A weekly update on all things music, entertainment and technology, coming straight to you from Anthony Vanger and Aifric Lennon at MassiveMusic.
Christmas Cheer
Every year we get new releases from artists hoping to jump onto the Christmas gravy train. This year a rerecord caught my attention: Wolf Alice have shared their cover of Christmas classic ‘Santa Baby’.
I have been following this band ever since Ed Foster from KOBALT played me their music back in 2015. I really like this version. It was recorded at Strongroom Studios in East London, a stone’s throw away from MassiveMusic’s London office. Listen Here
YouTube Set to Launch its own Music Streaming Service
Just as Spotify and Apple Music were comfortably sitting with 140 and 30 million subscribers, it looks as though Youtube has finally pulled its finger out and is set to launch a paid music and video streaming service early next year.
Under the codename of “Remix”, the service will replace Google Play Music, which first launched in 2011.
The deal supposedly hangs on the support of two of the three big music publishers – Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group, with Warner Music Group having already signed to license for them.
Simian Mobile Disco Sign with Warner/Chapell
The electronic duo, James Ford and Jas Shaw who have just signed the deal, were previously signed to Kobalt.
Speaking of the pair, the MD of Warner/Chapell Music said “James and Jas are endlessly inventive, pushing at the boundaries of electronic music and techno. Their experimental approach means that the music they write is always fresh and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next”.
The British duo released their first record in 2007, while later launching their own label, Delicacies, in 2010.
Levi’s Relationship with Music Continues to Evolve
Levi will continue to keep music at the forefront of its branding strategy, following on from the success of the Levi Music Project headed by Skepta last year.
The clothing company, famous for its brand-artist collaborations has continued to work with high profile musicians and to embed its identity into the world of music.
In a campaign magazine interview with the vice president for global branding, Chris Jackman spoke about the changing nature of sonic branding strategies, saying “Music partnerships have changed. It’s no longer enough to simply pay a band a lot of money to front a campaign. It’s become much more about taking a more values-led approach to the work you do and inspiring conversation”.
Deezer x Fitbit Partnership Secured for 2018
Deezer has announced a 2018 partnership with Fitbit. From next year, users of the famous fitness gadget will have automatic access to unlimited music streaming while they work out.
Not only that, but a new “flow” feature will be available, where data analytics and editorial curation have been combined to give users a bespoke music experience during their workout. I’m running out of excuses for not hitting the gym come Jan!
This Weeks UK Charts
Christmas is Massive Playlist
I’ll leave you with some easy-listening for our final lead up to the Christmas holidays. Think crackling fire, glass of mulled wine, the smell of pine and cinnamon…Enjoy! Listen Here
For more information please contact:
Anthony Vanger | anthony@massivemusic.com
Aifric Lennon | aifric@massivemusic.com