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Charlotte Church signs innovative deal with Power Amp Music
2010-03-10
New album planned for Autumn 2010
London, March 10th 2010 - Power Amp Music have signed an innovative £2 million deal with Charlotte Church that supports the recording of the Welsh singer/songwriter’s new album, which is scheduled for release in the Autumn.
Charlotte spent last year writing new material with a number of co-writers in Nashville and Wales and is now recording an album with recent Grammy Award winning producer Martin Terefe - whose previous credits include Jason Mraz, James Morrison, Jamie Cullum and KT Tunstall.
The deal leaves all marketing and distribution options for the album release open to discussion. As the recording process unfolds her manager, Mark Melton, is free to explore all options currently available, from traditional record label licences on a territory by territory basis through to more recent and innovative routes to market such as direct to retailers.
Charlotte originally rose to fame aged 12 as a classical crossover singer. Her debut album ‘Voice of an Angel’ was a global smash and was followed by 3 further, hugely successful classical albums. In 2005 Charlotte released her first pop album, the platinum selling ‘Tissues and Issues’ and to date she has sold in excess of 10.5 million albums.
In 2006 Charlotte launched her TV career with the awarding winning Charlotte Church Show on Channel 4, which has now run for 3 successful series. On the 15th February this year it was announced that she had agreed to become a panelist on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new talent search TV show, “Over The Rainbow”, the first in a number of TV projects Charlotte has agreed to make with BBC1 over the next few years.
Power Amp Music was launched in 2008 and specializes in delivering bespoke funding solutions to high profile, established artists. Power Amp takes a holistic approach to artist funding, tailoring equitable deals that participate in agreed areas of an artist’s career (including strong and stable revenue sources, such as live and publishing).
Charlotte Church is the company’s second major signing after the iconic British pop band, Madness, who released their gold selling album ‘The Liberty of Norton Folgate’ to critical acclaim and commercial success in 2009 following their deal with Power Amp Music.
Tom Bywater, the founder and CEO of Power Amp Music said, “This is a very exciting deal with a very simple structure. Charlotte had a clear vision of what she wanted to do and we have provided the funding for her to achieve those ambitions while allowing her to retain full creative control and copyright ownership.”
Charlotte Church said “This is a wonderful time to be a recording artist. I am delighted to have signed a groundbreaking deal with Power Amp. It provides me with a financial commitment equivalent to that of a major record company, but with a much greater degree of control and ownership over my career”.
BPI RESPONDS TO UK INTERNET LOBBY ON AMENDMENT 120A
2010-03-10
“The amendment adopted by the House of Lords provides a clear and sensible mechanism to deal with illegal websites. Contrary to the claims in the letter, service providers would in every case be able to ensure that the decision as to whether a site should be blocked is made by the High Court. The court would be required to consider the extent of legal content on a website, any impact on human rights, and whether the website removes infringing content when requested. So the suggestion that the clause would lead to widespread disruption to the Internet or threaten freedom of speech is pure scaremongering.
The signatories to the letter recognise that dealing with illegal websites is a legitimate concern, and have argued in the past that action against illegal downloading should focus on commercial operators. Removing unfair competition from clearly illegal websites will encourage investment in legal online services and improve the legal internet experience for everyone.”
Record of the Day editor Nicola Slade joins UK Music
2010-03-10
UK Music has today announced the appointment of Nicola Slade to a new part-time role of press and communications manager.
Starting March 15th, Nicola will work alongside former Music Week colleague Adam Webb.
She will be stepping down as editor of Record of the Day with immediate effect, but will continue to contribute in a non-editorial capacity to the online magazine.
Feargal Sharkey, Chief Executive of UK Music said: “Nicola is one of the most respected and talented music business journalists in the UK, and I am delighted she is joining the team. Her vast experience and insight will prove an invaluable asset to this industry.”
Nicola added: "I am enormously pleased to be joining UK Music and look forward to being involved in the positive work the organisation has been doing since its inception."
CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT LAUNCHES NORTH AMERICAN EXPANSION
2010-03-10
Taps Industry veteran Rob Weitzner to helm initiative.
London/New York: March 10th, 2010
Consolidated Independent (CI), the leading independent digital media platform, announced that it has
expanded its global footprint with the launch of a NYC based office to extend the company’s presence
and business in North America. CI named Rob Weitzner, a highly regarded digital media executive with
broad industry experience to manage this initiative.
CI has long been considered an innovative and dominant player in the UK & European digital market. The
company has evolved into the most advanced and connected digital media platform provider servicing
many of the leading independent music companies in Europe (e.g. !K7, AWAL, Because Music, Beggars
Group, Demon, Domino, Kompakt, Made in Etaly, Ministry of Sound, Naïve and PIAS). CI is now
extending its successful position and embracing new opportunities presented by the growing complexity
and maturity of the digital music market with an eye towards the world’s largest territory.
Over the past year Weitzner has operated with a dual focus while helping coordinate, orchestrate and
execute the initial phase of CI’s strategic expansion into North America. First, through a number of
marketing outreach endeavors, CI has effectively engaged with a broad cross section of the US
independent sector and educated them with respect to its business model. Activities encompassed
multiple presentations including a gathering of 125 A2IM members during the trade organization’s
successful February ’09 Tech Day Event. CI co-sponsored A2IM’s 4th year Anniversary Celebration and
participated in the first International Independent Label Think Tank in New York and a follow-up session
held in Nashville. Additionally, CI is now lending its support and supply-chain expertise to NARM’s
recently formed Digital Think Tank initiative that aims to drive further rationalization of the delivery and
reporting infrastructure.
Second, CI has leveraged the company’s marketing initiatives to secure new marquee clients for its
media platform services. The success of the venture is evidenced by the fourfold increase in CI’s US
client base over the past year including preeminent and respected label and distributor brands such as
Alligator Records, Dualtone Music Group, Merge Records, Razor & Tie Entertainment, Redeye
Distribution, Righteous Babe Records, and Thirsty Ear Records, adding to existing US clients such
as Virtual Label, Matador and Wind Up Records.
CI’s latest US clients have said:
“CI has allowed us to quickly open and deliver new customers around the world. Their list of active
delivery partners is huge and if we sign a contract with someone we are confident that CI already has
delivery specs for them. It gives us the opportunity to expand without the drag on our internal resources.”
-- Josh Wittman, Marketing Director, Redeye Distribution
"Since we switched to using CI to deliver our digital files, art and metadata, we have found the whole
process much, much simpler than doing it ourselves. Their service is fast, efficient and effective. And
when we've had to call on their support service, they've been extremely responsive. These guys are
professionals in the best sense of the word." -- Bruce Iglauer, President, Alligator Records
“I am truly excited to be able to leverage the platform and technology behind CI’s well-established
leadership position and build the franchise in the US Market.” Weitzner said, “CI’s model has gained real
momentum in The States as more and more rights owners seek to reduce their infrastructure costs,
establish direct control over their distribution, and improve cash flow – the CI platform has proven itself to
be a highly attractive market-tested solution.”
Paul Hitchman, CI director of Business Development, commented: “CI has long held an established
position in the European market, so North American expansion has been our logical next step. We are
delighted by the progress we have made in the US over the last 12 months and are very pleased to
announce that an executive of Rob Weitzner's experience and knowledge has joined our team as North
America Representative “.
CHARLES ALLEN BECOMES EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF EMI MUSIC
2010-03-10
LONDON, 10 MARCH 2010 -- EMI Music announces the appointment of Charles Allen as its Executive Chairman. Charles has been non-executive Chairman of EMI Music since January 2009, chairing its Board and supporting the transformation of the business.
Elio Leoni-Sceti, EMI Music’s Chief Executive, who has successfully led EMI Music through the first phase of its operational turnaround, will be leaving the company on March 31st 2010. Over the past two and a half years, EMI Music has become a stronger and growing company, with a talented senior team, significant creative success and a more rigorous approach to marketing and operations. This has resulted in increased sales, improved market share and industry-leading EBITDA margins.
Charles said: “Elio has done a great job. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him; he is a very talented executive and we all wish him well in the future. Our goals for EMI Music remain the same. I will support and guide the group’s strong team, keep EMI’s focus on creativity and superb A&R, and deliver a digital platform. This is a great business – our task is to ensure it has a great future.”
Elio added: “EMI is a wonderful business with a great team and new creative and operational momentum. My job here is now done and it is time for me to move on. It has been a pleasure to work with Charles and so many other talented and committed people. I look forward to seeing the company go on to further success in the future.”
RHINO ENTERTAINMENT NAMES DAVID DORN SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL SALES AND DIGITAL STRATEGY, U.S. REPERTOIRE
2010-03-09
LOS ANGELES, March 9, 2010—Rhino Entertainment, the catalog division of Warner Music Group (WMG) announced today that David Dorn has been named Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Digital Strategy, U.S. Repertoire. In his new role, Dorn will oversee Rhino’s physical and digital sales, as well as develop the global digital sales and promotion strategy for the company’s U.S. catalog. Based in Los Angeles, Dorn will continue to report to Scott Pascucci, President Rhino Entertainment, and will work closely with Warner Music International (WMI), WEA Corp., WMG’s U.S. labels and the heads of WMG’s regional offices to coordinate overall physical and digital strategy for the Rhino catalog with retail partners around the world.
Dorn will also work closely with WMI affiliates on domestic catalog repertoire strategic planning and sales execution for their expanding digital businesses, as well as assist in the coordination of the release and sales of local domestic Warner Music catalogs around the world.
In making the announcement, Pascucci said: “We have worked aggressively at Rhino to develop a more comprehensive, innovative and effective strategy of bringing our extensive catalog of music, box sets and special edition releases to the widest possible audience. David has been at the forefront of that effort, and his grasp of the marketplace and passion for the music make him the ideal executive to expand that effort and get results.”
“David’s commercial acumen and passionate belief in our roster has always made him a great asset to our international catalog efforts,” said John Reid, CEO, Warner Music Europe and Vice-Chairman, Warner Music International. “In this new role, I’ve no doubt he’ll provide first-class strategic support to our affiliates as we extend the range of experiences through which fans can discover and enjoy Rhino’s remarkable repertoire.”
“It has been a great privilege over the years to work for an amazing company like Rhino with its unparalleled roster of artists and recordings,” said Dorn. “The changing landscape of today’s music business offers many exciting and creative opportunities to enhance the emotional bond our outstanding catalog of artists and their work enjoy with fans around the world. I look forward to working with my Warner colleagues and retail partners globally to foster and grow those connections.”
In his previous position, Dorn was responsible for managing Rhino’s e-Commerce activities in the U.S., as well as running the company’s International department. In his 17 years with the company he has held positions running the company’s media relations, promotions, and new media areas.
SITE OF FIRST SQUEEZE GIG TO BE AWARDED PRS FOR MUSIC HERITAGE PLAQUE
2010-03-08
Legendary pop group Squeeze are to be honoured by the PRS for Music Heritage
Award.
A special plaque will be erected in South East London where the original
group Chris Difford (guitar, vocals, lyrics), Glenn Tilbrook (vocals,
guitar, music), Jools Holland (keyboards), Harry Kakoulli (bass guitar) and
Paul Gunn (drums) first performed, at the Greenwich Dance Hall in 1975.
Difford said "I'm humbled that the birthplace of Squeeze has been chosen to
be marked in this way."
Co-founders Difford and Tilbrook will be present to see the plaque unveiled
in Greenwich on Tuesday March 23rd at 2.30pm. Both local lads, for Tilbrook
"it's a pleasure to return to the place where we performed as Squeeze way
back in 1975, I still buy my cheese just up the road!"
Over the course of their career Squeeze have had hits in both the UK and US
including "Cool for Cats", "Tempted", "Labelled With Love", "Black Coffee",
"Hourglass" and "Up The Junction". Their 'kitchen-sink drama' lyrics and new
wave music, as well as their effortless chemistry, saw Difford and Tilbrook
referred to as "the new Lennon and McCartney". The PRS for Music Heritage
Award marks the start of an exciting 2010 as Squeeze are set for their first
extensive tours of the US and the UK in over 10 years, having only
sporadically gigged since they reformed in 2007.
PRS for Music set up the Heritage Award last year to recognise the unusual
'performance birthplaces' of famous bands and artists. Squeeze is the fourth
band to be given the honour of receiving the permanent plaque, following in
the footsteps of Blur, Dire Straits and Jethro Tull.
PRS for Music Chairman, Ellis Rich said: "With its two very talented song
writers, Squeeze has made an incredible contribution to the British music
scene across three decades. Many of today's most commercially successful and
credible artists, ranging from Razorlight, Ron Sexsmith and Kasabian have
all cited them as a major influence so it's a real pleasure to be honouring
them today with the PRS for Music Heritage Award."
Anyone who was present at the first gig and is interested in attending the
plaque unveiling ceremony or has photos of the performance should contact
heritageplaque@prsformusic.com and will receive an official invite. For any Squeeze press enquiries please contact ben@republicmedia.net.
Spotify makes concert debut with exclusive Amy Macdonald gig
2010-03-08
Music service to broadcast first-ever live performance video content to promote new Amy Macdonald album and UK tour
Spotify users will get the chance to catch an exclusive performance from Scottish songstress Amy Macdonald in a video first for the music service.
From today and for the rest of this week, Spotify Free users across Europe can head to our app’s homepage to watch Amy perform five live tracks taken from her second album ‘A Curious Thing’, which goes on sale today, before she kicks off her UK tour at Inverness Ironworks on March 28th.
The gig, recorded last month in Berlin, will be showcased within Spotify’s video ‘Lightbox’ on the homepage and will feature five tracks from the upcoming album, including ‘Don’t Tell Me That It’s Over’, ‘Spark’ and ‘Love, Love’.
Spotify users in the UK, Spain, France, Sweden, Norway and Finland can watch Amy’s performance from today, March 8th through to Sunday, March 14th. Amy will also ‘take over’ the Spotify home page from today to Wednesday 10th March.
Want to add your news or press release? Simply contact nicola@recordoftheday.com for details.
Charlotte Church signs innovative deal with Power Amp Music
2010-03-10
New album planned for Autumn 2010
London, March 10th 2010 - Power Amp Music have signed an innovative £2 million deal with Charlotte Church that supports the recording of the Welsh singer/songwriter’s new album, which is scheduled for release in the Autumn.
Charlotte spent last year writing new material with a number of co-writers in Nashville and Wales and is now recording an album with recent Grammy Award winning producer Martin Terefe - whose previous credits include Jason Mraz, James Morrison, Jamie Cullum and KT Tunstall.
The deal leaves all marketing and distribution options for the album release open to discussion. As the recording process unfolds her manager, Mark Melton, is free to explore all options currently available, from traditional record label licences on a territory by territory basis through to more recent and innovative routes to market such as direct to retailers.
Charlotte originally rose to fame aged 12 as a classical crossover singer. Her debut album ‘Voice of an Angel’ was a global smash and was followed by 3 further, hugely successful classical albums. In 2005 Charlotte released her first pop album, the platinum selling ‘Tissues and Issues’ and to date she has sold in excess of 10.5 million albums.
In 2006 Charlotte launched her TV career with the awarding winning Charlotte Church Show on Channel 4, which has now run for 3 successful series. On the 15th February this year it was announced that she had agreed to become a panelist on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new talent search TV show, “Over The Rainbow”, the first in a number of TV projects Charlotte has agreed to make with BBC1 over the next few years.
Power Amp Music was launched in 2008 and specializes in delivering bespoke funding solutions to high profile, established artists. Power Amp takes a holistic approach to artist funding, tailoring equitable deals that participate in agreed areas of an artist’s career (including strong and stable revenue sources, such as live and publishing).
Charlotte Church is the company’s second major signing after the iconic British pop band, Madness, who released their gold selling album ‘The Liberty of Norton Folgate’ to critical acclaim and commercial success in 2009 following their deal with Power Amp Music.
Tom Bywater, the founder and CEO of Power Amp Music said, “This is a very exciting deal with a very simple structure. Charlotte had a clear vision of what she wanted to do and we have provided the funding for her to achieve those ambitions while allowing her to retain full creative control and copyright ownership.”
Charlotte Church said “This is a wonderful time to be a recording artist. I am delighted to have signed a groundbreaking deal with Power Amp. It provides me with a financial commitment equivalent to that of a major record company, but with a much greater degree of control and ownership over my career”.
BPI RESPONDS TO UK INTERNET LOBBY ON AMENDMENT 120A
2010-03-10
“The amendment adopted by the House of Lords provides a clear and sensible mechanism to deal with illegal websites. Contrary to the claims in the letter, service providers would in every case be able to ensure that the decision as to whether a site should be blocked is made by the High Court. The court would be required to consider the extent of legal content on a website, any impact on human rights, and whether the website removes infringing content when requested. So the suggestion that the clause would lead to widespread disruption to the Internet or threaten freedom of speech is pure scaremongering.
The signatories to the letter recognise that dealing with illegal websites is a legitimate concern, and have argued in the past that action against illegal downloading should focus on commercial operators. Removing unfair competition from clearly illegal websites will encourage investment in legal online services and improve the legal internet experience for everyone.”
Record of the Day editor Nicola Slade joins UK Music
2010-03-10
UK Music has today announced the appointment of Nicola Slade to a new part-time role of press and communications manager.
Starting March 15th, Nicola will work alongside former Music Week colleague Adam Webb.
She will be stepping down as editor of Record of the Day with immediate effect, but will continue to contribute in a non-editorial capacity to the online magazine.
Feargal Sharkey, Chief Executive of UK Music said: “Nicola is one of the most respected and talented music business journalists in the UK, and I am delighted she is joining the team. Her vast experience and insight will prove an invaluable asset to this industry.”
Nicola added: "I am enormously pleased to be joining UK Music and look forward to being involved in the positive work the organisation has been doing since its inception."
CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT LAUNCHES NORTH AMERICAN EXPANSION
2010-03-10
Taps Industry veteran Rob Weitzner to helm initiative.
London/New York: March 10th, 2010
Consolidated Independent (CI), the leading independent digital media platform, announced that it has
expanded its global footprint with the launch of a NYC based office to extend the company’s presence
and business in North America. CI named Rob Weitzner, a highly regarded digital media executive with
broad industry experience to manage this initiative.
CI has long been considered an innovative and dominant player in the UK & European digital market. The
company has evolved into the most advanced and connected digital media platform provider servicing
many of the leading independent music companies in Europe (e.g. !K7, AWAL, Because Music, Beggars
Group, Demon, Domino, Kompakt, Made in Etaly, Ministry of Sound, Naïve and PIAS). CI is now
extending its successful position and embracing new opportunities presented by the growing complexity
and maturity of the digital music market with an eye towards the world’s largest territory.
Over the past year Weitzner has operated with a dual focus while helping coordinate, orchestrate and
execute the initial phase of CI’s strategic expansion into North America. First, through a number of
marketing outreach endeavors, CI has effectively engaged with a broad cross section of the US
independent sector and educated them with respect to its business model. Activities encompassed
multiple presentations including a gathering of 125 A2IM members during the trade organization’s
successful February ’09 Tech Day Event. CI co-sponsored A2IM’s 4th year Anniversary Celebration and
participated in the first International Independent Label Think Tank in New York and a follow-up session
held in Nashville. Additionally, CI is now lending its support and supply-chain expertise to NARM’s
recently formed Digital Think Tank initiative that aims to drive further rationalization of the delivery and
reporting infrastructure.
Second, CI has leveraged the company’s marketing initiatives to secure new marquee clients for its
media platform services. The success of the venture is evidenced by the fourfold increase in CI’s US
client base over the past year including preeminent and respected label and distributor brands such as
Alligator Records, Dualtone Music Group, Merge Records, Razor & Tie Entertainment, Redeye
Distribution, Righteous Babe Records, and Thirsty Ear Records, adding to existing US clients such
as Virtual Label, Matador and Wind Up Records.
CI’s latest US clients have said:
“CI has allowed us to quickly open and deliver new customers around the world. Their list of active
delivery partners is huge and if we sign a contract with someone we are confident that CI already has
delivery specs for them. It gives us the opportunity to expand without the drag on our internal resources.”
-- Josh Wittman, Marketing Director, Redeye Distribution
"Since we switched to using CI to deliver our digital files, art and metadata, we have found the whole
process much, much simpler than doing it ourselves. Their service is fast, efficient and effective. And
when we've had to call on their support service, they've been extremely responsive. These guys are
professionals in the best sense of the word." -- Bruce Iglauer, President, Alligator Records
“I am truly excited to be able to leverage the platform and technology behind CI’s well-established
leadership position and build the franchise in the US Market.” Weitzner said, “CI’s model has gained real
momentum in The States as more and more rights owners seek to reduce their infrastructure costs,
establish direct control over their distribution, and improve cash flow – the CI platform has proven itself to
be a highly attractive market-tested solution.”
Paul Hitchman, CI director of Business Development, commented: “CI has long held an established
position in the European market, so North American expansion has been our logical next step. We are
delighted by the progress we have made in the US over the last 12 months and are very pleased to
announce that an executive of Rob Weitzner's experience and knowledge has joined our team as North
America Representative “.
CHARLES ALLEN BECOMES EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF EMI MUSIC
2010-03-10
LONDON, 10 MARCH 2010 -- EMI Music announces the appointment of Charles Allen as its Executive Chairman. Charles has been non-executive Chairman of EMI Music since January 2009, chairing its Board and supporting the transformation of the business.
Elio Leoni-Sceti, EMI Music’s Chief Executive, who has successfully led EMI Music through the first phase of its operational turnaround, will be leaving the company on March 31st 2010. Over the past two and a half years, EMI Music has become a stronger and growing company, with a talented senior team, significant creative success and a more rigorous approach to marketing and operations. This has resulted in increased sales, improved market share and industry-leading EBITDA margins.
Charles said: “Elio has done a great job. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him; he is a very talented executive and we all wish him well in the future. Our goals for EMI Music remain the same. I will support and guide the group’s strong team, keep EMI’s focus on creativity and superb A&R, and deliver a digital platform. This is a great business – our task is to ensure it has a great future.”
Elio added: “EMI is a wonderful business with a great team and new creative and operational momentum. My job here is now done and it is time for me to move on. It has been a pleasure to work with Charles and so many other talented and committed people. I look forward to seeing the company go on to further success in the future.”
RHINO ENTERTAINMENT NAMES DAVID DORN SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL SALES AND DIGITAL STRATEGY, U.S. REPERTOIRE
2010-03-09
LOS ANGELES, March 9, 2010—Rhino Entertainment, the catalog division of Warner Music Group (WMG) announced today that David Dorn has been named Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Digital Strategy, U.S. Repertoire. In his new role, Dorn will oversee Rhino’s physical and digital sales, as well as develop the global digital sales and promotion strategy for the company’s U.S. catalog. Based in Los Angeles, Dorn will continue to report to Scott Pascucci, President Rhino Entertainment, and will work closely with Warner Music International (WMI), WEA Corp., WMG’s U.S. labels and the heads of WMG’s regional offices to coordinate overall physical and digital strategy for the Rhino catalog with retail partners around the world.
Dorn will also work closely with WMI affiliates on domestic catalog repertoire strategic planning and sales execution for their expanding digital businesses, as well as assist in the coordination of the release and sales of local domestic Warner Music catalogs around the world.
In making the announcement, Pascucci said: “We have worked aggressively at Rhino to develop a more comprehensive, innovative and effective strategy of bringing our extensive catalog of music, box sets and special edition releases to the widest possible audience. David has been at the forefront of that effort, and his grasp of the marketplace and passion for the music make him the ideal executive to expand that effort and get results.”
“David’s commercial acumen and passionate belief in our roster has always made him a great asset to our international catalog efforts,” said John Reid, CEO, Warner Music Europe and Vice-Chairman, Warner Music International. “In this new role, I’ve no doubt he’ll provide first-class strategic support to our affiliates as we extend the range of experiences through which fans can discover and enjoy Rhino’s remarkable repertoire.”
“It has been a great privilege over the years to work for an amazing company like Rhino with its unparalleled roster of artists and recordings,” said Dorn. “The changing landscape of today’s music business offers many exciting and creative opportunities to enhance the emotional bond our outstanding catalog of artists and their work enjoy with fans around the world. I look forward to working with my Warner colleagues and retail partners globally to foster and grow those connections.”
In his previous position, Dorn was responsible for managing Rhino’s e-Commerce activities in the U.S., as well as running the company’s International department. In his 17 years with the company he has held positions running the company’s media relations, promotions, and new media areas.
SITE OF FIRST SQUEEZE GIG TO BE AWARDED PRS FOR MUSIC HERITAGE PLAQUE
2010-03-08
Legendary pop group Squeeze are to be honoured by the PRS for Music Heritage
Award.
A special plaque will be erected in South East London where the original
group Chris Difford (guitar, vocals, lyrics), Glenn Tilbrook (vocals,
guitar, music), Jools Holland (keyboards), Harry Kakoulli (bass guitar) and
Paul Gunn (drums) first performed, at the Greenwich Dance Hall in 1975.
Difford said "I'm humbled that the birthplace of Squeeze has been chosen to
be marked in this way."
Co-founders Difford and Tilbrook will be present to see the plaque unveiled
in Greenwich on Tuesday March 23rd at 2.30pm. Both local lads, for Tilbrook
"it's a pleasure to return to the place where we performed as Squeeze way
back in 1975, I still buy my cheese just up the road!"
Over the course of their career Squeeze have had hits in both the UK and US
including "Cool for Cats", "Tempted", "Labelled With Love", "Black Coffee",
"Hourglass" and "Up The Junction". Their 'kitchen-sink drama' lyrics and new
wave music, as well as their effortless chemistry, saw Difford and Tilbrook
referred to as "the new Lennon and McCartney". The PRS for Music Heritage
Award marks the start of an exciting 2010 as Squeeze are set for their first
extensive tours of the US and the UK in over 10 years, having only
sporadically gigged since they reformed in 2007.
PRS for Music set up the Heritage Award last year to recognise the unusual
'performance birthplaces' of famous bands and artists. Squeeze is the fourth
band to be given the honour of receiving the permanent plaque, following in
the footsteps of Blur, Dire Straits and Jethro Tull.
PRS for Music Chairman, Ellis Rich said: "With its two very talented song
writers, Squeeze has made an incredible contribution to the British music
scene across three decades. Many of today's most commercially successful and
credible artists, ranging from Razorlight, Ron Sexsmith and Kasabian have
all cited them as a major influence so it's a real pleasure to be honouring
them today with the PRS for Music Heritage Award."
Anyone who was present at the first gig and is interested in attending the
plaque unveiling ceremony or has photos of the performance should contact
heritageplaque@prsformusic.com and will receive an official invite. For any Squeeze press enquiries please contact ben@republicmedia.net.
Spotify makes concert debut with exclusive Amy Macdonald gig
2010-03-08
Music service to broadcast first-ever live performance video content to promote new Amy Macdonald album and UK tour
Spotify users will get the chance to catch an exclusive performance from Scottish songstress Amy Macdonald in a video first for the music service.
From today and for the rest of this week, Spotify Free users across Europe can head to our app’s homepage to watch Amy perform five live tracks taken from her second album ‘A Curious Thing’, which goes on sale today, before she kicks off her UK tour at Inverness Ironworks on March 28th.
The gig, recorded last month in Berlin, will be showcased within Spotify’s video ‘Lightbox’ on the homepage and will feature five tracks from the upcoming album, including ‘Don’t Tell Me That It’s Over’, ‘Spark’ and ‘Love, Love’.
Spotify users in the UK, Spain, France, Sweden, Norway and Finland can watch Amy’s performance from today, March 8th through to Sunday, March 14th. Amy will also ‘take over’ the Spotify home page from today to Wednesday 10th March.
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Copyright © Record of the Day † All rights reserved. privacy policy | terms & conditions
tel: +44(0)20 8520 6646
info@recordoftheday.com