Guy Sebastian the new face of Canon, Bieber invests in social network, and 1D writer signs to UMPG

Guy Sebastian named new face of Canon

Singer and photography enthusiast Guy Sebastian is ambassador for Canon. He stars in its new campaign ‘Change Your Lens, Change Your Story’ on how consumers can become better story tellers through new lens. Australian Director of Consumer Imaging, Jason McLean, explained, “Guy will give everyone a view into his imaging journey and how Canon helps him find his visual voice.

Moshtix and The Basement extend deal

The new owners of Sydney club The Basement have extended their ticketing deal with Moshtix after a review by its Entertainment Manager Nathan Farrell. Ten years ago when Moshtix launched, the Basement was its first client, says Managing Director Harley Evans who adds, “It’s clear our objectives are highly aligned as far as customers, technology and service are concerned.”

Warner/Chappell inks worldwide with Slash

Warner/Chappell Music inked a worldwide publishing agreement with guitarist Slash. It will administer all future material, and most of his catalogue dating back to 1985, including his solo work and with Slash’s Snakepit and Velvet Revolver.

One Direction writer lands worldwide deal with Universal

Julian Bunetta, co-writer and producer of many One Direction hits, signed a worldwide music publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group. He’s also got tracks on the group’s upcoming album Midnight Memories this month, including lead-off single Best Song Ever which has been a Top 5 hit in 12 countries and reached #2 in America, where it’s sold almost 1 million units

Brisbane’s Ninjas get Ford sync

Brisbane band The Ninjas’ debut single Yeah Yeah, on triple j, is also used by Ford Car Company, soundtracking the new Ranger commercial for Australia. The band has two songwriters, singer Josh Stewart and guitarist Pat Ferris.

Pricewar Music signs two Melbourne acts for management

Tim Price’s Brisbane-based artist management Pricewar Music has signed on two Melbourne acts: prog/metal band Sydonia and the multi-faceted solo work of Ezekiel Ox, who also fronts the bands The Nerve and Over-Reactor. Both Sydonia and Ox release albums in 2014. Pricewar’s roster includes The Good Ship, The Blackwater Fever, Storm Chasers and Jackson Dunn.

Sonny TrueLove joins The Artery Foundation

The Artery Foundation has taken on Sonny Truelove’s NSW Central Coast-based STL Studios as a client for marketing and bookings. Recently using STL were The Amity Affliction, For All Eternity and Prepared Like A Bride.

Bieber invests in social network

While his manager Scooter Braun works on a $120 million investment fund, Justin Bieber was among a group of celeb investors who forked out US$1.1 million to get “teen focused” social network Shot of Me up and running. It was set up by social mobile gaming company RockLive. Its CEO John Shahidi says the Bieber connection started when he tweeted about playing their games, and since then been helping them to test their product and provide feedback.

Motorhead become chairman of the board

High decibel trio Motorhead teamed up with Rock Science for new board game about the band. The Rock Science Motorhead Game, billed as “the loudest trivia game in the world”, includes 1,600 questions on the band’s history. “I’ve had a fun life for sure,” says frontman Lemmy. “Playing this will help me remember it!” Guitarist Phil Campbell added “About fucking time!”

Dot Dash find their Sunbeam Sound

Dot Dash/Remote Control signed up Sunbeam Sound Machine, the moniker of  23 year old Melbourne musician Nick Sowersby.  Emerging as singer and guitarist in bands over the past five years, he formed Sunbeam Sound Machine in March. A double EP of “dream pop” is out on November 29.

Country music queen quest thrown a lifeline

Tamworth’s country music festival Queen of Country quest has been thrown a landline weeks after it was dumped by the Tamworth Business Chamber saying it lacked the resources to continue sponsoring it. It will now be managed by Tamworth’s Sister City Committee after local businesses (including the Chamber) kicked in $11,000. Entrants become ambassadors during the festival.

Audio Brands scoops up Italy’s FBT

New Sydney based audio distributor Audio Brands Australia has signed with Italian audio equipment manufacturer FBT to distribute their speakers locally. ABA was recently set up by sector vet Don McConnell who was retrenched after 20 years at Audio Telex Communications by new owner Hills SVL.

Stereosonic renews (RED) partnership

Stereosonic and (RED) extend their partnership to support the Dance (RED) Saves Lives compilation. As part of a 24-hour dance party across the World AIDS Day weekend, Stereosonic Sydney will be live-streamed on VICE’s electo music and culture channel THUMP via its YouTube channel. This allows the festival’s stars as David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Sebastian Ingrosso, Empire of the Sun, Armin van Buuren, Axwell, Above & Beyond, Afrojack and Krewella to get involved.