Endeavor postpones IPO
The owner of the WME booking agency, Endeavor, has cancelled - or at least postponed - plans to float on the stock market. The company's IPO - announced in May - had been expected imminently, with trading on the New York Stock Exchange potentially beginning today. In a statement, the company said that it "will continue to evaluate the timing for the proposed offering as market conditions develop".

Prior to pulling plans to float yesterday, Endeavor had already scaled back the scale of its IPO earlier in the day, reducing the number of shares it planned to offer and their price range. Had the IPO taken place, this move would have seen the potential funds raised fall by around a third to a figure of up to $465.8 million, according to the Financial Times. Just over a week previously the firm had stated that it expected to raise up to $712 million.

The cancellation comes in the same month that shared work space company WeWork also pulled its IPO, while sports equipment maker Peloton - which faces ongoing music licensing issues - saw its share price drop 11% on its first day of trading yesterday. This and Endeavor's decision to hold off going public, analysts have suggested, shows a growing concern among investors about the high valuations these various companies have received in the run up to their respective listings.

Endeavor - which has a broad portfolio of companies working across the entertainment business, including in sport, fashion and art as well as music - is also currently caught up in various legal issues. WME - along with some other talent agencies - are involved in a legal battle with the Writers Guild Of America over the fees they take when matching writers up with TV projects. Endeavor specifically also faces several lawsuits from fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which it also owns.

These lawsuits were ongoing previously, so are unlikely to be the reason that the IPO was halted, but the WGA moved quickly to put out a statement saying: "Reports that the Endeavor IPO has been withdrawn show that investors didn't buy the company's conflicted business practices".

As for when the company might try again to start publicly trading shares, this remains unclear.

BACK TO THE TOP OF THE BULLETIN

Elton John to talk his life and career across BBC TV and radio
With Elton John's autobiography 'Me' due out next month, the BBC is set to go into hyperdrive promoting it/him. The musician will be all up in your TV and radio, chatting about his life, his career and the music that he thinks is top notch.

The main event is a BBC One special, 'Elton John: Uncensored', which sees Graham Norton interviewing John at his home in the South Of France. Recorded in August during a break from the star's mammoth farewell tour, it sees him discuss his life from childhood up to the present day.

"The past two years have felt truly monumental for me", says John. "With the release of [biopic] 'Rocketman', the 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour and my autobiography coming up, it felt like the perfect opportunity to reflect on it all with Graham. I've always enjoyed our catch-ups and this felt like the best yet".

Norton adds: "Like the rest of the nation I'm a massive fan of Sir Elton John's music, but to sit down with him in his home to ask him about his life, career and family was a huge privilege. Funny, frank and fearless, I can't wait for people to hear him tell his story".

As well as this, John will appear on Ken Bruce's Radio 2 show for his 'Tracks Of My Years' feature. In it, he picks some of his favourite songs by artists including Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin and Little Richard, as well as discussing his life and career a bit more.

"Music has always been the bedrock of my life, through good times and bad", wangs on John. "It was wonderful to delve into the songs that mean the most to me with Ken - a real deep dive into some of the tracks that have defined the eras of my story. I hope people enjoy listening to it as much as I did putting it together".

I know I said at the start of this article that the Beeb was doing all this to promote John's new book, but it is starting to sound like the opposite. I mean, who's going to need to read a whole book after this? Or, as BBC Studios' Suzy Lamb puts it: "Candid, funny and wickedly honest, prepare for the Rocketman to reveal all".

Anyblobs, this is all going to happen in an as-yet-undisclosed week in October. The book you'll be wanting to cancel your pre-order on is out on 15 Oct, so it'll be around then, I guess. Bye now.

BACK TO THE TOP OF THE BULLETIN

Shesaid.so launches music industry bias and harassment research study
Shesaid.so has teamed up with the anonymous bias and harassment reporting platform InChorus to research incidents of that nature within the music industry. Key findings will be presented at the MeetSSS conference being organised by Shesaid.so in Portugal next month.

Anyone across the global music industry is invited to log incidents of bias and harassment that they have experienced, either past or present. The anonymous data will then be aggregated to show where the biggest issues lie.

"Our hope is that the data this survey uncovers will encourage people in the industry to stop ignoring the inappropriate behaviour taking place every day", says Shesaid.so founder Andreea Magdalina. "We want those in power to take a pro-active approach on how they manage their culture, and we need some brave companies to step forward and be the first to take that active stance".

InChorus CEO Rosie Turner adds: "We've witnessed the progress other industries have made towards calling out and preventing inappropriate behaviour. We want to see this happening within the music industry too. We hope that this survey empowers individuals to share their experiences safely. We have to start understanding the problem in more detail: for the music industry to move forward we believe it's data like this that has the power to drive meaningful change".

Marking five years since Shesaid.so first launched, MeetSSS is a female-first music conference (open to all genders) offering music industry discussion from a female perspective. It takes place in Portimão, Portugal from 3-6 Oct. More info here.

For more information on the research project and how to report incidents of bias and harassment, click here.

BACK TO THE TOP OF THE BULLETIN

Fiona Apple would quite like some money from Lil Nas X now
Lil Nas X sampled Fiona Apple on a track and now she would like some money. Also, she thinks he's cute. That's the news here.

The Lil Nas X sample came up during a new interview with Apple on Vulture. In it she addressed why she had blocked Panic! At The Disco from using a sample of her 2012 track 'Every Single Time' for their 2013 song 'Miss Jackson'. Some people seemingly then questioned why Lil Nas X had received permission to use the same track for 'Kim Jong', from his 2018 mixtape 'Nasarati'. Short answer: he didn't.

In the interview, she explains that Panic! At The Disco's request to use the sample came not long after she had given permission for the same portion of the track to be used by rapper Gilbere Forte on his track 'Pray' - although in that case her approval only came after the song had been recorded and a video made for the track.

"I ended up giving permission [to Forte] because I didn't have a choice", she says. "They'd already used it in a song and video. And then Panic! At The Disco asked, and I was like, 'Wow, I can't believe they even asked me'. Usually people just go ahead and use it".

She adds that she later learned that the band's frontman Brendon Urie was angry that she'd denied permission when she saw a clip of him being interviewed on YouTube. But, she says, her motive had simply been to ensure that the sample wasn't overplayed, saying: "I was just trying to not shit all over somebody else's sampling of my song by doing it twice".

Which brings us to Lil Nas X. How come he got to use the track? Well, as she pointed out, people don't always ask. And seemingly this includes the 'Old Town Road' rapper.

In a video posted via a fan account on Instagram following the Vulture chat, she says: "One thing that the [Vulture article] didn't mention that I did say in the interview which I would just like to say now is that Lil Nas X, you're probably really great, but you used my song 'Every Single Night', too ... And, um, hey, where's my money, you cute little guy? Where's my money?"

Lil Nas X is yet to release his official debut album, with 'Kim Jong' featuring on mixtape 'Nasarati'. It is, of course, standard practice for mixtapes to feature uncleared samples. A blind eye is generally turned to this as these releases aren't commercially available, and trading mixtapes such as this is a long established way for rappers to build a name for themselves.

Still, while Apple probably does have some legal claim, the tone of her video doesn't suggest she's planning to send round the lawyers just yet. And when it comes to commercially released music, Lil Nas X is pretty keen to play by the rules. 'Old Town Road' contains a properly cleared sample of Nine Inch Nails' '34 Ghosts IV', and he gave Kurt Cobain a writer credit on 'Panini' because it sounded a bit like Nirvana's 'In Bloom' - despite claiming that the melody came to him in a dream.

So maybe he could try sampling Apple again and do things by the book this time, in order to sort her out with a bit of cash. If he hangs on a bit, he could even use a new song, because she reckons she might finally have the follow-up to 2012's 'The Idler Wheel' album ready to release next year.

BACK TO THE TOP OF THE BULLETIN

Tru Thoughts announces 20th anniversary Shapes compilation
Tru Thoughts has announced the latest in its 'Shapes' series of compilations, this one marking the indie label's 20th anniversary. Compiled by founder Robert Luis, 'Shapes: Diamonds' features artists from across the company's history.

"'Shapes: Diamonds' highlights releases from the newer signings on the label alongside the more established artists", says Luis. "I always enjoy putting these compilations together as it allows me to take a step back and check the current catalogue and musical direction of the label. As with all our 'Shapes' compilations, there is a wide mixture of genres all from artists who are passionate about the creative music they make, so the quality is strong".

'Shapes: Diamonds' is out on 15 Nov. The full tracklist for the digital release (there's also a shorter vinyl version) is as follows:

1. Te'Amir - Salam
2. Moonchild - Run Away
3. Space Captain - Loveline (Jesse Fischer Remix)
4. The Seshen - This Bitter Earth
5. Uniting Of Opposites - Ancient Lights (Tim Liken Remix) (Instrumental)
6. Quantic - You Used To Love Me feat Denitia (Radio Edit)
7. Rhi - Too High (Jam City Remix)
8. Strategy - The World Is Mine feat Everley
9. Bryony Jarman-Pinto - As I've Heard
10. Pieces Of A Man - Listen
11. Ego Ella May - Table For One
12. Flowdan - Welcome To London (Radio Edit)
13. Gawd Status - Uranium
14. Sly5thAve - Let Me Ride feat Jimetta Rose (Stro Elliot Remix)
15. Wrongtom Meets The Ragga Twins - Woah! (Shop Soiled Dub)
16. Nikitch & Kuna Maze - ZBRA
17. Animanz - Them Changes (Magic Drum Orchestra Remix)
18. Hidden Orchestra - Western Isles (Throwing Snow Remix)
19. Anchorsong - Testimony (Letherette Remix)
20. Zero dB - Party Girl
21. Werkha - Flinch / Quiver
22. Flowdan - Shell A Verse
23. Lightning Head - Message Beats
24. Pete Cannon Meets Ghost Writerz - How We Living (Instrumental)
25. Rhi - Too High (Chug Remix)
26. Hot Eight Brass Band - On The Spot (Animanz Remix)
27. Terror Danjah - Module
28. Kingdem - KingStep
29. Irah x Abstrakt Sonance - Busy With The Gang feat Nate and Greazus
30. Nonames - Dads And Mums feat Roachee and Killa P (Chimpo Duppy)
31. Magic Drum Orchestra - Parade Skank (Blood Wine Or Honey Remix)

BACK TO THE TOP OF THE BULLETIN

BFI to mark 40th anniversary of The Clash's London Calling album
BFI Southbank in London has announced a special evening marking the 40th anniversary of The Clash's 'London Calling' album. The night will centre on a screening of Don Letts' documentary about the band from 2000, 'Westway To The World'.

"I think it was ['Sniffin Glue' fanzine founder] Mark P that said The Sex Pistols would make you want to smash your head against the wall but The Clash would give you a reason - such was the depth and brevity of their music and the individual members", says Letts. "All of which was a filmmaker's dream. I'd like to take credit for making a good film about this band but truth be told you'd have to be really stupid to make a bad film about The Clash".

Taking place on 14 Dec - 40 years to the day since the release of 'London Calling' - following the screening Letts will be joined on stage by the band's Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Topper Headon. Once that's all done, Letts will DJ out in the BFI Bar & Kitchen.

Tickets will go on general sale on 12 Nov, just before the Museum Of London's free exhibition exploring the making of the album opens on 15 Nov.

BACK TO THE TOP OF THE BULLETIN

DEALS

Fickle Friends have signed an artist services deal with Cooking Vinyl for the release of their second album. "I couldn't be happier about signing Fickle Friends", say the label's MD Rob Collins. "The new material is incredibly strong and the band are wiser, stronger and are perfect for global audiences now".

--------------------------------------------------

APPOINTMENTS

Leif O Ribe has been named General Manager of Warner Music Norway. "It'll be a huge privilege to lead the amazing team at Warner Music Norway", he says, hopefully.

Talent management outfit YMU Group has named Holly Bott the new head of its entertainment division. She replaces Mary Bekhait, who was recently bumped up to UK CEO. "It is an honour to follow in the footsteps of such a talent as Mary Bekhait, who has left in place a brilliant team who want the best for each and every one of our clients", she says.

US hip hop label Alamo Records - a joint venture between veteran label exec Todd Moscowitz and Universal - has hired Tiara Hargrave as Executive Vice President and General Manager. She joins from Sony's Columbia. "I am THRILLED", says Moscowitz. "I'm excited", says Hargrave.

--------------------------------------------------

RELEASES

The Beatles have released a new video for 'Here Comes The Sun' to mark the 'Abbey Road' album's 50th anniversary. A new anniversary edition of 'Abbey Road' is also out today, as if you needed one.

Depeche Mode have released the trailer for new Anton Corbijn directed documentary 'Spirits In The Forest'. The film will be screened in cinemas on 21 Nov.

You wait sixteen years for a new 'Desert Sessions' album from Josh Homme and then two come along at once.

Aurora has released the video for 'Apple Tree', from her latest album 'A Different Kind Of Human - Step 2'. Of the message in the song and its video, she says: "The world won't listen to scientific proof that the world is dying, so maybe it will listen to the dreamers, the children. In a bleeding world the power of the individual is our only hope. Let her save the world. Let him save them all. Believe in us, and maybe we'll be the generation that saves the world, rather than the one that killed it. The world is bleeding. It's up to us now".

Rapper Casanova has released new single 'Live', featuring Giggs. The track is taken from his upcoming new album, 'Behind These Scars', which is out on 11 Oct.

Babymetal have released new single, 'Shanti Shanti Shanti', from their upcoming 'Metal Galaxy' album, which is out on 11 Oct.

Shaed have released a new version of their single 'Trampoline', featuring that Zayn Malik. "[Malik's track] 'Pillowtalk' is one of my all-time favourite songs", says vocalist Chelsea Lee, "I warm up to it all the time so singing a duet with Zayn is extra special and totally surreal. We reached out to Zayn's team and a week later we woke up to a recording of Zayn singing 'Trampoline' a cappella in our AirBnB in LA. Goosebumps". Yeah, must have been pretty frightening to know that he'd snuck into their accommodation unnoticed.

MØ has released a video for 'I Want You' from her 2018 album 'Forever Neverland'. It's the first in a trilogy of videos created by director Emma Rosenzweig.

Stay Flee Get Lizzy has released new single '2 Cups', featuring Popcaan, Fredo and Tory Lanez.

Tones & I has released the video for the title track of her 'The Kids Are Coming' EP.

The Darkness have released new single 'Easter Is Cancelled'. "Lyrically, it's one of the multiverse ones", says Justin Hawkins. "You can't be angry about a multiverse. It makes everything more manageable. You have to be comforted by the fact that there's a reality somewhere it isn't all shit. Conversely, when everything is going right, there's a universe where it isn't, and you should be grateful". Whatever. Fuck Easter.

Tony Slattery is among the stars of the new Art Brut video 'Your Enemies Are My Enemies Too'. "People often tell me I look like Tony Slattery, and then go on to tell me how much they love him and how great they think he is", says frontman Eddie Argos. "Because of this I ... was delighted I did get to tell him to his face how great he is when we made this video". The band will be touring the UK in March, including a show at The Forum in London on 28 Mar.

Sudan Archives has released the video for her recent single 'Confessions'. "'Confessions', a female flip on classic rap music videos - resilient women surviving in a world that seems to be falling apart and ends with its alter ego Black Vivaldi, an ode to duality", she says. "It's about being the seduced and the seductress, it's about God and the Devil, Yin and Yang, and about the possibility that we might have it all wrong about the two".

Benoît Pioulard will release new album, 'Sylva', on 15 Nov. From it this is first single, 'Keep'.

HXXS have released new single 'Last Days Of Magic', from their upcoming debut album 'Year Of The Witch'.

Check out our weekly Spotify playlist of new music featured in the CMU Daily - updated every Friday.

BACK TO THE TOP OF THE BULLETIN

Tyler, The Creator not a terrorist, says American Airlines
Tyler, The Creator may no longer be banned from entering the UK or New Zealand, but he's still not the most welcome traveller in some places. Or so he reckons. The rapper yesterday claimed to have been deemed a terrorist by American Airlines.

"Ha, I'm on [American Airlines'] no fly terrorist list", he tweeted. "What the hell did I do?"

Several fans pointed to a line in his 2011 track 'Yonkers', in which he threatens to "crash that fuckin airplane ... that B.o.B is in". Others suggested it was because he released an album with the word 'bomb' in the title.

It turned out it was neither of those things. There was no reason at all, because American Airlines says it has no such list.

"American does not have a terrorism watch list", said a spokesperson for the company. "That list is controlled by the FBI".

Yeah, sure, but maybe Tyler was just vague on the specifics when referring to the list. If you were told you couldn't fly by American Airlines because you're a terrorist, you might think it was an American Airlines specific list that your name was on.

The spokesperson also had an answer for that theory though, saying: "Since Tyler, The Creator is flying with us today and was on one of our flights, the tweet is not accurate".

Well that clears that up then. And all it took was what appears to be some sort of data protection or privacy breach. We still don't know what Tyler was banging on about, of course. But does it matter? Probably not. I'm glad we had this little chat.

TL;DR - a man isn't on a list

BACK TO THE TOP OF THE BULLETIN