DEALS
🎙️
Artist Legacy Group has signed a deal to represent the Ronnie Spector estate. Among other things, it will manage the personality rights and social media presence of the late Ronettes singer. “The defining voice of our time, Ronnie had all of the ingredients of a true rock n roll star”, says ALG CEO Ashley Austin. “Talented, fabulous, influential and a fierce survivor, hers is a legacy due its rightful credit. We will see that she gets it”.
🎻
Wise Music Group has signed Portico Quartet to a global publishing deal covering past and future work. “We couldn’t be more THRILLED to become a part of the Wise Music family, a publisher who represents some of our favourite music and artists”, say band leaders Duncan Bellamy and Jack Wyllie in a joint statement. “We’re looking forward to working closely with them on new ambitious works, as well as entrusting them to represent our back catalogue”.
APPOINTMENTS
💡
Ostereo has appointed Andy Griffin as Campaign Manager for Asia and Danny McNamara as A&R and Digital Manager. “We are continuing to see huge growth and success within emerging markets, enabling us to develop strong, long-standing relationships within these territories”, says CFO Nick Kirkby. “We have been working on some exciting projects, including original music for several artists, and I look forward to seeing how these relationships and our recent investments secure further success for our artists”.
🌍
Music industry climate change charity EarthPercent has appointed Nadia Khan as its Chair. “I’m delighted to step into this role at EarthPercent and excited to contribute to an organisation that aligns with my vision for intersectional inclusivity and sustainability in the music industry”, she says. “EarthPercent’s forward-thinking approach inspires me with its ability to harness the transformative power of music and drive meaningful change”.
🌴
Universal Music’s Island Records in the US has promoted Natasha Kilibarda to VP Marketing & Creative Strategy. “Nothing drives me quite like understanding the depths of an artist’s vision”, she says. “To roll up my sleeves, dig in, and relentlessly work alongside them turning one dream after another into reality”.
🌊
Primary Wave Music has hired Julianne Wilson as a Senior Director, Creative Sync. The company has also promoted Peter Kurczaba to Senior Director, Creative Sync and Derek Pierce to Director, Creative Sync. “Julianne’s track record in advertising and music supervision have made her an important addition to our team”, says President Of Global Sync Marty Silverstone. “Peter brings exceptional creativity and dedication to generating sync opportunities, and likewise to re-imagining our catalogue through cover and remix, [and] Derek consistently brings phenomenal energy and passion for all things sync to Primary Wave”.
MEDIA
❕
The BBC will air a second documentary on the sexual abuse surrounding J-pop company Johnny & Associates this weekend. As well as looking at the fallout from the broadcaster’s 2023 investigation into allegations against late company founder Johnny Kitagawa, it will feature claims that there were at least two other abusers at the music firm who are still alive. The show will be available on iPlayer on Saturday.
AWARDS
🏆
The winners of this year’s So.co Image Of Music Awards were announced on Tuesday, with Fearghal McGlinchey being named Music Photographer Of The Year. He also took the People’s Choice award for an image of Greta Van Fleet’s Josh Kiszka performing at Wembley Arena. See the full list of winners here.
GIGS & FESTIVALS
🛩️
Twenty One Pilots have announced UK tour dates in May 2025, which will culminate in two nights at the O2 Arena in London on 13-14 May. Tickets go on sale on 3 Apr.
ARTIST NEWS
📕
The Hold Steady are to publish a children’s book called ‘Stay Positive’, based on their song of the same name. Presumably with the depressing drug references removed. More details here.
RELEASES
🍒
Camila Cabello has released new single ‘I Luv It’ featuring Playboi Carti. Her fourth album is due out this summer.
✨
Aurora has announced that she will release her new album ‘What Happened To The Heart?’ on 7 Jun. Out now is latest single ‘Some Kind Of Skin’.
🪐
Nadine Shah and Brett Anderson provide vocals on a new cover of Mercury Rev’s ‘Holes’ by Paraorchestra. The track is taken from new album ‘Death Songbook’, which is out on 19 Apr.
🎨
Kneecap have shared ‘Fine Art’, the title track of their upcoming debut album, which is out on 14 Jun.
🍓
Arab Strap have released new single ‘Strawberry Moon’. Their new album ‘I’m Totally Fine With It 👍 Don’t Give A Fuck Anymore 👍’ is out on 10 May and there will be tour dates all around the UK later the same month.
❤️🩹
Clarissa Connelly has released new single ‘Into This, Called Loneliness’. Her new album ‘World Of Work’ is out on 12 Apr.
☎️
Bad With Phones has released new single ‘Don’t Talk To Me’. His debut album ‘Crash’ is out on 12 Jul.