LEGAL
🇯🇲
Vybz Kartel’s murder conviction has been quashed. The judicial committee of the privy council in London – still the highest court of appeal for Jamaica – ruled that the original trial judge wrongly handled allegations that one juror had attempted to bribe others on the jury to find the dancehall artist not guilty. Kartel has been in prison on a 32 and a half year sentence since 2011. The case will now return to court in Jamaica, where a decision will be made on whether or not there should be a new trial.
DEALS
🖊️
Nashville independent label Big Loud has signed a new distribution deal with Universal Music’s Republic and Mercury Records. “Artists and our staff will see increased creative opportunities, robust international support, new multimedia partnerships, additional multi-format promotion muscle and merchandising resources, among many other benefits”, says founders Seth England, Craig Wiseman and Joey Moi in a memo to staff. “And to clarify: Big Loud Records has not been acquired in any way. Our full staff will remain intact and will continue to lead with the artists we represent”.
APPOINTMENTS
🪑
Sony Music UK exec Charlotte Edgeworth and rapper Guvna B (real name Isaac Borquaye) have been named co-Chairs of Youth Music. “We are really excited about the appointment of Charlotte and Isaac”, says CEO Matt Griffith. “Both offer an in-depth understanding of the issues young people face and a determination to make positive change. We simply couldn’t resist the opportunity to benefit from both of their expertise”.
🪐
Universal Music’s Mercury Records in the US has appointed Alex Coslov as Executive Vice President, Marisa Bianco as SVP Media, and Mario Vazquez as VP Audience & Streaming. “From day one, our goal has been to foster a creative, supportive and forward-thinking home for our artists to thrive”, says President Tyler Arnold. “We are incredibly grateful to expand our team with this talented group of executives who will help further that mission as we usher in our next chapter”.
👛
Bauer Media Audio UK has appointed Chris Jones as Chief Financial Officer. “It’s such an interesting time in the audio market at the moment, with constant change, innovation and increasingly more people listening to radio and digital audio”, he says. “I’m THRILLED to be joining the Bauer Media team at such an exciting time and am looking forward to help Bauer Media Audio continue to grow”.
AWARDS
🎹
The Black Keys have been handed a Hall Of Fame Award by US collecting society SoundExchange. “Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have redefined rock music for a generation as The Black Keys, releasing powerful hits like ‘Tighten Up’, ‘Lonely Boy’ and ‘Gold On The Ceiling’”, says CEO Michael Huppe. “We are honoured to present The Black Keys with the SoundExchange Hall Of Fame Award”.
GIGS & FESTIVALS
🕺🏽
Usher has announced a tenth show at the O2 Arena on 29 Mar 2025, after nine previously announced dates sold out. The final date to be added to the run, tickets will go on general sale on Friday.
🌟
Janelle Monáe will play a three night residency at Aviva Studios in Manchester on 2-4 Jul. Tickets go on general sale on Thursday.
🍉
Union Chapel in London will host a fundraising event in aid of Palestine on 18 Mar. There will be performances from Nadine Shah, Foy Vance, Alabaster DePlume, Adnan Joubran and Beth Rowley, plus readings from Brian Eno, Maxine Peake and Davide Holmes. Tickets here.
🎤
Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones will play solo dates around the UK in May, playing two shows a night in smaller venues than you would normally get to see him in. The run includes a night at London’s Alexandra Palace Theatre on 9 May.
💥
Interpol have announced UK tour dates marking the 20th anniversary of their ‘Antics’ album in November, finishing with a night at Alexandra Palace in London on 8 Nov. Tickets go on general sale on Friday.
RELEASES
💗
Brian Eno has released new track ‘All I Remember’, taken from a new documentary about the producer, ‘Eno’. The full soundtrack will be released on 19 Apr. More information on the film and upcoming screenings here.
👹
Ski Mask The Slump God has released new single ‘Shibuya’. His new album ‘11th Dimension’ is out later this year.
💋
Girli has released new single ‘Crush Me Up’. Her new album ‘Matriarchy’ is out on 17 May.
👑
Cold Cave are back with new track ‘She Reigns Down’.