Music Week articles from September 2005

Music Week archives from September 2005

Retailers get set for digital: HMV and Virgin poised for launches.(Digital)
September 3, 2005... The UK's digital music market will he radically transformed over the next few days as high-street giants HMV and Virgin Retail roll out their long-awaited online services. Virgin will kick off a landmark week for the digital sector this...

Robbie ready to get Tripping out.
September 3, 2005... Robbie Williams will personally deliver his new single Tripping to key UK radio stations on September 5 ahead of the launch of his new album Intensive Care. The album will be launched in 32 venues across Europe thanks to plans to cinecast live...

Lemar leads Mobo shortlist.(Exposure)
September 3, 2005... Sony BMG's Lemar is leading this year's Mobo Awards trail with five nominations. 679 Recordings' Kano is up for four awards, including best UK act of the year and best newcomer, for which he will go up against British artist and producer Sway,...

Chrysalis Radio.(Exposure)
September 3, 2005... Chrysalis Radio debuted its Heart radio brand in the East Midlands last Friday, when 106 Century FM officially became Heart 106 FM. The move creates a radio "super-region" in the Midlands area for Heart, which operates 100.7 Heart FM in the...

Kerrang! Awards.(Exposure)
September 3, 2005... Reprise act Green Day triumphed at the Kerrang! Awards last Thursday after receiving the award for best band on the planet. An icon award went to Marilyn Manson, while US band My Chemical Romance won best album and best video. Iron Maiden were...

Radio One.(Exposure)
September 3, 2005... Radio One has announced that the first John Peel Day will take place on October 13. The day is intended to be a celebration of Peel's life and will see gigs staged across the UK under the Peel Day banner. Before this, there will be a London gig...

CD:UK.(Exposure)
September 3, 2005... ITV chart show CD:UK has appointed three new presenters to host its Saturday morning show which returns in September. Lauren Laverne, Myleene Klass and Jonny P will present the weekly show.

Amsterdam Dance Event.(Exposure)
September 3, 2005... Organisers of this year's 10th anniversary three-day Amsterdam Dance Event, which begins on October 27, will include a line-up of more than 400 DJs, while the focus has shifted to live events.

102.2 Smooth FM.(Exposure)
September 3, 2005... GMG Radio's London-based 102.2 Smooth FM, which was rebranded on June 7 from its previous name of Jazz FM, is unveiling its first significant advertising campaign next month to attract new listeners. The 1.5m [pounds sterling] promotion takes...

Virgin Radio.(Exposure)
September 3, 2005... A show on Virgin Radio will become the latest radio slot to be made available as a podcast. The Tim Lovejoy Show, which sees Lovejoy move to Virgin Radio from Sky Sports Soccer, will feature music, sport news and celebrity interviews.

Magic 105.4.(Exposure)
September 3, 2005... Radio station Magic 105.4 is adding a host of guest DJs to its lineup in a new show called My Magic Music. Craig David will launch the two-hour show, which starts on Saturday September 17 at 7pm, while other artists to feature include Sheryl...

EMI insider fills top A&R role.(People)
September 3, 2005... EMI Records managing director Terry Felgate has filled the long-vacant role of head of A&R by promoting A&R manager Matt Edwards. Edwards has been in his previous role since November 2002 after joining the major from XL/Hero Music where he was...

BMG Music Publishing Worldwide.(People)
September 3, 2005... Carol Lipkin has been promoted to the newly-created post of chief financial officer at BMG Music Publishing Worldwide. Lipkin will continue to oversee all finance and administration activities for the company's worldwide business.

Bob Moog.(People)
September 3, 2005... Bob Moog, one of the great pioneers in the development of electronic music, died from a brain tumour at the age of 71 on August 21. Moog, inventor of the Modular Synthesiser, had been diagnosed with the condition glioblastoma multiforme in...

Virgin Radio.(People)
September 3, 2005... Fru Hazlitt, the former managing director of Yahoo! UK, has joined Virgin Radio as its chief executive. Hazlitt, who has previously worked at Capital Radio Group, Guardian Media Group and Centaur Communications, has taken up her role assuming...

GCap.(People)
September 3, 2005... GCap has appointed a programme controller for its regional stations based in Kent. Craig Boddy will join GCap Media's Invicta FM station on September 12 and will take responsibility for local strategy and audience development. Boddy has...

Metropolis Group.(People)
September 3, 2005... Metropolis Group has appointed Jim Parsons as executive producer for its production division. Parsons has produced and directed shows for TTV, Channel 4, 5, Sky One and the BBC.

Chrysalis Radio.(People)
September 3, 2005... Chrysalis Radio has poached Capital 95.8 FM's Jamie Scott to become producer of its Heart Breakfast With Jamie Theakston show. He begins on September 12.

Universal unveils 'music' mobile.(Bottom Line)
September 3, 2005... Universal Music is to introduce a music-focused mobile phone to the US market in partnership with wireless consultant Single Touch interactive. The MoveU phone will provide access to personalised content from the major's artists using Single...

Napster.(Bottom Line)
September 3, 2005... The European Digital Media Association (EDiMA), the body which aims to represent the interests of online retailers and distributors, has welcomed Napster as its newest member.

Guardian Media Group Radio.(Bottom Line)
September 3, 2005... Guardian Media Group Radio has taken a controlling stake in Reading 107 FM, increasing its shareholding in the Berkshire station from 37.8% to 60.3% with immediate effect. GMG Radio took the opportunity to take control of the company after...

Jimi Hendrix.(Bottom Line)
September 3, 2005... Legal action taken by the estate of Jimi Hendrix against a London company which had claimed the rights to release Hendrix recordings has been officially concluded. Because the London label, Purple Haze Records, had failed to pay 25,000 [pounds...

Iron Maiden.(Bottom Line)
September 3, 2005... Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood has called the disruption of the band's set on the closing night of the OzzFest tour the worst thing he has seen in 30 years in the music industry and called for an apology from those responsible. The band's...

Streetlights Contemporary Music School.(Bottom Line)
September 3, 2005... Britain's first rock school is to open in September. Streetlights Contemporary Music School, aimed at 10- to 20-year-olds, will feature tutors who have worked with artists including Paul Weller, The Game, Daniel Bedingfield and the Spice Girls....

UK's Music Choice poised for buyout.(Sign here)
September 3, 2005... Music Choice Europe is poised for acquisition by privately-owned company IG Co in a cash deal worth 2.65m [pounds sterling]. The deal is now subject to investor approval. Some 75% of the shareholders in the company are required to agree to the...

BMG Music.(Sign here)
September 3, 2005... Pam Sheyne, the New Zealander who has contributed to hits for Christina Aguilera and Jessica Simpson and is now based in the UK, has signed a four-year sub-publishing deal with BMG Music. She will work with BMG Music Publishing's Andrew Jenkins...

BMG Music Publishing.(Sign here)
September 3, 2005... BMG Music Publishing has separately signed Gilbert O'Sullivan and Mike Oldfield. In Oldfield's case, the agreement will not include catalogue, but will cover his upcoming new Universal album. O'Sullivan, however, will have all worldwide...

David McAlmont.(Sign here)
September 3, 2005... David McAlmont has signed a deal with Giles Peterson's subsidiary label Blueport Recordings. A cover of the Whitney Houston hit Saving All My Love For You will be released as a single on October 10 followed by an album, You Go To My Head, on...

Sony BMG.(Sign here)
September 3, 2005... Sony BMG is to supply video content for NTL's Video On Demand TV service. The service is available to 400,000 digital cable subscribers in the UK. NTL already signed up Universal and Warner.

One Solution International.(Sign here)
September 3, 2005... Los Angeles-based urban print and online portal Urban Network and London's entertainment consultancy One Solution International has signed a partnership deal designed to make marketing, networking and distribution initiatives easier to complete...

Music Week online poll.(Digest)
September 3, 2005... Welcome to the Music Week poll. To vote, simply visit our website at musicweek.com and click on the poll link. The question we are posing is: The UK's summer festival season has this year been the busiest yet with new events such as...

Sanctuary adrift in choppy waters: cloud darkens over indie after concerns over debt prompts Warner to withdraw interest.(Companies)
September 3, 2005... Warner Music Group's call to break off talks with Sanctuary last week could spell the end of the group's boast of being the only 360 degree music company with a finger in every pie from management to merchandise. Sanctuary may have...

Hit 40 UK breaks new chart ground with AC rundown.(News)
September 3, 2005... Hit 40 UK's new adult contemporary countdown will mark a new first when it appears in the autumn, becoming the UK's first chart to focus on artists rather than individual tracks. The survey, which has the working title of the AC Chart, will...

The Music Week playlist.(News)
September 3, 2005... JAMES BLUNT High (Atlantic) Blunt's new single, originally released in 2004, will retain the singer a place at the top of the charts well into the fourth quarter (single, October 3) MATTAFIX Passer By (Buddhist Punk) The follow up...

V2 move gives indies platform in Europe: licensing venture to offer sales and distribution support.(International)
September 3, 2005... Indie labels will have a new label platform to launch their acts across the Continent next month when V2 Music pushes the start button on a new pan-European licensing venture, Cooperative Music. The new outfit is designed to license...

Video releases target PSP.(News)
September 3, 2005... Sony BMG and Sanctuary are blazing the trail for a new music video format going on sale this week alongside the launch of PlayStation Portable, which plays the discs. The two groups are bringing out titles on Universal Media Disc, a...

Ricky Martin.(SNAP SHOT)
September 3, 2005... Ricky Martin will return to the UK for the second time in as many months on September 22. The week-long promo visit will encompass key TV shows including Jonathan Ross, CD:UK and Top Of The Pops and follows last month's trip, which featured a...

Bard indie gathering heads towards sell-out.(News)
September 3, 2005... The Bard Indie Conference is on course to be a runaway success in its first year, with seats quickly running out for the event. With three weeks to go, more than 165 delegates have already committed themselves to attending the gathering,...

Wembley Arena set to offer glimpse of 35m [pounds sterling] revamp.(News)
September 3, 2005... Wembley Arena has reached the halfway stage in its 35m [pounds sterling] redevelopment scheme, and next month promoters will be given their first glimpse of how the new venue is taking shape. Building began at the start of the year and...

Warner starts e-label in US: more details emerge of digital plans.(News)
September 3, 2005... Warner Music US says it plans this October to reveal full details of an innovative e-label operation, which will put the emphasis on single tracks rather than albums. Elektra founder Jac Holzman, who discovered The Doors, has been put in...

Playlouder takes file-sharing legit: soft launch of ISP service in September will be followed by drive to recruit further majors.(Technology)
September 3, 2005... It has taken 18 months of negotiations to deliver the UK its very first legal P2P environment complete with the benefits offered by an ISP, but Playlouder Music Service Provider will finally be up and running next week. The launch has...

Top 20 ringtones.(Digital)
September 3, 2005... Craig David's Warner Bros comeback has made an impact on the ringtones chart this week as his track All the Way debuts at number three. Meanwhile, Kaiser Chiefs make their first appearance on the chart with I Predict A Riot, which arrives at...

BMG gains edge in close-fought race: powered by Coldplay and Crazy Frog, publisher reverses fortunes to top market shares.(Publishing)
September 3, 2005... Even before the first ball of the new football Premiership season had been kicked, pundits were already predicting its outcome was a foregone conclusion with last time's runaway champions Chelsea poised to triumph again. But it is a...

Catalyst creates strong reaction.(Analysis)
September 3, 2005... Chrysalis Music found itself up against an old adversary in quarter two, as the company which denied it 2003's indie publishing crown returned in spectacular fashion. Catalyst, set up by one-time Global Chrysalis head Peter Knight, shook...

The return of the magnificent seven: once dismissed as a redundant format, vinyl seven-inches have soared in popularity in the past year. Adam Webb talks to labels and retailers about the format that refuses to die.(Pressing)
September 3, 2005... Over the past few years, claims that physical product would soon be consigned to the dustbin of history have been made frequently enough, mostly by those pushing the latest digital technology. And, certainly, some non-digitised consumer goods...

Facing some pressing issues: UK manufacturers are meeting the challenges of tough times by takeovers and diversifying.(Pressing)
September 3, 2005... Manufacturing has certainly undergone something of a tempestuous year. Against a backdrop of digital downloads and falling sales, the fire that destroyed VDC back in July (and subsequent news that the Wembley-based company have now bought out...

Downloads fan flames of creative packaging: the faceless nature of downloads is reinvigorating creative design, as labels increasingly look to art to bolster their artists' brand identities. Allan Glen highlights recent projects.(Creative design)
September 3, 2005... It may seem a contradiction in terms, but rather than spell the end for creative design, the advent of digital downloading appears to have reinvigorated the entire packaging and design sector. Indeed, faced with the faintly anonymous prospect...

The renaissance of the single: evidence suggests the single will benefit from the digital trend to buy tracks individually.(EDITORIAL)
September 3, 2005... Since Epic Records mined Michael Jackson's Thriller for six singles (seven in the States) back in the early Eighties, the role of the single has become little more than a mini-advert for the parent album. But that wasn't always the case....

War Child will succeed with a little help from our friends.(VIEWPOINT)
September 3, 2005... When I joined War Child last autumn, I joined an organisation with a rich musical legacy dating back even before the epochal release of Help in 1995. The organisation had also just launched warchildmusic.com, a unique music download website...

What action would sort out Sanctuary's problems?(The big question)
September 3, 2005... What should Sanctuary do to get itself out of its current difficulties? Roger Armstrong, Ace Records "I think they've hit problems because of being a listed company. There is a driving force to make money for the shareholders and you...

Quickfire: with James Blunt, Daniel Powter and Craig David leading a recent revival, Nick Phillips is preparing for a busy second half of the year for Warner Music.(Forum)(Interview)
September 3, 2005... Warner was quiet for a while, but now things seem to have exploded for you. Is that a coincidence or was there a masterplan behind it? We were quiet because we didn't have that many records coming out. You can't just make them appear. But...

Highs and lows of the week.(DOOLEY'S DIARY)
September 3, 2005... Remember where you heard it: There are some nervous people out there. Sanctuary's problems are, according to one insider, bound to have an impact on magazines like Mojo and Uncut, which have practically been house journals for the old codgers...

Drinking buddies Crazy Frog and Chris Martin sadly did not make it, but their publisher Sony BMG Music Publishing popped along the road for a few celebratory pints the other day to mark a landmark for the team.(Forum)
September 3, 2005... Drinking buddies Crazy Frog and Chris Martin sadly did not make it, but their publisher Sony BMG Music Publishing popped along the road for a few celebratory pints the other day to mark a landmark for the team. An event at The Farm in Fulham...

Warner Music UK and Warner/Chappell are close, but last week their relationship was further cemented with their first joint staff day out.(Forum)
September 3, 2005... Warner Music UK and Warner/Chappell are close, but last week their relationship was further cemented with their first joint staff day out Decamping to the Chessington World Of Adventures, their day out included an It's A Knockout Tournament,...

The music industry bade a fond but fitting farewell to Marilyn Manson last week, when he was presented with the Icon Award at the 12th Kerrang! Awards.(Forum)
September 3, 2005... The music industry bade a fond but fitting farewell to Marilyn Manson last week, when he was presented with the Icon Award at the 12th Kerrang! Awards. Manson, who says he is retiring from music to concentrate on films, was honoured in front of...

Fast chart.(Datafile: Britain's most comprehensive charts service: Week 35)
September 3, 2005... SINGLES NUMBER ONE OASIS THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING IDLE Big Brother Oasis increase their tally of number one singles to eight with a title which provides only the third instance of a Top 40 hit containing the word "idle", and...

Late summer brings sales high.(The Market)
September 3, 2005... Good weather, desirable new releases, new sales initiatives from Virgin and MVC, a VAT-free weekend at Tesco and payday for monthly wage earners helped both singles and albums markets register double digit gains last week. Albums enjoyed a...

Key indicators.(Datafile: Britain's most comprehensive charts service: Week 35)
September 3, 2005... SINGLES Sales versus last week: +14.0% Year to date versus last year: +31.8% MARKET SHARES Universal 34.8% Sony BMG 21.0% Warners 14.2% Indies 13.7% EMI 13.5% ALBUMS Sales versus last...

The schedule.(Datafile)
September 3, 2005... ALBUMS THIS WEEK Diefenbach Set And Drift (We Love You); Kanye West Late Registration (Roc-A-Fella); Mcfly Wonderland (Island); Sean Paul tbc (Atlantic): Eric Clapton Back Home (Reprise); SEPTEMBER 5 Elbow Leaders Of The Free...

Eighties survivor Howard Jones will release his first new album in seven years on October 10.(NEW ADDITION)
September 3, 2005... Eighties survivor Howard Jones will release his first new album in seven years on October 10. Revolution Of The Heart has been co-produced and co-written by Jones with dance producer Robbie Bronnimann, and will be premiered via a live show at...

New push for Mylo debut: Mylo's debut album set to benefit as Breastfed and Sony BMG prepare to re-release the album on September 12.(The Plot)
September 3, 2005... MYLO DESTROY ROCK & ROLL (BREASTFED/SONY BMG) Breastfed and Sony BMG are preparing to release a new version of Mylo's debut album Destroy Rock & Roll, with the new pressing featuring three new tracks, including current favourite Doctor...

Major sets new target for Faithless, as album exceeds 500,000 sales.(Campaign focus)
September 3, 2005... Faithless's greatest hits collection Forever Faithless is living up to its name in the UK charts--the album spent its first 14 weeks in the Top Five following its May 16 release, selling more than 600,000 copies over the counter to surpass the...

Tastemakers tips.(Upfront)
September 3, 2005... Dr Dog Easybeat (Rough Trade) SOPHIE HARRIS, TIME OUT "As playful as their name suggests, Dr Dog are a beardy five-piece band from Philadelphia, whose music combines vintage soul with modern, wobbly guitar rock. One singer has a voice...

Disque.(THE INSIDER)
September 3, 2005... Tucked away amid the market stalls, bars and restaurants of Islington's Chapel Market, Disque aims to offer "the music of Soho without the attitude", according to managing director Ed Davies. The approach is clearly working: the shop...

Radio playlists.(Upfront)
September 3, 2005... RADIO 1 A LIST Black Eyed Peas Don't Lie; Coldplay Fix You; David Gray The One I Love; Foo Fighters DOA; Franz Ferdinand Do You Want To?; Freemasons Love On My Mind; Goldfrapp Ooh La La; Gorillaz Dare; Gwen Stefani Cool; Jamirequai...

BPI awards.(Upfront)
September 3, 2005... ALBUMS Various--The Best Club Anthems (silver). Supergrass--Road To Rouen (silver). Editors--The Back Room (silver). Goldfrapp--Supernature (gold). Goldfrapp--Black Cherry (platinum). Kasabian--Kasabian (two times...

In-store next week.(Upfront)
September 3, 2005... ASDA Instore--50 Cent, The Rolling Stones, Simple Minds, Massivr R&B 2; Album of the week--The Rolling Stones; Compilation of the week--Massivr R&B; Single of the Week--Pussycat Girls BORDERS Instore--Kate Rusby, The Rolling...

Also out this week.(Upfront)
September 3, 2005... SINGLES Gavin DeGraw: Follow Through (J) Peyton: I'll Rise/A Higher Place (Hed Kandi) Tony Yayo: So Seductive (Interscope) ALBUMS Uniting Nations: One World (Gusto)

Jamesy P: Nookie.
September 3, 2005... Jamesy P Nookie Smoove SM00VE04 The steamy beats and absurd lyrics of Soca star Jamesy P's debut UK single have migrated from the Caribbean to the UK over the past few weeks, and with a weekend of invaluable exposure at Notting Hill...

David Gray: Life in Slow Motion.
September 3, 2005... David Gray Life In Slow Motion IHT/Atlantic 5046797662 Gray's first album in three years is a masterpiece of introspective writing and performance, and arrives at a time when solo singer-songwriters are at the fore. Life In Slow Motion is...

50 Cent: Outta Control.
September 3, 2005... 50 Cent Outta Control (Interscope 9885436) 50 Cent's third single from the all-conquering The Massacre album is a fairly formulaic offering, save for Dr Dre's ever-reliable slick beats and strings. The rapper is going ahead with UK dates...

Battant: Jump Up.
September 3, 2005... Battant Jump Up (Firewire FIRE005) This debut single from the London three-piece fuses electropop with stripped-down punk attitude. The band are a fearsome live presence; they burst out from the Haywire parties that Andrew Weatherall runs...

Bon Jovi: Have a Nice Day.
September 3, 2005... Bon Jovi Have A Nice Day (Mercury 9885841) This curtain-raiser and title track from Bon Jovi's new album is an upbeat ode to the freedom of the rock'n'roll lifestyle. Now that ironic scenesters have co-opted the Eighties rock genre it is...

The Dead 60s: Riot Radio.
September 3, 2005... The Dead 60s Riot Radio (Deltasonic DLTCD041) This ska-flavoured outing from the Liverpool band looks set to give them the crossover success they deserve. Blending equal parts of The Specials and The Clash, it is already receiving support...

Hard-Fi: Living for the Weekend.
September 3, 2005... Hard-Fi Living For The Weekend (Necessary/Atlantic HARD04CD) This is another quality rocker from the gold-awarded Stars Of CCTV album. It is a delirious blast of guitars and strings, and will surely put the Staines four-piece back in the...

Jamie Cullum: Get Your Way.
September 3, 2005... Jamie Cullum Get Your Way (UCJ 9873425) The first taste of Cullum's new album Catching Tales is a cool, beat-driven track that moves with a lazy swagger. Co-produced by Stewart Levine and Dan The Automator, it is punctuated by a beat and...

Jem: Wish I.
September 3, 2005... Jem Wish I (ATO JEM003) Jem's sound has proved a hit at radio, with previous singles They and Just A Ride helping to propel her debut album to platinum UK status. This summery third single is enjoying similar levels of airplay...

Sean Paul: We Be Burnin'.
September 3, 2005... Sean Paul We Be Burnin' (Atlantic AT0218CD) This percussion-driven tribute to herbal highs features a gloriously cascading chorus that easily makes it the equal of previous high-water mark Like Glue. As a recent playback illustrated, Sean...

The Subways: With You.
September 3, 2005... The Subways With You (City Pavement/Infectious WEA392CD) This Ian Broudie-produced track arrives on the back of an intense live schedule for The Subways, who have recently toured with Oasis and Weezer as well as appearing at festivals...

Sebastien Teller: La Ritournelle.
September 3, 2005... Sebastien Teller La Ritournelle (Lucky Number LUCKY004CD) Having already sold 4,000 copies in the UK as an import on Air's Record Makers imprint, this emotional anthem now sees a full release. A long intro featuring by piano, strings and...

The Black Velvets: The Black Velvets.
September 3, 2005... The Black Velvets The Black Velvets (Vertigo 01633) This album's debt to the likes of Led Zep and Sabbath is obvious from the first note, but there are more than enough rock'n'roll thrills inside. Coming on like the older, more muscular...

Ian Brown: The Greatest.
September 3, 2005... Ian Brown The Greatest (Polydor 98728741) Brown's solo career to date has been an eccentric beast, with material ranging from the sublime (FEAR, Can't See Me) to the ridiculous (Keep What Ya Got). Whatever, he has always proved good value...

Tracy Chapman: Where You Live.
September 3, 2005... Tracy Chapman Where You Live (Atlantic 7567838032) For her new album Chapman has collaborated with Peter Gabriel/ Suzanne Vega producer Tchad Blake, who brings a soft, reflective tone to the music. Recorded with guitarist Joe Gore, the...

CocoRosie: Noah's Ark.
September 3, 2005... CocoRosie Noah's Ark (Touch & Go TG281CD) The Casady sisters return with a hypnotic second album, full of delicate charm and haunting melodies. Fellow travellers Devendra Banhart and Antony (from The Johnsons) help make it as bewitching as...