Pussy Riot activists run onto the field at the World Cup.
Controversial Russian punk rock/activist band Pussy Riot has claimed responsibility for people running onto Luzhniki Stadium during the final match of the World Cup. In a statement, the group alluded to a world without “earthly policemen” who “break our world apart.”
Vivendi unveils new festival.
Vivendi has announced a new festival at Limoges, France next June. The mayor of Limoges had awarded the company a grant for the festival, asking executives to do “something in Bordeaux.”
Too much noise from another stage can apparently prove distracting for Massive Attack.
British trip-hop group Massive Attack canceled a performance at the Mad Cool Festival due to noise coming from the stage where Scottish indie band Franz Ferdinand played. In a statement posted online, organizers explained,
“The organizational team did everything possible to delay schedules of other bands and find a time slot where Massive Attack might be comfortable, but the unilateral decision of the band has been canceling their show. From Mad Cool, we sincerely apologize to all attendees for the inconvenience and possible heartbreak this may have caused.”
UK government won’t interfere with music festival and club drug testing.
The British government has stated that it “won’t stand in the way” of drug testing at music festivals and clubs. Speaking with The Independent, Home Office policing minister Nick Hurd said that he stands with police chiefs who want to allow drug testing.
”The fact that chief constables in Avon, Cumbria, Somerset, and Hampshire have stepped forward… We do want to cooperate with this.”
Spotify Ad Studio launches in Australia.
Spotify has launched its self-serve advertising platform in Australia. The company had completed six months of testing Spotify Ad Studio in the country. The feature allows businesses to upload scripts and select background music.
Manny Halley’s Imani Media Group signs deal with NBC’s Wilshire Studios.
Manny Halley, CEO of Imani Media Group, has signed a development deal with NBC’s Wilshire Studios. Imani Media will develop and produce scripted and unscripted content for NBCUniversal’s portfolio, including Bravo, E!, USA, and Oxygen. Halley has served in the music industry for over two decades, working with artists including Nicki Minaj, Young Thug, and Keyshia Cole.
Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson announces speaking tour.
Bruce Dickinson, Iron Maiden’s frontman, has announced a spoken-word tour in Australia to support his autobiography, What Does This Button Do? The five-stop tour kicks off on October 18th in Sydney and ends in Brisbane on October 24th.
Mandy Moore confirms return to music.
Actress/singer Mandy Moore has confirmed she will release new music. On her Instagram page, she wrote,
“Getting back to it. It’s time. I miss it. I’m not scared anymore. No more excuses. No more allowing someone’s else insecurities to dictate my relationship to music and singing. Boom.”
Woman charged with hacking Selena Gomez’s e-mail.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged Susan Atrach with eleven felonies for hacking Selana Gomez’s e-mail account. The New Jersey resident had accessed the email several times from June 2015 to February 2016. Atrach faces nearly ten years in jail if convicted.
BMG revives ‘Live From Daryl’s House.’
BMG has partnered with former Hall & Oates frontman Daryl Hall and television executive Jonathan Wolfson to relaunch ‘Live From Daryl’s House.’ The agreement includes worldwide rights to the series’ 82 episodes. The company will seek distribution partners for the new episodes.
They Do, a new music PR agency, launches.
Inside/Out’s Dan Carson and former Warner Music plugger Liv Whitton have founded a new music PR and promotions agency. Dubbed They Do, the company offers press and radio services.
Odunsi signs with Warner/Chappell.
Nigerian songwriter, singer, and producer Odunsi has signed a deal with Warner/Chappell Music for worldwide distribution. The Afro-fusion artist is currently working on his next LP, Rare.
WME signs Amy Stroup.
Nashville singer/songwriter Amy Stroup has signed with WME. She will release her solo album, Helen of Memphis on August 10th.
Maverick Entertainment signs Ricky Martin.
Ricky Martin has signed a deal with Maverick Entertainment for representation. Lee Anne Callahan-Longo, Beyoncé’s former associate, will represent Martin.
Ken Pittman joins CO5 Music.
CO5 Music has welcomed Ken Pittman. Along with company founder Todd Sievers, Pittman will work closely with Maximum Alternative’s Michael Parrish.
Tom Holkenborg jumps from BMI to ASCAP.
The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) will represent composer Tom Holkenborg – known professionally as Junkie XL. BMI previously represented the ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ composer.
Featured image by Evgeniy Isaev (CC by 2.0)