New report urges Government to protect local radio

A new report by Radiocentre is urging the Government to make changes to secure the future of British local radio. At 4pm today in the House Of Commons, Radiocentre, the industry body for commercial radio, will launch Action Stations: The public value of commercial radio, which emphasises the local importance of commercial stations up and down the UK. The report reveals that commercial radio stations on average broadcast more than 13 hours of public service content each week, raise over £25 million for charity and support live music and unknown artists. Although the Government plans to consult on changes before the end of the year, there are concerns that current rulings over formats and production quotas could threaten commercial radio output.

Paolo Nutini set to play second Hogmanay concert

Organisers of Edinburgh’s massive New Year’s Eve bash Hogmanay have revealed that Paolo Nutini has added a second concert due to overwhelming public demand. Already booked to play on 31 December, the singer will now perform on 30 too, representing the first time in the event’s history that a second gig has been booked. Tickets for the show, which will happen in the city’s West Princes Street Gardens and is called Night Afore Concert With Paolo Nutini, will go on sale this Friday (October 21) at 9am.

London’s Roundhouse stages Venues Day

Venues Day 2016 takes place today (October 18) at London’s Roundhouse. Organised by the Music Venue Trust, the conference is a national networking event for grassroots music venues spanning the length of Britain. Featuring panels, discussions and more the line-up includes a presentation by UK Music called Building On Progress, with panelists Jo Dipple (UK Music) Ed Vaizey MP, Lord Tim Clement Jones CBE, Laura Dyer  (Arts Council England), Steve Lamacq (BBC Radio 6 Music) and Mark Davyd (Music Venue Trust).

Sound Diplomacy launch inaugural Music Tourism Convention

Music advisory company Sound Diplomacy has announced details of its first ever Music Tourism Convention, in collaboration with Visit Britain and Marketing Liverpool. Taking place at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel from February 16-17 2017, the conference brings together the music and tourism sectors to explore how music impacts, benefits and improves tourism, from festivals to heritage, music trails to food, awards to partnerships. The first wave of speakers includes Sally Balcombe, CEO, Visit Britain, Jo Dipple, CEO, UK Music (authors of Music Tourism: Wish You Were Here), Yaw Owusu, Creative Director, Nothin’ But The Music and Mike Clewley, Cultural Coordinator, Punk London. Tickets are available now priced at £145.

The Courteeners announce biggest ever show

Manchester indie band The Courteeners have revealed plans to play at the city’s 50,000 capacity Emirates Old Trafford next year. Taking place at the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club, the gig is slated for May 27, and the announcement comes in the build up to the release of the band’s fifth album Mapping The Rendezvous, which is due on Ignigtion Records on October 28. The quartet will be supported by The Charlatans, Blossoms and Cabbage, with tickets on sale from Friday October 21 at 9am. In 2015, The Courteeners played Manchester’s 25,000 capacity Heaton Park and completed a record-breaking seven night run at its Apollo venue. The band are also set to tour the UK in November.

Akala to play MCM London Comic Con

London rapper Akala will perform live at comic convention MCM London Comic Con to launch new graphic novel Visions. On October 29, the BAFTA and MOBO award-winning artist will present an hour-long immersive performance of Visions as well as readings from his 2014 illustrated poem The Ruins Of Empires. MCM London Comic Con will welcome over 130,000 visitors to London’s Excel Centre. Tickets are on sale now.

French rights societies join forces to help musicians

France's two neighbouring rights societies representing artists, performers and musicians, Adami and Spedidam, have announced plans to join forces to create a key player in the field of artist rights. In 2015, the combined collections of Spedidam and Adami exceeded €136 million (£123m), benefiting over 100, 000 artists. For a long time foes, Adami and Spedidam said at a press conference in Paris that the agreement was made necessary by a global context that "requires the gathering of forces" in order to guarantee fair remuneration for creators. The agreement was negotiated between the two societies under the guidance of the French ministry of culture.

Hailee Steinfeld tops Official Trending Chart

Californian singer Hailee Steinfeld tops this week’s chart with Starving, her single with Grey and featuring Zedd. Climbing from 17the single is the follow up to Rock Bottom (feat. DNCE) and represents a latest foray into music for the actress and model who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in 2010 film True Grit. Two Polydor releases, Neiked’s Sexual and Don’t Wanna Know by Maroon 5 (feat. Kendrick Lamar) sit in second and third respectively. The top five is completed by Little Mix’s new single Shout Out To My Ex (premiered on The X Factor) and The Vamps All Night (feat. Matoma). The full Top 20 is outlined below.

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