APPOINTMENTS
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Bauer Media has promoted Gary Stein into the newly created role of Director Of Audio for the UK. He was previously Group Programme Director of the Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio networks. “Gary’s vision and leadership has helped us build two of the most exciting new audio brands in the UK with Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio”, says Bauer Media Audio UK CEO Simon Myciunka. “Through this well-deserved promotion, I look forward to seeing him steer our ambitious UK teams in creating more stand-out moments that our audiences can enjoy both on-air and on-demand”.
LEGAL
⌛
The judge overseeing the lawsuit filed by US collecting society the MLC against Spotify has granted the streaming service permission to delay its response until 19 Jul. The MLC is suing Spotify over its move to reduce songwriter payments by reclassifying its main subscription product in the US as a music and audiobooks bundle. The society says that Spotify cannot do this and wants the court to confirm that position.
🎠
Megan Thee Stallion has responded to a lawsuit filed by cameraman Emilio Garcia, who accuses the rapper of harassment and various breaches of employment law. One claim is that she had sex in front of him in a car. The response says that Garcia’s lawsuit “consists almost entirely of falsehoods, misrepresentations of fact, and outlandish claims that have no basis in fact or law and no merit”, branding him a “con artist” whose motivation is a “desperate attempt to boost his failed singing career”.
🇰🇷
A Seoul court has barred HYBE from dismissing Min Hee-jin as CEO of its label Ador. This is part of an ongoing corporate battle between Ador and its parent company that began with the allegation that another HYBE group is ripping off Ador-signed act NewJeans. Min has pressured the company to release control of NewJeans or sell its 80% stake in Ador. The court said that HYBE had not provided sufficient reasons to dismiss Min, as she has not acted against the interests of Ador. “While such actions could be seen as a betrayal against HYBE, they do not necessarily constitute a breach of trust to Ador”, says the ruling.
LOBBYING
🗳️
Cross-sector lobbying group UK Music has written to the leaders of the UK’s political parties urging them to pledge support for the music industry in the run up to the country’s General Election. It calls for specific action on AI, touring and tax credits, as well as new investment in music education and a ban on for-profit ticket resale. “Delivering on these asks and achieving a national music strategy will help deliver the action needed to keep the UK at the forefront of the global music industry”, says the letter.
RETAIL
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A new branch of the HMV-owned Fopp music retail chain is to open in Nottingham on 7 Jun. It will hold stock of over 4000 vinyl albums, 8000 CDs, and 2700 Blu-ray and 4k discs. “As a business, Fopp has an extremely loyal, knowledgeable customer base, as well as staff who are deeply passionate about the worlds of music, film, literature and TV”, says Phill Halliday, MD of HMV and Fopp. ”We’re delighted to be bringing our offering to Nottingham where we can cater to an even wider range of eclectic and specialist tastes”.
MEDIA
📺
The BBC has announced its plans for Glastonbury coverage this year, with six week’s of programming around the festival. This will include two Glastonbury specific channels on iPlayer and 90 hours of live performances. “The BBC’s coverage of Glastonbury is one of the biggest jewels in the BBC’s pop crown and we’re evolving our programming to bring audiences many ways to enjoy the festival across our platforms – it’s their Glastonbury on the BBC”, says the broadcaster’s Director Of Music Lorna Clarke.
GIGS & FESTIVALS
🎤
Karousel Music’s East LDN Showcase returns on 4 Jun, taking place at Paper Dress Vintage in Hackney. Supported by SESAC and MMF, music industry professionals can attend for free, while 100% of income from tickets sold to the public goes to the artists (and the sound engineer). Performances will come from Ruby Duff, Sister, Holly Riva and Rico Furs. There’s an industry drinks reception from 6.30pm, with music starting at 7.45pm.
RELEASES
🪄
Eminem has released new single ‘Houdini’. The track is the first to be taken from his upcoming album ‘The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grace)’.
👀
Fred Again has teamed up with Anderson .Paak and Chika for new single ‘Places to Be’.
🧺
Rita Ora has released new single ‘Ask & You Shall Receive’, which is co-written by Raye.
❤️🩹
Roddy Ricch has released new single ‘Survivor’s Remorse’.
💦
Adam Lambert will release new EP ‘Afters’ on 19 Jul. Out now are new tracks ‘Lube’ and ‘Wet Dream’.
🌆
The Streets have released new track ‘No Better Than Chance’, taken from new mix ‘Fabric Presents The Streets’, which is out on 28 Jun.
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bby have released new single ‘Fucked Up’. Their debut album ‘1’ is out on 19 Jul.
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Bashy has released new single ‘Sticky’. His first album for fifteen years ‘Being Poor Is Expensive’ is out on 11 Jul.
💅
Dua Selah has released new single ‘Unruly’, featuring serpentwithfeet.
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Cruza have released new single ‘Creep’. Their debut album ‘Cruzafied’ is out on 14 Jun.
🏎️
Babii has released new single ‘J0YR1DE’.
Listen to all the new music we’ve covered this week in our Brand New On CMU playlist.