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Rihanna Leaves Def Jam for Roc Nation
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Industry News, Hip-Hop & Rap, Pop,
Rihanna is preparing to release her next album with Roc Nation after leaving Def Jam.
The "Diamonds" singer, who was already being managed by Jay Z's record label, has now inked a deal and her profile on Roc Nation's website has been updated, which lists her as one of their big name acts.
Rihanna first signed her record deal with Def Jam in 2005, when she was just 17, and claims then-label-president Jay Z wouldn't let her out of his office until she put pen to paper. Since then, she has released all seven of her chart conquering albums with the label, including 2011's Unapologetic, despite Jay Z leaving his role to start up Roc Nation in 2009.
Rihanna had already parted ways with her former manager Marc Jordan and signed with Jay's Roc Nation management team in 2010 but it now appears she is also signed to the label.
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50 Cent Signs with Indie Label
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Industry News, Upcoming Releases, Hip-Hop & Rap,
50 Cent will release his next album on an indie label.
The "Candy Shop" hitmaker has severed ties with Eminem's Interscope imprint, Shady Records, after 12 years and will now be working with Caroline, a music distributor owned by Universal, starting with his album Animal Ambition, which is due out on June 3.
"I recorded so many album quality songs that I'm going to put the Animal project out as my viral marketing plan and then [Street King] will come out after. [Animal Ambition] is about prosperity ... ambition and prosperity," the star said in a statement.
The 38-year-old rapper has sold millions of albums for Interscope, including 15-million copies of his debut record, but the star's relationship with the label has been difficult since 2009's Before I Self Destruct, which failed to conquer the charts.
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Justin Bieber’s Boss Urges Him to Get Help
Justin Bieber's record label boss thinks the star needs to be the subject of an "intervention."
Universal chief Lucien Grainge admits he is "concerned" for the 19-year-old singer - who was arrested last week for driving under the influence (DUI), driving with an expired license and resisting arrest - amid reports of his drug use and is urging him to take a break and get help for his problems.
Speaking at the official Universal Music Group Grammys aftershow party at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles, he told the Daily Mirror newspaper, "I'm very concerned about him. I've been concerned about him for many months. And Scooter Braun [Justin's manager], who I work with very closely and is supposed to be here, but is with him at the moment. The management, us... This has nothing to do with the business or records or releases, this is to do with the young man. He needs help. He needs an intervention. We are going to give all the support as a company to take as much pressure off him so he can look forward."
Click to continue reading Justin Bieber’s Boss Urges Him to Get Help
Solange Knowles Launching Record Label
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Industry News, Hip-Hop & Rap, Pop, R&B / Soul,
Solange Knowles is launching her own record label. The singer has taken inspiration from her big sister Beyonce's husband Jay-Z by setting up her own label Saint Records under Sony's umbrella, allowing her to release her own music with complete creative freedom as well as promoting other artists.
Solange announced the news on Twitter, posting, "Big news day for me! Wasn't ready to announce, but since false info is spreading I will gladly do so:) Supppppperr EXCITED! Super stoked to announce I've started my own label,SAINT RECORDS,where I'll be releasing my music & other projects distributed through SONY! Through Saint Records I will have 100% creative/artistic control & continue to passionately pursue my footing in this new musical movement. (sic)"
Solange, 26, previously switched from major label Universal to go independent with her 2012 EP True, which was released via Terrible Records, co-run by Grizzly Bear's Chris Taylor. She decided to make the news of her new business venture public after hearing rumors she was supposedly signing to Columbia records, which is owned by Sony.
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Ne-Yo Signs Artist During Gig
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Concerts / Tours, Industry News, Performances, Hip-Hop & Rap, R&B / Soul,
Ne-Yo surprised new artist Sonna Rele by signing her to Motown Records Thursday night.
The "Closer" star invited the London-born singer - whom he discovered on Facebook - on stage with him at Under the Bridge venue in Chelsea where he offered her to opportunity to join the iconic label, which has been home to Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and the Temptations.
Speaking about Ne-Yo - who is Vice President of A& R at Motown - Sonna exclusively told BANG Showbiz, "I have a lot of respect for him, he's an amazing artist, an amazing songwriter. I feel like I've got a really good team around me where I can kind of grow as a songwriter and an artist. I'm smiling from ear-to-ear right now. I'm really, really excited."
The 25- year old has already worked with Fugees star Wyclef Jean and music producer Dallas Austin, who between them have worked with likes of Michael Jackson, Madonna, TLC, Boys II Men and Gwen Stefani.
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The Killers’ Record Company Revenge
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Awards, Editorials, Industry News, Pop, Rock,
The Killers were turned down by every major record label in the US.
The "Somebody Told Me" band found it hard to get a deal in their home country at the start of their career, but a good review and radio play in Britain helped kick started their career.
"Every major label in America turned us down, then we got a glowing review in NME magazine and every single one of those labels offered us a record deal. So I will always be thankful to the NME," frontman Brandon Flowers said.
The band were awarded the Best International Band trophy at the recent NME Awards, and said they were amazed to be at the ceremony alongside their hero, guitar player Johnny Marr. Referencing two of Johnny's bands, Brandon added to NME magazine, "It's a big honor just to be here with Johnny Marr. I mean have you ever heard Electronic? But The Smiths were a staple for so many of us that were in that room. It's incredible, the influence they had."
Record Label Warns Justin Bieber of His Behavior
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Concerts / Tours, Gossip, Performances, Rumors, Pop, R&B / Soul,
Justin Bieber has been reprimanded by his record company over his recent behavior.
The "Baby" hitmaker was subjected to a 20-minute Skype chat with his label bosses following his performance at The O2 arena in London on Monday, which saw him take to the stage two hours late. And the discussion also saw the 19-year-old singer warned to curb his partying ways and "stay in more."
"Being amidst a barrage of abuse is uncharted territory for Justin. Understandably he is finding it hard to take ... His erratic behavior and antics are not what his young fans expect of him. After an emergency meeting in the US, Justin's people had him on Skype to bosses and he was given a serious talking-to. It was suggested he start staying in more and basically cleaning up his act ... Justin took the news well and has promised to go back to putting his fans first," a source told The Daily Mail.
After the talks, Justin's manager Scooter Braun advised the young pop star to stay "focused" on his Twitter account: "@justinbieber really good talk. #focused. (sic)"
Click to continue reading Record Label Warns Justin Bieber of His Behavior
Timbaland Signs with Jay-Z
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Collaborations, Industry News, Upcoming Releases, Hip-Hop & Rap,
Timbaland has signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label. The rapper and producer - who has worked on tracks for Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Rowland and a host of other stars - has signed with Jay's label, which is also home to Rita Ora and Alexis Jordan.
Jay posted a picture of them together on his Life + Times blog, with a caption reading, "We would like to welcome Timbaland to the Roc Nation family!"
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Marilyn Manson Struggled to Start Over
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Gossip, Rock, New Releases,
Marilyn Manson found it hard to admit his career needed rejuvenating. The goth rocker became "frustrated and didn't want to work on music" and blamed the "incompetent salesmen" at former record label Interscope for diluting his music:
"I'd make things and I'd turn them into the profiteers, the record label, Interscope or whoever, and they would do something with it that was not only as smart as what I would do with it, it diluted it. They tried to dull it down, basically. I didn't even understand why they wanted me in the first place. I'm not bitter about it, I'm just pointing out that they were incompetent salesmen. So I did my best to get dropped from my label. It was like starting over. I mean, it wasn't like I was scrounging around for another record deal; people were throwing a lot of money around, but what is money? It's just something that allows you to continue doing what you like to do in life. I don't care about money."
Click to continue reading Marilyn Manson Struggled to Start Over
Coldplay, Pink Floyd and Kylie Minogue to Be Dropped From Label
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Gossip, Industry News, Alternative, Dance, Electronic, Hip-Hop & Rap, Pop, R&B / Soul, Rock,
Coldplay, Pink Floyd and Kylie Minogue are to be dropped by their label.
Troubled British record company EMI is undergoing a takeover by Universal Music Group, and the European Commission ruled today it can go ahead on condition it sells off most of its smaller record labels.
Acts who will now find themselves without a parent label include David Guetta, Tinie Tempah, Gorillaz, Cliff Richard, David Bowie, Tina Turner and Duran Duran, who are all signed to Parlophone. Chrysalis - home to Depeche Mode and Moby - will also have to go, as will Mute, home to the Ramones and Jethro Tull.
One act EMI will be keep are The Beatles, a hugely lucrative band, who still sell millions of albums even though they split in 1970.
Click to continue reading Coldplay, Pink Floyd and Kylie Minogue to Be Dropped From Label
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