Music Industry Moves: Jon Bon Jovi Named MusiCares’ 2024 Person of the Year
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MusiCares has named Jon Bon Jovi the Person of the Year for their 33rd annual benefit gala taking place on Feb. 2 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, just two nights before the 66th annual Grammy Awards.
“MusiCares is thrilled to honor Jon Bon Jovi at the 2024 Person of the Year Gala,” said Laura Segura, executive director of MusiCares. “His remarkable contributions to rock and roll have not only left an indelible mark on the music industry but also in the hearts of countless fans around the world. Furthermore, his long-standing commitment to serving food-insecure and unhoused individuals inspires us all. We’re looking forward to celebrating him and the many ways he has made a difference in this world.”
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Aside from his musical achievements, Jon Bon Jovi is being recognized for his philanthropic efforts including his Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation which is dedicated to “disrupting the cycle of hunger, poverty and homelessness,” per a press release.
“I’m truly humbled to be this year’s MusiCares honoree,” said Jon Bon Jovi in a statement. “MusiCares’ work with music professionals is vitally important in creating much needed support and wellness programs that cultivate a healthier and more vibrant community for us all.” said Jon Bon Jovi. “Philanthropic work has been a cornerstone of my life and has always run in tandem to my music career and achievements. Nearly two decades ago when I formed the JBJ Soul Foundation and JBJ Soul Kitchens, I saw firsthand and continue to see today the impact of charitable community-based work. I know this for sure: helping one’s community is helping one’s self.”
Jon Bon Jovi joins previous honorees Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, and Dolly Parton.
+ BMG will be employing Universal Music Group‘s commercial services to move the distribution of physical formats of BMG’s music – including vinyl and CD — on behalf of the BMG roster.
The alliance was described as a “significant step to further enhance our service to BMG-signed artists,” by BMG CEO Thomas Coesfeld, who praised UMG’s “scale, technology and commitment promises to further expand opportunities for BMG-signed artists around the world.” That roster includes such artists as Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean, Rick Astley and Black Sabbath.
The transition of physical products to UMG is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2024 and will be fully transitioned by the end of 2024. BMG also said it and UMG are discussing “further collaborations… from exploring shared positions on industry matters to joining forces in adjacent business lines.”
“BMG has brought a fresh vision to the music business, and we look forward to partnering with BMG on a variety of initiatives to provide greater opportunities to artists and our respective companies,” said Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group.
+ AEG Presents has appointed Rich Schaefer as president of global touring to oversee all aspects of the concert promotion company’s worldwide touring deals, operations, and talent relations. He will report to Jay Marciano, Chairman and CEO of AEG Presents and COO of AEG. Schaefer will also be joining the company’s Executive Committee in conjunction with his promotion.
“Rich has a wealth of experience across every level of the concert business,” commented Marciano. “His rapport with artists, managers and agents, along with his attention to detail and follow-through, have made him a critical member of our team. I’m thrilled to elevate him to President of Global Touring.”
Schaefer previously held the title of senior vice president of global touring, and joined AEG Presents in 2018 to help build and develop the newly created division. Schaefer has since helped sign and promote artists such as Kane Brown, Kacey Musgraves, Zach Bryan, Leon Bridges, Carin Leon, Hugh Jackman, Tame Impala, and Maggie Rogers, among others.
+ Kobalt has signed UK-bred songwriter and producer Toby Scott, to a worldwide publishing agreement, including global synch and creative services.
Scott has written and produced for such artists as Galantis, David Guetta, Tiesto, Alok, Dom Dolla, Anyma, D.O.D, Jax Jones, Martin Solveig and Robin Schulz. Scott will also be releasing new music with Tiesto, Khalid, Vintage Culture, Gryffin, Billy Gillies and Hannah Laing, amongst others.
“It’s fantastic to be working with Toby alongside Rich and Joe at Oyster,” said Kenny McGoff, head of Kobalt’s UK creative teams. “Toby has already had a fantastic career and continues to deliver hit songs that work both here in the UK and across the seas. We are ready and excited to amplify that with the Global Kobalt team.”
Said Scott, “I’m thrilled to have signed to Kobalt. I’ve always been a huge fan of their approach and philosophy, and I’m very excited and inspired for the future musical journey working with the incredible Alison, Kenny, Emma, and the whole of the Kobalt family worldwide.”
+ Avex USA Publishing and The Revels Group’s publishing company, Coup D’Etat Music, have entered into a joint venture to sign Nigerian artist Victony.
Victony boasts over five million monthly Spotify listeners and is signed to Joie Manda’s Encore Recordings. Last year he also appeared on Burna Boy’s album “Love Damini,” and he also just completed a North American tour alongside Rema.
“Throughout the course of my career, I’ve been particular about only working with teams who understand my journey and align with my vision,” said Victony. “I’m super excited to be taking these next steps of my career with the teams at AVEX and Coup D’Etat and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!”
Victony is managed by Jemedafe Caleb of KVLT WRLD, as well as Tobi Mohammed of the Plug Entertainment. He is also represented by Kelvin Nana of Bray & Krais.
+ Exceleration Music has announced a new partnership with the founders of Rounder Records for the launch of a new label called Down The Road.
The original leadership team who founded Rounder Records in 1970 – Ken Irwin, Marian Leighton Levy and Bill Nowlin, as well as the label’s first and long-standing President/CEO, John Virant – will join Exceleration Music’s partners and leadership team to uplift the label. It will focus on “the historic depth and breadth of Americana,” per a press release, including releases from Tony Trischka (with a lead single featuring Billy Strings), along with bluegrass group Blue Highway, and Dervish, contemporary performers of Irish traditional music.
“Ken, Marian, Bill and John epitomize what it means to be an indie,” says Exceleration Music partner Glen Barros. “They have always followed their heart and instincts in recording what they know and love. This formula led to many hundreds of culturally important and often incredibly successful recordings. And while doing this, they’ve also continually supported the indie and musical communities in which they work. We are so grateful that they’re joining the Exceleration family and very much look forward to helping them build upon their incredible legacy.”
Redeye will distribute Down The Road, alongside their ongoing relationships with several of the world’s top independent labels including Beggars Group, Domino, New West and Saddle Creek.
+ Swedish singer-songwriter Winona Oak is gearing up to release her first single “With Or Without You” under her new label home, Nettwerk.
“With Or Without You,” to be released on Oct. 20, was written out of the grief Oak felt after losing her mother to terminal cancer earlier this year. The track was written at the end of 2022 and it addresses her loss, her love for her mother, and her gratitude for being her daughter. As part of the release, she will donate some of the track’s proceeds to the Swedish Cancer Institute.
Following her debut album “Island of the Sun,” last year, “With Or Without You” is Oak’s first drop as part of her new musical chapter.
Tuesday, Oct. 17
Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter Amaarae has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing in partnership with rights management company Immensum Music.
The deal encompasses her full catalog and all future works, including her 2023 album “Fountain Baby,” which Variety listed as one of the best albums of the year so far. The record blends R&B, hip-hop, punk rock, and Afropop across its 14 songs. Amaarae has collaborated with other top artists such as Kaytranada and Amine, Stormzy, Baby Face, Janelle Monáe, Kali Uchis and global artists like CKay, Tiwa Savage and more. In celebration of Marvel’s sequel “Black Panther: Wakana Forever,” Amaarae released “A Body, a Coffin” on the movie soundtrack EP alongside artists such as Tems, Santa Fe Klan.
“I feel very much at home among Concord’s roster of stellar artists and I’m confident that the teams at Concord and Immensum will ensure my music is optimized in all the right global spaces,” said Amaarae.
Koch Okoye, founder of Immensum Music, added: “This deal for Ama is one we can truly call an accomplishment. I remember watching her first video for ‘Fluid’ back in 2018 and being instantly blown away by the creative merger of her unique vocal ability and visual expression. We had hoped to work with her instantly and have followed her career progression closely ever since. We’re all very happy to finally be playing on the same team.”
Jeremy Yohai, senior vice president of A&R at Concord Music Publishing, added: “Amaarae’s unique vision and approach to songwriting, place her as one of the most exciting new voices in pop music.”
In 2024 Amaarae will launch the “Fountain Baby” tour, with stops in New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Toronto and more.
+ Reservoir Media has announced a new global publishing deal with Joe Walsh, a member of American rock bands James Gang and the Eagles. The deal includes hits from his time in both groups and his catalog as a solo artist and for his future work.
Walsh cemented his stardom as the frontman and hitmaker of the James Gang, whose first three albums all made appearances on the Billboard Top 200 in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These albums featured several tracks co-written by Walsh, such as the songs “Funk #49” and “Walk Away.” In 1975, he became an international phenomenon as a member of the Eagles and the first album to feature Walsh was 1976’s “Hotel California.”
On signing with Reservoir, Walsh said, “It is such a pleasure to be partnered with a team who are hands-on and personal and who have shown their passion for and dedication to my work. I look forward to a great partnership and future with Reservoir.”
In addition to his success with the Eagles, Walsh earned acclaim as a solo artist, releasing 11 albums including “The Smoker You Drink,” “The Player You Get,” and “But Seriously Folks,” which feature co-writes by Walsh. He’s won five Grammy awards and was also inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his contributions.
+ Bianca Ortega has been promoted to VP of marketing and digital at Atlantic Records.
Bianca has spent the last 10 years working for Atlantic and helping spearhead key projects including Charlie Puth, BRELAND, Oliver Tree, “Barbie The Album” and more. Working out of Los Angeles, Ortega reports directly to Brian Dackowski, executive VP of viral marketing and analytics.
+ FREENOW has launched its new “Ride for Music” initiative, pledging £1 per ride to save grassroots live music venues with Music Venue Trust, a leading charity that acts to protect, secure and improve UK Grassroots Music Venues. Ed Sheeran, Steve Lamacq, Amy Lamé, Academy Music Group (AMG) and Ticketmaster join the sector in support.
In support of the campaign Sheeran said, “Like so many musicians, I started out playing in grassroots music venues. They are such a vital part of the music ecosystem. Without them, I definitely would not have had the chance to hone my craft and become the artist I am today. I applaud the Ride for Music campaign and hope it raises loads of money for Music Venue Trust, who work tirelessly to both protect and promote these wonderful spaces.”
Mark Davyd, founder and CEO of Music Venue Trust, added: “The Ride for Music initiative from FREENOW gives every music fan in the UK an incredible opportunity to play a role in directly supporting grassroots music venues. It’s exactly the type of joined up, creative thinking that we need to tackle the crisis facing our grassroots sector.”
All funds raised through Ride For Music go to the Pipeline Investment Fund from Music Venue Trust. The Pipeline Investment Fund (PIF) is a grant-giving fund established by Music Venue Trust with the support of venue members of the Music Venues Alliance.
+ The Orchard has appointed Lanre Masha as the new director of its West African operations. Based in the company’s Lagos office, he reports to Prashant Bahadur, executive VP/head of strategy and works alongside Ben Oldfield, VP of market development for Africa.
Masha leads operations for the Orchard in West Africa, providing distribution, release strategy, and regional support to the Orchard’sroster of artist and label clients, as well as identifying and signing new talent. During his short time with the Orchard, Masha has also accelerated the company’s expansion into French-speaking West Africa and Ghana, as well as growing the Lagos team.
Masha’s influence led to the Orchard striking a global distribution deal with the Ghanian duo R2Bees, who have earned international success collaborating with Wizkid, Davido, King Promise, and Wande Coal. Masha has also led a string of key signings including Nigerian gospel artist Ty Bello, Afro-fusion artist MUIS, Afro-pop star YKB, and Melodi from Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Masha joins The Orchard from an 8-year tenure with Trace Media, where he was general manager for music and editorial, playing a pivotal role in supporting and building artist presence both locally and globally. Masha said, “West Africa is no longer a young market. We are leading the global expansion of music from the region, connecting artists with fans worldwide. The Orchard’s cutting-edge technology, vast global network, entrepreneurial spirit, and best-in-class solutions to not only build but sustain a global business, are how we offer unparalleled support to our clients. I look forward to working with the team to bring the rich talent of West Africa to the world.”
+ Universal Production Music has launched Universal Music for Creators, a new subscription music licensing service that provides content creators with claim-free, premium music and sound effects for online videos at an all-inclusive price.
Universal Music for Creators provides consumers with unlimited access to its pre-cleared music and sound effects library, starting at $5.99 per month. The program hosts over 50,000 tracks and 200,000 sound effects, powered by a team that is constantly sourcing and creating the newest sounds to meet the dynamic needs of today’s creators.
Jody Gerson, UMPG Chairman and CEO, said: “Universal Music for Creators delivers our unparalleled production music library to content creators everywhere for the first time. Innovative programs like this exemplify why Universal Production Music continues to lead the industry.”
+ The jump.global Annual Summit, an inaugural professional and personal development event for those working in the music business, has announced entertainment attorney and activist Dina LaPolt and mental health and addiction medicine specialist Dr. Drew as its featured speakers for the Nov. 14 event.
“I am honored to sit down with Dr. Drew at the jump.global Annual Summit and share my own story of addiction and recovery and discuss the tools I have acquired over the last 25 years to be able to navigate high-stress environments and politically charged situations,” said Dina LaPolt.
“I am looking forward to having this important discussion with Dina and hope we can both shed some light and offer solutions on navigating the mental health aspects of a high-stress industry like the music business,” said Dr. Drew.
In an effort to “make the music business more human”, the jump.global Annual Summit is set to launch November 12-14 as a multi-day educational and community-building event exclusively for those working in the music industry. The panels, workshops, and keynotes will not focus on industry hot-button issues such as AI, streaming, or distribution. Instead, topics are meant for the betterment of music executives and professionals and will include stress management, leadership training, effective communication, goal-setting, personal identity, financial literacy, among others. A full list of programming and speakers can be accessed here.
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