Latest news with #WarnerChappell
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Music Industry Moves: Kesha Launches New Community Platform Smash
Kesha has launched Smash, a new community platform where creators connect, collaborate and hire each other and retain rights to whatever they create. 'My goal is to shift the power structure of the music making business in favor of the creators,' said Kesha. 'I signed a predatory deal when I was 18 and then spent more than a decade fighting to regain rights to my voice and image. When I finally gained my freedom I realized the fight wasn't over. I want to make sure what happened to me never happens to anyone else again.' More from Variety Music Industry Moves: Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Kane Brown's Verse 2 Music Renew Partnership Music Industry Moves: WMG Launches Pulse, Data Platform for Artists and Songwriters; Illenium Signs With Republic Music Industry Moves: Trisha Yearwood and Gwendolyn Records Partner With Virgin Music Group Smash was co-founded by CEO Kesha Sebert, CTO Alan Cannistraro and COO Lagan Sebert alongside a team of music industry and tech veterans. Its core mission aims to give creators access to the professional community they need to make music without the need to fight for ownership over what they create. To celebrate the announcement of Smash, Kesha is inviting creators to take part in an exclusive remix challenge for her acclaimed new single, 'Boy Crazy.' Interested participants signing up to the official Smash email list at will receive stems for 'Boy Crazy,' and then have a week to rework it. The best remix will then be personally selected by Kesha and officially released on Kesha Records later this summer. + 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 2020 and expanded in 2023, is focused on supporting collaborations between creatives across Asia, Europe and the United States. The partnership is stepping up its activity in Germany and the Netherlands, with a sharp focus on the dance and electronic scenes, and building its A&R firepower in the UK to support the careers of top-tier talent in that market. The Lilly Raye management team also continues to make waves behind the scenes, contributing to breakout success for artists such as Ayra Starr, Cian Ducrot, Raye and Renee Rapp. Matthew and Martinez said: 'We're delighted to renew our deal with Warner Chappell, which has expanded so much in scope over the past few years. Connecting creative talent across three continents is as exhilarating and inspirational as ever, and Warner Chappell's combination of global firepower, local knowledge and cultural curiosity makes it an essential partner for us.' + Big Loud Records has promoted industry veteran Tyler Waugh to senior VP, radio promotion effective immediately. 'Tyler's leadership, strategic vision and dedication have been instrumental to our continued growth and success,' shared executive VP of radio promotion, Stacy Blythe. 'The deep respect that he earns from the team speaks volumes. We are excited to see the impact that he will make in this new role as Big Loud continues to push boundaries.' The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will honor Cardi B with the distinguished ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award at a private ceremony on June 8 in Los Angeles. Cardi, who claims over 30 ASCAP awards, including the title of ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Songwriter of the Year, will be recognized for her impact on music and culture. Last year, Usher was the recipient of the distinguished award. 'Cardi B has left an indelible mark on the culture of hip-hop by redefining and challenging the norms for women,' said ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams. 'Having broken through countless barriers with her unapologetic authenticity and talent, she continues to use her voice to advocate for and inspire others, a true testament to her undeniable impact. We are proud to present Cardi B with this year's ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award.' + SoundCloud has announced its integration into TikTok's Add to Music App — a music discovery feature that gives music fans the ability to save the songs they discover on TikTok to their preferred music streaming service. Emmy Lovell, SoundCloud's global head of music, said: 'SoundCloud has always been the go-to platform for discovering what's next in music, from emerging artists to breakout genres. Partnering with TikTok makes it easier than ever for fans to save the songs they love and stay connected with the artists behind them. This integration helps turn casual listeners into lifelong superfans while strengthening our commitment to fueling the next generation of music culture.' SoundCloud's addition follows that of Spotify and Apple Music, which together have totaled over a billion track saved. This new integration will begin rolling out to all TikTok users on Wednesday, making it easier for users to save the music they discover on TikTok directly to their Liked Tracks playlist on SoundCloud. Lindsey Kelt Zikry, TikTok's global product partnerships lead, added: 'Tens of millions of TikTok users take advantage of the Add to Music App feature to save the music they discover on TikTok to their favorite streaming platform. We are thrilled to be partnering with SoundCloud – the leading platform helping artists to bring their music from concept to audience – to support emerging and aspiring artists in reaching new fans and superfans on TikTok.' + The Wave Music Group has signed Argentine artist Hana Fox to its roster. In a press release, the Wave Music Group says it's 'reaffirming its commitment to nurturing rising talent while reshaping the future of Latin music through high-level, innovative artistic development.' The Buenos Aires-born singer- songwriter and dancer is known her unique fusion of K-pop and urban pop. After debuting her first singles 'Solo' and 'Oh no' in 2023, Fox released a new single on May 15 called 'JaJa.' 'It's about looking at life with humor and getting through a breakup. I love sharing those emotions with people, and it's also a very personal way of showing who I am and how I think,' said Fox in a statement. + BMI has hired 11 new partners to its recently launched Spark program. Available through the company's online service portal, Spark features discounts, offers and resources to help BMI songwriters and composers elevate their craft. New Spark partners include Backline, iZotope by Native Instruments, Kaotica, Mamas in Music, Pandion Music Foundation, Pinpoint, RoEx, RootNote, Splice, Sight for Sound and TuneHatch. Each service falls within one or more of the program's three areas of focus: 'career development,' 'learn and connect,' and 'well-being and support,' offering invaluable discounts and resources to assist music creators along their creative journeys and help them thrive throughout their new group joins Spark's inaugural partners BandLab, Berklee Online, Cosynd, DISCO for Artists, FedEx, Hutton Hotel and its Writers Studio, LANDR, Manny's, Music Health Alliance, Output, Porter's Call, Rise, School of DISCO and Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. SoFi Technologies has teamed up with Kelsea Ballerini and tnAchieves, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to college access and success, to launch the Rising Stars Program. All of the parties involved have together raised $2 million to help the next generation of Tennessee students achieve financial independence. SoFi will provide tnAchieves with over $500,000 in grants to expand its Complete program. SoFi's contributions will fund students' one-on-one coaching and financial support as they prepare for their careers, as well as a specialized financial readiness curriculum for the 60,000 students across their programs. In addition, to help people start investing early, SoFi is offering every Tennessee resident between the ages of 18 and 24 the opportunity to receive a minimum of $5 in stock of their choosing, at no cost, with a chance to receive up to $1,000 in stock – all with no minimum deposit or fees required. 'It has taken me years of hard work to reach my ambitions, and I've been lucky to have the support of so many people along the way,' said Ballerini. 'I'm incredibly proud to be working with SoFi to give students in Tennessee the financial tools and education they need to succeed. Investing even small amounts of money in your 20s will go further than larger amounts invested later in life. Building true financial independence starts by investing in your future early… in all the ways!' The Rising Stars Program will enable tnAchieves's Complete to expand its support for students across Tennessee to help them meet college enrollment requirements and successfully earn a college credential, from coaching to financial assistance for food, housing, laptops, textbooks, and emergency funds. SoFi will also equip all tnAchieves students with a financial planning curriculum covering topics like budgeting, investing and saving for future life milestones. 'At SoFi, we're committed to helping people achieve financial independence to realize their ambitions. And we know access to financial education, coaching, and investment tools can drive generational wealth and long-term success,' added Lauren Stafford Webb, CMO at SoFi. 'This partnership is about creating real opportunity for young people to get their money right and build the foundation for their financial future. As a mother and a Tennessean, I care deeply about investing in the state's next generation, and SoFi is honored to work alongside Kelsea Ballerini and tnAchieves to make an impact.' + Bandcamp, an online music marketplace and community, has announced that its latest Bandcamp Friday, which took place on May 2, generated over $3.2 million for independent artists in just 24 hours. Celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, Bandcamp Friday was launched during the Covid-19 pandemic to support independent acts. On these selected Fridays, Bandcamp waives its share of revenue, so all artist and label proceeds from music and merch sales go directly to them. Bandcamp Fridays have generated over $140 million alone since 2020, per the company's press release. + GTS (Global Talent Services) has acquired Latin music management company RLM (Rosa Lagarrigue Management), to enhance the global development of artists. Founded in 2011, GTS is one of the leading agencies in the sector, with a presence in Spain, Portugal, the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. Under the leadership of Narcís Rebollo, GTS represents artists such as Aitana, Amaia, David Bisbal, Ela Taubert, Lola Indigo, Lauana Prado, Pablo Alborán, Pablo López, and Vivir Quintana. Rebollo said, 'It is a pleasure to announce the addition of Rosa Lagarrigue and her RLM team to GTS. With her extensive experience, knowledge, and track record, Rosa is a key and respected figure in the management world, and this addition to our organization is a further investment in our position as a leading Talent Management and Services Company in Latin Music today. I am convinced that the integration of our teams will provide each of our artists the best service and strategic support to achieve their goals across all markets.I would like to thank the entire GTS team worldwide, the RLM team, and all of the wonderful artists we represent, for their full support in this acquisition.' Lagarrigue commented, 'I have always believed that every artist needs unique and personalized support; one that combines listening, intuition, strategy, and honest work. I'm excited to share this project with Narcís, undoubtedly one of the most brilliant executives in the industry, and with his team. What we started at RLM not only continues, but it is amplified and strengthened alongside them.' + New York-based indie label Equal Vision Records and Donovan Melero's Kill Iconic Records have inked a new partnership for 2025 and beyond. With a roster that includes Moondough, Lobby Boxer, Dwellings, Mella, Resilia, ahh-ceh and Gold Necklace, the partnership will aim to combine boutique-style care with larger label resources and experience. 'Donovan Melero is a force of nature,' said Daniel Sandshaw of Equal Vision Records. 'After working with Hail The Sun for nearly a decade, I've seen firsthand the passion and drive he brings to everything he touches. Watching kill iconic evolve into a vibrant hub of art and culture has been incredibly inspiring. Now feels like the perfect time for EVR and kill iconic records to join forces, as we look to grow and support the next wave of groundbreaking artists together.' + Regional Mexican music imprint Kartel Music (Luis R Conriquez, Tony Aguirre) is rebranding as K Music. 'This rebranding to K Music marks a significant milestone for our team and artists,' said Freddy Becerra, CEO/co-founder of K Music, in a statement. 'Our new name reflects an ambition with no borders.' + Asher Angel, with co-management by Jeff Golenberg of Strand Entertainment, has signed with Vitalize Projects, an artist-first music management company. Asher is best known for his breakout role as Jonah Beck on Disney Channel's 'Andi Mack,' and as Billy Batson in the 'Shazam!' film franchise. His debut songs include 'Alternate Ending' and 'Thinkin Bout Me.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
CNA
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Celebrity food travels: Songwriter, singer and actor Nat Ho's top places to eat in Seoul
Having spent the last three years living in Seoul, Singaporean artiste Nat Ho is more than just a traveller in the South Korean city. From starting out as a student of the Korean language to recently signing with music publishing company Warner Chappell Music Korea as an exclusive songwriter, he's built a life here – and eaten lots of Korean fried chicken along the way. 'Over the last few years, Seoul has really become more and more international. There's no lack of various types of cuisine here, from traditional Korean to high-end fusion, Italian and Moroccan – there's really something for everyone. Not forgetting the numerous Instagram-ready cafes all across the city!' he said. One thing about the South Korean capital is that food in the mid-range pricing tier 'is really bang for your buck, with delicious and high quality food and very decent portion sizes', he observed. For him, the 'sheer variety and accessibility' of dining options offers endless foodie experiences. 'Koreans also care a lot about presentation, so many cafes and restaurants also have really good design and ambience, with each one having a different concept from the others,' he said. There is one Korean dish that he has not, and fears he never will, learn to like – beondegi, a street food snack of silkworm pupae. 'I've tried it before, but I think it's more for the experience. I don't think it's ever going to be my go-to snack,' he quipped. If you're visiting Seoul for the first time, 'the first thing I tell anyone visiting is to download Naver Maps. Google Maps doesn't work so well in Korea. People here use mostly Naver Maps and Kakao Maps, but I find Naver Maps more foreigner-friendly'. In addition, 'Korea has a wonderful transportation network, so get a T-Money card; it will get you anywhere. Be aware, though, that it can only be topped up with cash. Aside from that, for the most part, credit cards are accepted everywhere in Seoul.' If you're into thrifting, 'there are many good vintage stores in Hongdae. My favourite is Root Hongdae. If you follow them on social media and show them that you're following, you get a discount on your purchases. And if you post social media content and tag them, you get a further discount, too!' As for where he likes to eat, you can put your trust in his list below, because 'I take pride in my food recommendations!' he said. "I'm also a strong believer in the bonding power of food. What better way to create bonds with friends and loved ones than over delicious food?' DDAROZIP DDarozip is a place that holds special meaning for me. I first moved to Seoul in August 2022, and since my birthday was in August, I held a gathering at DDarozip. Back then, they were at their old location, so it was a small and cozy makgeolli bar. Since then, they've moved and expanded, but it's still cosy and tasteful. The food there is amazing. There's a really awesome Beef Tartare Salad with rice crackers – that's my go-to menu item. I have an alcohol allergy, so I can't drink much alcohol, but DDarozip also has a wide variety of makgeolli – you should definitely check it out. BBQ CHICKEN VILLAGE (SONGNIDAN-GIL BRANCH) View this post on Instagram A post shared by 비비큐 (BBQ) (@bbq_offi) When it comes to Korean fried chicken, there are honestly so many good ones here, it's hard to choose! But one of my current favourites is BBQ Chicken – specifically this branch, which is their flagship store. Their flagship store is unique because they have seasonal menus that are only available there, so it makes the trip worth it, and it's also located near Seokchon Lake, so you can take a relaxing walk after a heavy meal of chicken – it's incredibly picturesque and relaxing. My favourite menu item is their classic Olive Fried Chicken – the batter is light and really has the fragrance of olives! It's important to order the version with bones – I find the texture much better than the boneless version, which tends to have a larger proportion of breast meat. However, if you're health conscious, then maybe you can go for that. Another menu item that I really like is their smoked chicken. This version is not fried, but it's still very juicy and flavourful. Fun fact: BBQ isn't referring to barbecue in this instance, it actually means 'Best of the Best Quality', and I do think they live up to it. HONGDAE DAKHANMARI (HONGDAE CHICKEN SOUP) Everyone knows about samgyetang (Korea's ginseng chicken soup) but dakhanmari, although lesser-known, is really good too! Dakhanmari literally means 'one whole chicken' (dak = chicken, han = one, mari = counting unit for animals). The chicken is boiled in a broth, with some Korean leek, tteokbokki, potato and mushroom, and you pair the chicken with cabbage mixed with their special sauce. Towards the end of the meal, you can throw in some udon-like noodles into the soup, and by then the broth will have thickened and become really flavourful! When you eat the dakhanmari, please, never put the raw cabbage into the soup – the ajumma will scold you! It's strictly for dipping and eating with the chicken only. This didn't happen to me, but it happened to a friend of the friend who first introduced me to this place. This store has been around for a long time, and it's very clear that she takes pride in her food, and wants her customers to enjoy it in the way it's been designed. This dish is especially amazing during the colder months, and is a definite remedy for homesickness. It's a simple yet wholesome meal that warms the heart. PULPIG View this post on Instagram A post shared by 풀뜯는돼지 (@pul__pig) No Korean food guide would be complete without a KBBQ recommendation! There are so many really good ones out there, but Pulpig is one of my absolute favourites. It's a little different from others, because their pork is paired with minari (water celery) which is iconic in Korea. KBBQ can get a little bit overwhelming especially when eating really fatty meats, and that's exactly why this pairing with minari is so ingenious. The crisp freshness of the minari neutralises the fattiness of the pork, and at the same time, the richness of the meat takes the green edge off the minari, culminating in a pairing that is divinely complementary. A must-try! HUAT AH! Last but not least is Huat Ah! It's a recently-opened eatery by a Singaporean who's based here, and their lor bak bee hoon is super legit. I have a Singaporean friend who recently moved to Seoul, and two weeks in, he said he was already missing Singapore food. I brought him here, and now he's a regular customer! There's also chicken curry and roti prata, and each time I go, I end up eating both as well. First the bee hoon, followed by roti prata with chicken curry. Very dangerous, but very delicious.
Kuwait Times
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Whole lotta legal argument: Led Zeppelin guitarist Page sued
Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page is being sued in California by the composer of "Dazed and Confused," one of the British rock band's biggest hits. Its epic guitar riffs and complex drum work made the song an enduring show stopper for one of the most influential groups of the 1970s. Page's soulful licks and singer Robert Plant's soaring vocals in the song -- it was on their first album -- helped establish the band's trademark blues-rock sound. But while the sound of "Dazed and Confused" was all theirs, it was originally by folk rocker Jake Holmes, who recorded it in 1967, a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles on Monday said. The suit argues that Page and music publisher Warner Chappell disregarded a 2011 settlement over the song by issuing early live recordings and featuring it in Sony Pictures' new documentary "Becoming Led Zeppelin" without permission, payment or credit. "The film incorporates at least two performances of 'Dazed and Confused' -- one by the Yardbirds and one by Led Zeppelin," the suit says. According to the filing, the film says the Yardbirds version of Holmes' song was written by Page alone, while the Zeppelin version in the documentary was written by Page, but "inspired by" Holmes. Page played with the Yardbirds -- who had a version of the song -- from 1966 to 1968 before leaving to form Led Zeppelin with Plant, bassist-keyboardist John Paul Jones and drummer John Bonham. "Dazed and Confused" appears on the band's self-titled debut album, which came out in 1969. Holmes and Page settled a copyright dispute over the song after a lawsuit in Los Angeles in 2010. Details of that settlement were not made public, but Holmes' new suit claims he is now owed $150,000 per alleged infringement in connection with the song's use by the Yardbirds. "Starting in or around 1968, the Yardbirds began to publicly perform the Holmes composition," the complaint says. "Every performance of 'Dazed and Confused' by the Yardbirds is a performance of the Holmes composition." Monday's suit is not the first time the provenance of a Led Zeppelin hit has been legally questioned. The iconic smash hit "Stairway to Heaven" was the subject of a lengthy legal tussle when Los Angeles band Spirit claimed the famous opening riff was swiped from their work. The case almost made it to the US Supreme Court, but ultimately the country's chief justices refused to take it up, and let stand a California court's ruling in favor of the British rockers. — AFP
Axios
30-01-2025
- Business
- Axios
Nashville music publishing executive Ben Vaughn dies
Ben Vaughn, one of the most consequential publishing executives in Music City and a fierce advocate for songwriters, died suddenly Thursday. He was 49. Vaughn rose quickly through the ranks of the music publishing industry, scoring the top job at Warner Chappell in 2012. The company announced his death Thursday morning in a memo to staffers. "First and foremost, Ben was an extraordinary human being," Warner Chappell co-chairs Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall said in the memo. "He met everyone with enthusiasm, warmth, and generosity. His smile was huge, and his sense of humor was infectious." Music publishing has long been the cornerstone of the country music industry in Nashville, and Vaughn was one of the most successful this century. He won an array of industry awards and served on many important nonprofit boards. He was named to Billboard's Power 100 list last year and he was the magazine's country power players executive of the year in 2020. Thomas Rhett was one of many songwriters whose careers Vaughn shepherded. To be successful in the levels of music publishing, it takes an eye for creative talent and business acumen. Music publishers sign songwriters to business deals and pitch their songs to top artists. Vaughn defined his concept of success in an interview with the Tennessean in 2017. "To me the No. 1 thing that determines success is how are we viewed in the community?" Vaughn said. "Are we the type of company that takes care of songwriters? Do we provide them opportunity? That's always No. 1. I believe if you do the really small things right, then the big successes are going to come."
