The wait for YouTube Music continues…
According to new reports, YouTube Music has rolled out for more people. Some users have reported receiving e-mail invitations. Functionality, however, remains mixed. A few people who have received invitations have reported finding the standing “Coming Soon” page.
Apple denies receiving “deep data” on users and their friends.
Speaking about the company’s dealings with Facebook and other social networks, CEO Tim Cook confirmed that Apple has never asked for data on any user. In an interview with NPR, he said,
“The things mentioned in the Times article about relationship statuses and all these kinds of stuff, this is so foreign to us, and not data that we have ever received at all or requested — zero.”
On Sunday, the New York Times published a report stating that Facebook gave devices makers – Apple, Samsung, and a dozen more – “deep access to data on users and friends.”
Make streaming work for artists, take 17.
Edge Music Network, a music video streaming service, has announced its ‘Play it Forward’ feature. Fans can now support their favorite artists with monetary donations. In a press release, EMN vowed to ensure artists and labels get the payment they deserve.
Songdew teams up with Big FM to promote new Indian talent.
Indian radio network Big FM has announced its partnership with online music publishing platform Songdew. Both companies aim to offer advertising solutions. Songdew will become Big FM’s official partner. Big FM will further create original music as well as identify and promote new talent through Songdew’s platform.
Netflix will produce a series about Dolly Parton.
Netflix has announced that it will produce and air an upcoming eight-party anthology about Dolly Parton. The country singer and songwriter will serve as an executive producer. Parton will also appear in the still-untitled series.
Sony/ATV promises to share equity stake in Tencent Music with songwriters.
Sony/ATV Music Publishing has revealed that it has an equity stake in Tencent Music Entertainment. Now, in a statement to MBW, the company has confirmed that it will share proceeds from the sale of its stake in Tencent Music with songwriters.
A spokesperson said,
“If at any time the company’s equity in Tencent Music Entertainment is monetized our songwriters will share the benefits of it, which is our customary practice.”
5th annual Louder Than Life Festival announces headliners.
Nine Inch Nails, Avenged Sevenfold, Deftones, and Godsmack will headline the 5th annual Louder Than Life Festival. The event has also expanded to three days. Other artists slated to perform include Ice Cube, Billy Idol, Bush, Slash, and Primus, among several more. The Louder Than Life Festival takes place on September 28th to the 30th at Champions Park in Louisville, Kentucky. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 8th.
Nicki Minaj and Post Malone will headline Jay-Z’s music festival.
Jay-Z’s Made in America festival will return to Philadelphia on Labor Day weekend. The two-day event, produced by Roc Nation, will feature Nicki Minaj and Post Malone as headliners. The Made in America festival will take place at Benjamin Franklin Parkway on September 1st and 2nd.
Founding members of The Byrds announce North American tour.
Roger “Jim” McGuinn and Chris Hillman, founding members of The Byrds, have announced a North American tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the group’s 1968 release, Sweetheart of the Rodeo. Only five dates have been announced, with organizers promising more to come.
Cumulus Media emerges from bankruptcy with a new loan.
Cumulus Media has completed its reorganization and has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Thanks to a term loan at LIBOR due May 15th, 2022, the company has reduced its debt from $2.34 billion to $1.3 billion. Equity in the pre-bankruptcy company has been canceled.
Tekno signs with Island Records.
Universal Music Group’s Island Records has signed a distribution deal with Nigerian pop star Tekno. The news follows the release of the singer’s hit, ‘Pana’ via Columbia Records last year.
Nathan Barley Philips joins TuneCore.
TuneCore, a digital music distribution and publishing administration company, has hired Nathan Barley Philips as Entertainment Relations Manager. He joins from Invictus Music & Media. Philips, who also serves on the board of the Association of Independent Music (AIM), will oversee TuneCore’s artist and brand relations in the UK.
PIAS names Lucy Francis as A&R.
PIAS has appointed former Imagem A&R Manager Lucy Francis as A&R. She’ll work alongside Chief Creative Officer Jane Third on further developing PIAS labels and their existing rosters abroad. Francis has also served as Director at Spilt Milk Management.
BMG’s Fred Casimir receives a promotion.
BMG has promoted Fred Casimir to Executive Vice President of Global Recordings. He takes on the job in addition to his existing role as President of Continental Europe. Casimir will now drive revenues for BMG artists outside their domestic markets.
Jeff Hughes joins ASCAP.
Carnival Music songwriter Jedd Hughes has joined ASCAP as a writer member. He has collaborated with top artists including Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Keith Urban, and Tim McGraw among many others.
Featured image by Alberto Cabello (CC by 2.0)