Northumberland entrepreneur acquires US music brand and launches virtual festival

A radio entrepreneur from Northumberland has expanded operations with the acquisition of a US live music brand.

Amazing Radio founder Paul Campbell has acquired US live music brand CMJ, which has provided a platform for musicians for over 40 years.

Founded in 2007, Amazing Radio was the starting point of the careers of artists including The 1975, Sam Fender and Dua Lipa.

Paul, who is from Great Whittington, is set to launch the American version of the radio station alongside a virtual re-launch of CMJ’s Music Marathon.

Originally an annual live festival in New York City running from 1978 to 2015, the CMJ Music Marathon will now be augmented by online streams and virtual concerts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent social distancing taking place globally.

Amazing Radio UK founder Paul Campbell commented: ““It’s the perfect fit, and it’s needed urgently.

“With gigs cancelled and venues shuttered, the world’s next generation of musicians need help to keep working”.

“We plan to breathe new life into CMJ – and revive its influence and presence for the benefit of musicians and music. Its heritage is immense – but we intend to make sure CMJ’s best days are ahead of it, by combining it with Amazing Radio.”

Andrew Zicklin, CEO of operating company Amazing America, added: “For over a year, we have been quietly planning to launch Amazing Radio in the States alongside CMJ.

“We’re now going early, to give musicians new ways to keep working, make money and find new fans in these difficult times.”

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