Vol 11 - Is it love or lust? I can tell you're readin'
WRAPD, Roc Nation, and UMG goes Downtown... let’s make a toast to our last NIF of the year.
🎶 New albums and EPs from LAZER DIM 700, Tom Misch, Tyler Nance, Peysoh, I Hate Models, Mozzy & Kalan.FrFr, nothing,nowhere.…
♪ Notable singles from d4vd, Burna Boy, Artemas, Rob49, The Wombats, Winona Oak, Chase Shakur, Neton Vega, Tiësto…
Each week, we go through Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists to highlight releases you should know about…
#1 - d4vd returns with ‘Where’d It Go Wrong’ recording the track in the closet of his childhood home as usual.
#4 - Katy Perry drops an early holiday gift for fans with 1432 - a 15-track deluxe album packed with new singles like ‘OK.’
#5 - Miley Cyrus’ new single ‘Beautiful That Way’ is a heartfelt tribute to The Last Showgirl starring Pamela Anderson - and it’s already snagged a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song.
#36 - Ethereal singer Winona Oak releases ‘I Broke Me First’ off her upcoming EP coming in Februrary.
#48 - IDK drops surprise single ‘FLOW’ following his newest LP BRAVADO + INTiMO, which released in October via new label Prairy.
⭐ #59 - Singer/Rapper TOBi releases ‘Gone 2024’, his four-minute year-end freestyle.
#66 - With 66K monthly listeners, electronic indie artist McCall lands with punchy track ‘Up Down.’
#73 - Aphex Twin releases surprise 38-song compilation album including ‘em2500 M253X [London 03.06.17].’
⭐ = our pick of the week. Usually an under the radar artist to keep an eye on.
Virgin Music Group’s $775 deal for Downtown is stirring the pot, as IMPALA and Martin Mills question the deal. TikTok has filed an emergency motion with the Supreme Court to pause its ban, which could remove the app from US app stores by January 19th. Utopia Distribution Services, the primary physical distributor for major labels in the UK, collapsed after Swiss parent Utopia music went into bankruptcy. Big-name musicians face backlash for using pandemic relief funds on luxury items.
Beyoncé became the most RIAA certified female artist of all time with 103 certified titles.
Of course, check out ROSTR’s WRAPD 2024 on New Industry Friday here.
Diddy dropped his bail appeal and will remain in jail until his May 2025 trial. Paula Abdul settled her sexual assault lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe. California court allows Garth Brooks’ lawsuit to continue. Daddy Yankee filed a legal motion against his estranged wife, claiming she withdrew $80M without authorization. YouTube joins forces with CAA to develop AI tools for deepfake recognition. UMG’s Republic Records has settled with OpenDeal and Opulous after three years of legal disputes over the ‘Republic’ name.
RIP to Spotify’s Car Thing that ended less than 3 years after being introduced in the US.
MENA-focused Spotify rival Anghami secured a $55M investment from OSN Group
Blue Note is expanding to LA, expected to open its doors in March 2025.
Streaming service Audius did a deal with ICE to handle royalties for over 330K rights holders.
Wrapping up Stack by ROSTR’s 12 Days of Stacking with nonprofits/communities, newsletters and films.
The new documentary, Avicii - I’m Tim, is set to premiere worldwide on Netflix starting December 31st.
Group Chat
The section that'll probably get us in trouble one of these days
Music biz waiting for ROSTR WRAPD to drop:
What did Benny & Selena get from Taco Bell?
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Baja Blast Freezes (0%)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Chicken Chalupa Supremes (11%)
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ They didn't actually eat that shit (30%)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 A lot of $ (59%)
Multi-instrumentalist Arc De Soleil has formed his management team with companies Conscious Wanted, Coalition Entertainment & JET Management coming onboard.
Pop duo DRAMA signed with TMWRK for management.
Platinum French DJ HUGEL extended his publishing deal with BMG.
Bedroom pop artist Rio Romeo locked in a deal with AWAL.
Sub Urban, who gained recognition for his TikTok hit ‘Cradles,’ signed with Wasserman Music for touring.
DJ & Producer Seven Lions has teamed up with MLennial for management.
+140 signings on ROSTR this week
🎸 Biggest tours announced this week: Shania Twain, System of a Down, Damiano David, SahBabii, Faux Real
Burning Man CEO Marian Goodell announced the nonprofit festival is still seeking to fundraise $14M for 2025. Which desert tech bro will step up…
Massive Attack explained why they turned down Coachella: “It’s a golf resort built on a desert, run on a sprinkler system, using public water supplies. Mental.”
After suffering vocal damage, Sam Fender cancelled the remaining dates of his 2024 tour.
Artists like Skepta, Björk & Uncle Waffles will play Apple Music’s NYE Livestream.
Ryusuke Kamada named CFO at Avex US. Third Side Music names Melanie Santa Rosa as Head of Copyright. Hugh Forrest is promoted to Prez of SXSW as Jann Baskett prepares to step down to Advisory Role. Lucinda Martinez appointed Chief Marketing Officer at HarbourView while Deborah Renteria is made VP, Brand & Content Strategy. Infinite Reality names Drew Wilson as COO. Marcus Ellington named EVP of Ad Sales & Sponsorships at Sphere Ent. AEG Presents promotes Evan Marks to Talent Buyer. Eddie Kloesel named Partner at WHY&HOW. Paul Roper, President of Dualtone Music Group tragically passed away at 45.
A&R Representative at Thriller Records in LA
Director of Sales at Saffire
Head of Royalties at Beatport in either LA or London
Creative Director at The Shalizi Group in Las Vegas
Manager, Creator Partnerships at Wasserman in LA
Music - Brand Partnerships Executive at CAA in LA
↗ Find these and 130+ open roles at Jobs by ROSTR
What's Good?
Recent notable record reviews
Some of our favorite end of year album lists:
Too Long / Did Read
Interesting, often long, stuff to watch, read, or listen to
📺 Watch how Daft Punk’s infamous 2006 Coachella set was brought to life
🎧 What Superfans Really Want with SoundCloud CEO Eliah Seton - Trapital
🎶 New albums and EPs from LAZER DIM 700, Tom Misch, Tyler Nance, Peysoh, I Hate Models, Mozzy & Kalan.FrFr, nothing,nowhere.…
♪ Notable singles from d4vd, Burna Boy, Artemas, Rob49, The Wombats, Winona Oak, Chase Shakur, Neton Vega, Tiësto…
Each week, we go through Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists to highlight releases you should know about…
#1 - d4vd returns with ‘Where’d It Go Wrong’ recording the track in the closet of his childhood home as usual.
#4 - Katy Perry drops an early holiday gift for fans with 1432 - a 15-track deluxe album packed with new singles like ‘OK.’
#5 - Miley Cyrus’ new single ‘Beautiful That Way’ is a heartfelt tribute to The Last Showgirl starring Pamela Anderson - and it’s already snagged a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song.
#36 - Ethereal singer Winona Oak releases ‘I Broke Me First’ off her upcoming EP coming in Februrary.
#48 - IDK drops surprise single ‘FLOW’ following his newest LP BRAVADO + INTiMO, which released in October via new label Prairy.
⭐ #59 - Singer/Rapper TOBi releases ‘Gone 2024’, his four-minute year-end freestyle.
#66 - With 66K monthly listeners, electronic indie artist McCall lands with punchy track ‘Up Down.’
#73 - Aphex Twin releases surprise 38-song compilation album including ‘em2500 M253X [London 03.06.17].’
⭐ = our pick of the week. Usually an under the radar artist to keep an eye on.
Virgin Music Group’s $775 deal for Downtown is stirring the pot, as IMPALA and Martin Mills question the deal. TikTok has filed an emergency motion with the Supreme Court to pause its ban, which could remove the app from US app stores by January 19th. Utopia Distribution Services, the primary physical distributor for major labels in the UK, collapsed after Swiss parent Utopia music went into bankruptcy. Big-name musicians face backlash for using pandemic relief funds on luxury items.
Beyoncé became the most RIAA certified female artist of all time with 103 certified titles.
Of course, check out ROSTR’s WRAPD 2024 on New Industry Friday here.
Diddy dropped his bail appeal and will remain in jail until his May 2025 trial. Paula Abdul settled her sexual assault lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe. California court allows Garth Brooks’ lawsuit to continue. Daddy Yankee filed a legal motion against his estranged wife, claiming she withdrew $80M without authorization. YouTube joins forces with CAA to develop AI tools for deepfake recognition. UMG’s Republic Records has settled with OpenDeal and Opulous after three years of legal disputes over the ‘Republic’ name.
RIP to Spotify’s Car Thing that ended less than 3 years after being introduced in the US.
MENA-focused Spotify rival Anghami secured a $55M investment from OSN Group
Blue Note is expanding to LA, expected to open its doors in March 2025.
Streaming service Audius did a deal with ICE to handle royalties for over 330K rights holders.
Wrapping up Stack by ROSTR’s 12 Days of Stacking with nonprofits/communities, newsletters and films.
The new documentary, Avicii - I’m Tim, is set to premiere worldwide on Netflix starting December 31st.
Group Chat
The section that'll probably get us in trouble one of these days
Music biz waiting for ROSTR WRAPD to drop:
What did Benny & Selena get from Taco Bell?
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Baja Blast Freezes (0%)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Chicken Chalupa Supremes (11%)
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ They didn't actually eat that shit (30%)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 A lot of $ (59%)
Multi-instrumentalist Arc De Soleil has formed his management team with companies Conscious Wanted, Coalition Entertainment & JET Management coming onboard.
Pop duo DRAMA signed with TMWRK for management.
Platinum French DJ HUGEL extended his publishing deal with BMG.
Bedroom pop artist Rio Romeo locked in a deal with AWAL.
Sub Urban, who gained recognition for his TikTok hit ‘Cradles,’ signed with Wasserman Music for touring.
DJ & Producer Seven Lions has teamed up with MLennial for management.
+140 signings on ROSTR this week
🎸 Biggest tours announced this week: Shania Twain, System of a Down, Damiano David, SahBabii, Faux Real
Burning Man CEO Marian Goodell announced the nonprofit festival is still seeking to fundraise $14M for 2025. Which desert tech bro will step up…
Massive Attack explained why they turned down Coachella: “It’s a golf resort built on a desert, run on a sprinkler system, using public water supplies. Mental.”
After suffering vocal damage, Sam Fender cancelled the remaining dates of his 2024 tour.
Artists like Skepta, Björk & Uncle Waffles will play Apple Music’s NYE Livestream.
Ryusuke Kamada named CFO at Avex US. Third Side Music names Melanie Santa Rosa as Head of Copyright. Hugh Forrest is promoted to Prez of SXSW as Jann Baskett prepares to step down to Advisory Role. Lucinda Martinez appointed Chief Marketing Officer at HarbourView while Deborah Renteria is made VP, Brand & Content Strategy. Infinite Reality names Drew Wilson as COO. Marcus Ellington named EVP of Ad Sales & Sponsorships at Sphere Ent. AEG Presents promotes Evan Marks to Talent Buyer. Eddie Kloesel named Partner at WHY&HOW. Paul Roper, President of Dualtone Music Group tragically passed away at 45.
A&R Representative at Thriller Records in LA
Director of Sales at Saffire
Head of Royalties at Beatport in either LA or London
Creative Director at The Shalizi Group in Las Vegas
Manager, Creator Partnerships at Wasserman in LA
Music - Brand Partnerships Executive at CAA in LA
↗ Find these and 130+ open roles at Jobs by ROSTR
What's Good?
Recent notable record reviews
Some of our favorite end of year album lists:
Too Long / Did Read
Interesting, often long, stuff to watch, read, or listen to
📺 Watch how Daft Punk’s infamous 2006 Coachella set was brought to life
🎧 What Superfans Really Want with SoundCloud CEO Eliah Seton - Trapital
🎶 New albums and EPs from LAZER DIM 700, Tom Misch, Tyler Nance, Peysoh, I Hate Models, Mozzy & Kalan.FrFr, nothing,nowhere.…
♪ Notable singles from d4vd, Burna Boy, Artemas, Rob49, The Wombats, Winona Oak, Chase Shakur, Neton Vega, Tiësto…
Each week, we go through Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists to highlight releases you should know about…
#1 - d4vd returns with ‘Where’d It Go Wrong’ recording the track in the closet of his childhood home as usual.
#4 - Katy Perry drops an early holiday gift for fans with 1432 - a 15-track deluxe album packed with new singles like ‘OK.’
#5 - Miley Cyrus’ new single ‘Beautiful That Way’ is a heartfelt tribute to The Last Showgirl starring Pamela Anderson - and it’s already snagged a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song.
#36 - Ethereal singer Winona Oak releases ‘I Broke Me First’ off her upcoming EP coming in Februrary.
#48 - IDK drops surprise single ‘FLOW’ following his newest LP BRAVADO + INTiMO, which released in October via new label Prairy.
⭐ #59 - Singer/Rapper TOBi releases ‘Gone 2024’, his four-minute year-end freestyle.
#66 - With 66K monthly listeners, electronic indie artist McCall lands with punchy track ‘Up Down.’
#73 - Aphex Twin releases surprise 38-song compilation album including ‘em2500 M253X [London 03.06.17].’
⭐ = our pick of the week. Usually an under the radar artist to keep an eye on.
Virgin Music Group’s $775 deal for Downtown is stirring the pot, as IMPALA and Martin Mills question the deal. TikTok has filed an emergency motion with the Supreme Court to pause its ban, which could remove the app from US app stores by January 19th. Utopia Distribution Services, the primary physical distributor for major labels in the UK, collapsed after Swiss parent Utopia music went into bankruptcy. Big-name musicians face backlash for using pandemic relief funds on luxury items.
Beyoncé became the most RIAA certified female artist of all time with 103 certified titles.
Of course, check out ROSTR’s WRAPD 2024 on New Industry Friday here.
Diddy dropped his bail appeal and will remain in jail until his May 2025 trial. Paula Abdul settled her sexual assault lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe. California court allows Garth Brooks’ lawsuit to continue. Daddy Yankee filed a legal motion against his estranged wife, claiming she withdrew $80M without authorization. YouTube joins forces with CAA to develop AI tools for deepfake recognition. UMG’s Republic Records has settled with OpenDeal and Opulous after three years of legal disputes over the ‘Republic’ name.
RIP to Spotify’s Car Thing that ended less than 3 years after being introduced in the US.
MENA-focused Spotify rival Anghami secured a $55M investment from OSN Group
Blue Note is expanding to LA, expected to open its doors in March 2025.
Streaming service Audius did a deal with ICE to handle royalties for over 330K rights holders.
Wrapping up Stack by ROSTR’s 12 Days of Stacking with nonprofits/communities, newsletters and films.
The new documentary, Avicii - I’m Tim, is set to premiere worldwide on Netflix starting December 31st.
Group Chat
The section that'll probably get us in trouble one of these days
Music biz waiting for ROSTR WRAPD to drop:
What did Benny & Selena get from Taco Bell?
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Baja Blast Freezes (0%)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Chicken Chalupa Supremes (11%)
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ They didn't actually eat that shit (30%)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 A lot of $ (59%)
Multi-instrumentalist Arc De Soleil has formed his management team with companies Conscious Wanted, Coalition Entertainment & JET Management coming onboard.
Pop duo DRAMA signed with TMWRK for management.
Platinum French DJ HUGEL extended his publishing deal with BMG.
Bedroom pop artist Rio Romeo locked in a deal with AWAL.
Sub Urban, who gained recognition for his TikTok hit ‘Cradles,’ signed with Wasserman Music for touring.
DJ & Producer Seven Lions has teamed up with MLennial for management.
+140 signings on ROSTR this week
🎸 Biggest tours announced this week: Shania Twain, System of a Down, Damiano David, SahBabii, Faux Real
Burning Man CEO Marian Goodell announced the nonprofit festival is still seeking to fundraise $14M for 2025. Which desert tech bro will step up…
Massive Attack explained why they turned down Coachella: “It’s a golf resort built on a desert, run on a sprinkler system, using public water supplies. Mental.”
After suffering vocal damage, Sam Fender cancelled the remaining dates of his 2024 tour.
Artists like Skepta, Björk & Uncle Waffles will play Apple Music’s NYE Livestream.
Ryusuke Kamada named CFO at Avex US. Third Side Music names Melanie Santa Rosa as Head of Copyright. Hugh Forrest is promoted to Prez of SXSW as Jann Baskett prepares to step down to Advisory Role. Lucinda Martinez appointed Chief Marketing Officer at HarbourView while Deborah Renteria is made VP, Brand & Content Strategy. Infinite Reality names Drew Wilson as COO. Marcus Ellington named EVP of Ad Sales & Sponsorships at Sphere Ent. AEG Presents promotes Evan Marks to Talent Buyer. Eddie Kloesel named Partner at WHY&HOW. Paul Roper, President of Dualtone Music Group tragically passed away at 45.
A&R Representative at Thriller Records in LA
Director of Sales at Saffire
Head of Royalties at Beatport in either LA or London
Creative Director at The Shalizi Group in Las Vegas
Manager, Creator Partnerships at Wasserman in LA
Music - Brand Partnerships Executive at CAA in LA
↗ Find these and 130+ open roles at Jobs by ROSTR
What's Good?
Recent notable record reviews
Some of our favorite end of year album lists:
Too Long / Did Read
Interesting, often long, stuff to watch, read, or listen to
📺 Watch how Daft Punk’s infamous 2006 Coachella set was brought to life
🎧 What Superfans Really Want with SoundCloud CEO Eliah Seton - Trapital
Katy Perry
Miley Cyrus
TikTok
Virgin Music Group
Utopia Music
Beyoncé
Diddy
Spotify
Coachella
Republic Records
Artist Lawsuits and Legal Battles
Collapse of Music Distributors
Legal Challenges For Social Media Platforms
New Music Friday
Physical Distribution
Litigation
Artist Signings
Executive Appointments
Mergers & Acquisitions
Industry Tragedy
Criminal Cases
AI Tools
Artist Management
Legal Disputes
MENA Expansion
Royalty Payouts
Music Media
Talent Agencies
Music Publishing
Industry Job Listings
United States
United Kingdom
Switzerland
France
Los Angeles, US
London, GB
Las Vegas, US
👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block
This is one of NIF's newsletters. News and other editorial are selected by the team based on which news they think is interesting (or funny) this week.
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