McCartney Shines @ Capitol Congress
• Capitol Music Group hosted its 5th Annual Capitol Congress on Wednesday, August 8 at the ArcLight Hollywood. Over the course of the day-long event, hosted by CMG Chairman & CEO Steve Barnett, CMG’s roster of superstar and developing artists presented their upcoming music and projects to the company’s staff, its international affiliates, and representatives from the entertainment industry and “influential consumer and trade media folks” — like, say, RAMP.
The event kicked off with opening addresses from Universal Music Group Chairman & CEO Sir Lucian Grainge, who spoke of the music industry’s tremendous growth and CMG’s evolution since re-launching in late 2012, and Steve Barnett, who spoke of the innovative steps CMG has taken over the past year. There were also artist appearances by MC Hammer, Migos, NF, Troye Sivan and Loren Gray. Motown Records President Ethiopia Habtemariam also unveiled footage from what looks like an amazing new Motown documentary, Hitsville: The Making of Motown, which will be released next year and chronicles the label’s historic rise through rare video footage and exclusive interviews with founder Berry Gordy.
A highlight of the day’s events was a surprise appearance by Sir Paul McCartney, who was presented with CMG’s first-ever Capitol Icon award and was interviewed live by actor/podcaster Marc Maron for a very special edition of Maron’s WTF podcast. McCartney discussed his forthcoming album, Egypt Station, shared stories from his days with the Beatles, and discussed his enduring influence over a remarkable six-decade career. Lyft and Capitol Records also teased an upcoming partnership in support of Egypt Station.
And as is the custom, the Capitol Congress wrapped up Wednesday evening with a huge reception for hundreds of guests at the iconic Capitol Tower in Hollywood. [Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for Capitol Music Group]
