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Tag: Universal Music

  • Mary Steenburgen Signs Record Deal with Universal

    Its never too late to chase your dreams, and actress Mary Steenburgen is a prime example of that notion. She has an Academy Award, now she’s going for a Grammy. The 60-year-old actress is known for her long-standing career in the film industry for movies like “Back to the Future III,” “Philadelphia” and “The Help.” But, recently, she inked a songwriting deal with Universal Music.

    Steenburgen accredits her musical awakening to an epiphany she experienced after undergoing a minor surgery. According to CBS News, Steenburgen describes her song-writing as a ‘new emerging ability she can’t even explain.’ She said after her surgery, “music started right after that.” Since then, she’s written more than 40 songs. Her husband, actor Ted Danson, also fueled her musical desire when he bought her an accordion as a Valentine’s Day gift earlier this year.
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    Although Steenburgen is moving into the music industry, film is still a dominant force in her career. Her latest film, “Last Vegas” is actually headed for theaters Nov. 1. In addition to Steenburgen, the film is flooded with other veteran actors, including Robert de Niro, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline, and Michael Douglas. “Last Vegas” centers around four men in their mid-sixties. They head to Vegas for a bachelor party to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of their last single buddy. The comedy chronicles all of the events of their Vegas extravaganza.

    In addition to “Last Vegas,” Steenburgen has other films headed to theaters. But, she’s won’t just be on screen this time. She’s working behind the scenes putting those writing skills to work, as well. She also serves in the capacity of co-writer and director for films, Mahesh Pailoor’s “Brahmin Bulls” and “Song One” which stars Anne Hathaway. “Brahmin Bulls” is scheduled to be released closer toward the end of 2013, while “Song One” is currently in post-production status, slated for a 2014 release.
    Image via Wikimedia Commons | Mary Steenburgen

  • Sony To Acquire EMI; EU Regulator Says Yes!

    European competition regulators have given the green light to Sony/ATV, Sony’s music partner, who wants to buy up EMI’s publishing assets which are valued at over two billion dollars. The acquisition would give Sony over a quarter of the world’s publishing market.

    As part of the deal, Sony agrees to sell off Virgin Records in the US and Europe and also Famous Music in the UK. In return, European Union regulators will forego the standard in-depth investigation into the acquisition. While this step with the EU is only preliminary as the acquisition will still have to be approved by the US, Australia, and Brazil, many are already in opposition due to the large share of the market Sony would control.

    Universal Music has also put up a bid to buy a portion of EMI. In November the French owned media company announced plans to acquire the recorded music portion of EMI which would include artists like the Beatles, Katy Perry, and Cold Play.

    EMI was purchased by a private equity firm called Terra Firma in 2007, but the music company was lost after the firm was foreclosed on. Citigroup currently controls the EMI assets. EMI sold to Terra Firma in 2007 for $6.8 billion.

    The Sony-EMI will mean downsizing at EMI. Sony/ATV plans to cut the workforce by as much as 60% after it takes control at the music company. We’ll be watching Sony and EMI as this deal makes its way through the various channels and keeping you updated on the progress.