AIR Announces New Sponsor For 2013 Independent Music Awards
The date for the Australian Independent Record Labels Association’s night of nights, the AIR Awards, has been announced and this year’s ceremony sees AIR signing off on a new partnership deal with Carlton Dry to present the 2013 edition of the annual ceremony, now entering its eighth year. “CUB have shown remarkable enthusiasm when it comes to working with Independent Music in Australia,” said AIR General Manager Nick O’Byrne of their new partners, replacing previous sponsors Jagermeister.
The Carlton Dry Independent Music Awards will be held on Wednesday 9th October at the Revolt art space in Kensington, Melbourne (for the third year running) and will once again celebrate the achievements of the Australian indie artists, labels, and industry based on votes from online media, music press, broadcasters, and others from the indie music sector. This year’s list of nominations is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, along with a new award category. (via AIR)
Modular Welcome New Signings, Expand To UK & Europe
On the eve of its 15th Anniversary, Aussie label Modular Recordings has announced its expansion into the UK and Europe with the launch of a London office. Joining Modular to manage the new office is Adam Brooks, formerly of Warp Records (Boards Of Canada, Grizzly Bear), who will help “grow Modular’s UK and European presence, develop closer working relationships with our domestic partners, and bring future successes to the label and its artists,” according to Modular head Steve Pavlovic. Modular’s roster, which includes Tame Impala, the Presets, Cut Copy, The Avalanches and more, also expands with the signing of international Finnish duo Shine 2009 on the eve of their upcoming single ‘Eurozone‘. Shine 2009 form part of Modular’s Nordic roster which includes Robyn, Whitest Boy Alive, Young Dream, ceo, and The Tough Alliance. (via Billboard)
Loon Lake Sign To Caroline For Debut Album
Melbourne’s Loon Lake are releasing their debut album Gloamer this October through the newly established Universal division, Caroline Label Services. Coincidentally, the second single lifted from their new album is called ‘Carolina’. Produced by Steve Schram (San Cisco/Little Red/The Vasco Era) with Loon Lake drummer Nick Nolan, Gloamer is the first local release for Caroline, which has issued albums from She and Him (Spunk), Laura Marling (Virgin) and City and Colour (Dine Alone). Loon Lake are also on the lineup for the inaugural NYE On The Hill Festival and the Big Day Out 2014. (via TheMusic)
Sales Reports Are Music To Retailer JB Hi-Fi’s Ears
National retailer JB Hi-Fi are set for strong sales and profit margins that will likely position them as the top dogs of the retail report season. Industry analysts expects that the music and electronics retailer has chalked up a net profit of $117 million for the financial year, a rise of 12% on their previous $104.6 million period for the 2012 period. Additionally the retailer’s share price has risen in parallel, by nearly 80%, in the last 12 months. The booming sales figures seem to be contradiction to the grim state of music retailers, though industry analysts expect that JB Hi-Fi’s 2014 report won’t be so rosy; expecting to drop by 2% to $1115 million as the continuing decline in CD and DVD sales, apple products, and smartphones will affect the retail chain. (via Business Spectator)
Warner Music Quarterly Loss Widens, Revenue Rises
Record label major, the Warner Music Group has posted its third quarter results of the year, and though its earnings rose from by a million to a total of $8 million for the quarter – citing the success of albums from Paramore, Michael Buble, and Bruno Mars – the company’s net loss widened to $63 million driven by higher tax expenses. While revenue from recorded music and digital was on the rise, by 3.3% and 11.7% respectively, music publishing revenue dropped by 2.9%. (via The Hollywood Reporter)
Shock Announce Label Partnership With Rabble Records
Following on from a major staffing restructure, Shock Records has inked the first of their new label partner deals with Rabble Records, signalling a direction for Shock towards investing in Australian labels to foster new musical talent. The brainchild of Australian artist manager and industry veteran Daniel Nall, Rabble Records provides an international platform for Aussie artists, and vice versa, while offering artists the ability to keep 100% of their copyright. The partnership with Shock Records arrives as the label is set to issue upcoming releases from Sydney’s Ginger & The Ghost and Thief (formally Thief Urban). (via The Music Network)
Poison City Adds The Bennies To Artist Roster
Poison City are welcoming Melbourne punk-party rockers The Bennies to their family of bands, which includes the band’s close mates and touring partners The Smith Street Band. The announcement arrives as The Bennies complete work on a new full length album, recorded at Three Phase Studios with producer Sam Johnson (The Smith Street Band, A Death In The Family, Arrows) and due for release on 4th November on Poison City Records. (via Poison City)
