PJ Harvey Welcomes L.A. Into Her WorldPhotos by Natalie Somekh

Sometimes a concert is more than a concert. Yes, it's easy to get heavy with the grandiosity at moments like this, to engage in music-critic-bullshittery and word-salad-wankery. But an evening with PJ Harvey really is a very special affair. Not since this writer saw Leonard Cohen over a decade ago has an artist had the ability to fully transport the audience into their artistic vision. No crazy pyro or props; rather, Harvey's methods are musical, enhanced by subtle lighting and smoke. Her words and melodies, movements and musicality, carry us away with her.

That's massively because of the first part of the set, which sees Harvey perform last year's I Inside the Old Year Dying album in its entirety. Despite the critical praise that was heaped upon the album, it still feels like to crept under the radar a little, at least in terms of mainstream acceptance. Because the album is a masterpiece. Elements of folk and classical music interweave with prog rock and the '90s alternative rock scene that she emerged from three decades ago. It's a whirly-spin of emotions, Shakespearean in its tail-flick from tragedy to calm.

So her sound has as much to do with Vivaldi, the Fairport Convention and Clannad as it does Tori Amos or any of her other contemporaries. It fully immerses itself in a grounded-yet-fantastical old world that Taylor Swift drove at with Folklore and Evermore, Melanie Martinez with Portals. Harvey's fans may balk at those comparisons, but they shouldn't. Despite Swift's and Martinez's clear desire to stretch limbs and explore these new worlds, there's the nagging feeling that they're still beholden to "pop" -- that something is holding them back. PJ Harvey doesn't have these issues.

Perhaps it's telling that I Inside the Old Year Dying is her first album on an independent label (Partisan) since her Dry debut in '92. She's only answering to herself. Then again, that might be a touch unfair; it's not as if the eight albums she released on Island/Universal felt hampered by corporate influences. She's really always played the game her way anyway.

To pick out tracks from the new album performed in the first part of the set would be a redundant exercise. The whole thing flows so beautifully, orchestrally, peaking and troughing as we find ourselves floating on a carpet of Harvey's words. Surrounded by the trees up at the Greek Theatre, it's hard to imagine a more appropriate venue for this music (maybe Red Rocks in Denver).

The second part of the set began with the folk-stomp of "The Colour of the Earth" from 2011's Let England Shake, Harvey letting her band run through that one without her. She reemerged for "The Glorious Land" and "The Words That Maketh Murder" from the same album, then she pulled out the classic "50ft Queenie" from 1993's sophomore, Steve Albini-produced Rid of Me. That song injected some welcome crunch into the evening, highlighting the dynamics that Harvey is capable of.

We also get "Dress" from Dry, and three songs from 1995's incredible To Bring You My Love. When the end comes, the vibe from the audience is one of waking from a dream. Somehow, we all have to give our heads a shake and find our way home. But this is an experience that will live with us for some time to come.

The post PJ Harvey Welcomes L.A. Into Her World first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Universal makes big move in China’s hip-hop scene, inking deal to distribute artists from ‘The Rap Of China’All upcoming songs from the latest season's artists will be distributed globally under UMG
Source

How to Stand Out on Spotify Wrapped 2024: A Musicians GuideSpotify has signaled that its 2024 Wrapped will launch soon. This guide on How to Stand Out on Spotify Wrapped 2024 offers a simple roadmap for every musician to become part of this global music phenomenon.
The post How to Stand Out on Spotify Wrapped 2024: A Musicians Guide appeared first on Hypebot.

Don’t miss Music Tectonics’ Creator Fair: Get $25 Discount Tickets NowNext week's popular Music Tectonics Conference has added a companion Music Tectonics Creator Fair on Oct 23rd in Santa Monica.
The post Don’t miss Music Tectonics’ Creator Fair: Get $25 Discount Tickets Now appeared first on Hypebot.

From UMG’s [PIAS] buyout to Concord’s $217m Daddy Yankee deal… it’s MBW’s Weekly Round-UpThe biggest stories from the past week – all in one place…
Source

Beginner’s Guide to Music PublishingIf you've made some music and now you're looking for the next steps, you've come to the right place. This guide covers what music publishing is and the significant role it will play into your music success.
The post Beginner’s Guide to Music Publishing appeared first on Hypebot.

Litmus Music Enters Creative Partnership with Randy Newman on Recorded Music Royalties and Music Publishing RightsLitmus Music, a music rights business backed by Carlyle’s (NASDAQ: CG) Global Credit Platform, has acquired Randy Newman’s share of his recorded music and publishing, encompassing the scores to timeless and beloved Disney film franchises such as Toy Story, Cars, Monsters Inc., and The Princess and the Frog. The deal also includes Newman’s hits from the 1970s-1980s such as “I Love L.A.,” “Mama Told Me Not To Come,” “Feels Like Home,” “You Can Leave Your Hat On,” “Short People,” “Baltimore,” and “It’s A Jungle Out There”

The catalog includes Toy Story’s “You’ve Got A Friend In Me,” which has become more than just a soundtrack to a beloved film; it has evolved into a universal symbol of friendship solidifying its place in contemporary culture.

Following high-profile deals with Katy Perry, benny blanco, and Keith Urban, this partnership with Newman further solidifies Litmus’s commitment to preserving and promoting iconic catalogs that resonate across generations. Having operated at the highest levels of the music industry, Litmus’ founding members have collectively fostered deep connections to record labels, distributors, artist managers, and the artists themselves, with a mission to create value for artists and investors through the thoughtful management of music.

“Randy Newman is a unique and brilliant songwriter, composer, and performer whose body of work has proven him to be an artist for the ages. There is absolutely no one like him, and his influence on the music world cannot be overstated. We couldn’t be more proud and excited to acquire Randy’s catalog of beautiful, witty, and sharply observational songs,” said Dan McCarroll, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Litmus Music.

“Randy’s music has touched so many generations. His songs continue to transcend time and illuminate films. Dan and I and the entire Litmus team are so grateful Randy has trusted us as his partner to care for these songs and recordings. It is an honor and responsibility we don’t take lightly,” added Hank Forsyth, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Litmus Music.

“Randy Newman’s music has been a staple of childhood memories and experiences for decades,” said Alex Popov, Head of Private Credit at Carlyle. “Litmus Music continues to partner with the world’s leading artists to promote and drive value for iconic catalogs.”

With songs that run the gamut from heartbreaking to satirical and a host of unforgettable film scores, Randy Newman has used his many talents to create musical masterpieces widely recognized by generations of audiences.

After starting his songwriting career as a teenager, Newman launched into recording as a singer and pianist in 1968 with his self-titled album Randy Newman. Throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s he released several acclaimed albums such as: 12 Songs, Sail Away, Good Old Boys, Little Criminals, Born Again, Trouble in Paradise, Land of Dreams, and Bad Love. Since 2003, he has released three Randy Newman Songbook volumes, the Randy Newman: Live in London CD/DVD, Harps and Angels, and Dark Matter.

In addition to his solo recordings and regular international touring, Newman began composing and scoring for films in the 1980s. The list of movies he has worked on includes The Natural, Awakenings, Ragtime, all four Toy Story pictures, Monsters Inc. and Monsters University, Seabiscuit, James and the Giant Peach, A Bug’s Life, Meyerowitz Stories, and Marriage Story. Randy Newman’s many honors include seven Grammys, three Emmys, and two Academy Awards, as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is in both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has been awarded an Ivor Novello PRS for Music Special International Award as well as a PEN New England Song Lyrics of Literary Excellence Award.

Photo by Pamela SpringsteenThe post Litmus Music Enters Creative Partnership with Randy Newman on Recorded Music Royalties and Music Publishing Rights first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

HYBE’s Weverse to launch new superfan subscription tiers… and keep up to 60% of the moneyWeverse will reportedly take up to 60% of the revenue generated on its new paid membership service
Source

Apple Music adds Set Lists, expands concert discovery with BandsintownApple Music has launched a feature that lets artists to turn concert setlists into playlists. Apple Music For Artists’ Set List integrates with Bandsintown to create tour-related playlists and increase concert discovery.
The post Apple Music adds Set Lists, expands concert discovery with Bandsintown appeared first on Hypebot.

2 Live Crew can take back recorded music copyrights from ex-label, jury rulesLawyers for the current owner of 2 Live Crew's copyrights have filed to overturn the jury's decision
Source

Understanding Music Publishing Rights: A Comprehensive GuideUnlock how to maximize earnings as an artist or songwriter with this guide to understanding music publishing rights. It breaks down everything you need to know to protect your work and profit from your creations.
The post Understanding Music Publishing Rights: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Hypebot.

Music City San Francisco Epicenter and Artist Accelerator opensMusic City San Francisco Epicenter is opening this weekend, bringing new opportunities for musicians and creatives. Learn how this new hub will impact local and national music scenes.
The post Music City San Francisco Epicenter and Artist Accelerator opens appeared first on Hypebot.

2025 NAMM Show Official LineupNAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), the largest global not-for-profit music trade organization, has announced today its initial listing of events for The 2025 NAMM Show, taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center January 21–25, with events and education beginning on Tuesday, January 21. Exhibits and the show floor open January 23, creating an action-packed week with full energy through late Saturday evening, January 25, 2025. 

“The NAMM Show unites the entire global music industry for one spectacular week of exhibits, education and networking in January,” said John Mlynczak, president and CEO of NAMM. “The expansion to five days of events is necessary to provide more time for education and networking that our global members depend on to grow their businesses, industry and professional community.” 

The NAMM Show, with five days of events, will offer extended education programs for every NAMM member community, including retail, brands, pro audio, entertainment technology, music education and music technology professionals, as well as tracks for artists and college music business students. 

“Tuesday opens the week with our Day of Service and giving back to the local community with support from our members, followed by networking and education panels specially designed for retailers and brands at the show” said Mlynczak. “Wednesday’s robust schedule offers more education, as well as the highly anticipated NAMM Global Media Day, where multiple iconic brands introduce onstage brand-new, cutting-edge products.”  

The first two days of the schedule can be found here (https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/preexhibitsessions), which will include more long-form, workshop-style opportunities for attendees to dig deep into new strategies to help grow their businesses and professions. 

This includes the brand-new TEC Tracks Studio Summit for pro audio professionals, which will be presented by major thought leaders in recording, music technology and studio operations. Entertainment technology expert Richard Cadena will host a full-day workshop for live event professionals on powering stages. 

For retailers and brands, NAMM U will feature an expanded NAMM Marketing Summit that covers AI, content creation and digital marketing, along with the return of the popular Retail Financial Summit. NAMM will also host a special lunch session for exhibitors on Tuesday that reveals the latest influencer-marketing strategies. Thursday through Saturday will continue a robust events schedule balanced with plenty of opportunities to engage with the 4,000-plus brands exhibiting.  

A full list of 2025 NAMM Show exhibitors, companies and brands from around the globe can be found at https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attend. 

NAMM will continue to announce, throughout the fall and winter and leading up to the show in January, new schedule additions to exhibits, education and events, as well as must-see artists and performances that will make The 2025 NAMM Show the ultimate destination for the global music industry. The full schedule of detailed events will be posted in early November. The post 2025 NAMM Show Official Lineup first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Triller is finally a publicly traded company: TikTok rival’s share price drops 20% on first day of tradingAt around $700 million, the company's market cap is short of the $4 billion initially targeted in the merger
Source

K-pop giant HYBE scrambles to pay back $293m in debtHolders of a series of HYBE's convertible bonds have requested early repayment, pushing the K-pop giant into a fast refinance
Source