Patreon acquires Memberful.
Patreon has acquired Memberful, a white-labeled membership service. The move will allow content creators to manage a membership program under their name and on their website.
Pandora could launch its Podcast Genome Project at the end of this year.
Pandora CEO Roger Lynch has confirmed the company will launch its Podcast Genome Project later this year. The project will help users find podcasts based on the characteristics of each show and tailored to their interests.
Speaking with The Verge, Lynch said,
“There’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes. It’s something that we plan to launch by the end of this year.”
Final arrest made in connection to XXXTentacion’s murder.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of the final suspect in the murder of XXXTentacion. Police took Trayvon Newsome into custody and booked him on charges of first-degree murder. He surrendered to deputies at his lawyer’s office in Fort Lauderdale. Police had previously arrested three suspects in connection to the rapper’s murder – Dederick Devonshay Williams, Michael Boatwright, and Robert Allen.
Bob Dylan announces US tour dates.
The American leg of Bob Dylan’s Neverending Tour will kick off in Midland, Texas on October 9th. The 25-stop US tour will wrap up in Richmond, Kentucky on November 11th.
Hard Summer Festival wraps up with 1 death and 23 hospitalized.
A 19-year-old male festivalgoer has passed away and 2 women remain hospitalized following the end of the Hard Summer music festival in Fontana, California. The cause of death remains undetermined. 23 other attendees were also taken to the hospital.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department attributed the hospitalizations to extreme heat, which reached over 100 degrees during the festival. Police also arrested 11 people, mostly on drug charges.
Live Nation will operate a new venue in Portland.
Live Nation Entertainment has signed a long-term lease to operate a new concert venue at the Lloyd Center in Portland. Located on the top floor of the former Nordstrom building, the venue will have a box office on the first floor, updated lighting and sound technology, bars, lounge areas, and additional accommodations.
Move Management launched.
Move Concerts, Latin America’s largest independent concert promoter, has partnered with 70MIL, an Argentine agency, to launch a new joint venture, Move Management. Argentine singer/songwriter Abel Pintos is the company’s first client.
Joel Klaiman leaves Columbia Records.
Columbia Records Executive Vice President and General Manager Joel Klaiman will leave the label. He oversaw marketing, digital marketing, promotion, publicity, branding, sync licensing, video production, and content development operations. Klaiman’s announcement follows other recent exits at Columbia – Jon Borris (Senior Vice President of Pop Promotion), Mark Williams (A&R Executive), and Doneen Lombardi (Executive Vice President of Marketing).
UMG signs Billie Eilish.
Universal Music Group (UMG) has signed Billie Eilish, and there’s apparently a huge advance. TMZ reports the 16-year-old singer has received a cash advance of $2.6 million on her music. If UMG extends the deal beyond the initial 3-year term, she’ll receive up to $7 million. Eilish first launched her career on SoundCloud 2 years ago.
INgrooves makes five hires.
INgrooves, a distribution and marketing services company, has announced five new personnel.
Alex Montes-Flores will serve as Senior Manager of Latin Label Development. Based in Los Angeles, he’ll oversee the company’s Latin, Caribbean, and Reggae label roster. Montes-Flores recently served as Head of Sales and Marketing at Nacional Records.
Meka Udoh will serve as Manager of Urban Marketing. He’ll work alongside account managers, label development managers, and the engagement team. Udoh, who is also a journalist and DJ, co-founded hip-hop site 2DopeBoyz.
Sheneza Mohammed will serve as Label Development Manager. Based in Los Angeles, she’ll oversee the company’s roster of label partners.
Joshua Hedglin will serve as Manager of Label and Business Development. Based in London, he’ll oversee INgrooves’ roster of UK and European EDM labels and will bring in label partners.
Emmy Buckingham will serve as Manager of Label and Business Development. Based in London, she’ll oversee INgrooves’ roster of UK and European label partners. Buckingham previously worked at the Association of Independent Music (AIM).
Steve Bogdanovich passes away.
Steve ‘Bogie’ Bogdanovich, former Vice President and Production Manager of Romeo Entertainment Group, has passed away. He was 66. Bogdanovich had served at Romeo Entertainment Group since 2001, overseeing event productions in the US.