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 Up Next Short Shot on iPhone Debuts Exclusively on Apple Music Today
 
Watch the trailer HERE 
 
Apple Music today announced artist/producer Amorphous as the latest addition to its Up Next program, Apple Music's monthly artist initiative geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent. 
 
Since Jimir Reece Davis was a young child, the Philadelphia artist was always making things—from films to his own beats. On Thanksgiving Day 2020, Amorphous set out to make his father proud and wound up releasing an internet sensation—which has received 2.7 million views—when he posted his mash-up of Rihanna's 2016 hit song "Kiss It Better" and Luther Vandross' 1981 classic "Never Too Much" on Twitter. The mix garnered attention from many artists, such as LL Cool J, DJ Khaled and Bronx rapper Fat Joe, who called him to collaborate on the song, "Sunshine (The Light)," which the two released this year. The track was playlisted across Apple Music top tier playlists R&B NowToday's Hits and It's Lit! and helped catapult his global rise across the platform in just a few short months. 
 
"I am beyond honored and blessed to be selected as Apple's Up Next Artist this month!" said Amorphous. "As a young Black producer, filmmaker, and overall creative, a moment like this is so huge for representation. Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being in a position where I'd be fortunate enough to not only share my talents with the world, but inspire others from a multitude of generations with my own life experiences and creativity. I want to continue the work that has been paved before me and by my producer peers beside me by showing that we deserve to be treated as main artists, because that is what we are. I am so thankful to Apple for getting behind that vision."
 
"Amorphous is a DIY success story that has been amazing to watch in real time," said Apple Music 1 host Dotty. "Many of us have been there since he first began uploading mash ups online and now we get to see the beginnings of his transformation into a production superstar. Amorphous is a creative force that is destined for incredible things in music and beyond."
 
In his Up Next film out today, Amorphous shares details of his journey, from growing up in a supportive household with three different generations of musical influences to channeling his creative energy into music and film after being outed in 7th grade. He tells Apple Music: "I just was like 'You know what, at this point, you might as well just embrace who you are and embrace your creativity.' I think for me, the way that I kind of expressed myself even in a way of like dealing with certain traumatic events, was just me creating....it was a way for me to kind of like discover other people that were just like me. That's when I became the behind-the-scenes person."
 
Additional Up Next campaign moments include a Jimmy Kimmel Live! performance on July 12 and a sit down interview with Apple Music 1's Dotty, where he discusses what it was like working with R&B superstar Brandy, how Oprah gave him a new computer, and other guest vocalists that will appear on his debut EP.
 
Watch the Apple Music Amorphous Up Next film HERE
 
Check out his Apple Music 1 interview with Dotty HERE
 
Stream the Things Take Shape (Apple Music Up Next Film Edition) album today and add the Apple Music Up Next Playlist into your listening rotation.
 
 

29 May 2025 | Press release

Abbey Road Music Photography Awards - open For 2025 submissions

THE AWARDS CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS ON THURSDAY 2 OCTOBER 2025   THIS YEAR’S JUDGING PANEL: RANKIN, NILE RODGERS, DJO/JOE KEERY, SCARLET PAGE, DIMITRI FROM PARIS, ERIC BURTON (BLACK PUMAS), BOLADE BANJO, JANETTE BECKMAN, TOM PALLANT, SHOT BY NEE,...more

29 May 2025 | Press release

UK recorded music exports rose to a £794 million high in 2024 as British artists continued to shine on the world stage, but growth slowed in the face of rising global challenges

Long-term label investment in talent continues to drive success, with a new generation of artists, and established stars such as Central Cee, Charli XCX, Dua Lipa & Queen among the world’s most streamed. UK recorded music exports rose in value by...more

29 May 2025 | Press release

Tixel become first ticketing company to introduce levy for LIVE Trust

Tixel become first ticketing company to introduce levy for LIVE Trust to support grassroots live music, also donates £20,000 to LIVE to assist their wider work advocating for the UK live music sector A £1 LIVE Trust Contribution will apply to...more

29 May 2025 | Press release

BBC One announces Little Simz: Live at the BBC

BBC One have announced Little Simz: Live at the BBC, featuring Mercury Prize and Ivor Novello Award winning rapper Little Simz.    Little Simz: Live at the BBC will be a special programme containing performances from her new unreleased album as well...more

29 May 2025 | Press release

Amazon launches exclusive range of Oasis merchandise

Ahead of the band’s Live ‘25 tour this year, Amazon re-release iconic tour merch from Oasis’ 30-year career First design “Knebworth 1996” available now - here Amazon announces the launch of an exclusive range of Oasis merchandise, ahead of the band’s hugely anticipated...more

29 May 2025 | Press release

Stationhead Unveils Collections, a New Way for Superfans to Strut Their (Digital) Stuff

  Stationhead, the platform where superfans are forged, is announcing a new, fan-demanded feature that builds on its recent e-commerce expansion. Called Collections, it will allow fans to show off all the merch they’ve purchased through Stationhead Shop, be it physical...more

29 May 2025 | Press release

Symphonic Distribution Partners with Hitmakers Entertainment, Home of Rising Pop and R&B Star Tash

Partnership with acclaimed producer Mark Feist’s label marks major step in Symphonic’s Asia-Pacific (APAC) expansion   Symphonic Distribution, a leading music technology and services company for independent labels, managers, and artists, today announced a new partnership with Hitmakers Entertainment, the label behind rising...more

29 May 2025 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing Signs Purple Disco Machine to Global Deal

Sony Music Publishing today announced the worldwide signing of GRAMMY-award winning, multi-platinum certified songwriter, producer, artist, remixer and DJ Purple Disco Machine to an exclusive songwriter agreement.  A joint venture between SMP’s German and UK offices, Sony Music Publishing will...more

29 May 2025 | Press release

Disciples' billion-streaming artist Duvall launches SyncIt, an intelligent platform for discovering and licensing quality electronic music

  Artists can host their music for free, while SyncIt takes a market-low commission on completed syncs. Music Supervisors, brands and agencies benefit from fast, high-quality results tailored for visual media. SyncIt delivers expert-curated human-made music in seconds through its AI-powered search and...more

28 May 2025 | Press release

PMC's Iconic Brands Unveil Lineup for Inaugural SXSW London 2025

Must-see concerts, experiences, panel discussions, thought leadership, parties and more from Rolling Stone, Billboard, Golden Globes, Deadline, Sportico, Artforum, Luminate, and The American Pavilion    Today, Penske Media Corporation's (PMC) iconic brands announced a compelling lineup of activations for the inaugural South by...more

28 May 2025 | Press release

Songfox Taps Musical AI as Partner in New AI-Powered Music Creation Platform

  Soon-to-launch music creation startup is linking forces with the leading AI rights management platform for music. Songfox, a new Sweden-based generative AI startup offering powerful creative possibilities to music lovers, is teaming up with Musical AI to ensure its data is...more

28 May 2025 | Press release

MEWEM receives IMPALA's revamped 2025 Changemaker Award for pioneering mentorship and empowering underrepresented voices in the music industry

IMPALA is pleased to announce the 2025 recipient of its revamped Changemaker Award: MEWEM, a pioneering mentoring programme that supports women and gender minorities, including female, trans, and non-binary talents, encouraging them to become entrepreneurs and to increase representation within the music industry. The programme...more

28 May 2025 | Press release

Dance legend Bob Sinclar signs global deal with Warner Chappell Music

  Bob Sinclar, the internationally renowned record producer, DJ and remixer, has signed a global administration and sub-publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM), the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group (WMG).  The deal covers a catalog of more than 350...more

28 May 2025 | Press release

Mahogany Songs Releases First Year Report: Artists' Monthly Listeners Up +250%

  Now working with 148 hand picked artists across 18 countries Over 4,400 artist applications received over past 12 months  Plans move into publishing & second round of Mahogany Music Fund grants   Mahogany Songs, the artist services arm run by multi-platform music brand Mahogany,...more

28 May 2025 | Press release

Featured Artists Coalition partners with WeAre8 to reshape the future of social media for artists

The Featured Artists Coalition (FAC), the UK trade organisation representing the rights and interests of music artists, has joined WeAre8 – The People's Platform to support a healthier, more positive digital space for artists and fans alike. While social media remains...more

28 May 2025 | Press release

Downtown Music Publishing Africa Launches: Sheer Rebrands and Sets the Stage for an Expanded Suite of Services

After nearly three decades as one of Africa’s most trusted, creator-first independent music publishers, Sheer Publishing Africa is reintroducing itself to the world as Downtown Music Publishing Africa. Effective 27 May 2025, the rebrand is more than a visual refresh...more

28 May 2025 | Press release

Music tech company Tickets For Good announces Derek Deveaux as Global COO as part of international expansion

  Tickets For Good has UK, EU and U.S. divisions and almost 500k registered users. Recipients include healthcare workers, teachers, and charity workers. It's distributed 1million+ free and discounted tickets from 1,000+ live event partners, including Dua Lipa, Idles, Robbie Williams, Ticketmaster, UB40,...more

28 May 2025 | Press release

Rock en Seine's 2025 line-up is almost complete with 39 new names added

The full list of artists performing at Rock en Seine 2025 is almost complete! After unveiling around thirty names in recent months, the festival is now doubling down: 39 new artists and bands are joining the line up. The festival...more

27 May 2025 | Press release

Frontiers Label Group announces Tim Bailey as new Head of Label – International

Frontiers Label Group is thrilled to announce the appointment of Tim Bailey as new Head of Label - International.  A respected industry executive with nearly two decades of experience across live music and recorded music, Bailey brings a proven track record...more

24 May 2025 | Press release

Tapping into verified fandom: Disturbed establishes 110,897 direct-to-fan connections on its 25th anniversary tour

Powered by IYK's Verified Fandom platform, Disturbed identified 37% of the fans who attended The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour, establishing over 110k direct connections with fans via its NFC-tagged merch, VIP passes and show check-ins During the North American leg of The...more

23 May 2025 | Press release

Lilly Raye and Warner Chappell Music extend their strategic partnership

  Warner Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has extended its strategic joint venture partnership with Lilly Raye Music, the management company and publisher run by founder Edward Matthew and A&R Manager Justin Martinez. The partnership, established in...more

23 May 2025 | Press release

amp Sound Branding Launches Sonic Hub: The World's First End-to-End AI Audio Operating System for Brands, Agencies, and Content Creators

New Partnership with SourceAudio Adds Over 30 Million Fully Licensed Tracks to the Only All-in-One Web-Based Platform that Centralizes Music and Voice Creation, Management, and Strategy for Audio Management Excellence   amp Sound Branding, a global leader in the audio branding industry...more

22 May 2025 | Press release

Blue Flowers Celebrates 20 Years - Announces Special Live Show on 9th July

Marking two decades of championing some of the most exciting talent the UK has to offer, Blue Flowers — the West London collective that evolved from a beloved local live night into one of the UK’s most respected independent record...more

22 May 2025 | Press release

Barclays announces new partnerships with two of the UK's most iconic venues: The O2 and Co-op Live

Barclays continues to expand its impressive sponsorship portfolio through multi-year venue partnerships, aligning with some of the UK’s biggest passions    Ahead of a huge summer of events, Barclays today announces its brand-new partnerships with two of the most iconic live venues...more

22 May 2025 | Press release

Independent Venue Community announce a wave of new supporters, including The Last Dinner Party, Radiohead's Philip Selway and Public Service Broadcasting

  The BRIT Award-winning band are announced as Ambassadors during a Parliamentary reception for IVC - the recently-launched sister charity of Independent Venue Week, that aims to promote daytime community activities in music venues 18 patrons have also come onboard to support...more

22 May 2025 | Press release

TikTok and SoundCloud announce new Add to Music App partnership

SoundCloud and TikTok are pleased to announce a new partnership that will see SoundCloud integrated into TikTok's music discovery feature, Add to Music App.    Add to Music App is a feature which gives music fans the ability to save the songs they discover on TikTok to...more

22 May 2025 | Press release

Winners of The Ivors with Amazon Music 2025 announced

CHARLI XCX AWARDED SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR WITH AMAZON MUSIC U2 PRESENTED WITH FELLOWSHIP OF THE ACADEMY BY ED SHEERAN BRANDON FLOWERS PRESENTED WITH SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL AWARD BY IVORS ACADEMY FELLOW BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN ROBBIE WILLIAMS RECEIVES THE PRS FOR MUSIC ICON AWARD 'GIFT OF THE...more

22 May 2025 |

The Great Escape 2025 review

From our (read landlord’s) cloudy kitchen in Hackney, we can barely believe Brighton was so pleasant this time last week. Inclemency in the past has always guaranteed full shows for all, all day long, but with over a decade of...more

21 May 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group to relocate New York offices to the Penn District

World leader in music-based entertainment lands new space for Eastern U.S. operations of iconic labels, businesses  New offices will feature state-of-the-art production facilities, retail space and premium digital signage in heart of Manhattan    Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based...more

21 May 2025 | Press release

Department for Business and Trade & Music Technology UK announce inaugural UK MusicTech Mission to Los Angeles

The UK's Department for Business and Trade (DBT), in partnership with Music Technology UK (MTUK), has announced the ten innovative UK music technology companies selected to participate in the inaugural UK MusicTech Mission to Los Angeles, taking place June 9-11,...more

28 May 2025

  • How Live Nation is devouring the live music industry (see Analysis)

27 May 2025

  • Nick Clegg: Artists’ demands over copyright are unworkable (see News)

  • Beeban Kidron: We have a chance to prevent AI decimating Britain’s creative industries – but it’s slipping away (see Comment)

23 May 2025

  • The Ivors Academy: "creating the global recognition that songwriters and composers deserve" (see News)

22 May 2025

  • SoundCloud integrates into TikTok's Add to Music App (see Digital)

21 May 2025

  • Why some artists are rethinking touring (see Analysis)

  • Spotify reveals its Songs Of Summer predictions (see Digital)

20 May 2025

  • Government defeated for third time in Lords over copyright protection against AI (see News)

  • Young people are being excluded from live music (see Comment)

19 May 2025

  • Lambeth council acted ‘irrationally’ over approval of summer festivals, High Court rules (see News)

  • UK Music and Elton John deliver warning about Government’s AI copyright plans (see News)

16 May 2025

  • You can’t put a price on culture—but you can put a price on saving it (see Comment)

15 May 2025

  • SoundCloud backtracks on AI-related terms-of-use updates (see Digital)

14 May 2025

  • Data Bill returns to the Commons today for crucial vote (see News)