The National Association of Independent Sites (NIVA) launched The state of lifea national economic study of the independent live entertainment sector.
This initiative will assess the economic contributions and operational challenges of independent venues, promoters, performing arts centers and festivals across the United States. All these entities, regardless of their size, tax status or location, are invited to participate in a survey launched on Wednesday (and open from January 7 to February 18).
The data collected will inform a national report and 50 state-by-state reports. It is scheduled for release on June 23.
“Independent scenes are the heart of our communities. It’s where culture is born, where connections are made and memories are made,” said Stephen Parker, Executive Director of NIVA. “The State of Live study will quantify the economic and cultural value of these spaces, ensuring they get the recognition and support they need and deserve.”
+ AEG presents named Weston Hébert its new vice president of world tours. Hébert joins the company from Live Nation, where he most recently served as a talent buyer.
At AEG, Herbert will lead global market touring strategies and initiatives. He will report to Global Touring President Rich Schaefer.
“When Rich and I first talked about this opportunity, I jumped at the chance to join the AEG Presents family,” said Hébert. “Rich and the Global Touring team have cultivated an exceptional sense of collaboration and community with the artists, managers and agents they work with. I’m excited to contribute to the ecosystem they foster, which drives the development and growth of artists across all facets of the business.
Schaefer added, “We are very pleased to welcome Weston to Global Touring, strengthening our presence in Nashville. We have followed Weston’s development as a tour promoter from afar and have been impressed by his relationships with the artist community, managers and agents as well as his impeccable taste in music. We look forward to seeing Weston make a significant contribution to our team.
Tuesday January 7
Healthy Minds Projecta mental health technology-focused nonprofit focused on millennials and Gen Z, leveraged Jody Gersonpresident and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), to join the organization’s board of directors.
Gerson will help accelerate Project Healthy Minds’ efforts to build deep partnerships across the music, entertainment and media landscapes to expand the organization’s impact and mission to expand access to health services. mental health for all.
Gerson said in a statement: “As a music director, I have dedicated my life to representing and protecting artists and songwriters. Not only to ensure that their creativity is respected and valued, but also to ensure that their mental health and well-being are never neglected under my leadership. Anxiety and other mental health issues often go hand in hand with artistic talent, and it’s my responsibility to let the creatives I work with know that they don’t have to deal with these issues on their own. -themselves. In turn, artists can help publicly dispel the notion that surviving in an often lonely and isolating world is simply a matter of toughening up. Life is not easy and seeking care for good mental health must be both destigmatized and encouraged. I am honored to join the Project Healthy Minds Board of Directors and help realize Phil Schermer’s vision of bringing mental health care to all who want and need it.
Gerson joins current board members including Carson Daly, Chris Zarou (Founder and CEO of Visionary Music Group), Jeff Yabuki (CEO of InvestCloud and President of Motive Partners) and many others.
+ Steve Leeds relaunched its music and entertainment consultancy, Neo Entertainment Inc..
Leeds most recently served as Vice President of Talent and Industry Affair, where he managed and built the talent relations team. He was also a key executive at SiriusXM, where he launched numerous artist-branded channels, working with The Who, The Rolling Stones, Neil Diamond, Barbara Streisand, The Beatles, ACDC, Springsteen, Monty Python and Bowie, among others.
Leeds also served as senior vice president of promotion at Virgin, Polygram, Universal, Island and Def Jam, and director of on-air talent at MTV where he discovered and hired Adam Sandler, Daisy Fuentes, Rosie O’Donell and Adam Curry. He also served as head of promotion for Leber Krebs Management and Champion Entertainment.
+ Waterloo Records and Video has officially changed ownership and announced an upcoming move from its longtime location at 600 North Lamar after 42 years. After more than four decades at the helm of Waterloo Records, owner John Kunz passes the torch to Caren Kelleherfounder and CEO of Gold Rush Vinyl and Austin entrepreneur Trey Watson.
Waterloo will move to 1105 North Lamar this spring, a new location that offers “more space for events, improved parking and convenient proximity to downtown and nearby concert venues,” according to a press release.
“My hope, dream and effort for decades has been that Waterloo Records and Video will endure forever, continuing to promote the music culture and vibrant community of Austin,” Kunz said. “Now, with this transition, all my boxes are checked: a new, bigger house, just five blocks away; Caren and Trey become my new local music industry talent partners; my entire team is retained and will have the opportunity to become a store owner; all the hallmarks and traditions of Waterloo Records endure, including innovation; and now, as a minority partner and no longer a sole owner, I work less and play more. So thank you Austin!
+ Warner Music Italy And Warner Chappell Music Italy have acquired the catalog of DWA Recordsone of Italo Disco’s leading independent labels, co-founded in 1989 by singer-songwriter and producer Roberto Zanetti and Francesco Bontempi. The agreement will also cover the catalog of Extravaganza, DWA’s music publishing business.
Italo Disco originated in Italy in the late 1970s and gained popularity during the 1980s. Drawing on elements of hi-NRG and euro disco, it was marked by the use of electronic drums and synthesizers, with the lyrics often sung in English.
These collections include 250 masters, including pieces such as “The Rhythm of the Night,” performed by Corona and written by Bontempi; “Happy” and “Uh La La” performed by Alexia; and “Baila,” performed by Zucchero and written by Zanetti.
Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall, co-chairmen of Warner Chappell Music, said: “We have made a significant investment for an incredible catalog. Our global team is now committed to leveraging opportunities to take this incredible collection of songs to new heights and helping to ensure that a new generation of fans around the world can connect to this life-affirming music.
+ Chad Stellyrenowned specialist in vinyl turntables and audio, has joined Acoustic sounds.
Chad Stelly, affectionately known as “Stelly”, first joined Acoustic Sounds in the spring of 2005, where he led HiFi equipment sales and cultivated a reputation as a trusted advisor. By fall 2018, Stelly had honed his skills as a turntable specialist, cementing his position as the go-to expert when it comes to turntable setups and analog audio solutions.
In 2019, Stelly joined American phono distributor Musical Surroundings, eventually moving into product development. After his time at Musical Surroundings, Stelly continued to hone his craft at Bluebird Music, focusing on support and repair for SME, a high-end audio manufacturer. For three years, he contributed to the development of new EMS products, provided factory training to distributors and shared his expertise to solve complex repair problems.
+ Splice has launched its new genre of country music and allows country producers to use its Create AI tool to use artificial intelligence to search for samples. Splice Country features performances from some of Nashville’s finest musicians, including Devin Malone (Jelly Roll, Carrie Underwood), Trevor Nealon (Willie Nelson, Lee Ann Womack), and Kate L. Malone (Sam Hunt, Emma White), to name a few. name just a few. .