Dotcom Deportation – Internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom (real name Kim Schmitz) has lost his latest legal bid to avoid extradition to the U.S. to face criminal charges. New Zealand’s Court of Appeal upheld earlier court rulings that found Kim and three of his colleagues (Mathias Ortmann, Bram van der Kolk, and Finn Batato) were eligible to be handed over to U.S. authorities.
• Anime Song Streaming – Due to the increasing demand for anisongs (anime songs) and anisong live concerts from overseas fans, ANiUTa is launch their niche streaming service in the U.S. in August.
• Eurovision Song Controversy – The writers of “Toy,” the song performed by Netta Barzilai that won the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest, have been slapped with a letter from a Universal Music Group, claiming copyright infringement. UMG alleges that the song, written by Doron Medalie and Stav Beger, shares an uncanny similarity to The White Stripes’ hit “Seven Nation Army.”
According to Eurovision rules, the winning song must be original, so if it is found that the pair plagiarized the tune, Barzilai could be disqualified and next year’s contest will not be held in Israel.
• Eventbrite + MJR – Eventbrite and UK promoter MJR have agreed a multi-year ticketing deal, following MJR’s recent Eventbrite-ticketed 50 Cent concerts in Australia.
• Spotify UK – Spotify has named former Vevo SVP of Creative Content & Programming Tom Connaughton as managing director of its U.K. operation. George Ergatoudis, former Spotify Head of Music Culture, International Shows & Editorial and Contentis exiting to head Apple Music’s U.K. operation.
H/T – CelebrityAccess