Bob Dylan apologises for using machine to ‘hand-sign’ new £495 book November 28, 2022 Bob Dylan has issued a public apology after using a machine to “hand-sign” limited-edition copies of his new book, Philosophy Of Modern Song. In a rare statement, the 81-year-old music legend said it was an “error in judgement” to use a machine, blaming pandemic complications and vertigo for his decision making. “So, during the pandemic, [...]
The year the music died? What energy bills and recession will mean for gigs November 21, 2022 Gigs have always been a great way to escape from the toils of everyday life – a few friends, usually a few drinks and great bands. But, what does a live music scene look like once you factor in spiralling inflation and rocketing energy bills for venues and consumers who can no longer afford to [...]
Top Whitney Houston hits snapped up by Brookfield’s music investment vehicle November 16, 2022 WHITNEY Houston has become the latest music legend to see her copyrights snapped up as the fight for catalogues continues across the industry. Brookfield Asset Management has acquired around 60 songs written by Shannon Rubicam and George Merrill for an estimated value of $50m and $100m. According to reports from the FT, the deal includes [...]
Adidas terminates Kanye West’s Yeezy brand over antisemitic comments October 25, 2022 Adidas has terminated a multi-billion pound deal with music superstar Kanye West over antisemitic comments he made. The iconic German sports and fashion brand issued a statement today ending his ‘Yeezy’ brand, after the artist said he couldn’t be dropped. This comes after West, who officially changed his name to ‘Ye’, had his Twitter account [...]
Audioboom rakes in £50m in third quarter as advertising revenue perks up October 17, 2022 Podcast giant Audioboom has announced it took in £50m up until September, a 44 per cent increase on last year. The firm said quarterly revenue was however down from £15m to £14.3m as a tough economic climate continued to impact its intake. A boost in advertising revenue of £68m in 2022 so far has helped [...]
Hipgnosis secures new debt deal at it rides ‘increasingly unpredictable’ market October 3, 2022 Music investment titan Hipgnosis Songs Fund has secured a new debt financing deal this morning as the firm rides on a “unpredictable” market. The company confirmed that it had entered into a new Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) with a commitment of $700m, which runs for five years. In simple terms, an RCF gives a company added [...]
UK music biz struggles to keep up with pre-pandemic economic boom September 22, 2022 The UK music industry is still struggling to keep up with pre-pandemic levels, as the sector calls for more support. According to fresh data from industry body UK Music, the sector’s contribution to the UK economy in 2021 was £4bn – up 26 per cent on the £3.1bn figure for 2020, but still down 31 per [...]
Exclusive: Subscribers more likely to cut video rather than music says Deezer CFO September 5, 2022 Deputy CEO of Deezer has said users are more likely to cut video streaming subscriptions than they are music as consumers are forced to tighten their belts on subscriptions.
Sell on you crazy diamond: Bidders flock for Pink Floyd’s music catalogue August 31, 2022 Yet another suitor has joined the race to snap up Pink Floyd's music rights catalogue in an estimated £400m bid.
The BRIT: The school behind Adele turns 30 August 31, 2022 As the new academic year approaches, Croydon’s The BRIT School celebrates 30 years of churning out some of the world’s top talent.