Carrie Baxter

Record of the Day - In tune. Informed. Indispensable.

In tune. Informed. Indispensable. Thursday 2 April 2020

Love Me Better Carrie Baxter Self Released via AWAL Released: Out now

We say With undertones of desperation and darkness lurking beneath the soulful tones of this gorgeous neo-soul jammer, emerging Irish singer-songwriter Carrie Baxter has created something profoundly beautiful. Taken from her forthcoming EP/Mixtape, the now London-based artist effortlessly blends a mixture of jazz-infused R&B vibes with sun-drenched melodies and Dilla-esque beats. It’s her voice though, pure, emotive and enticing, that is the real star of the song, recalling Izzy Bizu, Corinne Bailey Rae and Erykah Badu at their finest. Upon release earlier this year, the track quickly found support at Spotify with inclusions on their NMF UK, R&B UK, Jazz UK and A Breath of fresh Eire editorial playlists. John Osbourne named it his Track of the Week on Jazz FM, while BBC Introducing (Huw Stephens) and RTE2 FM have also supported her on air too. Tastemaker praise for this single and debut track, Lady, has come from The Sunday Times, Sunday Life, Hot Press, Nialler 9, and Golden Plec among others, plus support from COLORS and Mahogany. All in all, Carrie is a captivating star in the making and one that must be heard.       Carrie's charity of choice is Help Musicians: "Because they’ve helped me so much, they are always ready to talk anytime I call and all the staff are amazing: Particularly notable - they funded me to go on a songwriting trip to Nashville, which was a life changing experience for me!" Sound Advice marks its 12th anniversary with a Spotify playlist focussing on its current roster of unsigned/DIY/independent artists. The playlist can also be viewed on YouTube.   Contact Label & Management: Nick Freeman, Idle Hands Management Publishing: Available Live: Available Legal: Robert Horsfall, Sound Advice

HEADLINES Spotify and Warner Music Group announce renewed global licensing partnership (see Business) Blue Raincoat appoints John Leahy; Marathon appoints Ophelia Conheady (see Business)

BUSINESS Spotify and Warner Music Group issued a media statement: "Spotify and Warner Music Group are pleased to announce a renewed global licensing partnership. This expanded deal covers countries where Spotify is available today, as well as additional markets. The two companies look forward to collaborating on impactful global initiatives for Warner artists and songwriters, and working together to grow the music industry over the long term." (Billboard) John Leahy has been appointed to the newly created position of SVP Marketing and Strategy at Blue Raincoat Chrysalis Group. (RotD) He was previously at Ignition Records. Marathon Music Group has appointed Ophelia Conheady as Head of A&R for its main label imprint, Marathon Artists. (RotD) She was previously at Columbia Records.

DIGITAL LiveFrom Events, a new ‘streaming-as-a-service’ platform, has launched to help make it simple for artists, DJs, venues, clubs, producers and festivals to capitalise on the livestreaming boom. (RotD, IQ) Reported here last week, more details on Huawei Music's streaming service, which has launched in Europe. (MusicAlly)  The Easy Record Maker allows users to cut and play five-inch records, although the quality has a “nice low-fi sound”. (TechCrunch)

COMMENT, OPINION AND ANALYSIS Scottish live music scene devastated as gigs and festivals wiped out by Coronavirus crisis. (Record)

DEALS Jason Mraz has signed a new global recordings agreement with BMG, encompassing three full-length studio recordings. (RotD)

MEDIA Radio 2 and 6 Music will be introducing a simplified schedule from this weekend. Among the changes, across weekdays on Radio 2, Sara Cox’s show will be extended by an hour (5-8pm). From Monday to Thursday, Jo Whiley and Trevor Nelson will each broadcast for four days - alternating each week - with an extended evening show (8-11pm), starting with Jo Whiley next week. On 6 Music, Lauren Laverne will broadcast an extended show (8.30am-midday). Mary Anne Hobbs and Shaun Keaveny will share the 12-4pm slot each week, with each presenter taking turns to broadcast. From Monday to Thursday, Craig Charles will take over at 4-7pm. (BBC) Steve Lamacq tweeted "So I’m not going to be on drivetime for a while. I’m fine, but spoke to a local doctor last week who advised me, for various reasons, to stay at home for now". Radio listenership has rocketed since we entered lockdown. As Radio 1 Breakfast Show host Greg James puts it: "isolation doesn't mean you're lonely". (NME)  TV Live stream: 18.00 James Bay, Global Citizen's Together At Home concert 20.00 Snow Patrol  RADIO 09.30 Radio 2 Ken Bruce - with Matthew Morrison 19.00 1 Xtra Seani B - with Flourgan, Daddy Lizard, Courtney Melody and Johnny P Podcast: Table Manners with Jessie Ware - with Dua Lipa (S9 Ep9)

ARTIST AND MUSIC FEATURES Wiggin partner Ceri Stoner explains why the UK's self-employed income support scheme leaves some live music industry freelancers in the cold. (IQ) Dua Lipa: How I released an album from lockdown. (BBC - Mark Savage)  All hail Britney Spears, the only good celebrity. (Vice - Alim Kheraj) David Bowie's arch enemy: the sad, strange saga of Jobriath. (Telegraph - Ed Power)  Rising Stars: Cardiff’s Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard give rock 'n' roll a glorious shot in the arm. (Star - Rory McKeown)  Eight incredible albums you need to listen to all the way through. (Standard p21 - Jochan Embley)  The classic Sixties album cover that betrayed Bob Dylan’s state of mind. (Telegraph p23 - Neil McCormick) The 30 best calming and relaxing songs to listen to right now. (Telegraph - Thomas H Green)  Sixty Seconds: Wendy James, former frontwoman of Transvision Vamp. (Metro p14) Obituary: Alan Merrill, musician who penned Joan Jett’s hit song I Love Rock’n’roll. (Telegraph p29)

SHOWBIZ AND NEWS Adam Schlesinger, a musician and songwriter highly regarded for his work as a member of Fountains of Wayne, has died as a result of Coronavirus complications, aged 52. (Variety, Billboard, HR, Telegraph, Independent, Metro)  Gary Salzman, talent manager and company co-founder at Big Management in New York, has died due to complications of Coronavirus. The company has worked with many big names in the dance and pop world. (LinkedIn, CA) DJ and pop quizmaster Larry Foster has died from Coronavirus. (Facebook, Facebook) Cristina Monet Zilkha, '80s leftfield pop great, has died aged 61, after being diagnosed with Coronavirus. (Billboard, Guardian) Chuck D has said that Flavor Flav is still a member of Public Enemy, and his recent firing from the group was a satirical hoax. (Guardian, Independent)  Rick Astley is to hold a free concert for frontline workers later this year as a "flag in the ground" to give people hope that things will return to normal. (iNews p6, Metro p3)  Dolly Parton has announced she’s donating $1m to research looking for a cure to coronavirus. (Independent)  Debbie Harry has said female singers are “so much more in demand” than when she formed Blondie. (Standard p11) She also said that getting hold of drugs was "unpleasant" and a "waste of time". (Star p3, Mirror p20) Marcus Mumford filmed his own video for his charity cover version of You'll Never Walk Alone. (Standard p11)  Noel Gallagher has revealed he is a diehard fan of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. (Star p3) Shaun Ryder says he still gets offered drugs, despite being clean for the past 14 years. (Star p3) Justin Bieber, Rita Ora, Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes pictured self-isolating. (Standard p11) Sun Bizarre: Dua Lipa says she is teetotal and doesn't smoke when touring now to save her voice. Normani pictured in a lingerie set from Rihanna's Savage X Fenty brand. Debbie Harry believes there has never been a better time for women in the music industry. Lizzo is tired of talking about her body as she is "not doing anything out of the ordinary, nothing but being myself". Jack Savoretti has released his first track in Italian, Andra Tutto Bene, to raise money to fight coronavirus in Italy. Kings of Leon have a new track, Going Nowhere. Jade Thirlwall didn't know how to clean her toilet so had to call her mum. Liam Payne is teaming up with Alesso for new track Midnight. Gary Barlow has banned Dermot O'Leary from joining his crooner sessions. Rick Astley to hold a free concert for NHS workers. Lindsay Lohan is making a music comeback.  Star Wired: SAINt JHN is more thankful for his Beyonce collab than the Imanbek, the remixer who helped to get to the No1 spot. Anitta is recording a collab with Miley Cyrus and Diplo. The Weeknd took six months after touring before recording his new LP. Ty Dolla $ign has previewed a track with late rapper Nipsey Hussle. Jack Savoretti has issued his first Italian track for those affected by Covid-19 crisis. Robbie Williams is churning out new artworks in isolation. Noah Cyrus has revealed she was insecure at the start of her music career. Lindsay Lohan is making her return to music. Metro Guilty Pleasures: Harry Styles says living with a married couple when he first moved to London saved him from the capital's coke-fuelled bar scene. Khalid has confessed to eating pet food as a teenager. Gary Barlow has admitted there's been "a lot of drink" while self-isolating. Sam Fischer is writing his new single at his kitchen table. Dua Lipa had to find emergency Airbnb accommodation after she was flooded out of her London home. Rihanna and Jay-Z have given a million bucks each to support those in need in NYC and LA.

REVIEWS ALBUMS Thundercat (Independent - 4* Roisin O'Connor)

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Spain’s recording industry will suffer a direct hit of at least €100m in losses due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to Spanish industry association Promusicae. (Billboard) Recorded music sales peaked in 2019, when revenues rose to €296.4m, up more than 22% over 2018. In the US, leading artist rights organisations have joined to develop a website with guidance and resource materials for those in need. (RotD)

THE BIGGER PICTURE The Evening Standard announced pay cuts and furloughs after advertising slump. It is halting publication of its weekly magazine ES. (Guardian) The Night Time Industries Association has joined forces with landlords from across the UK to urge the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to adopt The Big Freeze urgently to prevent major business loss. (RotD)  The Barbican has extended its temporary closure until June 30, but in the meantime it is focusing on its online programme. (Variety) A recent update from Amazon has made it easier for Apple customers to buy or rent movies from its Prime Video app. (TechCrunch)

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