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SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS ANITTA TO GLOBAL DEAL
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Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has announced the signing of Brazilian global superstar Anitta to a worldwide publishing agreement.
![]() She also earned chart success with recent collaborations like “Faking Love” ft. Saweetie, “Me Gusta” ft. Cardi B and Myke Towers, “Tócame” ft. Arcangel and De La Ghetto, and “Fuego” with DJ Snake and Sean Paul. Anitta will be working closely with SMP’s US and US Latin Creative teams, including US Sr. VP Creatives Amanda Hill and Katie Welle, and Monica Jordan, Director, Creative, US Latin. Anitta’s body of work includes four Latin studio albums and a multitude of collaborations. She is the most streamed artist in Brazil and captivates audiences across the globe with over 56 million Instagram followers. Anitta has 6 Latin Grammy Award nominations, 9 MTV EMA wins, nearly 5 billion YouTube views, and 6.5 billion Spotify streams. In September of 2021, she made history as the first Brazilian artist to perform at the MTV VMAs. Anitta is currently finalizing her highly anticipated fifth studio album Girl From Rio, and her latest singles “Envolver” and “NO CHÁO NOVINHA” ft. DJ Pedro Sampaio were released at the end of 2021.
THE ORCHARD EXPANDS ACROSS AFRICA
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The Orchard, which is Sony Music’s global artist label and distribution services company, recently announced the appointment of three executives in key markets on the African continent, including Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
Joining The Orchard in Kenya is Beth Achista, who has been tapped as Artist & Label Relations Manager, she will be based out of the Nairobi headquarters. Ikechukwu Onuorah has been elevated to the role as Director for The Orchard for its Lagos, Nigeria-based operations. In addition, The Orchard has appointed Mpumi Phillips, Director, Distribution for its Johannesburg, South Africa operations.
In addition to the recent executive appointments, The Orchard has also expanded its artist and label roster across the continent, with the addition of local labels Ambitiouz Entertainment and Ghetto Ruff, as well as numerous acts coming into the fold. In East Africa artists including Maurice Kirya, Eric Wainaina, Tetu Shani, Bushali, and record labels Green Ferry and Bongo Records have joined the distributor.
Meanwhile, in West Africa Marlian Music and creatives including Wavy The Creator, Mohbad, Zinoleevsky, Lady Donli and producer Juls, and others have partnered with The Orchard.
ATLANTIC RECORDS LAUNCHES IN GERMANY
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Before the recent Christmas break, Warner Music announced that it had launched Atlantic Records Germany. Based in the cultural melting pot of Berlin-Kreuzberg, the label will be dedicated to discovering and promoting German hip-hop, with a special focus on underground rap, which has exploded in popularity in recent years.
![]() Yung Hurn
Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes, Co-Presidents Warner Music Central Europe, stated, “The launch of Atlantic Records Germany will really electrify the market here. We have one of the most exciting rap scenes in Europe and we want to work with the best of its artists to offer them a platform and support for long-term careers in this business. And we’re so excited to sign Yung Hurn as our first artist on the label.” Yung Hurn is an Austrian rap artist from the Viennese district Donaustadt. He first broke through in 2015 with his EP, Wiener Linien, and quickly made an impact with critics through such tracks as ‘Nein’. The label will benefit from close collaboration between the recorded music and music publishing arms of Warner Music Group. Warner Chappell Music is the No.1 domestic music publisher in Germany, driven in part by its huge success in signing and supporting writers from the country’s thriving rap scene. Natascha Augustin, VP at Warner Chappell Music Germany, who works as an A&R executive with many of the biggest names in German rap, is taking on an additional, consultancy role with the label, while continuing to act as creative lead at the publisher. Atlantic Records Germany is set to become a creative hub in Berlin, offering regular sessions such as SHE, an all-female rap camp, and Foreign X Change, where international producers link up for sessions and collaboration tracks with local artists. The label is also committed to creating a safe space for creatives and artists, and to support more gender equality within the traditionally male-dominated rap culture. December’s announcement follows the launch of Atlantic Records Russia last March, which took place after Warner Music acquired leading indie label Zhara, and Atlantic Records Benelux in November.
A&R WORLDWIDE — “EXPOSED”
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Each week, A&R Worldwide’s newsletter goes back in time with memorable and defining moments in our 20+ year history. However, we’d also like to share your key and prolific images that have yet to be “exposed.” Click HERE to submit your photo to our team for potential exposure!
![]() AMONGST ROCK LEGENDS: Having an afternoon tea a few years ago at the Sunset Marquis in West Hollywood, CA are (L-R) the legendary and globally renowned live music promoter and Harvey Goldsmith CBE (Prince’s Trust, Live Earth, Live Aid), Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), Jeff Beck (Yardbirds) and Sat Bisla, President & Founder, A&R Worldwide / MUSEXPO. Harvey and Sat have been friends for many years and have shared a mutual passion for various music events and projects from across the globe. During the afternoon tea, the quartet discussed music, football (soccer), great British tea, and more.
GLOBAL NEWS UPDATES…
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Raymond McGlamery R.I.P., Michael Lang R.I.P., Mike Daly, Mark Chipello, Gabz Landman, Tarsame Mittal, Ben Adelson, Anita Chinkes-Ratner, Mike “Mike G” Guirguis, Amos Newman, Adriana Arce, Savan Kotecha, Zach Katz, Gary Chen, Kabiru Bello, and Matt Marshall.
JACKASS OF THE WEEK
Have you ever sent a text message you regretted, clicked on the wrong link, posted an inappropriate message or image on social media, 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 lives. It is the start of a new year, where many of us make resolutions to engage in more positive activities and practices throughout the year. Click HERE for a viewing of those whose new year resolutions have gone off to, let’s say, a less than perfect start!
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A&R WORLDWIDE’S "ARTIST OF THE WEEK"– BAKER GRACE
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Blessed with a voice that’s mature far beyond her years, Baker Grace began releasing music at 14-years-old and unleashed her 2019 debut EP Girl, I Know, followed by several hit singles and 2020’s Yourz Truly EP. Baker Grace has earned millions of streams across DSP platforms and averages hundreds of thousands of listeners on Spotify. She’s been featured on a number of playlists, including Spotify (NMF, Soft Pop Hits, TGIF, Chill Hits, Weekend Hangouts, The Pop List), Apple (Pop Deluxe, The A-List Pop, Fresh Hits, Best of the Week), Deezer (Brand New UK, This Is Pop), TIDAL (Rising Pop) and more. Following last summer’s The Show Is Over EP, Baker Grace returns with “Midnight Thoughts.” The track was written during quarantine where, for the first time, she felt she was truly able to direct the production and bring out her unique style. The song was written about her struggle with anxiety and the feeling of missing out on the love that’s right in front of her. “Midnight Thoughts” is a reminder to stay present, appreciate the moment and not let negative thoughts or things we don’t like about ourselves get us down; we can use them to grow stronger. Listen to “Midnight Thoughts” HERE and if you’re in the Los Angeles area, Baker Grace will be performing on Tuesday at Breaking Sound (1723 Hudson Avenue) with doors opening at 7PM. For additional information and label, publishing, sync and live opportunities, contact bakergracemusic@gmail.com.
A&R WORLDWIDE’S "VIDEO OF THE WEEK" – OSCAR ANTON
European bedroom artist Oscar Anton started 2020 with his Home Of Sanity challenge to release three songs monthly entirely written, composed, produced and directed by himself. By choosing to leave a major record deal that many would envy, Oscar decided to take a path to success which hasn’t already been paved, and where this French artist has been the only one in command of his career. Oscar quickly climbed the steps to draw a bedroom pop success story that many have never seen in France, that even drew the attention of Bob Sinclar, who remixed his single “bye bye.” He has earned millions of streams and views on YouTube with his viral hit “nuits d’été,” along with tens of thousands of followers on his socials, and hundreds of thousands of listeners from all around the world. His House Of Sanity challenge offered 36 singles overall and made way to his new concept called Postcards, where he releases one song monthly with the focus on a different country and a local collaboration. Watch the video for “bye bye” HERE as Oscar just released his first new song of the Postcard challenge with Italian singer VV, co-produced with Italian producer Federico Nardelli. Contact Etienne Coignec at etienne@filatureunity.eu, as Oscar Anton is available for potential partners both professionally and artistically.
PASSPORT APPROVED™ PLAYLIST – 1/9/2022 ![]()
“PASSPORT APPROVED” PLAYLIST FOR Sunday, January 9th, 2022: The weekly import show. Heard on more than 50 radio stations on six continents weekly including: Flux FM Berlin, Germany; NINETYSIX Radio (Indonesia); JioSaavn (India); Radio Doble Nueve, Lima, Peru; WZRH–FM New Orleans, LA; KWSS “93.9FM” Phoenix, AZ; KRML “102.1FM” Carmel, CA; KFRR “New Rock 104.1FM” Fresno, CA; Radio 1, Mumbai, India; WCNR Charlottesville, VA; KIWR “The River” Council Bluffs, IA; 2XM Ireland (national radio); 96.2 ZFM The Netherlands; WAPS–FM “The Summit.FM” Akron–Canton, OH; WKTL–FM Youngstown, OH; 105.5FM XFM Nairobi, Kenya; PUK–FM Johannesburg, South Africa; Rock 96.5FM Zambia; 897 FM Bratislava, Slovakia; WITH “90.1FM” Ithaca, NY; UCFM 87.8FM Australian Capital Territory, Australia; WRUR 88.5FM Rochester, NY; WCRU–FM Hamilton, NY; KZND Anchorage, AK; KQCJ Quad Cities, IL; Allgauhit–FM Bavaria Germany; Indie Xfm Los Angeles and on The Independent FM (iHeartRadio) in the United States, as well as many others internationally.
Listen to this two hour show by clicking HERE: TOM A. SMITH – “Wolves” (Unsigned, UK) DOLORES FOREVER – “Party In My Mind” (Sweat Music, Sweden) THE LIVING STRANGE – “Radio” (Unsigned, N. America) RED RUM CLUB – “Drown” (Modern Sky, UK) JEREMY LOOPS – “This Town” Feat Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Decca/UMG, South Africa) THE VICES – “The Neighbor Is A Bitch” (Mattan Records, Holland) BELLWETHER – “Shortsighted” (Unsigned, Australia) ALFIE TEMPLEMAN – “3D Feelings” (Chess Club, UK) DOHNY JEP – “Dial Up” (Unsigned, UK) LIME CORDIALE & IDRIS ELBA – “Apple Crumble” (London Cowboys, US) THE SHERLOCKS – “City Lights” (Infectious, UK) IAMJJ – “Hurt” (Mermaid, Denmark) VAULTBOY – “Rocket Science” (Propeller, UK) CLUB BEIRUT – “Bury Your Friends” (Unsigned, Scotland) LEONIDEN – “Paranoid” (Euphorie/UMG, Germany) MUKS – “Girlfriend” (Unsigned, India) SEA GIRLS – “Again Again” (Polydor, UK) MODERNLOVE – “Us” (Akira Records, UK) ILLUMEN – “Drifting Apart” (Unsigned, Sweden) DMA’S – “We Are Midnight” (Liberation Music, Australia) THE LOTTERY WINNERS – “Much Better” (Modern Sky, UK) SAHARA BECK – “Kryptonite” (Unsigned, Australia) HI FRISCO – “Ever Again” (SO Recordings, UK) THE ROYSTON CLUB – “Mrs Narcissistic” (Modern Sky, UK) DANNY BALDURSSON – “Nervous” (Unsigned, Faroe Islands) SUNHILL – “Golden Days” (BlackValley Records, Sweden) BAKER GRACE – “Midnight Thoughts” (Unsigned, N. America) PUBLIC ORDER – “Feels Like Summer” (TYM/WMG, UK) EIZA MURPHY – “Movies” (Unsigned, Ireland) THE LATHUMS – “I’ll Get By” (Modern Sky, UK) DEMOB HAPPY – “Sympathy Boy” (SO Recordings, UK) THE ROLY MO – “I Miss The Dancing” (7 West Music, Scotland) ALBA AUGUST – “Honey” (Universal Music, Sweden) VISTAS – “Brand New” (Unsigned, UK) (Check out the Passport Approved Radio “Featured Artists” on the daily profile exclusively on AllAccess.com including Alex Lahey, Tyler Page, Alfie Templeman, beaux and The Moving Stills) |