R&B type Ne-Yo is giving up his day job at Def Jam to become Senior VP of A&R at another Universal subsidiary, Motown, which, as previously reported, has been having an executive rejig of late. Ne-Yo will also release his fifth album via the label later this year, which presumably means he’s in charge of telling himself if his new songs aren’t good enough. I hope he’s not too hard on himself.
Barry Weiss, the Universal chief who oversees Island Def Jam, Motown and Universal Republic, told Billboard: “His track record of success at Def Jam will always be a benchmark. But this move to Motown will provide new and inspiring challenges for Ne-Yo as both an artist and a key member of the new senior management team that is taking form at the label in 2012″.
Ne-Yo added: “I’m honoured that I’ve been given such a prestigious title and trusted with such responsibility; though terrified because I know that I’ll be playing this role in the fashion of one of my career role models, Mr Smokey Robinson – these are big shoes to fill. But trust me, I can handle it”.
As well as preparing a new album and overseeing Motown’s A&R department, Ne-Yo will also co-star in new film ‘Red Tails’ later this year, and appear on the US version of TV talent show ‘The Voice’ as a mentor.
Also from CMU...
Universal Publishing exec to head up Motown
Everyone now seems certain that Ethiopia Habtemariam, who heads up urban music at Universal Music Publishing in the US, will take over as boss of the major’s Motown record company....
Universal US merge back offices of Motown and Def Jam divisions
Universal Music has announced it is merging the ‘back office’ operations of its Motown and Island Def Jam divisions in the US. The Motown Republic Group is being revamped following...
Universal insists Motown not closing
Universal Music in the US yesterday assured Billboard that it remains committed to its Motown division, after one of the label’s artists, that pesky Erykah Badu, tweeted, simply, “Motown folded”....
Sections: Music Business | No Comments
