One Liners: James Blake, Claire Richards, Orbital, more

DEALSBMG has acquired the writer’s share of song royalties from Michael Münzing of 90s dance duo Snap, it having previously acquired the outfit’s recordings catalogue. “Snap are a cultural touchstone for the 90s which continues to resonate today, not just in streaming but also in sync”, says BMG EVP Repertoire & Marketing Maximilian Kolb. “We are pleased to have agreed terms with Michael Münzing which will allow us to further secure the value of these great works”.————————————————–APPOINTMENTSVenue operator Oak View Group has appointed Ade Patton as CFO.

APPOINTMENTSManagement firm Various Artists has appointed Emily Thorpe-Jones as Head Of Brands & Corporate. She previously worked in the magazines business, most recently at Hearst UK, as well as presenting music shows for Hoxton FM and London Live.

DEALSSony Music labels Since 93 and RCA US have together signed Mette, with the deal formally announced alongside the release of new single ‘Van Gogh’. Says Glyn Aikins, co-President of Since 93 and RCA UK: “We are delighted to welcome Mette to the Since 93 family alongside RCA US.

Casting for Broadway’s upcoming Spamalot revival is well underway, with James Monroe Iglehart, Michael Urie, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Jimmy Smagula and Nik Walker set to reprise their roles from the popular Kennedy Center production and Ethan Slater and Christopher Fitzgerald joining as newcomers.

Claire Richards has had her fair share of highs and lows in the spotlight since entering the world of pop on her 18th birthday - including being told she had to lose weight at the time. The '90s singing sensation has now revealed that while things have improved, she still struggles with body image and believing compliments, during an exclusive chat with OK! this week. From living off 900 calories a day during the band’s heyday to coping with anorexia, Claire has previously admitted she will always struggle with feeling confident.

In a new comedy sketch, Drake attempts to steal comedian and content creator BenDaDonnn’s girl.

APPOINTMENTSKobalt has promoted Kenny McGoff to UK Head Of Creative. He was previously Head Of A&R in the UK. “Kenny’s dynamic spirit and passion for music is infectious”, says Kobalt COO Jeannette Perez.

More Hollywood A-listers are matching Dwayne The Rock” Johnson’s $1 million donation to the SAG-AFTRA fund, more Hollywood A-listers are following suit. 

RELEASESJames Blunt will release new album ‘Who We Used To Be’ on 27 Oct. Out now is new single ‘Beside You’. “It’s a bit of a celebration”, he says of the song.

APPOINTMENTSDeezer has appointed Florence Lao as its General Counsel. “Deezer is leading the way for the future of the music industry and I’m looking forward to contributing to continued success, together with the talented teams in France and across the globe”, she says. “The music landscape is changing quickly, with Deezer playing a key role for its partners, the industry, and fans alike.

New Music Friday! The weekend is here, which means more streaming, new playlists and the best that music has to offer. ET has you covered for everything in between.Travis Scott dropped his new album,, with features from everyone from James Blake to Kid Cudi to… Beyoncé?! (Cue the gif of Tiffany «New York» Pollard.) Post Malone shared his latest, a semi-self-titled album called.

RELEASESCalvin Harris and Sam Smith have teamed up for new track ‘Desire’.Jessie Ware has released a new version of her song ‘Freak Me Now’, featuring Roisin Murphy. “It is a huge honour to have the queen of disco, Róisín Murphy, on ‘Freak Me Now’”, says Ware. “I messaged her hoping she may be interested in featuring on the song and before I knew it she was in the studio.

James Blake has released a new single, ‘Loading’, ahead of his upcoming album.‘Loading’ serves as the second preview of ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’, which is due for release on September 8 via Polydor/ Republic. The album will see Blake return to his electronic roots seen within his earlier works, such as 2013’s ‘Overgrown’ and 2010’s ‘Klavierwerke’.‘Loading’ features rhythmic drum patters, cascading synths and layered vocals that give the tender and delicate track an emotional touch.

Todd Gilchrist editor At 90, Quincy Jones has accomplished enough for a dozen lifetimes. As a songwriter, composer, performer and producer, he’s collaborated with (and created) some of the biggest acts of all time, from Ray Charles to Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson.

James Blake has delivered his second single from his forthcoming album, Playing Robots Into Heaven. Following the release of "Big Hammer" comes a lovesick anthem, "Loading." Unlike the project's lead single, Blake features his own vocals, blending his new poppier sound with the eccentricities of his post-dubstep roots.

APPOINTMENTSCamden’s Roundhouse venue has announced Rowan Kitching as its new Venue Director. “I am THRILLED to be joining the team at the Roundhouse, at an exciting time for such an iconic music and arts venue”, he says. ”The uniqueness and heritage of the space excites me, but most importantly the support to our vital creative youth programme.

APPOINTMENTSSony Music UK has announced the promotion of Negla Abdela to the role of Managing Director at its Ministry Of Sound label. She first joined the label in 2015 as Social Media Manager, becoming Head Of Digital in 2018 and General Manager in 2021.

died Friday at his New York home at the age of 96, his publicist, Sylvia Weiner, confirmed to The Post.Tributes have poured in from celebrities and fans alike to commemorate the loss of the “Fly Me to the Moon” crooner.Alongside a photo of the two from 2015, Rolling Stones member Keith Richards wrote on Twitter: “May you Rest in Peace, Tony Bennett!”“Very sad to hear about Tony Bennett’s passing. Rest in Peace,” Ozzy Osbourne tweeted.

DEALSWarp has signed Slauson Malone 1 – the musical project of artist Jasper Marsalis. “We’re elated to be working with Slauson Malone 1 at Warp”, says the label. “We support and believe in Jasper’s vision wholeheartedly and can’t wait for what’s to come”.————————————————–DIGITAL & D2F SERVICESYouTube Music has increased the price of a monthly subscription in the US from $9.99 to $10.99, with the wider YouTube Premium service also increasing its pricing, it going up two dollars a month to $13.99.

APPOINTMENTSUniversal Music has appointed Sally Davies as Managing Director of Abbey Road Studios. “It’s truly an honour and privilege to be taking on the role of Managing Director of Abbey Road Studios, a place of great music and ground-breaking sound”, she says.