Author: Simon Napier-Bell

Author

Simon Napier-Bell

Simon Napier-Bell has been a leading figure in the music industry for over forty years - a songwriter, record producer, artist's manager, and entrepreneur. Amongst others, he has managed the Yardbirds, Marc Bolan, Boney M, Asia, Ultravox, Japan, and Wham! He's also written film scores and co-wrote Dusty Springfield's hit, 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me' (later recorded by Elvis Presley). In the eighties he masterminded taking Wham! to China, the first Western pop group ever to play there, and during the last two decades he has written four best-selling books on the music industry. He is a director of Papa Entertainments PLC which produces Las Vegas' best-rated music show 'Raiding the Rock Vault', and of Snap-B, a company that provides consultancy to top music professionals. He travels, does business, gives talks, and eats & drinks well, all over the world.

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Featured, Guest Columnist

Green Tea And Cake

by Simon Napier-Bell April 13, 2023 0

The legendary music impresario (and producer of bands like The Yardbirds and Wham!) tells his life story in a series of mesmerizingly candid vignettes. Sour Mo... Read more.

Mission

'The Music Void' rebooted with exclusive insights into the inner workings and deals being done in the global music business.

Latest

Homeless Hell: The Camp That Could Kill Rock History

Artists February 25, 2024 0

Sunset Studio, one of the few remaining recording studios in Hollywood after many closed due to high costs and new technologies, faces a danger worse than a single wild rock star. Sunset Sound’s three studios have produced more than 300 gold records but they could be ruined by a filthy homeless camp next to the building. Garbage is stacked high, needles and pipes are scattered on the ground and homeless people use the street as a toilet.

TikTok vs Universal Music and The Music Businesses Coming of Age

Opinion February 18, 2024 0

Well, it’s definitely been an interesting few weeks, looking across the ballfield of TikTok vs Universal Music. What is heartening to see is that major labels such as Universal Music seem to have finally learned from previous mistakes made initially in the 1980s.

Unleashing Chaos: How To Get Free Music- And Why The Music Industry Can’t Stop It

Piracy February 4, 2024 0

The same platform that brought you cat videos and cringe-worthy influencers is now the go-to place for snagging every song imaginable. Thanks to some clever websites, you can rip the audio from any YouTube video, download it as an MP3 or .wav file, and sail the seas of free music. No subscriptions, no ads, no hassle.

The 25 Most Popular Public Domain Rock Songs

Legal August 2, 2023 0

A song can speak to a soul in a way that words cannot. The rock era has produced some of the most iconic sound recordings of all time, and many have become public domain songs. Here, we’ll look at the most popular public domain rock songs, from the psychedelic and melodic to the anthemic and timeless.

The David Crosby I Knew

Artists March 1, 2023 0

David Crosby's recent passing brought testimonials celebrating his talent and music. But few knew what David's drug dependency really looked like. It was very ugly.

Pitchfork Effect

Opinion January 23, 2024 0

Last week, media company Condé Nast revealed its plan...

Homeless Hell: The Camp That Could Kill Rock History

Cherry Red Records: Independence at 45

Bowie’s Beatdown: Laughing Through the Jungle of Music’s Drama and Spotify’s Billion-Dollar Cha-Cha

Koch-tail Party: Musicians Jam with Billionaires, Unaware They’re the Punchline

Homeless Hell: The Camp That Could Kill Rock History

Cherry Red Records: Independence at 45

Bowie’s Beatdown: Laughing Through the Jungle of Music’s Drama and Spotify’s Billion-Dollar Cha-Cha

Koch-tail Party: Musicians Jam with Billionaires, Unaware They’re the Punchline

Author: Simon Napier-Bell

Author

Green Tea And Cake

Mission

Latest

Homeless Hell: The Camp That Could Kill Rock History

TikTok vs Universal Music and The Music Businesses Coming of Age

Unleashing Chaos: How To Get Free Music- And Why The Music Industry Can’t Stop It

Popular

The 25 Most Popular Public Domain Rock Songs

The David Crosby I Knew

Pitchfork Effect

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