Music news

• Executive Shuffle: Twitter, TouchTunes, Vevo, Soundcloud, ASCAP, Sky, SESAC…

  25-01-2016 23:21
  
  The latest executive moves across the music industry…
  First, there’s turmoil at Twitter: the company has plans to announce the appointment of two new board members, whose names remain unreleased.  The ‘other shoe’ on that will be the departure of multiple Twitter executives, with the exit of four Twitter executives announced Sunday evening.  The executives getting the ax are Alex Roetter, Twitter’s senior vice president of engineering; Kevin We
  
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• Celebrity Big Brother 2016: Scotty T, Jeremy McConnell, Tiffany Pollard And More Face Eviction After Failing To Win Immunity

  25-01-2016 22:56
  
  But who will be voted out tomorrow night?
  
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• Government-Mandated Royalty Hikes Force Live365 Out of Business

  25-01-2016 22:18
  
  Live365 is now preparing to completely shut down at the end of January, thanks to a rise in rates set by US Copyright Royalty Board. 
  The internet radio streaming platform is blaming the recent webcasting rates for their closure, as they were reliant upon the previously-established, lower rates for small broadcasters.  The new small webcaster rates for 2016-2020 will require a minimum annual payment of $2,000 for webcasters earning less than $50,000 a year.  There is also a $500
  
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• Rapper BoB insists the Earth is flat: 'I didn't wanna believe it either'

  25-01-2016 22:16
  
  Musician argues on Twitter that while some may be put off by the term ‘flat Earth’, ‘there’s no way u can see all the evidence and not know’Bobby Ray Simmons Jr, better known as BoB, American rapper and music producer, believes that the Earth is flat, according to recent tweets from his account.
  The rapper – who has released hits Nothin’ on You, Airplanes and Magic – posted dozens of tweets, presenting a variety of arguments as to why modern scienc
  
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• The Chemical Brothers Have Just Been Announced As SW4 Festival Headliners!

  25-01-2016 20:52
  
  Plus their new music video is AWESOME.
  
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• Four key digital challenges for the music industry in 2016

  25-01-2016 20:44
  
   
  Last year in the music industry was a very eventful one. The major debates centred on royalties, the freemium model and the place of YouTube in the industry. This piece takes a look at the main digital challenges for the industry over the course of 2016.
  Processing the finances
  The majority of music companies out there are still working hard to evolve their data systems. This is most especially the case when it comes to how they report usage and royalties to other companies, artists and
  
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• Spotify Is Now Competing With Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, Amazon, Snapchat…

  25-01-2016 19:53
  
  Spotify has announced that it is introducing video content on its Android app this week, followed by the iOS app by the end of next week in the U.S., the U.K, Germany and Sweden. The new video content will be available to all users.
  According to Shiva Rajaraman, Spotify’s VP of Product, the company over the past several months has been gradually testing video on its apps.  Overall, these pilots involves less than 10% of the total user base four launch markets.  Th
  
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• Peruvian Grooveshark Clone Becomes Latest Industry Embarrassment

  25-01-2016 19:45
  
  Nine months after shuttering Grooveshark, the music industry has another fast-rising clone to deal with.  This time, it’s grooveshark.im, another shadowy re-creation that appears to be operating out of Lima, Peru.According to domain name records supplied by name.com, a DNS registrar based in Kirkland, Washington, grooveshark.im was secured by a ‘Cesar Chavez’ operating out what appears to be a fabricated location within Lima.  That could spell another complicated and
  
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• The Prettiots: 'We’re too busy to pretend to be cool'

  25-01-2016 19:36
  
  Their debut album, Funs Cool, is full of snarky songs about sex, death and dating. Join New York indie poppers the Prettiots on a trip to the tattoo parlour to talk about drink, ink and the power of the ukulele
  It’s late afternoon on New Year’s Eve and the Wi-Fi password in this tattoo parlour is: “God is a girl.” A young woman called Tessa is firing up her ink gun, Portishead is oozing through the speakers and for 25-year-old Kay Kasparhauser and 20-year-old Lulu Prat, a
  
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• 40 years of the Oliviers: Maria Friedman picks her 10 favourite winners

  25-01-2016 18:27
  
  Ahead of BBC Concert Orchestra’s Olivier celebration directed by and starring Maria Friedman, the singer picks her favourite shows to have featured in the prestigious awards This year is the 40th anniversary of the Olivier theatre awards, and tonight the BBC Concert Orchestra celebrates four decades of musical theatre in a one-off concert at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Stars including Michael Ball, Elaine Paige and Clive Rowe will be joining Maria Friedman to perform a selection of
  
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• Watch Wiley Bare All In Brand New Not For The Radio Interview

  25-01-2016 18:11
  
  Joining Vis, Chams and Posty, Wiley reveals all in the candid hour-long interview.
  
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• This Is What It’s Like To Work Out Like A Victoria’s Secret Angel

  25-01-2016 17:50
  
  Spoiler: it was HARD.
  
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• The Mermaid Pillow Is Now A Dress And It's Going To Blow Your Mind

  25-01-2016 17:31
  
  2016's answer to #TheDress has arrived.
  
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• Music Minute: Justin Bieber dethroned by Shawn Mendes, Zayn Malik to release first solo single

  25-01-2016 17:10
  
  In this week's Music Minute: Justin Bieber is knocked off the top of the UK charts, Zayn Malik announces first solo material and Bryson Tiller's UK shows sell out. Justin Bieber has some strong competition now as there's a new kid on the block. Yes, Shawn Mendes has replaced Bieber at the top of the UK charts with his hit single Stitches.
  
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• Bruce Springsteen offers free download of Chicago concert

  25-01-2016 16:56
  
  The Boss had to postpone his New York show due to the blizzard that swept the US east coast, but he made available an MP3 of his previous gigBruce Springsteen had to postpone his New York concert at Madison Square Garden on Sunday due to the blizzard which swept the north-east of America and saw the second highest snowfall ever in Central Park.In response, at 8pm on Sunday, Springsteen announced on social media that the previous date on the tour, during which he plays his 1980 double album The R
  
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• Kendall Jenner Just Made It Acceptable To Wear Your Pyjamas In Public

  25-01-2016 16:51
  
  Soz mum, but if Kendall can wear PJs in public so can we.
  
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• Celebrity Big Brother 2016: Scotty T Drunkenly Tashes On With Tiffany Pollard Before Flashing His Chopper To The World

  25-01-2016 16:35
  
  Just your average night.
  
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• Public Service Broadcasting: glorious celebration of Cosmonauts at the Science Museum

  25-01-2016 16:04
  
  A unique evening at the Science Museum celebrated the acclaimed Cosmonauts exhibition with a PSB concert about the space race – what’s not to love?It was partway into the gig when, with the press of a computer keyboard, Public Service Broadcasting’s retro-sounding recorded announcement said, “We’ve always wanted to play the Science Museum.” Another press: “And not many groups can say that.”How gloriously, unashamedly true. Continue reading...
  
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• Megan McKenna Celebrates Her First Night Of Celebrity Big Brother Freedom As She Parties In Essex

  25-01-2016 15:48
  
  Painting the town… orange.
  
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• Courts Release Infectious Brand New Single ‘Glass Half Empty’

  25-01-2016 15:37
  
  Serving up vibes reminiscent of The Streets meet The 1975, Courts have got the perfect formula to create an undeniable hit.
  
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• These Young Innovators Are Totally Inspiring Us To Change The World

  25-01-2016 15:13
  
  This lot have already done more than most people in their whole lives
  
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• Mayday Parade: "We're Not Very Good Celebrities"

  25-01-2016 14:46
  
  We chat to Alex on all things 'Black Lines', social media and why rockstars being celebs isn't always a good thing...
  
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• Stormzy Unleashes “One Take Freestyle”

  25-01-2016 14:41
  
  Throwing his spin on Ghetts and Rude Kid’s ‘One Take Freestyle’, Stormzy delivers nothing but solid bars
  
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• Nigel Kennedy review – still fist bumping, still virtuosic

  25-01-2016 14:27
  
  Colston Hall, Bristol
  On a tour that revisits Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, the violinist is still a mass of contradictions, but his skill is intact and the sound compellingIf public perception is that he is defined by his relationship with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, then, reasons violinist Nigel Kennedy, the best way to show how he’s moved on is through that same work. This is the rationale for The New Four Seasons and Kennedy’s current tour, which opened at Bristol’s Colst
  
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• Alicia Keys 35th birthday: 10 things you didn't know about the Grammy-winning singer

  25-01-2016 14:21
  
  Celebrations are in order for R'n'B singer Alicia Keys today (25 January 2016) as she celebrates her 35th birthday. Keys will no doubt spend her special day with loved ones including husband Swizz Beatz and their sons Egypt and Genesis, enjoying a much-needed rest. As fans flood the Grammy-winning singer with celebratory messages, Swizz Beatz shared a sweet Instagram post in honour of his wife of five years, writing: "#happybirthdayAlicia The world is blessed to have you! You're 1 of 1 none befo
  
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• Dutilleux 100th Anniversary Concert review – eloquence and conviction

  25-01-2016 14:20
  
  Wigmore Hall, London
  Musicians including Gautier Capuçon and Lisa Batiashvili celebrated the French composer with three of his works plus those of his predecessorsThe French composer Henri Dutilleux died in 2013, aged 97, not so far short of the centenary being celebrated this year. This Wigmore programme featured three of his works, either for solo instrument or string quartet, setting them in the context of two of his major French predecessors.Cellist Gautier Capuçon began with a
  
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• Joseph Calleja review – a fine singer, but he could be even greater

  25-01-2016 14:17
  
  Royal Festival Hall, London
  An all-Verdi programme showed the Maltese tenor on excellent form, but he could have done with more light and shadeThe Maltese star tenor Joseph Calleja celebrated his 38th birthday with this all-Verdi concert, accompanied by the Philharmonia under the Spanish conductor Ramón Tebar. The focus on one single composer gave the event a more solid identity than mixed-aria programmes usually possess, even if the result inevitably felt somewhat bitty.At 38, Calleja ha
  
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• Songs of Separation review – joyous and stirring

  25-01-2016 14:16
  
  Mitchell theatre, Glasgow
  Ten of folk’s finest female performers sing songs ‘not really about separation, but about connection’ in a thought-provoking Celtic Connections show with genuine empathetic chemistry
  It sounds like an Alan Partridge pitch for a new reality show. “Take 10 female folk musicians – say five English and five Scots – stick ’em on an island in the Hebrides, one instrument each, fight to the death, last one standing is the winner &helli
  
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• Aaron Taylor releases debut EP “Still Life”

  25-01-2016 13:52
  
  The self produced six track EP emits elements of nostalgia as it fuses neo-soul, eclectic beats and marries together Aaron’s music concepts within art and philosophy.
  
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• Celebrity Big Brother 2016: Vicky Pattison And Holly Hagan Are Not Impressed With Gemma Collins’ Diva Behaviour In The House

  25-01-2016 13:45
  
  The Geordie lasses aren't happy...
  
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• Justin Bieber's Instagram Crush Just Landed Her Fashion Week Debut

  25-01-2016 13:39
  
  Bet he's already bagged his spot on the FROW.
  
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• Kim And Kourtney Kardashian ‘Torture’ Mum Kris Jenner With Hilarious Family Trivia Game In KUWTK Trailer

  25-01-2016 13:36
  
  Worst. Daughters. Ever.
  
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• Reppatwa Shares First Single of 2016, “Aint Right Within"

  25-01-2016 13:26
  
  With the smooth production duties coming from Seoul based production duo Slumdog (made up of Slom and Duplex G). The retrospective cut hears a much more personal side from Repps
  
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• Ricky Rayment Replaces Tattoo Of Ex-Fiancée Marnie Simpson As Relationship With Ex On The Beach Babe Gets Serious

  25-01-2016 13:08
  
  That's one way to draw a line under the whole thing, AMIRIGHT?
  
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• Daughter review – artfully poised acoustic sparseness

  25-01-2016 13:04
  
  Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh
  The London group’s breathy ballads about love and loneliness pack an emotional wallop, inspiring murmured singalongs in a reverent crowdElena Tonra is suffering from a cold. It doesn’t adversely affect this gig: Daughter’s singer still has a remarkable voice, a mix of skyscraping purity and breathy huskiness. There are side effects, however. Some rock stars dash backstage to do a quick line; Tonra nips off for some tissues. “Sorry, I’m
  
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• Kylie Jenner Basically Wore One Of Beyoncé's Most Iconic Outfits And It Was #Flawless

  25-01-2016 12:57
  
  The youngest Kardashian is working some serious Crazy In Love vibes.
  
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• The One Direction Fandom Reckon Louis Tomlinson’s Called His Son Conchobar & It’s Gotten Slightly Out Of Control

  25-01-2016 12:17
  
  AMAZING.
  
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• Celebrity Big Brother 2016: Geordie Shore's Charlotte Crosby Defends Stephanie Davis Over Knickergate Row

  25-01-2016 12:10
  
  Our Char stuck up for Stephanie over the whole 'pigeon sh*t' debacle...
  
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• Vince Clarke of Erasure's playlist: Grimes, Arca and more

  25-01-2016 11:58
  
  Ahead of Wonderland’s 30th anniversary celebrations, the Erasure founder shares his love of hypnotic electronica, perfectly precise pop and scary heavy metal synth Infectious and uplifting; as exuberant as Teenage Kicks. A fantastically detailed pop song in which every sound and beat is precisely placed, allowing Claire Boucher’s vocal to ring like a bell. Continue reading...
  
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• Rita Ora's Daring Dress At Paris Couture Fashion Week Was A Nip Slip Waiting To Happen

  25-01-2016 11:55
  
  But obviously she slayed it.
  
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• Kanye West completes work on 'the best album of all time'

  25-01-2016 10:39
  
  After weeks of trailing songs from the album, the rapper releases the tracklist for his seventh album SwishKanye West’s seventh studio album Swish is now complete. According to the rapper, “the best album of all time” is finished just in time for its 11 February release. In the runup to its unveiling, West has previewed a number of new tracks, including No More Parties in LA featuring Kendrick Lamar, Fade featuring Post Malone and Ty Dolla $ign, and Real Friends. These are feat
  
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• Zayn Malik to launch debut solo track Pillowtalk

  25-01-2016 10:34
  
  The former One Direction singer says new single out this week will be about ‘dirty and raw’ sexAfter months of speculation, Zayn Malik has confirmed he will release his first solo single. Ten months since leaving One Direction, the singer will kick off his new career with the track Pillowtalk on Friday 29 January. The singer, who has signed to RCA records where he intends to make what he described as #realmusic, posted the announcement on Twitter. Continue reading...
  
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• Zayn Malik would consider One Direction reunion 'if time was right'

  25-01-2016 08:32
  
  Zayn Malik has revealed that he would consider a One Direction reunion. The 23-year-old singer quit the boy band in March 2015.
  
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• Facing the music: Håkan Hardenberger

  25-01-2016 08:00
  
  Breakfast with the Bachs, rehearsals with Boulez; applauding is fine, but karaoke most definitely not. The Swedish trumpet virtuoso on his musical loves on and off the platformHow do you listen to music most often?Mostly vinyl records. Continue reading...
  
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• Spike Lee's Michael Jackson doc a tribute to his music

  25-01-2016 04:48
  
  PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — As a young artist, Michael Jackson knew he wanted to be legendary.
  
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• Australian artist Chet Faker releases new track inspired by the New York blizzard

  25-01-2016 01:39
  
  Aria award-winning artist samples Bill de Blasio and uploads track In-Between to SoundCloud, clocking up more than 30,000 listens in 18 hoursAs the United States begins to survey the damage of a blizzard that has affected an estimated 80 million people across 20 states and left a reported 28 people dead, the Australian musician Chet Faker has released a new track inspired by it, In-Between.Related: Blizzard brings US east coast to standstill and delivers near-record snowfallContinue reading...
  
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