Bob Dylan sells his songwriting catalog to Universal Music, the largest acquisition ever of a single act’s publishing rights. The price of purchase is estimated at $300M. 

Why did Dylan sell his catalog? For many reasons, but the biggest reason right now is the pandemic. Artists can’t tour and publishing deal prices are at historic highs.
Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks sold a majority stake in her publishing catalog, which valued it at $100 million. What does this mean for Bob Dylan? He can no longer benefit financially from the use of the songs.  Universal Music Publishing Group is the now the beneficiary of all future earnings. Representing Mr. Dylan’s work “is both a privilege and a responsibility,” said Universal Music Publishing Group chief Jody Gerson.
Dylan has sold more than 125 million records globally.

The all-too-common tale between the rise and the fall between the manager, the artist, and fan popularity. When things are great, it’s premiers, red carpet moments, and The Met Galas. When circumstances turn nasty, the fingers begin pointing. Such as the case between Pat the Manager and Chance The Rapper.

Chance The Rapper is being sued by his long time manager Pat Corcoran (Pat The Manager LLC) for $3 Million in unpaid commissions. The music manager was replaced by the rappers father and brother.

According to the suit, Chance fired the long time manager after a lackluster release of his first studio album ‘The Big Day‘ released last year. The tour was forced to cancel over poor ticket sales.

Why was Pat The Manager axed? Because of a mediocre album that was written by Chance that wasn’t received well by the public.

The long time manager was part of the 8 years rise of Chance. The story created around Chance is that he’s an independent rapper who made it without the support of a major record label.
This industry liked the underdog story and handed the rapper three Grammy awards in 2017. Plus, it gives the Grammys credibility. It shows the public the award show isn’t rigged by propping up an artist who isn’t backed by a major. This is all a sideshow folks.

According to Pat The Manager, he pumped lots of money into Chance and wants it back. He had an oral agreement with Chance that he would get 15% of net income.

What happened? According to the manager, Chance rushed the process, and put out a mediocre record in an untimely manner. Then the tour flopped following the album release. I find it interesting how the successful DYI independent rapper of 8 years failed to generate any interest from the fans after a mediocre album release. Typically, fans stick around. That’s if there was a legitimate fan base of course to begin with. In this business, you don’t what know what’s real or bull.
According to the manager Chance’s family members started guiding the rapper who have little experience. Managers are all to familiar with scenario when Aunt Gertrude gets involved and the Brother Billie starts making decisions. The days are numbered and the exit strategy begins.

The manager is asking for 1) The reimbursement of $2.5m personal expenditure on Chance’s career 2) the $3m he says he is owed for past unpaid commissions; 3) 15% of Chance’s net profit (recording, merch, and touring) for three years aftering his firing.

Pop rocker Marlo the Barbarian releases Fake Yourself. I like the serious dark undertones. This girl isn’t fooling around. The singer songwriter has landed on Spotify’s harder edge playlists like New Alt, New Noise, and Fierce Femmes.

Before heading out to LA she was living in New York and performed in bars. She’s inspired by Alanis Morissette, The Beatles, Lana Del Rey, and Daughter. When asked about her music she says, “That it’s okay to feel shitty and be blunt about it. It’s okay to do things you maybe wouldn’t do a few years from now. It’s okay to be truthful about life. I try to emulate this in my music for my own sanity and hopefully for others.” Give it a stream on KOAR’s Indie Invaders Playlist.

I’ve never heard of these guys until now, but I likem. I like the just track released Guru by Thirdway. It has the catchy melody layered in 80’s synths which I personally love. It’s like a follow up to The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights. The duo are Xander Edwards and Paul Vilas and they creating soulful and danceable tracks laden with synths, drum machines, organic samples and expansive vocals out of their their studio in South London. Find the track on KOAR’s Indie Invaders Playlist.

Billie Eilish has been forced to officially cancel her “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go” tour after saying there was no way to re-schedule it. “i wish that i could have seen you on tour this year. i’ve missed performing for you and being on stage so much i can’t even tell you,” Eilish wrote in a note to fans.
“we’ve tried as many different scenarios as possible for the tour but none are possible and, although i know so many of you want to hold onto your tickets and vip passes, the best thing we can do for everyone is to get the money back into your hands as soon as we can.”