News Roundup

Our first weekly Music News Roundup is looking like a good one. My main aim with these is to talk a bit about the most interesting music news of the week and music news that is relevant to the artists I like and the scenes that I'm a part of. For example, this week we'll be talking about the whole Scooter Braun situation as well as some more alternative-specific stories. 

Firstly, Scooter. What's the deal with him and why are all his clients leaving him? In short, Scooter Braun is an entrepeneur and manager who, until this week, managed Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato and Idina Menzel. He also manages Justin Bieber, J Balvin, The Black Eyed Peas and David Guetta. At the minute, though, he is best known for an ongoing feud with Taylor Swift. He managed Kanye West when he released 'Famous', a song which implied that Kanye made Taylor famous and also made derogatory comments about her. A while after, Taylor came out and said that Scooter had bullied her for years. He also bought Taylor's ex-label Big Machine, owning the rights to her first six albums which he has since sold. Essentially, his reputation is worsening significantly due to the situation with Taylor and this is likely what has led to clients Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato and Idina Menzel all leaving him to search for new management. For the moment, he maintains a roster of high profile artists, although if this week is anything to go by his career seems to be heading down a difficult path. Of course, it is still possible that more could have gone on behind the scenes, and I will be keeping my eye on the news in the coming weeks to share any new developments with you in these roundups. 

Onto some happier news, Soccer Mommy has announced this week that she will be releasing a covers EP titled 'Karaoke Night' on the 22nd September, sharing two of the five songs featured, a cover of 'Soak Up The Sun' by Sheryl Crow and one of 'I'm Only Me When I'm With You' by Taylor Swift, who she has said in interviews has greatly influenced her own music. After releasing her third album just last year, I certainly wasn't expecting any new music from her yet so this EP is a brilliant surprise. I'm loving the two tracks already out and can't wait for the rest of the EP, especially her cover of 'Losing My Religion' by R.E.M. 

And finally, Boygenius have landed! The indie supergroup have been taking the UK by storm this week with shows in Gunnersbury Park, London and at The Piece Hall, Halifax. Their first night in Gunnersbury Park on Sunday was particularly special as it featured MUNA, Ethel Cain and SOAK as guests. From what I've heard, this was an absolutely spectacular show with all the guests and Boygenius themselves performing incredibly. I only wish I could've got tickets! If you did manage to see them at all this week then lucky you and congratulations on your good taste. Personally, I'm hoping they come back to the UK soon for some more shows. 

Photo credit Gus Stewart/Redferns