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NEAR TRUTHS: KINGDOMS
File under: The enemy of my enemy is my friend. (3/26a)
ONE SHINING HITS LIST
She shoots, she scores! (3/26a)
YTD MARKET SHARE
Zeroing in on the elite teams (3/27a)
BEST IN THE WEST:
STEVE BERMAN
High time for another Eminem skit (3/26a)
MUSIC REVENUE TOPPED $17B IN 2023: RIAA
Streaming subscriptions lead the charge. (3/27a)
THE NEW UMG
Gosh, we hope there are more press releases.
TIKTOK BANNED!
Unless the Senate manages to make this whole thing go away, that is.
THE NEW HUGE COUNTRY ACT
No, not that one.
TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PLAYLIST
Now 100% unlicensed!
Blighty Beat
INDIE STORES ON THE RISE
3/6/24

Independent record stores in the U.K. have hit a 10-year high of 461 outlets in 2023 as vinyl sales reached £177.3m, nearly seven times higher than a decade ago.

Indies have dramatically increased their share of the physical music market, representing 23% of the total, according to figures in the ERA Yearbook. While the indie sector is growing, the number of physical outlets selling music in the U.K. has declined to 2,486 from 10,391 in 2014.

“In an entertainment market always full of surprises, this is in a class of its own,” ERA CEO Kim Bayley said. “Despite largely being run by owner managers, indies have seen off competition from some of the largest and best-funded companies in the land. Indies have found their niche and they are here to stay.”

Physical formats for entertainment accounted on 8% of revenue while digital formats—everything from music streaming to Netflix-style video services to downloaded games—pulled in 92% of the cash.

“Whilst supermarkets and other large retailers have gradually shifted focus from physical music, independent record stores have picked up the ball and ran with it, adapting to meet the market gap and capitalizing on growing fan demand.

“Record stores provide a unique space for music lovers to listen, collect and engage with their favorite artists in a way that taps into superfandom, and co-exists alongside digital streaming,” said Drew Hill, Deputy CEO at distributor Utopia Music. “It remains crucial that we continue to provide unbeatable service to thriving record retailers to maximize potential and ensure their bright future.”

The ERA Yearbook can be accessed here.

U.K. MIDWEEKS: LIAM IN THE LEAD
3/4/24

The first collaboration between former Oasis singer Liam Gallagher and Stone Roses guitarist John Squire is off to an early lead at the midweek mark on the Official Albums Chart as RAYE’s BRIT Awards wins have an immediate effect. Beyoncé, meanwhile has competition at singles from Benson Boone.

Liam Gallagher & John Squire (Warner) sits at #1 and, should it hold, would become Gallagher’s sixth #1 LP under his own name and Squire’s first. It leads a Top 5 of all new arrivals.

Iron Maiden leader singer Bruce Dickinson’s seventh solo record, The Mandrake Project (Duelist/BMG), holds the #2 slot and should easily become his first Top 10 entry. Kaiser ChiefsKaiser Chiefs’ Easy Eighth Album (Kaiser Chiefs/V2) is #3; all of their previous efforts have landed in the U.K. Top 10.

Yard Act’s second album, Where’s My Utopia? (Island), sits at #4, one slot ahead of Everything Everything’s sixth album, Mountainhead (BMG). Skrapz’s fourth full-length, Reflection (1&Only/EGA), is currently #8 and vying to become the rapper’s first Top 10 entry.

Following six wins at Saturday’s BRIT Awards, RAYE’s My 21st Century Blues (Human Re Sources) rises 96 spots to hit #7 at the midweek mark.

At singles, Boone’s “Beautiful Things” (Warner) could reach a new peak as it challenges b’s “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” (Parkwood/Columbia) for the top slot. “Beautiful Things” previous peak was #2.

Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign's “Carnival” (YZY) looks to rise three to #6 while Calvin Harris & Rag'n'Bone Man's “Lovers in a Past Life” (Columbia) is expected to crack the Top 10 for the first time.

Olly Alexander's Eurovision entry “Dizzy” (Polydor) is on track to make a Top 20 debut at #13.

CO-OP LIVE ROCKS WITH BLACK KEYS
3/4/24

The Black Keys will be the first rock band to perform at Co-op Live, the U.K.’s largest live entertainment arena, during its opening week. The Oak View Group’s venue in Manchester has the duo booked for 4/27.

Comedian Peter Kay will open the arena with two shows (4/23-24). The opening season already includes a seven-night Take That residency, a five-night U.K. by The Eagles’ final ever tour, Barry Manilow's only U.K. arena show and Eric Clapton’s first Manchester performance in 10 years. Olivia Rodrigo, Elbow and Nicki Minaj are booked for the venue’s opening weeks. The Black Keys will release their 12th album, Ohio Players (Nonesuch) on 4/5.

“At Co-op Live our aim is to bring world-class talent to a city that lives and breathes music, and this line up epitomizes that ambition,” Co-op Live Executive Director and General Manager Gary Roden. “With our doors opening in a matter of weeks, we can’t wait to welcome the world to Co-op Live.”

Co-op Live is a joint venture between Oak View Group and City Football Group. We just hope there are house drinks named after Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland.

U.K. CHARTS: ROD RECORDS 11TH #1
3/1/24

Rod Stewart secures his 11th #1 on the Official Albums Chart while Beyoncé’s “TEXAS HOLD 'EM” (Columbia/Parkwood) has a second week atop singles.

Stewart’s first collaboration album with Jools Holland, Swing Fever (Rhino), outsold its closest competition by almost 2:1. While it’s Holland’s first chart-topper, Stewart now draws level with David Bowie, Taylor Swift and U2 on the list of artists with the most #1 albums in the U.K.

The Snuts’ third set Millennials (Happy Artist) is #2; Potter Payper has his third Top 5 entry with Thanks for Hating (36TL) at #5.

Red Rum Club claim a career-best with Western Approaches (Modern Sky) landing at #8. As she kicks off her GUTS World Tour in the U.S., Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS (Geffen) rises nine to #10.

At singles, Bey’s “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” beat competition from Teddy Swims, whose “Lose Control” (Atlantic) moves up to a new peak of #2.

Djo (aka Stranger Things actor Joe Kerry) has his debut U.K. Top 5 single with “End of Beginning” (AWAL) rising six places to #5. The track was originally released in 2022 but entered the Top 40 last week thanks to a viral trend on TikTok.

“Carnival” (YZY) by Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign is #9, while “Alibi” (Atlantic) by Ella Henderson & Rudimental shifts one to #11.

BRITs Rising Star winners The Last Dinner Party are up 11 places to claim a new peak at #16 with their debut single “Nothing Matters” (Island). Central Cee’s surprise release, “I Will” (Columbia), is new at #18.

RCA PROMOTES REX-TAYLOR
2/29/24

Sony Music U.K. has promoted Damaris Rex-Taylor to managing director at RCA Records U.K. Most recently GM of the Sony imprint, she joined RCA in 2019 as director of Marketing.

Stacey Tang and Glyn Aikins, co-presidents of RCA U.K., called Rex-Taylor “an innovative leader” who “holds a wealth of knowledge and has a tremendous understanding of creative strategy, instinctively knowing how best to support all our artists.”

“Since joining RCA she’s shaped the incredible team we have, and we’re excited to see her take the label into a new era.”

Rex-Taylor has spearheaded campaigns for artists including Tyla, Travis Scott, Cat Burns, Miley Cyrus, and one of RCA’s newest signings, Myles Smith.

Tang, who has been co-president since 2023, was the most recent MD; there hasn’t been a managing director for RCA U.K. since Tang's promotion.

Rex-Taylor has worked across the music industry in both independent and major labels— Chrysalis, Parlophone, Disturbing London and all three global record companies—as well as in media and artist management.

KATE BUSH TO REP RECORD STORE DAY
2/28/24

Kate Bush will champion the culture of record shops all over the U.K. as the ambassador of this year’s Record Store Day U.K. She’ll release a special 10" edition of her ’93 single “Eat the Music.”

“Eat the Music” is from Bush’s ’93 album, Red Shoes (Noble & Brite), but was cancelled as a single release in the U.K. in favor of “Rubberband Girl.” (The former was, however, released by Columbia in the U.S.) Bush has created a UV-printed 10” with her preferred track list of "Eat the Music," "Lily" and "Big Stripey Lie."

“What a huge honor to have been asked to be ambassador for this year’s Record Store Day. It really is a great privilege,” Bush said. “Isn’t it great to see how the resurgence in vinyl has taken the music industry by complete surprise? It had decided to leave vinyl far behind, but it would seem that not everyone agrees! I love that.

“I know there are many, many artists who are just as excited to see the audience turning the tide. In the same way that some people like to read a book on Kindle but also want to have a book as a physical object, a lot of people like vinyl and streaming. Both have different appeals.

"The added bonus of vinyl is that it encourages people to listen to albums. An art form that I’ve always thought can be treasured in a unique way. An album on vinyl is a beautiful thing, given a strong identity by its large-scale artwork. There’s a much more personal connection with the artist and their work.”

More than 270 independent U.K. shops are set to take part in this year’s Record Store Day on 4/20, the highest in its 17-year history.

RAYE WINS BRITs SONGWRITER HONOR
2/28/24

RAYE is the recipient of this year’s BRITs Songwriter of the Year award. She’s nominated in six other categories that will be handed out Saturday (3/2).

RAYE is the third winner of the award, which launched in 2022, following Ed Sheeran and Kid Harpoon.

The win follows a stratospheric year for the British artist, which included hitting #2 in the U.K. with her debut independent album, My 21st Century Blues (Human Re Sources), and #1 with “Escapism” f/020 Shake. The latter earned RAYE an Ivor for Best Contemporary Song and an AIM Award for Best Independent Track.

At Saturday’s ceremony, RAYE is in the running for Artist of the Year, Mastercard Album of the Year, Best New Artist, Pop Act, R&B Act and Song of the Year. She’ll also perform.

U.K. MIDWEEKS: BEYONCÉ HOLDS AT #1
2/26/24

Beyoncé’s “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” (Columbia/Parkwood) is set for a second week at #1 on the U.K.’s Official Singles Chart. Over on albums, Rod Stewart and Jools Holland are heading for the top.

“Lose Control” (Atlantic) by Teddy Swims is Bey’s closest competition at #2 today.

Djo is expected to claim his first U.K. Top 10 single this week with “End of Beginning” (AWAL) up three to #8. “Alibi” (Atlantic) by Ella Henderson & Rudimental could enter the Top 10 on Friday at #8.

With the BRIT Awards taking place on Saturday, Rising Star winners The Last Dinner Party head toward #10 with their debut single “Nothing Matters” (Island). Central Cee’s surprise new release, “I Will” (Columbia), is heading for a #18 debut.

On the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart, Swing Fever (Rhino), the first collaboration album between Stewart and Holland, leads the midweek race.

The Snuts are #2 with third set Millennials (Happy Artist). Red Rum Club’s Western Approaches (Modern Sky) could become their first Top 10 record; it starts at #3.

Potter Payper could have his third Top 5 entry with Thanks for Hating (36TL) at #4. Nadine Shah’s Filthy Underneath (EMI North) could be her first Top 10 at #8. Ghett’s fourth set, On Purpose, With Purpose (Warner Music U.K.), is #19.