DEALS
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Belfast rap trio Kneecap have announced that they have signed to Heavenly Recordings. âWeâre absolutely delighted to have signed to Heavenlyâ, they say. âWe met a load of labels over recent months but wanted to work with good people, people who understood what Kneecap is all about, what we stand for, and who share our belief that we can bring our music around the world! Signed to such a historic label, and with a brand new album and movie coming in 2024, we are fucking buzzing!â
APPOINTMENTS
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Downtown Music Holdings last week announced the appointment of Pieter van Rijn to its board of directors. He is President of the companyâs business services division, Downtown Music. âWhen we first set out to transform Downtown Music, our B2B division, into a fully integrated suite of business service offerings, we were fortunate to have such a strong executive in our organisation who could help us execute on that visionâ, says CEO Andrew Bergman. "The addition of Pieter to our board further demonstrates Downtown's commitment and mission to empower creators and the businesses that serve themâ.
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Dotun Bolaji has joined Primary Talent as an agent. He joins from Runway Artists and brings with him a roster that includes Agajon, B-ahwe, Jay Prince, Jords, Karl Benjamin and Planet Giza. âIâm THRILLED to join the team at Primary Talent, with note to their stellar reputationâ, he says. âIn this digital age, music of black origin and black artists who make music beyond conventional expectations are reaching unprecedented heights. As fans embrace diverse sounds, Iâm dedicated to amplifying these voices, bringing new and creative experiences to broader audiences. The future of live music is brightâ.
RELEASES
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Take That will release new album âThis Lifeâ on 24 Nov. Out now is its first single âWindowsâ. âItâs been a wonderful experience being back in the studio together making this recordâ, say the band. âIt has that feeling of spreading your wings, letting out the old and bringing in the newâ. They will also be touring the UK and Ireland from April until June next year.
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X Ambassadors have released new single âDevastationâ, featuring PamĂ©. ââDevastationâ is a song for those of us who need to do everything in extremesâ, says the bandâs Sam Nelson. âSo when it comes to love, let it be all-consuming. Let it eat us alive. From the Dominican Republic via the Bronx, PamĂ© is a bonafide superstar in the making. For a song called âDevastationâ we needed a devastating voice. Sheâs got that and then someâ.
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DJ Shadow has released new single âYou Played Meâ. His new album âAction Adventureâ is out on 27 Oct.
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070 Shake has released new single âBlack Dressâ.
GIGS & TOURS
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Yard Act have announced UK and Ireland tour dates in March next year, including a show at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on 27 Mar. Tickets go on general sale on Friday.
AWARDS
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The inaugural edition of the Rolling Stone UK Awards will take place at the Roundhouse in London on 23 Nov. It will see thirteen acts inducted into the Rolling Stone UK Hall Of Fame. âItâs timeâ, says Rolling Stone UK publisher Darren Styles.