UMPG extends Eminem’s publishing; Elvis Presley brand sold; two UK deals for Gossling; Celine Dion teams with Rdio

UMPG extends Eminem’s global deal

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) extended its worldwide publishing deal with Eminem. It includes all past albums as well as The Marshall Mathers LP 2 which debuted at #1 in Australia and the UK and sold 792,000 copies in America in its first week. Eminem has become the first act since The Beatles to have four songs in the US Top 20 simultaneously, while he’s become the only US act to achieve seven consecutive No.1 albums in the UK.

Celine commentary on Rdio

Following the release of her album Loved Me Back To Life, Celine Dion teamed with music streaming platform Rdio to exclusively offer a month’s worth of audio commentary on the making of the record. To download the app, click here.

Two UK deals for Gossling

Just back from touring the US and the UK, Melbourne’s Gossling signed UK two agreements. One is with Polydor Records, alongside Lana Del Rey, Haim, Laura Marling and Ellie Goulding. Nick Holroyd and Matt Bates’ Primary Talent booking (Alt-J, Azealia Banks) will represent her live.

Elvis Presley brand sold to Authentic Brands Group

The Elvis Presley brand, which generated $55 million US a year, has been sold. The licensing and merchandising rights to his image, name and intellectual property has gone from CORE Media Group to Authentic Brands Group for an undisclosed figure. It includes a huge collection of music, photos, movies, television appearances and performance specials. Authentic plans to widen Presley’s fan base globally. It also struck a deal with National Entertainment Collectibles Association founder Joel Weinshanker to keep running his Memphis home Graceland as a tourist attraction. Daughter Lisa Marie Presley will continue to own Graceland and the items in it.

Possum/Universal sign Sydney’s Dead In A Second

Possum Records /Universal Music Australia signed Sydney’s Dead In A Second, led by guitarist and songwriter Tristan ‘Trizo’ Bouillaut. “I was looking for a great rock band to round out our artist roster. After hearing the early mixes of the new Dead In A Second album, I was convinced I’d found the band I was looking for” said Possum CEO Philip Israel. The band’s album The Double Treblio is out in March. Dead In A Second had a crossover radio hit this year with its Chrissy Amphlett tribute Girls In Town. The band partnered with Manny Kyriakidis of Pushworth Agency for a national tour.

Native Tongue administers Lorde in ANZ

Native Tongue will administer the catalogue of Matt Pincus’ New York-based SONGS Music Publishing. This gives them Lorde, as well as Diplo, Nelly, The Weeknd and Conor Oberst. Native Tongue MD Chris Gough said, “We are very proud to be associated with such a progressive company and to be the local representative for such an incredibly talented roster of writers and artists.  We, of course, are particularly excited to be playing our small part in working with (Lorde) in her home country as part of the SONGS team.”

Producer T.I’s Grand Hustle goes to Columbia Records

T.I., a hot name after appearing with Pharrell Williams on Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines, has moved himself and his label Grand Hustle to Columbia Records. Williams, who executive produced T.I.’s upcoming album, was instrumental in getting him to move from Atlantic where he was for ten years.

Warner/Chappell brings in Megadeth leader

Warner/Chappell signed a worldwide publishing deal with Megadeth leader Dave Mustaine. The firm will administer his songs on the current album Super Collider and future works. “As a singer, songwriter and guitarist, Dave Mustaine has virtually defined heavy metal music for the past three decades,” stated Jon Platt, President of Creative for Warner/Chappell North America.

Quickflix for Kindle Fire

USA’s Quickflix Lid revealed it will distribute its film and TV streaming service through the new Amazon Kindle Fire as part of its launch in Australia.

US agent for Cub Sport

Brisbane’s Cub Sport’s recent US dates scored them a US agent, Larry Webman of Paradigm Talent Agency. He books Coldplay, Santigold and Paul Kelly among others. The band’s Paradise EP, released through US indie Cosine, was played on US college radio.

South American release for Dave Evans

Dave Evans, the original AC/DC singer who’s been touring with his solo act through America and Europe, is looking at dates in Brazil and Argentina next year. This is after his albums Judgment Day and Sinner were released through South America via Brazil’s Hellion Records.