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SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING SIGNS ANITTA TO GLOBAL DEAL




Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has announced the signing of Brazilian global superstar Anitta to a worldwide publishing agreement.
Anitta has become a worldwide pop sensation over the past year, bringing Brazilian baile funk to audiences everywhere. Her US breakthrough single, “Girl From Rio,” which reached the Top 40 on US radio and the Top 30 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart, currently has over 100 million total streams and over 35 million YouTube views.

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


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




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
The label’s first major signing is Yung Hurn, one of the most influential German-speaking artists of the last few years. The deal marks the first time Yung Hurn has partnered with a major label.

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”



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…

NO MORE GUESSING, IT’S OFFICIAL: German producer duo YouNotUs (YNU) who successfully concluded their contract negotiations with Guesstimate Publishing in Berlin, were recently honored with 17 Gold and Platinum Awards. Guesstimate Publishing, together with their partner BMG, will be working on the worldwide exploitation of YNU’s publishing rights. Additionally Guesstimate has signed a longterm record agreement with the duo, whose real names are Tobias Bogdpn and Gregor Sahm. The deal will allow Guesstimate’s label imprint to release all upcoming record production in 2022 and beyond. YNU have extended their management contract with Polytope Management, and now also expanded their cooperation with Guesstimate globally within the framework of an exclusive publishing agreement, with co-publishing partner BMG. The duo recently recieved a Platinum plaque for their hit single,“Narcotic,” which was originally recorded and released by former A&R Worldwide supported act Liquido, which had No.1 success in Germany and numerous other countries back in 1999. YNU’s previous single, “Supergirl” was awarded 4 Gold and Platinum awards in Europe, and they received another 11 awards for their artist-producer collaboration with Alle Farben.

DEFECTING TO A NEW A&R ROLE: Sarah Beaumont, the former co-music head at BBC Radio 1 Xtra and playlist director of BBC Radio 1 Party Anthems has joined Defected Records as an A&R executive for its rapidly growing sub-label D4 D4NCE, which launched back in 2020. In addition to her new role, Beaumont will tap into her extensive radio, playlisting and music discovery experience and help launched a new full-time radio channel called Defected Broadcasting House, which will launch sometime this year. D4 D4NCE has had some early success in the commercial dance world with releases from Dombresky, Hugel, Vintage Culture, LP Giobbi, MistaJam, 220 Kid, as well as its inaugural release from John Summit’s Thin Line, amongst others. Beaumont will work alongside Wez Saunders, Label Head, and Oli Welch, A&R Assistant, D4 D4NCE.

GETTING ELEVATED AT WARNER MUSIC UK: Linda Walker has been promoted to become Sr. Vice President, Commercial, UK & Europe, at Warner Music UK (WMUK). She started her new role in December, reporting directly to Tony Harlow, CEO of Warner Music UK, and has joined the WMUK senior management team. In her new position, Walker, who has been with the business since 1990, heads up all aspects of Warner Music UK’s commercial relationships with digital services and physical retailers, including those in the independent sector. She will also oversee the activity of WMUK’s Research and Analysis Department, run by Nick Allum, VP, Commercial & Analytics, UK and Europe, which handles the gathering and assimilating of data for strategic purposes. Her promotion follows the decision last year of Derek Allen to step down from the business. He had spent almost a decade with WMUK, joining when the company acquired Parlophone Label Group, and had worked at EMI for many years before that. Read more HERE.

SIDING WITH A DUMMY: Exceleration Music has unveiled that it is launching a strategic partnership with renowned Los Angeles-based indie label SideOneDummy Records. Founded in Los Angeles in 1995 by Joe Sib and Bill Armstrong, SideOneDummy Records has been the launching pad for successful alternative artists Flogging Molly, The Gaslight Anthem, and Gogol Bordello, as well as more recent signings Nahko and Medicine for the People, PUP, Jeff Rosenstock, Tolliver, Rozwell Kid and PÆRISH. The label also created and released the hugely successful annual Warped Tour Compilation series. Under the deal, Exceleration is investing in SideOneDummy’s back catalogue and will partner with SideOneDummy to enhance and expand the label’s output via a dynamic new release program. SideOneDummy will continue to handle A&R for new recordings by the existing roster and will be actively signing and developing new artists. Exceleration will handle financial, operational, and administrative functions for the label. The Exceleration and SideOneDummy teams will also collaborate on marketing initiatives designed to build upon the label’s legacy. This deal sees SideOneDummy join a fast-growing roster of investments and partnerships from Exceleration Music. The company recently announced the acquisition of maverick indie label Bloodshot Records, as well as an alliance with the estate of the late Justin Townes Earle.

STRETCH & BURN: Apple Music today launched its Fitness DJ Mix series — a dedicated space where artists, DJs and producers can present one-of-a-kind fitness experiences, available only on Apple Music. The Fitness Mix series is broken down into four subcategories, including Run, Ride, Gym, and Yoga, with each mix created specifically with the workout style in mind. The first collection includes exclusive mixes from Aluna (Ride), Loud Luxury (Run), Valentino Khan (Gym), and Above & Beyond (Yoga). Moving forward, there will be one new Fitness DJ Mix each month.

GETTING A NEW PRESCRIPTION: Prescription Songs has inked a deal with Nashville-based producer/writer JT Daly. The signing was announced today by Katie Fagan, Head of A&R, Prescription Songs Nashville. Known for pushing sonic boundaries and writing big melodies, Daly will be represented by Fagan alongside Rachel Wein and Chris Martignago. Daly is a collaborator, multi-instrumentalist, and composer who earned Grammy nominations for “Best Rock Song” and “Best Engineered Album” for producing/co-writing K. Flay’s “Blood in the Cut” and many more on her breakout album Everywhere is Somewhere. In winter 2021, JT produced and co-wrote Benson Boone’s debut single “GHOST TOWN” which has already accumulated over 100 million streams. In addition, he collaborated with PVRIS on her newest track “Snakes” for the record-breaking top Netflix series “Arcane.” Other previous releases include collaborations with artists including PVRIS, grandson, Bren Joy and Quinn XCII. Upcoming releases include Why Don’t We, The Regrettes and Fleurie. Daly’s film score credits include the original soundtrack for ESPN’s critically acclaimed 30 for 30 film Chuck & Tito.

GOING FOR THE EXIT: Toby Leighton-Pope, co-CEO of AEG Presents UK has parted ways with the established global live entertainment company. Toby had been with the firm for the past five years (he was previously at Live Nation) and helped the company with expanding its collective of venues as the company grew its touring business in the UK. He had also spearheaded AEG Presents UK’s return to live music, which included upcoming arena tours from Bryan Adams, Shawn Mendes, and Blondie. Toby had joined AEG Presents UK back in 2016 with co-CEO Steve Homer, who will continue to lead the division focusing on further growing the touring business and developing the roster of venues operated by AEG Presents UK. The venues include Wolverhampton Civic Hall and Olympia London, both of which are undergoing multi-million-pound renovations and are set to open in 2022 and 2024 respectively.” Leighton-Pope’s next move will be unveiled in the not-too distant future; he will continue to be co-Chair of the MITS award. He recently signed up as co-chair of the MITS Award.

BELIEVING IN JO&CO: Paris, France-based label, services provider and digital distributor Believe has acquired a majority 51% stake in Jo&Co, which is an independent French label. The new agreement will increase Jo& Co’s digital growth objectives, whilst maintaining its creative and artistic direction. Under the new partnership Jo&CO will bring its proven local artist discovery platform which specializes in pop and mainstream music to Believe, which includes artists such as Gjon’s Tears, Hoshi, Claudio Capeo, and Les Frangines. Jo&Co will also expand its genre focus to include dance and electronic music. Believe will give Jo&Co access to its technological expertise and digital tools to accelerate its digital transition. Believe will also handle the distribution of all Jo&Co’s artists, and work with the label’s acts to further enhance their branding and live activities. Sebastien Saussez, Founder, Jo&Co will continue managing the label.

TRADING PLACES: Writer-producer management company Hallwood Media has tapped as Chris Moradi as its new Senior Vice President, Promotion & Licensing. Moradi joins the company after spending over two decades at Interscope Geffen A&M Records (IGA), where he most recently led National Top 40 Radio Promotion. Moradi and Neil Jacobson, Founder & CEO, Hallwood Media both met whilst the duo worked together at IGA, whereas Jacobson was the President of Geffen Records, up until his departure in 2019, and his launch of Hallwood Media in 2020. Hallwood Media represents a diverse and successful roster of writers and producers that include Brendan O’Brien (Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam), Jeff Bhasker (Kanye West, Bruno Mars), Bipolar Sunshine (DJ Snake, Beyoncé), David Stewart (Jonas Brothers, BTS), Murda Beatz (Drake, Ariana Grande, Migos), IAmTash (Pop Smoke), Yung Dza (Cardi B), Beach Noise (Kendrick Lamar, Baby Keem), and others. Moradi is one of numerous additional hires the company plans on unveiling this year.

LEGALLY ON THE MOVE: Masur Griffitts Avidor LLP (MGA) has announced the renowned music attorney Elliot A. Resnik has joined the firm as Partner & Chair of its new Entertainment Group. Resnik was most recently Sr. Counsel with Herbsman Hafer Weber & Frisch LLP, whom he joined back in 2009. He was named a Billboard Magazine Top Music Attorney in 2021. Clients moving with Resnik to MGA include Run The Jewels, Killer Mike & El-P, the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), Grammy-winning and nominated producers and writers Dave Sardy, Keith Harris, Dre Skull, Kill Dave & Pat Morrissey (Weezer, St. Jhn, K Flay), Juno Award-winning producer Nick Henriques, double Platinum Warner Records artist Shordie Shordie, Ultra Records artist Gattuso, All Things Go Music and its festival The Fall Classic, indie publisher Defend Music, Ad.Ventures, Heard Entertainment, Clio Award-winning agencies Giant Step Marketing, and Convicts Agency. As a part of the new set-up, Resnik and MGA will focus on a roster of artists, producers and production companies, award winning independent record labels and publishers, digital content creators and distributors, festivals, live entertainment venues and concert promoters, marketing and creative agencies, management companies and talent agencies, international brands in the entertainment and hospitality fields, beer and spirits ventures, trade organizations, charitable foundations and other entertainment related companies.

A LEGENDARY DEAL: Last week, it was officially revealed that multi-Platinum selling and Grammy Award winning songwriter and artist John Legend has sold his songwriting catalog for an undisclosed fee to BMG and KKR. The mega million-dollar deal was completed at the end of the summer last year and is yet one of many substantial catalog deals that have been orchestrated during the coronavirus era and show no signs of slowing down. A&R Worldwide has learned there are a number of other significant artist and songwriter catalog deals to be unveiled in Q1 of 2022. The deal with Legend sees both KKR and BMG each acquiring a 50% equity stake in Legend’s songwriting catalog for copyrights that span his career from 2004 through the early part of 2021. Legend has worked with BMG for over the past decade, when the company had acquired Cherry Lane Music Publishing back in 2010, which was home to Legend’s publishing catalog. Legend is represented by respected talent manager Ty Stiklorius, Founder & CEO, Friends At Work who prior to setting up her own management firm worked with Troy Carter at Atom Factory.

TAKING ON A GLOBAL ROLE: Veteran music supervisor and executive Tricia Holloway recently took on a new role as Music Executive (Global Head of Music) Walt Disney Imagineering, and will be based at the company’s offices in Glendale, CA. As part of her new position, she’ll spearhead and oversee key aspects internationally for Walt Disney Imagineering as it pertains to music integration and beyond. Most recently Holloway was Vice President Music, Nickelodeon (2019 – 2021), and prior to that was Executive Director Music, FREEFORM (previously ABC Family), and has also held key music licensing roles at Warner Bros. Television, Lionsgate, and others, as well as teaching Music Supervision for Film & TV at UCLA (University Of California Los Angeles).

KEEPING THE FAITH: After partnering with Gaither Music Group in 2019, Primary Wave Music continues to strengthen its position in the faith-based market by announcing that they have partnered with the Award-winning Christian singer, Matt Redman, to acquire a stake in the income stream of his music publishing catalog. The deal also encompasses Redman’s master royalties and other rights from the Grammy winner’s entire music publishing catalog which includes several No.1 records. Songs include “Build My Life,” “Do It Again,” and the Grammy-nominated “Our God,” which was also nominated for Song of the Year at the 2011 Dove Awards. Terms of the deal also include one of Redman’s most well-known singles, “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord).” Released in 2011, “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)” won two Grammy Awards for “Best Contemporary Christian Music Song” and “Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance.” The song, which spent 16 weeks at the top position on Christian Radio and remained at No.1 on the Christian Songs Chart for 13 weeks, has been included in several compilations and has been covered by over 25 artists. Nicholas Brown of London & Co and Roxwell’s Jeremy Rosen negotiated the deal on behalf of Matt Redman.

STRUMMING A NEW TUNE: Gibson Brands has announced the acquisition of GWW (General Wood Workers) a long-standing supplier of premium cases for Gibson, and other music instrument companies. The deal was finalized by Gibson Brands at the end of December 2021. GWW has been a family-owned business building world-class cases for instruments and other categories for over 65 years. Since 2002, Gibson has had an association with GWW, but more recently (in 2019) a more formal partnership was formed under the new Gibson Brands Management Team. Entering 2021, Gibson became the main customer of GWW which led to bringing GWW into the Gibson Brands family. Over the past two years (since the start of Covid-19), supply chain management has become a key focus point for brands and businesses. Not to mention the need to continually invest and innovate to create strategic advantages with vertical integration. This move puts Gibson in a position of strength within a key category of guitar cases. Gibson says it will take the next few months to align on integration and future business plans.

AN ICONIC BOWIE DEAL: Last week, Warner Chappell Music (WCM) and the estate of David Bowie unveiled that WCM has acquired the global music publishing rights to Bowie’s revolutionary song catalog. The landmark deal includes Bowie’s entire body of work, encompassing hundreds of songs spanning the iconic artist and songwriter’s six-decade career, including trailblazers such as “Space Oddity,” “Changes,” “Life on Mars?,” “Ziggy Stardust,” “Starman,” “Rebel Rebel,” “Fame,” “Young Americans,” “Golden Years,” “Heroes,” “Ashes to Ashes,” “Modern Love,” “Let’s Dance,” “Where Are We Now?,” “Lazarus,” and many more. The agreement comprises songs from the 26 David Bowie studio albums released during his lifetime, as well as the posthumous studio album release, Toy. It also includes the two studio albums from Tin Machine, along with tracks released as singles from soundtracks and other projects. The agreement with WCM follows the announcement last year of a global, career-spanning agreement between Warner Music Group (WMG) and the Bowie estate through which Warner Music has licensed worldwide rights to Bowie’s recorded music catalog from 1968. With this new deal with Warner Chappell, WMG is now home to Bowie’s body of work as both a songwriter and recording artist.

AND THE GRAMMY GOES TO...: Due to the current burgeoning cases of coronavirus cases in the US, the 64th annual Grammy Awards have been postponed to a future date. The event was scheduled to take place on Monday, January 31, 2022, in Los Angeles, but will now take place at a future date. There has been speculation that the awards event could shift to Las Vegas, NV this year; however, that information has not been confirmed by the Grammy Awards. In a joint statement from the Recording Academy and CBS stated, “After careful consideration and analysis with city and state officials, health and safety experts, the artist community and our many partners, the Recording Academy and CBS have postponed the 64th Annual Grammy Awards Show. The health and safety of those in our music community, the live audience, and the hundreds of people who work tirelessly to produce our show remains our top priority. Given the uncertainty surrounding the Omicron variant, holding the show on January 31st simply contains too many risks. We look forward to celebrating music’s biggest night on a future date, which will be announced soon.” Last year, The Grammy’s moved to March as a hybrid event with pre-recorded performances and an in-person outdoor ceremony, and there’s a strong likelihood the event will take place at the start of Spring 2022.

A UNIVERSAL DEAL: Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) and Banijay, the world’s largest independent content creation and distribution group, recently announced an exclusive global publishing and production music agreement. Under the terms of the deal, UMPG will work with Banijay Brands (Banijay’s extensive brand and commercial arm), which has a portfolio spanning some of the world’s most recognizable shows, including Peaky Blinders, Survivor, Temptation Island, Lego Masters and Hunted. As part of the agreement, Universal Production Music will represent Banijay’s existing global catalog spanning 30,000-tracks across some of the world’s most popular shows. With more than 120 production entities across 22 territories worldwide, Banijay has a catalog of over 110,000 hours of content – for which Banijay Brands manages much of its brand and commercial exploitation, including music. This new partnership with UMPG, led by Antonia Gilham, Global Director, Music & Secondary Rights, Banijay, will focus on maximizing music-related revenues and expanding creative and commercial opportunities worldwide.

A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN: Reservoir Media, Inc. recently announced a worldwide publishing deal with 4x Grammy award-winner Michael League and his internationally acclaimed band Snarky Puppy. As part of the deal, Reservoir will also represent League’s GroundUP Music, which is the label and publishing home for many of Snarky Puppy’s members, collaborators, and larger musical family. Michael League is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, arranger, songwriter, label owner, and bandleader. League founded Snarky Puppy in 2003 and performed as the bassist for the ten-piece ensemble. The group has since grown into an international super-band, regarded as one of the major figures in the jazz world. Comprised of various¬¬ talent over their 14 albums, with about 19 current roster members, the collective is expected to record its next album, Empire Central, in early 2022. In addition to founding and leading Snarky Puppy, League also started international music ensemble Bokanté, collaborated with a diverse range of artists, and released his debut pop solo album, So Many Me, in June 2021. In 2014, League and Snarky Puppy took home their first Grammy in the “Best R&B Performance” category alongside vocalist Lalah Hathaway for their version of “Something” by Brenda Russell. In 2016, the group’s album Sylva, which debuted at No.1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers, Jazz Albums and Contemporary Jazz Albums charts, won the Grammy for “Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.”

KEEPING THINGS LOCAL: Music Venue Trust (MVT) in the UK has announced a new campaign to encourage music fans to enjoy live music in safe environments by supporting their local grassroots music venues. Given the current data and the guidance from government, which continues to allow the staging of live music events, the #golocal campaign puts the emphasis on enjoying live music in a safe environment by urging music fans to visit local grassroots music venues, avoiding mass transport and large crowds of people. MVT has led the way in helping the grassroots music community provide safe environments to stage live music events and continues to prioritize the health and wellbeing of audiences, venue staff, artists, and support crew, and #golocal is the latest in a series of campaigns that MVT have implemented to help reopen every venue safely. Grassroots music venues in the UK are continuing to offer a vibrant program of live music events such as the “The National Lottery’s Revive Live Tour” which begins this month and are providing music fans with an ideal opportunity to support those venues, artists and their support crew in environments, which have the experience and protocols in place to keep everyone involved safe.

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!

A&R WORLDWIDE’S "ARTIST OF THE WEEK"– BAKER GRACE



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)