RM64.blog » Katy Perry

Exclusive: New Sony Music Boss in Talks to Expand Label with Hitmaker Dr. Luke

admin — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:46:43 +0000

A major restructuring of Sony Music among its label groups and executive ranks has begun, with the news already released of Antonio “LA” Reid’s taking the chairmanship at Epic Records, and the break up of the RCA/Jive label group that has some key executives moving to Epic while others will take up at RCA. But more than a game of musical chairs is needed to compete with Universal Music Group, who holds the top spot in the market and is making aggressive moves of its own under new CEO Lucian Grainge… According to insiders, a top priority for new Sony Music CEO Doug Morris, is completing a substantial label deal with hit producer and songwriter Luke Gottwald (aka Dr. Luke) that will encompass both records and publishing. There’s no word as to whether a deal has been finalized yet (the two sides are said to have been locked in negotiations for months), but from what we’ve learned, it would be a major opening statement from Morris as new label chairman and a key component in the new Sony structure. Luke’s Kemosabe Entertainment label (which Ke$ha is signed to) is already under Sony/RCA, but as it’s understood, the new label (it’s unclear if the name will change), would be put on a similar playing field as Columbia Records, Epic and RCA, including a full staff. Those in the know believe that Morris is positioning to create the next Interscope Records under the Sony umbrella, with arguably the biggest hitmaker in the world right now in a Jimmy Iovine-like role. The most significant component being that Luke comes armed with a entire camp of writers and producers that are developing new talent and already creating chart-topping tracks. Notable emerging producers and writers like Benny Blanco and Bonnie McKee, who are affiliated with Dr. Luke’s publishing companies, have had a number of successful cuts in recent years including tracks with Britney Spears, Katy Perry, 3OH!3 and Wiz Khalifa. Luke himself has been responsible for helping create over 18 No. 1 hits in the last five years, producing and writing for artists like Pink, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, Taio Cruz, Ke$ha and many others, since his 2004 Kelly Clarkson breakthrough smash “Since U Been Gone”. All of which makes it a smart move for Sony/ATV Music Publishing to seek a significant stake in Luke’s publishing, as is rumored to be part of the overall Sony deal as well… Will Morris’s bold move prove to be a massive success, pushing Sony past UMG? Or another failure in a recent Sony track record with producer-helmed labels including Rob Stringer’s blunder at Epic with Amanda Ghost and Rick Rubin’s ineffectiveness and lack of presence at Columbia? Stay tuned…

And the Livin’ is Easy, Fish Are Jumpin’: Our Pre-Summer Industry Roundup

admin — Thu, 20 May 2010 17:49:15 +0000

Columbia Records Hoping for Pumped Up Hit from Foster the People

Summer is around the corner and things are heating up all around the industry with bidding-derbies, swelling festival line-ups and a new batch of summer-infused singles dropping… The buzz surrounding the Monotone Inc-managed Foster the People turned into a good old fashion label bidding-derby recently. Their song “Pumped Up Kicks” is being touted as the next potential summertime hit. With lots of label suitors coming to the table, it looks like congratulations are in order for Columbia Records, who has apparently closed the band… On the management front a different kind of derby is winding up, as managers are vying to land The All American Rejects. The band recently parted ways with their former management, but kept their longtime day-to-day man Nick “Fish” Fishbaugh. We heard Fishbaugh has been meeting with numerous management companies for a new management home for him and the band. We hear the short-list is down to only a few. Stay tuned… The grass is only getting greener over at the Josh Abraham-helmed Pulse Recording, where Jason Bernard and the manager/publisher coterie has had producer Luke Walker working on material with new Universal/Motown signing Christian TV, including the first single released this week, “When She Turns 18,” while Bonnie McKee co-wrote Katy Perry’s latest single and ode to Cali, “California Gurls” – we just hope the fellas keep the daisy dukes at home… More heat out of EMI Publishing where the pubco’s Matt Messer and Amanda Berman recently signed Nations Afire, a band comprised of former members of Rise Against, Ignite and Death By Stereo. The group is currently writing and recording new material, and will play the Detroit Bar in the O.C. this Saturday. Messer will be BBQing at the show… Speaking of BBQ, the 2010 Austin City Limits lineup was announced this week with The Eagles and Muse taking top spots, while a host of other notables include Yeasayer, The xx, Gaslight Anthem and Local Natives; see the whole list here… Finally, expect a lot of industry folks to be at the Troubadour in the next couple nights, as Casxio and Imagine Dragons take the famed-stage tonight (Thursday), while on Friday, radio-darlings Dead Country will support Far whose new album comes out next week (May 25)…

IN THE MIX: Carl Stubner & Paul Pontius

Hot Dawg of the Week: Blue Hamilton

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:50:45 +0000

Hot Dawg of the Week: Blue Hamilton

Warner Chappell Publishing’s A&R up-and-comer Blue Hamilton is feeling anything but blue lately. With a building track record and the ink still wet from his newest signing, we thought it was a good time to catch up with the pubcos’ young earner for a spotlight in the first edition of our new feature Hot Dawg of the Week… Blue’s roster includes singer/songwriter Audra Mae whose cut “Who I Was Born To Be” is the only original song on Susan Boyle’s I Dreamed A Dream, which has sold to date over 7-million units worldwide. He signed the Oklahoma native back in ’06 when she was only a twinkle in SuBo’s eye. Audra Mae’s debut album comes out this spring on SideOneDummy Records… Hamilton also inked famed girl-kisser Katy Perry for publishing back in ’07, prior to her multi-platinum debut album One Of The Boys. She also had cuts on last year’s All I Ever Wanted from Kelly Clarkson as well as the self-titled debut from Jessie James. Perry is currently in the studio working on her follow-up album with collaborators including Tricky, The Dream and Dr. Luke among others… Blue’s newest act is Brooklyn’s Semi Precious Weapons who recently signed to HouseofGaga/Interscope Records. The band is currently in Europe finishing a run supporting Lady GaGa on The Monster Ball tour and their debut album is slated for a spring release.

Stay tuned for our next Hot Dawg of the Week…