MIKE CAREN NAMED WMG’S PRESIDENT OF WORLDWIDE A&R
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Mike Caren
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Warner Music Group has announced the promotion of Mike Caren to President, Worldwide A&R across its various labels. Caren was previously Executive Vice President, A&R for Atlantic Records and served as Co-President for the recently re-launched Elektra Records label.
In his new position, Caren will oversee the development and recruitment of Warner's artists for all of its subsidiaries, including Atlantic, Elektra, Warner Bros. Records, and Rhino Entertainment, amongst others. He will report directly to WMG CEO of recorded music Lyor Cohen.
Caren will also be forming a new company in association with Atlantic called Artist Partners, which will offer "creative services" to artists. The company said more information on that venture will be announced in the coming weeks.
“Mike is an outstanding A&R executive. His unwavering commitment to extraordinary music has resulted in the discovery of many visionary artists, and the achievement of their true potential,” said Cohen. “He will now bring his rare mix of musical ability, creative instinct and entrepreneurial drive to WMG's company-wide focus on artist development.”
Caren got his start in the music industry with stints at SRC/Loud Records and Ruthless Records before moving to WMG as part of Atlantic's Big Beat imprint (founded by current Atlantic Records Group co-chairman/CEO Craig Kallman) in 1995. In the intervening years, he signed artists such as T.I., B.o.B, Trey Songz and Flo Rida to Warner, and took up the mantle as Co-President of the re-launched Elektra in 2009, working with Bruno Mars and Cee-Lo Green, among others.
Caren, along with former Elektra co-president John Janick, had been the subject of months of industry rumors about his next move. News broke last month that Janick will assume a “presidential” role at Interscope in the coming weeks, according to Billboard Magazine.
“During the past twenty years I have been involved in every aspect of the creative process. I've learned how important A&R can be in all stages of an artistic career, and I'm delighted to work at a company where that commitment to artists is at the center of everything we do,” said Caren. “I am excited to be collaborating with them as we develop the latest generation of A&R talent and nurture tomorrow's global superstars.”
He added, “My goal, with both WMG and Artist Partners, is to help artists realize their entire vision, be it creative, marketing or entrepreneurial.”
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SONY MUSIC MIDDLE EAST LAUNCHES LIONHEART RECORDS
Sony Music Middle East is to build on its success with local music to launch a new sub-label called Lionheart Records. The new label will focus on cutting-edge, fusion Arabic talent and content from the Middle East and around the world. Lionheart will provide a platform for new and innovative music and release several thematic compilation brands. The label will utilize a range of specialist and support functions from Sony Music including physical and digital sales, distribution, marketing and promotions.
The Sony Music New Artist Booking and Services Business will provide B2B services such as talent booking, brand partnerships, sync and licensing in the region.
Lionheart Records will be headed by longtime A&R Worldwide friend and colleague and A&R consultant, Richard Hussein, who has helped EMI Arabia establish a strong footing in the Arabic market by creating No.1 brands and signing some of the region’s biggest artists. ‘Lionheart’ is prepping to release its first three projects titled Tales from Damascus by Iyad Rimawi, Arabadub by The Spy From Cairo, and Baghdad Jazz Club by Mardo El Noor. These unique artist projects are a time capture and treasure trove of delicious Arabian-flavored music that bridges East and West. Richard tells A&R Worldwide, “It’s a real pleasure to be partnering up with Sony Music Middle East. I have always admired their team’s energy and professionalism. I'm really looking forward to launching new successful hit brands and to continue creating, developing and establishing the wealth of artistic talent in the region and internationally.”
Craig Pereira, Sony Music Middle East’s Director of Marketing and Digital Business, will oversee the development of Lionheart and its B2B services business in the region. Craig says, “We are looking to cultivate a creative environment for local talent that will enable us to capitalize on the opportunities across various genres for local music. Our B2B business will service the market gap for providing talent, creating deeper relationships and commercial partnership with brands.”
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BMG SIGNS RIGHTS DEAL WITH PENNYWISE
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Pennywise
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BMG has announced that it has signed an exclusive co-publishing deal with emblematic Los-Angeles punk band Pennywise. Formed in the Southern California city of Hermosa Beach, a neighborhood with a rich punk rock history, Pennywise began in 1988. The band would go on to amass an international following through relentless touring and a high energy sound merging melodic surf punk, blistering hardcore and the classic punk of their youth.
Pennywise's line-up of Jim Lindberg, Fletcher Dragge, Randy Bradbury and
Bryon McMackin remained constant from 1996 to 2009. Ignite singer Zoli T้glแs joined the band in 2011, replacing Jim Lindberg.
Their much-awaited tenth studio album, All or Nothing, was released on May 1, 2012 and proved to be one of their most powerful and heartfelt albums to date. The band teamed-up with XBOX Live to stream the new album to the over 40 million members worldwide and is currently touring internationally.
“We’re really excited to be working with a reputable company such as BMG Chrysalis. Our music is in good hands. We will be working together, and they really understand what Pennywise music is all about,” said Pennywise’s bass player Randy Bradbury.
“Pennywise is the most significant hardcore band to emerge from SoCal punk’s second wave. Over twenty years after their debut, they are still going strong and have an extremely devoted and international fanbase. We look forward to a long and successful partnership,” commented David Hirshland, Executive Vice President, Client Services, BMG Chrysalis North America.
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MERLIN TO CONTINUE TO FIGHT EMI MERGER
A meeting of Merlin's board last week voted unanimously to continue its opposition to the proposed purchase of EMI by Universal.
Merlin, the global digital rights agency representing independent rights owners, has opposed Universal's proposed acquisition of EMI from the outset in its submissions to the EC, arguing that it would severely threaten the development of the digital music business.
“In a market already hampered by Universal's exploitation of its market leading position, this proposed acquisition could only serve to damage the digital ecosystem, not only for our members, but also for potential investors and consumers.
The Merlin Board's latest decision underlines that we remain committed to our belief that the proposed deal would put even more power in the hands of the company already most likely to try and shape music services to its own advantage and would severely damage the digital music market just as it approaches the crucial tipping point where digital takes over from physical. We trust and believe that the European Union and U.S. regulators reviewing this transaction understand the devastating impact this transaction would have on the digital music market and will act accordingly.” said Charles Caldas, CEO of Merlin.
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BMG Rights Management BeNeLux has concluded worldwide publishing deals with Afro-beat sensation Jungle by Night and successful pianist and composer Michiel Borstlap.
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The Wild Feathers
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Jeff Sosnow, Sr. VP A&R at Warner Bros. Records has been A&Ring and developing the very talented Nashville, TN-based rock act The Wild Feathers. The band has been working with Sosnow on their debut Warner Bros. Records full-length, which is slated for release end of this summer. The Wild Feathers are managed by industry veteran Ron Laffitte who tells A&R Worldwide he is very excited about the future of his latest management client; and from what we heard last Friday this band has incredible potential US and global potential. A&R Worldwide were invited by Warner Bros. Records to join their staff and other music industry executives to check out some of the new recordings last week as The Wild Feathers performed some of their new material.
Spotify has officially been available in the United States for one year now. In that time, there have been over 13 billion songs streamed and over 27 million songs shared on social networks. Spotify is only second to Facebook in social media for sharing music.
UK act Biffy Clyro has been recording its forthcoming album in Los Angeles with the oversight of Warner Music UK A&R executive Alex Gilbert.
Boston’s legendary Alternative radio station WFNX signed off for the last time on Friday. The station's frequency was sold to Clear Channel back in May for $14.5 million. On Air personalities Morning Guy Tai, Jim Ryan and Neal Robert were the last three to broadcast.
Daryl Berg has been named Vice President of Music at Shine America. Berg will be responsible for the company’s music strategy. In his new role, Berg will focus on expanding the company’s music portfolio, helping to develop music-based productions and building licensing properties across scripted, unscripted and digital productions. Berg was most recently Executive Director of Music at Shine.
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Shane McAnally
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Universal Music Publishing Group has announced the signing of Nashville hit-maker, Shane McAnally and Smack Ink (ASCAP), to an exclusive, worldwide administration agreement. Shane McAnally has established himself as one of Nashville’s most promising songwriters and artists after writing hits for Kenny Chesney, Lee Ann Womack, Reba McEntire, Chris Young, Miranda Lambert, and Luke Bryan, to name a few. McAnally first gained respect in Music City’s songwriting scene after co-writing Lee Ann Womack’s Top 20 single “Last Call.” Since then, he has used his talents to pen the No.1 singles “Somewhere with You” by Kenny Chesney and “Alone with You” by Jake Owen. Other tracks Shane McAnally has collaborated on include: “Neon” Chris Young; “Mama’s Broken Heart” Miranda Lambert; “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” Luke Bryan; and the current Top 10 Hot Country Singles song “Come Over” Kenny Chesney. McAnally also recently completed production on the debut album for Universal Music Nashville recording artist, Kacey Musgraves (co-produced with Musgraves and UMPG writer Luke Laird).
Sirah, best known for her vocals on the Skrillex single “Bangarang,” has signed with Pulse/Atlantic Records. She’s currently working on material for her upcoming album. A&R Worldwide met with the Pulse team at their studios last week for an insight into their future projects too.
Twenty First Artists, the London-based international artist management company spear-headed by well-known UK manager Colin Lester, has announced the promotion of Alex Fisher to senior artist manager. Fisher joined the company when it merged with CLM Entertainment in 2010, but has worked for Twenty First Artists CEO Colin Lester since interning for him in 2007 after graduating from university. Fisher will report directly to Lester.
The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. (HFA), has announced the renewal of a lyrics licensing agreement with LyricFind, a worldwide leader in lyric solutions. Since its launch in 2004, LyricFind has entered into lyrics distribution agreements with major and many independent music publishers. In addition, LyricFind provides licensed lyrics to various digital service providers and has developed successful mobile applications for the iPhone, iPad, Android, and Blackberry Playbook.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Kim Frankiewicz, Greg Federspiel, Jason Iley, Cassandra Gracey, Mark Jones, Ryan Whalley, Martin Kierszenbaum, Milt Olin, Miles Leonard, David Goldberg, Steve Backer, Jimmy Steal, Chris Sheldon and David Glick.
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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 some amazing footage of an iceberg. Click HERE to watch tourists escape a massive iceberg tsunami!
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A&R WORLDWIDE’S "ARTIST OF THE WEEK" – NOVA DELAI
With the current wave of successful female artists across the globe, it’s quite evident that a talent such as Nova Delai is sure to follow the successful footsteps of European artists such as Adele (England), Caro Emerald (Holland) and Birdy (signed to Warner Music, UK), all of whom blend infectious vintage sounds with modern day pop music nuances. Nova Delai signed with Sony Sweden worldwide earlier this year thanks to the early development and support of her manager Bello and A&R Worldwide in Los Angeles.
Nova Delai (real name Michelle Zarati) is a Swedish recording artist, musician and writer. She was raised by a single mother in the southern Sweden area of Skane in Malm๖. At age six, Nova Delai began to play classical music on the piano and started getting interested in playing guitar at the same age. She later attended Rytmus Music School in Sweden and is currently working on recording her debut album. She returns with the upbeat, “Should I,” which is produced by John-Alexis. The single will be available on Spotify and iTunes July 30th in Sweden. For additional information on Nova Delai, please contact Kabiru Bello at bello@fantabolous.se. To listen to “Should I,” click HERE.
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A&R WORLDWIDE’S "VIDEO OF THE WEEK" –
SNAKADAKTAL
One of the most talked about bands out of Australia this year hasn't even finished high school as of yet. The Melbourne quintet Snakadaktal has been causing quite the stir with their latest single, “Dance Bear.” Just last year, they were named the Triple J Unearthed High Winners (best act in High School) due to their singles “Chimera” and “Air.” Richard Kingsmill, Triple J Music Director, was quoted saying, “the shifting vocals just make you melt.” The video clip to “Dance Bear” was recently released and directed by Spod, who has done previous music videos for Art vs Science, Dan Kelly and Richard In Your Mind. See what the buzz is all about and watch the new video for “Dance Bear” by Snakadaktal here. For available opportunities, contact Johann Ponniah at johann@iohyou.com.
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PASSPORT APPROVED™ PLAYLIST – 7/22/2012
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Saturday, July 22nd 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 HEAVY “What Makes a Good Man?” (Counter Records/Ninja Tune, UK)
MUMIY TROLL “Not Tomorrow” (The Village, Russia)
BOY “Little Numbers” (Unsigned, Germany)
KIDFORCE “Brunettes (Do It Better)” (Slice Me Nice, Russia)
HOT CHIP “Look At Where We Are” (Domino, UK)
THE MILK “Every Time We Fight” (Sony, UK)
FRIENDS OF EMMET “13th Floor” (Unsigned, Ireland)
TAILOR “Step Back” (Just Music, South Africa)
ZULU WINTER “We Should Be Swimming” (PIAS, UK)
VIKUNJA “Strangers” (Unsigned, Sweden)
***Interview with San Cisco***
SAN CISCO “Awkward” (Unsigned, Australia)
SAN CISCO “Rocket Ship” (Unsigned, Australia)
LIFE DOWN HERE “All That You Are” (Unsigned)
THOMAS AZIER “Red Eyes” (BMG, Germany)
SEBASTIEN TELLIER “My Poseidon” (Record Makers, France)
THE TEMPER TRAP “London's Burning” (Liberation, Australia)
BURNING HEARTS “Into The Wilderness” (Shelflife/Solina, Finland)
CALI “Yours Always (Chris Elliot String Mix)” (Unsigned, Ireland)
THE FLUXX “She Cries” (Unsigned, Norway)
THE CHEVIN “Drive” (SO Recordings, UK)
THE PENELOPES “Summer Life” (Pour le Monde, France)
FRACTURES “Ride” (Unsigned, UK)
FLORENCE & THE MACHINE W/ CALVIN HARRIS “Spectrum (Say My Name)” (Island/Universal, UK)
THE VIEW “How Long” (Cooking Vinyl, UK)
ALL MANKIND “Simple Desire” (SO Recordings, UK)
THE ENEMY “Like a Dancer” (Cooking Vinyl/Stiff Records, UK)
MAKESHIFT INNOCENCE “Your Body” (OP3 Music, Canada)
(Check out the Passport Approved Radio “Featured Artists” on the daily profile exclusively on AllAccess.com including iScreamAndTheChocolateStix, The Blue Van, Lola King & The Kickstarts, DJ Fresh and The Infadels).
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