Warner Music: Celebs Rumors

Warner Music Korea, the South Korean subsidiary of Warner Music, has issued a statement against claims by their agency Attrakt that it had attempted to illegally poach members of girl group FIFTY FIFTY.On June 26, K-pop girl group FIFTY FIFTY’s label Attrakt released a statement claiming that Warner Music Korea had been colluding with an unnamed third party to illegally poach members of the group.“We have evidence of [an outside party] clearly attempting to poach FIFTY FIFTY members illegally, and we request Warner Music Korea to provide an adequate explanation and answers,” said Attrakt earlier today, per Korea JoongAng Daily.This also comes several days after Attrakt stated last Friday (June 23) that it would take legal action against other agencies that had been spreading negative rumours about it “in an attempt to lure the members of FIFTY FIFTY” into breaking their exclusive contracts.Warner Music Korea has since denied the claims made by Attrakt in a new statement, per XSportsNews. “First, as FIFTY FIFTY’s overseas distributor, Warner Music Korea has has been working [with FIFTY FIFTY] since April 1, 2023,” it said, as translated by Soompi.“We have done our best to make the dazzling achievements of FIFTY FIFTY and their agency shine even brighter by mobilising Warner Music Group’s abilities and network, so we are very sorry that such unfortunate suspicions were raised,” added Warner Music Korea.The agency went on to say: “Attrakt’s claims are groundless, and we are regretful that they have sent [us] a certification of contents.

Naman Ramachandran Bollywood A-list actor and musician Ayushmann Khurrana has signed a global recording deal with Warner Music India. Hit songs sung by Khurrana over the past decade include “Mitti Di Khushboo,” “Paani Da Rang” and “Mere Liye Tum Kaafi Ho.” Signing with Warner Music India will enable Khurrana to access the label’s global ecosystem, helping him connect with audiences and artists beyond India’s borders, Khurrana and the label said.

Art Not Evidence campaign have called for legislation restricting the use of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal trials.The campaign, which started last year, aims to restrict the use of rap lyrics in trial. Defendants are often unfairly prosecuted from lyrics typically understood to be exaggeration or fiction, or even appearing in rap videos.

https://t.co/TNiwrKkPEJ pic.twitter.com/JnZ7IoUAOt— Council of Music Makers (@CounMusicMakers) November 20, 2023Frazer added: “The UK’s strengths and accomplishments in art and entertainment mean we are well placed to take advantage of developing technologies in this field. But creatives rightly have concerns – and proposals – about how their work is used by artificial intelligence now and in the future, and I want to hear them.”She continued: “As Culture Secretary I want to maximise the potential of our creative industries and grow them by £50 billion by 2030, creating one million new jobs.

Todd Spangler NY Digital Editor “La Vie en robots”? More than 60 years after her death, legendary French singer Edith Piaf will come to life in a new biopic that will use AI to recreate her voice and image. Warner Music Group announced that it has partnered with Piaf’s estate for “Edith,” set to be a 90-minute film set in Paris and New York from the 1920s to the ’60s.

Developments around AI continued to accelerate rapidly on Tuesday, as news emerged of an Edith Piaf biopic that will be the first crafted in animation through AI. The project, from Warner Music Entertainment and the production company Seriously Happy, is sanctioned by the iconic French musical artist’s estate, which will be a partner in its creation.

Jem Aswad Executive Editor, Music As the music industry explores an updated, more artist-friendly model for streaming royalties, Warner Music has joined Universal in adopting a new “artist centric” model with Deezer in the streaming company’s home country of France. The arrangement has been in effect since Oct. 1, sources confirm to Variety.

DEALSRound Hill Music has acquired Canadian music company Linus Entertainment, bringing with it a catalogue of over 3000 songs and 20,000 master recordings. “This investment includes some of the most celebrated music and performers to come out of Canada and supports our strategy of investing in and supporting the growth of iconic music”, says Round Hill CEO Josh Gruss.

Thania Garcia Rebeca León has been tapped as Anitta’s new manager, sources canconfirm to Variety. León is the CEO and founder of Lionfish Entertainment, an artist management and production company operating in the music, film, TV, and digital businesses. Representatives for Republic Records, Anitta’s new label, and León did not respond to requests for comment. Anitta was formerly managed by Brandon Silverstein, the founder/CEO of S10 Entertainment, who helped build the multi-lingual singer’s career in the United States. Just a few months ago, Léon amicably parted ways with her longtime client Rosalía, with whom she started a partnership in 2018. As a manager, she’s worked with numerous renowned Latin acts, including overseeing the fruitful career of Colombian superstar Juanes, and the emergence of J Balvin (they amicably split in 2019). Before Lionfish, León led Latin operations as senior VP for AEG/Goldenvoice.

Anitta is no longer in business with her longtime manager Brandon Silverstein, Variety can confirm. The founder/CEO of S10 Entertainment helped foster the multi-lingual singer’s breakout career in the United States. “Working with Brandon the past few years was a great journey,” Anitta said in a statement. “He will always be someone special to me.” Silverstein declined requests for comment. Details on Anitta’s new management were not confirmed at the time of this article’s publication but the shift comes just as the Brazillian star has changed labels: Anitta signed a new deal with Universal’s Republic Records in late April, just weeks after her highly-publicized split from Warner Music.

Robbie Williams sported a chic yet relaxed co-ord at a lavish Cannes event. The 49-year-old Rock DJ singer was at a boat party hosted by Australian actress Rebel Wilson, Unigram, Access Entertainment and Warner Music. The event was in celebration of the launch of Rebel's forthcoming film and directorial debut, 'The Deb' during the 76th Cannes Film Festival.

Thania Garcia Anitta anticipates her next album will encourage its listeners to get “very cultured” about her native Brazil. The Latin music star teased the project on the Met Gala carpet saying the collection will be a bilingual mix of English and Spanish that pays homage to the early beginnings of Brazillian music. The follow-up to her 2022 smash, “Versions of Me,” will arrive via Republic Records as her debut on the label. Variety broke the news of Anitta’s deal with Republic less than a month after she announced her split from longtime label Warner Music. “I think Brazillian funk is opening its room right now and I want to show more about where this was born and it’s my culture, my community, my place so I feel happy to have this in hands with Republic,” she said. Anitta also mentioned the record will include a “couple” of special guests that she says fans will definitely be happy with.

Jem Aswad Senior Music Editor Less than a month after parting ways with Warner Music, Brazilian superstar singer Anitta has signed with Republic Records in partnership with Universal Music Latin Entertainment, the companies officially announced today. Variety broke the news of the deal last week. (Photo IDs below.) About the signing, Anitta shared, “After being in this business for many years, I wanted to find partners that work like a family. After meeting with Monte, Wendy, their team at Republic, and Jesus Lopez I was blown away. Their passion, innovation, creativity and vision is incredible.  I not only felt so connected to them as an artist, but also on a human level. I knew immediately, I was home.”

FIFTY FIFTY have released an official sped-up version of their viral TikTok hit ‘Cupid’.Over the weekend, FIFTY FIFTY unveiled an official sped-up edition for the English version of ‘Cupid’ – also known as the ‘Twin Ver’. The new release is similar to the fan-made sped-up rendition that originally went viral on TikTok.The sped-up version of the TikTok hit is available on streaming platforms under the artist name “sped up 8282”, and was released by distributors Warner Music and Warner Korea, as noted by music journalist Jeff Benjamin.Last month, FIFTY FIFTY became only the sixth K-pop group to ever chart on the Billboard Hot 100 with their viral hit song ‘Cupid’, debuting at Number 100.

according to the trade body IFPI.In addition, sales of physical formats rose by 4%, generating $4.6bn (£3.7bn) in revenues. Almost half of that figure (49.8%) came from Asia, where buying CDs and vinyl as souvenirs is a staple of the “idol” culture of Japan and South Korea.Performance royalties also rose by 8.6% to $2.5bn (£2.04bn), surpassing pre-pandemic levels.However, record labels are pushing for prices to rise to increase the industry’s income from streaming services.

BMG has announced plans for full-length documentary about Devo, which will also be the first-ever fully authorised film on the group.Directed by Chris Smith, the documentary is produced by Vice Studios and Library Films in association with Mutato Entertainment. Financing is shared by BMG, Fremantle Documentaries – which is also part of BMG owner Bertelsmann – and Warner Music.“Devo was a huge influence on me”, says Smith.

DEALSConcord Music Publishing has signed Australian band Coterie to a worldwide publishing deal. “There is a deep connection and understanding that flows through their songs”, says Jaime Gough, MD at Concord Music Publishing ANZ.

Anitta is calling out Warner Music.

Jazz Tangcay Artisans Editor Tony-awarding-winning choreographer Sonya Tayeh behind the stage adaptation of “Moulin Rouge!” has joined the creative team of the upcoming “Gatsby” musical. The show’s producers Amanda Ghost, Len Blavatnik, Jordan Roth and American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) also announced that the stage adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel will have its World Premiere at A.R.T. in 2024. With “Hadestown” alum Rachel Chavkin on board to direct. As previously announced, Florence Welch, the force behind Florence + the Machine will write the lyrics. Welch will be joined by Thomas Bartlett to work on the show’s music.

David Bowie, it confirmed today. The archive contains items including handwritten notebooks, letters, costumes, instruments, awards, fashion, photography, film, music videos, set designs and more — many of which were exhibited during the “David Bowie Is” traveling museum exhibit that was viewed by more than 2 million people between 2013 and 2018. According to the announcement, “It also includes more intimate writings, thought processes and unrealised projects, the majority of which have never been seen in public before.” The items are set to go on display in 2025 at The David Bowie Centre for the Study of Performing Arts in Stratford, which was also unveiled today.

APPOINTMENTSSoundCloud has appointed Emmy Lovell as its Global Head Of Music. Formerly at Warner Music, Lovell joined Napster as Chief Strategy Officer in 2021, becoming CEO last year following that company’s acquisition by Hivemind and Algorand. In her new job she will work “closely with artists, managers and labels worldwide” to “build the relationships, capabilities and insights that connect and deepen the relationship between SoundCloud’s passionate fans and their favourite artists”.Warner Chappell in Italy has promoted Riccardo Loda to the role of Head Of A&R, reporting in to Santiago Menéndez-Pidal, President of Southern Europe for the Warner music publisher, who says: “Riccardo is a brilliant A&R exec who has built great relationships with artists, managers and labels across Italy and beyond over the last decade”.————————————————–RELEASESKim Petras has released new single ‘Brrr’.Metallica have released new single ‘Screaming Suicide’.

Stormzy has announced this morning that he’s teaming up with Adidas to launch a football focused work placement programme called #Merky FC. It will offer young people of black heritage the opportunity to get experience of working in football industry roles off the pitch, in a bid to improve diversity on that side of the sport.Although 39% of roles on the pitch are taken up by players with black or mixed black heritage, behind the scenes only 6.7% of senior roles are, according to research carried out by Adidas and the FARE Network.

LABELS & PUBLISHERSWarner Music has partnered with NFT marketplace OpenSea to help the record company’s artists do some of that Web3 stuff. “Fundamental to music’s DNA, is community – it’s artists and fans coming together to celebrate the music that they love”, says WMG’s Chief Digital Officer Oana Ruxandra. “Our collaboration with OpenSea helps to facilitate these communities by unlocking Web3 tools and resources to build opportunities for artists to establish deeper engagement, access, and ownership”.

LITTLE Mix fans were given a surprise "reunion" as Leigh-Anne and Jade Thirlwall went out partying. The pair danced to their own hit song Confetti as it played out in the nightclub.

As she ramps up her legal battle with her label 1501 Certified Entertainment, Megan Thee Stallion has asked a court to force Warner Music to release documents that might reveal who leaked her latest album ‘Traumazine’.In an updated lawsuit last week, the rapper – real name Megan Pete – accused 1501 of leaking the album in early August, forcing her to fast track its release. The leak, the lawsuit says, “occurred within only a few days” of the album being sent to 1501, meanwhile the label has “not taken any action to help investigate” what happened.Warner Music is the distributor of the new album via its 300 Entertainment division, and – the new filing confirms – “was one of the few companies that received a copy of ‘Traumazine’ in advance of its formal release”.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorWarner Recorded Music has announced a global joint venture with Lee Daniels Music, headed by the acclaimed director/writer/producer. Daniels was behind the films “Precious,” “The Butler” and “Monster’s Ball,” the long-running TV series “Empire” and many others.The agreement encompasses recorded music projects, including soundtracks, as well as artist signings. Its first project – the original motion picture soundtrack for “The United States vs.

APPOINTMENTSWarner Music has announced that its CEO Stephen Cooper is standing down, although only once a new chief has been appointed, which could take more than a year. Cooper became Chair of Warner Music in July 2011 following its acquisition by Access Industries. He then took on the CEO role the following month.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorSteve Cooper, CEO of Warner Music Group for the past 11 years, will step down next year, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal that was confirmed to Variety by a rep for the company.The transition will be a gradual one, the rep emphasized, as the company seeks a suitable successor.Warner is the third-largest major music group, after Universal and Sony, and Cooper has run it with a firm, calm and non-flamboyant hand through the first decade of the streaming era and as it went public for a second time in the early months of the pandemic in 2020. The company earnings were declining at the time of his arrival and he not only reversed that trend but doubled its revenue and embraced new technologies and business opportunities.

JAY B has shared how it doesn’t feel real to have finally reunited with boyband GOT7 and released a brand-new project after being apart for so long.Yesterday (May 23), the septet returned with their brand-new self-titled EP, which featured the title track ‘NANANA’. The project marks GOT7’s first official comeback since departing long-time agency JYP Entertainment in January 2021, after which the seven members embarked on solo careers.“We told each other that all seven of us should be part of our new mini-album, but it is still surreal to see that we have actually made this happen,” JAY B said of ‘GOT7’ during a recent press conference for the release, per The Korea Times.

Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music CriticAs expected, Warner Music Nashville’s chairman-CEO John Esposito — widely known in Music City as just “Espo” — will move to an emeritus role in 2023 in a long-talked-about succession plan that will see his two key lieutenants moving into more elevated roles, a source close to the situation confirms to Variety. The move is expected to be formally announced within the next few weeks.The label’s two current executive vice presidents, Ben Kline and Cris Lacy, are expected to pair up and together assume Esposito’s chairman-CEO roles at the label, as has been expected since they were promoted to their current posts in 2019.

Warner Music has signed Italian drill rapper Rondodasosa, who recently appeared on Central Cee’s pan-European collaboration ‘Eurovision’.Confirming the deal, Warner Music Italy CEO Marco Alboni says: “It’s great to welcome Rondodasosa to the Warner Music family. He is a stand out talent who has already built a huge following and I know we can help him take his career to the next level. Artists can’t wait to work with him and we’re already talking about some super exciting projects”.That following has been built via tracks like ‘Free Samy’, ‘Slatt’ and Vale Pain collaboration ‘Louboutin’ – as well as that tie up with Central Cee.Rondodasosa says about his Warner deal: “I’m really happy to sign with Warner Music.

A new album from Selena Quintanilla will be released in April via Warner Music, the musician's father Abraham Quintanilla said during a recent Facebook Live interview with Latin Groove News. The as-yet-untitled project will feature 13 ballads and cumbias, 10 of which have never been previously released; the other three songs will be updated with new arrangements crafted by Selena's brother, A.B.

APPOINTMENTSTom March has been named President of Geffen Records, which was relaunched within Universal Music’s Interscope division in the US two years ago. The appointment sees March move over from the major’s UK business and its Polydor label.

Dua Lipa is facing legal action from the Florida reggae band Artikal Sound System, who claim that her hit 2020 single ‘Levitating’ copied their 2017 song ‘Live Your Life’As reported by TMZ, a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Federal court accuses Lipa and her label Warner of copyright infringement. The band are reportedly asking for any profits made from ‘Levitating’, plus damages.Although the suit contains little detail about how or why she allegedly copied them, it said the two tracks were so similar that it is “highly unlikely that ‘Levitating’ was created independently.”The case does not explain why the band believes Lipa stole their song, but claims that she had “access” to ‘Live Your Life’.Representatives for Lipa, Warner Music, and Artikal Sound System did not respond to requests for comment.

Glamour: So you really never get tired of “We Are Family”?Debbie Sledge: Oh my goodness, no. The longevity of that song, it's still going. It touches all generations.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorKevin Liles is a name that people in the music industry have been hearing for more than 30 years, for an impressive variety of reasons. He was a top executive at Def Jam and Warner Music, he managed Mariah Carey, D’Angelo and Trey Songz, and he was even a recording artist who had one of his songs covered by Milli Vanilli, of all people, on their multi-multi-platinum 1990 debut album.But he got his biggest look yet in January, when the company he co-founded, 300 Entertainment, was acquired by Warner Music for a reported $400 million.