DEALS
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The Azoff Company’s Giant Music has signed Australian singer-songwriter Ruel to a record deal. “Ruel is truly a singular talent and we are THRILLED to be part of his next chapter”, says Giant Music President Nate Albert.
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Dominican rapper Tokischa has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell. “We take a lot of pride in who we pair with and sign”, says the publisher’s President for US Latin & Latin America, Gustavo Menéndez. “We’re always looking to work with those who are relevant and possess true artistry. Tokischa is the perfect example of that: her music speaks to her completely original creative side and integrity, and the best is yet to come”.
APPOINTMENTS
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Booking agency Wasserman Music has announced three new hires in the UK and US. Based in London, Adam Clements is Manager, Tour Marketing; Oskar Muller is Director, Pricing & Ticketing in Chicago; and Jenn Rilloraza is Manager, Brand Partnerships in LA. “We’re THRILLED to welcome Adam, Oskar and Jenn to our global team to build on our robust suite of services and add innovative new capabilities to help our clients meet and exceed their goals”, says President Lee Anderson.
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Spirit Music Group has hired Lou Al-Chamaa as EVP A&R. “I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where artists, songwriters and producers can thrive creatively”, he says. “I look forward to harnessing the collective creativity and passion within Spirit Music Group to nurture and elevate the next generation of music talent”.
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James Dolan has extended his contract as Chair and CEO of US venue operator and live entertainment company MSG Entertainment for another three years.
LEGAL
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The bitter dispute between three members of EXO and K-pop company SM Entertainment shows no signs of relenting. Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin (aka EXO-CBX) have now filed a criminal complaint against the company accusing it of fraud. This relates to their previous claim that SM has reneged on an offer of a discounted rate to distribute their solo music through SM parent company Kakao Entertainment, allegedly agreed as part of a deal that let the three musicians set up their own agency to manage their solo projects.
MERCHANDISE
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BSI Merch has opened a new office in Tokyo, to be headed up by Charlie Simmonds. “Opening a dedicated office in Tokyo marks an ambitious expansion into the Asia-Pacific region”, says CEO Andy Allen. “By focusing on e-commerce and localising our services, we aim to deliver world-class support and grow our presence in this key market. Charlie Simmonds’ expertise will complement BSI’s international experience, providing a full range of exceptional services to our new and existing clients”.
FUNDING
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Music funding platform beatBread has launched the beatBread Funding Network, allowing artists and labels to compare offers from a range of prospective distribution, publishing or marketing partners. “Bringing distributors and other funding sources onto our platform builds on the growing power of artists of all sizes to maintain independence, build a career on their own terms, and choose from an increasing variety of distribution and promotion options”, says CEO Peter Sinclair. “The only way to ensure that indie artists and labels get the best possible terms is to offer them choice, leverage, and the analytical tools to make smart decisions”.
RELEASES
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Olivia Dean has released new single ‘Time’.
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Patrick Higgins has released new single ‘Catalyst’, a collaboration with percussionist Bobby Previte. Higgins’ new album ‘Versus’ is out on 12 Jul.