Latest news with #ArtistsoftheYear
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Music Industry Moves: Nashville Vet Leslie Fram Launches FEMco Consulting; Joshua Simons, Dave Lory and Dick Wingate Announce Worldwide Entertainment Group
Veteran Nashville music executive Leslie Fram has officially announced her new business venture, FEMco (Fram Entertainment & Music), a consulting collective offering artist development, talent booking and production, and B2B connections to Nashville's entertainment community. FEMco will capitalize on Fram's 13-year tenure in Nashville as SVP of music and talent at CMT/Paramount, as well as her many years working in radio. While at CMT, Fram executive-produced the annual CMT Music Awards, booked CMT Crossroads, Storytellers and more. Most recently, she served as Talent Producer on CBS' 'Ringo & Friends at the Ryman.' More from Variety CMT's Longtime Music Chief Leslie Fram Pens Farewell to Staff as Country Industry Wonders About Channel's Future Lainey Wilson to Be Celebrated as Top Breakout Artist for CMT's Artists of the Year Special CMT's Leslie Fram Leads the Charge to Bring Women Back Out of Country Music's Margins: Strictly Business Podcast Fram says, 'I've always wanted to start my own company, one that was intentionally designed as a purpose-driven business that aligns with my personal and professional aspirations. Through my time in radio and television I've gained a wealth of knowledge, skills and insights from various roles, industries and projects that are not just a collection of past events but a foundation for this very kind of endeavor.' FEMco will also create multiple opportunities for female artists to increase their visibility and reach via events, sponsorships and more through its music-focused production arm, FEMco Presents. Its first franchise, FEMcountry is a continuation of Fram's work in creating critically-acclaimed programs like CMT's Next Women of Country and her passion for elevating female voices in country music. + Veteran entertainment execs Joshua Simons, Dave Lory and Dick Wingate have announced the formation of Worldwide Entertainment Group, a New York-based company providing musical artists with a 'holistic management experience.' The company offers a full spectrum of services including talent management, marketing, promotion, licensing, event management and career development. The first projects include Brian Fresco, whose first single 'Bad 4 You' features Chance the Rapper and Lil Xel and drops on June 6, and singer/songwriter Hannah Wicklund, who will be recording her new album this month. Other staffers include president Jeff Riccio as president of WEG Licensed Merchandise Group, Sandy Rizzo as executive VP of WEG Talent Management, Licensed Merchandise and Live Performance Groups, Brad Mooberry as chief marketing officer, and Jenn Federici as GM of artist development. Patrick Clifford will be the company's representative in Nashville and A&R. WEG has a distribution deal in place with Jeff Brody, owner of Brody Distribution Group through the Orchard and a merchandise deal with JSR/Forward Merch for the independent artists and projects signed to WEG. WEG also has a partnership in place with Tom Linden, whose company CMMN PPL will be assisting with artist bookings as needed and sourcing touring support opportunities. + Billboard has promoted Mike Van to the role of the publication's first-ever CEO.. In this position, Van will oversee Billboard's global brand footprint in 15 countries, along with all aspects of strategy, revenue, business operations, live experiences, international licensing, and brand partnerships; he will also oversee both the business and editorial teams, with Billboard's editor-in-chief Hannah Karp now reporting to him directly, according to the announcement. Van, who was Billboard's president since 2022, will report to Jay Penske, Chairman and CEO, Penske Media Corporation. He previously held leadership roles at Pandora, Electronic Arts, and Complex. 'Mike is a one-of-a-kind leader, visionary and partner,' said Penske. 'His passion for the Billboard brand and clear vision for its future has always set him apart. Mike has fostered a collaborative environment with a team committed to building a formidable global business – innovating and trailblazing at every level. It has been inspiring to watch Billboard's seismic growth over the last several years and I look forward to seeing the brand continue to thrive under Mike's leadership.' + Splice has announced the acquisition of Spitfire Audio, a major U.K.-based developer of high-end virtual instrument libraries. The acquisition marks Splice's entry into the fast-growing plugin space, adding to the company's Splice Sounds subscriptions and rent-to-own businesses. The companies are set to start work on new products that blend Spitfire Audio's cinematic and orchestral expertise with Splice's sample catalog and AI-powered discovery engine. 'The teams at Spitfire Audio and Splice have deep respect for composers, musicians and producers and are committed to celebrating and supporting their work', said Kakul Srivastava, CEO of Splice. 'We're both sound-first, creator-led companies who believe great software and technology can supercharge the creative experience. Our shared vision is to develop tools that expand—not replace—human creativity.' Srivastava added. 'With Spitfire's expressive instruments and Splice's AI-powered platform, we're just beginning to explore what's possible.' Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in May 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in May 2025
BBC News
30-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
In pictures: BBC 6 Music festival takes over Greater Manchester
The BBC 6 Music Festival returned to Greater Manchester this week, attracting thousands to sold-out shows across the city. The event, which was broadcast live on the Radio 6 Music station, featured a line-up of acts from across the UK, as well as abroad, including Ezra Collective, Mogwai and Perfume Genius. The festival kicked off on Wednesday with BBC Introducing, a showcase of local and emerging acts jasmine.4.t, Renee Stormz and Adult DVD. Speaking ahead of the event, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: "Our music scene has always been strong, but right now, there's an incredible amount of new talent coming through, alongside a thriving independent scene." Thursday's line-up featured post punk outfit Fat Dog, named one of BBC 6's Artists of the Year for 2024, who were joined on stage at Victoria Warehouse by surprise guest Jessica Winter for a rendition of Satisfaction by Benny Benassi and The Biz. Jazz quintet Ezra Collective then graced the stage, joined by members of London youth organisation Kinteka Bloco for a performance which celebrated the importance of youth clubs across the UK. Speaking on stage, Femi Koleoso of Ezra Collective said: "If you want to make something last forever, you need to create a legacy."He added: "And the legacy comes from giving it away to other people and the other people we choose to give it to are our youth clubs and schools." On Friday, English Teacher, who won the Mercury prize last year for their debut album This Could Be Texas, were joined on stage by surprise guest Richard Hawley to play Transmission by Joy Division. Of the performance at Victoria Warehouse, Hawley said: "[English Teacher are] from Leeds, I'm from Sheffield and we've played a Manchester classic.""Some people might say sacrilege, but I think it's respectful and honourable." Scottish post-rock band Mogwai then played, including two songs in collaboration with local brass ensemble KNDS Fairey Acid Brass. The final night of the festival saw Seattle art pop act Perfume Genius take to the stage at Victoria Warehouse, the day after the release of his new album Glory. Poet and musician Kae Tempest closed the festival, treating the crowd to never-before-heard material. Tempest told 6 Music's Cerys Matthews earlier this week: "I've been lucky enough to be welcomed by 6 Music since the very it just feels like the perfect place to be starting a new campaign." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to
