SEPTEMBER 2003

© Copyright 2003 by SLI - SongLink International
Editor & Publisher: David Stark
23 Belsize Crescent - London NW3 5QY, UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 794 2540 - Fax: +44 (0)207 794 7393

EMI Music Publishing VP Tom Bradley has left the company after eight years to pursue interest ouside the music business. He is replaced by former Sony/ATV Music MD and European VP William Booth, who becomes head of business development. Most recently Booth was based at Harbottle & Lewis as a consultant and also set up new music venture Mainspring with former Sony colleague Blair McDonald, from which he is now stepping down.

Former Edel Music and PolyGram Music head David Hockman has been appointed chairman of Sony/ATV Music Publishing worldwide, replacing Paul Russell who is leaving the company after 30 years to return to law practice and consultancy in London. Hockman will report to Sony Music Entertainment executive VP Michele Anthony.

Highlights of the n The City convention in Manchester from September 13-16th include 'in conversation' interviews with EMI Music Publishing chairman/CEO Peter Reichardt, and with Modest! Management CEO Richard Griffiths. The main keynote speech is by digital distributor OD2 head Charles Grimsdale, while John O'Keefe, executive creative director of ad agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty will present a masterclass on how to manage creativity. The full list of panels, workshops and the extensive live music programme can be found at www.inthecity.co.uk.

Sanctuary Music Publishing (SMP) has concluded a world (ex-UK & Eire) administration agreement with Kobalt Music, which is headed by Willard Ahdritz. SMP President Deke Arlon commented, "We are delighted with this deal which puts us in a position where we can compete for writers and catalogues on an equal footing with any other major publisher." Kobalt has developed a centralized collection infrastructure and a dedicated administration system based on modern technology allowing a high level of automation on a global basis.

Dan Keeling has been promoted to head of A&R at Parlophone, following Miles Leonard's promotion to MD of the label in July.

Chrysalis Music film & TV manager Karina Masters is leaving to becme advertising manager at former Chrysalis Music Group head Steve Lewis's new publishing venture Stage Three Music.

The UK's Music Publishers Association is launching the first annual MPA Music in Advertising Awards to honour the most innovative and imaginative use of music in advertising, in three categories - pop, classical and specially commissioned. Nominees will be listed at the MPA's website (www.mpaonline.org.uk), with the winners to be announced at the MusicWorks conference in Glasgow (Oct. 29 - Nov. 1).

Playground Music Scandinavia has completed the acquisition of Danish indie label Edel-Mega, with Anders Lassen appointed as GM, reporting to Playground CEO Torgny Sj. The roster includes hit Finnish band Rasmus. Edel Denmark's former MD Freddie D Wall has left the label but no other staff cuts are expected.

Elton John has denied reports that he is going to take up residency in Las Vegas at Celine Dion's theatre. The rebuff comes after speculation that he was set to play 'hundreds of shows' in the city over the next two years. Elton is currently at No.1 with the remix of Are You Ready For Love.

Radio 2's ongoing Sold On Song feature was officially launched with a showcase at London's Cafe de Paris on September 15th, where Elvis Costello performed tracks from his new album North and discussed his songwriting experiences. Along with a daily presence on the station through documentaries, live performances and interviews, Sold On Song is mounting a series of songwriting workshops and masterclasses around the UK, with events planned in Newcastle, Glasgow and Bristol with more to follow. For details visit www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/soldonsong.

The first of the Songs Wanted 'Songwriters Live!' showcase series is scheduled for September 18th at Leon's Irish Pub in Munich, Germany. The show will be hosted by Nashville/Berlin-based singer/songwriter/ producer Tom Cunningham and features name artists Fool's Garden, C.B. Green and Mia Aegerter plus upcoming singer/songwriters. The next showcases will be held in November and January 2004. Interested singer/songwriters and recording artists who can perform their material on acoustic guitar and/or keyboards contact: ellie@songswanted.com.

David Massey has been promoted to executive VP A&R for Sony Music US and Sony Music International, with offices in New York and London.

Veteran Columbia Records A&R executive John Kalodner is joining Sanctuary Records as senior VP, based in Santa Monica. He will also continue to A&R certain non-Sanctuary artists including Cher, and will be signing new acts and working with current artists on the Sanctuary roster, reporting to CEO Merck Mercuriades.

Chuck Bradley has been appointed creative director, urban at Famous Music in Los Angeles. He was most recently a consultant to Windswept.

Cherry Lane Music Publishing has signed a worldwide co-publishing deal with R&B/Hip-Hop sensation, the Black Eyed Peas. The deal covers the Peas' latest album, Elephunk (A&M).

Record industry association RIAA has named Mitch Bainwol as chairman/CEO, replacing Hilary Rosen. Bainwol was former chief of staff to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.

ASCAP songwriter Rudy Perez has funded a new program of The ASCAP Foundation to benefit aspiring Latino music creators. The new scholarship will be presented annually to an emerging Latino songwriter who shows the potential to produce creative and original work and also demonstrates financial need.

Singer/songwriter Sylvia Tyson received the Hall of Fame award at the 27th annual Canadian Country Music Awards on September 8th in Calgary. Other performers included host Paul Brandt, Keith Urban, Wynonna Judd, Terri Clark and Lisa Brokup.

RIP: Singer/songwriter Warren Zevon (56), who was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer last year. His last album The Wind was recently released... Rock'n'roll pioneer Sam Phillips (80), the Sun Records founder who discovered Elvis Presley and also launched the careers of Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and others... Author/journalist Ian MacDonald, writer of Beatles book Revolution In The Head... Tony Jackson (63), bass player for The Searchers, of liver disease.