The Orb and Pink Floyd's David Gilmour release Metallic Spheres In Colour

NEW YORK, Nov. 21, 2023 — The Orb and David Gilmour, the guitar and voice of Pink Floyd, recently released ‘Metallic Spheres In Colour,’ a visionary re-interpretation of their 2010 ambient classic ‘Metallic Spheres.’ Now in a new use of artificial intelligence led by major recording artists, they are stretching the creative possibilities of the remix project even further by inviting fans around the world to reimagine music from the new album, as well as its cover art, with AI-powered tools.

Starting today, fans can visit metallicspheres.io to create their own personalized AI track and artwork remixed from portions of ‘Metallic Spheres In Colour.’ Visitors to the site will follow a series of prompts indicating the emotion they want the album’s artwork to convey, plus mood and tempo preferences for the available audio. The site, using artificial intelligence capabilities, then generates a new version for playback. Fans can share links to their creations via social media along with their reimagined album covers, and there will be an opportunity to purchase full length remixes as a download in the coming weeks.

In addition, select fan remixes of the ‘Metallic Spheres In Colour’ album cover image, based on the original image by artist Simon Ghahary, may be included in an upcoming music video supporting the album.

Sony Music Entertainment and Legacy Recordings are collaborating with The Orb and David Gilmour to develop the ‘Metallic Spheres In Colour’ AI project in partnership with Vermillio, the first generative AI platform that empowers creators and protects their work using Authenticated AI. With Vermillio’s generative AI platform, creators can style, own and track AI-powered digital creations using text-to-image and image-to-image styling tools, while creating audio remixes and variations benefitting artists.

A unique artist-led application of AI

An all-new use of artificial intelligence technology by globally renowned recording artists, the ‘Metallic Spheres In Colour’ AI Remix is powered by machine learning and a custom generative AI model developed for the project.

Remixes of the album art are generated from users listening to selections from ‘Metallic Spheres In Colour’s musical movements in a live group setting and typing in text that describes how the audio they are hearing makes them feel. The AI model then creates new images in the style of Ghahary’s original based on the emotions it detects in the language inputs.

Next, fans can reimagine the audio by using sliders to indicate the desired mood (chill -> high energy) and tempo (slower -> faster) they want the music to convey. The user’s choices are then combined with the emotional input from the album art they personalized to create a new remix of the movement selection.

AO

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JOINT VENTURE ANNOUNCED AND WARNER MUSIC GROUP AND ELLIOT GRAINGE

NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2023 -- Warner Music Group (Nasdaq: WMG) has entered into a joint venture with 10K Projects, the groundbreaking Los Angeles-based label founded in 2016 by Elliot Grainge. 10K Projects will become a standalone label within the WMG ecosystem, bringing its superstar roster and next generation team into the WMG fold. As 10K Projects continues to grow, the label and its artists will benefit from WMG's investment, expertise, and global infrastructure, including via support from ADA. Grainge will remain CEO of 10K Projects, guiding the company along with Co-Presidents Zach Friedman and Tony Talamo. Grainge will join WMG's global leadership team.

A fierce champion of exceptional talent, 10K Projects is home to stars such as Trippie Redd, who in just five years has scored eight Top 5 albums and mixtapes; Iann Dior, who spent eight weeks at No. 1 with the infectious hit "Mood"; and Internet Money, whose multi-platinum "Lemonade" boasts more than one billion Spotify streams and charted in over 25 countries. 10K Projects also launched the career of hip-hop sensation Ice Spice, who will continue to record for 10K Projects/Capitol Records.

"Joining Warner Music Group provides us with the backing, the collective expertise and vision to empower our artists and our employees on the next phase of our journey," said Elliot Grainge, Founder & CEO, 10K. "Max and Robert have been making all the right moves to position WMG for the future in what I think is one of the most fertile and exciting growth periods for the global music business. They have also shown that they value the kind of independent spirit and commitment to artist development that has made 10K successful so far. I know I speak for Zach, Tony and the entire team when I say how excited we are to get started in our new home."

"Elliot and 10K don't just discover original talent, they understand how to ignite fandom and create fresh impact with each release. It's a label full of next generation possibilities – with its artists, its leader, and its team. As 10K joins our thriving network of independent music brands, we're committed to giving it the freedom and backing to reach new heights," said Max Lousada, CEO, Recorded Music, WMG.

"We welcome 10K's extraordinary artists, its talented founder Elliot, and his entrepreneurial team to WMG. Together, we'll grow our investment in artistry and accelerate the pace of our innovation," said Robert Kyncl, CEO, WMG.

10K Projects' artist roster includes established superstars and fast-rising names, from rap heavyweight 6ix9ine to viral pop duo Surfaces, as well as exciting talent like Aitch, YTB Fatt, SXMPRA, COIN, and more. Grainge was also behind the signing of XXXTENTACION in 2016. In just seven years, 10K Projects' team of expert digital marketers has been behind countless commercial and cultural hits, including over 30 platinum-certified singles.

In 2022, Grainge struck a deal to bring Homemade Projects – the label behind Gen Z talent including Surfaces, COIN, and Salem Ilese – into the fold. Homemade also encompasses an influencer management company with a roster of 20 clients including Jake Shane, Larray and others, and a merchandise operation with clients, including Crime Junkie, Ali Wong, Emergency Intercom, Lala Kent, 100 gecs, Young the Giant, and others. As part of the Homemade acquisition, the company's co-founders Zach Friedman and Tony Talamo came on board as Co-Presidents of 10K Projects, overseeing A&R, marketing, publicity, and creative for the label.

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MUSICARES® APPOINTS THERESA WOLTERS AS VICE PRESIDENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (AUG. 17, 2022) — MusiCares® has appointed Theresa Wolters as the Vice President of Health & Human Services, effective immediately. Wolters will report to Executive Director of MusiCares Laura Segura, and is in charge of developing, implementing and overseeing MusiCares' programs and services nationally. She is responsible for executing and advancing the vision and direction of all mission-based programs and services for MusiCares, which include emergency financial assistance, mental health and addiction recovery programs, social and preventive health care services, and disaster relief efforts. Wolters joins the charity and its work in offering music industry members a safety net of health and human services across a spectrum of needs.

"We are thrilled to have Theresa join the MusiCares team as her incredible career and experience will undoubtedly help the organization serve the music community in a greater capacity," said Segura.

"We look forward to working together to harness Theresa's knowledge of both the health and philanthropic landscapes to explore new ways to support music professionals."

Before joining MusiCares, Wolters spent two decades working around the globe to increase access to health, financial and emergency services in vulnerable communities. Most recently, Wolters spent over 12 years holding various positions at the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF). At EGPAF, she was part of the organization's senior leadership team and played an integral role in driving EGPAF's strategic, technical and sustainability focus, working in coordination with Ministries of Health, UN agencies, the U.S. government, philanthropies, and NGOs. With her team, Wolters scaled innovative approaches to increase access to health services across low-resource countries.

Prior to joining EGPAF, Wolters spent more than a decade working on multi-sectoral development and relief programs across Africa. In 2005, she was a founding employee of Millennium Promise, a non-profit organization dedicated to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and was integral in launching and managing the Millennium Villages Project, a demonstration of how the MDGs and SDGs can be achieved. In 2009, Wolters held the role of regional coordinator of the International Medical Corps where she directed the organization's health and refugee programs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Somalia, and Uganda.

Wolters holds a bachelor's degree from the George Washington University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Heriot-Watt University and studied African Affairs at the University of Cape Town.

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Paramount, Foo Fighters and the Hawkins Family Join Forces to Present THE TAYLOR HAWKINS TRIBUTE CONCERT - A Global Music Event Honoring the Life and Music of a Rock Legend

NEW YORK, Aug. 17, 2022 - Paramount (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA) will join forces with Foo Fighters and the Hawkins Family to present the all-star global music event, The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert, across the global media and entertainment company's portfolio of leading broadcast, cable, streaming and digital brands. Captured live September 3rd at Wembley Stadium in London, directed by Joel Gallen and produced by Emer Patten for EP-PIC Films & Creative, the concert will feature the biggest names in music joining together in celebration of the life, music and love of one of modern music's most beloved figures.

"Music is a powerful connector, and we are honored to commemorate Taylor Hawkins' enduring legacy by bringing together Paramount's portfolio of brands and assets to build even deeper connections with his global fan base," said Bob Bakish, President and CEO, Paramount. "From our broad mix of platforms to the universal strength of our brands, Paramount is uniquely positioned to maximize the reach and impact of content worldwide, and we look forward to sharing this meaningful music experience with audiences across every touchpoint."

"Taylor was not only an incredible drummer and musician but truly one of the most passionate super fans of music the world has seen. His infectious energy and unique talent will continue to live on through his vast body of work," said Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+. "Together with the Foo Fighters and the Hawkins family, we look forward to leveraging Paramount's global scale to mirror Taylor's worldwide impact through this special tribute concert for audiences everywhere."

The full Wembley Stadium show will be available to stream live and on demand across Paramount's streaming and digital platforms, including:Live coverage across Paramount+ (domestically), Pluto TV (internationally) and MTV Brand YouTube Channels (globally) beginning Saturday, September 3rd (11:30 AM EDT / 4:30 PM BST).

On-demand access globally via Paramount+ on Saturday, September 3rd and on Pluto TV and MTV TV VOD starting the week of September 5th.

Special editions of the concert will air in prime time across Paramount's broadcast and cable channels globally:CBS Television Network will broadcast highlights from the tribute concert on Saturday, September 3rd (10:00-11:00 PM EDT).*

MTV will also air the one-hour special across its channels around the world starting in Latin America on Saturday, September 3 and other international territories on Sunday, September 4th, followed by an extended two-hour compilation that will air globally in September.

The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts ticket and merchandise sales will benefit charities chosen by the Hawkins family: Music Support and MusiCares. For further information or to make a donation, visit MusicSupport.org and MusiCares.org.

*Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have access to the simulcast stream via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service.

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Mickie James To Be Special Guest in First Ever Queen of the Mountain Match

As revealed on The Battleground Podcast with Battle and Eli, Mickie James will be the Special Guest Enforcer for the first ever Queen of the Mountain match at Slammiversary. With Tasha Steelz‘ Knockouts World Title up for grabs against Mia Yim, Jordynne Grace, Chelsea Green and Deonna Purrazzo, “Hardcore Country” will be there to ensure a fair fight!

Celebrate 20 years of IMPACT Wrestling at Slammiversary LIVE June 19th on pay-per-view! Tickets are on-sale now at Eventbrite.com.

BREAKING: As revealed on @battlegroundihr with @battleonair & @nonexistenteli, @MickieJames will be the Special Guest Enforcer for the first ever Queen of the Mountain match at #Slammiversary! pic.twitter.com/ZZRk8yZMKt

— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 10, 2022

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DIVERSE COMMUNITIES AMONG LANDMARK FOR THE GRAMMY AWARDS

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (JUNE 9, 2022) — Through the Recording Academy^®'s annual process of accepting proposals from the music creators and professionals that make up its membership body, and as part of the organization's commitment to evolve with the ever-changing musical landscape, several new changes have been made to the GRAMMY Awards^® process. Five new GRAMMY Awards will be handed out starting next year, including Songwriter Of The Year (Non-Classical) and Best Score Soundtrack For Video Games And Other Interactive Media, among others. Additionally, a new Special Merit Award will be given out for Best Song For Social Change. Other amendments include changes to the GRAMMY Awards entry and voting processes and more. All updates go into effect immediately for the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards taking place in 2023.

"We're so excited to honor these diverse communities of music creators through the newly established awards and amendments, and to continue cultivating an environment that inspires change, progress and collaboration," said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. "The Academy's top priority is to effectively represent the music people that we serve, and each year, that entails listening to our members and ensuring our rules and guidelines reflect our ever-evolving industry."

NEW GRAMMY AWARDS CATEGORIES ADDED:

Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical

Recognizes the written excellence, profession and art of songwriting honoring the most prolific non-performing and non-producing songwriters for their body of new work released during an eligibility year.

Best Alternative Music Performance

A track and single Category that recognizes the best recordings in an alternative performance by a solo artist, collaborating artists, established duo, or established group.

Best Americana Performance

A track and single Category that recognizes artistic excellence in an Americana performance by a solo artist, collaborating artists, established duo, or established group.

Best Score Soundtrack For Video Games And Other Interactive Media

Recognizes excellence in score soundtrack albums comprised predominately of original scores and created specifically for, or as a companion to, a current video game or other interactive media released within the qualification period.  

Best Spoken Word Poetry Album

An album Category that recognizes excellence in spoken word albums specific to the performance of poetry with or without music.

SPECIAL MERIT AWARD ADDITION:

Best Song For Social Change

This Special Merit Award will be determined by a Blue Ribbon Committee and ratified by the Recording Academy Board of Trustees. Submissions must contain lyrical content that addresses a timely social issue and promotes understanding, peacebuilding and empathy.

GRAMMY AWARD VOTING PROCEDURAL UPDATES:

Charging Fees For Entry Submissions

All Recording Academy members will receive five courtesy entries every year. For additional entries, members will pay $40 (Early Bird Fee); $75 (Standard Fee); or $125 (Final Deadline Fee) per additional entry. Registered media companies will pay a fee of $65 (Early Bird Fee); $95 (Standard Fee); or $125 (Final Deadline Fee) per entry. Considerations will be made for artists/members experiencing financial hardships. Any member who would be burdened by the entry fees can request the fees be waived by reaching out to the Recording Academy Awards Department.

Album Eligibility*

To be eligible for GRAMMY Award consideration, an album must contain greater than 75 percent playing time of newly recorded (within five years of the release date), previously unreleased recordings*. The previous eligibility rule was 50 percent. (Note: Best Compilation Soundtrack, Best Historical Album, Best Immersive Audio Album, Best Recording Package, Best Special Package, and Best Album Notes accept albums of recordings that are not newly recorded.)

*Note: The updated album eligibility rule was approved in 2021 but is going into effect for the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards cycle.

ADDITIONAL CATEGORY AMENDMENTS:

Classical Field: Creation of Craft Committees in Select Classical Categories

Three Categories within the Classical Field will now be determined by highly specialized Craft Committees: Producer Of The Year (Classical), Best Engineered Album (Classical) and Best Contemporary Classical Composition.  

Classical Field: Recognition of Composers and Librettists in Best Opera Recording and Best Classical Compendium Categories

Category definitions have been updated to award composers and librettists in addition to artists, producers and engineers.

New Age, Ambient Or Chant Field: Renamed And Redefined Field and Category Name

The Category formerly known as "Best New Age Album" has been renamed "Best New Age, Ambient Or Chant Album" and the Field name has also been updated to reflect that change.

Musical Theater Field: Recognition of Composers and Lyricists in Best Musical Theater Album Category

Category definition has been updated to award composers and lyricists of more than 50 percent of the score of a new recording.

Music For Visual Media Field (Includes Film, TV, Video Games, And Other Visual Media): Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media

Some language in the criteria for this Category which had been removed has now been restored to recognize principal artists and in-studio producers.

Production Field: Updated Definition of Best Remixed Recording Category

The newly amended definition of the Best Remixed Recording Category helps to reflect the remix craft as it currently stands in the industry: the creation of a new, full-track, unique performance created by a remixer from a previously released recording.

Spoken Word Field: Updated Category Name and Definition

The Category formally known as Spoken Word Album has been renamed Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording. This Category recognizes excellence in spoken word albums (not including Spoken Word Poetry).

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TRIBECA AND CHANEL UNVEIL 2022 AWARDS PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

NEW YORK, NY– June 1, 2022 – Tribeca Festival and CHANEL today announced the artists selected as part of the 2022 Artist Awards Program. As in years past, Tribeca and CHANEL once again bring together esteemed artists to donate a piece of their work, which will be presented to storytellers who are awarded at the Festival, running June 8 - June 19.

Ten acclaimed artists have been invited by Tribeca and CHANEL to celebrate their fellow storytellers including Deborah Roberts, February James, Garry Simmons, Hank Willis Thomas, Leilah Babirye, Ming Smith, Nicoletta Darita de la Brown, Nina Chanel Abney, Ouattara Watts, and Wardell Milan. These leading visual artists will each contribute original artwork, which will be awarded to the 2022 festival winners.

“Tribeca is deeply committed to generating opportunities for visionaries to explore the intersection of creativity and culture. The 2022 Artist Awards program is a celebration of creative renewal in New York City after a challenging few years,” said Tribeca Festival Co-Founder and Tribeca Enterprises CEO Jane Rosenthal. "Every year, we’re proud to support artistic excellence alongside CHANEL. Our longstanding partnership is a testament to a shared pursuit of honoring powerful, bold stories in film, games, art, and all forms of creativity in-between."

The tradition of supporting artistic creativity and vision goes back to the inception of the Tribeca Festival, which was founded with a mission to revitalize downtown New York City in the wake of September 11th. This signature cultural event is a way for storytellers of all mediums to help locals and small businesses with the support of the creative community. From year one of the Festival, studio artists witnessed the positive impact it was forming and wanted to be involved as a way for artists to directly support and celebrate other artists and filmmakers in the community. This solidarity and generosity has remained a core value of the Tribeca Festival and the Artist Awards is a yearly reminder of that.

“The Tribeca Festival has an unparalleled ability to unite people through the power of creative expression. When I was approached by Tribeca and CHANEL to curate this year’s Artist Awards, I began reflecting on all that we’ve been through these past years and the Kendrick Lamar song “Alright” (2015) kept playing in my head. Our collective experience of life and loss inspired me to convene artists, across generations and various stages of careers, who will offer a snapshot of where culture is right now with a comforting message: 'We gon’ be alright.’ Standing together — those who came before, those who are here now, and those who are coming up — we will be alright,” said the 2022 Artist Awards curator Racquel Cevremont.

CHANEL’s collaboration with the Tribeca Festival is a testament to the brand’s continuous commitment to creation and artistry in their varied forms. Throughout history, art has played an integral role at the House of CHANEL. House founder and visionary Gabriel Chanel surrounded herself with the leading artists of her time, drawing inspiration and support from her fellow creative peers. CHANEL is honored to continue its support of the annual Artist Awards Program, which celebrates the leading filmmakers and artists of our time, and the rich tradition of artists supporting artists.

This year’s art collection will be displayed at the Tribeca Festival Hub at Spring Studios throughout the Festival. 

Following is a complete list of contributed artwork.

February James: Oil On Canvas, info pending. Watercolor and ink on paper. 16 x 12. Given to Nora Ephron Award Winner

Deborah Roberts: Past Tense #25, 2019. Mixed media on paper. 6x5 in. Framed. Given to Best New Narrative Director Winner

Leilah Babirye: Abambowa (Royal Guard Who Protects the King), 2022. Glazed ceramic, bicycle tire inner tubes, copper wire. 9 x 3 x 3 inches. Given to Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature Winner

Wardell Milan: Untitled (Red Tulip 2022), 2018. Oil, graphite, acrylic on board. 18 x 24in. Given to Best Narrative Short Winner

Hank Willis Thomas: Learn, Baby, Learn (multi on red), 2019. Screenprint on retroreflective vinyl, mounted on Dibond. 15 x 30 in. Given to Best Documentary Short Winner

Nicoletta Darita de la Brown: Three Bodies, 2021. Giclée print from 3 hour durational performance. Framed: 10 x 15 inches. Given to Albert Maysles New Documentary Director Award Winner

Garry Simmons: Black Ark Stars (Process Black), 2022. Lithograph and screenprint with Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee on paper. 20 x 16 inches; AP 5/10 Ed. of 35. Given to Best International Narrative Feature Winner

Ming Smith: Dakar Roadside, 1972. Pigment Print. 11 x 14. Given to Best Documentary Feature Winner

Nina Chanel Abney: Untitled, 2022. Collage. 21 5/8 x 16 ¾ inches. Give to Best Animated Short Winner

Ouattara Watts: Sunrise, 2005. Watercolor on paper. 22½ x 30½ inches; OW-05-014 / 05-12. Given to Student Visionary Award Winner

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RECORDING ACADEMY® ELECTS 19 NEW LEADERS TO NATIONAL BOARD

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (JUNE 1, 2022) — The Recording Academy^® has elected 19 new leaders of diverse backgrounds and disciplines to add to its 2022-23 National Board of Trustees. Effective today, the newly elected Trustees join the Academy's midterm Trustees, including National Officers Tammy Hurt (Chair), Rico Love (Vice Chair), Om'Mas Keith (Secretary/Treasurer), and Christine Albert (Chair Emeritus) in upholding the Academy's mission to serve and represent the music community at-large. In partnership with CEO Harvey Mason jr., the Board of Trustees helps strategically guide and shape the mission and policies of the Academy and its commitment to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, fight for creators' rights, protect music people in need, preserve music's history, and invest in its future.

2022-23 RECORDING ACADEMY NATIONAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Yolanda Adams*	Ferddy Calderon	David Gross	Mike Knobloch*
Chuck Ainlay*	Alex E. Chávez*	Jordan Hamlin*	John Legend*
Cheche Alara	Dave Cobb	Jennifer Hanson	Rico Love
Christine Albert	Beth Cohen	David "Swagg" Harris	Susan Marshall
Maria Elisa Ayerbe	Samantha Cox	Tammy Hurt	Julia Michels
Nabil Ayers*	Doug Emery*	J. Ivy	PJ Morton*
Larry Batiste	Anna Frick	Terry Jones*	Natalia Ramírez*
Marcus Baylor	EJ Gaines*	Andrew Joslyn*	Michael Romanowski*
Jennifer Blakeman*	Kennard Garrett	Om'Mas Keith	Von Vargas*
Evan Bogart	Tracy Gershon	Thom "TK" Kidd*	Gebre Waddell*
Bun B	Chelsey Green*	Angélique Kidjo

*Identifies Trustees elected this year to their 1st or 2nd term.

Bold identifies National Officers.

"I'm honored and excited to welcome this diverse and accomplished group of creatives to the Academy's leadership team," said Mason. "These newly elected leaders will be instrumental in continuing the Academy's transformation by serving as representatives for their peers on all things from refining the GRAMMY Awards^® process, to advocating for creators' rights and beyond. We thank the Academy members who participated in this year's elections and look forward to the continued progress that this esteemed group of Trustees will achieve."

"I can't wait to work alongside this stellar group of leaders as we continue to build on the Academy's progress these past two years," said Hurt. "Our Board reflects the diverse music community we represent, and I know these talented minds will help expertly guide the organization with music creators' best interests at heart."

Recording Academy members play a key role in shaping the next generation of the organization's leaders on a local and national level. Each year, the Academy's 12 Chapters' Voting and Professional Members vote in their respective Chapter Board Elections to elect their Chapter's Governors. Of the Trustees that serve on the National Board, eight are elected by Voting and Professional Members of the Academy (four each year) and 30 are elected by the Chapter Boards (15 each year). The remaining four seats are comprised of the National Trustee Officers serving the roles of Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary/Treasurer, and Chair Emeritus, who are currently midterm, and are elected by the Board of Trustees once every two years. All positions on the Board of Trustees are subject to two, two-year term limits.

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TO BE RELEASED: THRILLER 40 – A DOUBLE CD SET OF MICHAEL'S ORIGINAL MASTERPIECE THRILLER & BONUS DISC

 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE KING OF POP’S ‘THRILLER’,

THE BIGGEST SELLING ALBUM OF ALL TIME!

LOS ANGELES, May 16, 2022 — Sony Music and the Estate of Michael Jackson today announced that it will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the biggest selling album of all time, with the November 18 release of Michael Jackson Thriller 40, a double CD set comprised of Michael’s original masterpiece Thriller and an exciting second disc full of surprises for fans including never-released tracks which were worked on by Michael for the Thriller album. To date, the album has amassed in excess of 100 million in sales worldwide.

In the US, Walmart will have an exclusive version of the original Thriller album with an alternate 40th anniversary cover, while Target will have an exclusive version of the original album with a commemorative Thriller 40 vinyl slip mat. Both of these will also be available outside the US from various retailers.

Mastered from the original analog master tapes, Mobile Fidelity will also make available the original Thriller album as a One-Step 180g 33RPM LP, pressed at RTI and strictly limited to 40,000 numbered copies as well as a hybrid SACD. (An UltraDisc One-Step 180g 45RPM 2LP set of Thriller will be released at a future date.)

Several activations are planned between now and the end of the year to honor Michael’s epic creation which won a record setting 8 Grammys, smashed musical barriers and changed the frontiers of pop music and videos forever.  Michael Jackson’s Thriller has spent more than 500 weeks on the Billboard album chart and has sold over 100 million albums since its release on November 30, 1982. The first such activation is the first drop of new merchandise featuring the special Thriller 40 logo which is now available exclusively through the MichaelJackson.com webstore.

MORE ABOUT THRILLER:

Thriller holds a modern-day record of 37 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard. It was the first album in history to spend each of its first 80 weeks in the album chart’s Top 10, a feat only reached by one other album in the nearly four decades since. During its 112th week on Billboard’s album chart, it became the first title ever to be certified RIAA 20X multi-Platinum (October 30, 1984) and became the first title ever to be certified more than RIAA 30X multi-Platinum in 2015 and since has been certified at 34x Multi-Platinum.  

Worldwide, Thriller went to #1 in practically every country in the world, including the UK, France, Italy, Australia, Denmark, Belgium, South Africa, Spain, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada and apartheid South Africa and remains the biggest selling album of all time with sales in excess of 100 million.  Seven tracks from the album became Top 10 singles, and three, “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” and “Thriller,” went No. 1. 

The music on Thriller was so singular for the time it defied any definition of rock, pop or soul that had gone before. “Beat It” was a new kind of pop-rock hybrid and demolished the longstanding segregation between black and white music with Eddie Van Halen’s incendiary guitar. On “The Girl Is Mine,” two men, one white and one Black, banter about the same girl. On the same album were songs like the African-rooted “Wanna Be Startin‘ Somethin'” and the rhythm and blues-based “Billie Jean.”

Michael set out to revolutionize how to tell a story and entertain on a grand scale through film but faced roadblocks. Despite the luscious cinematography, dramatic narrative and spectacular choreography of “Billie Jean,” a fledgling MTV, which was programming white rock artists almost exclusively, refused to play it. Epic persisted. Once the wall came crashing down, MTV’s ratings soared and a door was opened for a generation of African American artists. “He was MTV’s Jackie Robinson,” said cultural critic Touré.

Next, came the unforgettable short film for “Beat It,” which featured Michael bringing two gangs together through the power of music and dance. And then there was “Thriller.” Premiered at the AVCO Theatre in Los Angeles in 1983, it sold out every night for three weeks. No other video before or since has generated such excitement and has such a hold on our attention, such that 40 years later we all share it as a collective memory and it remains the only music video to be inducted into the elite National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

Music from Thriller and Michael’s other hit albums is featured in the hit Las Vegas show Michael Jackson ONE, at the Michael Jackson ONE Theater in Mandalay Bay Resorts and Casino and in the acclaimed Broadway musical MJ The Musical at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York, which was nominated for 10 Tony Awards last week. Michael has sold more than 1 billion records and remains one of the top streaming artists in the world.

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"YOUR FUTURE IS NOW" SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM RETURNS THROUGH COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE RECORDING ACADEMY®'S BLACK MUSIC COLLECTIVE AND AMAZON MUSIC

ANNUAL PROGRAM AIMS TO PROVIDE MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND DONATIONS TO HBCU STUDENTS AND MUSIC PROGRAMS

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (MAY 12, 2022) — The Recording Academy^®'s Black Music Collective (BMC) and Amazon Music bring back their "Your Future Is Now" scholarship, aimed to provide select students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) the opportunity to learn and explore all facets of the music industry. First launched in February 2021, the collaboration offers select students currently enrolled at a HBCU networking opportunities with esteemed members of the music industry, including an immersive rotation program with Amazon Music and Recording Academy department leads, providing each student a detailed look at their particular field of work within the music industry. This year, the BMC will select four students currently enrolled at a HBCU for the program and will each receive a scholarship of $10,000. To coincide with these scholarships, the BMC and Amazon Music will also award two HBCUs a $10,000 grant each for equipment for their music programs.

"Our commitment to show up for the next generation of Black talent and create pathways for them to succeed continues with the return of the 'Your Future Is Now' scholarship," said Rico Love, Vice Chair of the Recording Academy Board of Trustees and BMC Chair. "We're thrilled to bring back this program with Amazon Music that creates invaluable mentorship opportunities for students as they begin their careers in the music industry."

The scholarship application goes live on Thursday, May 12. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident pursuing a bachelor's degree in music, music business, business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field. All applicants must submit a current and complete grades transcript, a personal statement, a creative video showing your creativity, and one online recommendation. The deadline to apply for the scholarship program is Friday, June 10. 

"We are honored to continue collaborating with the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective," said Ryan Redington, vice president of music industry at Amazon Music. "Through the 'Your Future Is Now' scholarship, together we can help support the next generation of Black musicians at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, from equipment and funds to a firsthand view at a variety of roles within the industry."

ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY

The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum^®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares^®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards^® — music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com

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MUSICARES® ANNOUNCES FINAL ROUND OF COVID-19 RELIEF TO MEET ONGOING NEED

 

PROGRAMS SUPPORTING THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY CONTINUE AS MUSICIANS GET BACK TO WORK

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (JUNE 14, 2021) – MusiCares^®, the leading music charity supporting the health and welfare of the music community, announced today that it is distributing a final round of funding for COVID-19 Relief. The effort continues the support for music professionals, concluding upon distribution of the $2 million raised during Music on a Mission, to be directly distributed to 2,000 eligible applicants. Although the pandemic relief will be coming to a close, the need for support remains high, and MusiCares is dedicated to helping all professionals in the industry through existing and new mental health and hardship grant programs and virtual support groups, among other programs.

At a time when many in the industry dealt with financial insecurity due to shuttered venues and canceled tours, MusiCares acted quickly to support the music community by launching MusiCares COVID-19 Relief. Since March 2020, MusiCares has distributed more than $25 million directly to more than 34,000 music professionals in need.

"The pandemic has been devastating to musicians, tour managers, stage crews, and so many others that are involved in making music happen. We heard from our community that many are experiencing elevated levels of depression, financial insecurity and low levels of confidence that they could pay for basic living expenses during the pandemic," said Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. "It is encouraging to know that music people turned to MusiCares in their time of need and we hope they continue to do so as we reacclimate post-pandemic."

Following the nearly year and a half of COVID-19 Relief, MusiCares will help the music community transition back to business, with an emphasis on prioritizing mental health. MusiCares also continues to provide support through the many services they are known for including medical, dental and hearing programs, mental health and addiction recovery services, preventative clinics, unforeseen personal emergencies, and disaster relief, treating each case with integrity and confidentiality. Music professionals who already received assistance from MusiCares COVID-19 Relief are eligible to apply again.

"As it's often said in our biz, 'the show must go on,'" said one MusiCares grant recipient. "Thank you for all that you did during this most difficult of years to sustain a vital forum for artists, live music and community, and for supporting me through your COVID-19 Relief program. Besides being much needed good news, it was a great encouragement and inspired me to stay creative and courageous."

For anyone in the music community looking for support, please contact MusiCares at musicaresrelief@musicares.org or visit https://covid-19-relief.recordingacademy.com/(opens in a new tab) to apply for a hardship grant.

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