
A&R Worldwide were recently invited by Warner Bros. Records to its on-site showcase with New Zealand artist Kimbra who garnered her debut U.S. radio support several years ago (pre-signing) with the syndicated import radio program “Passport Approved.” She was signed by former Warner Bros. Records A&R Executive Andy Olyphant (now at Moir Entertainment) last year. A&R Worldwide met up with most of the Warner Bros.Records A&R team including Lenny Waronker, Jeff Fenster, Matt Marshall, Gregg Wattenberg, Nick Hausling as well as its Head of Marketing Xavier Ramos. The label has a slew of great new signings impacting the US and international markets in the coming months.
Polish sensation Natalia Lesz has released her latest album with EMI Poland. Lesz recently met with A&R Worldwide in Los Angeles and is currently seeking third party licensing partners, sub-publishers and agents in various territories. Lesz is well-known in her native Poland, not only for her singing, but her acting also.
Former Lava Records/Atlantic Records A&R executive Andy Karp has announced that he is launching a new artist management and publishing company with business partner Daniel Davis. The new company is called Artist Haven Publishing.
Music industry veteran agent, manager, publisher and Radio Submit Co-Owner Monte Willis and his partner Donnie Doleac have announced the opening of their publishing and management company, which is called Volt Music Group.
Sony Music Nashville recently announced the extension of its exclusive worldwide recording agreement with superstar Kenny Chesney. During his tenure with the label group, Chesney has sold more than 30 million albums and scored 37 Top 5 singles, including 23 number one hits. Said Doug Morris, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, “We are very happy to be renewing our worldwide partnership with Kenny Chesney. He is a tremendous superstar with a unique creative vision and we look forward to sharing continued success with him in the years ahead.”
Congratulations to Adele and her boyfriend Simon Konecki, who announced on Friday that they are expecting their first child together.
Anthony Gonzales, who records under the name M83, will score the next Tom Cruise movie, Oblivian. The movie is scheduled to hit theaters on April 26, 2013.
Spotify has now been named the No. 2 revenue source for major music labels behind Apple's iTunes, according to Businessinsider.com. The gap between Apple and Spotify is large as iTunes paid nearly $3.2 billion to record labels last year.
EMI Music France has announced that it has struck a deal with Sugar Music for the signing of Italian singer/pianist and breakthrough artist Raphael Gualazzi. Gualazzi, who was discovered by Caterina Caselli Sugar and launched by Sugar Music, won the Young Talent Section of the 2011 Festival of Sanremo with Follia d’Amore. In addition at the Festival, he also won the Critics Award, Press and Media Award and the Assomusica Award for Best Performance.
Longtime Sony/ATV UK Managing Director Rak Sanghvi is leaving the publisher as part of the on-going restructuring with the recent EMI Music Publishing merger. Sanghvi was not only worked as an executive, but also a music attorney for many years and will be sure to surface in an influential position once again.
Legacy Recordings has announced the appointment of Adam Block to is senior management team as the company President it was unveiled recently.
Universal Republic has appointed two new executives to its Urban A&R department. This includes new VP A&R’s Tab Nkhereanye and Naim Ali McNair; both of whom will report to Senior VP of A&R Wendy Goldstein.
Finest Worldwide Management Group has announced the appointment of Shane Jemelka. Shane will be the, Managing Director of Operations for Nashville, Los Angeles and Houston. Shane will report to Michael Sheahan, CEO, Finest Worldwide Entertainment who will oversee both New York and all worldwide operations.
The Philip Roberson managed Pop/Rock artist Nicky Barot has just linked a publishing deal with Nashville-based Platinum Pen Publishing. He will release his first project with the publisher later this Fall.
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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 “cookie keys”. Click HERE to find out from this blonde what her definition of “cookie keys” means it’s pretty hot!!!
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A&R WORLDWIDE’S "ARTIST OF THE WEEK" – FRACTURES
The South London based quartet, Fractures, offer soaring and mighty rock that will immediately grab the attention of any die-hard Weezer fan. Composed of members Freddie Murray, Matt Gwyer, Sam Cook and Gaz Southwell, their unique sound has caught the attention of BBC Radio 1’s Zane Lowe as well as Xfm’s John Kennedy, who had the band in for a live studio interview and performance. Their debut single “Ride” was produced by Dave Eringa (Manics, Idlewild) and is a dangerously hypnotic melody that displays an attitude and aggression that allures the young to rebel and the old to reminisce. NME listed Fractures as “Ones To Watch 2012'”and stated (Fractures are) “...The kind of indie band that has become all but extinct in recent years. Imagine Kasabian but without the massive egos.” Their schedule includes performances at multiple UK festivals that started at Brighton’s The Great Escape in May and shows no sign of ending anytime soon with recent news that they will be opening for the band Razorlight. Click HERE to listen to their single, “Ride.” For more information, contact Rob Anderson at rob@distiller-records.com.
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A&R WORLDWIDE’S "VIDEO OF THE WEEK" – TAILOR
That half of Tailor’s debut album was written in one day is remarkable enough. That those songs spilt out of the Cape Town-based singer without any warning is as strange and striking as The Dark Horse sounds. After four years laying the groundwork for her first solo project, Tailor travelled to her hometown of Johannesburg to record half a dozen demos. To her surprise, she finished the session with twice as much material and a new-found understanding of what inspires her songs. Pinning down to a single style, musically, is impossible. The album ranges from modern folk to blues-rock to pure pop and spooky soul. Songs can be rich and cinematic or simple and sparse. Vocally, Tailor is as versatile. You'll witness hints of Patti Smith and PJ Harvey in her rock-related songs, but also touches of Feist, Florence Welsh, Ellie Goulding and Kate Bush. The album was mastered by Grammy Award-winner Ted Jensen (Coldplay, Florence + The Machine, MUSE) and is scheduled to be released on July 30th in South Africa. The haunting first single from the album, “Wolf,” is also accompanied by an intriguing video that will leave you wanting more from this talented artist. For additional information for licensing, booking and synch opportunities for Tailor please contact Karl Anderson of Just Music at karl@justmusic.co.za.
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PASSPORT APPROVED™ PLAYLIST – 7/1/2012
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, July 1st 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:
THE FLUXX “She Cries” (Unsigned, Norway)
CITIZENS! “(I'm In Love With Your) Girlfriend” (Unsigned, Australia)
VIERKANTTRELAGER “Das Neue Gold” (Unter Schafen Records, Germany)
BOY “Little Numbers” (Unsigned, Germany)
SEBASTIEN TELLIER “Pepito Bleu” (Record Makers, France)
FRIENDS OF EMMET “13th Floor” (Unsigned, Ireland)
INFADELS “From Out of the Black Sky” (No More Clones, UK)
SAN CISCO “Awkward” (Alberts, Australia)
THE GRISWOLDS “Heart of a Lion” (Unsigned, Australia)
FILMS OF COLOUR “Capital” (Believe Digital, UK)
LIFE DOWN HERE “All That You Are"”(Unsigned, U.S.)
THE CHEVIN “Love is Just a Game” (SO Recordings, UK)
U.T.R.B “Pressure” (Unsigned, UK)
ECHOTAPE “Unstable” (Unsigned, UK)
SHADOWCLUB “Good Morning Killer” (Just Music, South Africa)
THOMAS AZIER “Red Eyes” (BMG, Germany)
iSCREAM & THE CHOCOLATE STIX “Cowbell” (Unsigned, South Africa)
VIKUNJA “Strangers” (Unsigned, Sweden)
KIDS ON BRIDGES “Check Your Head” (Rise International Music, UK)
MUSEUM OF BELLAS ARTES “Watch The Glow” (Force Majeure, Sweden)
THE HEAVY “What Makes a Good Man?” (Counter Records, Ninja Tune, UK)
ALL MANKIND “Simple Desire (Manhattan Clique Radio Edit)” (SO Recordings, UK)
NINA NESBITT “Apple Tree” (Unsigned, UK)
MAKESHIFT INNOCENCE “Your Body” (P3 Music, Canada)
HOT CHIP “Look At Where We Are” (Domino, UK)
FRACTURES “Ride” (Unsigned, UK)
DR ALBAN “Freedom (Mr Bubblehead Remix)” (Playground, Sweden)
CALI “Yours Always (Chris Elliot String Mix)” (Unsigned, Ireland)
ALIBRANDI “Even Lions May Fall” (Smack Face Records, Australia)
(Check out the Passport Approved Radio “Featured Artists” on the daily profile exclusively on AllAccess.com including Oceanics, Satellite Stories, WhoMadeWho and Indian City).
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