ABBA Voyage had a $400m+ economic impact in London in its first yearConcert series' producers have published an analysis of the event's socio-economic impact in London
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VEVO DSCVR ARTISTS TO WATCH 2024: Fridayy, Libianca, StrandzIntroducing the final three artists in Vevo's global watchlist for 2024
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The global success of Nigeria’s Tems without a full album releaseDespite not releasing a single full album, Nigerian musician Tems is a global superstar who continues to rise “Higher.” The Chartmetric team digs into how it happened. by Chiamaka Muoneke. Continue reading
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How to use Spotify’s Showcase feature to get new listeners [Brian Hazard]Spotify’s latest marketing campaign feature helps target only new users instead of wasting precious ad dollars on those already listening. Brian Hazard digs into how and how well it works.. Continue reading
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AI in Music Production: Advancements, Collaborations & Copyright Issues [Virginie Berger]AI has shifted how creative works are composed, expanded the potential possibilities of production, and more. Here are some of the multifaceted roles that AI has in today’s music industry…. Continue reading
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Art Rock LA is Center Stage at CenterStagingOn the evening of Saturday, Dec. 9, music and art collided in Burbank, CA as ART Rock LA took center stage at CenterStaging. The event was sponsored by Freckled Zelda, a recording artist and influencer, who captivated the audience in a Princess Zelda costume complete with antlers and elf ears.

Freckled Zelda not only sponsored the event but also delivered a mesmerizing performance blending original compositions with covers. The highlight was her new rendition of “Butterflies,” where the Ocarina, a sweet potato-shaped flute, added a magical touch to the evening.

Powerhouse vocalist EMM also performed. Sets by Trinity Bliss (Avatar) and Tim Johnson Jr. (Disney Channel, Nickelodeon) added to the musical diversity on show. Ryan Story closed the event with a set of classic rock favorites.

The primary focus of the evening, however, was to support The Guitar Center Music Foundation’s fundraiser, led by Myka Miller Jimenez. A silent auction that included signed guitars and memorabilia contributed to the noble cause of fostering music education.

The CenterStaging Artist Relations building, typically home to offices for brands like Roland, PRS, and Ernie Ball, was transformed into an art haven. The walls were decorated with framed art and canvases, showcasing the work of musicians who also paint. For example, JD Shultz, the singer-songwriter of Human Brother, contributed iconic classic rock star art on acrylic glass.

Rising art world star Jessica Downs displayed large canvases featuring abstract likenesses of deceased music legends, including Chester Bennington, John Lennon, and Jimi Hendrix. Separately, from Star Trek fame, 20-time Emmy-nominated Dan Curry showcased original art, including some of his Klingon designs. Music composer Joel Doeuk presented his own metal and resin sculptures in explosive imagery.

Marvel artist Christian Cordella showcased his Pennywise, the clown from the IT movies, while Madrid-based artist Kala Carela added a touch of gothy darkness to the artistic spectrum. From Matt Carmody, attendees saw drip-style pieces paying homage to Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, and Joe Cocker. 

FATHOM Art, curated by Francis Coiro, took over the space previously occupied by Fender, treating attendees to rare classic rock photos from the gallery’s Rock Iconix Collection. Also on view were dozens of paintings and fine art prints from FATHOM’s roster of international contemporary artists, plus a selection of work from seminal Los Angeles graffiti and mural artists. Notable images included a one-of-a-kind 3D rendering of Madonna before she became the pop icon we know today.

The ambiance and lighting of the event were provided by Modern Illumination, ensuring each painting in the entire Artist Relations building was individually highlighted. PRS Guitars Artist Relations executive Winn Krozack entertained with a mesmerizing performance on the 7-foot Yamaha Grand Midi Disklavier. Performing artists were supported by Renkus-Heinz Audio on stage.

The event’s production was a collaborative effort led by Sammy Oriti, CenterStaging’s General Manager Will Kerlick, and Freckled Zelda’s manager Rick Wilson. 

Though the holiday season has come and gone, we at Music Connection encourage readers to consider the gift of art. For those interested in exploring the collection further, private showings are available by appointment on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Contact info@artrockla.com or call 310-985-5511 to schedule your visit and bring the magic of music-infused art into your life.

artrockla.com

Highlights from MIDiA’s State of the Music Creator Economy ReportMIDiA has released its annual “Current State of the Music Creator Economy” report, the definitive assessment of the music creator tools industry, and here they share the highlights. via MIDiA. Continue reading
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Prism adds $5M for venue, promoter, booking agency softwarePrism, a US-based startup building software used by venues, promoters, and booking agencies, has completed a $5 million Series B fundraising round. The company’s Series A round was $8 million.. Continue reading
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LyricFind acquires Rotor Videos and partners with CD Baby, expanding video creation pushThe lyric-licensing company is significantly expanding its video creation tools with the acquisition of Belfast-based Rotor Videos.
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NEON16’s Lex Borrero: ‘The growing interest in Latin Music is a testament to its impact on the global stage.’NEON16 NTERTAIN's founder on the rise of Latin Music, partnering with Firebird, Tainy's debut album and his ambition to build a billion-dollar business..
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What Musicians can learn from Alix Earle and other InfluencersBlair Miller, Founder and CEO of the marketing agency Chaos Creators Entertainment, discusses how artists and musicians can learn from successful influencers when creating an online presence. by Blair Miller. Continue reading
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DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 2023 At Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos CAOne of the great joys of being a longtime smooth jazz enthusiast is the opportunity every so oftento share the festive, ever-grooving magic of my favorite artists in a live setting with friends whohaven’t yet had the pleasure. Early in his Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2023 Saturdayshow at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center, the saxophonist and always engaging hostmentioned it’s been an annual tradition since 1997 – over 25 years! I’ve lost count of how manyI’ve attended – 10, 12, maybe – but one thing’s for sure. It’s always the musical highlight of theseason. Still after attending so many great performances, there’s always the possibility of takingthem for granted, like comfortable annual rituals rather than the fresh, marvelous evergreenevents they truly are.So it was a unique pleasure for me to share the evening with a wonderful friend new to the KozChristmas experience and to experience through her eyes the wonder and nuance of everyexciting performance, each fresh arrangement of a holiday classic, the mix of R&B/funk,intimacy and uplifting gospel energy. A fusion of exquisite beauty and ongoing party, the Kozversion of Santa’s workshop, drew my friend into the holiday spirit - and made me appreciateevery detail of just how special and essential the show is to, to borrow a familiar lyric, makingthe season bright.

While the “and friends” Koz usually invites to join the fun of his cross-country December toursare usually other genre A-lister stars, he switched things up delightfully this year, complementingthe core of him and “my brother” Jonathan Butler with equally brilliant but slightly lesser knownperformers like saxophonist Marcus Anderson, vocalist Rebecca Jade and 16-year old SouthAfrican born multi-instrumentalist phenom Justin Lee Schultz, whose 2023 debut album Just InThe Moment is one of the genre’s best of the year.Koz and Butler kicked off the nearly two-hour show showcasing their dynamic sax-guitar-vocalchemistry on an engaging medley of freshly arranged classics, seamlessly flowing through“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “White Christmas,” “We Need a Little Christmas,”“Joy to the World and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” Everything seemed like a“normal” but of course wonderful Koz Christmas show until Schultz popped in with a soulfulversion of “This Christmas” that featured him, in rapid succession on vocals, fiery electric guitarand acoustic piano. Then came the blazing sax and stage commanding charisma of Anderson,followed by Jade performing (with Anderson and Schultz on harmonies) a fascinating, funkedout twist on “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” with a completely new melody.Likewise, Anderson played one of the peppiest spins through the usually staid and sacred “SilentNight” that I’ve ever heard.After Koz and Butler joined them for a full cast romp through a playfully choreographed “SantaClaus is Coming to Town,” Koz took center stage (with Schultz on piano) to share his newsingle, “When You Wish Upon A Star” (part of an upcoming Disney themed EP), easing fromlush balladry to a whimsical, percussive samba arrangement. The one aspect of the show that setit apart from previous Koz extravaganzas was when the five principals gathered around the piano

for intimate talk (and of course, brief performances) of their very favorite holiday songs. Theseranged from Anderson’s perky “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” and Jade’s sweet “MerryChristmas Darling” to Koz’s hilarious “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch!”The cultural-religious balance of a Koz holiday show is always a treat as well, this timemanifested with Koz complementing his folksy dance “Eight Candles” with snippets traditionalHanukah songs; Jade and Butler offering a shimmering, goose-bump inducing duet on “MaryDid You Know?”; Jade making a joyful noise to the Lord on “O Come All Ye Faithful” with afaux stained glass church window on the screen behind her; and Butler’s showstopping “O HolyNight,” performed with a meditational grace that invited everyone in the audience to feel eachword on a soul-deep level.Energy-wise, the flip side of that was when the whole cast joined forces as Butler took thecongregation to church on his fiery gospel jam “Brand New Day.” Koz and Friends closed theevening on a thoughtful note, with some Beatlesque messaging for a world in need, starting witha thoughtful rendition of “Imagine” topped with a swelling chorus of “All You Need is Love.”

The number of Latin music listeners on Spotify worldwide soared 986% from 2014 to 2023Spotify reports steady double-digit growth in demand for Latin music over the past decade
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Japan’s NexTone expands distribution network globally in partnership with SESAC Music Group’s AudioSaladDeal marks the first Japanese partnership for AudioSalad
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Which AI tools are most popular with musicians and producers?AI for music was one of the year’s hottest topics. But which AI tools are musicians and music producers using the most? The team at the recording studio and rehearsal. Continue reading
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