MIA quits Roc Nation; U2 back at Island; Pharrell signs two solo deals

Pharrell signs solo deals

Following his chart success with single Happy from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack, Pharrell Williams signed with Columbia for the US (released here via Sony Music Entertainment Australia) and RCA for the UK. Williams was involved in two of the biggest tracks of last year, Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines and Daft Punk’s Get Lucky, and has been nominated for 7 Grammys.

U2 back at Island 

U2 are back at their “spiritual home”, Island Records, who discovered them in the late 1970s. They left Island seven years ago, apparently unhappy with the way they were being treated after label boss Jason Iley was moved to Mercury Records. Last year Universal Music Group closed Mercury and hand-balled most of the acts to new company Virgin/EMI. But U2’s new home was not known until now. The band has also indicated a world tour to be announced for this year.

MIA quits Roc Nation

UK rapper and singer MIA tweeted she quit Jay Z’s company Roc Nation which managed her, but gave no reason. Things were strained since November after her long-delayed documentary was leaked online by director Steve Loveridge. Roc Nation removed the clip, with a fuming MIA to tweet she had been “blacklisted”.

Kobalt acquires Steve Winwood for sync

Kobalt Music Copyrights SARL acquired worldwide publishing rights to the 177-song catalogue of Steve Winwood. They cover his early teenage days as a prodigy with the Spencer Davis Group, the progressive Traffic and the super-group Blind Faith and his solo recordings including Higher Love to the present day. In addition, Kobalt Label Services acquired the right to license masters controlled by Winwood for sync purposes. Kobalt’s publishing division will administer the worldwide publishing rights and provide creative sync and licensing services.

Courtney Act becomes Mardi Gras’ official ambassador

Organisers of the 2014 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras appointed Courtney Act – the nom de plume of gender illusionist Shane Jenek – as the inaugural Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras ambassador. It is an honorary title. Mardi Gras CEO Michael Rolik said, “We’re so excited to announce that Shane will be our first Mardi Gras ambassador, helping us to communicate our message of infinite love around the globe. Shane is a powerful role model for young LGBTQI people, a shining example of what can be achieved by staying true to yourself and being proud of your individuality.”

Mucho Bravado adds Eves to management

Mucho Bravado’s Ben Preece signed 18-year-old singer songwriter and video-maker Eves to their management arm. Born in Cairns and based in Brisbane, Hannah Karydas adopted her stage name last year. Currently enjoying triple j support for the single Zen, a debut EP is expected in the first quarter of 2014.

My Echo joins 123

Melbourne four-piece My Echo joined 123 Agency. The act, which formed in 2011, releases new music this year.

Bird’s Robe finds A Lonely Crowd

Mike Solo‘s Sydney-based label Bird’s Robe Records signed Melbourne progressive rock band A Lonely Crowd. Their second album Transients, two-and-a-half years in the making, is out early 2014.