Deals
Berlin-based producer Objekt – aka TJ Hertz – has launched a new record label called Kapsela. The label, named after a 90s modular toy brand, builds on the producer’s white label series that has released some of his most popular tracks since 2011. Kapsela’s inaugural release will be a tenth anniversary reissue of Hertz’s track ‘Ganzfeld’, originally released on Leisure System, now featuring new remixes by DjRUM, Piezo and Ulla. The ‘Ganzfeld’ reissue EP is set for release on 4 Oct, with Hertz planning to follow it with a new solo EP titled ‘Chicken Garaage’. A press release announcing the launch says that Kapsela “will give the producer a new vehicle to put out a broader spectrum of his own work, while also providing a platform for the music of others, particularly newer and less established artists”.
Country artist Levi Hummon and songwriter Eric Arjes have launched 3686 RECORDS, a new fully-independent record label distributed by Sony Music’s The Orchard. The label’s initial roster includes Marcus Hummon, Ava Claire and Kira Lise, and says it will focus on developing an artist-friendly distribution service that prioritises brand development and music ownership. Hummon says, “I feel like I have learned so much being an independent artist with almost 200 million streams that I wanted to champion other artists like me – artists that are hardworking, hungry and want to retain ownership of their music”.
Appointments
Downtown Music has promoted David Driessen to Chief Commercial Officer. In his new role, Driessen will focus on strengthening Downtown’s position as a partner for over 4 million creators and 5000 businesses, expanding its global market share, and driving revenue across the company’s four divisions. Driessen will oversee licensing and partnership opportunities for Downtown’s catalogue of more than 50 million music assets, with a focus on leveraging new licensing models to increase revenue for clients. “Downtown is relentlessly focused on connecting artists with audiences, providing technology and services to music companies, and making sure they get paid what they deserve, as quickly as possible”, says Driessen. The promotion follows Downtown’s recent integration of CD Baby’s operations, positioning the company as a leading global platform for creators and businesses in the music industry.
Comms agency Zeno London has hired former Warner exec Catherine Smiles as a director to lead its new sports and entertainment practice in the UK. Smiles, who most recently served as Vice President Of UK Communications at Warner Music, will work in tandem with the group’s global sports and entertainment practice. The newly-expanded speciality practice will connect brands to talent in entertainment, sport, culture and gaming, offering consultancy services beyond celebrity endorsements. Amy Parry, Head Of Brand at Zeno London, says, “Catherine is a major player in entertainment communications, culturally connected and progressive in her approach. I can’t think of a more talented ‘boomerang’ to welcome back to Zeno”.
TikTok owner ByteDance has announced changes to its board of directors, with Philippe Laffont, founder of New York-based Coatue Management, stepping down and French businessman Xavier Niel joining as a new member. The company currently lists four other board members including CEO and chairman Liang Rubo, Susquehanna International Group co-founder Arthur Dantchik, General Atlantic CEO and chairman William Ford, and Neil Shen of HongShan. A ByteDance representative says, “We are excited about Xavier joining our board and look forward to having his guidance, input and inspiration”. The company added that Laffont will continue to support ByteDance “as a board observer”, without elaborating on what that role entails.
Digital, Streaming, Broadcast & Retail
Aslice, a revenue-sharing platform for DJs and producers, has announced its closure. Launched in 2022, Aslice operated a donation-based system where DJs shared a percentage of their gig fees with producers whose music they played. During its two-year run, the platform facilitated the sharing of over $422,000 from 935 DJs to more than 27,000 producers worldwide. An external review by data analysis firm Audience Strategies highlighted the platform’s impact but also revealed financial sustainability challenges. David Boyle of Audience Strategies says, “They’ve set a new benchmark for fairness and respect. Their impact will echo for years to come. Now, it’s up to the industry to build on the foundation they laid”. In an Instagram post commenting on the closure, producer Sam Barker says, “Aslice, the last hope for dance music producers in this comically unfair economy, is closing. To say I’m disappointed is an understatement”.
Live
South East London’s Creekside Festival has finalised its line-up for 2024. The community-focused day party, run by local radio station AAJA, will take place on 7 Sep across venues in Deptford. This year’s event will feature sets from Alexander Nut, Lady Passion, Jerome Hill, Steve O’Sullivan, and Yosh, among others. DJ Flight and Digital will play back-to-back sets, as will Balamii radio regular L Major, and Frazer Ray. Participating venues include The AAJA Snake Pit, Buster Mantis, The Birds Nest, Isla Ray and The Albany.
Other Industry News & Events
Saudi Arabia’s culture-washing agenda continues apace, as the KSA’s Public Investment Fund-owned MDLBEAST touts the second edition of its Artist Management Bootcamp. The bootcamp is, apparently, a “transformative programme” which, according to Ahmed Almomen, MDLBEAST’s lead for the Artist Management Bootcamp, is a “game-changer for anyone looking to enter the music industry and kickstart their artist management career”. Presumably by “anyone” this means anyone who isn’t part of the LGBTQIA+ community, with same-sex activity still punishable by death in Saudi Arabia, and extra-judicial murder and persecution of LGBTQIA+ people commonplace. Applications close on Saturday.
Polish broadcaster TVP has denied holding discussions with JoJo Siwa about her representing Poland at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. The 21-year-old American singer and reality TV star claimed in a TikTok video that she had “real” conversations about performing for Poland next year, citing her Polish ancestry. However, TVP, which is involved in selecting Poland’s Eurovision entries, states it has not spoken to any artists and has not made any decisions regarding the 2025 contest. Siwa says, “If Poland wants me to represent, I will be there. I will make it happen”.
Artist News
Kanye West has fired his sneaker designer Steven Smith from YZY. Smith, who had been associated with West since 2016 and was instrumental in the rapper’s Adidas collaboration, spoke to Fast Company about his exit. “He’s lost his mind”, says Smith, adding, “The whole of Yeezy is circling the drain and this is just part of it. He has surrounded himself with toxic, C-grade losers”. Smith notes, “I’m in a very happy place with it all. I will certainly be a priceless asset to whoever I work with next”.
