Music Week articles from October 2005

Music Week archives from October 2005

Darkness to put rivals in shade.
October 1, 2005... Atlantic Records is billing its new Darkness album as literally the biggest release of the year with a campaign aimed at radio, using a six-foot edition of their new single. One Way Ticket To Hell, the first single from the band's...

Sanctuary plans revival: as group issues fourth profit warning, bosses target turnaround through sell-offs and savings.(Companies)
October 1, 2005... Sanctuary Group is vowing to shape up, regroup and get on with business after another traumatic few days saw it issue its fourth profit warning in a year last week. The company attracted a further round of negative headlines last week...

Lemar grabs Mobo double.(People)
October 1, 2005... Sony BMG's Lemar won best album and UK act of the year at last Thursday's Mobo Awards, while 679 Recordings Kano won best UK newcomer. Unsigned Sway picked up best hip-hop act. Other winners at the awards, which took place at London's Royal...

John Peel.(People)
October 1, 2005... EMI is adding to the weight of John Peel projects this autumn to mark the first anniversary of the influential DJ's death by releasing a cover version on November 21 of The Buzzcocks' Ever Fallen In Love, which will feature the band's frontman...

Butlins.(People)
October 1, 2005... Girls Aloud, Simon Webbe and Rachel Stevens have signed Lip to a concert at the holiday resort Butlins in Minehead. The gig on November 12, also includes Darius, Jo O'Meara and Steve Brookstein.

Gaydar Radio.(People)
October 1, 2005... Internet and digital radio station Gaydar Radio has appointed Robin Crowley as station manager. Crowley, formerly of Classic FM, replaces James Crick, following Crick's promotion to creative director.

Sheridans.(People)
October 1, 2005... Entertainment law firm Sheridans is to launch a new film and television practice with the arrival of Peter McInerny and Robin Hilton, from media law firm The Simkins Partnership.

MTV and Warner in global deal.(Bottom line)
October 1, 2005... MTV and Warner Music are to announce what they describe as an "unprecedented global agreement" today (Monday). Tie announcement will take place at 3.30pm UK time.

Playlouder.(Bottom line)
October 1, 2005... Playlouder has put oil hold the planned launch this month of its groundbreaking major-licensed file sharing network after severing its partnership with the service's ADSL provider Bulldog Broadband. Bulldog is now at the centre of an...

Tesco.(Bottom line)
October 1, 2005... Impressive sales of CDs, games and other home entertainment products helped Tesco post interim pre-tax profits up 18.7% at 908m [pounds sterling]. Home entertainment sales grew by 17% in the first half ended August 13, pushing the total non...

Woolworths' Entertainment UK.(Bottom line)
October 1, 2005... A 19.1% sales increase by Woolworths' Entertainment UK arm and the disposal of the loss making MVC music chain have helped the retailer group reduce interim pretax losses.

Baidu.com.(Bottom line)
October 1, 2005... The four majors are suing Chinese internet search engine Baidu.com for copyright infringement. They allege that Baidu has been providing illegal links to free music downloads.

BPI.(Bottom line)
October 1, 2005... The BPI has launched two initiatives in its battle against illegal filesharing. A new copyright guide is aimed at IT managers of the UK's biggest companies and public sector organisations. At the same time, the BPI is also supporting a new...

Chrysalis.(Bottom line)
October 1, 2005... Chrysalis has announced it is selling its loss-making book business to focus on its core radio and music activity. The book division will be sold for 12.5m [pounds sterling] to NewCo, a company set up by Chrysalis Books chief executive Robin...

Independent Label Scheme.(Bottom line)
October 1, 2005... A scheme offering advice, legal services and business consultancy to independent record labels has been set up by Dean Marsh & Co solicitors. The Independent Label Scheme will be launched at this year's In The City.

Nokia.(Bottom line)
October 1, 2005... Nokia's flagship music phone has been postponed until next year because of difficulties in perfecting the technology The launch of the N91, an MP3 player phone that uses wireless technology to download music, will now happen in the first...

Band Aid Trust.(Bottom line)
October 1, 2005... Save the Children says it has received a 420,050 [pounds sterling] donation from the Band Aid Trust for its education programme in south Sudan.

Oasis lead way in Q nominations.(Exposure)
October 1, 2005... Oasis lead the field for the 2005 Q Awards with five nominations. Coldplay have four nominations, while James Blunt, Green Day and U2 have three nominations apiece. The awards take place at London's Grosvenor House Hotel Oil October 10.

Captain America.(Exposure)
October 1, 2005... Nick Stewart's weekly Captain America radio programme is to return to the airwaves nearly 18 months after being axed by Virgin Radio. The Americana and alternative country radio show will now be heard weekly on Chrysalis Radio digital station...

NME.(Exposure)
October 1, 2005... IPC's NME and NME.com unveiled new looks last week, following a magazine restructure and design refit, The new magazine design includes all increase in new music coverage, featuring local scenes across the country and a clubs section with UK...

Hurricane Rita.(Exposure)
October 1, 2005... Hurricane Rita last week forced concentrations of Coldplay and Oasis gigs in Houston.

1Xtra.(Exposure)
October 1, 2005... 1Xtra will hold its third annual Hip Hop Weekend from this Friday, comprising a 59-hour non-stop broadcast celebrating hip hop music and culture, with specialist shows.

Radio One and sister BBC station 1Xtra are to host a live session with Polydor act Ms Dynamite at the BBC Maida Vales Studios on Friday, October 7.(Exposure)
October 1, 2005... Radio One and sister BBC station 1Xtra are to host a live session with Polydor act Ms Dynamite at the BBC Maida Vales Studios oil Friday, October 7 Highlights will be broadcast by Radio One the following day while the entire session will...

BT Digital Music Awards 2005.(Exposure)
October 1, 2005... Goldfrapp and Kasabian are among the nominees announced for the BT Digital Music Awards 2005. The awards will be held at London's Hammersmith Palais on October 18 and broadcast on Channel 4 and subsequently on E4. Full nominations on...

BBC Worldwide's radio sales business BBC Radio International has teamed up with entertainment company Spafax to create four audio channels.(Exposure)
October 1, 2005... BBC Worldwide's radio sales business BBC Radio International has teamed up with entertainment company Spafax to create four audio channels for British Airways' in-flight entertainment service Highlife.

HMV to sponsor Classic FM chart.(Sign here)
October 1, 2005... HMV has struck an extensive partnership with Classic FM in which it will sponsor the GCap station's weekly chart show and carry station branding in its largest UK stores. The tie-up began last Saturday with sponsorship of The Classic FM Chart...

UKMusic.com and the Official Charts Company are offering a new chart alert service.(Sign here)
October 1, 2005... UKMusic.com and the Official Charts Company are offering a new chart alert service that sends single chart positions direct to subscribers' mobile phones.

Paul Oakenfold and Bonobo are among 10 dance music acts who are to contribute to an album in aid of youth development charity Bottleneck.(Sign here)
October 1, 2005... Paul Oakenfold and Bonobo are among 10 dance music acts who are to contribute to an album in aid of youth development charity Bottleneck. Sound Affects Malmaison will feature unique remixes of classic Afrofunk and Afrorock tracks from Ghana and...

V2.(Sign here)
October 1, 2005... V2 is to release what it says is the world's first full-length indie music video for mobile phone play. The album, which uses technology developed by software company Rok Player, features 13 full-length music videos, including Stereophonics,...

US-based online independent music retailer eMusic has inked a deal with Aim to sell repertoire.(Sign here)
October 1, 2005... US-based online independent music retailer eMusic has inked a deal with Aim to sell repertoire from 19 of the trade body's associated labels.

TuneTribe.(Sign here)
October 1, 2005... TuneTribe is to supply live music downloads from this autumn's Nokia Raw tour. Artists appearing on the tour, including The National and My Computer, have made a selection of pro-recorded tracks available for download for free from the Nokia...

Correction.(Sign here)(Correction Notice)
October 1, 2005... Correction: MusicAlly is organising an October 25 session at the Foreign Press Association in SW1 and not as stated in last week's Music Week. The keynote address will be delivered by MCPS-PRS Alliance group CEO Adam Singer and Sony BMG digital...

Music Week online poll.(Digest)
October 1, 2005... Welcome to the Music Week poll. To vote, simply visit our website at musicweek.com and click on the poll link. This week we ask: With their second album coming this November, can The Darkness prove themselves as more than a novelty rock...

Retailers hail debut indie event: Bard Indie Conference to build on debut event after indie retailers offer positive reactions.(Events)
October 1, 2005... Retailers' association Bard is looking to turn its Indie Conference into an annual fixture after declaring last week's inaugural event a resounding success. A capacity audience of more than 150 delegates attended last Wednesday's event at...

Digital companies woo indie retailers at Bard conference.(News)
October 1, 2005... The burgeoning digital market figured prominently at the first Bard Indie Conference, as two companies unveiled services designed to help independent retailers to compete in the download market. 7 Digital managing director Ben Drury...

The Music Week playlist.(News)
October 1, 2005... MADONNA Hung Up (Maverick) To say Madonna is back on form is a gross understatement. The lead single from her new album is a massive hit--no question. (single, November 14) SPINTO BAND Mountains (Radiate) One of the highlights of...

Analogue operations under GCap scrutiny: GCap boss focuses initial attention on audience figures.(Radio)
October 1, 2005... GCap's new chief executive Ralph Bernard is putting his immediate focus on improving the group's analogue business, despite pinning its future on digital radio. Bernard moved from executive chairman to take over from David Mansfield last...

The Spinto Band.(SNAP SHOT)
October 1, 2005... The Spinto Band have emerged alongside Clap Your Hands Say Yeah as a highlight from the CMJ Music Marathon, the annual A&R gathering staged in New York. The six-piece, who have to date released just one limited-edition independent single...

Key players aim to save studio.(News)
October 1, 2005... Movie producer David Puttnam and MP Frank Dobson are among the high-profile names who have been approached by Robin Millar in a bid to save one of London's most famous studios. Millar was ordered by his landlords to leave Whitfield Street...

EC decision on Sony BMG merger just months away.(News)
October 1, 2005... Impala is expecting to hear before Christmas whether the EC will be forced to reassess its Sony BMG merger decision following last Thursday's appeal in the Court of First Instance. With the case fast-tracked, Brussels insiders are...

Former boss steps in to helm a slimline Echo.(News)
October 1, 2005... Chrysalis Music division CEO Jeremy Lascelles is assuming day-to-day control of The Echo Label following the exit of its two most senior executives. Echo managing director John Chuter and A&R director Darrin Woodford will both leave the...

Sanctuary Group's annus horribilis.(News)
October 1, 2005... Jan 26: profit warning 1. Jan 27: announces turnover up 45% to 220.9m [pounds sterling] with profit of 24.8m [pounds sterling], for year to end of September 2004. June 17: profit warning 2. June 28: Coup announces interim, pre-tax...

Success behind the negative headlines.(News)
October 1, 2005... Sanctuary Recorded Music Worldwide CEO Joe Cokell believes the recent negative headlines surrounding the group have distracted from some of the company's successes. Most recently, Simple Minds entered at six in the German album chart, seven in...

Sanctuary vows to stand by 360[degrees] model: label bosses outline their plans for the indie's future.(Companies)
October 1, 2005... Few would argue that 2005 has been Sanctuary Group's annus horribilis. But if anyone thought that founders Andy Taylor and Rod Smallwood were planning to pack up and give in now, they are very much mistaken. As some analysts last week...

Cast list.(News)
October 1, 2005... Radio: Jo Kenney, Sony BMG "IV: Richie Crosley, Sony BMG Press: Sam Oxley, Henry's House Marketing: Julie Gray, Sony BMG. Publishing: Sony ATV Publishing. Regional radio: Nick Bray, Sony BMG A&R: Simon Fuller, 19, Ged Doherty, Sony BMG, Steve...

Will Young chart history.(News)
October 1, 2005... Singles (UK peak) Anything Is Possible/Evergreen (1) Light My Fire (1) The Long & Winding Road/ Suspicious Minds (1) Don't Let Me Down/You & I (2) Leave Right Now (1) Your Game (3) Friday's Child (4) Albums (UK peak--over-the-counter...

Will set to switch on global charm: singer plans to take international stage with film role and follow-up to 1.6m-selling album.(Talent)
October 1, 2005... 19 Entertainment, Sony BMG and Will Young are stepping up their ambitions ahead of his third studio album Keep On. Since the launch of his second album, Friday's Child, almost two years ago, Young has established himself as a genuine...

Keeping the Simply Red flag flying: Simplyred.com's indie stance has been as successful as it is radical. Now the label is set for a fresh push.(Special Report)
October 1, 2005... You can probably gather all you need to know about Mick Hucknall's attitude towards the modern music industry by his choice of Cuba as the recurring motif of Simplified, the second self-released Simply Red album. To use Hucknall's own...

Bard gets it spectacularly right: indie retailers conference was a massive triumph and can only get better and bigger.(EDITORIAL)
October 1, 2005... When the team at retailers' association Bard first spoke seriously about organising an indie retailers' conference, they hoped for around 50 or so to turn up. And even that was considered optimistic. In that context, last week's inaugural...

Move to Friday chart backed by German trade and media.(VIEWPOINT)
October 1, 2005... In future, German music fans will hardly be able to wait for Fridays. New releases in Germany will regularly be available in the shops on this day: The brand new charts will also be presented from Fridays, so that customers can head off into...

Should Apple adopt tiered pricing for its downloads?(The big question)
October 1, 2005... Apple CEO Steve Jobs last week used a conference speech to accuse record companies of "greed" for pressing for iTunes to introduce a tiered pricing structure. Should Apple be more flexible or is its blanket price the right policy? Iain...

Quickfire: acclaimed composer Michael Nyman, who tours the UK next month, explains how going it alone is the best way to make it in classical music.(Forum)(Interview)
October 1, 2005... Why did you decide to embark on your first solo tour now? It's the first time that I've done something like a rock musician, which is to go on tour to promote an album. I'm releasing The Piano Sings on my own MN Records, which is a...

Bard on a winner despite moans.(DOOLEY'S DIARY)
October 1, 2005... Remember where you heard it: Few could argue that the first indie retailers' conference staged by retailers' association Bard last Wednesday was anything less than a runaway success. There were some moans though; one attendee griped that the...

Most people probably would not choose to celebrate their 21st birthday by performing tracks from their highly-anticipated new album in front of a crowd of industry bigwigs.(Forum)
October 1, 2005... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Most people probably would not choose to celebrate their 21st birthday by performing tracks from their highly-anticipated new album in front of a crowd of industry bigwigs. But then Katie Melua is not most...

Kanye West proved this week that it's not all guns and girls in the hip hop world--the rapper brought his inner city beats to St John's Wood in North London, with an intimate live performance at the Abbey Road studios.(Forum)
October 1, 2005... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Kanye West proved this week that it's not all guns and girls in the hip hop world--the tapper brought his inner city beats to St John's Wood in North London, with an intimate live performance at the Abbey...

Cue Laurie Holloway and that famous theme music as Michael Parkinson was in town (well, Croydon) last week, ready to offer up some expert advice to Brit School students considering a possible career in the media.(Forum)
October 1, 2005... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Cue Laurie Holloway and that famous theme music as Michael Parkinson was in town (well, Croydon) last week, ready to offer up some expert advice to Brit School students considering a possible career in the...

Fast chart.(Datafile: Britain's most comprehensive charts service: Week 39)
October 1, 2005... SINGLES NUMBER ONE PUSSYCAT DOLLS DON'T CHA (A&M) With sales of 195,164 on its first 20 days in the shops, Don't Cha is the seventh biggest seller of the year. The Pussycat Dolls' album includes covers of Soft Cell, Nina Simone...

Downloads reach new high point.(The Market)
October 1, 2005... Despite holdovers with reduced sales at the top of both the singles and albums charts, both sectors remained extremely healthy last week. Overall, singles sales declined just 0.7% to 902,208 weekly sales, beating the 900,000 mark for the...

Key indicators.(Datafile: Britain's most comprehensive charts service: Week 39)
October 1, 2005... SINGLES Sales versus last week: +0.7% Year to date versus last year: +37.1% MARKET SHARES Universal 36.1% Indies 20.9% Warners 18.3% Sony BMG 13.9% EMI 10.8% ALBUMS Sales...

The schedule.(Datafile: Britain's most comprehensive charts service: Week 39)
October 1, 2005... ALBUMS THIS WEEK The Corrs Home (Atlantic); The Mitchell Brothers A Breath Of Fresh Attire (679); Sheryl Crow Windflower (Atlantic); Jamie Cullum Catching Tales (UCJ); Sean Paul The Trinity (Atlantic); Katie Melua Piece By Piece...

A-ha will release their eighth studio album, Analogue, on November 7, while the title track will go to radio on December 12.(NEW ADDITION)
October 1, 2005... A-ha will release their eighth studio album Analogue, on November 7, while the title track will go to radio on December 12. The album will arrive ahead of a UK arena tour that kicks off on December 3. A-ha have enjoyed a surge in profile over...

Lost Sixties act re-emerges: Fat Cat rediscovers Vashti Bunyan, who releases her second album 36 years after her debut.(The Plot)
October 1, 2005... VASHTI BUNYAN LOOKAFTERING (FAT CAT) With guest appearances by Devendra Banhart, Adem and Joanna Newsom, the new album by" Vashti Bunyan--her second in 36 years--makes for an interesting tale, but her label Fat Cat is cautious about presenting...

Sony BMG eyes double-platinum landmark for John Legend debut.(Campaign focus)
October 1, 2005... Sony BMG is in hot pursuit of double-platinum status for John Legend's debut album Get Lifted after last week seeing it break through the 300,000 shipment barrier. The album, which yesterday (Sunday) was on course to clock up its 29th week...

Tastemakers tips.(Upfront)
October 1, 2005... Bob Sinclar Feat. Gary Pine Love Generation (Defected) JAMES HYMAN, XFM, BROADCASTER "This incredibly cheesy but superb pop record made all the right noise in Ibiza. Like Frankie Knuckles' Whistling Song with added Balearic juice and...

Kiss 100.(THE INSIDER)
October 1, 2005... As Kiss 100 celebrates 20 years in radio, the broadcaster. is enjoying one of the most high-profile periods in its history. The Emap station recently celebrated its anniversary with a huge event at Alexandra Palace featuring more than 100...

Radio playlists.(Upfront)
October 1, 2005... RADIO 1 A LIST Bob Sinclar Love Generation; Charlotte Church Call My Name; David Gray The One I Love: Foo Fighters DOA; Franz Ferdinand Do You Want To?; Gorillaz Dare: Hard-Fi Living Fol The Weekend: James Blunt High; Kanye West feat....

BPI awards.(Upfront)
October 1, 2005... ALBUMS Sean Paul--The Trinity (silver) Paul McCartney--Chaos & Creation In The Backyard (gold) Ian Brown--The Greatest (gold). Arcade Fire--Funeral (gold). Sam Cooke--Portrait Of A Legend (gold) Various--Pop Princesses 2 (gold) Jack...

In-store next week.(Upfront)
October 1, 2005... ASDA Instore--Rowetta, Leftfield, Franz Ferdinand, Student Daze, Ms Dynamite, Ultimate Moods, New Order, Clubmix R&B, Snoop Dogg, John Lennon; Album of the week--Franz Ferdinand, Robbie Williams; Music DVD--Punk BORDERS ...

Also out this week.(Upfront)
October 1, 2005... SINGLES Bow Wow: Let Me Hold You (Columbia); Stephen Fretwell: New York (Fiction); Missy Higgins: Scar (WEA); Hush If I Was (Island); My Morning Jacket: Off The Record (Sony BMG) ALBUMS Gang Of Four Return The Gift (V2); Mew: And...

Bob Sinclar: Love Generation.
October 1, 2005... Bob Sinclar Love Generation Defected DFTD107CD Powered by summery acoustic guitar, this return from the French dance producer is topped by both a Bob Marley-esque vocal from Gary Pine and a whistled chorus. The track has massive pop...

Sugababes: Taller in More Ways.
October 1, 2005... Sugababes Taller In More Ways Island CID8162 Sugababes' fourth album is an impressive development for the trio, who have managed to give their sound a US-influenced R&B polish without losing their own original twist. Songs run from the...

Alfie: Where Did Our Loving Go?
October 1, 2005... Alfie Where Did Our Loving Go? (Regal REG131CD) Alfie have always promised great things, but have never really captured the public imagination. Where Did Our Loving Go doesn't veer from that path. It has a touching, world-weary melody and...

Death Cab For Cutie: Soul Meets Body.
October 1, 2005... Death Cab For Cutie Soul Meets Body (Atlantic PR15555) This glorious indie-pop song is the first from the Seattle quartet's fifth album and shows them in fine form. Quaint, jangly guitar lines and an uptempo rhythm play host to a beautiful...

El Presidente: Rocket.
October 1, 2005... El Presidente Rocket (One 82876743002) Originally a limited-edition release last year, this catchy, surf-punk flavoured guitar track is taken from the band's October 24-released debut album Elected. El Presidente have already scored Top 40...

Feeder: Shatter/Tender.
October 1, 2005... Feeder Shatter/Tender (Echo ECSEV180) This double A-sided single appears in the wake of Feeder's Download headline festival slot, and UK appearances supporting U2 and REM. Both the punchy Shatter and melodic Tender have been used by...

MIA: Galang '05.
October 1, 2005... MIA Galang '05 (XL XLS199CD1) The single that initially sparked MIA's word-of-mouth reputation receives a reissue in the wake of album Arular's recent Nationwide Mercury Music Prize nomination. This minor tweak of the original version...

Roll Deep: Shake a Leg.
October 1, 2005... Roll Deep Shake A Leg (Relentless RELCD22) After big summer hit The Avenue, Roll Deep return with another track that looks likely to repeat its chart success. This unusual pop/grime/salsa hybrid is incredibly catchy, as highlighted by an...

Lee Ryan: Turn Your Car Around.
October 1, 2005... Lee Ryan Turn Your Car Around (Brightside 82876743362) Despite a wealth of recent press goodwill, Ryan's eponymous debut album has so far failed to ignite commercially. This solid piece of MOR could, however, provoke a turnaround. Turn Your...

Simply Red: Perfect Love.
October 1, 2005... Simply Red Perfect Love (Simplyred.com SRS005CD1) Continuing the lucrative business model that reaped such rewards with previous album Home, this new effort from Mick Hucknall adopts a distinctly Cuban feel with its Latin rhythms, horn...

U2: All Because of You.
October 1, 2005... U2 All Because Of You (Island CID906) This is the fourth single from the quadruple-platinum How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb and may be no classic by the band's high standards, but its sparky production does pack sufficient punch to cut...

Hanson: Live and Electric.
October 1, 2005... Hanson Live And Electric (Cooking Vinyl COOKCD359) This year's comeback from the Nineties boy-rockers has culminated in this retrospective with a mature and raw sound. Covers of Radiohead's Optimistic and U2's In A Little While showcase the...

Jackie O: Between Worlds of Whores & Gods.
October 1, 2005... Jackie O Between Worlds Of Whores & Gods (Skinny Dog 13) Produced by Steve Lloyd (Doves, Elbow) this captures the essence of the Manchester four-piece. Their swamp punk/blues sound has echoes of Tom Waits and Preacher Man, but their sound...

Alicia Keys: Unplugged.
October 1, 2005... Alicia Keys Unplugged (J 82876718082) If ever there was an artist at home in the unplugged setting, it is Alicia Keys. While many acts tend to lose power acoustically, Keys simply thrives, breathing new life into songs from her catalogue...

Liberty X: X.
October 1, 2005... Liberty X X (Virgin CDVCM1) Liberty X's third album takes 2002's number one hit Just A Little as its reference point but fails to move on. Although the band have scored seven Top 10 hits, X's mix of S Club-style ballads and hip hop/pop...