Music Week articles from August 2005

Music Week archives from August 2005

Retailers in online clash: chains in face-off, as Virgin pips arch rival HMV at post in dash to launch digital services.(Retail)
August 6, 2005... Virgin Retail has set up an online face-off with HMV by cueing up its new digital service for launch just days ahead of its rival's offering. In what represents the digital clash of the high street music heavyweights, Virgin will push the...

New talent gets festival boost.
August 6, 2005... Vanessa Brown (pictured) was among a string of new acts performing as Universal Music staged its own "festival" for new talent last Friday afternoon. The Universal New Music Festival, held in Shepherd's Bush, featured performances from...

Parlophone hits US albums chart.(Bottom line)
August 6, 2005... * Parlophone has furthered its credentials as the UK's most successful exporter of music to the US by simultaneously landing two albums in the US Top 10. The EMI company's act Coldplay hold at four on the Billboard 200 this week with X&Y, while...

Woolworths.(Bottom line)
August 6, 2005... Woolworths has told the City that, while sales are down for the first half of the year, there are reasons for optimism following a store refurbishment programme. Main chain sales for the 24 weeks to July 16 were down 16.1%, compared with the...

The Leading Question.(Bottom line)
August 6, 2005... New research has suggested that people who download illegally spend four times as much on legitimate downloads as the average fan. The report, by The Leading Question consultancy, indicates that those who regularly download or share unlicensed...

IFPI.(Bottom line)
August 6, 2005... The IFPI has struck a significant blow against music pirates exporting product from eastern Europe after signing a deal with Russia's largest disc manufacturer The agreement means the Ural Electronic Plant will tip off the recording industry...

A strategic research report to be published this month indicates that the value of audio-based mobile music services will double in the next five years.(Bottom line)
August 6, 2005... A strategic research report to be published this month indicates that the value of audio-based mobile music services will double in the next five years. The report, by Informa Telecoms & Media and Brands2Life, concludes that the value of this...

Motorola.(Bottom line)
August 6, 2005... Motorola's Moto Now event, held last Monday in Shaumburg, Illinois, failed to deliver the highly anticipated presentation of an iTunes-enabled mobile device. Reports indicate the phone may be unveiled by Virgin Mobile at this month's V...

Metropolis Studios.(Bottom line)
August 6, 2005... Metropolis Studios is extending its services by introducing a mastering facility, allowing its customers to securely transfer digital music online so tracks can be mastered within days.

War Child.(Bottom line)
August 6, 2005... The War Child music charity was last Friday set to auction a rare and exclusive commemorative 1997 Candle in the Wind disc from Sir Elton John. The disc was donated by music PR and management agency Coalition, which handled all the media...

Universal boss changes team.(People)
August 6, 2005... * Lucian Grainge has announced a series of changes to the structure of his team at Universal Music Group International (UMGI). Max Hole becomes president of a new Asia-Pacific Region, Pascal Negre is made president of a new Mediterranean and...

HMV Group.(People)
August 6, 2005... HMV Group is on the hunt for a new non-executive chairman following the exit of Robin Miller. He is resigning "due to commitments on current and future business interests". Non-executive board director David Kappler win fill the role until a...

Long John Baldry.(People)
August 6, 2005... British rhythm and blues star Long John Baldry has died aged 64 following a severe chest infection. Baldry worked with the likes of Rod Stewart and Elton John and played a significant role in the development of the British rhythm and blues...

Chryslis Radio.(People)
August 6, 2005... Chrysalis Radio has promoted Mike Cass, programme director for Manchester's Galaxy 102 and Yorkshire's Galaxy 105, to Galaxy brand programme director.

Lemmy Kilmister.(People)
August 6, 2005... Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister is to be honoured with the Living Legend Award at Classic Rock magazine's new award ceremony. The ceremony takes place on Tuesday October 4 at London's Cafe de Paris.

MTV Networks International.(People)
August 6, 2005... MTV Networks International has appointed Gautam Ranji, formerly the vice-president of mergers and acquisitions at parent company Viacom, as senior vice-president of strategy and business development.

Daddy Yankee inks EMI deal.(Sign here)
August 6, 2005... * EMI Music Publishing has signed a deal with Reggaeton artist Daddy Yankee. The deal, put in place by EMI Publishing managing director Guy Moot and EMI Latin America regional managing director Nestor Casonu, covers the artist's current album,...

Panasonic.(Sign here)
August 6, 2005... Panasonic has linked with OD2 owner Loudeye to launch an online store to coincide with the launch of two of its new digital music players. Panasonicmusicstream.com will sell single-track downloads for 49p for a trial period of 10 days.

TuneTribe.(People)
August 6, 2005... TuneTribe is to offer online content from Rob Da Bank's Bestival, following the full launch of the download service last week. The service, which is a web and mobile-based portal for independent music, will offer exclusive live streamed content...

Forte distribution.(Sign here)
August 6, 2005... Former THE and Cargo staff will open the doors to a new distribution company on September 1, supported by a 2,000 square foot warehouse in Hertfordshire. Forte Distribution has been set up by one-time THE and Cargo Records employee Scott...

Cherry Red Records.(Sign here)
August 6, 2005... Cherry Red Records is to sponsor the Combined Countries football league for the forthcoming season. The company has been involved in football sponsorship for 12 years.

Radio Forth.(Sign here)
August 6, 2005... Radio Forth has agreed a three year 150,000 [pounds sterling] deal with Black horse Finance for its community and music awards, which have in previous years honoured the likes of McFly and Wet Wet Wet.

Carlin's Reading Festival.(Sign here)
August 6, 2005... Organisers of Carling's Reading Festival and internet service provider Tiscali have announced a partnership to webcast the August bank holiday event from a free microsite.

MTV.(Sign here)
August 6, 2005... MTV is launching an online magazine to encourage readers to get started on a media career. MTV: starzine is being launched with a view to finding the magazine editors of tomorrow.

UK trio up for MTV awards.(Exposure)
August 6, 2005... * Coldplay, Gorillaz and U2 are the only UK-signed acts nominated for this year's MTV Video Music Awards, taking place in Miami on August 29. Coldplay lead the way with four nominations, while Gorillaz have two nominations, with Feel Good inc....

Carling Reading and Leeds Festivals.(Exposure)
August 6, 2005... Organisers of Carling Reading and Leeds Festivals have announced the line-up for the August Bank Holiday weekend event's dance tent. It will include performances from Audio Bullys, Bedouin Soundclash and Four Tot.

Queen & Paul Rodgers.(Exposure)
August 6, 2005... The Queen & Paul Rodgers tour is headed for the US for two dates in October, marking the first time the band have played there since 1982.

In the City Urban Unsigned.(Exposure)
August 6, 2005... The annual In the City Urban Unsigned event has extended its deadline for demos to August 22. Interested parties should send a three-track demo, biography and image with contact details to A&R Co-ordinator, ITC Urban Unsigned 2005, Home@The...

Radio One.(Exposure)
August 6, 2005... Radio One has made its Chris Moyles breakfast show available as a podcast. A free download will be posted each Thursday on its website (www.bbc.co.uk/radiol) featuring highlights from the week's shows.

Bard launches event to support indies: new retailers' association event aims to place indies at the heart of major music suppliers' plans.(Retail)
August 6, 2005... Record retailers' association Bard is launching the first conference in its history this autumn, in a bid to bring indies together with the major music suppliers. The first Bard Indic Conference--subtitled "It's all about the music" --will...

T-mobile helps launch Robbie's new album.(News)
August 6, 2005... Robbie Williams' partnership with T-Mobile will form a core part of the launch of his forthcoming sixth studio album, the follow-up to 2002's Escapology. The as-yet-untitled album, which is due for release in October, has been recorded...

The Music Week playlist.(News)
August 6, 2005... ROLL DEEP Shake A Leg (Relentless) A definitive highlight from Roll Deep's debut album, Shake A Leg, promises to build on radio fave, The Avenue (single, Sept 26) MS DYNAMITE Father (Polydor) The flipside of Ms Dynamite's...

Franz Ferdinand cited in US payola probe: investigation into US radio reveals improper practices.(Industry)
August 6, 2005... Franz Ferdinand have found themselves caught up in New York state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer's year-long investigation into US radio's pay-for-play practice. It emerged last week that the band's breakthrough US hit Take Me Out was...

Industry fights EC regulation.(News)
August 6, 2005... Over-regulation of collecting societies by the EC could "dampen" the growth of the music industry, according to a new report. The 50-page Music Collecting Societies: Evolution or Regulation? report--a PPL-commissioned study by...

The Go! Team.(SNAP SHOT)
August 6, 2005... UK independent Industries has Concluded a point venture deal with Sony BMG, which will see The Go! Team's debut album Thunder, Lightning, Strike reissued via the major label on October 3. The album, which received a soft release last...

Pressure on minister over Licensing Act.(News)
August 6, 2005... The pressure was cranked up on music minister James Purnell last week. as he attempted to keep the Musicians Union conference on side with his plans to implement the new Licensing Act. At his first meeting with top MU executives, Purnell...

New Mercury label chief reunited with A&R director.(Companies)
August 6, 2005... Paul Adam will be reunited with his former Island Records Group colleague Jason Iley and two former members of the now-defunct group Busted as he steps into a new role as Mercury senior A&R director this week. The former Universal label...

PD scheme proposed to help hard-up artists.(News)
August 6, 2005... Independent label pioneer Iain McNay has reignited the debate surrounding the 50-year recording copyright role, by proposing a new royalty payment system for public domain releases. Cherry Red Records has issued a series of albums from the...

Virgin confident of download success: years of planning strengthens UK digital launch.(Downloads)
August 6, 2005... Virgin Retail has left little to chance in preparing for the launch of its UK digital music service, by road-testing it in the most rigorous way possible. By the time the site goes live on September 2 its functions will have been put...

Bard focuses on digital sellers.(News)
August 6, 2005... The British Association Of Record Dealers (Bard) is actively targeting digital retailers for the first time after signing up 7 Digital Media as a member last week. Bard secretary general Kim Bayley says that the organisation's council...

New World Records has signed a two-year deal with Vital:Pias Digital.(News)
August 6, 2005... New World Records has signed a two-year deal with Vital:Pias Digital to represent its worldwide digital interests and service a catalogue of 240 records, including compilations such as the Mind, Body And Spirit series and artists such as Terry...

Top 20 ringtones.(News)
August 6, 2005... TOP 20 RINGTONES This Last ARTIST Title Publisher 1 6 ROC YA BODY (MIC CHECK 1 2) MVP RMER/Dontana/Mighty One/ ...

Welcome to music's next big things: Music Week joins forces with Diesel-U-Music to present a nine-track CD supporting the best unsigned, unsung and underground acts in the UK right now.(Diesel-U-Music CD)
August 6, 2005... 1. Infadels--Reality TV Infadels were victorious in the Diesel-U-Music electronic category last year and went on to sign with Wall Of Sound. Reality TV, lifted from their forthcoming debut album, is a fitting introduction to this act, who...

Landing big hits with reggaeton: after reggaeton's meteoric rise into the US mainstream in 2004, it is now making waves in the UK. Sarah Bentley examines the power and longevity of the sound of the summer.(Reggaeton)
August 6, 2005... Anyone with the faintest interest in street music couldn't have failed to notice reggaeton's enormous impact in the US and its recent proliferation into the UK. EMI/Virgin has its 100% Reggaeton compilation scheduled for release at the end of...

Spirit of indies is as vital as ever: bard conference could be used to focus suppliers' minds on the importance of indie retailers.(EDITORIAL)
August 6, 2005... There has always been an essential logic about the idea of a national sales conference for dealers. Today, after a decade of change in music retail, it makes more sense than ever. Increasingly, as the key suppliers have focused more of...

Japanese event only start of a major global campaign.(VIEWPOINT)
August 6, 2005... By the time you read this I will be in Tokyo with BPI chairman Peter Jamieson and 35 British companies in a unique attempt to raise the bar of achievement for British music in the world's second-biggest music market. This co-ordinated...

Is a majors' regional sales conference a good idea?(The big question)
August 6, 2005... What do you think of Bard's idea of the majors holding a combined one-day sales conference in Birmingham specifically for independent retailers? Mike Winch, Gatefield Sounds, Whitstable, Kent "Birmingham is a nice mid-point in the...

Quickfire: with many acts citing Eighties influences, Simple Minds' Jim Kerr believes the band's new album makes them as relevant as they ever were.(Forum)(Interview)
August 6, 2005... Many contemporary bands seem to be inspired by the period when you were at your height. Now do you feel about that? We were influenced ourselves by bands, some of whom are still around, so it's really down to the cyclical nature of music. I...

Crib sheet.(Forum)(Interview)
August 6, 2005... Ofcom introduced its first Broadcasting Code last week, dictating terms for content of all radio and television programmes, a move that could well start a debate over standards in music video programming. Why has Ofcom introduced the code...

Universal beat about the Bush.(DOOLEY'S DIARY)
August 6, 2005... Remember where you heard it: There were plenty of retail faces at Universal's New Music Festival last Friday, which went ahead despite a burst water main at Old Deer Park in Richmond forcing Universal to switch the event to Shepherd's Bush...

When David Gray opens the doors to his Crouch End studio to the media and record executives you can expect it will be for something special.(Diary)
August 6, 2005... When David Gray opens the doors to his Crouch End studio to the media and record executives you can expect it will be for something special. And Gray and his band certainly delivered over two sessions last Monday and Tuesday evening with...

Fast chart.(Datafile)
August 6, 2005... SINGLES NUMBER ONE JAMES BLUNT YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL Atlantic The first Warner Music single to spend three weeks at number one since Eiffel 65's Blue (Da Ba Dee) in 1999, You're Beautiful has physical sales to date of 205,352 and...

Album sales in summer sales hike.(The Market)
August 6, 2005... James Blunt continues to dominate the charts with You're Beautiful spending a third week as the number one single and Back To Bedlam topping the artist albums chart for a fourth straight week. Sales of both records reached another peak last...

Key indicators.(Datafile)
August 6, 2005... KEY INDICATORS SINGLES Sales versus last week: +1.7% Year to date versus last year: +25.1% MARKET SHARES Universal 32.2% Warner 23.9% Sony BMG 15.9% EMI 10.4% Others 17.6% ALBUMS ...

The schedule.(Datafile)(Calendar)
August 6, 2005... ALBUMS THIS WEEK Madness The Dangermen Sessions Vol. 1 (V2); Beta Band Greatest Hits (Regal); Juliet Random Order (Virgin); Faith Hill Fireflies (WEA); Daniel Powter Daniel Powter (WEA); Various Now Is The Winter Of Our Discount Tents...

The Rolling Stones will release their new single, Streets Of Love, on August 22.(NEW ADDITION)
August 6, 2005... The Rolling Stones will release their new single, Streets Of Love, on August 22. Aired exclusively on BBC Radio Two's The Ken Bruce show on July 22, it is the first track from their upcoming, as-yet-untitled studio album and will be released as...

Four to score with comeback: nine-year Gang Of Four hiatus ends with album of re-recordings bundled with remix disc of seminal tracks.(The plot)
August 6, 2005... GANG OF FOUR RETURN THE GIFT (V2) Gang Of Four will perform their debut album Entertainment! in its entirety on September 24 at London's Barbican theatre ahead of the release of the band's first new studio album in nine years. The...

Fiction's marketing ploy takes Fretwell's debut album into charts.(Campaign focus)
August 6, 2005... Fiction Records took Stephen Fretwell's debut album into the Top 40 for the first time last week, as the label pressed ahead with its long-term development campaign for a release which first appeared back in November last year. Fiction's...

Tastemakers tips.(Upfront)
August 6, 2005... Axwell Feel The Vibe (Til The Morning...)(Data) CHRIS AMOS, EDITOR, BENT MAGAZINE "There has been many summer dance records in the Top 10 recently, but this one definitely deserves a place--it's been rocking all clubs here and abroad...

Vibe 101.(THE INSIDER)
August 6, 2005... Since relaunching a year ago, Bristol's Vibe 101 is enjoying an ever-increasing audience reach, and head of music/deputy programme controller Nathan Thomson says that is down to giving the listeners what they want. Vibe 101 is one of the...

Radio playlist.(Upfront)
August 6, 2005... RADIO 1 2Pac feat. Elton John Ghetto Gospel; Akon Belly Dancer (Bananza); Black Eyed Peas Don't Lie; Eminem Ass Like That; Goldfrapp Ooh La La; Oorillaz Dare; Hard-Fi Hard To Beat; Inaya Day Nasty Girl; Jamiraquai Seven Sunny Days In June;...

BPI awards.(Upfront)
August 6, 2005... ALBUMS Kaiser Chiefs--Employment (two) times platinum). Jem--Finally Woken (platinum). Stephen Fretwell--Magpie (silver). Various Artist--In the Mix (silver). SINGLES James Blunt--You're Beautiful (silver)

In-store next week.(Upfront)
August 6, 2005... ASDA Single of the week Craig David Instore--Lulu, Daniel Powter, Longview, Best Ever Cinema Classics, Ibiza Annual Summer 2005; BORDERS Instore--Lee Ryan, Kirsty MacColl, Chris Rea, Madness, The Stands, Clor, Fairport Convention;...

Also this week.(Upfront)
August 6, 2005... Black Rebel Motorcycle Club--Ain't No Easy Way (Echo); Broadcast--America's Boy (Warp); Sons & Daughter--Taste The Last Girl (Domino); Tony Yayo-So Seductive (Polydor); Iron Maiden--The Trooper (EMI); Incubus--Make A Move (Epic) ALBUM ...

McFly: I'll Be OK.
August 6, 2005... McFly I'll Be OK Island MCST40428 The lead single from McFly's second album sticks close to the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" maxim. Still heavily in debt to any number of Sixties beat groups (particularly the Monkees and Herman's...

Supergrass: Road to Rouen.
August 6, 2005... Supergrass Road To Rouen Parlophone 3333342 Five albums in and Supergrass finally take a breather from their hi-octane pop romps. That's not to say Road To Rouen finds the quartet succumbing to a life of dadrock--far from it--but there is a...

Athlete: Tourist.
August 6, 2005... Athlete Tourist (Parlophone CDATH009) The title track from Athlete's number one album is a typically emotional slice of mid-tempo rock pop that appeals for the same reasons that airplay hits Wires and Half Light did. A gentle beat keeps the...

Babyshambles: Fuck Forever.
August 6, 2005... Babyshambles Fuck Forever (Rough Trade RTRADSCDX210) This is a defiant anthem to elegantly wasted abandon, which may leave some wondering where traditional concepts like choruses and singing in tune have gone. Either way, fans at...

Broadcast: America's Boy.
August 6, 2005... Broadcast America's Boy (Warp WAP193) This track represents a fresh, stripped-down return for Broadcast, who have taken the rougher edges of electro-pop and perverted it for their own gains. Broadcast are known for their love of deadpan...

British Whale: This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us.
August 6, 2005... British Whale This Town Ain't Big Enough For Both Of Us (Atlantic ATUK011CD) Fans desperate for that difficult second Darkness album will lap up Justin Hawkins' karaoke Sparks cover. Although hardly earth shattering, it is good clean fun...

Crazy Frog: Popcorn.
August 6, 2005... Crazy Frog Popcorn (Gusto CDGUS21) You have to admire the evil genius behind this record. By grafting the Frog's trademark vocals onto Hot Butter's 1972 hit single, someone has managed to surpass Crazy Frog's previous number one Axel F in...

Doves: Sky Starts Falling.
August 6, 2005... Doves Sky Starts Falling (Heavenly HVN152CD) This typically expansive and anthemic song is another slab of quality Doves material. Although a top class single and one the trio's fanbase will love, whether it will cross them over to the...

Jamiroquai: 7 Days in Sunny June.
August 6, 2005... Jamiroquai 7 Days In Sunny June (Sony Music 6760642) The second single from the reinvigorated hat wearer's current album Dynamite captures the mood of summer with its brilliant lyrics and funky basslines. Although already playlisted by...

Jose Gonzalez: Stay in the Shade EP.
August 6, 2005... Jose Gonzalez Stay In The Shade EP (Peacefrog PFGO69CD) Another Nordic talent to make waves on these shores, Gonzalez's rise will continue with this beautiful five-track set. The material here is of his usual high standard, but the track...

Lil' Love: Little Love.
August 6, 2005... Lil' Love Little Love (Positiva CDTIV222) Italian producer Alex Gaudino's reworking of Coldcut Feat. Lisa Stansfield's 1989 hit People Hold On recently reached number three in MW's Upfront Club Chart, while Kiss 100 has offered airplay...

Magnet: Hold on.
August 6, 2005... Magnet Hold On (Atlantic ATUK010) This taster for Norwegian Even Johansen's new album The Tourniquet is a swirling and atmospheric thing, coming on like a cross between a Southern ballad and Coldplay at their most anthemic. Debut album On...

Mint Royale: Singing in the Rain.
August 6, 2005... Mint Royale Singing In The Rain (Faith & Hope XXX) Without the continuing support of the VW Golf TV ad this was the soundtrack to, Mint Royale's breakbeat-lite Gene Kelly update fails to raise itself above novelty status. Although released...

Robert Post: Got None.
August 6, 2005... Robert Post Got None (Mercury 9872369) This Scandinavian talent has been a favourite on the MW playlist and others are beginning to catch on. Got None, his debut single, entered the UK Airplay Top 50 last week and should find further...

Snoop Dogg: Ups and Downs.
August 6, 2005... Snoop Dogg Ups And Downs (Polydor 9883732) Already playlisted at Galaxy and Kiss 100, Ups And Downs--featuring a sample of the Bee Gees' track Love You Inside Out--is one of Snoop Dogg's more mellow tunes. The flowing lyrics and relaxed...

Super Furry Animals: Lazer Beam.
August 6, 2005... Super Furry Animals Lazer Beam (Sony BMG 6760111) Released a week before their seventh album, Love Kraft, this supersonic slice of retro-futurist rock is a typically invigorating SFA offering. Surprisingly, only Xfm have picked up on the...

Weezer: We Are All on Drugs.
August 6, 2005... Weezer We Are All On Drugs (Geffen 9883495) A commercial highlight from Weezer's latest album Make Believe, the follow-up to Beverly Hills is an energetic, guitar-driven rock song with a massive hook. Although the song's strong anti-drug...

Yeti: Keep Pushin' on.
August 6, 2005... Yeti Keep Pushin' On (Moshi Moshi MOSHI23) The second single from Libertines bassist John Hassal's new band is another promising sign that there is life away from the shadows of the charismatic, but troubled, Doherty/Barat partnership. Keep...

Alfie: Crying at Teatime.
August 6, 2005... Alfie Crying At Teatime (Regal REG125CD) Boasting a thick Seventies production, Alfie's fourth album finds the Manchester five-piece at the top of their game. The single Your Own Religion has found support at Radio Two and Xfm and fans of...

Beulah: Mabel and I.
August 6, 2005... Beulah Mabel And I (UCJ UCJ 9871142) The debut album from hotly-tipped singer-songwriter Beulah arrives sounding like nothing much else around, thanks to Kate Bush producer John Kelly's stripped-down simplicity. Aimed squarely at an older...