Music Week articles from February 2008

Music Week archives from February 2008

Revelling in independents.
February 2, 2008... Inaugural global event shines spotlight on diversity and achievements of independent artists and labels Independent music organisations around the world are joining forces to create an annual global event to celebrate the independent...

THE PLAY LIST: 02.02.08.
February 2, 2008... MGMT Oracular Spectacular (Columbia) Despite the undeniable commercial sensibilities, it is the musical intricacies and subtleties in MGMT's songs that make them great. (album, March tbc) Glasvegas It's My Own Cheating Heart...

In The Studio: 02.02.08.
February 2, 2008... Brighton group Hold Fire have been demoing new tracks with producer Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers) and Ian Davenport (Supergrass, Radiohead). The group are managed by former Warner Bros A&R man Neil Ridley. Copyright: CMP Information...

London calling world delegates.
February 2, 2008... London Calling event looks to establish firmer international credentials London Calling will this year welcome substantial delegations from China, Nigeria and the Caribbean, as it looks to firmly establish its international credentials....

Awarding the brightest and best.
February 2, 2008... Music Week and London Calling are teaming up with the British Council and the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts to celebrate the best of the UK's young music business entrepreneurs. The inaugural UK Young Music...

Atlantic's in charge of the Asylum.
February 2, 2008... The famed Asylum Records brand, originally founded by David Geffen in 1971 and once home to the likes of the Eagles, Joni Mitchell and Jackson Browne, is to be relaunched in the UK under the Atlantic Records umbrella. Former Ministry of...

Ups And Downs: 02.02.08.
February 2, 2008... UPS MTV and VPL sign a new deal covering the use of independent music videos across MTV Europe. Last.fm offers free full-length track streaming service, with all the majors and thousands of indies on board Record Apple profits ...

Appeal for ISPs to play fair on piracy.
February 2, 2008... Give filesharers rules and they will think twice, says IFPI's Kennedy IFPI chairman and CEO John Kennedy is convinced young people who illegally share music over the internet would back firm action by ISPs to crack down on piracy, rather...

IN BRIEF: Last.fm launches free full-track streaming.
February 2, 2008... Last.fm has launched a free full-track streaming service, offering recordings from all four major record labels and more than 150,000 independent labels and artists. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

IN BRIEF: Apple results.
February 2, 2008... Apple has posted record profits, up 57% in the three months to the end of December. Sales of the iPhone lifted its earnings to $1.58bn (#806m), up from $1bn (#0.5m) a year ago. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

IN BRIEF: The Great Escape first speaker.
February 2, 2008... The organisers of The Great Escape have announced Nettwerk Music Group founder and CEO Terry McBride as the first speaker to be confirmed for the 2008 event, which takes place in Brighton on May 15-17. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

IN BRIEF: Mama Group results.
February 2, 2008... Mama Group has posted profits of almost #2m.The group, which has interests in live venues, artist management and publishing, reported a net operating profit of #1.74m for the year to July 31. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

IN BRIEF: Sony BMG issue first USB release.
February 2, 2008... Sony BMG today (Monday) issues its first commercial USB release. Scream Aim Fire by rock band Bullet For My Valentine will be released as a USB stick, as well as in traditional formats. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

IN BRIEF: Vic Lanza has died.(Obituary)
February 2, 2008... Vic Lanza, the former head of EMI Records' MOR music division in the Seventies and early Eighties, has died after a long illness. Lanza's funeral will be held at West London Crematorium this Thursday (January 31) at 1.30pm. Copyright: CMP...

IN BRIEF: SMG confirm plans.
February 2, 2008... Virgin Radio's parent company SMG has confirmed plans to sell the station after receiving a number of offers. UTV and Guardian Media Group have both reportedly shown interest. SMG originally put its plans to sell Virgin Radio on hold in...

IN BRIEF: Sara Cox's maternity cover.
February 2, 2008... Annie Mac will cover Sara Cox's Radio One slots for the duration of Cox's maternity leave. Mac will host the 1pm-4pm Saturday and Sunday shows from the weekend of February 23-24. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

IN BRIEF: Royalty payments to be tracked online.
February 2, 2008... Universal Music Publishing Group's songwriters and other interested parties will be able to track their royalty payments online for the first time in what is being billed as a ground-breaking initiative. The world's biggest music publisher says...

IN BRIEF: BBC Worldwide appointments.
February 2, 2008... BBC Worldwide's audio and music business has announced several new senior appointments. Jon Mansfield, formerly MD of Emap Music, has been appointed head of content development, Stephen Davies becomes head of digital ventures and Salim Mukaddam...

IN BRIEF: Era Digital to be formed.
February 2, 2008... The Entertainment Retailers Association is to recognise its growing membership from the digital sector with the formation of Era Digital. Russel Coultart, CEO of online physical and digital retailer Digital Stores, and Era board member, has...

Impala devises plan for EU music boost.
February 2, 2008... Indies' trade association pushes for dedicated action plan across EU member states to offer artists and music companies better prospects for growth European indie group Impala is unveiling its first action plan this week, with an ambitious...

Indies seize the day... and not before time.
February 2, 2008... Independents Day celebrates indies' influence as one pioneering spirit readjusts the focus of his business VAT's entertainement: French President Nicolas Sarkozy is pressing for a reduced rate of VAT for all cultural goods, perhaps...

Quirk calling it a day.
February 2, 2008... There are few better examples in the UK music industry of the independent spirit than Paul Quirk. For more than 50 years he and his family have had a high-street presence in the north-west, placing them at the coalface of the industry from a...

Quirks of fate spell the end for much-loved music store.
February 2, 2008... Retailer Paul Quirk closes the doors on the last of his family's independent record stores and moves his business online Last Saturday hugely-respected indie retailer Paul Quirk turned out the lights and locked the doors on the last of his...

Downturn in the industry.
February 2, 2008... Are independent labels better equipped to deal with a downturn in the industry? Paul Baines, EMI On the face of it, they appear to. I don't know if they are or majors are really. But I feel like the majors are getting a kicking in the...

Global win for Back To Black.
February 2, 2008... Winehouse gives Universal the UK's biggest-selling album worldwide in 2007, but recent events put Grammy appearance in question Amy Winehouse's Back To Black has been named as the UK's top seller globally of 2007, but the singer now faces...

The world according to LA.
February 2, 2008... Island Def Jam boss Antonio "LA" Reid has overseen some of the biggest musical careers of the past two decades. This year he will attempt to strike second time lucky with Mariah Carey and deliver the success that has recently eluded Janet...

Icelandic music tops world.
February 2, 2008... On the back of increased investment in Icelandic music and the industry's domestic framework, an impressive array of artists look set to emulate the international success of Bjork and Sigur Ros Just as Iceland's breathtaking volcanic...

Maximum exposure.
February 2, 2008... As the classical music industry gathers for Midem Classique and Jazz, attendees' minds will be on how to maximise digital sales potential for their catalogues and how to use innovative and aggressive marketing campaigns to gain maximum exposure...

Chopin pianist takes digital route.
February 2, 2008... Classical pianists are in the ascendant in 2008, with aggressive marketing campaigns planned for albums from Lang Lang on Deutsche Grammophon, Classical Star winner Sophie Cashell on UCJ and Ingrid Fliter on EMI Classics. Argentine pianist...

MUSIC UPFRONT - 02.02.08: Single of the week.
February 2, 2008... Hot Chip Ready For The Floor (EMI) This single marks the return of one of EMI's bright hopes for Q1, and is infectious enough to build curiosity in the band's third album, Made In The Dark, released next Monday. The promo machine kicks in...

MUSIC UPFRONT - 02.02.08.
February 2, 2008... This Week Singles Mary J Blige Just Fine (Geffen) Hot Chip Ready For The Floor (EMI) Matchbox Twenty These Hard Times (Atlantic) Laura Marling Ghosts (Virgin) Elliot Minor Still Figuring Out (Repossession) Bob...

FUTURE RELEASE: Late Of The Pier.
February 2, 2008... Late Of The Pier are among an eight-strong line-up of UK acts that will perform at the BBC's Maida Vale studios this Wednesday, as part of a live broadcast taking place under the BBC Introducing umbrella. The band, who signed to Parlophone...

MUSIC UPFRONT - 02.02.08: Album of the week.
February 2, 2008... Adele: 19 (XL) After shifting more than 60,000 copies of Chasing Pavements within a fortnight, this album is likely to follow suit into the top three. Adele's low-key debut single Hometown Glory was released on Jamie T's Pacemaker label...

MUSIC UPFRONT - 02.02.08: Catalogue reviews.
February 2, 2008... NWA: Straight Outta Compton/Eazy E: Featuring... (Priority/EMI 5141572/5077062) When Straight Outta Compton was released in 1988, it set NWA on the road to becoming revered and notorious hardcore rappers. This reissue marks its 20th...

MUSIC UPFRONT - 02.02.08: The Panel.
February 2, 2008... Marc Sallis (Artrocker) Correcto: Do It Better (Domino) This unrelenting post-punk pop goes to show how easy some bands can make writing a hooky tune look. But when you're being touted as a supergroup, and contain members of Franz...

FUTURE RELEASE: Sarah Brightman.
February 2, 2008... Sarah Brightman Symphony (Charisma) A new album from Sarah Brightman is to lead the spring schedule for the Charisma Music label, part of EMI's Angel Music Group. The frontline label will release Symphony, her first studio album in...

FUTURE RELEASE: Tiao Cruz.
February 2, 2008... Tiao Cruz Departure (Island) In an innovative promotional exercise, Island Records has targeted barber shops and hairdressers across the UK with samplers of the forthcoming debut album by Taio Cruz. The album, entitled Departure, has...

MUSIC UPFRONT - 02.02.08: The Panel.
February 2, 2008... Huw Stephens (Radio One) James Yuill: No Surprise (Chess Club) This is such a strong song. It is one of the best new tunes from last year, an opening track on the show because of its bouncy energy and luscious vocals. All who hear it...

DATAFILE EXPOSURE: 02.02.08.
February 2, 2008... Basshunter's Now You're Gone spends its third week atop the sales chart, but continues to struggle for airplay support, although it finally enters the Top 50 airplay chart at number 49. Now You're Gone's airplay status is in stark contrast to...

Instore: 02.02.08.
February 2, 2008... Asda Instore Display: Alexander O'Neal, Cast Of High School Musical 2, Dionne Warwick, Hot Chip, Jack Johnson, Kenny Rogers, Laura Marling, Lenny Kravitz, Luciano Pavarotti, Mary J Blige, Morcheeba, One Night Only Borders Instore...

DATAFILE CLUB CHARTS: 02.02.08.
February 2, 2008... The mighty bassline house explosion continues, with East London duo Addictive - Louise Bagan and Aisha Stuart - rocketing to the top of the Upfront Chart with Gonna Be Mine. The track also features T2, whose Heartbroken single was the first...

DATAFILE SINGLES - 02.02.08.
February 2, 2008... Against expectations, Basshunter's Now You're Gone fights off the challenge of Adele's Chasing Pavements to remain at number one this week. Now You're Gone sold a further 43,841 copies on its third week at the summit, becoming the...

DATAFILE SINGLES - 02.02.08: Jay Sean.
February 2, 2008... Jay Sean gives UK R&B an Asian twist, and lands his fourth UK Top 40 hit this week, debuting at number 11 with Ride It on sales of 12,420. The London-born singer-songwriter previously charted with Dance With You (number 12, 2003), Eyes On You...

DATAFILE SINGLES - 02.02.08: David Jordan.
February 2, 2008... Released only digitally, and falling short of the airplay chart, David Jordan's debut single, Place In My Heart, peaked at number 158 last November. Follow-up Sun Goes Down is making a much better showing. Already number five on the airplay...

DATAFILE SINGLES - 02.02.08: Mary J Blige.
February 2, 2008... Mary J Blige turned 37 a couple of weeks ago, and although she has never had a number one single, she's one of the most successful female chartmakers of all-time, landing her 35th Top 75 entry (and 29th Top 40 hit) with Just Fine, which...

DATAFILE SINGLES - 02.02.08: Michael Jackson.
February 2, 2008... Ahead of the 25th anniversary edition of Thriller, which is released February 11, Michael Jackson is back in the singles chart with a new mix of The Girl Is Mine. The original 1982 version of the song also featured Paul McCartney and was a...

2008 albums chart start compares unfavourably to previous years.
February 2, 2008... Falling for the fifth week in a row, combined album sales last week dipped to 1,936,448. That's 2.4% down week-on-week and the lowest tally recorded for 23 weeks. It compares unfavourably with the 2,309,851 albums sold in the same week last...

DATAFILE ALBUMS - 02.02.08: Plant & Krauss.
February 2, 2008... Although temporarily overshadowed by the new Led Zeppelin compilation, Mothership, which has sold 503,215 copies in the last 11 weeks, Raising Sand - the country collaboration between Led Zep's lead singer Robert Plant and bluegrass star Alison...

DATAFILE ALBUMS - 02.02.08: Lupe Fiasco.
February 2, 2008... Although Superstar slips 4-5 on the singles chart, it has generated enough heat for parent album Lupe Fiasco's The Cool to debut at number seven on sales of 14,372. Rapper Fiasco's second album, it thus far outperforms his 2006 debut, Food &...

DATAFILE ALBUMS - 02.02.08: BPI Awards.
February 2, 2008... Albums Various Heartbeat - Love Songs (silver) The Wombats...Proudly Present A Guide To... (gold) Lee Mead Lee Mead (gold); Various Hannah Montana 2 OST (gold); Various Top Gear - Seriously Cool Driving Music (gold); Girls Aloud Tangled...

DATAFILE ALBUMS - 02.02.08: Nickelback.
February 2, 2008... Rockstar becomes Nickelback's highest charting single to date this week, rebounding 6-3 on sales of 25,590. The single's fast-increasing radio and TV support and a TV advertising campaign have led to an explosion in sales of the Canadian rock...

DATAFILE ALBUMS - 02.02.08: Garth Brooks.
February 2, 2008... With a major TV campaign now in place, country superstar Garth Brooks' The Ultimate Hits explodes, re-entering the chart at number 11 on sales of 13,337. The album debuted and peaked at number 54 last November, when given a `soft' release, and...

THE PLAY LIST: 09.02.08.
February 9, 2008... Magic Wands Teenage Love (Ark) Managed by The Wombats' Simon Bobbit, Magic Wands are about as perfect as bedroom pop can get. This single scratches the surface of their talent (free download, Feb 14) Riskay feat. Aviance & Real...

Sign Here - Empire Management.
February 9, 2008... Empire Management has added Norwegian pop artist Annie to its stable of artists. The singer, who signed to Island Records last year, further bolsters a roster that includes The Feeling, Nick Harrison, Natasha Bedingfield and producers Paul...

Judges prepare to dispense justice.
February 9, 2008... New categories up for grabs as judging begins for Music Week Awards Popjustice editor Peter Robinson, Play.com head of music Helen Marquis and Simply Red manager Ian Grenfell are among the judges for this year's Music Week Awards. ...

Green light for agency project.
February 9, 2008... The music industry's green bandwagon is gathering pace, with the MCPS- PRS Alliance inviting environmental group Julie's Bicycle to carry out its largest carbon audit to date. Julie's Bicycle was launched last year to undertake a major...

Ups And Downs: 09.02.08.
February 9, 2008... UPS Lovely weather at Midem lifts the spirits Three new categories in the Music Week awards attract fevered interest MCPS-PRS and Midem go green DOWNS GCap-owned Gold's London audience drops 65.9% in a year Qtrax...

Universal ties up deal for pan-European licences.
February 9, 2008... UMPG's deal with French collection society Sacem paves way for simplified multi-territory licensing Universal Music Publishing Group chairman and CEO David Renzer is predicting that a simplified multi-territory licensing structure long...

RoyaltyWindow unveiled with a little help from Kobalt.
February 9, 2008... David Renzer has acknowledged the influence of independent publisher Kobalt on the major unveiling an online system allowing its writers to track royalties in detail. Kobalt launched in 2000 and has since built up a roster of artists...

Moyles and Radio One surge full steam ahead.
February 9, 2008... GCap's flagship show remains London's third most-listened-to breakfast slot in a Rajar report where the BBC makes gains in listenership over commercial rivals Radio Capital FM managing director Paul Jackson remains phlegmatic over his...

Sony BMG announces internal mergers.
February 9, 2008... Sony BMG has merged its sales and commercial departments with the aim of becoming more customer-friendly and forward-looking. On top of its existing sales remit, the newly-created commercial sales division, which is effective immediately,...

Ticketmaster boost for resale trade.
February 9, 2008... Talks to reach a mutually-beneficial agreement between the secondary ticketing market and the live music industry have got under way, following Ticketmaster's acquisition of secondary ticketing company Get Me In!. The Resale Rights Society...

IN BRIEF: Peter Gabriel honoured at Midem gala dinner.
February 9, 2008... Peter Gabriel was honoured as Midem 2008 personality of the year at a gala dinner at the Carlton hotel last Monday. The musician and Womad founder attended the event despite a broken foot and also briefly performed. The same night saw the...

IN BRIEF: More sustained approach to investment.
February 9, 2008... Senior industry figures used the Midem Talent Only conference last Tuesday to call for a more sustained approach to investment in the development of artists' careers, with Domino Records founder Laurence Bell stating that the current "obsession...

IN BRIEF: Amazia multi-sector trade event.
February 9, 2008... The Reed Midem organisation has used Midem to ink 40 contracts with participating companies for its new Amazia multi-sector trade event in Hong Kong. Taking place at Hong Kong's Convention And Exhibition Centre from November 17-20, the event...

IN BRIEF: Sony deal with Opendisc.
February 9, 2008... Sony BMG has signed a deal with Opendisc, where the major will implement Opendisc technology and consumer marketing services to its top 30 international priority releases and key domestic projects in Europe. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

IN BRIEF: Merline official opens its doors.
February 9, 2008... International global rights body for independents Merlin officially opened its doors to label, distributor and aggregator members at Midem. It has also engaged former EMI Europe head of business affairs Charlie Lexton as in-house business...

IN BRIEF: Impala announces management changes.
February 9, 2008... Indies organisation Impala has changed its management structure, promoting current secretary general Helen Smith to executive chair and electing three co-presidents: Pias co-chairman Michel Lambot, Naove president Patrick Zelnik and K7 CEO...

IN BRIEF: Ricall jv.
February 9, 2008... Online music licensing marketplace Ricall has agreed a joint venture deal with Ocean Butterflies International, one of the largest music companies in China. Ocean Butterflies International's sales team will promote and market a translated and...

IN BRIEF: Omnifone deal.
February 9, 2008... Omnifone has signed a pan-European licensing deal with EMI, PRS and Gema to provide its unlimited music downloads service MusicStation with access to millions of EMI tracks. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

IN BRIEF: British Academy of Composers and Songwriters create new label.
February 9, 2008... Aggregator The Orchard and Academy Recordings, the new label created by the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, have announced an exclusive worldwide digital licensing agreement. The Orchard has also agreed a strategic partnership...

IN BRIEF: Greensleeves has been sold.
February 9, 2008... Legendary reggae label Greensleeves has been sold by Zest to New York- based VP Records. Greensleeves, home to artists including Eek-A-Mouse, Yellowman and Elephant Man, was originally bought by Zest in March 2006 for #3.25m. Copyright:...

Quality not quantity as Midem shifts focus.
February 9, 2008... The 42nd Midem convention saw attendence drop but increased numbers from the digital and live sectors, while tackling the industry's green issues joined the agenda The shifting balance of power in the music industry fell into sharp focus...

Qtrax backtracks while digital talk dominates.
February 9, 2008... SpiralFrog is adamant that Qtrax's botched launch at Midem will not affect the international roll out of its own ad-supported music service, which it predicts will arrive in the UK later this year. Despite claiming to have attracted 440,000...

Did Midem 2008 live up to your expections?
February 9, 2008... Marty Bandier Sony/ATV It's pretty terrific. I think it's crowded; lots of people. I don't go over to the Palais, I don't do my business here, but a lot of my people do and have meetings. We hire rooms." Andy Gray, Beat Goes On ...

Under reconstruction: the global music industry.(Industry overview)
February 9, 2008... The building sites of Cannes offered a neat analogy of how evolution, not revolution, will turn the industry round Delegates arriving for Midem last week were greeted by a Cannes very much under reconstruction. The Majestic, long a key...

Brits blow them away.
February 9, 2008... Wall Of Sound CEO Mark Jones says radio pluggers were "blown away" by Reverend And The Makers' live set at the British At Midem showcase, leading to the band being added to several key playlists, including Indie 103.1 in Los Angeles. The...

MIDEM: Bandier back in business.
February 9, 2008... Just a year since departing EMI Music Publishing, Marty Bandier has made a positive impact on Sony/ATV as the publisher's global chairman/CEO. Music Week caught up with him in Midem It is a gorgeous sunny January day in Cannes and Marty...

The mother of all sales opportunities.
February 9, 2008... If there is one certainly these days, it is that children and adults alike will be spoiling their mums come Mother's Day. And that can only be good news for retailers and record companies, who are increasingly gearing their products towards the...

MUSIC UPFRONT - 09.02.08: Single of the week.
February 9, 2008... Morrissey That's How People Grow Up (Decca) Fresh from a string of sold-out shows cut short due to illness, Morrissey is currently working on the follow-up to 2006's Ringleader Of The Tormentors album, which is expected this autumn. This...

MUSIC UPFRONT - 09.02.08.
February 9, 2008... This Week Singles 30 Seconds To Mars From Yesterday (Virgin) Akon Can't Wait (Universal) Badly Drawn Boy The Time Of Our Times (EMI) Mark Brown feat. Sarah Cracknell The Journey Continues (Positiva) Cassie Is It You...

FUTURE RELEASE: Natasha Bedingfield.
February 9, 2008... Natasha Bedingfield NB (Phonogenic) Natasha Bedingfield's latest album is to enjoy a new lease of life in the UK, as Phonogenic looks to capitalise on the album's success in the US. NB entered the Billboard 200 at number three last...

MUSIC UPFRONT - 09.02.08: Album of the week.
February 9, 2008... Hot Chip Made In The Dark (EMI) This follow-up to 2006's Mercury nominated The Warning will be showcased throughout Hot Chip's February UK tour. Lead single Ready For The Floor has become ubiquitous at radio, while TV promo has been ramped...

MUSIC UPFRONT - 09.02.08: Catalogue reviews.
February 9, 2008... Morcheeba: The Works (Rhino 5144237732) Competing for sales with their new album Dive Deep, released today (Monday), this excellent compilation distils Morcheeba's five previous albums into a triple-disc set at regular CD price. As such, it...