Create Music Group Introduces Credit Card for Artists and Songwriters

Courageous Kirsty Muir’s teenage tricks right through the night gave her Covid-struck and housebound dad Jim plenty to cheer about back in the UK.

Adele loves a good tease! The 33-year-old British chart-topper appears on the British talk show  on Friday where she touches on a variety of hot topics surrounding her personal life with boyfriend Rich Paul. After sporting a massive diamond ring at the BRIT Awards earlier this week, the singer is quickly asked if this new accessory means she is, in fact, engaged to the sports agent. «If I was would I ever tell anyone if I was or wasn't?» Adele replies, dodging the question.But it seems that Adele certainly has her future with Paul on the brain as she discusses her delayed Las Vegas residency. “We are now working our a**es off, but I don’t want to announce a new set of dates until I know everything will definitely be ready. The sooner I can announce the better, but I just can’t in case we are not ready in time," she explains.

Elliot and Jules from Euphoria are an off-screen couple! Dominic Fike, 26, and Hunter Schafer, 22, confirmed fans’ suspicions that they’re dating by posting a kissing photo on Instagram. Dominic shared the image on his Instagram Story on Feb. 10. In the pic, he and Hunter are seated next to each other at a restaurant, locking lips. The photo is captioned, “Happy birthday happy birthday,” although both stars’ birthdays were in December.

DEALSUniversal’s Republic Records has expanded its partnership with K-pop company JYP Entertainment, they having worked together to launch girl group Twice in the US. “We are beyond delighted to move forward with Republic Records”, says JYP CEO Jimmy Jeong, so to develop a “major artist roster” together after “the successful kick-off Twice has brought”.————————————————–APPOINTMENTSUlf Zick has joined Utopia Music as Chief Marketing Officer.

Liza Womack, the mother of rapper Lil Peep – who died of a drug overdose while on tour in 2017 – says that newly unsealed documents prove that her son’s management company, First Access Artists, should be help liable for his death.A collection of evidence spanning nearly 400 pages was published by the Los Angeles Superior Court last month, after First Access unsuccessfully argued for seven pages of that evidence to be sealed.The seven pages included text messages from 2017 that were sent by tour manager Belinda Mercer to colleagues after she was found with illegal substances in her bag when Peep’s tour bus was stopped at the Canadian border weeks before his death.Womack and her legal team argue that these texts, and other newly published evidence, support their claim that the rapper was provided with and urged to take drugs by his team.When First Access sought to keep some of the evidence sealed last October, Womack’s lawyers wrote in response, according to Pitchfork: “These seven pages help tell the story of the drug-infected mismanagement that is part of [Womack’s] central narrative and led to her son’s death. What these documents mostly contain are exchanges that reveal [First Access] tour management as dangerous, discordant, inept, and engaged in conduct that contributed to [Peep]’s death”.Lil Peep, real name Gustav Åhr, died in November 2017 of an accidental drugs overdose, aged 21.

Sting’s only gone and sold his entire songs catalogue to the good old Universal Music Publishing Group. All of it. Police and solo.

The widow of Ol Dirty Bastard – Icelene Jones – is suing Wu-Tang Productions, claiming that it has “wilfully refused” to pay the ODB estate at least $1 million in royalties stemming from the late rapper’s solo recordings and his work with Wu-Tang Clan.The lawsuit, which was filed in New York earlier this week, claims that the label – owned by Wu-Tang leader RZA – has failed to pay out proper royalties or provide accounts for more than ten years, instead making occasional payments without any real information on what they relate to.It says that ODB’s agreement with Wu-Tang Productions prior to his death in 2004 stated that he would receive 50% of any publishing income from his work, while 50% of net recordings income would be shared between the artists appearing on each track. Recordings income was meant to be paid within 45 days of receipt by the label, with publishing income paid twice yearly.

Tess Roby has announced that she will release her first album for four years, titled ‘Ideas Of Space’, in April. The title track is out now.“‘Ideas of Space’ signals the beginning of a new chapter”, she says of the track.

Many a child has had a birthday card shout-out on CBeebies and today the channel is celebrating a milestone of its own after 20 years on air.

This harrowing custody photo shows the bleak reality of a lifetime spent addicted to heroin.

A retired traffic warden who dubbed herself ''gangster granny'' on Facebook began a secret double life as a drug dealer

A group of thieves "rummaged" through a grieving woman’s car and stole a suitcase belonging to her best friend who had recently passed away.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorLike most art forms, recent music history is filled with artists whose music lots of people just don’t get — whether it’s the Grateful Dead or Tyler, the Creator, whether it’s Insane Clown Posse or Dave Matthews.Well, today Spotify is launching a podcast on that very subject: the awesomely titled “Bandsplain.” The Spotify Original show is hosted by Yasi Salek, who talks to music experts and journalists about cult bands and iconic artists and attempts to get to the bottom of why people love them, using a curated playlist to help people comprehend what some may feel is incomprehensible.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorSony Music Publishing has rebranded, introducing what it describes as “a new brand identity with a redesigned logo and revitalized mission.”Under the leadership of Jon Platt, chairman & CEO since 2019, the renewal of the Sony Music Publishing name signifies an important step in the company’s evolution and further aligns the business with Sony’s entertainment brands, according to the announcement.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorR. Kelly’s New York jury trial has been delayed for a fourth time due to COVID-19 concerns, according to the Chicago Tribune.The singer had been scheduled to go on trial April 7 on racketeering charges — which allege he ran a criminal enterprise designed to recruit women for sexual misconduct — but at a status hearing Tuesday, U.S.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorUniversal and Sony Music, the two largest music companies in the world, have inked licensing agreements with the music streaming and discovery service Audiomack. The company signed a deal with Warner Music in 2019.“Audiomack serves a unique listener base that is distinct from the audiences found on competing platforms,” said Vanessa Wilkins, Audiomack’s Director of Music & Data Partnerships.Now boasting more than 17 million monthly active users, Audiomack was launched 2012 by Dave Macli and David Ponte.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorDiana Ross, who cofounded the Supremes with Mary Wilson when both were in their early teens, paid tribute to her friend and longtime bandmate in a brief Twitter post on Tuesday.“I just woke up to this news , my condolences to you Mary’s family ,I am reminded that each day is a gift ,I have so many wonderful memories of our time together. The Supremes will live on, in our hearts,” she wrote of Wilson (pictured above, left), who died Monday of undisclosed causes.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorJust days after Triller and Universal Music Group essentially declared war on each other, UMG has unveiled a global agreement with TikTok “that delivers equitable compensation for recording artists and songwriters and significantly expands and enhances the companies’ existing relationship, promoting the development of new innovative experiences,” the announcement reads.Via the agreement, which covers recorded music from artists at UMG’s labels and songwriters with Universal Music Publishing Group, “TikTok users will be more empowered than ever to express themselves through music, soundtrack their video creations with songs about which they are passionate and build communities around artists and music-centered

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorThe Super Bowl Halftime show is the biggest stage on Earth for a musician, and the Weeknd made the most of his 12-odd minutes on Sunday night, delivering a tightly choreographed, technologically dazzling set that not only lived up to some of the most iconic performances of the past, it also touched on songs and images from all across his decade-long career — and he did it under the tight pandemic restrictions before a stadium that was approximately one-tenth full.In the week leading up to the game, the Weeknd had said that his main stage would be in the stands — although he would utilize the field as well — and that it would continue the cryptic narrative that has accompanied all of the videos and TV

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorThe Weeknd already said that he doesn’t plan to have any special guests for his Super Bowl halftime performance later today — but that didn’t stop James Corden from popping by rehearsals for some unexpected assistance with the show.In this comic skit, Corden turns up at rehearsals not only in the same red-jacketed outfit that the Weeknd has worn through the entire storyline around his “After Hours” album — but wearing the same full head of bandages that have confused fans ever since he rolled them out in November (the Weeknd explained the motivation behind the bandages in an exclusive interview with Variety last week).

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorThe Black Forum label — founded by Berry Gordy and the Motown Corporation in 1971 — will relaunch in 2021, “providing a platform to a new generation of writers, thinkers and poets,” according to the announcement. In addition to newly recorded releases, Black Forum will reissue six of the historic albums that established its legacy, beginning with Dr.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorThe pandemic ensures that the Weeknd’s halftime performance at the Super Bowl will be like none before. And in a brief interview for the NFL Network, he revealed another break with tradition: There will be no special guest, he says.Asked that question by sportscaster Kay Adams, he laughs and shakes his head before saying: “I’ve been reading a lot of rumors… I wouldn’t bet on it.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorMorgan Wallen has been dropped by his booking agency WME, a rep for the company confirmed to Variety, after video footage surfaced of him using a racial slur.The country star has had his contract with label Big Loud “suspended” and found himself a pariah from the airwaves after video circulated on Tuesday of him using a racial slur outside his home after an apparently rowdy night out with friends in Nashville.Wallen, whose new “Dangerous: The Double Album” release was about to have a fourth week at the top of the charts, saw his music yanked from major radio networks and streaming service playlists within hours of the video being published on TMZ on Tuesday night.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorA legal complaint by Atlanta rap trio Migos against their longtime attorney Damien Granderson was dismissed with prejudice Wednesday, according to documents viewed by Variety.The group filed the complaint in July of last year, claiming that Granderson “abused his position of trust as Migos’ fiduciary from the moment he was retained as Migos’ lawyer” and “cheated [the group] out of millions of dollars,” accusing him of “glaring conflicts of interest” and favoring the group’s label, Quality Control, which he also represented. The suit, which did not specify an amount the group is seeking beyond “millions of dollars,” accuses Granderson of professional malpractice and unjust enrichment, among other claims.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorDarcus Beese, president and CEO of Island Records since David Massey’s departure in 2018, will exit the company, a rep for parent company Universal Music Group has confirmed to Variety.“Darcus informed us of his decision to return to the U.K. for personal reasons and to pursue new career opportunities there,” the statement reads.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorFollowing up their “Goodbye Donnie” political parody video of late month, Bette Midler, who is clearly no fan of former President Trump and the Republican party, has again joined forces with Meidas Touch, this time focusing their sights on insurrection-enabling Republican senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley. The withering video is soundtracked by Midler singing “Cruz and Hawley” to the tune of “Love and Marriage,” the 1955 song written by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen and made popular by Frank Sinatra.As Midler sings the lyrics below, the video shows footage of the Jan.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorCountry star Morgan Wallen, who found himself a pariah from the airwaves overnight after video circulated on Tuesday of him using a racial slur, has had his contract “suspended indefinitely” by his label, Big Loud Records, the company announced Wednesday.“In the wake of recent events, Big Loud Records has made the decision to suspend Morgan Wallen’s contract indefinitely,” the statement reads.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorMorgan Wallen, country music’s biggest new star, suddenly found himself a pariah from the nation’s airwaves after video of him using a racial slur emerged late Tuesday. His music was yanked from major radio networks and streaming service playlists — notably Spotify, where the situation revived the playlist-ban issue based on “hate speech and hateful conduct” that it began, and then quickly backed away from (at least outwardly) in 2018.While Wallen — whose new album, “Dangerous: The Double Album,” has been No.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorIn the weeks leading up to the Weeknd’s performance at the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show this Sunday, many people have commented on the full-face bandages he’s worn in recent photos and during his performance on the American Music Awards.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorSatellite radio giant SiriusXM saw a 6% revenue gain and added 279,000 subscribers in its satellite radio business, although it faced “headwinds” with its Pandora unit, which lost 63,000 subscribers and recorded a $976 million impairment charge, due primarily to royalty payment costs.The company had warned investors of the charge last month in its guidance.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorTo honor the first day of Black History month, on Monday the Weeknd — who is the headline halftime performer at Super Bowl LV — chose Mama’s Southern Soul Food a Black-owned restaurant in Tampa, Fla., to feed the frontline healthcare workers at AdventHealth Carrollwood. The hospital, which located near Raymond James Stadium, where the Super Bowl will take place, received 150 meals delivered by Postmates to recognize and reward their efforts to save lives and keep their community safe.In partnership with Postmates, the Weekend also launched a Black-Owned national merchant collection: Postmates users will see the collection of local options at the top of their feed when using the Postmates app.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorIn the wake of Evan Rachel Wood’s announcement that Marilyn Manson “horrifically abused” her for years when they were in a relationship, Loma Vista Recordings, which released Manson’s latest album, has parted ways with the singer.“In light of today’s disturbing allegations by Evan Rachel Wood and other women naming Marilyn Manson as their abuser, Loma Vista will cease to further promote his current album, effective immediately,” the statement reads.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorJason Flom’s Lava for Good Podcasts — whose “Wrongful Conviction” series brings to light the wrongful incarceration of innocent people — has joined forces with the content network and podcast listening service Stitcher for a series of new criminal justice-focused podcasts. They will be available through Stitcher on all major podcast platforms.“We’re excited to work with Stitcher and our sponsors to bring even more exposure to these compelling stories and our powerful new series at a time when more and more people across the political spectrum are drawn to join the quest for equal justice,” said Flom, founder and CEO of Lava Media and longtime criminal justice advocate.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorAlong with the news that legendary singer Tony Bennett is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, the singer’s team revealed that he and Lady Gaga recorded a follow-up to their chart-topping 2014 album, “Cheek to Cheek,” even as Bennett battled the disease.The news, confirmed by a rep for Bennett, was revealed in the AARP magazine article announcing Bennett’s illness, which he and his team manager to keep under wraps since he was diagnosed in 2016. The album is slated for release in the Spring.Bennett was already showing clear signs of the disease, the article noted, when he and Gaga started recording the album at New York’s Electric Lady Studios in 2018.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorTwo years after he was named co-head of Columbia Records’ Urban Music division, Shawn Holiday will be joining Irving and Jeffrey Azoff to launch a new record label and publishing venture, a rep for Columbia confirmed to Variety. The rep noted that Holiday will continue to work in an A&R capacity with Polo G, Chloe x Halle and other acts but declined requests for further details on Holiday’s ongoing role with the company.“Shawn has been an integral part of helping Full Stop Management build an incredible Urban department and sign some of today’s biggest stars.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorSony Music Entertainment announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with Kobalt Music Group to acquire Kobalt’s recorded-music operations, including AWAL, and Kobalt Neighboring Rights.AWAL and Neighbouring Rights will become a new division within SME’s suite of independent artist and label services offerings and will be enhanced by the technology and network of SME’s independent music distribution company, The Orchard, according to the announcement. Lonny Olinick will remain AWAL’s CEO.AWAL, who has released music by Billie Eilish’s brother and collaborator Finneas, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Little Simz and others, will continue to sign, develop and market its own artists.