Yamaha Pull Out Of Supply Deal With JB Hi Fi
Music instrument makers Yamaha have reportedly pulled their entire supply line from Australian retailers JB HiFi, who had captured the musical instrument market after buying out the Australian Music Group’s education supply division following the collapse of their Allans Billy Hyde chain last year, which held 25% of the market and $120 million in turnover.
Despite the popular retailer having hundreds of stores nationally, and over 3 million visitors to their website, Yamaha has dumped JB Hi Fi – and not the other way around, according to Mark Amory, General Manger of Music Products – and pulled their entire product range from the retailer. Not just insturments, but also their home theatre and high end audio equipment.
“We have ceased trading with JB Hi Fi, and we will no longer be supplying the stores with our products,” reads correspondence from Amory after Yamaha ‘reneged’ on their JB Hi Fi deal after Yamaha expressed interest in exploring other avenues of marketing musical instruments to consumers. “We have been seeking new avenues to promote music to the mass market in order to contribute to the growth of our industry and create new customers for the specialist channel. We will continue to do this where we can identify partners that understand our direction. Yamaha will continue to sell through Harvey Norman offshoot Best Buys, Toys R Us, and Costco. (via ChannelMusic)
Pez Joins Crucial Music Management Roster
Melbourne-based rapper Perry Chapman, better known as Aussie hip hop star Pez, has reportedly joined the management roster of Crucial Music, with the company’s Rae Harvey listed as the rapper’s new management contact on his Facebook page. Pez was originally on Hub Artist Services’ books in February, as TheMusic reported, but as of last week his properties no longer appeared on the Hub website or social media. As a result of the switch, which sees him joining fellow rapper 360, The Living End, Hunting Grounds, and Gyroscope at Crucial, Pez also joins Village Sounds roster, where he is now booked by Evan Davis. Pez was previously at Premier Artists. The move arrives as Pez works on releasing his new album through Soulmate/EMI/Universal and heading out on tour with Bliss N Eso this July (via TheMusic).
Gurrumul & Delta Goodrem Hit iTunes To Launch Charity Foundation.
Following Indigenous singer Gurrumul and Delta Goodrem banding together to perform ‘Bayini’ on reality TV show The Voice, the pair have recorded a version of the song with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for sale on the iTunes store. The duet was designed to draw attention to National Reconciliation Week and all proceeds from the recorded version of ‘Bayini’ will go towards the newly-formed Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation. Set up by the singer, the Foundation will invest into programs to assist youth in remote Arnhem Land Indigenous communities.
“Gurrumul was so happy with the performance on The Voice that he invited Delta to sing together again at the Sydney Opera House performance on Wednesday and it was another very special moment,” said the singer’s friend and Skinnyfish Music co-founder Michael Hohnen. “Gurrumul was so humbled by the response to the performance and is overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone in assisting the launch of his Foundation.” The new single is currently #1 on the iTunes singles chart. You can download ‘Bayini’ and donate to charity here.
Music Industry Figure To Be Honoured Posthumously For Charity Work
A music industry figure well known for charitable work, Kate Bentley, is to be honoured at the women-only Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend Gala Dinner on Thursday 20th June. Bentley worked in band and venue management, was a former backing singer to Daryl Braithwaited, and regularly donated her money and time to charity before passing away from cancer in November 2012. She will be posthumously awarded the inaugural Diamond of the Year Award at the forthcoming Diamonds gala, which raises money for Challenge, a non-for-profit organisation that supports the families of children living with cancer; a cause that Kate Bentley committed to. Challenge CEO, David Rogers, said Bentley was “well-known and loved by the Melbourne community for her passion, generosity and kindness.”
“I spoke to Kate about her receiving this award the day before she died,” said Anna Toman, Chair of the Women For Challenge Committee. “She was so honoured. She cried and said her family would be so proud of her. They are, we all are and we miss her dearly. Her mother and two sisters and their children will accept Kate’s award on her behalf and Daryl Braithwaite will perform her favourite song ‘Horses’ as a special tribute to our darling friend,” she added.
Shock Records Figure Named Big Day Out New PR Coordinator
Formerly the National PR Manager for Shock Records, Genna Alexopoulos has departed the label to move to her position as PR and Marketing Coordinator for the Big Day Out. Alexopoulos has relocated to Sydney for her new role as part of the team behind the long-running Aussie music festival. Big Day Out recently confirmed their new home on the Gold Coast for next year’s edition, while also announcing a return to New Zealand for Big Day Out 2014. In the meantime, Big Day Out Touring are also presenting Passion Pit for their forthcoming headline Australian Tour this July/August.
MusicNSW Free Workshops Continue With ‘From Contracts To Copyright’
MusicNSW’s next free workshop is set to take place next Tuesday 18th June 6.30pm at the Cafe Loung in Sydney’s Surry Hills. Titled ‘From Contracts To Copyright: Making Music Your Business’, the workshop will cover band contract agreements and copyright no no’s as well as the myriad of legal and finance issues that musicians face in the industry. Panelists Jules Munro (Simpsons Soliciting), Ben Fletcher (Moneypenny Business & Taxation Services), and Anika Valenti (Arts Law Centre of NSW), will be on hand to share their expertise and discuss industry trends and issues. Entry is free, but spots are limited, so RSVP [email protected]
ABC Music Signs Ben Salter
Best known as a founding member of The Gin Club, Giants of Science, and The Wilson Pickers, Brisbane singer-songwriter Ben Salter has inked a new deal with ABC Music for the release of his new European Vacation EP, due 12th July, 2013. The EP was born from Salter’s own European trip, working with songwriters and artists on new material, eventually polishing tracks off at Nowhere Audio. To coincide with the EP and ABC Music deal, Salter is heading out on a tour of the country through July.
Sony Sign New Electronic Dance Music Director
Former DJ Jon Hanlon has been appointed by Sony Music as the new Director of Electronic Dance Music, with the Irishman continuing his role in handling the 30-artist strong Konkrete Agency roster in conjunction with his new position. Hanlon will report to Sony Chairman & CEO, Australia & NZ and President Denis Handlin, and will be responsible for the company’s EDM roster (which includes Columbia imprint’s Daft Punk) as well as starting a management company to represent new artists. (via TheMusic)
Blackchords Sign To Native Tongue
Melbourne indie-dance-rock outfit Blackchords have signed a deal with independent music publisher Native Tongue, who currently handles over 140 artists and more than 30 labels. “We’re really looking forward to ramping things up by joining the team at Native Tongue,” says Blackchords songwriter Nick Milwright. “It’s an exciting prospect to be working with these guys. They are doing great stuff for Aussie bands and getting music heard around the globe. 3 thumbs up for us!” The band have released their second album A Thin Line and preparing their next single ‘Sleepwalker’ for late June.
