Music Week’s round-up of essential biz stories you might have missed…
ADA Worldwide to distribute dBpm Records
ADA Worldwide has agreed an exclusive partnership with dBpm Records, a full-service record label founded in 2011 by the band Wilco. ADA Worldwide will support the label globally across sales, distribution and retail marketing for all upcoming releases, including Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy’s new solo album.
“We are thrilled to welcome dBpm Records to the ADA family,” says ADA Worldwide president Eliah Seton. “It’s a privilege to contribute in any way to their iconic musical careers and to provide Jeff and Wilco access to global distribution and label services as they take this next step.”
Concord’s Craft Recordings ups Michele Smith
Craft Recordings, a part of Concord Music, has promoted Michele Smith to the newly developed position of VP, estate and legacy brand management. Smith will work with Craft Recordings, theatrical properties represented by Concord Music as well as the company’s Film & TV, direct-to-consumer and publishing areas.
In her new role, she will continue to be the main point person for all Stax brand initiatives including musicals, documentaries, merchandise and live events. She will also be responsible for leading Concord Music’s estate management business, which includes the Billie Holiday and Tammy Wynette estates.
“It is exciting to be able to create new opportunities for the legendary Stax brand as well as to work with the estates of the musical trailblazers who have entrusted us with their legacies,” said Smith.
Kobalt’s formidable Jesse & Joy
Kobalt has signed Mexican-American singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Jesse & Joy. The worldwide agreement includes publishing administration for the sibling duo’s new single Te Esperé and future works.
“Jesse & Joy transcend all boundaries when it comes to making music, crafting timeless songs that always hit emotional chords - both in English and Spanish,” said Kobalt Music VP creative, Latin America, Leslie Ahrens. “We’re very honoured to have them join the Kobalt family and equally as excited to work jointly with them in collaborating with other artists and writers of their distinct caliber.”
Ole signs Eric Ethridge
Publisher and rights management company Ole has agreed a worldwide 360 deal to sign singer-songwriter Eric Ethridge to its Red Dot label. The deal includes publishing and recording rights, administration of all properties on YouTube and the acquisition of Ethridge’s self-titled debut EP.
“Eric is an incredibly talented singer-songwriter and we are very excited to have him on our label,” said Ole’s CEO, Helen Murphy.
Audio Always recruits Absolute exec
Dave Masterman is to join independent production company Audio Always, based in Salford’s Media City, as head of content in early 2019. He will lead the team responsible for delivering a range of broadcast content across the BBC and commercial networks, as well as audio projects for streaming and digital platforms. Currently programme manager at Absolute Radio, Mastermind looks after the daytime output of the station, including the Dave Berry Breakfast Show.
Masterman said: “As the audio landscape continues to evolve, it’s an incredibly exciting time for Audio Always, so the chance to move back up North and join such a creative and ambitious team was an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
Sesame Street team
Warner Music Group’s Arts Music division and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organisation behind Sesame Street, have teamed up to re-launch Sesame Street Records in the US and Canada. As a result of the multi-year deal, a catalogue of Sesame Street recordings is now available across digital streaming and download platforms, with brand-new compilation titles on CD and vinyl formats.
Arts Music’s plans for the imprint include never-before-released music from current and past seasons of Sesame Street, including appearances by pop stars and other notable celebrities. Titles featuring new songs will debut in early 2019.
“Sesame Street and music have had a longstanding harmony that began nearly 50 years ago. I’m thrilled this partnership with Sesame Workshop is our first initiative for Arts Music in the kids’ music space,” said Kevin Gore, president of Warner Music’s Arts Music division. “I watched the first episode, owned their first album, shared this music with my kids, and I can’t think of a better brand or mission as our foundation in this space.”
