- Sony Music France Partner With KMS to Launch 'First-Ever' Fully Immersive IMAX-Certified Film of Iconic Rock Band Indochine's 'Central Tour in Cinema' Concert
- Dec 01
Released in 450 movie theatres in France, Central Tour in Cinema also screens in nine countries around the world
Filmed with 22 IMAX certified cameras through the “Filmed for IMAX” program, Central Tour in Cinema harnesses the same immersive technology used with films such as Dune, Doctor Strange & The Multiverse of Madness and Top Gun: Maverick
PARIS, Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Music France and joint venture partner KMS announced the launch of co-production ‘Central Tour in Cinema’: a film showcasing iconic French rock band Indochine’s 40th anniversary concert, held in the spring of 2022 to a sold-out and record-setting audience of more than 400,000 fans in five of France’s biggest stadiums.
Sony Music France has supported Indochine since the band was first formed. Founded in 1981 Indochine quickly became a national and global success with songs like “L’aventurier” and “Canary Bay”. Four decades on, and several generations of fans later, Indochine has sold 13 million of albums worldwide, with plans for more collaborations to come.
Captured with 22 IMAX certified cameras, the launch of Central Tour in Cinema means Indochine are the first band ever to offer a concert filmed and broadcasted with IMAX technology and screened in cinemas in nine countries around the world. Thanks to the technology of IMAX certified digital cameras and state-of-the-art post-production work, the brightness, colorimetry and contrast are enhanced for unparalleled results of realism and precision on the big screen. The sound, powerful and vibrant, is customized for an optimal spread. The scale of the IMAX screens guarantees a total immersive experience that rivals the spectacular live show.
Through the “Filmed for IMAX” program, IMAX cameras must be associated with the unique IMAX postproduction process. Among the first films in the new “Filmed for IMAX” program are Dune, Doctor Strange & The Multiverse of Madness, and Top Gun: Maverick – and now Indochine’s Central Tour In Cinema.
“We are very proud that the IMAX system has chosen us to be the firsts,” said Nicola Sirkis, Founder of Indochine and KMS. “This system offers a full immersive experience, a way to be as close as possible to us in our show. The image quality is insane. We have literally never seen a concert filmed like that.”
“Indochine are simply iconic in my eyes,” said Marie-Anne Robert, Managing Director, Sony Music France. “They’re the gold standard of innovation. They’re constantly changing things up, stepping out of their comfort zone, and giving us things we’ve never seen before. And not only that: they’re icons in the unconditional respect they have for their fans. All the teams here at Sony Music France are so proud to have Indochine on our roster, and we can’t wait to help the band build new projects like this one.”
“IMAX continues to be a global destination for fandom of all kinds, and Indochine is a perfect example of how we’re creating unique and immersive entertainment events on the international stage,” added Megan Colligan, President of IMAX Entertainment.
SOURCE Sony Music France
- Find Your Line (Official Music From Gran Turismo 7) Available Now via Columbia Records and Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Mar 07
The Fanatix Teams up With a Star-Studded Lineup for New Track “Vroom” Watch the Music Video Here
Today, Columbia Records and Sony Interactive Entertainment (“SIE”) have released Find Your Line (Official Music from Gran Turismo 7) soundtrack. Listen to the soundtrack HERE. The soundtrack showcases original music inspired by GRAN TURISMO 7 and feature sounds by house known names including Bring Me the Horizon, Major Lazer, Rosalía, Kim Dracula and many more. See the full track list below.
In tandem with the soundtrack release, The FaNaTix has shared the official music video for the high-speed track “Vroom” featuring Idris Elba, Lil Tjay, Davido, Koffee and Moelogo. Filled with car references, a prominent horns section and a lineup of some of today’s biggest artists, “Vroom” perfectly embodies the excitement and high speed of the Gran Turismo franchise. The track was premiered on BBC Radio 1’s Future Sound with Clara Amfo. The video was directed by FILFURY at Untold Studios.Watch the video HERE.
In speaking about the directing the video, FILFURY says: “VROOM – what an incredible project to bring to life and steer to the finish line….SKRRRRT!! A bad boy tune that demanded bad boy visuals. The FANATIX made a banger.
How else do you visualize a song about the sickest vehicles in the world, other than create an image palette rich in color, texture, adrenaline and, most importantly, cars with attitude. I wanted the images to bounce to the beat, bring the energy levels up and throw in some wheel-spin burnouts for good vibes.
The combination of artists on the track was next level and commanded impeccable visuals. This was a truly global production of epic proportions, 6 artists, 5 shoots, 3 cities (LA, London, Lagos) with some of the most expensive cars on the planet.”
GRAN TURISMO 7 is available for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 today.
Find Your Line (Official Music from Gran Turismo 7) Tracklist:
- The FaNaTix: Vroom feat. Idris Elba, Lil Tjay, Davido, Koffee, Moelogo
- Bring Me The Horizon: Moon Over the Castle
- Major Lazer: I Don’t Care feat. Lous and the Yakuza
- Nothing but Thieves: Life’s Coming in Slow
- Kim Dracula: Unstoppable
- Rosalía: Bizcochito
- Disciples: Squad feat. GoldLink
- London Grammar: Baby It’s You (George Fitzgerald Remix)
- Jawsh685: Drift feat. ClickNPress
- New Dave Gahan & Soulsavers Album IMPOSTER to be Released November 12th
- Oct 04
NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Multi-platinum selling, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted recording artist and songwriter Dave Gahan, along with long time musical partner Soulsavers (Rich Machin), will release a new album on November 12th. Entitled Imposter, Dave takes listeners on a personal journey of 12 meticulously chosen reimagined songs from across genres and time periods, including selections from Neil Young, Bob Dylan, PJ Harvey, Charlie Chaplin, Cat Power and Mark Lanegan, amongst others.
One would be remiss to refer to Imposter as a cover album. Rather, Imposter is a story of songs, which Dave Gahan & Soulsavers listened to, studied, absorbed, and gave a new life. All of the songs have deep meaning to Dave, making Imposter a reflection of Dave’s life – a story told by others, but in his own distinct voice.
“When I listen to other people’s voices and songs—more importantly the way they sing them and interpret the words—I feel at home,” Dave Gahan confesses. “I identify with it. It comforts me more than anything else. There’s not one performer on the record who I haven’t been moved by.” He adds, “I know we made something special, and I hope other people feel that and it takes them on a little kind of trip—especially people who love music and have for years.”
The first offering from Imposter will be “Metal Heart.” Written by Chan Marshall (Cat Power), and first released in 1998, the reimagined version from Dave & Soulsavers will drop on October 8th.
Imposter track listing:
- The Dark End of the Street
- Strange Religion
- Lilac Wine
- I Held My Baby Last Night
- A Man Needs a Maid
- Metal Heart
- Shut Me Down
- Where My Love Lies Asleep
- Smile
- The Desperate Kingdom of Love
- Not Dark Yet
- Always On My Mind
Unlike Dave Gahan & Soulsavers’ past albums which were transatlantic collaborations where the duo recorded separately and passed parts back and forth, the recording of Imposter was done live as a ten-member band at the famed Shangri-La Recording Studio in Malibu, CA in November of 2019. This allowed for not only a more intimate collaboration, but for Dave & Soulsavers to truly absorb the atmosphere and have the space to breathe a different spirit into the tracks. In an interview with podcaster and media personality Chris Black, Dave noted, “This was the first time we were all in one space. It was kind of lucky [timing] as well… Arriving at Shangri-La every day, it was magical. We’d have coffee, go in, and work.”
Imposter, also produced by Rich Machin and Dave Gahan, serves as the collaborators’ third album, following their critically acclaimed 2015 release Angels & Ghosts and their first release, 2012’s The Light the Dead See. The album will be released in digital, as well as physical formats, worldwide on November 12th through Columbia Records.
Visit www.DaveGahan.com and Instagram.com/theimposter for additional album information and updates.
Hi-res press assets can be found here.
SOURCE Columbia Records
For further information: US Publicity, Sarah Mary Cunningham/Columbia Records, [email protected] / 212-833-7178
- New Dave Gahan & Soulsavers Album IMPOSTER to be Released November 12th
- Oct 04
NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Multi-platinum selling, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted recording artist and songwriter Dave Gahan, along with long time musical partner Soulsavers (Rich Machin), will release a new album on November 12th. Entitled Imposter, Dave takes listeners on a personal journey of 12 meticulously chosen reimagined songs from across genres and time periods, including selections from Neil Young, Bob Dylan, PJ Harvey, Charlie Chaplin, Cat Power and Mark Lanegan, amongst others.
One would be remiss to refer to Imposter as a cover album. Rather, Imposter is a story of songs, which Dave Gahan & Soulsavers listened to, studied, absorbed, and gave a new life. All of the songs have deep meaning to Dave, making Imposter a reflection of Dave’s life – a story told by others, but in his own distinct voice.
“When I listen to other people’s voices and songs—more importantly the way they sing them and interpret the words—I feel at home,” Dave Gahan confesses. “I identify with it. It comforts me more than anything else. There’s not one performer on the record who I haven’t been moved by.” He adds, “I know we made something special, and I hope other people feel that and it takes them on a little kind of trip—especially people who love music and have for years.”
The first offering from Imposter will be “Metal Heart.” Written by Chan Marshall (Cat Power), and first released in 1998, the reimagined version from Dave & Soulsavers will drop on October 8th.
Imposter track listing:
- The Dark End of the Street
- Strange Religion
- Lilac Wine
- I Held My Baby Last Night
- A Man Needs a Maid
- Metal Heart
- Shut Me Down
- Where My Love Lies Asleep
- Smile
- The Desperate Kingdom of Love
- Not Dark Yet
- Always On My Mind
Unlike Dave Gahan & Soulsavers’ past albums which were transatlantic collaborations where the duo recorded separately and passed parts back and forth, the recording of Imposter was done live as a ten-member band at the famed Shangri-La Recording Studio in Malibu, CA in November of 2019. This allowed for not only a more intimate collaboration, but for Dave & Soulsavers to truly absorb the atmosphere and have the space to breathe a different spirit into the tracks. In an interview with podcaster and media personality Chris Black, Dave noted, “This was the first time we were all in one space. It was kind of lucky [timing] as well… Arriving at Shangri-La every day, it was magical. We’d have coffee, go in, and work.”
Imposter, also produced by Rich Machin and Dave Gahan, serves as the collaborators’ third album, following their critically acclaimed 2015 release Angels & Ghosts and their first release, 2012’s The Light the Dead See. The album will be released in digital, as well as physical formats, worldwide on November 12th through Columbia Records.
Visit www.DaveGahan.com and Instagram.com/theimposter for additional album information and updates.
Hi-res press assets can be found here.
SOURCE Columbia Records
For further information: US Publicity, Sarah Mary Cunningham/Columbia Records, [email protected] / 212-833-7178
- Tony Bennett Celebrates His 95th Birthday Today With The First Of Two Final NYC Performances At Radio City Music Hall Tonight With Lady Gaga
- Aug 03
NEW YORK, Aug. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Singer Tony Bennett who got his start with Columbia Records in 1950 celebrates his 95th birthday today with a host of accolades and tributes. New York State has proclaimed today TONY BENNETT DAY. “Music and the arts have long been an essential piece of the fabric of New York, and you would be hard-pressed to find someone who has made more of a contribution in this space than Tony Bennett,” Governor Cuomo said. “Not only is Tony a born and bred New Yorker who has been dazzling audiences with beautiful music for more than six decades, but he has always stayed true to his humble New York roots and can always be spotted throughout the City whether he is working on his next painting in Central Park, or just chatting with fans on the street. From growing up as a child of immigrants, to all the contributions he has made to our community, Tony Bennett is a New Yorker in the truest sense of the word and I am honored to proclaim August 3, 2021 as ‘Tony Bennett Day’ in New York.”
See attached for proclamation.
Sony Music Entertainment, the parent company for Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings divisions, have endowed a bench in Tony’s name in Central Park, his most cherished spot in his hometown of NYC. “Sony Music wishes Tony Bennett the happiest of birthdays as he turns 95,” said Richard Story, President of Sony Music Entertainment’s Commercial Music Group. “Tony is an American treasure who became an international phenomenon and has chronicled his lifelong love affair with New York City in his music and his paintings. It is an honor to dedicate this bench to Tony in his beloved Central Park, where he has experienced so much joy and inspiration across the years.” The Adopt-A-Bench program supports the Central Park Conservancy, the nonprofit that manages and cares for Central Park.
Bennett continues to visit the park regularly and has sketched and painted the landmark’s surroundings in over 70 pieces of original artwork. The bench endowed in Tony’s honor is located at the east side of Center Drive when entering the Park at Central Park South and 6th Avenue and displays a plaque.
Celebrated friends including Alec Baldwin, Robert DeNiro and Keith Richards sent birthday wishes that are up on Bennett’s socials now and more will be posting birthday wishes to the 19-time Grammy winner throughout the day. Tony will be preforming at the opening night of ONE MORE TIME: AN EVENING WITH TONY BENNETT AND LADY GAGA at Radio City Music Hall. The two-night engagement, tonight and August 5th, will mark Tony’s last live concert appearance in New York City. The shows sold out shortly after they went on sale to the public last week.
Tony Bennett was born in Astoria, Queens in 1926. He is a Grammy and Emmy Award winner, a Gershwin Award and Kennedy Center honoree and an accomplished visual artist with three of his original paintings in the Smithsonian Institute’s permanent collection. With his wife Susan Benedetto, he established Exploring the Arts to support arts education in public high schools, which was initiated by the creation of Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens.
For more information on Tony Bennett:
www.tonybennett.com
www.exploringthearts.org
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/itstonybennett/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/tonybennett
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/itstonybennett
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/tonybennett
SOURCE Columbia Records
For further information: Contact for Tony Bennett: [email protected]; Contacts for Sony Music Entertainment: Kimberly Harris, Columbia Records Publicity, [email protected]; Maria C. Malta, Legacy Recordings, Maria. [email protected]
- Tony Bennett Celebrates His 95th Birthday Today With The First Of Two Final NYC Performances At Radio City Music Hall Tonight With Lady Gaga
- Aug 03
NEW YORK, Aug. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Singer Tony Bennett who got his start with Columbia Records in 1950 celebrates his 95th birthday today with a host of accolades and tributes. New York State has proclaimed today TONY BENNETT DAY. “Music and the arts have long been an essential piece of the fabric of New York, and you would be hard-pressed to find someone who has made more of a contribution in this space than Tony Bennett,” Governor Cuomo said. “Not only is Tony a born and bred New Yorker who has been dazzling audiences with beautiful music for more than six decades, but he has always stayed true to his humble New York roots and can always be spotted throughout the City whether he is working on his next painting in Central Park, or just chatting with fans on the street. From growing up as a child of immigrants, to all the contributions he has made to our community, Tony Bennett is a New Yorker in the truest sense of the word and I am honored to proclaim August 3, 2021 as ‘Tony Bennett Day’ in New York.”
See attached for proclamation.
Sony Music Entertainment, the parent company for Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings divisions, have endowed a bench in Tony’s name in Central Park, his most cherished spot in his hometown of NYC. “Sony Music wishes Tony Bennett the happiest of birthdays as he turns 95,” said Richard Story, President of Sony Music Entertainment’s Commercial Music Group. “Tony is an American treasure who became an international phenomenon and has chronicled his lifelong love affair with New York City in his music and his paintings. It is an honor to dedicate this bench to Tony in his beloved Central Park, where he has experienced so much joy and inspiration across the years.” The Adopt-A-Bench program supports the Central Park Conservancy, the nonprofit that manages and cares for Central Park.
Bennett continues to visit the park regularly and has sketched and painted the landmark’s surroundings in over 70 pieces of original artwork. The bench endowed in Tony’s honor is located at the east side of Center Drive when entering the Park at Central Park South and 6th Avenue and displays a plaque.
Celebrated friends including Alec Baldwin, Robert DeNiro and Keith Richards sent birthday wishes that are up on Bennett’s socials now and more will be posting birthday wishes to the 19-time Grammy winner throughout the day. Tony will be preforming at the opening night of ONE MORE TIME: AN EVENING WITH TONY BENNETT AND LADY GAGA at Radio City Music Hall. The two-night engagement, tonight and August 5th, will mark Tony’s last live concert appearance in New York City. The shows sold out shortly after they went on sale to the public last week.
Tony Bennett was born in Astoria, Queens in 1926. He is a Grammy and Emmy Award winner, a Gershwin Award and Kennedy Center honoree and an accomplished visual artist with three of his original paintings in the Smithsonian Institute’s permanent collection. With his wife Susan Benedetto, he established Exploring the Arts to support arts education in public high schools, which was initiated by the creation of Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens.
For more information on Tony Bennett:
www.tonybennett.com
www.exploringthearts.org
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/itstonybennett/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/tonybennett
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/itstonybennett
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/tonybennett
SOURCE Columbia Records
For further information: Contact for Tony Bennett: [email protected]; Contacts for Sony Music Entertainment: Kimberly Harris, Columbia Records Publicity, [email protected]; Maria C. Malta, Legacy Recordings, Maria. [email protected]
- Beyoncé Makes History Tonight to Become the Most Awarded Female Artist in Grammy® History
- Mar 15

Los Angeles, CA – Sunday, March 14, 2021 – Beyoncé earned her 28th Grammy on Sunday after picking up honors with Best R&B Performance for “Black Parade,” Best Music Video for “Brown Skin Girl” as well as Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for “Savage,” with Megan Thee Stallion. Beyoncé was also the most nominated artist of the night, with nine nominations.
Beyoncé’s 9-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, added to the historic night, becoming the second youngest artist to win a Grammy for her collaboration with her mom on “Brown Skin Girl.”
Beyoncé is tied with producer and multi-instrumentalist Quincy Jones for the second most Grammy wins. The late conductor Georg Solti is the most decorated Grammy winner with 31 wins.
See below for the completed list of Grammy wins, including the first three wins with Destiny’s Child:
Say My Name | R&B Song |
Say My Name | R&B Performance by a Duo or Group w/ Vocals |
Survivor | R&B Performance by a Duo or Group w/ Vocals |
Dangerously In Love | Contemporary R&B Album |
Dangerously In Love 2 | Female R&B Vocal Performance |
The Closer I Get To You (Luther Vandross) | R&B Performance by a Duo or Group w/ Vocals |
Crazy In Love | Rap/Sung Collaboration |
Crazy In Love | R&B Song |
So Amazing (Stevie Wonder) | R&B Performance by a Duo or Group w/ Vocals |
B’Day Contemporary | R&B Album |
I Am…Sasha Fierce | Contemporary R&B Album |
Above and Beyoncé: Video Collection & Dance Mixes | Contemporary R&B Album |
Single Ladies | Female R&B Vocal Performance |
At Last | Traditional R&B Performance |
Halo | Female Pop Vocal Performance |
Single Ladies | R&B Song |
Single Ladies | Song of the Year |
Single Ladies | Female R&B Vocal Performance |
Love On Top | Traditional R&B Performance |
Beyoncé | Surround Sound Album |
Drunk in Love | R&B Performance |
Drunk in Love | R&B Song |
Lemonade | Urban Contemporary Album |
Formation | Music Video |
Homecoming | Music Film |
Savage Remix | Rap Performance |
Savage Remix | Rap Song |
Brown Skin Girl | Music Video |
- Sony Music Middle East Signs Egyptian Hit Recording Artist Hamaki And Top Producer Hamdy Badr
- Mar 01
The Arab World’s Leading Popstar Hamaki Will Release Multiple Singles And A New Album With Sony Music Middle East Throughout 2021
The Multi-Year Partnership With Hamaki’s Producer, Hamdy Badr Of Craft Media, Will Support The Growth Of Established And Emerging Stars Of Egypt And The Arab World
DUBAI, UAE, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Music Middle East announced today an exclusive recording, licencing and distribution agreement with renowned Egyptian popstar, producer and TV personality Hamaki. This is the first time the world leading Arabic pop star has ever signed to an international record label and will see the release of multiple singles and an album in 2021.
Further strengthening the company’s commitment to Arabic music and growth of the region, Sony Music also announced a multi-year, multi-artist production agreement with one of the world’s leading Arabic music producers, Hamdy Badr, and his Cairo-based production company, Craft Media. The partnership with Badr, who is also Hamaki’s music producer, will help grow and scale Egyptian Pop music through multiple projects with hit recording artists and developing talent over the coming years.
“We are delighted to welcome Hamaki and Craft Media to the Sony Music family,” said Shridhar Subramaniam, President, Strategy and Market Development Asia and Middle East, Sony Music. “Hamaki and Hamdy are superstars and trailblazers whose music resonates across the world. The Middle East is one of the fastest growing music markets in the world and this new partnership signals our continued commitment to Arabic music and artists across the region.”
“Both Hamaki and I are delighted to be working with Sony Music and their fantastic people in Dubai and across the world,” added Hamdy Badr, founder of Craft Media and Manager of Hamaki. “Sony Music has a strong reputation in the Middle East for its creativity, drive and always putting the artist first in everything it does. So we are extremely proud to announce this partnership and look forward to making great music and bringing success to the many fantastic artists in Egypt and the Arab world.”
Hamaki has forged an impressive career in the Arab world, amassing over a billion audio and video streams worldwide through a career of hits including “Rasmak fi khayali”, “Kol youm men da”, “Ya Sattar”, “Oddam El Nas”, “Mel Bedaya” and “Wahda Wahda”. Hamaki is also a producer and TV celebrity, enjoying success on stage and on screen. In 2010, he won Best Arabic Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. In 2016, he was awarded Best Arabic Singer for the Murex D’or and Best Middle Eastern Artist at the Big Apple Music Awards. Hamaki also received widespread praise in 2019 as a coach in the fifth season of The Voice Arabia and The Voice Kids.
Founded by Hamdy Badr, Egypt’s leading producer and artist manager, Craft Media has powered many of Egypt’s biggest super stars such as Hamaki, Maya Diab, Pousi and Mahmoud Al Lethy and has helped deliver numerous TV programs in the Middle East, including The Voice, Carpool and The Masked Singer shows.
About Sony Music Entertainment
At Sony Music Entertainment, we fuel the creative journey. We’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from the first-ever music label to the invention of the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 60 countries, supporting a diverse roster of international superstars, developing and independent artists, and visionary creators. From our position at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to the newest products and platforms, embrace new business models, employ breakthrough tools, and provide powerful insights that help our artists push creative boundaries and reach new audiences. In everything we do, we’re committed to artistic integrity, transparency, and entrepreneurship. Sony Music Entertainment is a member of the Sony family of global companies. Learn more about our artists, creators, and labels here.
About Craft Media
Craft Media is a pioneering production company in Egypt and the wider MEA region. Founded in 2003 by a dedicated media entrepreneur, Producer Hamdy Badr. Craft Media produces & cooperates in producing diversified media productions from Song production, television advertisements, and involved in TV programs such as The Voice, Carpool and The Masked Singer shows. That is in addition to the production of Theatre shows, TV Series songs, and high-quality media services from Pre to Post production, social media campaigns, local & International concerts and online events. Craft Media is one of the leading management companies representing some of the top artists, not only in the musical field, but also actors and a number of famous celebrities. Provides representation to a diverse roster of celebrities, capable of transforming ideas into an actual successful production.
SOURCE Sony Music Middle East
- Sony Music Middle East Signs Egyptian Hit Recording Artist Hamaki And Top Producer Hamdy Badr
- Mar 01
The Arab World’s Leading Popstar Hamaki Will Release Multiple Singles And A New Album With Sony Music Middle East Throughout 2021
The Multi-Year Partnership With Hamaki’s Producer, Hamdy Badr Of Craft Media, Will Support The Growth Of Established And Emerging Stars Of Egypt And The Arab World
DUBAI, UAE, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Music Middle East announced today an exclusive recording, licencing and distribution agreement with renowned Egyptian popstar, producer and TV personality Hamaki. This is the first time the world leading Arabic pop star has ever signed to an international record label and will see the release of multiple singles and an album in 2021.
Further strengthening the company’s commitment to Arabic music and growth of the region, Sony Music also announced a multi-year, multi-artist production agreement with one of the world’s leading Arabic music producers, Hamdy Badr, and his Cairo-based production company, Craft Media. The partnership with Badr, who is also Hamaki’s music producer, will help grow and scale Egyptian Pop music through multiple projects with hit recording artists and developing talent over the coming years.
“We are delighted to welcome Hamaki and Craft Media to the Sony Music family,” said Shridhar Subramaniam, President, Strategy and Market Development Asia and Middle East, Sony Music. “Hamaki and Hamdy are superstars and trailblazers whose music resonates across the world. The Middle East is one of the fastest growing music markets in the world and this new partnership signals our continued commitment to Arabic music and artists across the region.”
“Both Hamaki and I are delighted to be working with Sony Music and their fantastic people in Dubai and across the world,” added Hamdy Badr, founder of Craft Media and Manager of Hamaki. “Sony Music has a strong reputation in the Middle East for its creativity, drive and always putting the artist first in everything it does. So we are extremely proud to announce this partnership and look forward to making great music and bringing success to the many fantastic artists in Egypt and the Arab world.”
Hamaki has forged an impressive career in the Arab world, amassing over a billion audio and video streams worldwide through a career of hits including “Rasmak fi khayali”, “Kol youm men da”, “Ya Sattar”, “Oddam El Nas”, “Mel Bedaya” and “Wahda Wahda”. Hamaki is also a producer and TV celebrity, enjoying success on stage and on screen. In 2010, he won Best Arabic Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. In 2016, he was awarded Best Arabic Singer for the Murex D’or and Best Middle Eastern Artist at the Big Apple Music Awards. Hamaki also received widespread praise in 2019 as a coach in the fifth season of The Voice Arabia and The Voice Kids.
Founded by Hamdy Badr, Egypt’s leading producer and artist manager, Craft Media has powered many of Egypt’s biggest super stars such as Hamaki, Maya Diab, Pousi and Mahmoud Al Lethy and has helped deliver numerous TV programs in the Middle East, including The Voice, Carpool and The Masked Singer shows.
About Sony Music Entertainment
At Sony Music Entertainment, we fuel the creative journey. We’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from the first-ever music label to the invention of the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 60 countries, supporting a diverse roster of international superstars, developing and independent artists, and visionary creators. From our position at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to the newest products and platforms, embrace new business models, employ breakthrough tools, and provide powerful insights that help our artists push creative boundaries and reach new audiences. In everything we do, we’re committed to artistic integrity, transparency, and entrepreneurship. Sony Music Entertainment is a member of the Sony family of global companies. Learn more about our artists, creators, and labels here.
About Craft Media
Craft Media is a pioneering production company in Egypt and the wider MEA region. Founded in 2003 by a dedicated media entrepreneur, Producer Hamdy Badr. Craft Media produces & cooperates in producing diversified media productions from Song production, television advertisements, and involved in TV programs such as The Voice, Carpool and The Masked Singer shows. That is in addition to the production of Theatre shows, TV Series songs, and high-quality media services from Pre to Post production, social media campaigns, local & International concerts and online events. Craft Media is one of the leading management companies representing some of the top artists, not only in the musical field, but also actors and a number of famous celebrities. Provides representation to a diverse roster of celebrities, capable of transforming ideas into an actual successful production.
SOURCE Sony Music Middle East
- Barbra Streisand's Album Walls Out Today Available Here: http://smarturl.it/barbrawalls
- Nov 02
NEW YORK, Nov. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Columbia Records releases WALLS the new album by Barbra Streisand. It’s Streisand’s first album primarily consisting of original songs since 2005. This is the first Barbra Streisand album to encompass a unified social theme, and the rare instance of her political views entering her music. The album features the contemporary up-tempo single “Don’t Lie To Me,” which Streisand co-wrote. The song shares the guiding principles and values she has believed in, spoken about, and fought for her entire life…the truth.
Fans can obtain Walls today HERE.
WALLS finds Barbra exploring both her concerns and hopes for the future in a collection filled with beautiful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. In addition to the three original tunes which the Oscar-winning songwriter contributed to, the songs on Walls explore topics near to the celebrated artist’s heart. Streisand also brings a fresh perspective to the classic songs “Imagine” and “What A Wonderful World,” and the Bacharach/David pop standard “What The World Needs Now.” The penultimate song that Streisand sings is a timely one called “Take Care Of This House” by the legendary composer Leonard Bernstein and lyricist Alan Jay Lerner.
Streisand’s “What’s On My Mind,” the first song she conceived of for Walls, “Don’t Lie To Me” and “The Rain Will Fall” all speak to core issues she believes in. For all her many record-breaking and award-winning accomplishments as a singer, actress, film director, producer, screenplay writer, author and songwriter, Streisand’s dedicated social activism and commitment to philanthropy have always equaled her artistic passions.
To serve her inspirational themes, she shares production and arrangement duties on the new album with Walter Afanasieff, John Shanks and David Foster – all Grammy recipients for Producer of the Year – and Songwriter Hall of Fame recipient Desmond Child. Streisand’s vision also comes through on the defining title track “Walls,” with lyrics specifically written for the album by revered Streisand collaborators Alan & Marilyn Bergman.
Over the course of her astonishing career, Streisand has recorded a number of songs that address the human condition. Recognized as one of the foremost interpreters of contemporary song, “Don’t Lie To Me,” and the other songs on Walls are sure to add to her enduring legacy as an award-winning singer and songwriter. In 1977, she became the first woman to win an Oscar for composing the music to the timeless standard “Evergreen” (Love Theme from A Star Is Born), which also went on to win the Grammy for Best Original Song and the Golden Globe. In addition, she has been duly recognized throughout her career for compositions on film projects emblematic of her songwriting gifts.
Streisand is the only recording artist in history to achieve a #1 Album in six consecutive decades. She has recorded 52 gold, 31 platinum and 13 multi-platinum albums in her career. She is the only woman to make the All-Time Top 10 Best Selling Artists list. Streisand has had 34 albums make the Top 10 on the US charts, the only female artist to have achieved this milestone, tying her with Frank Sinatra. She is also the female artist with the most number one albums in Billboard’s history. Widely recognized as an icon for her artistic achievements, she has been awarded two Oscars, ten Grammys including two special Grammys, five Emmys, three Peabodys, and eleven Golden Globes including the Cecil B. DeMille Award. In 2015, President Barack Obama presented her with the highest civilian honor the United States bestows, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She had already received the National Medal of Arts from President Clinton in 2000, as well as France’s prestigious Legion of Honor.
Tracklisting Below.
1. What’s On My Mind
2. Don’t Lie To Me
3. Imagine / What A Wonderful World
4. Walls
5. Lady Liberty
6. What The World Needs Now
7. Better Angels
8. Love’s Never Wrong
9. The Rain Will Fall
10. Take Care Of This House
11. Happy Days Are Here Again
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SOURCE Columbia Records
For further information: SUNSHINE SACHS, Ken Sunshine, Sunshine Sachs / [email protected] / 212-691-2800; Jason Lee, Sunshine Sachs / [email protected] / 212-691-2800; COLUMBIA RECORDS, Kim Harris, Columbia Records / [email protected] / 212-833-5858