Iovine speaks on future of Apple Music
Apple Music exec Jimmy Iovine has addressed misconceptions about his strategy for the company in a new interview. "What everyone's writing is the obvious right now," he said. "They're writing, 'People in the record business are getting into tech so they can talk to people in the record business.' That's hogwash." He added: "We are an adjunct to labels and artists. We are building something that can help labels and artists and undiscovered artists. Yeah, it's a popular culture company, but it's also a tool. And that's what we're building. We're not in the record business." (Billboard)
Lollapalooza festival to expand to France
Lollapalooza is to expand to Paris, France, next year at the Longchamp racecourse from July 22-23. The brand already has festivals in the US, Chile, Brazil, Argentina and Germany. There is also speculation that hard rock festival Download will debut in Spain in June. (IQ via Telerama).
Trio team up for Triple Tigers
Thirty Tigers has established a new imprint, Triple Tigers, in partnership with Triple 8 Management and Sony Music, targeting the commercial country format. Norbert Nix, most recently Columbia Nashville VP of promotion, will act as Triple Tigers GM and develop a dedicated promotion staff. (Billboard)
Music Biz adds Pandora and Spotify reps to board
The Music Business Association (Music Biz) has elected representatives from Pandora and Spotify to fill vacancies on its board of directors, whilst promoting an existing member to fill the executive committee seat of former Music Biz treasurer John Trickett, who passed away in August. Elizabeth Moody, vice president, global content, licensing at Pandora, and Rob Harvey, head of label relations, North America, at Spotify, will join the board, with Moody becoming Pandora’s first Music Biz representative. Existing board member Matt Signore, president, WEA, will become the new treasurer. (Music Week)
Spotify names Bruno Crolot as GM for France
Former Midem head Bruno Crolot has been named as the new general manager for Spotify France and Benelux. Crolot, who has previously worked at Universal Music, Noos, Orange and Sony Music, will be responsible for defining and deploying Spotify's development strategy in France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg. He was head of Midem from 2010 to 2015.
Rod Stewart receives knighthood
Rod Stewart received his knighthood from Prince William at Buckingham Palace yesterday. The singer was honoured in the Queen's birthday honours list in recognition of his services to music and charity. (BBC)
FreshTunes makes strong start
New digital music distribution service FreshTunes has entered the market, offering independent artists a free to use service to distribute music onto all major music streaming platforms and digital stores. In six months, the start-up has amassed close to 50,000 tracks and has users in 84 countries. Co-founded by Nikolay Okorokov, the service is headquartered in Dubai with the tech and operational hub in Moscow. It has also already set up offices in Brazil and the UK.
New VIP bar for Echo Arena Liverpool
Construction is underway on a new VIP bar at Echo Arena Liverpool. The venue is set to add another upscale area for guests, constructing a mezzanine level and bar area inside the arena concourse which will offer spectacular views across the waterfront. Up to 150 visitors will be able to enjoy a range of drinks before, during and after shows, as well as a selection of food offers, with hosted table service available.
DJ marathon set for Oxjam
A 24-hour DJ marathon, featuring the likes of Basement Jaxx, Rob da Bank, Secretsundaze and Horse Meat Disco, will be taking place at Work Bar in Islington today as part of Oxfam’s Oxjam Music Festival. The main event will run from 7pm to 3.30am. DJ Magazine will be hosting an exclusive 24-hour live stream direct from Work’s basement rave cave and cocktail bar from 1pm.
