Andy Malt
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Articles by Andy Malt
Ticketmaster
public Oasis dynamic pricing backlash escalates as UK competition regulator launches formal investigation The fallout from the sale of tickets for the Oasis reunion shows continues. The Competition & Markets Authority has announced a formal investigation into the use of dynamic pricing.
Setlist Podcast: AI lawsuit warns of “devastating impacts” on human creativity
SiriusXM breaches consumer rights by charging an extra music royalties extra fee, says lawsuit SiriusXM charges its users in the US an extra Music Royalty fee - on top of the advertised price of its subscriptions - to cover payments to the music industry. But, says a new lawsuit, music royalties are a core expense for a music service and shouldn’t be paid for out of a mysterious add-on fee
And Finally! Would you buy MIA’s $100 tin foil hat?
Are you tired of people laughing at your homemade tin foil hat when you pop out to stock up on cans of beans? Well, don’t worry, MIA has you covered. Literally. She’s just launched a range of streetwear for the doomsday prepper who also wants to look good.
⏩ One Liners: Lil Nas X, Killer Mike, Nuno Bettencourt + more
DEALS 🎸 Primary Wave Music has acquired the recordings and songs catalogue of Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt. The deal covers all of his solo work and the entire Extreme catalogue, excluding the band’s 2023 album ‘Six’. “After getting to know the team at Primary Wave and seeing their passion, work ethic and creative ideas in action, I am happy now to have a bigger partnership with them”, he says. “I look forward to continuing to building my song catalogue into new realms of activity”.
Approved: Leyya
Jun 27, 2024 • 1 min read Alt-pop duo Leyya return with their latest single ‘Pumped Up High’, taken from their upcoming third album ‘Half Asleep’. The track finds them feeling euphoric on the dancefloor but wanting very much to be left alone - “to be in it, but not part of it” With their third album ‘Half Asleep’ set for release later this summer, Leyya return with new single ‘Pumped Up High’.
⏩ One Liners: EXO, Wasserman Music, beatBread + more
Jun 27, 2024 • 2 min read Ruel, Tokischa deals; Wasserman Music, Spirit Music Group, MSG Entertainment appointments; EXO dispute escalates; BSI Merch launches in Japan; beatBread launches Funding Network DEALS 🇦🇺 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.
American Music Fairness Act
public US radio royalties back in the spotlight in Congress The decades long campaign to force US radio stations to pay royalties to artists and labels continues.
John Fogerty dispute in Australia should shift to California, judge rules
A legal battle between John Fogerty and festival promoter SFP Events should be resolved through an arbitrator in California, an Australian court has said. SFP is demanding the return of a $700,000 deposit paid to the musician for a planned headline performance at this year’s Country Fest Queensland that the company ultimately cancelled. The former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman had been booked to play his first show in Australia for more than a decade at the event.
⏩ One Liners: Tidal, The Who, Bloc Party + more Original
Jun 26, 2024 • 3 min read Teitur, FEST Team deals; BAPAM appointments; TuneCore AI mastering; Tidal audio format switch; Heathrow Introducing stage; Quadrophenia ballet; new releases from Bloc Party, Bright Eyes, Laura Jane Grace, Tycho DEALS 🖋️ Wise Music Group’s Edition Wilhelm Hansen has signed a new publishing deal with Teitur in partnership with Arlo & Betty Music, the publishing company run by the Faroese musician’s manager Christian Ulf-Hansen.
UK Music names Tom Kiehl as new CEO
Cross sector trade group UK Music has announced that Tom Kiehl has been appointed as Chief Executive, following nine months as interim CEO. His confirmation as CEO is the last in a batch of recent CEO appointments across a number of the UK’s key strategic organisations in music, including BPI, AIM, and The Ivors Academy. During his tenure as interim CEO, the organisation says that it considered applications for the top job from over 130 people.
⏩ One Liners: Sophie, Kanye West, Rimas Entertainment + more Original
DEALS 🌭 Mustard has partnered with BMG to release his fourth album ‘Faith Of A Mustard Seed’. “I'm happy to join forces with BMG, a company known for its dedication to nurturing artistic independence, integrity and innovation”, he says. “Together, we'll continue to push the boundaries of creativity and deliver groundbreaking music that resonates with audiences worldwide”.
KKR acquires Superstruct
Festival operator Superstruct has been acquired by investment firm KKR. Financial terms of the deal are not known, but the business was estimated to be valued at £1.5 billion earlier this year. Founded by equity firm Providence and Cream founder and former Live Nation exec James Barton in 2017, Superstruct runs festivals including Sonar, Benicàssim, Sziget, Bluedot and Boardmasters.
⏩ One Liners: Kali Uchis, Spotify, Sim Mak + more
Jun 24, 2024 • 2 min read Gary Grainger deal; Dim Mak promotion; Spotify launches music-only subscription in the US; Bauer Media launches new radio streaming app; St Vincent UK shows; new single from Kali Uchis DEALS 💰 New Songs Administration has acquired a 50% share of the songwriting catalogue of Gary Grainger, best known for his work with Rod Stewart.
And Finally! Circling the drain - Saltburn’s bathwater-filled vinyl
The trend for filling vinyl with liquid continues. Although it’s going to be hard to follow up the new limited edition version of the ‘Saltburn’ soundtrack, which is filled with bathwater. Your reaction to that news is going to differ greatly depending on whether or not you’ve seen the film - or are at least aware of one of its most notorious scenes. Over the last year or so we’ve reported on albums allegedly filled with urine and tears.
⏩ One Liners: Coldplay, Ariana Grande, Charli XCX + more
Jun 21, 2024 • 3 min read Warner, Miley Cyrus, Verzuz deals; Bravado, F That appointments; major label AI lawsuits incoming; DEAG spins off hip hop division; Radio 1 Breakfast Show extended; Heart x Pride; new releases from Coldplay, Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, Headie One, Yungblud, Blackpink, Mura Masa, Griff, and more DEALS 🐻 Warner Music has taken a minority stake in Croatian indie label Dancing Bear.
Interpol apologise for tour poster artwork rip off
Interpol have apologised to visual artist Tony Sjöman for copying a piece of his work on their tour posters. The band said that they were “under the impression that the designer we were working with was presenting us with original work” until the matter was brought to their attention. The poster for the band’s upcoming 20th anniversary tour for their ‘Antics’ album is not identical to Sjöman’s original artwork but is so similar that there could be no question that one was based on the other.
A2IM, Ticketmaster + more Original
Jun 20, 2024 • 2 min read Hope publishing deal; A2IM brings IMPALA’s Carbon Calculator to the US; Hackney Church partners with Ticketmaster; Bauer to broadcast Isle Of Wight Festival, Power Up funding recipients announced; new releases from Pixie Lott, Self Esteem, One True Pairing DEALS 🕊️ Wise Music Group has signed Hope to a publishing deal through its Bosworth Music subsidiary. “We are very much looking forward to working with Bosworth and the people at Wise Music Group”, say the band.
“Significant improvements” in UK music industry diversity
There have been “significant improvements” in the diversity of the UK music industry over the last two years, according to cross sector trade group UK Music as it publishes the results of its latest Workforce Diversity Survey. However, there remain areas where more progress is needed, and the organisation has outlined support it would like to receive from the next government when it is formed next month.
!K7, Tones And I + more Original
APPOINTMENTS š¼ Warner Records in the US has hired Terese Joseph as SVP A&R Administration. "Iāve known Terese for many years, starting back in our Island Def Jam days in New Yorkā, says Karen Kwak, Head Of A&R. āSheās a well-respected and knowledgeable player in the field, playing an integral role in the delivery of massively successful projects for music legends to newcomers alikeā.
Scooter Braun officially retires as an artist manager
Scooter Braun has officially ended his career as an artist manager, saying that God told him he should spend more time with his kids. Something like that, anyway. Braun - who became CEO of HYBE America in 2021 - was understood to have already taken a backseat in the day-to-day management of his clients. “After 23 years this chapter as a music manager has come to an end”, he writes in a lengthy statement.
Political parties have no "vision" for night-time economy
The UK’s Night Time Industries Association has criticised all of the country’s major political parties for failing to offer “a forward-thinking vision that engages and inspires youth” in their respective election manifestos, including in the context of the night-time economy. It comes as the trade body’s latest number crunching reveals that an average of 32 independent night-time economy businesses have closed down each week over the last year.
Manners Manners release new single 'Yr Well'
Jun 18, 2024 • 1 min read Manners Manners team up with Bodega side project $100 Girlfriend for new single ‘Yr Well’, an ode to feeling like you rarely see queer people like you in the media. Featuring some classic 90s jangly guitar, it’s also super catchy and comes from the band’s debut album which is out next month Stalwarts of the Baltimore indie scene for almost a decade, Manners Manners will finally release their debut album ‘I Held Their Eyes, I Kissed Them All’ next month.
Katy Perry, Dirty Hit, more
APPOINTMENTS đ» Symphonic Distribution has hired Guji Lorenzana as its first Territory Manager for Asia. âSupporting the independent music scene has always been my passion and I am excited to continue this missionâ, he says. âJoining the Symphonic team allows me to pursue my dedication to cultivating the best new talent across Asia. With Symphonicâs impressive global roster, I am eager to bring in fresh voices and expand their footprint in Asiaâ.
Bitter dispute between members of K-pop group EXO and SM Entertainment goes legal
A dispute between K-pop agency SM Entertainment and three members of the boy band EXO has exploded into a “full-on war”. The agency has now sued over claims made by Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin - collectively known as EXO-CBX - with the singers saying that they will countersue and refer the agency to South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission. SM accuses EXO-CBX of failing to pay a 10% intellectual property royalty fee, after leaving the company to set up their own agency to manage their solo careers.
⏩ One Liners: Spotify Creative Lab, Ed Sheeran, Nas + more Original
Jun 17, 2024 • 2 min read Spotify launches in-house creative agency; Ed Sheeran remains UK’s most played artist; Nas to adapt 1984 hip hop movie for Broadway; Paul McCartney, Crowded House, Headie One tour dates DIGITAL 🎨 Spotify has launched an in-house creative agency, Creative Lab, to help brands to create marketing campaigns. It will also experiment with generative AI-created adverts.
Spotify audiobooks battle
On this week’s show, we discuss the latest escalation in the fight over Spotify’s reclassification of its premium subscription as an audiobook and music bundle in the US, the lawsuit against Drake for putting one of his own song titles on a t-shirt, and the return of the band formerly known as Easy Life, who have nothing to do with easyJet. 01: Spotify (00:10:22) 02: News in brief (00:17:24) 03: Drake and Hard Life (00:19:28) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts)
And Finally! BTS’s Jin trades military life for gruelling “hug event”
Time flies when you’re having fun, so I must have been having the time of my life since BTS member Jin joined the South Korean army. Having served his time in mandatory military service, he’s back in pop star mode again and kicked things off with an event that seemed more gruelling than anything his training as a soldier could have thrown at him.
⏩ One Liners: Taylor Swift, A2IM, LL Cool J + more Original
DEALS 🇦🇺 Concord Music Publishing has signed a global publishing agreement with Australian songwriter John Butler. “I am very pleased to be joining the Concord Music Publishing family”, he says. “It is exciting to be working closely with a team based out of Australia and being reconnected with people who I have worked with in previous years and feel as passionate about music as I do”.
Tonic Futures to support young music professionals’ mental health
Mental health charity Tonic Music has announced a new programme called Tonic Futures. It will support the mental health of young people aged 18-25 who are taking their first steps in the music industry. The programme was developed based on research carried out by the charity. It found that more than a third of young people working in music have received a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression. Higher numbers report experiencing these mental health conditions without a formal diagnosis.
Approved: Zaho de Sagazan
Jun 13, 2024 • 1 min read Zaho de Sagazan recently performed a cover of David Bowie’s ‘Modern Love’ at the Cannes Film Festival. With the studio version of that song now out, she’s also announced a live show in London this October A rapidly rising star in her native France, Zaho de Sagazan released her debut album ‘La Symphonie Des Éclairs’ last year. A mix of electronic music and a classic French chanteuse sound, it's a striking and satisfying juxtaposition.
⏩ One Liners: Meta, Leigh-Anne, LIVE Awards + more
Jun 13, 2024 • 3 min read Meta x Merlin; UTA, Songtradr appointments; Resorts World Arena name change; Edinburgh approves new AEG arena; PRS Foundation Beyond Borders; LIVE Awards, UK Music Video Awards; new releases from Leigh-Anne, Joan As Police Woman, Hamish Hawk, Emmeline, Faux Real, Shhe DEALS 🪄 Instagram and Facebook owner Meta and indie label digital rights agency Merlin have only gone and renewed their licensing deal. Expanded it, even.
Martin Shkreli ordered to hand over copies of Wu-Tang album
Martin Shkreli has been ordered to hand over any copies still in his possession of the single-copy Wu-Tang Clan album he was forced to give up to pay off debts to the US government in 2021. This comes after its current owner, NFT company PleasrDAO, said Shkreli had told followers online that he has copies “hidden in safes all around the world”.
Easy Life return as Hard Life following easyGroup legal battle
The band formerly known as Easy Life have returned with their first new music under new name Hard Life. The band were forced to drop their former moniker following a legal battle with easyJet owner easyGroup, which accused Easy Life of trademark infringement. New single ‘Tears’, says frontman Murray Matravers, was written about that legal run-in and “highlights the absurdity of the situation as well as thanking the people who have had my back throughout this whole ordeal”.
⏩ One Liners: Glastonbury, Music.AI, Enter Shikari + more
DEALS 🤖 AI-powered B2B music platform Music.AI has announced AI multitrack mixing service RoEx as its latest partner. “What excites me so much about RoEx’s inclusion in the Music.AI ecosystem is its ability to take existing audio content and significantly improve its mix quality”, says Matt Henninger, VP Business Development And Sales at Music.AI.
Musicians now see success from a more long-term perspective, study finds
Streaming has changed how musicians measure their own success, with existing metrics like radioplay and chart positions too short-term in their viewpoints. This is according to a new report published by digital distributor Amuse and research company MIDiA. With more artists releasing music than ever before, the vast majority - around 95% - are independent. All but 2% of those have never signed to a label.
Approved: Treanne
Jun 11, 2024 • 1 min read Having supported Sampha on his recent US tour dates, Treanne put out her debut EP ‘20/20’ last month. Its songs show off an incredible new songwriting talent, using understated arrangements to deliver the maximum emotional impact Following a US tour with Sampha and a three week residency at Young Space - the London collaborative workspace run by indie label Young - singer-songwriter Treanne recently released her debut EP ‘20/20’.
⏩ One Liners: Diddy, Black Keys, Beabadoobee + more
Jun 11, 2024 • 2 min read Mount Kimbie, NTIA deals; Diddy honorary degree revoked; Black Keys on tour cancellation; Beabadoobee, Jamie xx, Shout Out Louds live dates; new releases from Nilüfer Yanya, Berwyn, Hayden Thorpe, Fucked Up, Sløtface, Heartworms, Piglet x Jemima Coulter DEALS 🗻 Mount Kimbie have signed a new worldwide publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing.
Halifax venue criticised over 8pm entry cut off
Halifax’s Piece Hall has been criticised after ticket holders were told that they must enter the venue’s summer outdoor shows before 8pm. Organisers say this is due to security measures, but critics argue that the decision will have a negative impact on nearby businesses. The Grade II listed Georgian hall will host 34 shows in its 6000 capacity grounds this summer, with artists including Bryan Adams, Underworld, Idles and Annie Mac among those set to perform.
⏩ One Liners: beatBread, PRS Foundation, Isabella Lovestory
Jun 10, 2024 • 1 min read beatBread x OpenPlay; Bryan Columbus rejoins BMG; PRS Foundation launches Talent Development Network; new releases from Isabella Lovestory, Ynys, Sara Wolff DEALS 🍞 Music funding platform beatBread has teamed up with OpenPlay, a catalogue management software provider for record labels. “I’m THRILLED to partner with OpenPlay and offer improved choice and flexibility to indie labels”, says beatBread CEO Peter Sinclair.
HYBE, Glastonbury + more
DEALS 🎟️ CTS Eventim’s acquisition of Vivendi’s festivals business and See Tickets has completed. The deal - which was originally announced in April - is worth around €300 million. Vivendi’s venues, See Tickets France and the Brive Festival are not part of the deal. 🖋️ Music industry data standards organisation DDEX has signed a liaison agreement with US indie label trade body A2IM.
HYBE, Glastonbury + more
DEALS 🇵🇷 Cash Money Records has signed four Puerto Rican artists: Jeyyff, Valentín Jadiellee, Midnvght and El Blxnco. “By embracing these Latin artists, we embark on an exhilarating new chapter in our journey”, says co-CEO Ronald ‘Slim’ Williams. “We are dedicated to supporting them and to help them realise their potential while introducing them to current and new fans globally”.
HYBE, Glastonbury + more
DEALS 🥸 Peermusic has signed Jessica Vaughn to a worldwide publishing deal. “I have been in the music industry for over twenty years now, and I’ve never been more excited and confident that I have picked the right team”, she says. “While Peermusic is the largest global independent publisher in the world, their ability to be present with their creatives is their super power”.
HYBE, Glastonbury + more
APPOINTMENTS 🇹🇭 Tencent Music has taken a 10% stake in Thailand-based music company GMM Music, giving the business a $700 million valuation. “As the music industry is entering the second wave boom, with revenue surpassing all time high and continuing on the upswing, GMM Music has developed a new strategic roadmap to drive our future growth, along with continuously improving the infrastructure for the Thai music industry”, says GMM CEO Phawit Chitrakorn.
Live Nation's bad week
Music industry news in brief: Queen, DMX, Spotify + more Queen, DMX, Banx & Ranx, RDx deals; Spotify price hike in France; Beatport playlist; Dice adds Extras; Cher wins royalties lawsuit; Foundry Consultancy launches; Music Photography Awards submissions; New Diddy allegations; new releases from Snow Patrol, Nick Cave, Marc Almond, Max Richter, and more
And Finally! PinkPantheress wants to keep it short
PinkPantheress has generated a lot of talk online this week with comments about how long she thinks pop songs should be. And in the spirit of that, I’ll let you know right now that the answer is ‘Not long’. Speaking to ABC News in the US, she said that originally, “making short songs was just a result of me experimenting” and finding out what she liked. But as she did this, that brevity became an integral part of what she enjoyed about the music she was creating.
⏩ One Liners: Spotify, Megan Thee Stallion, UK Music + more
APPOINTMENTS 📻 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.
Government confirms it has issued drug-testing licences to “some of the leading festivals in the UK”
Drug testing will be more widely available at UK festivals this summer, as more events have been able to secure licences that allow on-site experts to examine illegal substances. Such efforts were drastically reduced last year, with campaigners saying that the government had changed its policies with too little time for many events to get the required paperwork.
⏩ One Liners: Queen, Spotify, Dice + more
DEALS 👑 Sony Music is reportedly in talks to acquire Queen’s music catalogue in a deal worth around $1 billion, according to Bloomberg. The band have been known to be seeking a buyer for the last year. 🐕 Artist Legacy Group has signed a deal to oversee the DMX estate, in partnership with the late rapper’s partner Desiree Lindstrom and daughter Sasha Simmons. “A force of nature. That is how I would describe DMX”, says ALG CEO Ashley Austin.
Record performing right royalties in Sweden
Swedish performing rights organisation STIM has announced record revenues for 2023. It brought in 3.095 billion krona (around $291 million) last year, an increase of 14.2% on 2022. Distributions to rightsholders were also up by 20%, at 2.753 billion krona ($242 million). “It’s fantastic to see the impact of Swedish music creation, as we once again witness record figures”, says STIM CEO Casper Bjørner.
⏩ One Liners: SM Entertainment, Pandora, James Blake + more
DEALS 🇰🇷 K-pop company HYBE has sold around $50 million worth of stock in SM Entertainment - roughly 3% of the company. Last year, HYBE got caught up in a battle to control SM with South Korean internet firm Kakao. It lost and ended up with a minority stake in the company. Following the share sale, HYBE still owns 9.4%. 🤝 Tekno has announced a new deal with Mr Eazi’s emPawa Africa company.
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