Music sector contributes £4.1bn to UK economy
Increased export growth across the music sector contributed to a £4.1 billion overall contribution to the UK’s economy in 2015. That's according to the fourth edition of UK Music's annual Measuring Music report, which is published today. Culture secretary, Karen Bradley (pictured) said: "Of all the albums sold across the globe last year an incredible one in six was by a British artist. The extraordinary success of artists like Coldplay and Adele added billions to our economy. We want to maintain and build on that success. The Government is working closely with industry bodies, such as UK Music, to make it easier for these artists to do business and is investing in music education to nurture the next wave of successful British artists, who we want to see perform across the whole world." A more comprehensive analysis of the figures appears in this week's Music Week and will be covered further at musicweek.com.
Coldplay India concert confirmed
Coldplay are heading to India to perform at the MMRDA Grounds (Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority) in Mumbai, as part of the Global Citizen festival, which is being held for the first time in the country. The band will headline the event, which will reportedly feature 70% Indian artists. (Times Of India)
MTV in Wonderland with new live music series
MTV is launching new weekly live music series Wonderland. The series, which will consist of 10 one-hour episodes, will debut on MTV on Thursday in the US, beginning with performances from artists Tinashe, Ty Dolla $ign, and Broods. The official MTV Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram will offer behind-the-scenes moments from the artists, and after-show videos will be added to Facebook Live and MTV.com after each airing. (Entertainment Weekly)
Madness pay tribute to Prince Buster
Madness paid tribute to ska legend Prince Buster during BBC Radio 2 at Hyde Park. Suggs dedicated The Prince, their first single, to the Jamaican musician, who died on Thursday. The band took their name from a Prince Buster song and later covered one his tracks, One Step Beyond. Elton John headlined yesterday's one-day festival at Hyde Park, which also featured acts such as Status Quo, Gregory Porter, LeeAnn Rimes, Jamie Lawson and Travis. (BBC)
Blonde arrives on Spotify
Frank Ocean's Blonde has finally landed on Spotify. The chart-topping album was initially an Apple exclusive upon its release on August 20.
Bestival performance was The Cure's first live festival broadcast
The Cure's headline set at Bestival was their first ever to be broadcast live from a festival. The two hour-plus set was featured by Red Bull TV as part of its Season Of Festivals. Other artists to be screened over the weekend at the event on the Isle of Wight included Sunday’s main stage headliner Wiz Khalifa, Craig David’s TS5, Wolf Alice, Ride, Lady Leshurr, Benjamin Damage and Tourist.
O2 Academy Oxford gets new PA system
Academy Music Group (AMG) has enlisted Liverpool based installation specialist Adlib to supply and install a Coda Audio LA12 / SC8 PA system at its 1,020-capacity O2 Academy Oxford venue. As the busiest and largest venue in the city, AMG required investment in a system for a demanding live events schedule of up to 250 shows a year.
New Music Week out now
The September 12 issue of Music Week focuses on the live music statistics highlighted in the Measuring Music report and what it says about the threats facing the grassroots scene. Island Records' Darcus Beese takes the Big Interview slot, while there is also a full preview of Musexpo Europe and this year's Hyundai Mercury Prize, a profile on venue operator The Columbo Group and a tribute to the late events executive Fiona Haycock. Subscribe here.
