Latest Music News

Katy Perry won the People’s choice Awards 2012

2012-01-11T23:31:00.000-08:00

Katy Perry selected as the top nominees for the People’s Choice Awards 2012 on Tuesday in Los Angeles at the Nokia Theatre. Other big names on the initial list of nominees include LMFAO, Maroon 5, Lady Gaga, Adele and Beyoncé. Perry was just behind with seven nods, including Favorite Female Artist, Favorite Song of the Year “E.T.”, Favorite Pop Artist, Favorite Animated Movie Voice “The Smurfs”and Favorite Music Video for “Last Friday Night "T.G.I.F..”

In the music categories, the Favorite Male Artist race includes Eminem, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, Enrique Iglesias and Blake Shelton, while Perry will be fighting Adele, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift for Favorite Female Artist. The Song of the Year race includes Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory,” Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem,” Maroon 5′s “Moves Like Jagger” and Perry’s “E.T.” Album of the Year includes discs from Adele, Beyoncé, Gaga, Britney Spears and Lady Antebellum, while Favorite Hip Hop Artist is a battle between Eminem, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Pitbull and B.o.B.

Justin Beiber and Lil Twist joining for new album

2012-01-10T21:31:00.000-08:00

Justin Bieber’s 2012 will soon include a Lil Twist collaboration. Bieber returned to the studio today to begin work on his own album Believe, reportedly stacked with help from Drake and Kanye West, yet has already lent his swag and increasing maturity which doesn’t necessarily include a new vocabulary to a track with the 18-year-old Young Money artist. Twist told MTV News that he’s prepared to release their finished product, “Wherever You Are,” shortly. “Y’all will have that real soon,” he said of high powered collaboration, off his debut album Don’t Get It Twisted. “It’s a fun record. Justin killed it. He’s, like, rap singing on it; another different sound for Justin.”

Yet the Bieb has been slowly chipping away at making a place for himself in hip hop for the better part of a year, answering every BET cypher snub with a new freestyle attempt or big-name collaboration partner. He kicked off the new year by teaming up with pal Jaden Smith for the holiday-appropriate “Happy New Year,” a song which definitely featured some singing, rapping and inspirational spoken word, and this longstanding collaboration tour shows no signs of slowing down at this point, we’re prepared to see every name from Adele to Odd Future on Believe‘s tracklisting. ”Just me and Justin, people been waiting on that,” Twist added. “That’s my brother right there. It’s just been a long time coming.”

HMV has another bleak Christmas

2012-01-10T07:24:00.001-08:00

UK high street retailer has announced a like for like drop in sales of 8.1% in the five weeks running up to December 31st 2011. However the new move into technology and gadgets seems positive, with 500,000 headphones and 20,000 tablet computers sold.

UK police face fresh discrimination claims over urban music

2012-01-10T07:24:00.000-08:00

The UK police have been accused of discriminating against the urban music scene by booking agents, umbrella trade group UK Music and even MPs, with commentators saying that the Metropolitan Police's risk assessment of live urban music gigs is based on the ethnicity of the audience and artists, adding that the Police can ask for strict safety measures to be put in place on the basis of this risk assessment, and can cancel gigs at short notice. Sarah McKinley, founder of Xtreme Talent Agency, an urban booking agency, said the risk assessment, using the controversial Form 696, was not being conducted sensibly. "Often the risk assessment happens after the night has been advertised. People have already spent money and then the night can get pulled." and John ho chairs the culture, media and sport committee in the House of Commons, said he continued to call for the "discriminatory and draconian" form 696 to be scrapped, after his committee first demanded its abolition in 2009. More at http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/jan/08/police-accused-discriminating-urban-music?newsfeed=true

RIP Bob and Sultan

2012-01-10T07:23:00.000-08:00

Bob Weston, lead guitarist with Fleetwood Mac in the early 1970s has died aged just 64. And farewell to Sultan Khan, the expert Sarangi player who also composed music for films including the epic Ghandi (1982) and played with George Harrison, Alla Rakha and Ravi Shankar. He has died aged 71.

Gig cancelled, deposit not paid back .... no problem ....

2012-01-09T04:30:00.000-08:00

The promoter behind a cancelled Nas concert due to take place on New Year's Eve in Angola was allegedly kidnapped last week by one of the failed event's financial backers. According to TMZ, a rather angry "concert impresario" called Henrique 'Riquhino' Miguel,kidnapped Patrick Allocco of AllGood Entertainment and his son, and demanded the return of the $300,000 advance paid to Nas and his support act Jemiah Jai and also an additional $50,000 to cover his expenses. It seems Nas was happy to pay back the $300,000, but didn't want to have pay the $50,000. Nas also wanted confirmation from Miguel that if the advance was returned he would not be subsequently held liable for any other losses relating to the cancelled show. A statement issued in Allocco's name last week read: "The hope is that Nas and Jemiah Jai will return all of the monies that were wired to them immediately so that our ransom may be paid and our safe return to the United States may be facilitated". It appears that the father and son remain 'semi' kidnapped after the intervention of the US Embassy in Angola - they have been handed over by the actual kidnappers and are now staying in a hotel, but Miguel is apparently able to block their leaving the country until the matter has been resolved.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a358919/nas-concert-promoter-kidnapped-in-angola-on-usd350000-ransom.html

Katy Perry reveals about her divorce with Russell Brand

2012-01-08T20:51:00.000-08:00

A week after news insolvent that Katy Perry and Russell Brand are breaking up after a year of marriage; the pop singer has broken her silence.

On Saturday, she took to twitter to open up publicly for the first time since the split.

"I am so grateful for all the love and support I've had from people around the world," she wrote. "You guys have made my heart happy again."

In another tweet minutes later, she addressed the tabloid chatter that has been swirling around since Brand filed for divorce in Los Angeles on December 30. Concerning the gossip, I want to be clear that NO ONE speaks for me, she said, "Not a blog, magazine, 'close sources' or my family."

The tweets come days before Perry is set to make her first public appearance at the People's Choice Awards on Wednesday where she's up for a number of awards.

The People's Choice Awards marks the beginning of a slew of expected appearances from the singer. She's also slated to make two appearances on her California Dreams Tour later this month, one on January 19 in Jakarta, Indonesia, and another on January 22 in the Philippines.

Perry's next awards show appearance could take place February 12 at the Grammys, where she's up for two awards: Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for "Firework."

Brand released a statement at the time of the announcement, saying, "Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage. I will always adore her and I know we'll remain friends."

Cradle of punk doesn't need to be listed

2012-01-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

London's 100 Club, home to early gigs by the Rolling Stones, Oasis, The Sex Pistols and the Clash, has failed in an attempt to get a heritage building listing from the UK Government, despite support from English Heritage in the Grade II listing building category. A statement from John Pemrose, Minister for Tourism, said "there's no denying the club's place in British pop music's history but in the end its only a stage and signage ... I can't help but feeling that giving the cradle of punk listed building status would not be quite in tune with the movement's driving spirit". Here here!

French fans launch Jackson action

2012-01-08T04:39:00.000-08:00

In another bizarre twist in the Michael Jackson story, a group of French fans of the King of Pop are launching a legal action in France against Dr Conrad Murray, who has now been convicted of involuntary manslaughter after the singer's death in 2009 in the USA. They are each claiming symbolic damages of one Euro for the 'emotional damage' the death has had on them. Murray was sentenced to four years in prison.

EMI launch ReDigi claim

2012-01-08T04:38:00.000-08:00

EMI has filed a lawsuit against digital track reseller ReDigi, alleging that the company’s plans to enable the selling of “used’’ digital music constitutes copyright infringement. On its website, ReDigi claims that the marketplace that it created to resell digital music is as legal as someone reselling an album to a used-record store. “Once you sell a song, you no longer have access to it,’’ the company says on the site. “This is how ReDigi stays legit, and how you now have access to an incredible marketplace where rights long accepted in the physical world may now be applied to digital goods.’’ http://bostonglobe.com/business/2012/01/07/emi-sues-cambridge-digital-music-reseller/bwemnUEMuWS6k9GKkJINdI/story.html and see http://www.musiclawupdates.com/?p=427

US recorded music sales show digital growth and a first rise in album sales since 2004

2012-01-08T04:35:00.000-08:00

Following hot on the heels of the UK recording industry statistics for 2011 come the US figures with the Billboard / Nielsen Music Industry Report showing that digita now accounts for 50.3% of all sales in the USA, marking the first time digital has overtook physical. Another interesting statistic is that vinyl album sales grew 36% compared to 2010, selling more than any other year in the past two decades and that catalogue sales are still substantially more important than current releases - with the statistics pointing to the fact that whilst consumers are losing interest in physical product overall, when they do purchase they’re increasingly likely to choose something that they connect with on a personal level. Total music purchases were up 6.9% for the year against 2010 - the first rise since 2004. for the year. Digital sales were up 8.4% from the previous year while physical album sales declined 5%. As in the UK, Adele topped the sales chart selling more than 5.8 million copies of 21 which became the best selling digital album of all time (1.8 million). She also had the best selling digital song with “Rolling in the Deep” and most played song on the radio with the same recording. She also tops BigChampagne’s Ultimate Chart, which factors in music fans enjoy regardless of whether it was enjoyed via legitimate channels or piracy. Lady Gaga was the number one streamed artiste, although the most-streamed individual track was Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass". Universal and Sony Music each had approximately 30% of the total album sales, Warners 19%, EMI 9.5% and independent labels approximately 10%.

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120105005547/en/Nielsen-Company-Billboard%E2%80%99s-2011-Music-Industry-Report

BBC names top five

2012-01-06T04:45:00.000-08:00

The BBC's Sound Of 2012 poll's final five have been announced, hopefully predicting which newcomers will have a good year in 2012. And those top five are:

1. Michael Kiwanuka
2. Frank Ocean
3. Azealia Banks
4. Skrillex
5. Niki & The Dove

UK record sales continue their downward slide

2012-01-06T04:42:00.000-08:00

The BPI has released figures showing that despite a growth in digital sales, overall record sales in the UK continued to decline. It was another record breaking year for singles sales which were up 10%, the vast majority being sold digitally, with just one million CD singles sold in 2011 accounting for less than 1% of the singles market. Digital albums also saw significant growth, up 26.6%, though that wasn't enough to compensate for the continued slump in CD sales, with album sales overall down 5.6% to 113.2 million. The figures do not include revenues from either the performance of sound recordings (from PPL), from band’s own sales or from the new and growing streaming services.

Top Ten UK Singles Of 2011
1. Adele - Someone Like You (Beggars/XL)
2. Maroon 5 feat Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger (Universal/Polydor)
3. LMFAO feat Lauren Bennett & Goonrock - Party Rock Anthem (Universal/Polydor)
4. Jessie J feat BoB - Price Tag (Universal/Lava)
5. Rihanna feat Calvin Harris - We Found Love (Universal/Mercury)
6. Pitbull feat Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer - Give Me Everything (Sony/J)
7. Bruno Mars - Grenade (Warner/Atlantic)
8. Ed Sheeran - The A Team (Warner/Atlantic)
9. Adele - Rolling In The Deep (Beggars/XL)
10. Jennifer Lopez feat Pitbull - On The Floor (Universal/Mercury)

Top Ten UK Albums Of 2011
1. Adele - 21 (Beggars/XL)
2. Michael Bublé - Christmas (Warner/Reprise)
3. Bruno Mars - Doo-Wops & Hooligans (Warner/Atlantic)
4. Adele - 19 (Beggars/XL)
5. Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto (EMI/Parlophone)
6. Rihanna - Loud (Universal/Mercury)
7. Lady Gaga - Born This Way (Universal/Polydor)
8. Jessie J - Who You Are (Universal/Lava)
9. Ed Sheeran - + (Warner/Atlantic)
10. Rihanna - Talk That Talk (Universal/Mercury)

MAMA up for sale?

2012-01-06T04:41:00.001-08:00

It seems that beleaguered UK retailer HMV has put its live music division, in reality the MAMA Group, up for sale. It is thought AEG are amongst those interested, and that long term CEO Dean James may also consider fronting a bid.

EMI joins battle against Grooveshark

2012-01-06T04:41:00.000-08:00

EMI has joined fellow majors Universal, Sony and Warner in suing Grooveshark. But in a slight twist, EMI Music Publishing filed a lawsuit against Grooveshark operators Escape Media claiming the digital firm is in breach of the licensing agreement reached in 2009 at the conclusion of a previous legal dispute for the non-payment of royalties and according to reports, the legal papers filed with the New York State Supreme Court claims Grooveshark "hasn't made a single royalty payment to EMI, nor provided a single accounting statement" under the existing licensing deal, and that the digital firm now owes at least $150,000 in royalties. Responding to the EMI action, the streaming platform said in a statement "This is a contract dispute that we expect to resolve".

Burkle buys AGI

2012-01-06T04:40:00.000-08:00

US based booking agency Artist Group International (AGI) which represents the likes of Billy Joel, Metallica, Rod Stewart and Linkin Park, has been bought by Yucaipa, the equity group led by Ron Burkle which was linked to bids to buy both Warner and EMI during 2011.

Viagogo to fight on despite second court loss

2012-01-06T01:15:00.000-08:00

Viagogo has vowed to fight on despite losing a Court of Appeal decision in the UK ordering it to hand over details of suppliers of rugby football tickets which were resold on Viagogo. In a statement, the ticket resale platform said "We are committed to vigorously defending our customer's rights and private information, therefore we will appeal today's decision" adding "In the meantime, no customer information has been shared and we are confident that no customer information will ever be shared." At the time of writing no specifics have been given of any appeal. RFU spokesperson Sophie Goldschmidt said that “placing tickets for sale on secondary ticketing sites is in direct contravention of the RFU's ticketing terms and conditions, and if the seller can be identified, they face tough sanctions including possible court action" adding "Individuals who believe they have anonymity by trading their tickets through such secondary sales sites are no longer invisible, and we will do our utmost to ensure that tickets go to genuine fans."

Adele keeps holding her first position in 2012 billboard albums

2012-01-04T21:29:00.000-08:00

Adele's inexorable 21 sold more than 144,000 copies to claim the top spot on the first Billboard albums chart of 2012, easily outpacing Drake's Take Care, which landed at #2 with sales of nearly 72,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

As it approaches the one-year anniversary of its release, 21 — which was 2011's biggest seller by a huge margin — shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, with this week's numbers, it has now sold some 5.8 million copies in the U.S., making it the best-selling album since Usher's massive Confessions, which moved 7.9 million copies in 2004.

Young Jeezy's TM 103: Hustlerz Ambition holds strong at #3 on this week's chart, selling more than 67,000 copies in hts second week. Lady Antebellum's Own the Night is up next at #4 with sales of nearly 54,000 copies. And buoyed by the chart-topping success of single "Sexy and I Know It," LMFAO's Sorry for Party Rocking leaps from #16 all the way up to #5.

Eurosonic sets green agenda in 2012

2012-01-02T07:20:00.000-08:00

EuroSonic Nooderslag, Europe’s most important live music showcase, is all set for a record year in Groningen in the Netherlands this year from Wednesday 11th to Saturday 14th January. The whole show kicks off this year on Wednesday 11th January at 18.00 with the European Border Breakers Awards (hosted by Jools Holland and live on NTR TV in the Netherlands) and then at 20.00 its time for The European Festival Awards – and the special recipient this year is Michael Eavis, organiser of the Glastonbury Festival who wins the Lifetime Achievement Award. Live shows in 2012 include Border Breaker Awards winners James Vincent McMorrow (IE), Anna Calvi (UK), Elektro Guzzi (AT), Boy (D) and Selah Sue (BE) along with many many others including the Medics, Animal Kids, Death Letters, Lilian Hak, Blaudzun, Baskerville, Effi, Haas, Krystl, Bombay Show Pig, LeMaitre, We Are Evergreen, Wolfendale, The Cyborgs, Pinkunoizu, Lucy Rose, Tove Stryke and Reptile Youth.

Eurosonic also features a cross sector music industry conference which is attracting more and more delegates. With a special focus on green issues in 2012, looking at 'green communications' and international standards for green events, here are highlights of some of the other panels at the conference which might be of interest to our readers:

Thursday 14.30 - 15.30 THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF MAJOR EVENTS ON LOCAL REGIONS: Do you know the full economic value of your event and how to use this information effectively? Economic impact can form a persuasive argument when dealing with local authorities, sponsors and suppliers and others. This session will look at different ways to measure the economic impact of your event and why this is becoming increasingly important. Using real case studies, the discussion will focus on practical applications you can adopt and use. With Chris Maughan (De Montfort University, Leicester, UK), Colin Rodger (T In The Park Festival, UK) and moderated by Teresa Moore (Bucks New University, UK).

Thursday 15.00 – 16.00 ACTS OF GOD – ISSUES FROM WEATHER AT FESTIVALS: With Sabine Funk (Rheinkultur/IBIT, D), Henrik Neilsen (Roskilde Festival, DK), Gary Latham (DF Concerts, UK) and moderated by Professor Chris Kemp ( Buckinghamshire New University ,UK)

Thursday 16.30 – 17.30 NEW EURPOEAN UNION SUPPORT FOR THE CULTURAL AND CREATIVE SECTORS with Ann Branch from the EU Commission, moderated by Willem van Zeeland (VPRO, NL)

Friday 12.30-13.30 LESS TOURS, LESS TICKETS? With Rob Chalice (Coda UK), Charlie Presberg (Pollstar, UK), Eric van Eerdenberg (MOJO, NL), Sebastien Vuignier (Paleo Festival, CH), Stephan Thanscheidt(FKP Scorpio, D) and moderated by Allan McGowan (UK).

Friday 13.30-14.30 GREEN FESTIVAL COMMUNICATION with Julia Gudzent (Melt! Festival D) and Carlijn Lindmulder (ID&T, NL) moderated by Holger Jan Schmidt (Rhienkultur, D)

Friday 15.00 – 16.00 THE DEBATE ABOUT DISCOUNTING TICKETS with Stewart McKie (UK) and Will Page (PRS for Music, UK) and moderated by Greg Parmley (Intellitix, UK)

Saturday 12.30 – 13.30 GREEN INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS IN EVENT MANAGEMENT WITH Rachael Saunders (Sustainable Events, UK) and moderated by Jacob Bilabel (Green Music Initiative, D)

http://conference.eurosonic-noorderslag.nl/en/home/

Singer, actress Kaye Stevens dead on Wednesday

2011-12-30T21:52:00.000-08:00

Kaye Stevens, who acted upon with the Rat Pack and was a common visitor on Johnny Carson's "The Tonight Show," has died at a central Florida hospital. She was 79.

Close friend Gerry Schweitzer established that Stevens died Wednesday at the Villages Hospital north of Orlando subsequent a fight with breast cancer and blood clots.

Stevens, a longtime South Florida resident, presented with Rat Pack associates counting Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey Bishop. She also sang alone at locations like Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and the Plaza Hotel's Persian Room in New York City.

Throughout the Vietnam War period, Stevens acted upon for American soldiers in the war region with Bob Hope's USO trip.

According to a newsletter from friend Rhonda Glenn, Stevens was born Catherine Louise Stephens in Pittsburgh. Her family eventually moved to Cleveland, where a teenage Stevens got her start as a drummer and singer. She later married now deceased bandleader and trumpet player Tommy Amato, and the couple performed throughout the eastern U.S.

During a gig in New Jersey, Stevens was discovered by Ed McMahon, Carson's longtime sidekick, which led to new bookings. Her big break came when she was playing a lounge at The Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. Debbie Reynolds became ill and was unable to perform in the main room. Stevens filled in and was an instant hit.

Besides singing, Stevens also acted in film and television. She appeared in six movies, earning a Golden Globe nomination in 1964 for "The New Interns." She was a regular celebrity player on game shows and appeared as a regular on "Days of Our Lives" from 1974-79.

During the past two decades, Stevens started her own ministry and began performing only Christian and patriotic music. She staged benefits to help build St. Vincent Catholic Church in her longtime home of Margate, Fla., where city officials named a park in her honor.

Live Nation boosts data mining

2011-12-30T02:42:00.000-08:00

Ticketnews.com reports that Live Nation has hired an Internet and music industry veteran to help boost its new data analytics initiative with media measurement company BigChampagne. The live entertainment and ticketing company recently hired former Warner Music Group senior vice president Ethan Kaplan as vice president of product development, and he will help oversee Live Nation's move toward increased data mining.

Adele tops Spotify in 2011

2011-12-30T02:41:00.000-08:00

Soulful British sensation Adele has swept Spotify's year-end charts, appearing in more country-by-country top tens than any other artist. Her album "21" ended the year having sold more than 5 million copies, a feat no U.S. album has achieved since Usher in 2004.

Justin Bieber's Grandparents all right later than Car Collide

2011-12-29T03:22:00.000-08:00

Ontario police established Wednesday that pop star Justin Bieber's grandparents were in a car crash but say they are both fine.

Constable Kees Wijnands said Bruce and Diane Dale drove into a ditch Tuesday afternoon after hitting a patch of slushy snow on a road near Stratford, Ontario, Bieber's hometown.

Wijnands said the car rolled over and struck a small tree before landing back on its wheels.

He said Bruce Dale was treated in the hospital and that both are fine.

Bieber's mother, Pattie Mallette, broke the news on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon, setting off an outpouring of support online.

"My parents got into a car accident today. They flipped into a ditch & totaled the car but thank God they are alive! My dad has broken ribs. Please pray 4 him 4 quick healing! Count your blessings & forgive your parents always. U never knows what tomorrow holds!!!" she tweeted.

Vinyl makes a UK radio comeback

2011-12-28T07:51:00.000-08:00

The BBC's 6Music has announced that it will be having a vinyl day on January 1st 2012. Vinyl has been rarely used on BBC Radio since CDs were introduced in the early 1990s, and digital tracks have been used since early on in the 2000s. DJs and guest presenters including Jarvis Cocker and Richard Hawley will use only vinyl on all shows with the stations editor, Paul Rodgers, saying "vinyl is still close to the hearts of many music lovers".

Top 12 best Christmas pop songs

2011-12-26T20:54:00.000-08:00

"Mistletoe," Justin Bieber
Bieber's modern-day missive about kissing under the mistletoe certainly harks back to carols of days gone by, but he updates the narrative using his own fly-boy language, referring to his girl as his "shawty." Awww!

"All I Want for Christmas Is You," Mariah Carey
Perhaps the most ubiquitous pop song of the last 20 years, Carey's iconic single may have been remained by Bieber, but it will forever be associated with Carey, her skimpy Santa suit and her desire to be reunited with her boy.

"Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays," *NSYNC
Spunky and funky, *NSYNC's 1998 track is all about getting together with your friends and family and wishing them "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" — a fitting sentiment for folks of all persuasions.

"My Only Wish (This Year)," Britney Spears
Like Carey before her, Britney uses her sugary sweet, incredibly innocent ode to the holidays to pine away for the one thing she hopes Santa can get her: her one true love.

"Last Christmas," Wham!
George Michael had one message for that ex-special someone: This year, to save him from tears, he'll give his heart to someone special. After it was released, the song immediately became a Christmas staple with radio and local malls playing it endlessly through the season.

"Do They Know It's Christmas?" Band Aid
while many Christmas songs focus on chestnuts roasting on an open fire, 1984's A-list-filled charity single reminded the world that not everyone has chestnuts or an open fire.

"Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town," Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
This song had already been recorded and re-recorded, but when Springsteen put his Jersey sass on the Christmas classic, it became the type of jovial, rocked-out tune cool enough to top the lists of his fans.

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," U2
Darlene Love may have recorded the track in 1963, but Bono and his boys put their own spin on the song when they released it in 1987. It's all about wanting your baby to come home to you on Christmas. And, really, who doesn't want that?

"Baby, It's Cold Outside," Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson
In a world where these two are still together, it would actually be a cute idea to have this real-life couple sing about wanting to stay warm with one another on a chilly winter night.

"Don't Shoot Me Santa," The Killers
Every Christmas playlist needs a kooky take on the holidays, and the Las Vegas band's spin on pleading with Santa to cut them a break is a bit country, a bit rock and roll, and all fun. See also: Blink-182's "I Won't Be Home for Christmas."

"I'll be Home for Christmas," Michael Bublé
Bublé's Christmas album has been sitting at the top of the charts for weeks, and this particularly stirring Christmas ballad is all about making sure you're with the people you love for the holidays.

"Santa Baby," Madonna
Cooing and gushing about what she wants from her Santa Baby for Christmas is an incredibly decadent idea full of incredibly lavish gift ideas. Pretend like there's no recession, blast this one and imagine a world where cars and jewels are totally affordable Christmas gifts.

More news from Live Nation!

2011-12-22T03:51:00.000-08:00

Following the news that Live Nation had opened a new division in South Korea, CMU Daily reports that the live music, ticketing, label, venue and management group is planning a new partnership for the Japanese market in 2012. It seems there are plans for a joint venture with one of the country's leading promoters Creativeman Productions, headed up by CEO Naoki Shimizu, to tour major Live Nations acts with U2 and Madonna rumoured to be on the cards.

Mariah Carey released “When Christmas Comes” – A latest album

2011-12-21T22:01:00.000-08:00

Mariah Carey has joined with John Legend who was the winner of Grammy Award to release the new album fro Christmas. Initially released as a path on the Merry Christmas II You album, Mariah has at the present re-concerned the celebratory song as a duo for the 2011 season. John plays a impressive piano throughout the whole path, and adheres in performance with Mariah throughout various sections. The significance of the song is obvious: give the gift of love - as repeated in the lyrics, "I can't wait to unwrap your love until Christmas comes."

The music album is filmed in Mariah Carey's Beverly Hills mansion, performance the many joys of Christmas Day with family. The clip shows children liking each other's company, eating Chrissy indulgences, laughing and having fun. Snippets of a Charlie Brown Christmas cartoon feature throughout the video as a reminder that this special season is celebrated everywhere. More scenes follow showing family and friends enjoying the festive spirit of the special day. Mariah has stated that she is a good cook, and loves preparing all the Christmas goodies herself just to make the day extra special.

Mariah has said that Christmas has to be celebrated in the snow - even though she lives in Beverly Hills. Last year she wanted to go to Aspen for Christmas but was unable to fly due to health reasons with the twins on the way. However she still went away to a closer snow area just for the day.

Live Nation launch in South Korea

2011-12-21T04:12:00.000-08:00

Live Nation has launched a new division in South Korea , headed up by Steven Kim and Yongbae Cho, both veterans of the country's live industry. Confirming the new office, to be based in Seoul, Live Nation head honcho Michael Rapino said "We see great opportunity for concerts around the world and our move into South Korea represents another step in the growth of this business. Our strategy is to continue our international expansion into under penetrated regions and identify new markets to deliver our unique live experience product".

Goebbels back at RT

2011-12-21T04:10:00.000-08:00

Martin Goebbels is returning to entertainment industry insurer Robertson Taylor from rival insurance firm Apex Insurance. He will bring with him his existing clients and his team at Apex, Pamela Choat and Holly Leary.

Eavis to get top gong at EFAs

2011-12-21T01:58:00.000-08:00

Michael Eavis, organiser of the Glastonbury Festival, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the January 2012 European Festival Awards. The ceremony will be held at the Eurosonic Noorderslag festival on the 11th of January. Commenting on the announcement, Eavis said: "After 41 years, to win something of this magnitude is something to be incredibly proud of. To still be doing this after that amount of time is no mean feat". Festival Awards MD James Drury added: "Since founding one of the most famous and long lasting festivals in the world, Michael has dedicated his life to Glastonbury and the millions of festival goers which have attended the event over its 41 year history. Glastonbury is the grandfather of the incredible festival market which Europe enjoys, and Michael is cited as an inspiration by almost every festival organiser I speak to across the world. This is why he is so deserving of this honour".

Breaking music achievements of Katy Perry

2011-12-20T01:46:00.000-08:00

Katy Perry’s inexorable achievements of these days had made her to hold record in Music Industry. Her album “The one that got away” has put her in record asset situation.The singing sense joins Janet Jackson and George Michael as artists to make six top-five hits from a single album on the Hot 100 chart list in Billboard history!
Her latest single along with chart toppers “Last Friday Night,” “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” “Firework” and “E.T.” have earned Ms Perry the mentionable respect.

She said that this song shows a very different side of her that she hasn’t shown with her past singles on this record. And also she added that she think that everyone can relate to this song. She wrote this song about when you promise someone forever, but you end up not being able to follow through. It’s a bittersweet story confidently; the listener hears from consideration it and not at all has to speak they had 'The One' get away."

HMV calls in suppliers for emergency talks

2011-12-18T13:59:00.000-08:00

The Observer reports that HMV, the UK high street retailer and now live music group has called in suppliers tomorrow (December 19th) for an emergency meeting and is expected to announce first half losses of £38 million. Despite selling the Waterstones book retailer chain for £53 million, the Simon Fox led group is now apparently valued at just £16 million - although Christmas would usually be its busiest time. HMV brought the MAMA Group for £46 million in 2009.

Farewell to .....

2011-12-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

Howard Tate, The brilliant US Soul singer who disappeared for nearly three decades before being rediscovered in 2001 has died aged 72. And farewell to Dick Sims, Eric Clapton's long term keyboard player who featured on classic tracks such as I Shot The Sheriff, Cocaine, Lay Down Sally and Wonderful Tonight who has died aged 60. And also farewell to country music legend Billie Jo Spears who had hits in the 70s with Blanket on the Gound and Misty Blue and had an an enduring career. She has died aged 74.

Beach Boys Back

2011-12-18T13:56:00.000-08:00

After decades of ill will, rancour and legal disputes, Mike Love, Al Jardine and Brian Wilson have announced that they will reform the Beach Boys, fifty years after their original formation. The trio, along with Bruce Johnston and David Marks, have set aside their differences and said they patched things up during a recent rerecording session of Do It Again for a planned new album.

SO HERE IT IS, MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-17T09:54:00.000-08:00

Can we wish all of our readers, musicians who celebrates Christmas a very very merry festive season 2011. And to everyone of whatever their religion, creed, beliefs or code, can we wish you a happy and healthy 2012. “Live long and prosper”.

McFly double??

2011-12-17T03:14:00.000-08:00

McFly never cease to impress me with clever and inventive ways to keep what probably should have been a rather short boy band career going. Apart from adopting novel ways to get their music to fans using all sorts of tricks like an amazing 2.4 million cover mounts on the Mail on Sunday, they have taken reality TV by storm - in a reasonably dignified way. First of all guitarist and vocalist Danny Jones had a pretty good run on 'Popstar to Opera Star' and then more recently bassist Dougie Poynter won ITV's 'Im A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here' and was crowned King of the Jungle. Will drummer Harry Judd make it a double on BBC1? Harry's up against Jason Donovan and actress Chelsee Healey in the final of Strictly Come Dancing, but he's odds on favourite with partner, professional dancer Aliona Vilani, and looks set to win. What about a hat trick I say to missing vocalist Tom Fletcher?!!

Live Nation buys Big Champagne

2011-12-15T04:54:00.000-08:00

Live Nation has bought BigChampagne, the US-based research company which specialises in monitoring and assessing online media consumption. BigChampagne have become increasingly prolific in monitoring social media activity in recent years and Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino says that "We love the basics of what they've created, and love the idea of taking an incredible amount of fan data off and online and merging that into a relevant database of what artists are most popular and relevant to today's consumer".

Clive Robbins dies

2011-12-15T04:53:00.000-08:00

Clive Robbins, the inspirational music therapist, has died aged 84. His death was confirmed earlier this week by the music therapy charity that bears his name, Nordoff-Robbins. We also have to sadly confirm that John Atterbury, gunned down in LA last week, has died from his injures.

Lady Gaga captured the first top most earning women in 2011

2011-12-15T03:58:00.000-08:00

Lady Gaga captured the first position of top most earning female musicians in 2011 of year income of $90 million, this survey released by Forbes.com on Wednesday. The nearest competitor for Gaga is Taylor Swift who earned $45 million in this year for her album “Speak now” and third competitor is Katy Perry who earned $44 million in this year for the album “Teenage Dream”. Beyonce is one of the fourth competitor who bearned $35 million in this year for her new album “4” and her touring also made her to come in 4^th place.

Fifth place is won by Rihanna, who earned $29 million fro her album “Loud” and her supports of Cosmetics Company. Lady Gaga stands first among all these competitors due to her big album “Born This Way and various others contracts with companies like Polariod and virigin mobile. The other singer who have listed in the top ten lists are, 6^th place was got by pink $22 million, 7^th place was won by Carrie Underwood$20 million, Celine Dion won the 8^th place who earned $19 million, Adele won the 9^th place and Britney Spears won the 10^th place.

Taylor swift succeeded the Award “Artist of the Year”

2011-12-13T23:12:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift, 22-year-old won the CMT Artist of the year at very young age. She got her Award for “Speak Now” album with gratitude and humbleness and also she felt that she was blessed. She kindly accepted the honor at a special celebration in Nashville. She was wearing a strapless red gown and lipstick in red when gathering her special prize form faith hallwho called her a “bad romantic”. She also thanked member’s winners Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney when conveying her approval speech.

The pop singer as well thanked the crowds for helping the country, and uttered her thankfulness for having an astonishing year counting performing with Nicki Minaj and Justin Bieber in her "magical" tour. Talking regarding what she has on her sleeve for next year, she said, "I just can't wait for people to hear new music. And hopefully it will be good.

Previous to the section was enthused to the other honorees, Katy Perry becomes visible on the big screen to show support for Swift. "I love that you wrote every lyric and every single note off of 'Speak Now’ that says tons about you as an artist" the West Coast singer gushed. "You're really aspiring." The "Teenage Dream" singer ended her video message with a joke, "I still want your cat."

MTV’s New Year’s Eve party on December 31st

2011-12-12T23:04:00.000-08:00

MTV is conducting special live show “on December 31^st to celebrate the upcoming New Year “NYE in NYC”. They invited Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato to celebrate the New Year in this special show. Both of them booked for their performance on this live show.

Also they invited other performer such as Mac Millter, J.cole and Jason Derulo “Teen Wolf” star Tyler Posey is going to count up the minutes to midnight with Demi and also the special appearances of Vanessa Marano and Katie Leclerc of “Switched at Birth”.

This show preparation starts on Wednesday, December 14, where fans can also participate by voting their favorite songs of 2011. The songs selected will be presented by "America's Best Dance Crew" champions the Jabbawockeez throughout the festivity.

LA Music executive gunned down

2011-12-12T04:27:00.000-08:00

An LA-based producer and former music executive is in a critical condition in hospital after being the victim in a random shooting on Sunset Boulevard on Friday. John Atterberry, who worked with the likes of Jessica Simpson, Brandy and the Spice Girls, was shot three times in the face and neck after gunman Tyler Brehm fired at his and other cars. Brehm fired his gun randomly into traffic on the LA street, also wounding Hollywood Reporter photo editor Chris Godley. Brehm was shot dead by police. An off-duty officer working at a movie set and a detective confronted and shot him, police said.

New research says women spend more on music

2011-12-12T03:19:00.000-08:00

New UK research from IPC Media says that women are bigger spenders on music than men, though only when tickets and merch are taken into consideration. The new survey by the NME and Uncut publisher found that while the average man spends more than the average woman buying actual recordings (£381 versus £327), women spend more on live music and merchandise, so overall they spend £803 on music products, versus £793 for men. The Great British Music Survey also claims that Britons spend on average 51 days a year listening to music, that 82% of Brits listen to music every day, that radio and personal recommendation are the most important music discovery routes, and that 61% of us talk to our friends at least once a week about musical matters.

Embellished effort of Lady Gaga in “Born this way” album

2011-12-08T22:44:00.000-08:00

When Lady Gaga released her music album “Born This Way” she had enfolded up the huge globe expedition. Now she is ready to launches her next stage show, since this year “2011” is coming to an end.

Fernando Garibay said that this music album was the most special because the music is fully filled with her style and emotion. He also added that each song in this album was a story in the directions of the Born This Way theme.

Recently Lady Gaga is engaged in playing smaller radio shows, her producer reported. She said that she would love to go there and do her entire new album, but each one out there wants to hear the songs that radio has made hits for her over the years, so she wanted to honor the radio station as well as the fans tonight and give them a little bit of her new record, but also all the songs from the past three years.

Justin Beiber released his second album for Christmas

2011-12-07T21:31:00.000-08:00

Justin Beiber came back again with his new album ‘Santa Claus is coming to town’. This is said to be his recent music video for Christmas. Before this album he already released ‘Under the Mistletoe’ album following ‘mistletoe’, ‘Fa La La’, and ‘All I Want fro Christmas is You' for Christmas. This recent dance oriented video sees Beiber act as an elf, building toys in Santa’s workshop before the toys start coming to life, dancing with the other elves.

The dance oriented video sees Beiber act as an elf, building toys in Santa’s workshop before the toys begin coming to life, dancing with the other elves.

This is the second music video Bieber has made for ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’, one of the most widely recorded Christmas standards. An animated version of the video was displayed before screenings of hit children’s Christmas movie – Arthur Christmas. The song also featured in the movie’s official soundtrack.

Metallica Pump The Zone

2011-12-07T03:55:00.000-08:00

CMU Daily is speculating that Metallica newly announced 2012 festival dates, following had on the heels of alive appearances over the last two years, are a result of fears of a Eurozone meltdown. CMU also point to what looks like a premature celebration of the band’s ‘The Black Album’ which is 21 in 2013, rather than 20 in 2012 (though U2 might disagree having just celebrated 20 years of Achtung Baby). It seems Metallica will prioritise Europe in 2012 with Asia and Latin America being targeted in the years following 2012. Manager Cliff Burnstein has admitted that Europe's faltering currency has impacted on the way he has scheduled Metallica's live plans for the coming years, telling the Wall Street Journal: "We're a US export the same way Coca-Cola is. We look for the best markets. And you have to ask yourself, what's the best time to be doing what, when and where".

CPA Welcomes the PRS Status Quo

2011-12-07T03:54:00.000-08:00

The UK’s Concert Promoters Association has welcomed the recent announcement by PRS For Music that it will keep the royalties it charges the live sector at the current rate of 3% of box office receipts after a lengthy consultation. CPA Chairman Stuart Littlewood issued a statement supporting that move yesterday, telling reporters: "We are extremely pleased that the consultation has been persuasive in assisting PRS For Music in deciding to abandon an increase. The potential ramifications of the proposed increase - for both live music fans and people within the industry - were massive" adding "Any increased tax nn musical performances would have been directly passed onto music fans up and down the country. If live music is to survive, we need to ensure that we are keeping ticket prices at an affordable level, not least given the current harsh economic climate".

UK Live Music Bill Just Three Steps Away from Becoming Law

2011-12-07T03:53:00.000-08:00

Tim Clement Jones’ Live Music Bill, which aims to roll back almost a decade of licensing restrictions on small live music events has now passed its 'second reading' stage in the UK Parliament on Friday 25 November 2011. The Bill was introduced in the House of Lords last year by Lord Clement-Jones, a Lib-Dem peer and it will make it easier for musicians in England and Wales to perform by allowing small venues like schools, colleges and village halls to hold concerts without needing a licence. Other measures in the Bill will make it easier for venues with an existing licence – such as pubs – to put on live music events.

Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive of the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM), the professional association for musicians said “'The deregulation of live music is something the ISM has been campaigning for some time as part of our role in protecting the rights of musicians and the progress of the Live Music Bill – further than ever before – is fantastic news for musicians across the UK” adding “
This Bill will free up musicians from endless bureaucracy and red-tape allowing them, and their venues, to put on events without jumping through so many hoops beforehand. We must now make sure the Bill – which is further-reaching than the Government's consultation – makes it into law before Easter.”

Selena Gomez paid a tribute to Katy Perry

2011-12-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

Selena Gomez recently paid tribute to one of her idols, Katy Perry, in a live concert. The "Wizards of Waverly Place" star delivered a rendition of Katy's latest single "The One That Got Away" when performing at Jingle Ball concert in Sacramento, California.

"One of my inspirations is Katy Perry," Selena told the crowd before covering the song. "She's been really wonderful and just really good as a person to me I think, she's given me like two songs of hers and she's been great so in honor of Katy we wanted to do this song for her."

The concert took place at Power Balance Pavilion on Thursday, December 1. Joining the "Who Says" singer on the performer line-up were the likes of JoJo, Breathe Carolina, Cobra Starship, Gym Class Heroes and Neon Hitch.

UK managers push for ticket resale legislation

2011-12-01T23:17:00.000-08:00

Concert promoters and artist managers in the United Kingdom are calling on the country's culture secretary to back a proposal that would cap resold ticket profits at 10 percent above face value. The plan was initially proposed in Parliament earlier this year by member Sharon Hodgson, but it has since languished but was kicked back into play at a meeting with Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt where industry representatives including Muse manager Anthony Addis and Iron Maiden manager Ron Smallwood called for action. A 2010 Government report said that the secondary ticket market could police itself – and after the meeting the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) released a statement saying that it did not anticipate a move towards regulation. Edward Parkinson from secondary ticket platform Viagogo told ticketnews.com that price caps were not the answer.

Jackson Tribute company folds

2011-11-29T03:53:00.000-08:00

The company behind the Michael Jackson Tribute concert at Cardiff's Millenniun Stadium, Michael Forever, has gone into administration. Not much of a result for what was meant to be a charity event, and even worse for those owed money. Global Events LLP, founded by Michael Henry and Chris Hunt, has now gone into administration. A spokesman for London-based insolvency practitioners RSM Tenon confirmed it was handling the administration, told reporters: "We are currently conducting our initial review of the business".

Sugarland named in new lawsuit

2011-11-24T23:59:00.000-08:00

Country duo Sugarland have been named as defendants in a lawsuit in the US relating to the stage collapse tragedy that occurred at the Indiana State Fair back in August when freak 60mph gusts of wind hit the State Fair's site just before the country act were due to perform in the event's main arena, bringing stage rigging crashing to the ground on top of waiting audience members. In total, seven people died and over 40 were injured. Claims had already been filed against the State of Indiana, whose liability under State law is limited to $5 million in total and against various other parties linked to the fair and the Sugarland performance.

Rheinkultur cancelled - Permanently

2011-11-24T13:32:00.000-08:00

The organisers of Rhinekultur, Germany's biggest admission-free festival, have said that they have cancelled the 2012 30th anniversary edition and will now stop the festival permanently. Giving reasons, organisers Sabine Funk and Holger Schmidt. said that the admission free concept required a lot of idealism and volunteer work from the organisers that doesn't now fit with the responsibility and risk involved. They also said that the financial base of the festival was always fragile and the organisers felt that there was a lack of support from the city of Bonn and that the Festival's influence, image and benefit for the city always has been underestimated by politicians and city government. The differences in support and subsidisation of entertainment and established culture were one of the main frustrations for the organising team who pointed to the fact that Rhinkultur, attended in 2011 by 160,000 visitors, was just 80,000€ , whereas the 2011 Beethoven Festival with a capacity of approx 60,000 visitors was awarded 1,6 Million€. But organisers also said that reasons also included the fact that they had recently had deal with a small but significant anti social element who were often aggressive and drunk. RhEINKULTUR closes with a "balanced financial state" having reduced debts from 2010 meaning that organisers can stop the festival "without doing any harm to anybody"

www.rheinkultur.com

UK Music call for Licensing Act input

2011-11-22T23:13:00.000-08:00

Cross sector trade body UK Music is calling on players from across the music industry to contribute to a previously reported government consultation on proposals to deregulate elements of the 2003 Licensing Act, proposals which could greatly reduce the bureaucratic strain on live music promoters, especially at the grass roots end of the market. More details about the consultation and how to respond, plus some template response letters should they be required, are online here: http://www.ukmusic.org/policy/currentconsultations/licensingact2003

Adele and Taylor top 2011 AMAs

2011-11-22T23:12:00.000-08:00

Adele and Taylor Swift each picked up three awards at the 2011 American Music Awards with Swift picking up overall Artist Of The Year. New Artiste of 2011 was Hot Chelle Rae

Pop & Rock
Favourite Male Artist: Bruno Mars
Favourite Female Artist: Adele
Favourite Band, Duo Or Group: Maroon 5
Favourite Album: Adele - 21

Country
Favourite Male Artist: Blake Shelton
Favourite Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Favourite Band, Duo Or Group: Lady Antebellum
Favourite Album: Taylor Swift - Speak Now

Rap/Hip Hop
Favourite Artist: Nicki Minaj
Favourite Album: Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday

Soul/R&B
Favourite Male Artist: Usher
Favourite Female Artist: Beyonce

Favourite Album: Rihanna - Loud
Favourite Alternative Rock: Foo Fighters
Favourite Adult Contemporary: Adele
Favourite Latin: Jennifer Lopez
Favourite Contemporary Inspirational: Casting Crowns
Artist Of The Year: Taylor Swift
New Artist Of The Year: Hot Chelle Rae

UK Festival Awards 2011 - the winners!

2011-11-21T05:36:00.000-08:00

The results of the UK Festival Awards 2011 have just been announced – with Glastonbury, Bestival and Secret Garden Party picking up the big prizes. Glastonbury took the award for Best Major Festival at a packed London Roundhouse while Secret Garden Party and End of the Road were crowned best medium and small festival respectively. Bestival was the Fans’ Favourite and Croatia’s Outlook won the award for Best Overseas Festival. Ed Sheeran picked up the award for Best Breakthrough Act and Paolo Nutini’s set at Latitude was named Headline Performance of the Year.

And those winners in full are:

Best New Festival in association with Access All Areas: Wilderness

Best Metropolitan Festival: Tramlines

Best Dance Event in association with Peppermint: Creamfields

Best Overseas Festival: Outlook (Croatia)

Best Family Festival in association with Showsec: Beautiful Days

Best Breakthrough Artist: Ed Sheeran

Line-Up of the Year in association with XL Video: Sonisphere

Headline Performance of the Year in association with Jagermeister: Paolo Nutini – Latitude

Anthem of the Summer: Chase and Status – Blind Faith

Agent of the Year in association with IQ: Steve Strange

Promoter of the Year in association with Virtual Festivals: Secret Productions

Best Small Festival in association with Doodson: End of the Road

Best Medium-Sized Festival: Secret Garden Party

Best Major Festival in association with The Ticket Factory: Glastonbury

Fans’ Favourite Festival: Bestival

The Lifetime Achievement Award: Steve Heap, Mrs Casey Music / Towersey Village Festival

The following awards were presented at the Festival Conference:

The Grass Roots Festival Award in association with ID&C: Y-Not Festival

Concession of the Year: The Beat Hotel

The Greener Festival Award in association with Robertson Taylor and agreenerfestival.com: Shambala

Best Toilets in association with Shewee: Y-Not Festival

Best Sponsor Activation in association with Field Marketing and Brand Experience: Capitalize – Bacardi

The Extra-Festival Activity Award in association with Music Week: Bearded Kitten

Outstanding Contribution to Festival Production in association with TPi: The Event Safety Shop

UK festivals could power 10,000 homes

2011-11-21T05:33:00.000-08:00

New research conducted this summer by creative industry greening experts Julie’s Bicycle, the University of Sussex and the Power Providers Forum (an informal network of power suppliers and festival promoters, JB, AGreenerFestival and the Association of Independent Festivals) shows that the energy used at UK festivals could power 10,000 homes for a year – with large inefficiencies found with diesel generators. The research findings show that UK music festivals consume about 12 million litres of diesel per year, generating an estimated 48,000MWh of electricity and 31,600t CO2e emissions. One of the green solutions for this, waste vegetable oil (WVO) biodiesel is currently meeting just 3-6% of this festival power supply demand, and on-site renewable energy – solar powered battery, temporary wind or pedal power – is meeting just 0.026%. with the current capacity of renewables meeting 0.1% (91kW) of demand. Julies Bicycle have made a number of recommendations to the sector including festivals understanding and reducing their energy demand, including better planning and rationalising of generators, and using more energy efficient kit for PA and lighting; Tour bus operations significantly reducing energy demand; Increasing the supply of WVO biodiesel through better information; and Energy suppliers providing better information about the power and entertainment output provided by diesel, biodiesel and renewable installations to increase confidence and promote forward planning.

Julie’s Bicycle has also developed the Green Suppliers Database, a platform for suppliers to share information and increase awareness of their business available at:
www.juliesbicycle.com/resources/jb-green-database

AEG focuses on consumers

2011-11-17T22:09:00.000-08:00

AEG has begun a digital marketing campaign for its consumer ticketing Web site axs.com. Specific details of the initiative were not disclosed, but the company said this week that it plans to concentrate on search engine marketing (SEM) efforts. International digital marketing company iCrossing will develop the campaigns to attract more users.

Quebec passes new ticket re-sale laws

2011-11-17T22:08:00.000-08:00

Ticketnews.com reports that the Quebec government has passed a strict new ticket resale law designed to make it more difficult for ticket brokers to resell tickets above face value. The new law, Bill 25, calls for brokers to obtain permission from a content provider, such as a sports team, concert promoter or venue, before they can resell that provider's tickets above face value.

Google Music launches

2011-11-17T22:07:00.000-08:00

Google Music has gone live, taking its beta cloud-based personal music library service and adding multiple device synching, purchasing, Google+ integration and exclusive content. Much more interesting capabilities, however, are the ability to share songs and the Artist Hub feature for musicians who want to control their own fan sales and relationships. More at http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2011/11/16/google-music-plugs-in-its-amps-with-videos-from-launch-event

More labels give up on streaming

2011-11-17T10:00:00.001-08:00

Dorset-based dance music distributor STHoldings has announced that it is pulling the music content from 238 of the labels it represents off Spotify, Simfy, Rdio and Napster, leaving only four of their clients providing music to the subscription-based music platforms. The company said that "these services cannibalise the revenues of more traditional digital services".

Two arrested in Counterfeit CD raid in UK

2011-11-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

Two men have been arrested after a large CD and DVD counterfeiting operation was discovered in a flat above a shop in Bognor in the United Kingdom. 150,000 CDs and DVDs and 100 computer hard drives containing 25,000 music, movie and software files were seized as part of the raid. The arrests followed a long investigation which began in North West England: investigators from the BPI's Anti-Piracy Unit were also involved in the raids.

Sharkey leaves UK Music

2011-11-15T00:22:00.000-08:00

Feargal Sharkey, boss of UK Music, has said that he is leaving cross sector campaign group with immediate effect. Former Undertone and record label executive Sharkey has been instrumental in building the group into a representative body that included the live sector and in catching the attention of government.

FESTIVAL HARVEST 2011

2011-11-12T02:48:00.000-08:00

FESTIVAL HARVEST 2011 is the new CD from A Greener Festival with eleven new bands for 2011 – all packed in recycled card to reduce the CD’s carbon footprint and promote a lower carbon future. CD packaging (in particular plastic jewel cases) can contribute up to 90% of a CD’s carbon footprint – so simply swapping to card packaging makes a big big difference.

The bands on the CD were all chosen because they are simply some of the best emerging talent from around the festivals in 2011 – and the new CD will be launched at the UK Festivals Conference on November 15th November at the Forum in Kentish Town, London. Abd the are (with their track)

Twin Brother - Lungs / My First Tooth - Orchards / Empty Headz - From Before / Related to Merv - BBC2 / J-Treole - Skydive / Fallen Trees - Black Eagle / Freddie & The Fair Stone Youth - Got A Little Soul / Kamal Arafa & The Moonlight Band - Grey / London Afrobeat Collective - Lagos Junction / Louise & The Pins - Beauty Strange / Akayzia - Sleepwalking

http://www.agreenerfestival.com/index.html

EMI sold to UMG and Sony

2011-11-12T02:36:00.000-08:00

EMI Group, the UK based music company, has been split in two and sold for $4.1 billion to Universal Music Group and Sony Corp. The absorption of the music major leaves just three major record companies in control of 70% of the declining recorded music sector. Universal will acquire EMI's recorded music division from EMI parent company Citigroup Inc. for $1.9 billion (£1.2 billion) and Sony will acquire the smaller but more lucrative music publishing business for $2.2 billion (£1.4 billion). Competition (antitrust) regulators in the U.S. and Europe are expected to review the transaction for possible anti-competitive issues. Indie labels group IMPALA had already warned European regulators that they would be unhappy with any sale to wither Universal or Sony. Globally, recorded music sales have sunk from $29.4 billion in 2005 to $18.4 billion last year from according to a report from research firm Enders Analysis.

The sale brings to a close EMI's 114-year run. The independent music company was founded in 1895 by Emile Berliner. Announcing the deal, UMG Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge said: "This is an historic acquisition for UMG and an important step in preserving the legacy of EMI Music. For me, as an Englishman, EMI was the pre-eminent music company that I grew up with. Its artists and their music provided the soundtrack to my teenage years. Therefore, UMG is committed to both preserving EMI's cultural heritage and artistic diversity and also investing in its artists and people to grow the company's assets for the future. As a result, we will be better positioned to fully capitalise on the many new and exciting opportunities in the current marketplace, and also able to better serve our artists, songwriters and business partners, while offering fans even more choice".

Farmer James apologises for food festival fiasco

2011-11-12T02:33:00.000-08:00

Blur's Alex James has sent a personal apology to creditors of a festival held on his farm in Oxfordshire, after the promoter Big Wheel Promotions, headed up by Shabs Jobanputra, went into administration. James hosted one of two Harvest festivals on his farm in September. Telly presenter and real life farmer Jimmy Doherty held a sister event on his farm in Suffolk. In a letter to over 100 creditors, including artists, James wrote: "I am appalled by Big Wheel's financial management of the festival held at my farm, which has left many out of pocket. Please be aware that I have no relationship with Big Wheel, beyond allowing them to stage the Harvest Festival at my farm and - regrettably - to use my name to stage the event. At no stage was there ever any indication that they would be unable to meet their costs. The news has come as a complete bolt from the blue". Ticket sales for the 2012 edition have now gone offline.

UK Government closes offshore tax loophole

2011-11-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

The UK Government says that it will close the VAT loophole that has enabled mail-order operations based in the Channel Islands to sell low-cost goods to customers back in the UK without paying the 20% sales tax. Independent retailers who can't afford an offshore base have campaigned on the issue for a number of years against the
"Low Value Consignment Relief". Many mail-order operations including most of the big mail-order CD and DVD sellers will no longer have a 20% advantage over their mainland competitors and it is expected that at least 1000 jobs will be lost on the Islands.

Robertson Taylor sold to EIP

2011-11-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

Oxygen Holdings plc has announced the sale of its subsidiary Robertson Taylor Holdings Ltd to Entertainment Insurance Partners (EIP) for an undisclosed sum. The sale is subject to FSA approval. Robertson Taylor provides dedicated broking and services to the music and entertainment sector on a global basis. It was acquired by Oxygen in 2007 and employs 75 staff in offices in the UK and USA. All staff and clients of Robertson Taylor will transfer to EIP on completion of the sale.

4 Tips to Read Music Notes Fast

2011-11-07T08:05:00.000-08:00

Note reading is very important for being able to read music notes fast, and improve sight reading in exams. There are four easy to learn tips that can help you memorize them easily:

In music notation, there are two staves (or called staffs in US)- one for the treble clef, which is usually played by the right hand; and one for the bass clef, usually played by the left hand. Once you can recall any note on the stave, you will know you have mastered note reading!

To remember the treble clef notes quickly, remember that the treble clef notes in the spaces (starting from the bottom) are F, A, C, E. This is easy to remember, as is spells FACE.

Remembering the treble clef notes in the lines: E, G, B, D, F. You can remember it by the mnemonic Every Good Boy Deserves Fruit (sounds corny, but it works!).

The bass clef notes in the spaces (also starting from the bottom) are A, C, E, G. You can remember this by All Cows Eat Grass.

The bass clef notes in the lines are G, B, D, F, A- so remember that Great Big Dogs Fight Animals!

Test yourself regularly by making flashcards- print off a music stave and write a letter on each flash card; just flip the cards face down and one-by-one, go through each letter, placing where you think the note is on the stave. After, just check with a reliable source.

Those are the four tips to remember the lines and spaces of each clef quickly, and therefore helps you to read music notes fast. Good luck on your music journey!

How to Find The Best New Music for Your Car Audio

2011-11-07T08:03:00.000-08:00

Music brings everyone together. But there are times when we feel that the music we're listening to is old and boring, like we've been there and done that. We want new music, new adventures, new perspective. So we set out to explore a vast expanse of new artists, songs, and genres. It can be overwhelming. Here's how to be organized and find the best of the best.

1. Read: Spinner, Rolling Stone, and most other small publications offer music reviews. These can help you broaden your horizons and get a better sense of what is hot at the moment.

2. Internet: Sites like MySpace still cater to the musical crowd, but if you want to become familiar with artists who you may like immediately, without doing the research, sites like Pandora and Last.fm play music similar to the artist who you identify. iLike also works well because it works in tandem with...

3. iTunes: Downloading the latest version of iTunes will help to refamiliarize you with old music that you might have forgotten. Newer software is smarter, faster, and more reliable. To increase the likelihood that you hear songs you like when you put it on shuffle, rate the songs, or comment on the artists.

4. Car: When you're listening to mobile audio, you get a good sense of what sounds good coming from your car audio subwoofers. It doesn't just depend on how hard your car audio amplifiers are working, it also matters how many heads you turn as you cruise down the street. Plus, when you're listening to music in your car audio, you are taking advantage of the perfect music listening opportunity.

5. Blogs: Subscribe to music blogs like Stereogum for indie and alternative new tunes, and Pitchfork, for a wide array of the best new albums and tracks. You'll hear all about the latest music news and the coolest new bands.

6. Shows: Once you find new bands that you like, try going to their shows. Since they're still up and coming, tickets are usually cheap, and you'll meet other music enthusiasts who want to talk about tunes and local artists.

Music is the universal language. You can be in another country and hear songs in English, or you can hear songs in the native language and really dig them. While music always changes, your favorite songs usually stay the same, and there's nothing better than hearing that song you always used to listen to, and have it flood your mind with memories of that long past era. So keep looking and keep listening. Knowing all the newest tunes will develop your ear, and make you cooler. Plus, it will make you new friends and lasting new memories.

For the greatest deals in top name car audio systems, visit PyleAudio.com. The audio experts at Pyle Audio are proud to bring you high performance mobile audio sound systems and accessories at some of the lowest prices on the web. Get to PyleAudio.com today and start building the system of your dreams!

Bob Brunning and Beryl Davies

2011-11-07T06:47:00.000-08:00

Bob Brunning, a seminal figure on the British blues scene and a founder member of Fleetwood Mac, has died aged 68. More latterly a head teacher, he continued to perform and record with bands including Deluxe Blues Band and Savoy Brown and write books on music with books on Fleetwood Mac including 'Behind The Mask' and The Fleetwood Mac Story: Rumours & Lies' and 'Blues: The British Connection". Beryl Davies had an eight decade singing career during which she performed with legends such as Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and Glenn Miller. A successful solo performer and recording artiste, she has died aged 87.

Gaga triumphs at MTV EMAs

2011-11-07T06:45:00.001-08:00

Lady Gaga triumphed at the MTV European Music Awards in Belfast on the 6th November, winning Best Female, Best Single, Best Video and Best Song – and Best Fans. Mars did well with four gons but split between the rather different Thirty Seconds to Mars and Bruno Mars, each with two gongs.

Best Female: Lady GaGa
Best Male: Justin Bieber
Best New: Bruno Mars
Best Live: Katy Perry
Best Pop: Justin Bieber
Best Hip-Hop: Eminem
Best Rock: Linkin Park
Best Alternative: Thirty Seconds To Mars
Best World Stage: Thirty Seconds To Mars
Best Push (Emerging): Bruno Mars
Biggest Fans: Lady GaGa
Best UK & Ireland Act: Adele
Best Worldwide: BIGBANG
Best Video: Lady GaGa - Born This Way
Best Song: Lady Gaga – Born This Way

Andy Williams in cancer scare

2011-11-07T06:45:00.000-08:00

Andy Williams has been diagnosed with cancer of the bladder and will begin a programme of chemotherapy. Concern for the 83 year old singer's health had grown recently after he cancelled a series of gigs.

UK digital sales still growing

2011-11-07T06:44:00.000-08:00

The BPI has announced that more digital albums have already been sold this year than last year, with two months still left to go. According to Official Charts Company data released by the trade body, over 21.3 million digital albums have been sold so far this year, meaning 2010 sales levels have already been beaten. Digital albums now account for 26.2% of all album sales, up from 17.5% in 2010.

Odd Futures axed in NZ

2011-11-07T06:43:00.000-08:00

Promoters of the Big Day Out festival in New Zealand have axed the Odd Future posse from the line-up of their Auckland date after complaints about the hip hop group's homophobic lyrics.

Live Nation profits up

2011-11-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

Live Nation saw revenues decline year-on-year in the summer quarter but profits were up. Revenue was down 2.5% to $1.79 billion for the quarter ending 30 Sep 2011, but net income was up 1.4% to $51.7 million. Perhaps more importantly, the company is having a profitable year - nine months into the current financial year profits stand at $16.5 million, them having made losses of $228.4 million in the previous financial year.

GWAR guitarist dies

2011-11-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

Cory Smoot, the guitarist in American cult metal band GWAR, aka Flattus Maximus, has died from unknown causes.

Food festivals go bust

2011-11-04T09:03:00.000-07:00

Big Wheel Promotions, the company behind the farm-based “Harvest Festival” franchise and fronted by record label veteran Shabs Jobanputra, has gone into administration. The company launched two editions of the foodie fests this year, one fronted by Blur bassist Alex James on his farm near Chipping Norton and the other by television presenter and real life farmer Jimmy Doherty on his farm in Suffolk. A number of creditors remain unpaid, including a primary school near Alex James' farm who had booked local talent for the event. eFestivals says it's under the impression the planned 2012 Harvest festivals (for which early bird tickets had already gone on sale) will still go ahead, though neither Alex James, Jimmy Doherty nor Big Wheel Promotions have as yet made any comment on the matter.

Coldplay avoid Spotify

2011-10-29T03:30:00.000-07:00

Coldplay's new album, 'Mylo Xyloto', will not be available on Spotify or most other streaming services, and the reason seems to be to promote conventional record sales. The album will be available as download to owns on iTunes and other online stores and as physical product.

46 festivals win green festival award

2011-10-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

46 festivals across the UK, Europe, Australia and North America have been awarded the prestigious Greener Festival Award for their green efforts in reducing their environmental impact 2011. The Awards are made by environmental campaign and advice group A Greener Festival and to achieve the Award each festival must complete a detailed 53 part questionnaire, submit relevant information such as a carbon footprint, traffic plans and waste and recycling management schemes, and then have an independent environmental audited to complete the Awards scheme. Organisers said they were extremely pleased with the results which took place against “very difficult financial pressures in some parts of the festivals sector” and “challenging summer weather” in both hemispheres. Ben Challis, Co-founder of A Greener Festival said “one highlight was the real reduction in car use at many festivals as people swapped to coaches, trains, shared cars or even cycled. A downside was the thousands and thousands of tents ands other perfectly reusable camping equipment left behind at festivals in the UK – “what a mess and what a waste”. The Awards scheme is sponsored by Robertson Taylor who specialise in insurance for live events and the music industry.

Outstanding inners of the Greener Festival Award 2011 included the Croissant Neuf Summer Party (England, Falls Festivals(Australia), Isle of Wight Festival (England), Lightning in a Bottle (USA), Oya Festival (Norway), Peats Ridge (Australia), Shambala (England), Sunrise Celebration (England), We Love Green (France), Wood (England)and the Woodford Festival (Australia. Highly commended awards went to the Glastonbury Festival (England), Bonnaroo (USA), Bestival (England), Lollapalooza (USA) and the Cambridge Folk Festival (England) amongst others. An overall UK winner will be announced at the UK Festival Awards at the London Roundhouse on November 15th.

Stubhub gains seating patents

2011-10-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

Ticket resale marketplace StubHub has been granted U.S. patents relating to methods of "mapping price and location" for tickets at an event venue, according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Newly filed documents indicate that the company has been granted other ticketing-related patents dating back to 2009, but the most recent of the StubHub patents was granted earlier this month.

Luminar goes into administration

2011-10-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

The UK's biggest nightclub operator, Luminar, has gone into administration threatening 3000 jobs. The chain of 75 clubs which operate under the Oceana, Lava & Ignite and Liquid banners, suffered a 19% drop in revenues last year as the recession bit and its core market of 18 to 24-year-olds were hit by high levels of youth unemployment. The recent UK riots added to its woes, as did the recent death of student Nabila Nanfuka from traumatic crush asphyxiation at their Northampton Lava & Ignite nightclub. It is understood that administrator Ernst & Young will continue to run the business as a going concern while it seeks a buyer.

Q the Awards

2011-10-25T04:03:00.000-07:00

OK OK, not many more awards to go now, but the winners of the Q awards are out, and the grown ups list is headed up by Queen and U2 who both win lifetime awards. Ed Sheerhan wins the newcomer gong and Lana Del Ray and those lips is next big thing

Q Best Male Artist: Tinie Tempah
Q Best Female Artist: Adele
Best Live Act: Biffy Clyro
Best Act In The World Today: Coldplay
Breakthrough Artist: Ed Sheeran
Best New Act: WU LYF
Q Next Big Thing: Lana Del Rey
Best Track: Adele - Rolling In The Deep
Best Album: Bon Iver - Bon Iver
Best Video: Jessie J - Do It Like A Dude
Q Classic Song: Snow Patrol, Chasing Cars
Q Classic Songwriter: Gary Barlow
Q Innovation In Sound: Kaiser Chiefs
Q Icon: Noel Gallagher
Q Inspiration: Fatboy Slim
Q Outstanding Contribution To Music: Siouxsie Sioux
Hall Of Fame: Queen
Greatest Act Of The Past 25 Years: U2

Death at Club in Northampton

2011-10-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

A woman has been crushed to death and at least eight other people have been injured, two critically, at a nightclub in Northampton. Nabila Nanfuka, 22, of Neasden, north-west London, died in Lava and Ignite in St Peter's Street in the early hours of Wednesday 19th October. One witness told the BBC that a "stampede" had begun as people made for the exits when they were told that their buses were leaving. Anotrher report said that the stampede began when a fire alarm went off. The number of people in the club is unknown and is under investigation although it appears Police were called to the club earlier in the night and Superintendent Andy Cox, of Northamptonshire Police, said they were aware of large numbers of people at the 1,600-capacity event which had been widely promoted in London and the Midlands. The two critically injured people are in intensive care.

Pukklepop to go ahead in 2012

2011-10-19T03:34:00.000-07:00

Belgian music festival Pukkelpop will go ahead next year, despite the tragedy which struck this year's event when four people were killed after a stage collapse when a freak storm hit the festival site on the opening day of Pukkelpop 2011. 70 other peiole were injured by as lighting rigs and large screens also fell. Following an investigation by the Hasselt Public Prosecutor, a 'force majeure' ruling was put in place, stating that the festival's organisers could not be held liable for what happened. The festival will take place between the 16th and 18th August 2012 and customers who had bought a ticket for the cancelled 2011 event will receive free food and drink vouchers, valued at 75 euros and 150 euros respectively which can be used at any of the next three Pukklepops.

Stone Roses resurrected

2011-10-19T03:33:00.000-07:00

The Stone Roses have reformed and the iconic British band will play two shows at Manchester's 75,000 capacity Heaton Park on 29th and 30th Jun in 2012, which will form part of a World tour. At a press conference in London's Soho Hotel yesterday, original members Ian Brown, John Squires, Gary ‘Mani’ Mountfield and Alan ‘Reni’ Wren also announced that they would be playing new material at the shows.

Digital Cull Due says Deezer Dude

2011-10-19T00:55:00.001-07:00

According to Deezer UK's Managing Director, Mark Foster, there is only "room for three or four" digital music services on the internet, and we'll see a lot close in the next twelve months. Asked which digital services currently out there would most likely survive, Foster told Music Week: "We'll be one of [the ones that survives], no question. Whether we'll be bigger than Spotify, I don't know. There'll inevitably be a shake-out - as with any market where you get a lot of people coming in with great ideas - over the next twelve months, you'll get four or five big players coming out of the pack. Some will fall away. That's market dynamics". Since arriving in the UK in September, Deezer claims to have signed up 1.4 million premium subscribers. Most of those have come through an exclusive deal with Orange to bundle the service in with pay monthly mobile phone contracts though, which means it's not clear how many active users the service actually has.

Music stars in Facebook poll

2011-10-19T00:55:00.000-07:00

The list of the most popular Facebook pages has been updated and the top page remains Facebook’s own, becoming the first to attain 50 million “likes” ( 54.03 million) with Zynga’s Texas Hold’em Poker in second place with 51.15 million likes and YouTube in at No 4 (46.06M). Music dominates the rest of the top 25 with a host of music stars including Eminem at No 3 with 47.88 million likes, Rihanna at No 5 (45.91M), Lady Gaga at no. 6 (44.29 M). Michael Jackson at 7 (41.56M), Shakira at 8 (41.06M), TV series Family Guy at 9 (38.54M), Justin Bieber at 10 (36.69M), Harry Potter at 11 (35.67M), Katy Perry at 12 (35.63M) and Linkin Park at 13 (35.39M). Apart from Jackson, a second deceased entertainer makes the list with Bob Marley further down at 19 with 31.74 million.

STAR gets new mark

2011-10-12T04:44:00.000-07:00

The UK's Society Of Ticket Agencies and Retailers (STAR) has launched a new 'kitemark' to reassure consumers about the safety of its member's websites. The new STAR mark comes as the ticketing body launches research that shows that 10% of people have been affected by ticket fraud in the UK. The study also found that 10% of those interviewed would buy tickets from any website that "looked genuine" and that the same percentage said they'd never think to check a service's authenticity before buying tickets. The new STAR mark will be given to "reputable ticket outlets" that adhere to the trade body's code of conduct. The new kitemark is backed by other key bodies including the Concert Promoters Association (CPA), the National Arenas Association (NAA) and The Society of London Theatres.

Euro-Border breakers and UK live music awards out

2011-10-10T04:35:00.000-07:00

The winners of the European Border Breaker Awards 2012 have been announced for the Awards which will be handed out at next year's Eurosonic convention in January in Gronigen, and the winners are:

Elektro Guzzi (Austria)
Selah Sue (Belgium)
Agnes Obel (Denmark)
Ben l'Oncle Soul (France)
Boy (Germany)
James Vincent McMorrow (Ireland)
Afrojack (Netherlands)
Alexandra Stan (Romania)
Swedish House Mafia (Sweden)
Anna Calvi (UK)

All ten will perform at next year's awards, where the winner of a peoples choice vote will also be announced. More at www.europeanborderbreakersawards.eu.

The Live UK Music Business Awards haver also been announced and the winners are ...

Best Venue Teamwork
Stadium: Wembley Stadium, London
Arena: The O2, London
Theatre/Concert: Royal Albert Hall, London
Campus: 53 Degrees, Preston
Major Club (800+): The Leadmill, Sheffield
Club (under 800): Robin 2, Wolverhampton

Artiste Manager Of The Year: Jonathan Dickins, September Management
Agent Of The Year: Solomon Parker, William Morris Endeavour Entertainment
Tour Manager Of The Year: Sarah Moir (The Wombats)
Best Record Label Partner: Hayley Absalom, Full Time Hobby

Best Festival (40,000 +): Glastonbury
Best Festival (15,000-40,000): Secret Garden Party
Best Festival (under 15,000): Kendal Calling

Best Festival Performance: Slipknot at Sonisphere
Spectacle Of The Year (Best Production): Take That's Progress tour
Breakthrough Artiste: Ed Sheeran

National Promoter Of The Year: SJM Concerts
Regional Promoter Of The Year: DF Concerts
Indie Promoter Of The Year: Gary Prosser & Ben James, All Night Long Promotions

Greatest Brand Impact: O2
Unsung Hero: Jane Montague, The Eden Project
Outstanding Contribution: Danny Betesh, Kennedy Street

Live Nation connects with new music

2011-10-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

Live Nation has launched a online music venture called Live Connection (www.live-connection.co.uk) to work with new bands to create audio and audio visual recordings which will be promoted to the music industry and fans alike. The music created will be available via We7 and played into students unions using the Sub.TV network and fans signed up to the Live Nation, Ticketmaster and the Academy Music Group's mailing lists, and the bands will be free to use it for their own promotional purposes.

Mobo winners out

2011-10-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

And the winners at the 16th MOBOs (Music of Black Origin) in Glasgow were:
Best UK Act: Jessie J
Best Newcomer: Jessie J
Best Hip Hop/Grime Act: Tinie Tempah
Best Video: Tinchy Stryder feat Dappy - Spaceship
Best International Act: Rihanna
Best Song: Jessie J - Do It Like A Dude
Best Album: Jessie J - Who You Are
Best Reggae: Alborosie
Best Jazz Act: Kairos 4Tet
Best African Act: Wizkid
Best Gospel Act: Triple O
Best R&B/Soul Act: Adele
Outstanding Contribution To Music: Boyz II Men
BeMOBO Award: Youth Music

Music sales down at HMV and Tesco

2011-10-06T01:48:00.000-07:00

HMV has announced like for like sales dropped 15.1% in the 18 weeks to the 3rd September whilst the UK's major retailer, Tesco, announced a 0.5% drop in sales said that music CDs and DVDs had been hard hit. Teco blamed the high cost of fuel and the economic downturn as major factors in the drop in sales. HMV has said it will continue to focus on 'high growth' markets such as the live music side of the business.

Shakira turns down a presidential invitation

2011-10-06T01:46:00.000-07:00

Shakira has turned down an invitation by the president of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, to play at birthday celebration in former soviet country. Other rumoured guests included Vanessa Mae and Kevin Costner's Modern World country rock band, who also said they had declined the offer.

Adele cancels US tour

2011-10-06T01:45:00.000-07:00

Adele has said that heartbroken after being forced to cancel her US tour. Doctors have told the chart topping chanteuse that she needs a period of extended rest after a haemorrhage on her vocal cords. Adele said on her blog that "I have absolutely no choice but to recuperate properly and fully or risk damaging my voice for ever. Her two week US tour was due to kick off in Atlantic city this Friday.

Will the UK European Court decision on satellite football coverage impact on music?

2011-10-06T01:44:00.000-07:00

The recent decision by the European Court of Justice that British pub landlady Karen Murphy was entitled to access live coverage from English Premiership football matches from Greek broadcaster Nova, rather than from the more expensive Sky domestic service (which as granted the exclusive licence for UK broadcasts) as EU competition law allows for this (and the free movement of goods, services, labour and capital in European common market) may well have an impact on the music industry - particularly on service such as Spotify and LastFM. In advance of the European Commissioner For The Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes, told The Guardian newspaper "If I can buy a music CD online from a company in the Netherlands and have it posted to me here in Belgium, why can't I buy a digital download from the same company? If I can watch my local team's football matches using online pay-per-view in one member state, why not in 27? This situation does not make much sense to the man on the street. To be honest, it is not a situation that makes much sense to me. And we need to fix it". The EU is also pushing for the reform of the collection society set up, still based on territorial monopolies.

Universal announces new Indian alliance

2011-10-04T03:37:00.000-07:00

Universal has replicated its recent tie up with Live Nation that enables artists and rights owners to more easily bundle tickets, content, merchandise and CDs with a similar deal in India with ticketing firm KyaZoonga.com. The new alliance will utilise KyaZoonga's direct-to-fan relationships in India, offering consumers physical and digital products from Universal artists as well as tickets.

BT Digital Music Awards announced

2011-09-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

The winners of the BT Digital Music Awards have been announced and amongst the very worthy recipients picking up gongs at London’s Roundhouse were JLS who picked up Best Group, Bruno Mars who picked up Best International, Adele who picked up Best Independent Artist, Jessie J picked up Best Newcomer and Best UK Female Artiste and Ed Sheerhan as Breakthrough Artist Of The Year. At the digital sharp edge, the Best Music App was Orange’s Glastonbury 2011 app, the Best Place To Discover Music was Radio 1 online, the Best Place To Hear Music: YouTube (!!), the Best Place To Buy Music was iTunes and the Best Innovation Or Gadget: SoundCloud. Colplay picked up both best Official site for an artiste with www.coldplay.com and the People's Choice Award For Best Fan Site For An Artist for www.coldplaying.com

Farewell to Sylvia & Bert

2011-09-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

Sylvia Robinson, The Founder of the Sugar Hill record label has died from heart failure, aged 75. Often referred to as the "mother of hip hop", she was a pioneering figure in the genre, producing the labels’s first commercial hit, The Sugarhill Gang's 'Rapper's Delight', and later 'The Message' by Grandmaster Flash And The Furious Five. The influential folk musician and founder of the band Pentangle, Bert Jansch, has died aged 67. He had been suffering from lung cancer. After a long and distinguished career, he had been performing live as late as August this year

Music tops YouTube channel viewing

2011-09-27T00:51:00.000-07:00

ComScore has eleased its first comScore YouTube Partner Report, putting some actual numbers to the popular streaming platform's successes. Machinima had 17.7 million viewers in August, which exceeds the average number who watch NBC's Sunday Night Football and the mostly under 35, male-skewing Machinima audience sticks around for a monthly average of 70 minutes per viewer. But it was music videos that reached the most people on YouTube. The Universal/Sony platform Vevo attracted the most viewers with 60.6 million and Warner Music clocked up 31 million, with average times of 60 minutes and 29.1 minutes respectively.