| CMU Daily - on the inside Friday 3rd March |
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In today's CMU Daily:
- Gary Glitter jailed
- UK government to support British music in US
- DOJ launch their own digital pricing investigation
- Chris Evans gets Radio 2 drive time
- SFX founder downbeat about music industry future
- Universal boss upbeat about music industry future
- MTV have social network plans
- Bono talks to Argentine president, launches credit card
- Editors added to T bill
- Maximo Park join IOW line-up
- Strokes join Benicassim line-up
- Goldfrapp, Hard-Fi to play Oxegen
- Headliners for Fuji rock festival announced
- Acts confirmed for Green Man festival
- Antony joins Cancer Trust line up
- JBJ has a go at The Darkness
- Giant Drag announce UK tour
- Polytechnic single, tour
- Arcade Fire do well at Canadian indie awards
- MN2S launch Masterclass
- Independent Mix go Brazil at Cargo
- Doherty is manic depressive shocker
- Robbie Williams needs footie pitch
- Depeche Mode record song in made up language
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TOP BIT>>
Well, it's Friday and the seaside beckons (actually, we're off for a gruelling day of business meetings in Brighton, but I'm still quite excited about being by the sea again), so a quick logistical Top Bit for you. We're doing the next CMU Directory update this weekend because loads of you have emailed in your details to get listed. So here's your last chance! If you are a label, publicist, gig/club promoter or artist manager and you're not already listed or haven't sent in your details, then email them over. We need your company name, address, phone number, website, a contact email address and, for PR firms, what kinds of media your service and, for management, a list of the artists your represent to [email protected] and we'll get you included on the website over the weekend. Well, unless the seaside proves too exciting and we decide to stay there. But I'm guessing it'll be very cold, so that's not too likely to happen.
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PRESS ROOM>>
KILL ALL HIPPIES, MAR 2006
The next edition of Kill All Hippies takes place this Friday, 3 Mar, at the 333 Club in Shoreditch. Live music wise, Carina Round headline this time round, with support from Adzuki. Jeff Automatic and Julian (Whitey) will be on the decks in the basement, while the ground bar will be hosted by Fully Comprehensive with resident Gavin Nugent plus guest DJs Mark Beaumont (NME),Tim Holmes (Death In Vegas) and Syrinx. Tickets are £10, or a fiver if you guest list in advance at http://www.leylinepromotions.com
Press info from Leyline, full press release at:
http://www.cmumusicnetwork.co.uk/pressroom/killallhippies
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CMU FRIDAY TIPS
CHRIS' CLUB TIP: Kill All Hippies at 333 Club, Shoreditch
Well, they say you have to say everything twice for it to sink in, so let's give it a try. The next edition of Kill All Hippies takes place tonight at the 333 Club in Shoreditch. Live music wise, Carina Round headline this time round, with support from Adzuki. Jeff Automatic and Julian (Whitey) will be on the decks in the basement, while the ground bar will be hosted by Fully Comprehensive with resident Gavin Nugent plus guest DJs Mark Beaumont (NME),Tim Holmes (Death In Vegas) and Syrinx. Tickets are £10, or a fiver if you guest list in advance at http://www.leylinepromotions.com. Good stuff.
Fri 3 Mar, 9pm - 5am, £10, £8 (NUS), £5 (if you guest list in advance at http://www.leylinepromotions.com), 333, Old Street, London. Press info from Leyline.
VIGSY'S CLUB TIP: Nanny Tango at Cellar Bar, Bracknell.
Paul Murphy is the Afro acid jazz supremo who runs Ashley Beedle ex-label Afro Arts, and he's a nice bloke to boot, and most importantly, he will be out in Bracknell next week guest DJing at this expedition of nu jazz, broken funk and electro boogie - with some spoken word thrown in to boot! Live sets will be from Roger Robinson and Rob Mac from Altered Vibes, while the exciting jazz electro outfit Jung Collective go back to back with the Codetripper. Add to that laptop VJ visuals from Seansonic, and free Nanny Tango CDs and a late bar, and this should be a good night, over there at the Bracknell Arts Centre. May well be a bit 'arty' but should be damn good nevertheless.
Wednesday 8 Feb, Cellar Bar, South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA, 8pm-1am, £5 advance £8 door, http://www.nannytango.com.
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GARY GLITTER JAILED
Well, if there's one thing to be said about the Vietnamese legal system - it's quick.
Gary Glitter has been jailed for three years after being found guilty of sexually abusing two young girls - aged 11 and 12. The singer, real name Paul Gadd, was found guilty this morning, just a day after entering court to face the charges. Maintaining his innocence, Gadd said the verdict was part of a "conspiracy".
The singer will now be jailed for three years, though he might actually be released after serving just a third of the sentence which, given the fact he's already been in police custody for four months since his arrest, would mean he would be freed later this year. He would, however, be deported immediately after release, possibly back to the UK. In addition to the sentence Gadd has been ordered to pay 5m Vietnamese dong (which is just £180) to his victims' families.
It is yet to be confirmed whether or not Gadd plans to appeal.
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UK GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT BRITISH MUSIC IN US
Bands everywhere - there's no need to worry about breaking America any more - the good old government's got it all sorted. Yep, they're launching a range of initiatives to help British artists break the American market.
At the heart of it all will be a marketing campaign based around the slogan 'We supported your feckin war, now support our musicians'. Actually, I made that up, though if any one involved in the initiative wants to use that one, you can have it. Somewhat less excitingly, the actual initiative will involve making new research on the US market available to UK music companies, a programme of showcase events featuring British artists and the launch of a website promoting talent.
Speaking ahead of UK promotional initiatives at this month's South By South West music festival in Austin, Texas, the Secretary Of State For Trade And Industry Alan Johnson told reporters yesterday: "From the Beatles, through David Bowie to Coldplay, the UK music scene has always led the world. But we have not always capitalised on our talent to break America. I want to ensure that government works with the industry and our best artists to showcase talent in the US."
Of course the scheme launches at a time when British artists seem to be enjoying new levels of success in the US. With James Blunt seemingly unstoppable over there, we hear those lovable Arctic Monkeys are also enjoying some early success in the States. Debut album 'Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not' has entered Billboard's US album chart at number 24, and sold 34,000 copies in its first week of release, apparently making it the fastest selling indie debut in US chart history. The band are, of course, currently in Europe hiding from the UK hype, but set out on a sold-out US tour on 13 Mar in San Francisco.
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DOJ LAUNCH THEIR OWN DIGITAL PRICING INVESTIGATION
The US Department Of Justice is seemingly following the lead of New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer in launching an investigation into online music pricing in the US. According to Billboard all four of the major labels are aware that such an investigation at a federal level is looming, and that subpoenas demanding paperwork relating to download pricing deals will arrive any day now.
Although none of the majors have formally commented, the trade magazine quotes insiders as saying: "The DOJ has phoned the labels to tell them it's coming. It is Department of Justice and it is digital pricing. As best as we can tell, it's identical to the Spitzer thing."
Spitzer's investigations into the deals between the record labels and the major download firms reportedly centre on the 'most favoured nation' clauses that the majors have allegedly insisted are included in any digital music contracts. These mean that any benefits offered to a rival label in subsequent negotiations must be made available to other labels - restrictions which are, some claim, anti-competitive.
Whether the DOJ or Spitzer's investigation in this area will have any tangible results remains to be seen - the DOJ led a similar investigation back in 2001 without unearthing any unfair play.
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CHRIS EVANS GETS RADIO 2 DRIVE TIME
Christopher Evans has been confirmed as the new host of drive time on BBC Radio 2. As previously reported, Johnnie Walker is standing down after seven years in the slot.
Confirming his new daily radio show, Evans told reporters yesterday: "Drivetime is hugely important. In many ways it mirrors the breakfast show as a transition for people between work and home. It's our job to help that journey be less of a thing to dread and more of a thing to look forward to."
On taking over from Walker, Evans continued: "To take over from Johnnie Walker is an absolute honour. The guy is a legend; he helped me get my first job at the BBC back in 1990."
Radio 2 controller Lesley Douglas confirmed the new appointment, saying: "Chris Evans is a brilliant radio talent who has already scored a hit with his weekend show. I know he will give the audience a great new show for weekdays."
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SFX FOUNDER DOWNBEAT ABOUT MUSIC INDUSTRY FUTURE
Robert Sillerman, the founder of live entertainment company SFX, has challenged the basic business model of the recorded music industry - predicting the demise of the traditional record companies.
Speaking at the Billboard Music & Money Symposium in New York, Sillerman, now owner of music company CKX, accused the major record companies of "ignoring technology and consumer preferences", and of failing to learn the lessons of the original Napster debacle. On the future of the major music companies he quoted what F Scott Fitzgerald once said about how people go bankrupt - "Gradually, then all of a sudden".
Given his background in the live industry, Sillerman showed a bias for that sector, suggesting the future of live performance is much securer than the future of recorded music. He told his audience: "In all cases, there's more money performing than recording. Can't you imagine a millennium-born artist giving away music for free, and selling performances? Music business does not mean selling recorded music, it means selling music".
As previously reported, one of Sillerman's current pet projects is to turn Graceland into a theme park type destination for Elvis fans. His new company owns an 85% stake in Elvis Presley Enterprises.
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UNIVERSAL BOSS UPBEAT ABOUT MUSIC INDUSTRY FUTURE
Contrasting all that, Universal Music Group boss Doug Morris was very upbeat about the future of the music industry during his talk at the Symposium - then again, given this week's rather rosy Universal Music financials, he was probably justified being a bit upbeat.
While admitting that the music business in the digital age was "a different kind of animal", he said: "Every time there is a new technology advancement, it turns into a boom for the recording industry". On the growing importance of digital sales to labels like Universal, he continued: "This year is going to be interesting. Check in June - if the digital keeps building, this is going to be one of the best investments of all time". On his own role in all this, he echoed the sentiments of some of the other key players in the music business just now - "when you are in the middle of a revolution, it is the most exciting time of your career".
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MTV HAVE SOCIAL NETWORK PLANS
Viacom boss Tom Freston yesterday revealed that MTV hopes to move into the MySpace-esque social networking space later this year. Speaking at a Reuters event in New York he said his company didn't bid against Rupert Murdoch to buy MySpace last year because the asking price was just too high, but the fact they didn't bid doesn't mean they don't have social networking ambitions. However, he admitted the challenge for any media company with social network ambitions (which is all of them as far as I can tell) was how to successfully incorporate advertising into the mix. "Everyone wants to know how you're going to monetize it," he observed. "You're asking people to advertise between conversations between two people."
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BONO TALKS TO ARGENTINE PRESIDENT, LAUNCHES CREDIT CARD
Bono visited the president of Argentina Nestor Kirchner on Wednesday prior to his band's gig the same evening in Buenos Aires. Do you think these presidents and leaders ever think "why is this Irish rock star coming to see me?" I bet they do, you know. I bet they sigh in a resigned manner when they hear he's on his way round.
Anyway, what we do know is that Bono visited the president, at the 'Casa Rosada' (Pink House), dressed in a cowboy hat and trademark sunglasses. What we don't know for sure is what they talked about, although it's a pretty safe bet that it included global poverty.
Elsewhere the singer has launched a charity credit card - 'Red Card' - by American Express. It's part of that previously reported collection of commercial projects, each with the Red theme, which aims to raise money for those affected by Aids in Africa, and will donate one percent of profits to the cause.
Bono says: "This is really sexy to me. It is sexy to want to change the world. Red is a 21st-century idea. I think doing the Red thing, doing good, will turn out to be good business for them. We got a long way with Make Poverty History but we need to keep the heat on these issues. Some people will be offended that activists like me are working with big companies, but when you see people queuing up to die from a disease which is curable, it makes you want to do something."
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EDITORS ADDED TO T BILL
Editors have been added to the line-up for T In The Park, joining a bill which includes Belle & Sebastian, The Go! Team, The Strokes, Kaiser Chiefs, The Ordinary Boys and Damian Marley. As previously reported, the event, which is completely sold out, takes place at Balado near Kinross on 8 and 9 Jul.
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MAXIMO PARK JOIN IOW LINE_UP
Elsewhere in bands being added to festival line-ups news, Maximo Park have been added to the bill for this year's Isle of Wight Festival. Previously announced acts for the event include Lou Reed, Placebo, The Rakes, Editors, The Kooks and Kubb. As previously reported, the festival takes place at Seaclose Park in Newport from 9 - 11 Jul.
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STROKES JOIN BENICASSIM LINE-UP
The Strokes, Coldcut, Madness and Babyshambles are the latest additions to the line-up for this year's Benicassim Festival. They join previously announced artists such as Morrissey, Depeche Mode, Echo And The Bunnymen and Franz Ferdinand. The Spanish festival takes place from 20 - 23 Jul.
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GOLDFRAPP, HARD-FI TO PLAY OXEGEN
Yet more festival news. It's that time of year. Goldfrapp and Hard-Fi are the latest acts to be added to the line-up for the Oxegen festival. Other previously announced acts include The Who, Red Hot Chili Peppers, James Brown, Arctic Monkeys, Bell X1, Pharrell Williams, Sigur Ros and The Kooks. Tickets for the event, which, as you must all surely know by now, takes place at Ireland's Punchestown Racecourse from 8-9 Jul, went on sale this morning at 8am.
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HEADLINERS FOR FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED
Anyone planning on going to Japan's Fuji Rock Festival this year? Everyone I know who's been says it's one of the best. Anyway, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Hives, Scissor Sisters, Broken Social Scene and Franz Ferdinand have all been confirmed on the bill for this year's event, which takes place from 28 to 30 Jul.
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ACTS CONFIRMED FOR GREEN MAN FESTIVAL
Yikes, even more festival news. Will it never end? This time it's the Green Man Festival, which takes place from 18 - 20 Aug this year at Glanusk Park in Powys. Among the acts confirmed for the event are Super Furry Animals' Gruff Rhys, King Creosote, Euros Childs, James Yorkston, Bert Jansch, Adem, Archie Bronson Outfit and The Television Personalities. Tickets go on sale at midday today.
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ANTONY JOINS CANCER TRUST LINE UP
Speaking of Goldfrapp... well, we were three stories ago, Antony And The Johnsons have joined the line-up for that series of Royal Albert Hall shows in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust. The group will support Goldfrapp, who, as previously reported, appear on 28 Mar. Maximo Park, meanwhile, are unlikely to appear on the 30th, when they were scheduled to support Razorlight, as guitarist Duncan Lloyd has a broken arm, one of many (okay, two) musicians to sustain injuries on the night of last week's NME awards.
That line up again, for your information:
27 Mar: Ricky Gervais
28 Mar: Goldfrapp/Antony And The Johnsons
29 Mar: Bloc Party/Biffy Clyro/Mystery Jets
30 Mar: Razorlight
31 Mar: Judas Priest, The Scorpions, Ian Gillan and Friends and Boned
1 Apr: The Cure
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JBJ HAS A GO AT THE DARKNESS
Jon Bon Jovi says he really, really, really hates The Darkness. Well, he does according to Dotmusic, who quote the rocker as saying: "I hate The Darkness. Fucking hate 'em. I don't understand it. I know they are huge, but I never really got it. It's just Spinal Tap isn't it? It's just a lark. I'm not sure they think so, though. I think they take it seriously. They made a little splash in the US but, man... I don't get it at all."
Bon Jovi are on tour in the UK this summer, although those Wembley dates are, of course, a bit up in the air at the moment:
3 Jun: Glasgow Hampden Park
4 Jun: Manchester City Of Manchester Stadium
7 Jun: Coventry Rioch Arena
9 Jun: Southampton St Mary's Stadium
10 Jun: London Wembley Stadium
11 Jun: London Wembley Stadium
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GIANT DRAG ANNOUNCE UK TOUR
Giant Drag, who have just released debut album 'Hearts And Unicorns,' have announced a series of UK dates:
10 Apr: London, Borderline
12 Apr: Glasgow, Barfly
14 Apr: Liverpool, Carling Academy
15 Apr: Cardiff, Barfly
18 Apr: Birmingham, Bar Academy
19 Apr: Leeds, Joseph Wells
20 Apr: Manchester, Night & Day
21 Apr: Bristol, Louisiana
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POLYTECHNIC SINGLE, TOUR
Polytechnic have announced a series of tour dates to coincide with the release of their debut single 'Won't You Come Around/ Let Me Down' which is out on 3 Apr. The dates are as follows:
2 Apr: Peterborough, Mel Lounge
10 Apr: Coventry, Colleseum
12 Apr: Brighton, Shambles
13 Apr: London, Fabric
16 Apr: Glasgow, King Tuts
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ARCADE FIRE DO WELL AT CANADIAN INDIE AWARDS
Well, given how much good stuff is coming out of the Canadian independent music scene just now, I suppose we can justify dedicating a few lines to the Canadian Independent Music Awards, which kicked off Canadian Music Week in Toronto on Wednesday night.
Arcade Fire scored well taking Best Album and Best Video, while in the international categories Bloc Party and Franz Ferdinand were both winners. Nominees are selected in these awards by a panel of industry bods, while winners are picked through a combination of public and industry votes. Full list of winners as follows:
Album: Arcade Fire - Funeral
Single: Bedouin Soundclash - When the Night Feels My Song
Solo artist: City and Colour featuring Dallas Green.
Group or duo: Death From Above 1979.
Video: Arcade Fire - Neighbourhood 3 (Power Out)
International artist or group: Franz Ferdinand.
International album: Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
New international artist or group: Rumble In Rhodos.
Artist website: Neverending White Lights, http://www.neverendingwhitelights.com.
Blues artist or group: Garrett Mason.
Children's artist or group: Mike Whitla.
Classical artist or group: James Ehnes.
Country artist or group: Brad Johner.
Electronica artist or group: The Hermit.
Folk artist or group: Corb Lund.
Francophone artist or group: Annie Villeneuve.
Jazz artist or group: Sandro Dominelli.
Latin alternative artist or group: Cache.
Metal/hardcore artist or group: Cryptopsy.
Pop artist or group: Rosette.
Rock artist or group: Boys Night Out.
Urban artist or group: Divine Brown.
World artist or group: Muna Mingole.
Rising star (music critic's choice): Elliott Brood.
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MN2S LAUNCH MASTERCLASS
MN2S are to launch a new compilation album series entitled 'Masterclass' in April. The first volume will be compiled by acclaimed DJ/Producer Mousse T, who says: "I love the fact that with Masterclass you can show the variety and background of all your records, you can show your roots and stuff, you can show where you're coming from. I kinda like that, to show what I'm about, what the DJ is about. We know we love house music but that is not the whole story. When I started DJing 17 years ago, we used to play everything. We used to play rock, R&B, soul, funk, whatever; it was really fun."
The new 2 CD collection features some of Mousse T's own tracks, as well as the work of artists such as Timo Maas, Recloose, Lil Louis, Moloko, Basement Jaxx and Skewiff. Compilations from Tony Humphries, CJ Mackintosh, Laurent Garnier and Derrick Carter are up next. Meanwhile, MN2S will be holding a couple of launch parties to celebrate the release, later this month, at London's The End on 17 Mar, and at the Ocean Rooms in Brighton on 18 Mar. Press info from Phuture Trax.
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INDEPENDENT MIX GO BRAZIL AT CARGO
Here's a date for your diaries, and it's not just cos it's at one of my favourite venues. There's a Brazilian themed Glenfiddich Independent Mix at Cargo later this month, hosted, of course, by the massive Gilles Peterson, featuring live performances from Airto Moreira ('the Godfather of Brazilian percussion') and musician/producer Mark De Clive-Lowe, with DJ sets from Karen P and Chris Wheeler. Why would you want to miss this? Mmmm. Brazil. All takes place on 16 Mar from 7pm until 1, at Cargo, Rivington Street, £6 adv/before 9pm, £8 after. See http://www.cargo-london.com for info/tickets.
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DOHERTY IS MANIC DEPRESSIVE SHOCKER
And in no-brainer news, according to The Sun, Pete Doherty has been diagnosed as a manic depressive. The singer, who was of course arrested on Monday on suspicion of car theft and - yep, you got it - possession of Class A drugs, has allegedly been attending Homerton Hospital in East London as an outpatient. A source told the tabloid "he is being given counselling and anti-depressants. He believes this is the way forward."
The paper adds that Doherty believes his troubles are a direct consequence of his estrangement from his father, a major in the British Army.
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ROBBIE WILLIAMS NEEDS FOOTIE PITCH
Not content with a share in Port Vale, Robbie Williams wants a full sized football pitch in his back garden, if reports are to be believed. The Sun claims that the singer has specifically bought a second home at a cost of £5million in LA because his first house in the city didn't have enough room to accommodate his plans.
A source said: "Robbie bought the house just so he could have the football pitch built. He loves the game and really misses it when he's away from his home in England. So he bought a huge place so he can have one installed. He plays once a week with all his friends. Some of them are locals who work in his favourite shops."
The source added that Robbie will be taking the role of England captain in Soccer Aid - a televised celebrity version of the world cup - in the run up to the real World Cup final this summer, saying: "Robbie wants to get a lot of practice in ahead of the celebrity World Cup tournament. He is a proud captain and wants to win badly."
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DEPECHE MODE RECORD SONG IN MADE UP LANGUAGE
Depeche Mode have apparently recorded a version of their song 'Suffer Well' in 'Simlish', the made up language used in the Sim computer games. The reworking of the track, which comes from last year's 'Playing The Angel' album, will appear on the new The Sims 2 Open For Business game being released by EA Games.
Confirming the inclusion of the Simlish track in the new game, EA Music exec Steve Schnur told reporters: "This unprecedented collaboration brings together two celebrated entertainment icons, and gives millions of Sims fans the opportunity to hear one of their favorite bands sing in Simlish."
The Mode's David Gahan added: "Re-recording a Simlish-language version of 'Suffer Well' just sounded completely bizarre. Of course, that's why we couldn't resist doing it." Which is why you have to love Depeche Mode.