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AI Market in Media & Entertainment to Grow by USD 30.72 Billion (2024-2028) as Multimodal AI Adoption Rises

Eric Alper
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AI Market in Media & Entertainment to Grow by USD 30.72 Billion (2024-2028) as Multimodal AI Adoption Rises

The global AI market in media and entertainment industry size is estimated to grow by USD 30.72 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of  26.4% during the forecast period. Usage of multimodal AI in media and entertainment industry is driving market growth, with a trend towards utilization of blockchain. However, reliance on external sources of data to train ai models poses a challenge.Key market players include Agile Sports Technologies Inc., Amazon Web Services Inc., Autodesk Inc., AutomaticTV, EVS Broadcast Equipment S.A., Gravity Media, GrayMeta, Inc, International Business Machines Corp., LMG LLC, Move Ai Ltd, Pixellot, PlaySight Interactive Ltd., Production Resource Group LLC, Spiideo, Sportway AB, Synthesia Ltd., TAIT, valossa labs Oy, and Veritone Inc.

The integration of blockchain technology in the global AI market of media and entertainment industry is experiencing substantial growth. Driven by the necessity for heightened security and content authenticity, this sector is leveraging blockchain’s decentralized and immutable features. Notably, SHIB, an Ethereum-based digital asset family, collaborated in April 2024 to address content security and authenticity concerns using blockchain technology. This partnership aims to secure content from tampering and ensure its veracity. Blockchain technology also presents innovative distribution solutions. Its transparent and traceable transactions streamline the process, ensuring fair compensation for creators and secure content delivery. In an era plagued by digital piracy and unauthorized distribution, this is particularly significant. Moreover, blockchain facilitates new business models and revenue streams, such as content tokenization. This enables creators to issue digital tokens representing ownership or access rights, opening new monetization avenues. The media and entertainment industry’s collaboration with the digital asset ecosystem underscores its proactive approach to adopting blockchain technology. This adoption promises enhanced security, streamlined distribution, and innovative business opportunities, contributing to the industry’s growth and sustainability in the digital age.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the Media and Entertainment Industry. In Film and Television, AI is used for script analysis, storyboarding, and budget management. AI-powered image recognition identifies objects and people in high-resolution camera footage for VFX and virtual creation. Social media platforms leverage AI for predictive analytics and talent discovery. In Music, AI assists with plagiarism detection and content creation. AI’s dialogue skills and speech recognition enhance voice recognition and game play. Sports broadcasts use AI for real-time virtual analysis and fan engagement. Unstructured data and machine learning enable AI to provide fake story recognition and production planning. AI’s natural language processing enhances on-demand streaming services and improves content creation workflows. Overall, AI’s impact on the Media and Entertainment Industry is significant, from content creation to fan engagement, and will continue to shape the future of this dynamic industry.

The global AI market in media and entertainment industry faces a significant challenge with the reliance on external data sources for training AI models. This issue came to light in November 2023 when a major American media organization filed a lawsuit against leading AI technology companies for unauthorized use of copyrighted content. The lawsuit highlights the growing tension over the exploitation of intellectual property without compensation or acknowledgement. The core challenge lies in the use of vast amounts of published material, such as articles and written works, to develop and refine AI models. These models, which power popular AI platforms, often utilize data scraped from various sources without explicit permission from content creators. This practice raises ethical and legal concerns, leading to an increase in copyright infringement claims. The implications of this reliance on external data sources are far-reaching. It poses a risk of substantial financial penalties and reputational damage for companies involved. Moreover, the accuracy and trustworthiness of AI-generated content can be compromised when models are trained on unauthorized or unverified data. In the media and entertainment industry, where authentic and reliable content is crucial, this issue is particularly problematic. To address this challenge, a balanced approach is necessary. Clear guidelines and ethical standards for data usage are essential to mitigate legal risks and ensure the integrity of AI-driven content. Respecting intellectual property rights while fostering innovation is crucial for the global AI market in media and entertainment industry.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the Media and Entertainment Industry with its ability to provide advanced solutions for various applications. Challenges such as Visual Recognition, Sentiment Analysis, Personality Insights, Tone Analysis, and Sports Analysis are being addressed by AI Algorithms. Hardware/Equipment for AI-Specific solutions are being developed for Live Broadcast, Gaming, and Sports Automatic Productions. AI is also transforming Video Production, Computer-Generated Graphics, and Visual Effects. Sales and Marketing teams use AI for Audience Insights, Voice Data, and Intelligent Home Assistants. OTT Platforms and Online Gaming Experience are enhanced with AI-Generated Live Footage and Hyper-Personalized Content. Pre-Production Assistance, Motion Capture, and Automated Sports Productions are other areas where AI technologies like ML are making a significant impact. Streaming Platforms, Connected Devices, and Real-Time Virtual Worlds are also being transformed by AI. AI is changing the game in Media and Entertainment, from content creation to consumption.

The media and entertainment industry is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance content creation, distribution, and consumer experience. AI-powered tools improve efficiency in video editing, special effects, and scriptwriting. Streaming platforms use AI algorithms for personalized content recommendations based on user preferences. AI chatbots provide customer support, reducing response time and improving user engagement. AI’s ability to analyze data and learn patterns benefits marketing strategies, audience targeting, and content monetization. Overall, AI is a valuable asset in the media and entertainment industry, driving innovation and growth.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are revolutionizing the Media and Entertainment industry. In gaming, AI is used for gameplay, creating realistic opponents, and enhancing the user experience. Fake story recognition and plagiarism detection are essential for maintaining the integrity of content in the industry. AI and ML also play a significant role in production planning, optimizing workflows, and reducing costs. Talent discovery and scouting are now more efficient with AI-powered tools. Virtual creation allows for the production of high-definition graphics and real-time virtual worlds, enhancing the viewing experience. AI-generated live footage and sports analysis provide new opportunities for OTT platforms and online gaming experiences. Social media platforms use AI for content recommendation and natural language processing. The future of Media and Entertainment is AI-driven, offering endless possibilities for innovation.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the Media and Entertainment Industry with its advanced capabilities. AI technologies such as Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Deep Learning are being used in various applications. In the gaming industry, AI algorithms are used for gameplay, fake story recognition, plagiarism detection, and talent discovery. AI is also used in virtual creation, high-definition graphics, real-time virtual worlds, and sports analysis. OTT platforms and streaming services are utilizing AI for personalized content recommendations, audience insights, and voice data. AI-generated live footage, hyper-personalized content, and predictive analytics are transforming film and television production. In the music industry, AI is used for script analysis, storyboarding, and budget management. AI-specific hardware and computer-generated visuals are enhancing the online gaming experience. AI is also being used in sales and marketing, automated sports productions, and live streaming. The use of AI in the media and entertainment industry is expanding, from pre-production assistance to post-production, and from content creation to distribution.

Graham Lyle to Be Honoured as a BMI Icon at the 2024 BMI London Awards

Eric Alper
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Graham Lyle to Be Honoured as a BMI Icon at the 2024 BMI London Awards

BMI today announced that Graham Lyle will be presented with the BMI Icon Award at the 2024 BMI London Awards to be held 9 December at The Savoy. The legendary songwriter, guitarist and producer will be honoured in celebration of his illustrious career spanning over 50 years and his enduring catalog of hit songs, which have left a lasting impression on generations of music lovers worldwide. The private event will be hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill.

“We’re very honoured to salute the incomparable songwriter Graham Lyle with the BMI Icon Award in celebration of a lifetime of timeless hit songs that deeply resonate with global audiences,” said O’Neill. “We’re also excited to pay tribute to all our outstanding 2024 BMI London Award winners and recognise their incredible accomplishments. It’s going to be a fantastic evening.”

The ceremony also pays tribute to the British and European songwriters and publishers of the previous year’s most-performed songs on US streaming, radio and television from BMI’s repertoire of over 22.4 million musical works. The BMI London Song of the Year, Million-Air Awards, and awards for Pop, Film, Television and Cable Television Music will also be presented throughout the evening.

As one of the most successful British songwriters of his generation, Lyle has written countless hit songs including Tina Turner’s classic, “What’s Love Got To Do With It” with Terry Britten.  The global smash reached No.1 in the US, Canada and Australia, won Song of the Year at the 1984 GRAMMY Awards and eventually became Turner’s best-selling single. It also earned Lyle multiple BMI Million-Air Awards, ultimately reaching eight million broadcast performances on U.S. radio. As a testament to its enduring legacy, many artists have performed and covered the massive hit over the years, including Mickey Guyton at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction in 2021, rapper Warren G released a hip-hop version 1996 and Norwegian DJ/producer Kygo released a remix with Turner in 2020.

Over his prolific career, Lyle has received multiple BMI Awards, as well as BMI Million-Air Awards for many of his other iconic hits, including “What’s Luv?” by Fat Joe ft. Ashanti, which sampled “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “I Don’t Wanna Lose You,” “Jewel of the Nile,” and “Typical Male,” each with two million performances. “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” also performed by Turner, “Joe Knows How to Live,” “Stay Young,” and “Women Like Men” have accumulated one million performances.  He also received an Ivor Novello in 1986 and a Tartan Clef Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2010, and in 2012, he co-wrote “One Woman: A Song for UN Women,” released on International Women’s Day, to support the empowerment and gender equality of women around the globe.

Lyle began his professional journey as one of the first music creators to sign to the Beatles’ Apple Company, alongside songwriter Benny Gallagher in the late 60s. The pair went on to write for several Apple Company artists, notably “Sparrow” and “Fields of St. Etienne” for Mary Hopkin, which were both produced by Paul McCartney. Together the duo became founding members and main songwriters of hit British rock band McGuinness Flint, and later joined forces to form Gallagher and Lyle, where they released eight albums and produced British Top 10 hits like “I Wanna Stay with You” and “Heart on My Sleeve.”

In 1981, Lyle formed his own publishing company GOODSINGLE, LTD to write for other artists. In addition to his longtime partnership with Tina Turner, Lyle has also penned countless hits such as “Just Good Friends” by Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, “Hold Me (Just a Little Longer Tonight)” by Etta James, “You’re the Star” by Rod Stewart and “When You Love Somebody (I’m Saving My Love for You)” by Patti LaBelle, and has collaborated with other high profile artists across all genres, including Ray Charles, Reba McEntire, Kenny Rogers and Ringo Starr, to name a few.

As a BMI Icon, he joins an elite group of previous recipients including Sting, Gary Kemp, Graham Gouldman, Sir Tim Rice, The Bee Gees, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Ray Davies, John Fogerty, David Foster, Peter Gabriel, the Jacksons, Carole King, Kris Kristofferson, Barry Manilow, Willie Nelson, Stevie Nicks, Dolly Parton, Queen, Nile Rodgers, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, Van Morrison and Brian Wilson, among others.

Daft Punk & Leiji Matsumoto’s ‘Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem’ to Be Screened in Cinemas Globally for One Night Only

Eric Alper
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Daft Punk & Leiji Matsumoto’s ‘Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem’ to Be Screened in Cinemas Globally for One Night Only

After select fan and festival screenings this year, the 4K remastered version of Daft Punk & Leiji Matsumoto’s 2003 anime masterpiece Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem will be screened in cinemas globally for one night only on December 12, 2024 in partnership with Trafalgar Releasing. Says Marc Allenby, CEO of Trafalgar Releasing, “We’re excited to bring Daft Punk’s iconic Interstella 5555, now fully remastered in stunning 4K, to cinemas for this one-night-only global event. This is a rare opportunity to experience the film on the big screen, along with accompanying Daft Punk music videos, and we can’t wait to share it with audiences everywhere.”

Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem was created by Daft Punk and Cédric Hervet in collaboration with Leiji Matsumoto and Toei Animation, and tells the story of the abduction of an alien music band by an evil human character who has dark plans. Essentially an anime visual album, Interstella features the entirety of Daft Punk’s seminal 2001 album Discovery as its soundtrack, including iconic anthems such as “One More Time,” “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” and “Veridis Quo.” Says Shinji Shimizu of Toei Animation, who produced the film, “‘One More Time’ was playing all over the town at that time! I felt so proud that I wanted to shout to people on the street, ‘We are making its animation now!’” As a visual album, the film was cut into individual music videos, and until this year it has been very rare to see the film in its entirety in cinemas.

To celebrate this global event, Discovery: Interstella 5555 Edition will be released in limited physical quantities. This physical edition of Discovery will contain the original Japanese edition artwork, stickers and Daft Club card, which became a true collectors’ item around its original release. The limited release will consist of 5555 gold vinyl, 5555 numbered CDs, and 25,000 black vinyl.

 

Along with this special album re-release and film screening comes a limited-edition merch run featuring the Crescendolls, the animated band at the center of Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem. Items are available now through Daft Punk’s official shop.

“Veridis Quo” a standout track from Discovery was used widely over the summer in social content, and can now be heard in a global advertising campaign for Chanel N°5 called “A rendez-vous” directed by Luca Guadagnino, featuring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Since the track’s original release, it has also been widely sampled in music from artists all over the world including Maluma, G-Dragon, and Jazmine Sullivan, and used in live sets from DJs including John Summit.

Earlier this year, Apple Music named Discovery as the #23 best album of all time. It has also landed on best album lists from Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Rhapsody, Resident Advisory, BBC Radio 1, British GQ. Guardian critic Alexis Petridis wrote in 2020 that “Daft Punk were incredibly prescient: play Discovery and it sounds utterly contemporary.”

Discovery has been certified Gold in the US, Platinum in Japan, 2x Platinum in the UK and 3x Platinum in France.

The one night only global screening of Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem will be screened in 800+ cinemas in 40+ countries, and tickets will go on sale Wednesday, November 13. More information can be found here.

DISCOVERY : INTERSTELLA 5555 EDITION – TRACKLIST

  • One More Time
  • Aerodynamic
  • Digital Love
  • Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
  • Crescendolls
  • Nightvision
  • Superheroes
  • High Life
  • Something About Us
  • Voyager
  • Veridis Quo
  • Short Circuit
  • Face to Face
  • Too Long

The Flaming Lips to Release Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Blu-ray Edition Featuring Brand New Dolby Atmos Mix

Eric Alper
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The Flaming Lips to Release Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Blu-ray Edition Featuring Brand New Dolby Atmos Mix

Immersing listeners deeper into a living and breathing otherworld, GRAMMY Award-winning alternative luminaries The Flaming Lips unveil Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots (Blu-Ray Edition) today. The Atmos mixes of Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots as well as 2020’s American Head, are available to stream now on participating digital platforms.

Click HERE to order Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (Blu-Ray Edition)

Click HERE to stream Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

Click HERE to stream American Head

This marks the first release of Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots on Blu-Ray in Dolby ATMOS mixed by Dave Fridmann & Atmos engineering & mastering by Jon Fridmann, DTS-HD 5.1 Mix mixed by Dave Fridmann & Elliot Scheiner, and DTS-HD 2.0 Hi-Res Stereo mixes by Dave Fridmann. The package insert also includes an excerpt from an interview by Wayne Coyne with Jon and Dave Fridmann, discussing the Atmos mixing and listening experience.

The Blu-Ray also notably boasts animated visualizer “Bleep Blops” and four newly remastered music videos—“Fight Test,” “Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt. 1,” “Are You A Hypnotist??,” and both versions of “Do You Realize??” All upgraded music videos can be viewed on The Flaming Lips’ official YouTube channel.

The Flaming Lips initially unveiled Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots on July 16, 2002. It went on to emerge as their “biggest-selling album so far” and earn a Gold certification from the RIAA. Indicative of the record’s impact, the epic closer “Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon (Utopia Planitia)” garnered a GRAMMY Award in the category of “Best Rock Instrumental Performance.” 22 years after its arrival, signature classics such as the Gold Certified “Do You Realize??” “Fight Test” and “Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell” remain staples in concert and on streaming platforms.

American Head was produced, as always, by longtime collaborator Dave Fridmann and The Lips and is comprised of thirteen cinematic tracks. Among them “God and the Policeman,” featuring backing vocals from country superstar Kacey Musgraves.

The band will continue performing Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots in its entirety in Australia, the UK, Europe & Asia in 2025. For more information and to grab tickets, visit https://www.flaminglips.com/#songkick-section.

Formed in Oklahoma City, OK in 1983, The Flaming Lips have since become one of the most iconic, influential, unpredictable, and vital forces in American alternative rock music. The band has garnered three GRAMMY Awards, a Tony nomination, and an RIAA Gold-certified Record for Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. Q Magazine named them one of the “50 Bands to See Before You Die.” The band has made countless late-night television appearances, appeared in a Super Bowl commercial, contributed to many film soundtracks, and collaborated with artists such as Miley Cyrus, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Kacey Musgraves, Yoko Ono, The Chemical Brothers, and many more. Most recently, The LIPS have recorded an album of Nick Cave covers featuring vocalist Nell Smith called “Where The Viaduct Blooms.” They have set countless records, broken attendance records, have a hometown street named in their honor, created spectacular interactive audio/visual events now regarded as legendary. Frontman Wayne Coyne has been recognized for works of art that graced many LIPS album covers along with his traveling art exhibit (and subsequent album) “The King’s Mouth,” an audiovisual art installation that has been featured in many contemporary art museums around the US. Their latest LP, <strong American Head, marks a return to a more melodic and song-oriented body of work and has critically been lauded as their best work in years, placing on several “Year End/Best Of lists” around the world. Even after a combination of 23 studio recordings, 16 singles, 11 compilations, 12 EPs and 11 self-released experimental collaborative oddities released in various forms, quantities and unique mediums, The Flaming Lips remain in a creative apex that has no bounds. To that end, they have become an American Treasure and created a genre all to themselves.

TRACKLISTING:

YOSHIMI BATTLES THE PINK ROBOTS (BLU-RAY)
AUDIO
DOLBY ATMOS, DTS-HD 5.1 SURROUND & DTS-HD 2.0 STEREO MIXES
1. Fight Test
2. One More Robot/Sympathy 3000-21
3. Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1
4. Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 2
5. In the Morning Of The Magicians
6. Ego Tripping At The Gates of Hell
7. Are You A Hypnotist??
8. It’s Summertime
9. Do You Realize??
10. All We Have Is Now
11. Approaching Pavonis Mons By Balloon (Utopia Planitia)
MUSIC VIDEOS
1. Fight Test
2. Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt. 1
3. Are You A Hypnotist??
4. Do You Realize??
5. Do You Realize?? (Mark Pellington Version)
YOSHIMI BATTLES THE PINK ROBOTS DIGITAL ALBUM (ATMOS)
1. Fight Test
2. One More Robot/Sympathy 3000-21
3. Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1
4. Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 2
5. In the Morning Of The Magicians
6. Ego Tripping At The Gates of Hell
7. Are You A Hypnotist??
8. It’s Summertime
9. Do You Realize??
10. All We Have Is Now
11. Approaching Pavonis Mons By Balloon (Utopia Planitia)

AMERICAN HEAD DIGITAL ALBUM (ATMOS)
1. Will You Return / When You Come Down
2. Watching the Lightbugs Glow
3. Flowers of Neptune 6
4. Dinosaurs on the Mountain
5. At the Movies on Quaaludes
6. Mother I’ve Taken LSD
7. Brother Eye
8. You n Me Sellin’ Weed
9. Mother Please Don’t Be Sad
10. When We Die When We’re High
11. Assassins of Youth
12. God and the Policeman (featuring Kacey Musgraves)
13. My Religion Is You

The Flaming Lips On Tour 2025:
Feb 1 West Melbourne, VIC, Australia at Festival Hall Melbourne
Feb 5 Brisbane, QLD, Australia at The Fortitude Music Hall
April 25 Birmingham, UK at O2 Academy Birmingham
April 26 London, UK at O2 Academy Brixton
April 28 Dublin, Ireland at 3Olympia Theatre
April 29 Dublin, Ireland at 3Olympia Theatre
May 1 Edinburgh, UK at Usher Hall
May 2 Leeds, UK at O2 Academy Leeds
May 4 Manchester, UK at O2 Apollo Manchester
May 5 Bristol, UK at Beacon Hall, Bristol Beacon
May 30 Borgerhout, Belgium at DE ROMA
May 31 Paris, France at Le Trianon
June 2 Utrecht, Netherlands at TivioliVredenburg
June 4 Cologne, German at E-Werk Köln
June 5 Berlin, German at TEMPODROM
June 8 Copenhagen, Denmark at VEGA – Musikkens Hus, Store Vega

Dorothy’s Rough Trade’s Limited-Edition Screen Print Celebrates 70 Years of Iconic Venues and Bands

Eric Alper
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Dorothy’s Rough Trade’s Limited-Edition Screen Print Celebrates 70 Years of Iconic Venues and Bands

Liverpool’s musical story is vast, rich, and beloved worldwide, and Rough Trade Liverpool is celebrating this legacy in a stunning new way with their limited-edition screen print. This collaborative artwork, crafted with input from Rough Trade Liverpool customers and interviews with individuals who’ve been at the core of Liverpool’s music scene since the 1950s, maps out 70 years of venues, bands, and individuals who have made the city a global hub for groundbreaking music.

The print captures Liverpool’s historic venues, from iconic landmarks like The Cavern Club—forever intertwined with The Beatles and the Merseybeat movement—to The Zanzibar, where the “cosmic scouse scene” flourished, thanks to local favorites like The Coral and The Zutons. It also pays tribute to lesser-known but equally impactful spots, like the Sink Club, Cosmos, and The Rialto, which have all contributed to the eclectic landscape of Liverpool’s music scenes over the years.

The artwork also celebrates dance clubs that defined Liverpool’s nightlife in the 1990s and beyond, including Quadrant Park and Cream, along with more recent additions such as the Baltic District’s 24 Kitchen Street. Notable institutions like the Liverpool College of Art, where new wave legends Deaf School emerged, and cherished record stores like Probe, add layers of history and community to this comprehensive musical map.

Produced in magenta and white on 170gsm Olin Black matt paper, this ambitious 240-venue, 250-band screen print is a collector’s piece for fans of Liverpool’s rich music history. Measuring 50x70cm, the print is the first edition of an ongoing mapping project, so if you think a favorite venue or band is missing, Rough Trade Liverpool invites you to contribute to the evolving story. Stop by the store to explore this beautiful homage to Liverpool’s music scene and, perhaps, add your voice to the city’s living legacy.

You can get it here.

  • Scene Here: Liverpool - Special Edition for Rough Trade Liverpool
  • Scene Here: Liverpool - Special Edition for Rough Trade Liverpool
  • Scene Here: Liverpool - Special Edition for Rough Trade Liverpool
  • Scene Here: Liverpool - Special Edition for Rough Trade Liverpool
  • Scene Here: Liverpool - Special Edition for Rough Trade Liverpool
  • Scene Here: Liverpool - Special Edition for Rough Trade Liverpool

Wang Chung Announce Extensive Career Retrospective, Double LP ‘Clear Light/Dark Matter’

Eric Alper
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Wang Chung Announce Extensive Career Retrospective, Double LP ‘Clear Light/Dark Matter’

Some of the ’80s biggest and most enduring synth-pop hits were created by a single band, Wang Chung – including “Dance Hall Days,” “Everybody Have Fun Tonight,” “Let’s Go!”, “To Live and Die in L.A.,” “Hypnotize Me,” and “Fire In The Twilight” – and now all those tracks (and more!) will be included on the new compilation, ‘Clear Light/Dark Matter.’

Scheduled to release on Friday, March 7th, 2025, ‘Clear Light/Dark Matter’ reveals the many layers of Wang Chung’s music. This exclusive double vinyl set spans the band’s more than four-decade and career, featuring a carefully curated selection of their greatest hits and hidden gems, including never-before-released demos and a new live recording.

The set also includes an edit of the recently released brand new remix of “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” by acclaimed remixer Eric Kupper, known for his work with artists such as Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Depeche Mode, Diana Ross, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Streaming everywhere now.

Priced at $89.95, the set is available now for pre-order as a “deluxe collector’s edition,” and includes instant access to the music and other exclusive digital content! https://singmarket.com/market/wangchung/cldm/deluxe

Included in this set is:
• Double 12″ LP Vinyl Record: 180g colored vinyl (Clear White & Black Ice)
• 7″ Vinyl Single: Everybody Have Fun Tonight (Eric Kupper Remix – Club & Dub versions)
• Exclusive Booklet: Featuring photos provided by Nick Feldman and Jack Hues, with written contributions from Jack Hues
• CD: 6-panel two-disc digipak of ‘Clear Light/Dark Matter’
• Turntable Mat
• 8″ x 10″ Semi-Gloss Photo: Exclusive image provided by Wang Chung
• 5” x 5” Sticker: Everybody Wang Chung Tonight

Additionally, digital assets include:
• 8 Exclusive Photos: Never-before-seen
• Thank You Video: Personal message from Wang Chung

The duo of Nick Feldman and Jack Hues came out of the post-punk/new wave scene in the UK, and went on to achieve global success selling millions of records. Throughout their 40+ year career, they have released 6 studio albums and 2 greatest hits collections. They have had 6 US Top 40 hits, including a massive #1 single. They composed and performed the complete score for the 1984 neo-noir action thriller film “To Live and Die in L.A.” and also the song ‘Fire in the Twilight’ for the legendary film ‘Breakfast Club’, amongst many others. Wang Chung’s hit song ‘Dance Hall Days’ was featured almost in its entirety in the 2024 hit movie starring Anne Hathaway titled ‘The Idea of You’.  ‘To Live and Die in LA’ also got used as the theme tune for the John Mulaney Netflix show ‘Everybody’s in LA’. In the process of all of this (and somewhat unintentionally), Wang Chung became part of the contemporary culture of North America with their huge smash ‘Everybody Have Fun Tonight’, with its now famous line ”Everybody Wang Chung Tonight” which saw the invention of a new US verb: ”to Wang Chung’’.

‘Clear Light/Dark Matter’ Track listing:
1.    Dance Hall Days
2.    Everybody Have Fun Tonight
3.    Let’s Go!
4.    Praying to a New God
5.    Fire in the Twilight (Live at the El Mocambo)
6.    Don’t Let Go
7.    To Live and Die in L.A.
8.    Wait
9.    Hypnotize Me
10. Space Junk
11. Isn’t It About Time We Were On TV?
12. Separate Lives
13. Dance Hall Days (Demo)
14. Ti-na-na
15. True Love (Demo)
16. This One’s for You
17. Ornamental Elephant
18. To Live and Die in L.A. (Demo)
19. Eyes of the Girl (Demo)
20. The Waves (Instrumental)
21. Everybody Have Fun Tonight (Eric Kupper Remix Edit)

2024 has continued to be a successful year for Wang Chung with ‘Dance Hall Days’ being featured almost in its entirety in the 2024 smash hit movie starring Anne Hathaway, titled ‘The Idea of You’.  ‘To Live and Die in LA’ also got used as the theme tune for the John Mulaney Netflix show ‘Everybody’s in LA’.

Dolly Parton Partners With Tennessee Tourism for a Magical Family ‘Playcation’

Eric Alper
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Dolly Parton Partners With Tennessee Tourism for a Magical Family ‘Playcation’

Kids have a big say when it comes to family travel, and that’s why Dollywood’s “Dreamer in Chief” Dolly Parton has teamed up with Tennessee Tourism to inspire the ultimate Playcation. Together, they’re inviting kids—and kids-at-heart—to plan their perfect Tennessee adventure with the Tennessee Playcation Kid’s Guide. Available now for pre-order at DollyPlaycation.com, the 90-plus page guide sparks creativity and pure imagination, helping families map out their dream getaway.

Ten Butterfly Tickets will be hidden randomly amongst the mailed guides offering a once-in-a-lifetime VIP Dollywood Experience. The lucky recipients will win a VIP celebration at the park’s 2025 season opening (timed with its 40th season), including a two-night stay at one of Dollywood’s luxury resorts for a family of four, season passes to Dollywood, a signed Dolly-inspired guitar and an activity pass to explore more of Pigeon Forge’s family-friendly attractions.

“I love making dreams come true, and this is a chance for families to dream big and plan their perfect Tennessee vacation at one of my favorite places – Dollywood,” said Dolly Parton. “I’m tickled to be part of this adventure and help create some memories that will last a lifetime. There’s nothing quite like spending time with family, and I’m just thrilled to give folks a little something special with these Butterfly Tickets!”

The free Tennessee Playcation Kid’s Guide is available for pre-order starting October 29 at DollyPlaycation.com, with guides arriving in mailboxes by November 25. Featuring kid-friendly activities and real Tennessee destinations, the interactive guide turns trip planning into a fun, family affair. Kids can also submit their own artwork for a chance to be featured on a Tennessee-sponsored billboard.

More than 250,000 printed guides are available upon request at TNvacation.com. The Playcation campaign, first launched in 2023, has become a year-long initiative to engage families and inspire kids to play an active role in vacation planning. The guide features over 45 family-friendly Tennessee destinations, such as Dollywood, the Memphis Zoo, Tennessee Aquarium, Grand Ole Opry, and more.

Music Group Technologies Signs First-Ever Music AI Prompters, Establishes European HQ in Norway

Eric Alper
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Music Group Technologies Signs First-Ever Music AI Prompters, Establishes European HQ in Norway

Music Group Technologies Inc., a pioneer in merging traditional music creation with artificial intelligence (AI) driven innovation, has acquired Music Group AI LLC to leverage its proprietary methods in music AI prompting. This move establishes Music Group Technologies’ United States headquarters in Austin, Texas, and its European headquarters in Bergen, Norway, solidifying its status as a global leader in music technology.

Music Group Technologies has become the first company in the music industry to recognize and sign prompters who use AI software such as Suno or Udio to create or enhance music. Two of the four engineers joining Music Group Technologies are based in the U.S., while the other two are based in Norway. This groundbreaking recognition of the role of AI-assisted music creators has the potential to redefine the modern music industry. In addition, MGT has signed three traditional artists — two in the U.S. and one in Norway.

“We’re at the forefront of something innovative and disruptive but truly exciting,” said Matt Alvers, Co-founder of Music Group Technologies. “While many in the music industry fear AI, our experience in both the music industry and with global technology sets us apart. Our talented developers are already working with previously signed artists, major music publishers, renowned artists and the estates of legendary musicians to repurpose lyrics and music.”

Music Group Technologies’ dual U.S. and European headquarters will serve as gateways for fostering technological innovation and artistic collaboration with international musicians and AI engineers.

“Skilled music AI engineers will be essential to the future of music, and mixing innovative prompting with musicians and songwriters marks a new revolution for the music industry,” said Paal Larsen, Co-founder of Music Group Technologies. “With dual headquarters in Austin and Bergen, we are strategically positioned to support both artists and creators on a global scale.”

Matt Alvers brings a unique blend of music industry and AI expertise to Music Group Technologies. From the early to mid-2000s, Alvers discovered rising talent and managed Top 40 artists signed to Universal, Elektra and MCA/Geffen Records. In 2003, Alvers helped showcase rising young talent Taylor Swift to multiple record executives at the Florida Music Festival, which was one of Swift’s first major industry showcases. In 2005, Alvers joined Larsen to expand the Norwegian-based tech company Meltwater Group across North America ahead of its $1 billion IPO. Most recently, Alvers was a Regional Vice President at tech giant Salesforce, where he focused on the industry’s cutting-edge technologies, including AI and Fortune 500 digital transformations.

Paal Larsen is a Norway-based entrepreneur, investor and software-as-a-service (SaaS) executive with a strong focus on developing people, teams and international companies. In the 2000s, Larsen worked in the U.S. music industry alongside Matt Alvers, helping launch the international careers of several prominent artists and shaping the artist development process. He later transitioned into tech, building and developing international companies in AI, security and sustainability. A key player in the success of Meltwater, Larsen contributed to the company’s global expansion across Europe, APAC and other regions, playing a pivotal role in its $1 billion IPO in 2020. As co-founder of the Terravera Foundation, he champions sustainability and responsible innovation across all ventures.

The Beatles’ 1964 U.S. Albums Return in Stunning 8LP Box Set

Eric Alper
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The Beatles’ 1964 U.S. Albums Return in Stunning 8LP Box Set

1964 was the year that the U.S.A. first fell head-over-heels for The Beatles, with an unprecedented run of albums and singles topping the charts and going on to sell millions of copies. But these albums are not simply replicas of the 1963 and 1964 albums released by Parlophone in the UK and rest of world. Seeing a different opportunity, Capitol Records and United Artists compiled these albums for U.S. release between January 1964 and March 1965.

To celebrate the momentous year when Beatlemania exploded across the U.S., seven Beatles albums are collected for a spectacular new 8LP vinyl box set. Meet The Beatles!; The Beatles’ Second Album; A Hard Day’s Night (Original Motion Picture Sound Track); Something New; The Beatles’ Story (2LP); Beatles ’65; and The Early Beatles all feature faithfully replicated artwork and new four-panel inserts with essays written by American Beatles historian and author Bruce Spizer. The albums’ new vinyl lacquers were cut by Kevin Reeves at Nashville’s East Iris Studios with constant reference to the original vinyl first pressings to ensure they are faithful to the original release, while also enabling more musical information to be heard than was possible before. 180 gram audiophile pressing. The Beatles’ Story 2LP is exclusive to the box set. It gets released on November 22, 2024 here.

THE BEATLES
1964 U.S. ALBUMS IN MONO
180g 8LP box set (Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/UMe)

091224.beatlesus64.meetthebeatleslp.jpg

Meet The Beatles!

Side One
1. I Want To Hold Your Hand
2. I Saw Her Standing There
3. This Boy
4. It Won’t Be Long
5. All I’ve Got To Do
6. All My Loving

Side Two
1. Don’t Bother Me
2. Little Child
3. Till There Was You
4. Hold Me Tight
5. I Wanna Be Your Man
6. Not A Second Time

091224.beatlesus64.beatlessecondalbumlp.jpg

The Beatles’ Second Album

Side One
1. Roll Over Beethoven
2. Thank You Girl
3. You Really Got A Hold On Me
4. Devil In Her Heart
5. Money (That’s What I Want)
6. You Can’t Do That

Side Two
1. Long Tall Sally
2. I Call Your Name
3. Please Mister Postman
4. I’ll Get You
5. She Loves You

091224.beatlesus64.harddaysnightlp.jpg

A Hard Day’s Night (Original Motion Picture Sound Track)

Side One
1. A Hard Day’s Night
2. Tell Me Why
3. I’ll Cry Instead
4. I Should Have Known Better (Orchestral Instrumental)
5. I’m Happy Just To Dance With You
6. And I Love Her (Orchestral Instrumental)

Side Two
1. I Should Have Known Better
2. If I Fell
3. And I Love Her
4. Ringo’s Theme (This Boy) (Orchestral Instrumental)
5. Can’t Buy Me Love
6. A Hard Day’s Night (Orchestral Instrumental)

091224.beatlesus64.beatlessomethingnewlp.jpg

Something New

Side One
1. I’ll Cry Instead
2. Things We Said Today
3. Any Time At All
4. When I Get Home
5. Slow Down
6. Matchbox

Side Two
1. Tell Me Why
2. And I Love Her
3. I’m Happy Just To Dance With You
4. If I Fell
5. Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand

0912091224.beatlesus64.beatlesstoryLP.jpg

The Beatles’ Story

LP1, Side One
1. On Stage With The Beatles
2. How Beatlemania Began
3. Beatlemania In Action
4. Man Behind The Beatles – Brian Epstein
5. John Lennon
6. Who’s A Millionaire?

LP1, Side Two
1. Beatles Will Be Beatles
2. Man Behind The Music – George Martin
3. George Harrison

LP2, Side One
1. A Hard Day’s Night – Their First Movie
2. Paul McCartney
3. Sneaky Haircuts And More About Paul

LP2, Side Two
1. The Beatles Look At Life
2. “Victims” Of Beatlemania
3. Beatle Medley
4. Ringo Starr
5. Liverpool And All The World!

091224.beatlesus64.beatles65lp.jpg

Beatles ’65

Side One
1. No Reply
2. I’m A Loser
3. Baby’s In Black
4. Rock And Roll Music
5. I’ll Follow The Sun
6. Mr. Moonlight

Side Two
1. Honey Don’t
2. I’ll Be Back
3. She’s A Woman
4. I Feel Fine
5. Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby

091224.beatlesus64.earlybeatleslp.jpg

The Early Beatles

Side One
1. Love Me Do
2. Twist And Shout
3. Anna (Go To Him)
4. Chains
5. Boys
6. Ask Me Why

Side Two
1. Please Please Me
2. P.S. I Love You
3. Baby It’s You
4. A Taste Of Honey
5. Do You Want To Know A Secret

5 Surprising Facts About Patti Smith’s Album ‘Horses’

Eric Alper
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0
5 Surprising Facts About Patti Smith’s Album ‘Horses’

Patti Smith’s Horses is often hailed as one of the most revolutionary rock albums of all time, celebrated for merging poetry with punk in a way that captivated both critics and fans. Released on November 10, 1975, the album was Smith’s debut, a bold statement in the rock world that continues to resonate nearly fifty years later. Here are five fascinating insights about Horses that reveal the album’s creative spirit and complex legacy.

1. The Album’s Release Date Was “Magically” Delayed

Originally, Horses was set for release on October 20, Arthur Rimbaud’s birthday—a date that held significance for Smith, who deeply admired the French poet. However, due to a vinyl shortage, the release was postponed to November 10, the anniversary of Rimbaud’s death. Smith saw this as a “magical coincidence,” adding a haunting layer of tribute to Rimbaud and further tying the album to her artistic influences. For Smith, this delay made the album’s release even more meaningful, aligning it with a poetic end rather than a beginning.

2. An Attempt at Strings That Smith Vehemently Opposed

John Cale, who produced Horses, initially envisioned adding string arrangements to give the album a more polished, layered sound. However, Smith was adamantly against this idea, preferring a raw, unfiltered approach that captured the energy of her live performances. Smith’s rejection of the strings created some tension with Cale but ultimately kept the album’s minimalist punk ethos intact. This decision reinforced Smith’s vision of Horses as a revolutionary break from the polished music dominating the airwaves at the time.

3. A Tense Collaboration with Rock Icons Led to a Physical Altercation

The recording of Horses wasn’t without its drama. During the sessions, Smith’s boyfriend, Allen Lanier of Blue Öyster Cult, and her ex-boyfriend, Tom Verlaine of Television, clashed over creative differences. The tension escalated to the point where Lanier and Verlaine ended up in a physical altercation on the final day of recording. This event added to the already charged atmosphere, showing how personal and professional relationships often collided in the making of Horses.

4. Patti Smith’s Outfit: A Thrifted Look That Defied Gender Norms

The iconic cover photo of Horses, taken by Smith’s close friend Robert Mapplethorpe, portrays her in an androgynous pose that defied 1970s conventions for female artists. Smith wore a simple white shirt from a Salvation Army shop and an old black jacket that she slung over her shoulder. The look was partly inspired by French poet Charles Baudelaire, as well as Frank Sinatra. Smith’s unorthodox fashion choice, which eschewed the glamorous image typical of female rock stars, became a revolutionary statement, challenging gender norms in rock and roll.

5. Recorded as a Tribute on Hendrix’s Death Anniversary

Smith recorded the song “Elegie” on September 18, 1975, exactly five years after Jimi Hendrix’s death. Dedicated to Hendrix and other rock icons who had passed away, the song was intended as a requiem for those who, like Hendrix, had shaped the music of the 1960s but didn’t live to see its evolution. This small but poignant tribute connects Horses to the history of rock in a heartfelt way, making it not only a groundbreaking punk album but also a commemoration of rock legends lost too soon.

Horses is more than just an album; it’s a cultural artifact steeped in history, emotion, and boundary-pushing artistry.  The stories behind Horses reveal why it’s celebrated as both a punk rock milestone and an enduring work of poetic expression that speaks to those who march to the beat of their own drum.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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