Music Week’s round-up of essential music biz stories you might have missed...
Written in the stars
The Walk of Fame Selection Committee has announced that Universal Music Group CEO/chairman Sir Lucian Grainge is among those from the film and music industry to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Among the fellow honorees are Billy Idol, 50 Cent and Alicia Keys.
Selection committee chair and walk of famer Vin Di Bona said: “This year’s choices were particularly unique. We were able to recognise the talent of 35 artists who have already built a legacy here in Hollywood.”
New Town Road
Old Town Road creator Lil Nas X released the highly-anticipated 7 EP. After collaborating with country legend Billy Ray Cyrus on the smash-hit remix of his song Old Town Road, Lil Nas X released the single Panini a day before the full EP.
7 EP consists of eight tracks including both the original and remixed version of Old Town Road. The song Rodeo on the EP features a collaboration with Cardi B.
Kasabian spin-off
Kasabian mastermind Serge Pizzorno has announced the release of his debut solo album, The SLP, on August 30. Pizzorno is also set to launch a brief tour following the album’s release, with two dates in London (September 9-10).
Two singles have so far been released from the album – Nobody Else and Favorites featuring Little Simz. He said: “The SLP project will become this sort of place where I can go and just do whatever.”
Stripping the rippers
The stream-ripping website Convert2MP3 has been shut down following legal action taken by IFPI and BVMI. German-based owners of Convert2MP3 handed over their domain and provide financial compensation for infringing on record labels’ copyright.
IFPI CEO Frances Moore said: “Stream ripping is a threat to the entire music ecosystem... The successful outcome of this case sends a clear signal to other stream ripping sites that they should stop their copyright infringing activities or face legal action.”
DEAG expands
German entertainment company DEAG has announced its expansion into French-speaking Switzerland. Led by Michael Drieberg, DEAG is acquiring a majority stake in Live Music Production and Live Music Entertainment.
DEAG expects the expansion will create new opportunities for the live entertainment and ticketing business. Drieberg said: “We are expanding our range of events to include first-class French-speaking artists and events and are gaining excellent access to the French-speaking market.”
Stage right
Cuffe & Taylor are expanding their theatre touring division. They have sold over 180,000 tickets in the last 12 months and are considering further West End opportunities in the future.
Promotor Cheryl Nicholls said: “Cuffe & Taylor has been creating and promoting incredibly successful theatre tours, alongside huge outdoor concerts, for several years now, and it is exciting to see where we will go in the next year.”
By Kayla Effner
