DEALS
🖊️
Iain James has returned to his original publisher Phrased Differently, following deals with Sony Music Publishing, Kobalt and BMG. He was one of the company’s first signings in 2006. “I couldn’t be happier to be re-signing with Phrased Differently”, he says. “I’ve been so proud watching the team’s success from afar and have always considered myself to be ‘Raised by Phrased!”
APPOINTMENTS
🇩🇰
Karen Vincent has been promoted to General Manager of Warner Music Denmark. “I’m so excited to be stepping up to lead Warner Music Denmark”, she says. “We’re a team that consistently punches above its weight, whether that’s securing a ten week run at number one here in Denmark for hip-hop legend Gobs or helping superstar Christopher become one of the best-known international artists in China”.
🚀
Talent development organisation UD has announced new partnerships with Converse, Sony Music UK’s Social Justice Fund and the Soho House Foundation to support its work in championing the next generation of black creative talent. It has also appointed Selina Wedderburn as General Manager and Cleo Amedume as Community Manager.
📻
TV presenter Angellica Bell is to stand in for Fleur East on the Hits Radio breakfast show while she is on maternity leave. East’s last day before taking a break will be this Friday. “I can’t believe it’s my last week, it’s honestly flown by”, says East. “The thought of taking a break is a little bit weird, but I am so pleased to say that one of my good friends, Angellica Bell, is going to be the one looking after things for me”.
LEGAL
⚖️
A Californian judge has dismissed some of the claims brought against Lizzo by a number of her former dancers, but denied a motion to have the whole lawsuit thrown out on free speech grounds. “It is dangerous for the court to weigh in, ham-fisted, into constitutionally-protected activity, but it is equally dangerous to turn a blind eye to allegations of discrimination or other forms of misconduct merely because they take place in a speech-related environment”, said Judge Mark H Epstein. “The court has tried to thread this needle, although the court, being a trial court only, is well aware that this is likely only the first stop on this case’s journey”.
LIVE BUSINESS
🏟️
The AO Arena in Manchester has announced that its capacity will increase from 21,000 to 23,000 as part of £50 million redevelopment work. “As part of AO Arena’s redevelopment”, says Chris Bray, President of venue owner ASM Global Europe, “we have dramatically expanded the standing floor space which means it will compete with any other venue in the UK”. Including, presumably, Manchester’s soon to open new Co-op Live arena, which has a maximum capacity of 23,500.
ARTIST NEWS
💎
Paris Hilton revealed on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards last night that Sia is executive producing her second album, which is set for release later this year.
GIGS & FESTIVALS
🏝️
The Isle Of Wight Festival has announced The Prodigy, Pet Shop Boys and Green Day as its 2024 headliners. The event takes place on 20-23 Jun and tickets are available now.
👺
Sleep Token have announced UK arena shows in November, including a performance at the O2 Arena in London on 29 Nov. Tickets go on general sale on Friday.
🌞
Gabrielle has announced UK tour dates in April 2025, including a show at the O2 Arena on 18 Apr. Tickets go on general sale this Friday. Her new album ‘A Place In Your Heart’ is out on 10 May.
RELEASES
👹
Former Slayer guitarist Kerry King has released his debut solo single ‘Idle Hands’. It is taken from his album ‘From Hell I Rise’, which is set for release on 17 May.