Tag Archives: Music

Marshmello and Moe Shalizi remix kids content with new entertainment concept, Mellodees

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Music’s Moe Shalizi and Marshmello have struck up a new partnership to create a ‘cutting edge experience for children’ in the shape of a new entertainment initiative called Mellodees – a musically-driven video property.

Mellodees will feature Dee the musical robot with music produced by Marshmello, and promises to deliver ‘relevant messages and energetic music for the pre-school set and their millennial parents to enjoy.’

“Over the past year, we’ve been diligently working on merging electronic music with educational content for children,” said Moe Shalizi, founder and CEO of The Shalizi Group (TSG), a leading management company. “Positive and inspiring content is critical, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when children’s screen time is at an all-time high.

“Blending our creativity and passion for innovation, The Shalizi Group and Marshmello proudly present Mellodees, which aims to fill a gap in children’s programming.”

Mellodees creates a 3D animated world filled with lovable characters where children and parents can learn, play, dance, and discover together. The star of the show, Dee, is a fun and friendly robot with musical built-in features. With Dee’s imagination, he and his friends go on wild adventures providing families with music, special dance moves and more. By “Following the Beets,” kids can easily read and sing along with the lyrics.

“Mellodees provides a safe place to learn not only educational material, but also age-appropriate holistic topics such as self-care, diversity, physical and mental well-being, community and culture,” said Krista Carnegie, COO of TSG.

Mellodees launches globally with the quintessential “ABC’s Song,” followed by other favourites such as “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” “Twinkle Twinkle” and “Wheels On The Bus.”

“We are starting with a fun twist on the classic nursery rhymes to introduce Mellodees and the characters,” added Hildi Snodgrass, CFO of TSG. “And then our goal is to expand into original music and storylines later this year, with an eye toward toys and other consumer goods in 2021.”

Mellodees will reveal new music and videos each week on all DSPs, beginning July 10, 2020.  Parents can find more information at Mellodees.com and follow their social media at:

The Royal Mint celebrates Elton John with new commemorative coin

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Music icon and Rocket Man, Elton John is to be celebrated on a new commemorative coin courtesy of The Royal Mint. Available from today, the design is the latest addition to The Royal Mint’s new Music Legends series.

With a career spanning more than 50 years, the new coin to celebrate Elton John’s legacy has been designed by artist Bradley Morgan Johnson. Featuring unmistakable Elton John iconography, Bradley has used musical notes to create an image of glasses and a straw boater’s hat, inspired by one of Elton John’s most iconic looks. A Union Jack flag background punctuates the design.

The commemorative coins will be available to purchase in Gold proof, Silver proof and Brilliant Uncirculated editions with prices ranging from £13 for the Brilliant Uncirculated coin up to £64,950 for a Kilo Gold proof coin.

The Royal Mint has developed advanced striking and tooling techniques for the high end, premium coins in this collection. These designs feature a pulsating star pattern in the glasses’ lenses and a high relief finish on the hat, glasses and bow tie that further enhance the appearance of each coin.

Elton John said: “It really is a fabulous honour to be recognised in this way. The last few years have contained some of the most memorable moments of my career, and this is another truly humbling milestone on my journey.”

Clare Maclennan, divisional director of commemorative coin and The Royal Mint Experience, said: “Elton John is without a doubt a British music legend and is recognised as one of the most successful singer-songwriters of his generation. We are delighted to honour Elton’s significant contribution to British music on a UK coin.

“This is the second coin in The Royal Mint’s new Music Legends series, marking the work of our exceptional British musicians.”

In addition to the coin collection, The Royal Mint and Elton John are also working together to create a special one-off collector’s piece, which will be auctioned later this year. The unique coin will help raise vital funds for the Elton John Charitable Trust at a time when the wider charity sector has been hit with a reduction in donations.

The collaboration was brought together and facilitated by Bravado, Universal Music Group’s leading merchandise and brand management company.

Commemorative Coin Collection:

£5 Brilliant uncirculated coin cover Rocket Man – £13
£5 Brilliant uncirculated coin cover Dodgers Stadium – £15
£5 Brilliant uncirculated coin cover Illustration – £15
£5 Brilliant uncirculated coin cover The Very Best Of – £15
Half Ounce Silver Proof Coin- £60
One Ounce Silver Proof Coin – £90
Two Ounce Silver Proof Coin – £180
Five Ounce Silver Proof Coin – £485
Quarter-Ounce Gold Proof Coin – £555
One Ounce Gold Proof Coin – £2,195
Two-Ounce Gold Proof Coin – £4,310
Five-Ounce Gold Proof Coin – £10,695
Kilo Gold Proof Coin – £64,950

‘King of Soul’ Sam Cooke moves into licensing with ALG Brands

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The American singer-songwriter, civil rights activist, and recognised King of Soul, Sam Cooke is making a move on the licensing space via a new partnership between the Sam Cooke estate and ALG Brands.

Under the partnership, ALG will represent services for the estate, including the licensing of Cooke’s personality rights and administration of his digital and social media assets.

ALG will work alongside estate CEO, and granddaughter of Cooke, Nicole Cooke-Johnson to “maintain and expand the legacy” of the late entertainer through branding and content initiatives with multi-generational appeal.

In addition to establishing the iconic singer’s online presence with an official website and social media profiles, Cooke-Johnson and Austin will spearhead branded media projects leading up to the singer’s 90th birthday in 2021 and beyond.

“My grandfather was a visionary who understood the power of words, music and ownership,” said estate CEO Nicole Cooke-Johnson. “From his singer-songwriter roots in Gospel music to his global successes in R&B and soul music, my grandfather was an influencer who intentionally used his form of branded entertainment to affect changes in his community, for our nation and around the world.

“I am very proud to be continuing his legacy by working with ALG to explore new co-branding opportunities that will inspire people today and for many more years to come as my grandfather’s leadership, creativity and music have inspired so many people around the world for generations.”

ALG Brands CEO, Ashley Austin, added: “Sam Cooke invented soul; his unique blend of gospel and popular music created an entirely new genre, paving the way for countless artists after him.

“Singer. Songwriter. Producer. Activist. Entrepreneur. The list of his accomplishments goes on and on. This is an incredible man with a profound legacy, and it is an honour to be working with the estate to preserve and promote it.”

Cooke’s vocals took over the pop charts in the 1950s and 1960s with a slew of hits, including You Send Me, (What A) Wonderful World, and Twistin’ The Night Away.

In addition to being a celebrated entertainer, Cooke helped usher in the Civil Rights movement as he refused to perform for segregated audiences. His own personal experiences with racial discrimination even served as the foundation for one of his most recognisable songs and one that is universally regarded as the anthem for equality, A Change Is Gonna Come.