Yamaha GX-1 “The Dream Machine”

 Yamaha GX-1 🚀 “The Dream Machine”

https://www.instagram.com/p/C37-FxLiyPv/

Cyndi Lauper and Pophouse will work together

 

POPHOUSE AND CYNDI LAUPER ENTER PARTNERSHIP TO CREATE NEW EXPERIENCES PROMOTING HER LEGACY

2024-02-29 06:00Pressrelease

POPHOUSE AND CYNDI LAUPER ENTER PARTNERSHIP TO CREATE NEW EXPERIENCES PROMOTING HER LEGACY

Cyndi Lauper and Björn Ulvaeus.

POPHOUSE ACQUIRES MAJORITY SHARE OF THE PUBLISHING CATALOGUE AND MASTER RECORDING REVENUE OF LEGENDARY MUSIC ICON CYNDI LAUPER

Stockholm, Sweden, 29 February 2024 – Pophouse - the Swedish entertainment company, which is a founding investor of the world-renowned ABBA Voyage immersive virtual concert residency and the force behind immortalizing the rock band KISS as avatars, has today acquired the majority share of award-winning American singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper’s master recording revenue and publishing. Cyndi Lauper and Pophouse will work closely together through a joint venture. Together, they will develop creative activations inspired by Lauper's timeless pop music repertoire*, spanning her iconic career. This includes beloved hits such as "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," "Time After Time," and "True Colors”.

*The acquisition does not include Cyndi’s Broadway music. 

Cyndi Lauper comments: “Since we first met, Pophouse has impressed me with their commitment to maintaining and developing my professional life’s work and ensuring its legacy. Their creativity and vision, combined with my continued involvement via our unique joint venture is what is most exciting to me. I can’t wait to participate in this new stage in my musical evolution and I could not be more pleased to know my music will now be in Pophouse’s safe hands as they build upon my legacy in the years to come.” 

Working in close collaboration with Cyndi Lauper, Pophouse will follow its unique, value-added approach of drawing upon its world-class, in-house creative and storytelling expertise to introduce her music to new audiences. Pophouse will use its proven, industry-defining playbook to create new content and experiences to enrich Cyndi Lauper’s catalogue for fans old and new, actively seeking to enrich and add value to the brands and artists it partners with.

Today’s announcement marks Pophouse’s first acquisition from an American artist as the company continues to expand beyond its native Nordics into North America. Founded by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and EQT founder Conni Jonsson in 2014, Pophouse began its venture into music investments in 2022 by acquiring the catalogues of two of Sweden’s most iconic global musical exports, Avicii and Swedish House Mafia.  As part of the Avicii and Swedish House Mafia acquisitions, Pophouse also announced the formations of joint ventures with the Avicii Estate and Swedish House Mafia band members respectively to further develop and safeguard their legacy through future global endeavors. 

Pophouse CEO Per Sundin adds “Cyndi Lauper is an icon, with a career that has inspired generation after generation of music lovers. That she has entrusted us to protect and continue to grow her legacy is a privilege we are proud to accept. We set ourselves apart through our emphasis on artist and brand development, so that we can nurture the value of our investment, and we are pleased Cyndi endorses our vision for her remarkable catalogue of work.” 

As one of few players based outside of the US or UK, Pophouse is Sweden’s next big creative export into the global music industry and is distinguished in the global market by its core Swedish values of collaboration and openness. 

-ends – 

ABOUT CYNDI LAUPER:

With a career spanning over four decades, and with more than 50 million records sold worldwide, Cyndi Lauper is one of the most recognized and celebrated music artists in the world. She first rose to fame in the 1980s with now-iconic pop hits such as ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ and ‘Time After Time’, leading to her winning the 1984 Grammy Award for Best New Artist. In 2013, Lauper's musical Kinky Boots won six Tony Awards, with Lauper herself winning the Tony Award for Best Original Score, which made her the first female to win the category by herself. Today, Cyndi Lauper is an icon for female empowerment and a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights across the world. 

About Pophouse Entertainment

Pophouse acquires and develops brands within entertainment – specialising in music catalogue investments. Acquired catalogues include Avicii and Swedish House Mafia. Unlike traditional entertainment IP investors, Pophouse adds value to their investments through artist-centric concept development by working closely with existing stakeholders. With a proven track record of successful ventures such as the investment in ABBA Voyage, Pophouse continues to redefine entertainment by pushing boundaries, embracing technology, and creating unforgettable experiences for fans worldwide. The company was founded in 2014 by EQT founder Conni Jonsson and pop music icon Björn Ulvaeus (ABBA). 

https://newsroom.notified.com/news/281609/pophouse-and-cyndi-lauper-enter-partnership-t

https://www.instagram.com/p/C37x0BKIvaK/

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Feb 15th, 2024 Stockholm

they just want to have fun...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW61LVFzB2M

yndi Lauper, ’80s Icon, Sells Her Music to ABBA Star, Plans Immersive Theater Show

FEBRUARY 29, 2024 | BLOOMBERG NEWS

Singer Cyndi Lauper is selling her music catalog, including the 1980s hits True Colors and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, to Sweden’s Pophouse Entertainment Group AB as part of a project to create new outlets for the singer’s work.

The Swedish company — founded by ABBA star Bjorn Ulvaeus and EQT AB Chairman Conni Jonsson — said it acquired the rights to Lauper’s music for an undisclosed sum and is forming a joint venture with the singer to manage the catalog.

“I’ve had other companies approach me, and I really didn’t have any interest in selling my catalog,” Lauper, 70, said in an interview at Pophouse’s headquarters in Stockholm. “But this is different.”

The singer and the company aim to exploit her music through live shows, television and other projects. Keeping performers in front of the public, as Pophouse has successfully done with the legendary group ABBA, can protect and improve on the steady returns that song libraries produce.

Lauper, who has sold more than 50 million records over four decades, declined to comment on the financial terms of the deal, beyond saying Pophouse bought “a majority” of the catalog. She was enticed by the company’s ability to combine music and art through technology.

“I thought, ‘OK, they have energy and everyone is highly creative,’” Lauper said. “And it gives me the opportunity to grow my legacy as opposed to watching it on commercials. I have bigger plans.”

One of the creative projects being planned is an immersive theater experience that surrounds and pulls viewers in, following in the footsteps of ABBA Voyage. That show, which premiered in 2022, has sold more than 2.1 million tickets for performances featuring three-dimensional renderings of the four former band members. 

Pophouse is the biggest investor in ABBA Voyage, and is planning a similar venture with avatars of the rock band KISS, which retired in December after a 50-year career.

Lauper’s show will be based on the women in her life, set in her grandmother’s garden in the New York district of Queens, with the singer hoping to take the stage, she said.

“It’s about the people that influenced me — my mother, my aunt and my grandmother,” she said. “When I saw ABBA Voyage, I had this idea of bringing them back to life and bringing that whole neighborhood back to life.”

Decades from now, a hologram could replace Lauper onstage, the singer said. The timing for the show is up in the air, pending a decision on a potential global tour separate from the Pophouse collaboration.

Other potential projects include a TV series, a festival and an immersive installation. Lauper’s Broadway music, including multiple Tony Award-winner Kinky Boots, isn’t part of the Pophouse deal.

Pophouse, founded in 2014, began its venture into music investments in 2022 by acquiring the catalogs of the DJ Avicii and Swedish House Mafia, two of the country’s biggest music exports. As part of the deals, Pophouse also formed ventures with the sellers.

Other recent transactions in music catalogs include Sony Group Corp. (NYSE: SONY)’s reported acquisition of half of pop icon Michael Jackson’s catalog from the trustees of his estate for at least $600 million. Singer Rod Stewart sold his publishing and recorded music rights to Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group for about $100 million.

“Cyndi is a dream partner for Pophouse,” Chief Executive Officer Per Sundin said in the interview. “She shares our ambition and desire to do the unexpected and push creativity beyond conventional limits. We believe in artists with stories to tell, that we can build upon.”

Songs as an asset class can generate relatively steady returns. The market reached a frenzy in 2021 and 2022, but suffered some setbacks with the recent jump in borrowing costs. The high-profile music investor, Hipgnosis Songs Fund Ltd., whose catalog includes songs by Neil Young and Blondie, canceled an interim dividend in October.

“We look for iconic artists that meant something in music history, and we want to enhance or amplify and expose the music to new generations,” Sundin said, adding that doing so tends to boost streaming as well.

https://www.themiddlemarket.com/news-analysis/cyndi-lauper-80s-icon-sells-her-music-to-abba-star-plans-immersive-theater-show

interview - after Waterloo 1974

 

Abba ganó ESC con Waterloo 1974 - Benny y Björn son entrevistados sobre comercialismo y música

Abba ganó el Festival de Académicos de Eurovisión en 1974 con una canción que se convirtió en el mayor éxito en estos contextos: Waterloo. Aquí Benny y Björn son entrevistados después de la victoria en Brighton.

IDA FELLMAN

26.3.2007

En el primer clip, Björn Ulvaeus y Benny Andersson discuten con el editor Tapio Tuominen sobre el año agitado de Abba después de la victoria en Brighton 1974. Björn y Benny parecen muy modestos; no han recibido dinero, el rol continúa como siempre. Abba no asistirá al Festival de Académicos de Eurovisión varias veces.

El editor Tapio Tuomiens pregunta sobre la diferencia entre Schlager-EM y los festivales alternativos. Benny y Björn, quienes señalan que nunca han estado en festivales alternativos, creen que eso debería estar disponible. Pero los festivales alternativos probablemente estén más centrados en el texto; sobrepolitizados y rejuvenecidos,

En el segundo clip escuchamos a Björn Ulvaeus responder casi las mismas preguntas, pero Björn parece más agotado. No han visto el dinero, dice Björn. Y Abba aún no ha tenido torneos en vivo. Pero ahora Abba está de gira, donde Finlandia incluso está incluido.

https://yle.fi/a/7-884063

Frida at Abba Arena

 Frida at Abba Arena

Feb 17th, 2024

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photo Svana Gisla

instagram

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more about this visit: https://abbaregistro.blogspot.com/2024/02/frida.html

https://abbaregistro.blogspot.com/2024/03/frida-like-angel.html

Björn - KRUGER COWNE

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3nC35zNjMC

News2024

Don't miss out on some unforgettable moments coming up in 2024!

As we gear up for an exciting year ahead, let's take a moment to celebrate some legendary figures who are marking significant milestones:

Dr. Jane Goodall DBE - Celebrating her 90th birthday and joining forces with the Bezos Earth Fund to expand conservation efforts. Jane's messages of hope for our planet inspire positivity and action.

Sir Bob Geldof - Commemorating 40 years of Band Aid and his impactful global advocacy. His storytelling ignites purpose and drives positive change.

Björn Ulvaeus - ABBA's founding member, marking 50 years since "Waterloo" and sharing insights from his iconic music career. Björn's presentations are both enlightening and entertaining, elevating any event.

Elle Macpherson - Celebrating her 60th birthday, Elle delivers powerful messages of empowerment and motivation, drawing from her remarkable life and business success.

Bear Grylls OBE - Inspiring audiences with tales of survival and resilience, Bear celebrates his 50th birthday this year. Get ready for an adventure that captivates the imagination!

John Simpson CBE - Joining the 80th birthday celebrations this autumn, John brings gravitas, charm, and decades of broadcasting experience to any event. Prepare for highly informative and entertaining presentations.

These iconic individuals guarantee an unforgettable experience, whether it's a keynote speech, fireside chat, or moderated Q&A session. Reach out to discuss your event needs and secure your spot for 2024!

Björn in Tokio

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3m8-TDONla/

Frida !!!!!

"Come to my loveland, wander along Beautiful gardens full of flowers and songs Come to the sunshine, beaches and sand Listen to bluebirds, won't you come to my land?"

Frida today at the ABBA Arena

photo @chrisjfern on twitter

19022024

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3iXNRItj6h

Frida con Ursula Tuca Milan, integrante de la banda

more about this visit: https://abbaregistro.blogspot.com/2024/02/frida-at-abba-arena.html

https://abbaregistro.blogspot.com/2024/03/frida-like-angel.html

ABBA: Against The Odds

 BBC Studios secure distribution rights for feature documentary ABBA: Against the OddsBBC Studios secure distribution rights for feature documentary ABBA: Against the Odds

Ahead of BBC Studios Showcase 2024, worldwide deal announced for feature documentary produced by multi-award winning documentary makers Rogan Productions.

Published: 14 February 2024

ABBA are a truly international phenomenon, and we are honoured to be working with Rogan Productions on what will be another global hit with our clients.”

As 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s iconic victory at Eurovision and the contest once again taking place in Sweden, BBC Studios have today announced it has secured worldwide distribution rights for feature documentary ‘ABBA: Against The Odds’, produced by multi-award winning documentary makers Rogan Productions (Freddie Mercury The Final Act,).

Telling the epic story of ABBA’s greatest period of musical achievement framed between the albums ‘Arrival’ (1976) and ‘Super Trooper’ (1980), this is the story of ABBA’s deeply personal and perilous journey through the band’s most transformative years and rise to global fame. In the UK the film will be shown on BBC One and iPlayer this May.

ABBA: Against The Odds will see a host of European broadcasters including BBC, ARD/WDR, France Télévisions, SVT and DR unite and come together to fund the feature film detailing the incredible story of the renowned group featuring re-discovered archive, exclusive never-before-seen stills and previously unheard stories. The film is set to be a roller-coaster journey of love, struggle, fame and – of course – epic songs.

With unprecedented access to SVT (Swedish public television) archives including rare footage that capture the band’s rise to fame and the intense negativity they faced at home. With privileged insights from sources close to the band complete with exclusive photographic memories, rare footage, deleted and unreleased audio, unique band archive from behind the Iron Curtain and several exclusive access interviews that have either never aired or were thought lost since transmission. This is the untold story of ABBA.

Tom Young, Head of Indie Partnerships, Factual at BBC Studios said: “ABBA are a truly international phenomenon, and we are honoured to be working with Rogan Productions on what will be another global hit with our clients, following on from highly successful collaboration on Freddie Mercury: The Final Act, both a commercial and critical hit.”

James Rogan, Director, Rogan Productions said: “To be able, as a director, to dive into the ABBA story through the extraordinary archive of their voyage through the tumultuous 70s has been a jaw-dropping experience. The sheer joy of working on a documentary about ABBA cannot be understated, as their bitter-sweet songs remain as resonant in our confused times as they did when they were first recorded. This film will capture the scale of the challenge they faced as a Swedish band gaining success and respect on the global stage, and how the unique combination of four talents produced music that defined the decade and changed pop music forever. “

Michael Jochnowitz, BBC Commissioning Editor, Factual Entertainment & Events says: “ABBA: Against All Odds is a truly special documentary, formed by a unique collaboration of broadcasters about one of the world’s greatest ever bands…And if you thought you knew the story behind the music, think again.”

Axel Arno, Head of Documentaries, SVT said: “The documentary will be a celebration of not only the iconic music of ABBA but also the power of storytelling to unite us across Europe. In times of division, this documentary serves as a reminder of our shared cultural heritage and the vital role it plays in fostering unity and cohesion across the continent.”

Anders Bruus, Commissioning Editor, DR said: “ABBA's timeless appeal transcends borders, languages, and generations, proving that storytelling, art and music are universal languages that can bring us together, even in challenging times.”

Christiane Hinz, Head of Documentaries, ARD/WDR said: “ARD/WDR is thrilled to be part of this epic broadcasting and platform event that will unite different generations of European audiences in front of their screens. ABBA has shaped the sound of Europe and of course also in Germany this pop myth is kept alive till today. Younger people know the songs, now they will discover the story behind them. ABBA - twelve points! Europe - twelve points!”

Caroline Behar, Head of International Coproductions, Factual, France Télévisions said: “As the historical broadcaster of the Eurovision song contest, France Télévisions is proud to be part of the project ABBA: Against All Odds. We are honoured to celebrate ABBA’s unique talent, and get closer to the women and men behind the iconic band. We are convinced that ABBA’s commitments still resonate today within the young generation.”

Produced by Rogan Productions and Directed by BAFTA and Emmy-winner James Rogan, whose directing hits include the multi-award-winning Freddie Mercury: The Final Act, 1971: The Year that Music Changed Everything, BAFTA award-winning Uprising and Monty Python: The Meaning of Live. Produced by Dan Hall, an Emmy and Rose d’Or award-winner, recent credits include Freddie Mercury: The Final Act, Cher and the Loneliest Elephant, and Gay Under the Taliban. Made in partnership with SVT and the European Broadcasting Union. Executive Producers are: Jan Younghusband and Soleta Rogan.

BBC Studios will distribute the series internationally and will present the programme to buyers at BBC Studios Showcase, taking place in London from 26-27th February 2024.

Further news about transmission dates will be released in due course.

https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/bbcstudios/2024/bbc-studios-secures-distribution-rights-for-feature-length-documentary-abba-against-the-odds

Björn - Mamma Mia the Party

 Hoy Simon y yo tuvimos el honor de ser entrenados por el mismo Björn Ulveus. ¡Tan agradable y gratificante! Pellízcame el brazo.

Idag hade jag och Simon äran att bli coachade av självaste Björn Ulveus. Så fint och givande! Nyp mig i armen.
lisabenganb

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3U5wiCNYdr

Abba Voyage - Ludvig Andersson

 

Feb 14, 2024 7:03am PT

ABBA Voyage Producer Talks Betting on Berlin-Selected Levan Akin

Annika Pham — Tiempo de lectura: 4 minutos

Hot Swedish helmer of Georgian descent Levan Akin is due to kickstart Berlin’s Panorama Feb. 15 with his feature drama “Crossing.” Nine years earlier, he walked the Berlinale red carpet with his youth sci-fi “The Circle,” showcased at Generation. Next to him were his Swedish producers of RMV Film – ABBA’s Benny Andersson and his son Ludvig Andersson.

The latter who met Akin over 20 years ago, has stayed by his side since his debut pic “Certain People” in 2011, serving also as executive producer on the 2019 Swedish Oscar entry “And Then We Danced,” and as co-producer this year of “Crossing”.

“RMV Film spotted Levan from his very first film and has supported him all along,” confirms French Quarter’s Mathilde Dedye, producer of “Crossing” and “And Then We Danced,”, who believes “trust and continuity to be very important for the development of auteurism.”

Popular on Variety

“I met Ludvig through Levan and he is one of the few producers who in my opinion can really nurture and protect a creative process. I’m impressed by his skills,” she insists. “We’ve been through quite a few challenges together now in our productions, and that’s when you really can tell how your relationship is working. I can easily say it meant everything to have Ludvig as my partner. Without him we probably wouldn’t be here,” she reckons.

Speaking to Variety ahead of the Berlinale, from his RMV Studios’ London headquarters, Ludvig Andersson says the banner RMV (Riksmixningsverket) set up with his father more than a decade ago, covers music publishing, recording studios and film production. Their very first picture was Akin’s “The Circle,” based on Mats Strandberg and Sara B Elfgren’s novel. 

“At the time, the project was running into financial problems. I had read the book, loved it and with my dad, we agreed to help Levan by producing his film. We had enjoyed being involved in the making of “Mamma Mia” and its sequel and thought if we had a chance to get into film – that was it!”

Andersson says working alongside Akin since 2011 has been ‘an amazing journey.” “We grew up together, watching the same stuff – “Back to the Future,” “ET,” Hollywood blockbusters that made us who we are.”

“OK,” he admits, “it might be strange to say Levan watched that stuff, but it’s a combination of those films, Levan’s background, cultural heritage and vision that make his movies unique. They all have a strong emotional chord and a meaning. Even “The Circle,” which was sci-fi for young adults, was at its core about being an outsider, growing up and dealing with identity,” he underscores.

For the London-based music and film exec, “Crossing” carries the same humanistic qualities. “It is beautiful, vibrant, alive, heart-breaking, plus it’s set in Istanbul, a cradle of civilisation.”

The story follows the retired teacher Lia as she travels from Georgia to Istanbul, to find her long lost niece. She meets Evrim, a lawyer fighting for trans rights who might be the key to find her niece.

Speaking earlier to Variety, Dedye said the movie is “about finding your family, not your blood relatives, but those that accept and love you unconditionally, without prejudice, for who you are.”

Sold by Paris-based Totem Films, the pic has been snagged by multiple territories ahead of Berlin including MUBI for North America, the U.K., Germany, Latin America, New Story for France, Lucky Red for Italy, and Avalon for Spain.

RMV Film’s other hand-picked Swedish film bets include the documentary “Yung Lean: In My Head” which bowed at Tribeca 2020, the erotic queer drama “The Shoolmaster Games” and Rotterdam Tiger competition entry “100 Seasons.”

“We board projects where we feel we can make a difference,” says Andersson who is considering expanding into bigger international projects. “It’s not a question of scale, but a question of talent,” he observes.

For now, Andersson focuses on his own pop music creation, and the mega hit London-based “ABBA Voyage,” which he produced with Svana Gisla.

Since its launch in 2022, the virtual concert in which the iconic Swedish ABBA pop group performs digitally as avatars,  with a live 10-piece band, has been a mega smash hit. “Around 3,000 people watch it every night and we do seven shows a week so we sell 21,000 tickets a week. So far we’ve had more than 1.7 million visitors. It’s very very nice,” says the producer who has spent seven years working on the show and is finalising deals for the “Abba Voyage” music event to go on tour worldwide.

With its complex motion capture and performance techniques from the four ABBA band members, the input from a thousand VFX experts from Industrial Light & Magic, on top of the purpose-built venue, the show was a major investment.

 “It cost around £140 million ($176.2 million) to do it the first time  and will cost as much to do it again,” says the producer. “It’s a huge investment, in time and money, as it involves a three-year process. But we are trying to make it happen in many other cities around the world,” Andersson declares.

Asked if ABBA members would consider reuniting for their 50th anniversary and the Eurovision contest to be held in Sweden this year, Andersson said: “They did the ABBA Voyage, a new album. They are not interested in doing any celebration, as far as I know, but you should ask them!

https://variety.com/2024/film/global/abba-benny-andersson-levan-akin-abba-voyage-1235910693/

Waterloo50th - Melodifestivalen

 

Feb 9th, 1974 Melodifestivalen 74

 

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https://www.svtplay.se/video/KGYpD6e/melodifestivalen-oppet-arkiv/melodifestivalen-1974

LOT's Abba E-jet

38 years later, Abba is back in Poland, again flying LOT

LOT's Abba E-jet

A lot has changed since the great Swedish band Abba made its first and only visit to Poland in October 1976, at a time when the country was firmly behind the Iron curtain.

One thing that hasn't changed though is that Abba traveled on-board a LOT aircraft...now, Abba obviously does not exist anymore as a band, but its songs and memories will be again be flying LOT.

The Polish flag carrier is helping promote the "Mamma Mia" musical, now on show at Warsaw's ROMA theater and it has decorated one of its Embraer E-175 (SP-LIA) for the occasion...so aircraft livery spotters out there: one more for the collection!

And of course, fliers on this E-175 will be entertained with a selection of Abba's most popular hits: Mamma Mia, Chiquitita and the like...

Mamma Mia! look who's got company...!

By the way, for Abba nostalgics: I found on youtube this (long) video showing Abba's visit to Poland in 1976!

https://allplane.tv/.../9/19/lot-e175-mamm-mia-livery-abba

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notes - LOT's Abba E-jet - Poland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOdNCAY9F3s