A weekly update on all things music, advertising and technology coming straight to you from Anthony Vanger at MassiveMusic. #TWIM
ARTIST OF THE WEEK: RYOJI IKEDA
Early pioneer of techno movement gets major exhibition at Amsterdam’s Eye museum.
Japanese minimalist electronic composer Ryoji Ikeda is a leading figure among a new crop of computer-based musicians exploring the aesthetic possibilities opened up by digital production technologies. The music is not easy to listen to. There are clicks, pops, no melody and no discernible structure. The rhythm is hard to catch, with only subtle waves of sound providing any indication of a beat.
Perhaps because of that the music is best experienced as part of a visual installation. Although people who like his music swear by it and say it works as a standalone piece of art, it is often combined with striking black and white computer generated imagery. The above video is from the current EYE exhibition in Amsterdam, a fully immersive experience which alters all the senses. Other videos on YouTube give an idea of how he uses imagery to create a sound world. Check out the work he did in Times Square. https://youtu.be/JfcN9Qhfir4. Very cool!
AD OF THE WEEK: I WILL NOT BE DELETED BY RIMMEL LONDON
British cosmetic brand’s emotive campaign combats beauty cyber-bullying
It’s not every day that an ad makes me cry, but Rimmel, the cosmetic firm, has created a new campaign that really packs a punch. The TV campaign consists of a series of women staring into the camera and speaking in rhyme about the humiliation and pain they felt because of an act of online hate. The final few seconds are so heartbreaking, you want to jump into the frame and give them all a hug.
Cyberbullying has been talked about a lot in the press, but this one-size-fits-all word sometimes detracts from the individual horror cyberbullying creates in the victim. The damage goes deep, to the very core of the person, because trolls usually target the one physical feature that the individual is so self-conscious about – skin colour, a high brow, acne, large lips – the list is endless. So what weapons are available to beat the trolls? Good make up is one, and fair enough that Rimmel offers its products as a prophylactic, but I also like the cosmetic firm’s message that the trolls will never win because we are made of sterner stuff and self-love will always prevail. I wish that were true, The ad was created by BETC London, features young people who have first-hand experience of the negative effects of cyber-bullying. Rita Ora and Cara Delevingne also share their true stories of facing this issue. Information below for anyone seeking help on the issue.
HELPLINE – https://www.bullying.co.uk/cyberbullying/
WARNER MUSIC GROUP AND SESAME WORKSHOP TEAM UP TO RELAUNCH SESAME STREET RECORDS
Warner Music Group’s Arts Music division and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organisation behind the iconic children’s show Sesame Street, have teamed up to re-launch Sesame Street Records in the United States and Canada.
Arts Music is Warner Music Group’s new umbrella of labels focused on signing, developing and marketing releases across classical, musical theatre, jazz, children’s music, soundtracks and film scores.
As a result of the multi-year deal, an extensive catalog of Sesame Street recordings is now available across digital streaming and download platforms, with brand-new compilation titles on CD and vinyl formats. Time to tee up some of that crazy drumming by Animal!!!
MIXCLOUD SIGNS LONG-TERM LICENSING DEAL WITH MERLIN
Mixcloud has had a pretty good 2018.
To ensure fair royalties – and avoid costly lawsuits – Mixcloud keeps unveiling new direct licensing deals.
Last month, Mixcloud signed a multi-year direct licensing agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG). The British streaming service had around 1.25 million curators uploading works on the platform. It also boasted over 15 million shows, DJ sets, and podcasts. Mixcloud has an existing licensing agreement with Warner Music Group. The move likely spared the British streaming service from a costly lawsuit.
In addition to the above, Mixcloud has signed a multi-year direct licensing agreement with the Merlin Network. Under the deal, the global music rights agency will receive royalties when indie labels and their recording artists’ works are streamed on Mixcloud. The British streaming service’s Content ID system identifies music in radio shows and mixes. This allows Mixcloud to pay royalties to local PROs and collecting societies, including SoundExchange. It will be interesting to see how many of these curated listening platforms
APHEX TWIN LAUNCHES INCREDIBLE MERCH LINE: CREEPY TEDDIES, FACE MASKS, MORE
Aphex Twin launched a new range of merchandise. The incredible assortment includes creepy teddy bears, face masks, umbrellas, babygros, hoodies, and more.
Each item in the collection is based on one of Aphex’s videos, including an “On” beach towel, “Ventolin” anti-pollution mask, those “Donkey Rhubarb” teddies, a “Come To Daddy” babygro and T-shirt, “Windowlicker” umbrella, “CIRKLON3 [ Колхозная mix ]” hoodie, and a “T69 Collapse” print. His latest release was the Collapse EP in September.
THE WORLD’S FIRST 3D PRINTED RECORD PLAYER
Lenco have made a world first that may become available to buy
The world’s first 3D printed record player has won an award for best innovation at a consumer electronics fair. Swiss company Lenco have produced a modular unit called ‘Lenco-MD’, with multiple interchangeable parts, made up mostly of renewable resources.
Available in blue, green, pink, white, orange, yellow and red, the device came in the top three in the category of Best Innovations at IFA Berlin 2018.
Lenco have launched a Kickstarter to produce the gear on a wide scale. If this becomes a reality, punters will be able to print the record player if you own the correct hardware parts, such as the belt, pulley and motor.
The world of record players is developing rapidly and remains a lucrative market for aspiring entrepreneurs. At one end, Technics unveiled their “most premium turntable ever”, costing an eye-watering $10,000. At the other, Mofi released an entry-level model, a StudioDeck, costing £995.
Written by Anthony Vanger
Additional reporting by Adam “Badger” Woolf
Artwork by Gustav Balderdash
To join This Week In Music please send me an email: anthonyvanger@gmail.com