A weekly update on all things music, advertising, and technology coming straight to you from Anthony Vanger at MassiveMusic. #TWIM
ARTIST OF THE WEEK: C. TANGANA
A rapper with a pop sensibility and a degree in philosophy is a heady mix. C. Tangana, a rapper from Madrid, Spain recorded this mini-concert for NPR’s Tiny Desk series and it is a revelation, not just because of the religious overtones of the production design, but also because it popularises a form of Spanish music – flamenco – in a fresh way. Looking like the central figure from the Last Supper, C. Tangana leads an all-star flamenco cast to sing some of his most famous songs. The video lasts a full 15 minutes, with C. Tangana switching gears between songs and the various styles he is exploring. Throughout, Tangana’s unique style of confessional, sometimes shocking sometimes cheeky lyrics is delivered with authenticity. The former rapper has had many feuds in his short career and this video is a clear attempt to put that troubled past behind him. His vocal range is limited – he has been mocked in the press for having a weak voice – but what he lacks in technical ability, he makes up for in charisma. This is an artist pushing the boundaries of Spanish music and with 23m views of this video, it is clear that he is reaching a brand new audience.
@ctangana
#ctangana #primaverasound #hiphop #newflamenco #pop-rap #crema #agorazein #alizzz #nuncaestoy #elmadrileño #loschikosdelmaíz #yungbeef
AD OF THE WEEK: SPOT THE ABUSE
How many ways can we talk about something so pernicious? This week’s ad has managed to imagine a way to discuss coercive behaviour and abuse against women by controlling partners in a very clever way. Using the most populist of pop-culture platforms – the gameshow – the ad-makers have shone a white-hot spotlight on behavior that may be construed as normal when in fact it is a clear indication of abusive tendencies. With numbers in the UK increasing by 6% in 2021, this ended the trend of consecutive annual decreases seen in recent years. Solid work from client Women’s Aid and ad agency Engine UK.
SNOOP DOGG FILES TRADEMARK FOR “SNOOP DOGGS” HOTDOG BRAND
Snoop Dogg has filed a trademark for a “Snoop Doggs” hotdog brand.
Following the launch of the legendary West Coast rapper’s gin, INDOGGO, back in 2020, Snoop’s legal team submitted an intent-to-use trademark application for the term “Snoop Doggs” last month at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
According to a report from Billboard, Snoop will use the brand to sell hot dogs and other types of sausage. A similar trademark application for “Snoop Scoops” — an ice cream company — was made by the rapper’s legal team back in 2011, but no products were ever released.
WARNER BUYS DAVID BOWIE SONG CATALOG FOR $250M+
The first big music industry acquisition of 2022 is with us: Warner Music Group , via its Warner Chappell Music subsidiary, has acquired the global music publishing rights to David Bowie’s song catalog.
The price of the deal, long mooted to be bouncing around the $200 million mark, was eventually agreed at upwards of $250 million, according to Variety.
This means Warner has announced two deals spanning over $650 million in acquisition fees in the past three weeks, following the $400 million acquisition of the Kevin Liles-led 300 Entertainment in December.
The agreement comprises songs from the 26 David Bowie studio albums released during his lifetime, as well as the posthumous studio album release, Toy.
It also includes the two studio albums from Tin Machine, along with tracks released as singles from soundtracks and other projects.
RONNIE SPECTOR, THE RONETTES LEAD VOCALIST, DIES AGED 78
Ronnie Spector, an icon of the 1960s and leader of New York girl group The Ronettes, has died aged 78 after a brief battle with cancer.
A family statement posted on her website says: “Our beloved earth angel, Ronnie, peacefully left this world today after a brief battle with cancer. She was with family and in the arms of her husband, Jonathan.
“Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a spunky attitude, a wicked sense of humor and a smile on her face. She was filled with love and gratitude.
“Her joyful sound, playful nature and magical presence will live on in all who knew, heard or saw her.”
The Ronettes rose to stardom in the 1960s and had a number of big hits, including ‘Be My Baby’, ‘Baby, I Love You’, and ‘(The Best Part of) Breakin’ Up’.
‘Be My Baby’ was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame in 1999.
SAMSUNG ANNOUNCES NEW PORTABLE PROJECTOR WITH SMART SPEAKER ‘THE FREESTYLE’
Samsung has announced the release of The Freestyle, an all-new mobile monitor and entertainment device, ahead of the CES 2022 tech conference.
The Freestyle is a projector, smart speaker, and ambient lighting gadget all bundled into one lightweight, portable device aimed towards Gen Z and millennials.
The Freestyle’s adaptable cradle allows for 180-degree rotation, allowing users to project high-quality video everywhere – tables, floors, walls, or even ceilings – without the need for a second screen.
As it accepts batteries for remote operation, it may be hooked into main power, taken on any adventure, and even utilised in video productions in the field.
You can pre-register for a Freestyle projector-smart speaker here. It is currently priced at $899.
Written by Anthony Vanger
Additional research and reporting by Adam “Badger” Woolf
Artwork by Badger