Warner Music Posts Record Quarter as Publishing and Digital Soar

Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney+ has been shared.The clip, which you can view below, begins with Ewan McGregor reprising his role as the titular Star Wars character on the sand dunes of Tatooine looking over a young Luke Skywalker before The Phantom Menace theme ‘Duel Of The Fates’ plays out.It goes on to show Obi-Wan’s new nemesis, Inquisitor Reva played by Moses Ingram (The Queen’s Gambit), who comes face to face with Skywalker’s Uncle Owen, played once again by Joel Edgerton.The trailer comes after new images for the series were shared earlier today (March 9).Obi-Wan Kenobi is set 10 years after the events of the 2005 Star Wars film Revenge Of The Sith, where Kenobi witnessed the downfall of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, who turned to the dark side as evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.“We find Obi-Wan at the beginning of our story rather broken, and faithless, and beaten, somewhat given up,” McGregor told Entertainment Weekly of the new series.The show’s director Deborah Chow added of Inquisitor Reva that the character is “ruthlessly ambitious”, while Ingram compared her to the Grand Inquisitor and Darth Vader.“They share a common dark-side goal. They’re on the same team,” she said, before adding that “it’s all heart” in terms of Reva’s ambition.

Caitriona Balfe was quite candid when she spoke out against Russian leader Vladimir Putin after it was reported his forces bombed a Ukranian maternity hospital during their ongoing invasion of the country. The Outlander actress took to her Twitter on Wednesday (March 9) to curse Putin. “Hitting maternity hospitals. F**k you Putin and anyone who refuses to condemn him in the strongest of language. #Mariupol #Ukraine️,” she wrote. 

Javier Bardem’s might be the most unexpected of them all.The Academy Award-winning actor stopped by The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Wednesday, March 9. While on the program, Bardem talked to host Ellen DeGeneres about Being The Ridcardos, finding out he was nominated for an Oscar alongside his wife Penélope Cruz, and how his daughter helped convince him to join the cast of the upcoming The Little Mermaid live-action remake.Elsewhere in his interview, the 53-year-old revealed what happened back when he was 20 and decided to surprise a friend by popping out of their birthday cake.

New Music Friday! It's every audiophile's favorite day of the week, and some of our favorite artists from all different genres have blessed us with new tunes.Mary J. Blige dropped her new album, ahead of her highly anticipated Super Bowl LVI halftime show performance.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorA rare acetate of the Beatles’ 1964 concert at the Hollywood Bowl sold for $23,838 in an auction held by Boston-based firm RR Auction.The disc, one of just three known to exist, features the full 12-song, 29-minute concert, along with stage comments from the group. According to the announcement, the acetate was cut directly from reel-to-reel tape three days after the concert.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorAdele addressed the abrupt postponement of her Las Vegas residency and revealed that she plans to have a child with partner Rich Paul in a pre-recorded interview on Britain’s “Graham Norton Show” that aired Friday in the U.K. and is slated to run on BBC America next week.“I tried my hardest and really thought I would be able to pull something together in time,” Adele said of the Vegas postponement, which was announced just hours before the first show, after hundreds of fans had traveled to the city for the show, according to reports of the interview in the British press.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorRani Hancock, the recently appointed executive vice president and head of Columbia Records’ A&R department, took a bold and uncommon course into the music industry — uncommon for a woman, anyway. She studied to become a recording engineer at the prestigious Berklee College of Music.“I’d started out trying to be a musician but realized quickly that I was terrible at it,” she says.

It’s Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday — especially when it’s New Music Friday! We’re breaking down this week’s best new tracks to keep on your radar.

Olivia Rodrigo makes it 16 weeks at Number 1 on the Official Irish Albums Chart with SOUR.

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.

Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift are collaborating again! On Thursday, the pair teamed up for a new version of «The Joker and the Queen,» a track that first appeared on Sheeran's album, =, last year.The accompanying music video — directed by Emil Nava — is a continuation of Swift's «Everything Has Changed,» which also featured Sheeran. It also includes the original actors a decade later.

Chris Willman Music WriterTaylor Swift has been generous lately about jumping on as a featured artist for duet versions of some of her BFFs’ existing tracks. She did it last year by joining a remix of Haim’s “Gasoline,” and she’s doing it now, in a higher-profile way, by lending not just her voice but some new lyrics to Ed Sheeran’s romantic ballad “The Joker and the Queen.”It may officially be his track, but the music video that accompanies it is a sequel to another duet of theirs that went out under her official imprimatur 10 years ago, 2012’s “Everything Has Changed,” and reunites Ava and Jack, the boy and girl who flirted with and befriended one another as preteens, now grown up and gone to college, with the same actors.

Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift are teaming up!

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorAs long expected, Universal Music Publishing has acquired 17-time Grammy Award winner Sting’s career catalog of music. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but in recent months the artist was said to be seeking around $350 million.

Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift are preparing to release their long awaited collaboration on Friday.Fans of the two artists have been speculating about the new song, with rumors suggesting it could be a reworked version of Sheeran’s song ‘The Joker And The Queen.’ Now the singer is confirming that theory after his appearance at the red carpet of the BRIT Awards.Ed was asked about his upcoming projects, revealing that his next single “comes out on Friday and it’s with Taylor Swift,” sharing his excitement, the singer said, “We’re literally announcing that in like an hour.”He went on to post a snippet of the song on social media, captioned “The Joker And The Queen featuring my good friend @taylorswift13 is out this friday.” The pair have been friends for a while now, with Ed even defending Taylor back in 2015 at the Video Music Awards.This is not the first time the two artists work together, with Sheeran collaborating on Taylor’s song ‘Run’ from her album ‘Red’ (Taylor’s Version).

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorRapper-entrepreneur Snoop Dogg, who rose to fame during the 1990s on Death Row Records, has acquired the label’s brand from MNRK Music Group, which is controlled by private equity funds managed by the investment firm Blackstone, the firm announced on Wednesday.Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, however, a source close to the situation tells Variety that Snoop’s acquisition of the Death Row brand is the first part of a transaction that is expected to see him also acquiring some of the label’s music rights — his own and unspecified other artists. The source says the deal is expected to conclude in the coming weeks.In a statement, Snoop Dogg, now owner of Death Row Records, said: “I am thrilled and appreciative of the opportunity to acquire the iconic and culturally significant Death Row Records brand, which has immense untapped future value.

Spotify streams of Little Simz‘ music have soared over 350 per cent following her appearance at this year’s BRIT Awards.The rapper, who released her last album, ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’, back in September, won the award for Best New Artist at last night’s (February 8) ceremony at London’s The O2. She also performed a medley of her tracks ‘Introvert’ and ‘Woman’.Her massive night has since prompted a huge spike in Spotify streams in comparison to other BRITs winners including Adele, Silk Sonic, Ed Sheeran, Dave and Sam Fender.There was a 812 per cent increase in streams of ‘Introvert’ and a 594 per cent spike for ‘Woman’, equating to a 365 per cent jump overall.Elsewhere, Adele, who took home three BRITs last night (Artist Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year), saw a 137 per cent increase in Spotify streams following the awards, while Dave’s streams went up by 217 per cent. Fender’s music saw a 79 per cent jump.“As ever, the BRITs showed the incredible breadth of talent being fostered here in the UK, across every genre of music,” Tom Connaughton, managing director of Spotify UK and Ireland, said in a statement (via Rolling Stone UK).

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorAs the Prince estate moves forward after years of confusion following the singer’s 2016 death, the six heirs are divided into two camps: the three siblings who sold their interests to Primary Wave, and the three who have retained their holdings.With the value of the estate recently determined at $156.4 million, the two parties are now establishing a structure for how to work together. In a ruling on Tuesday, a Minnesota judge decided against Primary Wave’s proposal to create a single holding company.

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.

BRIT Awards 2022 attracted its lowest audience ever in overnight figures when it was broadcast on Tuesday (February 8).According to figures published by Broadcast, ITV pulled in 2.7 million viewers during the show, which spanned two-and-a-half-hours from 8pm.While this is the lowest in the show’s history, a drop from 2.9 million viewers for 2021’s event, this figure doesn’t count viewers around the world who streamed it digitally on YouTube or catch-up service ITV Hub.The show also went up against BBC drama This Is Going To Hurt starring Ben Whishaw,  which attracted a bigger audience of 3.2 million viewers in overnight ratings.This year’s BRIT Awards featured performances from Adele, Ed Sheeran, Little Simz, Dave, Liam Gallagher and Sam Fender – along with a surprise appearance from Bring Me The Horizon.Adele was the big winner on the night, taking three awards including the coveted Album Of The Year for her fourth LP ‘30’.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorVeteran rapper Talib Kweli and roots-ish rock band Dawes are set to headline the inaugural Pure Imagination festival, to be held in the geological wonderland of the Granite Dells at Watson Lake in Prescott, Arizona on Saturday, May 21.The lineup also features three-time Grammy-winning blues artist Fantastic Negrito, Rising Appalachia, Atlas Genius, Katie Pruitt, Ponderosa Grove, Chateau Chateau and Walt Richardson, with more acts to be announced. The “eco-forward” all-day event will have food, drink, on-site hiking, kayaking, and (limited) ticketed camping.“Prescott has a rich history in music and we want to continue to keep it alive.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorMotown Records and Google have announced a partnership in pursuit of elevating women of color within the music industry.The Motown Records Creator Program Supported by Google will find and fund the next outstanding woman content creator, videographer, or creative producer/director and offer an opportunity to collaborate with Motown Records’ executives and its roster of artists, including TianaMajor9. According to the announcement, the initiative is aligned with Motown’s commitment to shattering barriers for talented creatives and is a continuation of Google’s ongoing mission to amplify underrepresented voices in entertainment and ensure diverse, equitable representation in our media landscape.

Related: Brit Awards 2022 winners revealed as Adele, Ed Sheeran, KSI and more are nominatedGilligan has taken the baton this year from comedian Jack Whitehall, who hosted the music awards night in the past four years. Mo's sweary affair took place before the watershed at 9pm, with many amused viewers reacting to his slip-up on social media.

in a Twitter clip announcing the bad news. “I’m so sorry, but my show ain’t ready.”The pop star reportedly clashed with the venue and their desire for her to perform with a 60-member choir while she wanted to prioritize keeping shows “low-key” and “all about the voice.”It has also been reported the postponement followed the best-selling artist throwing a fit over a swimming pool stunt.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorMelissa Goodwin, a former top executive at the T.J. Martell Foundation, pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges related to accusations that she embezzled $3.7 million from the charity by using company credit cards to buy Super Bowl tickets and other purchases.Goodwin entered a guilty plea to a single count of wire fraud, in which prosecutors say she abused her position of control over the charity, one of the music industry’s largest.Goodwin, who faces a maximum sentence of 20 years, will be sentenced on May 20.

BRIT Awards for a star-studded celebration of the industry.Heading into the big night, Adele and Ed Sheeran led the pack with four noms each — alongside artists Dave and Little Simz — in a year where more female artists were nominated for awards than any time before.Throughout the gala event — hosted by comedian Mo Gilligan and presented by the British Phonographic Industry — the show doled out the trophies with some surprising and well-deserved victories.Check out the full list of the show's big winners below.   Adele, Columbia, Sony Music Dave, Dave Neighbourhood, Universal Music Ed Sheeran, Asylum, Warner Music Little Simz, Age 101/Awal Sam Fender, Polydor, Universal Music Coldplay, Parlophone, Warner Music D-Block Europe, D-Block Europe, Universal Music Little Mix, RCA, Sony Music London Grammar, Ministry Of Sound, Sony Music Bree Runway EMI, Universal Music Lola Young, Island, Universal Music “Latest Trends,” A1 & J1 “Don’t Play" Anne-Marie/KSI/Digital Farm Animals “Remember,” Becky Hill & David Guetta “Obsessed With You,” Central Cee  “Clash,” Dave featuring Stormzy “Bad Habits,” Ed Sheeran “Cold Heart (Pnau Mix),” Elton John & Dua Lipa «Heat Waves,” Glass Animals “Bed,” Joel Corry/Raye/David Guetta, “Holiday,” KSI “Wellerman,” Nathan Evans/220Kid/Billen Ted “Friday (Dopamine Re-Edit)» Riton X Nightcrawlers feat.

THE Brit Awards 2022 ceremony kicks off TONIGHT, with singing sensation Adele making a rare live appearance. Tonight's star-studded Brits bash - which airs from 8pm on ITV - will feature performances from Ed Sheeran, Liam Gallagher & Little Simz. And pop superstar Adele - who also leads the pack with four gong nominations - will also perform during the awards ceremony.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorVeteran executive LaTrice Burnette, who was named president of the relaunched 4th & Broadway Records in 2020 — has been appointed executive VP of Def Jam Recordings while retaining her post at 4th & Broadway, new Def Jam chairman & CEO Tunji Balogun announced Tuesday.The 4th & Broadway roster — which, along with Burnette, was formerly with sister Universal label Island Records — includes Young Devyn, Lil Migo, Pap Chanel, Chiiild, and Kidd Kenn; the label’s core staff will move over to Def Jam as well. Burnette will remain based in New York and will report directly to Balogun.“LaTrice is a proven leader, a consummate professional, and someone who’s work and reputation I’ve admired for a long time,” said Balogun.

RICHARD Madeley made a sly dig at Adele on Good Morning Britain today ahead of her highly-anticipated Brit Awards performance tonight. The Brit Awards 2022 ceremony is set to return this evening with Adele booked to make a very rare live appearance.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorAfter seeing her song “Fingers Crossed” become a TikTok smash, Vancouver Island singer/songwriter Lauren Spencer-Smith has partnered with Universal Music Group’s Island Records and Republic Records. According to the announcement, “The innovative partnership, structured with manager and business partner David Ehrlich (pictured above, right, with UMG chief Lucian Grainge, left, and Spencer-Smith), allows Lauren Spencer-Smith to keep her independent spirit via her own imprint while tapping into premium services from both labels.”After breaking through on TikTok, “Fingers Crossed” garnered over 100 million streams hitting the Top 50 on Spotify in 23 countries and peaked at No.

Self Esteem is composing the music for a play that stars Killing Eve actress Jodie Comer.The Justin Martin-directed Prima Facie is set to run from April 15-June 18 at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London.Rebecca Lucy Taylor, who performs as Self Esteem, said on social media: “The coolest thing I’ve ever done is no longer a secret!!!! I’m composing the music for this astonishing play starring the MVP and an unreal creative team!!!”The coolest thing I’ve ever done is no longer a secret!!!! I’m composing the music for this astonishing play starring the MVP and an unreal creative team!!! https://t.co/JXWRaqp7bE— Rebecca Lucy Taylor (@SELFESTEEM___) February 7, 2022In other news, Taylor has been announced amid a second wave of acts to perform at Boardmasters 2022. Bombay Bicycle Club, The Wombats, The Lathums, Greentea Peng, Mimi Webb, Kurupt FM and Enny have also been announced.Cornwall’s surf and music event will return between August 10-14, and will be headlined by Kings Of Leon, Disclosure and George Ezra.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorAs Spotify awkwardly attempts to defend its stance on Joe Rogan — first over the Covid-19 misinformation on his show, and then over his frequent use of the N-word on that same show — the controversies have revived musicians’ longest-standing problem with the platform: The royalty rates it and other streaming platforms pay, which most musicians and many rights-holders feel are far too low.This is particularly true in publishing: In January of 2018 the Copyright Royalty Board ruled to increase songwriter rates for interactive streaming by nearly 50% over the following five years, to 15.1%. However, in March of 2019, Spotify, Google, Amazon and Pandora then appealed to keep the previous rate of 10.5% — and are gearing up to argue for that rate for the next five-year period (2023-2027) as well.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorIt’s cool enough that U.S. Olympic skaters Madison Chock and Evan Bates chose Daft Punk for their performance on Sunday — but even cooler was the music they chose: One would expect maybe one of their dancefloor hits, like “One More Time,” “Around the World” or their actual 2013 radio hit, “Get Lucky.”But instead, the pair performed to beautifully curated a medley of three songs from the duo’s 2013 (apparent) swan song album, “Random Access Melodies,” beginning with the album’s wild closing track “Contact” and its driving arpeggiated rhythms, then moving into “Within,” and concluding with the gorgeous orchestral finale of “Touch.” It paid off, too: Their winning score was 129.07, an international personal best for the duo, which added to the U.S.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorPrimary Wave Music announced that it has acquired the music rights from the estates of Layne Staley and Mike Starr of the Grammy-nominated Seattle band Alice In Chains.The deal will see the publisher acquire a stake in the Layne Staley’s and Mike Starr’s music publishing catalog, as well as master royalty income stream; terms of the deal were not disclosed.The work of the band’s main songwriter, Jerry Cantrell, was not included, nor drummer Sean Kinney or later members Mike Inez and William DuVall. However, the deal does encompass shares in some of the band’s biggest hits, such as “Man in the Box,” “Rooster” and “No Excuses,” as well as their biggest hit, “Would?” The latter song, released in 1992, and not only appeared in the era-defining Cameron Crowe film “Singles” but was also included on the hit soundtrack.