Q4 is well underway with albums coming this week from Bruce Springsteen, Gorillaz, Faithless and Nothing But Thieves. In the weeks ahead there are albums from AC/DC, The Kanneh-Masons and Kylie Minogue.
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In the latest issue of Music Week, we get the reaction to this year’s line-up from digital and physical retailers.
Here, Nigel Harding, VP of global artist marketing at Deezer, gives his verdict on the 2020 Q4 release schedule…
Releases have been put back this year because of Covid - what do you make of the Q4 line-up this year?
In collaboration with Deezer and DAZN, Garcia has hand-picked a knockout soundtrack for the occasion. 2 arrives, however, you can head over to Deezer for a special 20-track playlist selected by 'King Ry' himself to get suitably amped up for the first fight night of the new year. 2016 has been a big year for the Barbadian artist. Rihanna dropped a long awaited 8th studio album and for many critics ‘ANTI’ is Rihanna’s greatest album. Rihanna has just won the MTV 2016 Video Vanguard Music Award at the age of 28 making her the second youngest winner of the award. Latest titles and artists played on streaming-deezer. Pop, Classique-Classical, Reggae-Dancehall, Country, Hip Hop, DJ Mix, Electro-Trance, Rock. What is the title? History titles awarded on the radio Streaming Deezer. Direct access to the radio page. Direct access to the radio page:: Latest titles and artists played on/radio/streaming-deezer.
“The shift in releases hasn’t been as dramatic as people expected in the spring. Now it’s looking like a normal Q4 this year, when we’d expect a lot of big artists to drop. It’s going to be another big moment for K-Pop, with both Blackpink and BTS looking to further establish themselves as international superstars. Some of the most interesting prospects are albums that aren’t yet confirmed: Cardi B is surely due this year. But dare we dream about Drake or Rihanna? I know that many at Deezer HQ in Paris have their fingers crossed for Aya Nakamura and Phoenix.”
Some debut acts have gone for a Q4 release - how do you think albums from Beabadoobee and Yungblud will fare on streaming?
“Both Beabadoobee and Yungblud have proven that if you can develop a distinct musical personality and keep true to yourself, you can compete against global stars at the busiest time of the year. We are huge fans of both artists at Deezer and will continue to do what we can to champion their music.”
Michael Kiwanuka’s recent resurgence is due to well-deserved recognition for a modern classic
Nigel Harding
Is Q4 still as significant now streaming has spread consumption more throughout the year?
“The industry’s continued focus on Q4 is clearly a remnant from the glory days of CD sales at supermarket checkouts. In a streaming world, the run-up to Christmas has little impact on overall consumption. As time goes on, we’ll define a quarter by its releases rather than releases by their quarter.”
Are older albums from 2019 set to continue in Q4, such as Mercury winner Michael Kiwanuka?
“The continuing success of older albums will be determined entirely by their quality. Michael Kiwanuka’s recent resurgence is due to well-deserved recognition for a modern classic – it’s probably the most-played album in Deezer’s London office when it first came out and still in rotation at home. Form is temporary, class is permanent.”
To read our full Q4 report, pick up the latest issue – or subscribers can click here.
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Deezer D, best known for his role on ER, has sadly died, TMZ reports.
The actor - who's real name is Dearon Thompson - was found unresponsive at his home on Thursday (January 7) in Los Angeles.
His brother Marshawn told TMZ that the family believes Deezer died of a heart attack, but his official cause of death has not been announced yet.
Deezer Rihanna Instagram
Deezer underwent major heart surgery to replace hos aorta and a fix a leaky heart valve back in 2009.
Deezer played nurse Malik McGrath on ER from 1994 to 2009. He also had roles in Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, CB4, and Fear of a Black Hat. Along with being an actor, Deezer was also a motivational speaker and a performer in the Christian and underground hip hop communities.
Deezer Rihanna Video
Our thoughts are with Deezer D's loved ones during this difficult time.