BandLab Technologies’ parent company Caldecott Music Group is relaunching UK-born music media brand NME As a bimonthly print publication.
BandLab in Singapore has acquired NME along with Uncut, another long-running UK-based music media brand, from London-based TI Media in 2019.
The acquisition arrived a year after NME closed production of its iconic weekly music publication – ending its 66-year run as a physical magazine.
After five years, the brand will return to print.
NME Networks was sold in May of this year. Uncut Kelsey Media. BandLab owned previously 49% of Kelsey Media. Rolling StoneBefore its majority partner Penske Media Corporation (PMC), in January 2019, acquired the brand.
Singapore-based BandLab formed parent company Caldecott Music Group in 2021 to house three divisions: BandLab Technologies, Vista Musical Instruments, and NME Networks.
NME was launched on September 18, 2015. Rihanna appeared on the cover. It was distributed to commuters, students, and other people in the UK every week until 2018.
Prior to going free, with a distribution of around 300,000, the magazine’s sales had reportedly fallen to just 15,000 copies. New Musical Express, the publication’s original name, was founded in 1952.
NME Networks claims that NME’s new print edition “will provide music and pop culture obsessives, and the wider entertainment industry, with a bible that showcases the best new artists and bands on earth.”
Each issue will be fronted by an edition of ‘The Cover’, which is NME’s existing flagship digital editorial property that champions emerging artists.
The July/August issue of NME magazine will have exclusive worldwide availability through music retailer Dawsons, which is also owned by BandLab parent Caldecott Music Group, alongside limited issue releases, which the company says will be made available via “artists, record stores and select partners”.
Caldecott acquired Dawsons in January via its Vistas Musical Instruments subsidiary.
The relaunch of NME in print arrives a couple of months after BandLab Technologies raised USD $25 million in its Series B1 financing round, valuing the company at $425 million.
That latest investment followed the company’s successful Series B round in April 2022, where BandLab raised $65 million and achieved a post-money valuation of $315 million.
BandLab’s flagship namesake platform offers a range of features such as the cross-platform digital audio workstation Studio, royalty-free sample and loops service Sounds, and the AI music generator tool SongStarter.
The app counts over 60 million registered users.
“NME has never reached more people than it does today, and we’re excited to embrace our legacy, giving emerging artists the recognition and exposure they truly deserve while creating new synergies and opportunities for both talent and fans across Caldecott Music Group.”
Meng Ru Kuok, Caldecott Music Group
Commenting on the relaunch Meng Ru Kuok, Group Chief Executive Officer & Founder of Caldecott Music Group, said: “Today, we announce NME’s return to print with a brand new global magazine, offering an immersive journey celebrating the best in music, film, TV and gaming.
“Building on our commitment to supporting the new talent shaping the future of music and the industry itself, we are prouder than ever to showcase and immortalise emerging artists in our new global edition.
“NME has never reached more people than it does today, and we’re excited to embrace our legacy, giving emerging artists the recognition and exposure they truly deserve while creating new synergies and opportunities for both talent and fans across Caldecott Music Group.”
“Our new global magazine will curate the very best of NME; championing emerging artists and bands and serving as the definitive voice in pop culture.”
Holly Bishop NME Networks
Holly Bishop, Chief Operating & Commercial Officer of NME Networks, expressed her excitement about the return of NME magazine, added: “Print has always been a cornerstone of the NME brand, and we are thrilled to announce the return of an icon.
“Our new global magazine will curate the very best of NME; championing emerging artists and bands and serving as the definitive voice in pop culture.”Music Business Worldwide
