Janine Morcos launches new PR firm, Facebook inks more music licensing deals, and more
Here’s all the music industry news you need to know today
Facebook Signs Licensing Deals With SESAC, Kobalt, Azoff’s GMR and Adds Indie Music Publisher Program – via Hypebot
Janine Morcos launches own PR firm Dallas Does PR, a boutique publicity & PR services company in Music & Entertainment – via Facebook
Universal Music Q4 Revenue Up 10%, Reports Vivendi – via Hypebot
SXSW Taking Shape With 570-Plus Artists Invited To Perform So Far – via Patch
Drake is planning to sell stakes in his whiskey business, raising as much as $30m (£22.2m) to expand the company. – via BBC
Online vinyl marketplace and database Discogs has formed a board of directors, which now includes former Warner Music Group board member Jörg Mohaupt, and comes with a $2.5m investment in the company. – via Billboard
City of Parramatta Council has appointed a new live music coordinator, former owner of Spunk Records Aaron Curnow, to drive the growth of live music in the CBD. – via City of Parramatta
Voting opens for 2018 CMC Music Awards – via CMC
Sony Music Germany boss Philip Ginthör out after 18 years – via MBW
Norway-based tech company oiid has announced a new partnership with Concord Records to bring the label’s catalogue to its digital platform. – via Billboard
YouTube is aiming to bring its set of social features, including the in-app messaging system and “Community” tab for creators, to its wider suite of apps, including its Music app. – via TechCrunch
WAM Song Of The Year 2017/18 Opens Monday 15 January – via WAM
Byron Bay’s music festivals under threat if redevelopment rejected – via SMH
Downtown has named Tristan Wilson as Head of Sync & Brand Partnerships in the UK. – via MusicWeek
Google will reportedly vet premium YouTube videos more closely – via The Verge
Promotions executive Kevin McCabe has launched his own promotions company. For the past four years been part of the UK management team at Caroline International. – via RotD
Live Nation acquires US promoter Frank Productions – via MBW
Bruno Mars, Cardi B, SZA, Kesha, Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee are to perform at the Grammy Awards, along with other previously announced names. – via Variety
Sony/ATV Music Publishing has signed a global publishing deal with solo artist, James Gang front man and Eagles’ guitarist Joe Walsh. – via Billboard
This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.