Courtney Barnett Scores International Label Deal, Joins Coachella 2014
Courtney Barnett has already proven that her distinctly Australian brand of songwriting has international appeal, and now the 26-year-old Melbourne singer-songwriter has signed a North American licensing agreement with indie label Mom + Pop. The deal includes a US re-release of Barnett’s The Double EP: A Sea Of Split Peas, set for 15th April at which time Barnett will head into the studio to record her full-length debut album, also get a release through Mom + Pop.
A joint venture between Marathon Artists imprint House Anxiety and Milk! Records has also given Barnett a London-based signing. The Aussie anti-folkster is already capitalising on her overseas momentum, with a 2014 tour itinerary that includes international festival appearances at Barcelona’s Primavera Sound, US dates at Field Day, Firefly, and Canadian industry conference NXNE.
Courtney Barnett has also just been added to the Coachella 2014 lineup, joining fellow Aussies Flume, Jagwar Ma, The Preatures, Empire Of The Sun, Flight Facilities, and Anna Lunoe on the massive US festival bill. (via Billboard)
Bluesfest Wins Australian Tourism Award
Last year’s edition of the annual Byron Bay Bluesfest has added another trophy to the festival’s long list of achievements, winning a Silver Award in the Major Festival and Events category at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards event at Sydney’s Luna Park on 6th February. Bluesfest Festival Director Peter Noble said “Pinch me – I must be dreaming, “said Bluesfest Director Peter Noble of the win, adding: “I dedicate this award to them – our loyal and hard-working Bluesfest staff. You ARE the best of the best.” The Silver win follows Bluesfest’s Gold Award at the NSW Tourism Awards last November. The 25th Anniversary Bluefest recently boosted its already massive lineup, featuring Dave Matthews Band, John Butler Trio, John Mayer, and many, many more playing the Easter long weekend; Thursday 17th– Monday 21st April, 2014 at the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm in Byron Bay, NSW.
Glass Towers Launch New US Partnership Between Hub & Canadian Label
Hub The Label have launched a new partnership with indie label Dine Alone that will see Hub album titles released exclusively in the US and Canada, with Australia’s Glass Towers having the honour of being the first band released through the new imprint, with their critcally acclaimed debut album Halcyon Days. “Since Hub and Dine Alone were seeded, planted, grown and have roots in two colonies of the British Empire it only makes sense to work together,” said Joel Carriere, founder of the Canadian Dine Alone records, who are distributed by Universal in Canada and Caroline / Universal in the USA. The new deal will also see Glass Towers’ new EP Collarbone Jungle released in US/Canada next week on 18th February, followed by Halcyon Days dropping on 10th June. (via Hub)
Universal Music Group’s Verve Records Sign Worldwide Deal With The Falls
Australian duo The Falls have signed an international deal with Universal Music Group’s acclaimed Verve Records, who release the pair’s debut EP Into The Fire on 18th February. “We’ve been fans of The Falls since we first heard ‘Home’ so all of us at Universal Australia are thrilled to have one of Australia’s most promising new acts join the UMG family,” said Universal exec George Ash. Meanwhile Verve Chairman David Foster commended the band’s perfect blend of harmonies and heartfelt songs [which] represent the very best kind of contemporary folk-based music.” The Falls – Melinda Kirwin and Simon Rudston – have supported the likes of The Lumineers, Of Monsters and Men, and Passenger, and currently touring North America.
Recon Music & Remote Control Records Expands Publicity Team
Music publicist Kate McCabe has joined Recon Music/Remote Control Records. As of Monday 3rd February, McCabe is the Recon Music Publicity Manager, replacing Adam Christou after he was appointed the role of RTR FM Music Director in perth at the end of 2013. Kate McCabe’s music industry CV includes publicity work for the likes of Xavier Rudd, Illy, New York Dolls, Nine Inch Nails, Eagles of Death Metal, The Panics, My Chemical Romance, Birds of Tokyo, Oh Mercy, Miami Horror, and Seth Sentry.
