Universal Music is getting into the hotel business. It will build its first three hotels under the UMUSIC brand. One of those hotels will transform the old Broadwater Resort into a $1.2 billion spot.
Having a portfolio that includes Abbey Road Studios, Capitol Records and Def Jam Recordings, the hotel business seems to be not in the wheelhouse, but not really I suppose. It’s called UMUSIC Hotel. Investors say the UMUSIC Broadwater Hotel in Biloxi will integrate a performance venue and a luxury hotel with an architecture style. Biloxi, Atlanta and Orlando are the first three cities where UMUSIC Hotels will be developed.
Robert Lavia the chairman at Dakia U-Ventures LLC. “Every destination holds a great story just waiting to be told through its cultural heritage and its music,” said Lavia. “Through this new concept, we will both help people discover new ways to channel their love for music and the arts and help empower the transformation of communities worldwide through cultural, inspirational, creative and conscious collaboration. And we’re thrilled to work together with Universal Music Group who shares our vision and passion about the powerful role of culture and music for each community we touch.”

The Virtual Unlock Festival in aid of The Prince’s Trust ‘Million Makers’ – begins Oct 17th.

The multi-weekend experience will feature a free series of pre-recorded, virtual performances and segments from music artists, comedians and influencers live streamed on a dedicated YouTube channel HERE and donations from “attendees” will raise valuable funds for the youth charity.
The festival will feature performances from over 250 acts, across four segments: Lifestyle, Music, Comedy and Musical Theatre that will be introduced by hosts Liz McClarnon, Kalpee and Baylen Leonard each week.
Music artist include Betty Who, Run River North as well as emerging King favorite artists
Ben Wylen, Lee Cole, and Clide.

More information on the Unlock Virtual Festival – including the weekend agendas and line-ups
Instagram and Facebook: @unlockvirtualfestival Twitter: @unlockfestival

Ocean Spray partners with TikTok for a marketing campaign. Ocean Spray is owned by 700 farmer families. The Juice company targets 30 and 45 young-at-heart people.

They used a 37-year-old Idaho potato-farm laborer Nathan Apodaca long boarding to work while chugging Ocean Spray juice and lip-syncing to Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams“. The video has garnered millions of views on TikTok, the new go to place for a company wanting to advertise a product.
TikTok spent $1b last year advertising in the USA, nearly 3 million a day. Companies like Ocean Spray are finally advertising on TikTok.

So they use Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams in the video, perfect timing with the new release of Steve Nicks track “Show Them The Way”. The song shot up the charts. Google search “Fleetwood Mac’s Dream and Ocean Spray” and you’ll see the press machine at work.
The company followed up with a Dreams/Ocean Spray TikTok challenge – having the TikTok community lipsync “Dreams” while chugging Ocean Spray.
But here is the deal. Ocean’s Spray marketing campaign is good for music. It’s free promotion for Fleetwood Mac. Millions are introduced to a classic song they may never heard of. To bad Fleetwood Mac can’t tour, but as mentioned before, Stevie Nicks has a new song out.

In shocking news, Eddie Van Halen dies of cancer. Eddie became an icon through his guitar playing. He along with his brother Alex built one of the most successful rock bands of all time. Despite inner band turmoil, the 4 piece band stayed relevant for nearly 3 decades with two different lead singers. Eddie was a brilliant musician. Many don’t know that Eddie played the solo on Michael Jackson’s Beat It. Eddie’s solos will live on forever.
Let the tributes begin.

Spotify has published weekly album charts. Which means you are up to date on a weekly basis of the most popular artists and tracks.

The Weekly Top 50 will look at the most popular albums and tracks in the world each week, Friday through Thursday, consisting of a US Weekly Album Chart, Global Weekly Album Chart, US Weekly Song Chart and Global Weekly Song Chart.
These new album charts are only going to be released on the @spotifycharts Twitter.
Also, Spotify added another cool feature that lets you search for songs by lyrics.