More Aussies sign with Kobalt; Troy Carter pacts Mayer and Miguel; Dami Im new face of Alannah Hill

Australasian names sign with Kobalt Neighbouring Rights

London-based Kobalt Neighbouring Rights (KNR) signed Australia’s Flume and Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker (and honorary Aussie, Passenger) and New Zealand’s Neil Finn for collection of neighbouring rights income. They were part of a mass signing of 18 international acts, which included Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Beck, Josh Homme, Icona Pop, Taio Cruz, Charli XCX, John Newman, Ben Howard, Ella Eyre, Family Of The Year, Jessie Ware, Paloma Faith, Paul Epworth and Zedd.

Cut Copy join Native Tongue

Native Tongue is representing Cut Copy’s future works in Australia and New Zealand, beginning with their Modular release Free Your Mind from last November. GM Jamie Gough explained,  “When Cut Copy released Bright Like Neon Love I was blown away. 10 years on they continue to produce soundtracks to accompany nights out, nights in and everything in between.”

Troy Carter signs John Mayer, Miguel, for management …

Former Lady Gaga manager Troy Carter has signed John Mayer and Miguel to his Atom Factory roster. Mayer split from his long-time manager Michael McDonald in early December after 13 years while Miguel left Red Light Management in November. Atom Factory also looks after John Legend, Priyanka Chopra, K’Naan and Lindsey Stirling. Gaga and Carter separated officially over “creative differences” late last year although she has since blamed him for her latest album failing to reach sales targets.

… while Ricky Martin puts together new team

Ricky Martin, currently in Australia filming his second season as coach on The Voice Australia, has parted amicably with his manager of almost 10 years, Bruno del Granado. His business, music and partnerships will be handled by a new team made up of his tour and creative director of 14 years, Veikko Fuhrmann, Rebecca Drucker who handles some of his enterprises including his children’s book series and parenting site PiccoloUniverse.com, and his longtime personal manager José Vega.

Beni turns 360

Sydney dance act Beni has joined the Melbourne-based dance 360 Agency. The Bang Gang stalwart and former rioter in Belgium has a new EP Love On The Run / Summer’s Gone out. It was produced by Kim Moyes of The Presets and features New York-based Prince Terrence.

tyDi inks with USA’s Rondor Universal, relocating to LA

Sunshine Coast-hailed international DJ tyDi (Tyson Illingworth) is moving to Los Angeles after signing with Rondor Universal. The 26-year old graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music was the first DJ to be signed by the company in 30 years. tyDi was 19 when first voted Australia’s #1 DJ and named Best Breakthrough Artist in the World in 2010. He is working on his fifth album.

Frank Digital to re-design What’s On site

Frank Digital will re-design and develop the City of Sydney’s What’s On website after pitching against 21 agencies. The firm recently also won the Nickelodeon deal. To deal with these, Clint Crothers has been brought in from Digital Arts Network as head of design.

Dami Im new face of Alannah Hill collection

The X-Factor winner Dami Im’s penchant for out-there feminine looks on the show has paid off. In a move that will diversify her audience, she is the new face of Alannah Hill’s autumn/winter 2014 collection to be launched this month. Reaction from social medialand was delight that the fashion designer took the major step of highlighting an “Asian” looking woman.

Oasis catalogue finally hits Spotify, Rdio, Deezer

After holding out against streaming services, Oasis have made their back catalogue available free on Spotify, Rdio and Deezer. The eight albums include their debut Definitely Maybe and follow-up (What’s The Story) Morning Glory. The British band join Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Metallica who famously held out until caving in, in the past 12 months. The Beatles and AC/DC are still holding out. The current Australian tour by Liam Gallagher’s Beady Eyes sees them resurrecting some Oasis numbers. The band which split in acrimony in August 2009, have been offered £20 million to reunite for a tour behind the 20^th anniversary of the release of Definitely Maybe. But Noel Gallagher has made it clear such an offer is more maybe than definite, and he won’t do it for the money but only if it feels right.

Fine Music scores the Australian Cello Awards

Classical and jazz radio station Fine Music 102.5 won the official broadcast rights to the Australian Cello Awards. These are held at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on Sunday March 30. Three finalists – Yelian He and Ruben Palma from Australia and Edward King of New Zealand – compete for the $60,000 prize purse. Fine Music recorded 70 classical and jazz events in 2013, the station’s GM Liz Terracini said.

Mama Kin track used in US ad

Fremantle singer songwriter Mama Kin’s Whistle And A Light has been licensed for use in Shopstyle (US) television ad.It was co-written with brother-in law Tim Kerr and released on Mama Kin’s Talisman EP in 2013. The ad features Australian model Miranda Kerr.

The Delta Riggs go surfing

Melbourne band The Delta Riggs’ Counter Revolution is used in the multi-media campaign for the Hurley Australian Open Surfing campaign. The nine day surf, skateboard, music and art event runs February 8 to 16. The band plays the event along with Birds of Tokyo, The Presets and Illy.