Dance legends Underworld team with Volkswagen; Queen renew UMG deal; ANZ principal partner of Mardi Gras

Queen, Universal, renew deal: film, albums

Queen and Universal Music Group renewed their deal, celebrating the occasion at this week’s launch of a new Queen exhibition in Montreux, Switzerland, called Queen: The Studio Experience. Coming out soon will be a film, and unreleased material from the vaults, which includes tracks recently found featuring late singer Freddie Mercury.

US management for Mustered Courage

Melbourne progressive bluegrass act Mustered Courage signed management with USA’s Sterling Artist Management. The deal was struck during a crowd-funded trip to Nashville to play Americana Fest. The band return to the US next year after being invited to showcase at the International Folk Alliance Conference in Kansas City.

Foxtel, MCN, feeling the summer

Foxtel and Multi Channel Network (MCN) teamed with media agency Maxus for a “feel the moment” campaign about making the best of summer. It will be aimed at youth channels FOX8, Comedy, Channel [V] and [V] HITS and allows them to bring in key brands Jeep and Hungry Jack’s as main sponsors. Viewers have the chance to win a “summer” experience at England’s Glastonbury festival, New York City Comedy Festival and The Emmys.

Underworld gives Volkswagen “intelligent” in-car music

Dance act Underworld made “smart music” for car manufacturer Volkswagen. Play The Road is an on-board app which changes the music in response to the car’s movements. “Every turn of the wheel, gearshift or location change, is reflected in the music.” It’s only made for the Golf GTI and, alas, only in “monitored environments for competitions and track days.”

Rdio raises a Magnum

Music streaming platform Rdio appointed Sydney-based Magnum PR to increase its profile in music, lifestyle, business and tech media. It will tap on high profile users as Snoop Dog, Lara Bingle, Ladyhawke and more. Colin Blake, head of Rdio Australia, explained: “We chose Magnum PR due to their in-depth knowledge of the youth, entertainment and lifestyle market. They understand what our audience wants and how to get it to them. It’s an exciting time for Rdio – we’ve been doing a lot of ground work and now it’s about communicating our partnerships and initiatives to our audiences.”

Black Night Crash launches with Japan’s Bo Ningen

Black Night Crash, the label offshoot of the long running weekly Melbourne indie rock night of the same name, launched this week. It hit the ground running signing its first act, London-based Japanese act Bo Ningen, which is set to play here next month on Big Day Out. The two club promoters, Jonny O’Hara and Jordan Barczak will serve as label managers.

UniSA joins the WOMAD experience

The University of South Australia is inaugural education partner of WOMADelaide. It will sponsors its Planet Talks sustainability series at Botanic Park March 7 to 10. Hosted by the ABC’s Robyn Williams and Bernie Hobbs, speakers include UK barrister and Ecocide founder Polly Higgins; Peter Garrett; Annabel Crabb; Simon Sheikh; Tanya Ha; Prof Chris Daniels; Prof Steffen Lehmann; Paul Gilding; Peter Ward’ Simon Holmes a Court; Richard Slaughter; Peter Owen; Tory Shepherd and Tim Hollo.

ANZ becomes principal partner of Sydney GLB Mardi Gras

ANZ becomes the inaugural principal partner of Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras in a three year deal. The event’s message of diversity and inclusion struck a chord with ANZ, according to MD of Retail Distribution, Mark Hand. ANZ will be integrated into events during the Mardi Gras, including presenting partner of Fair Day, VIP Parade Viewing Area and the Mardi Gras Workshop. ANZ will also have a major float in the Parade featuring 100 ANZ staff.

ITV extends Simon Cowell shows

UK TV network ITV has extended for a further three years a deal to keep Simon Cowell hit shows The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent on the air as well as sister shows The Xtra Factor and Britain’s Got More Talent.