| CMU Daily - on the inside Thursday 20th April |
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In today's CMU Daily:
- Music Managers Forum honour Eavis
- Shayne X-factor set to top album chart
- Gnarls Barkley release album via MySpace
- CRCA calls for BBC accountability
- Evans meets with poor reception
- iPods boost first quarter profits for Apple
- Album review: Terri Walker - I Am
- Eminem pays tribute to Proof
- A-ha, Embrace, Idol for Guilfest
- Tiga to support Scissor Sisters in New York
- Lostprophets announce one off show
- Scully tour and single
- Rakes play intimate kebab gig
- Hip Hop karaoke night
- Album review: Madlib - The Beat Konducta Vol. 1-2: Movie Scenes
- Athlete on new album
- K-fed says no way to divorce
- Madonna to be crucified
- Presley's first home up for auction
- Unauthorised Elvis impersonators banned from Vegas
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TOP BIT>>
Okay, so I've noticed something about CMU's Friday tips. There is always a Club Tip, courtesy of CMU's resident club expert Vigsy, but there isn't always a Live Tip. Live Tips are historically a bit intermittent in the Daily, and sometimes even happen by accident, right at the last minute. Well, I think it's time to do something about that. If at least one club gets tipped every week, then I think at least one live music event should get tipped each week too, as seems only fair. It's probably got something to do with the fact that, as a general rule, I tend to have more fun at a live gig than I do at a club, but it's also got everything to do with justice, truth, and the CMU way. Or something like that. Either way, I am determined that all future editions of the CMU should feature a Live Tip. I am going to take on the personal responsibility of making it happen. So, if you've got a live event that you think might be worth tipping, email details to [email protected] and I'll see what I can do.
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JOBS & STUFF>>
Successful North London based entertainment PR agency seeks Senior Account Executive to work on music accounts. Applicant must have broad range of media contacts, be highly literate and like working under pressure and to deadlines. You should have a minimum of 2 years PR experience. Starting salary of £20k plus bonuses and health plan. Apply to [email protected] in writing only. Please check your application for grammatical errors or typographical mistakes before applying or you will be immediately rejected.
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RIGHT NOW IN THE CMU BEATS BAR>>
MySpace Of The Day: Scully
We played Scully's debut single 'Who's A Terrorist Now' on the CMU Radio Show recently, and it wasn't just because we'd just found out that they were from Deptford, it's because I liked the single and I thought I'd play it, and the fact that they're from just down the road from the CMU team is just an added bonus. In any case, they're not in Deptford right now, apparently; a recent press release says they're currently finishing their album with Ben Hillier in a cow shed in Scarborough. Hmm. In any case, you should already be completely aware of these guys, because I know every single last one of you listens avidly to the CMU Radio Show, and even if by any remote chance you missed that particular instalment, you probably already heard that they've won Zane Lowe's Fresh Meat thingy on Radio 1. So yes, actually, consider yourselves quite behind the times if you haven't checked them out yet. To avoid further embarrassment at being hopelessly out of date, go now to their MySpace page where you can listen to the single plus three other tracks. Go on. Off you pop.
http://www.myspace.com/scullyofficial
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ON AIR>>
TODAY ON TOTALROCK
Another chance to hear an interview with young Birmingham band Loose Joints ('Helldrive', 3-6pm). Listen live at http://www.totalrock.com
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MUSIC MANAGERS FORUM HONOUR EAVIS
The Music Managers Forum, the UK's representative body for music industry managers held its annual Roll Of Honour awards at London's Hilton Hotel yesterday, and Glastonbury festival founder Michael Eavis was amongst those to receive an award. Eavis, who was inducted into the association's Roll Of Honour, said of the accolade: "It's quite thrilling to know that after 34 years of organised chaos, I am deemed worthy of this award!”
A total of seven awards were presented at the ceremony, hosted by radio DJ Paul Gambaccini in front of an audience of more than 600 managers, publishers, record company executives, artists and media. Other winners on the night included the Association of Independent Music's Alison Wenham, who was inducted into the Roll of Honour alongside Eavis, Blur/Smiths collaborator Stephen Street, who won Producer Of The Year, and Simon Banks, manager of KT Tunstall, who won Music Manager of The Year.
MMF chairman Jazz Summers, commenting on Banks' win, said: "Simon Banks' dedication to the career of KT Tunstall is nothing less than inspirational – it should remind all of us working in this industry that nothing should be taken for granted and that success is not a right but should be a benchmark for professionalism, nurturing undeniable talent and hard work – we are humbled and rightly salute Simon this evening as indeed all our recipients.”
MMF Secretary General James Sellar added: "These Awards are a testament to the hard work of the entire industry pulling together for a common goal. We are privileged to work in such a creative, vibrant industry and tonight was a chance for those behind the scenes to take to the stage and take a bow, watched by some of the artists they have helped.”
Here's a full list of the winners:
The Peter Grant Award: Paul McGuinness
Music Manager of the Year: Simon Banks
BDO Stoy Hayward Producer of the Year: Stephen Street
Roll of Honour Inductions: Alison Wenham and Michael Eavis
Music Manager of the Year 2005”: Supervision Management
BDO Stoy Hayward "Producer of the Year 2005”: Garret Lee
Uncut Diamond Award: Shannon Francis
Music Export Award: Crisis Management – Karen Boardman and Tim Mullett
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SHAYNE X-FACTOR SET TO TOP ALBUM CHART
X-Factor winner Shayne Ward is expected to top the albums chart this Sunday, with his eponymous debut predicted to sell in the region of 200,000 copies by the weekend, according to HMV. The long player was released on Monday, and is said to be outselling rest of the top twenty albums combined.
HMV's resident all-seeing eye on these matters, Gennaro Castaldo, says: "If this sales trend continues over the week it would represent a fantastic achievement – making him one of the few UK recording artists to enjoy both a debut Number One single and album. There's clearly no letting up in the Shayne Ward success story. If he builds on this momentum and continues applying himself in the right way, making the right choice of songs and avoiding overexposure, there's no reason why Shayne cannot forge a successful long-term career for himself, particularly if he uses Will Young as his role model.”
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GNARLS BARKLEY RELEASE ALBUM VIA MYSPACE
Gnarls Barkley, who, as you all surely know, became the first act ever to top the singles chart on download sales alone, are now set to be a bit innovative again, releasing their full album digitally on MySpace for three days starting Friday, ahead of the long player's physical release on 9 May. Songs from the release, which is entitled 'St. Elsewhere', appear on the duo's Myspace page, but cannot be downloaded, a move seemingly calculated to interest fans in buying the whole album.
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CRCA CALLS FOR BBC ACCOUNTABILITY
The Commercial Radio Companies Association has called for greater financial accountability and openness from the BBC in the light of recent revelations over top DJs pay packages. Over the last two weeks, details of the salaries of some of the public broadcaster's highest profile radio presenters, including such names as Chris Evans, Jonathan Ross, and Terry Wogan, were leaked to British tabloids The Mirror and The Sun, prompting the CRCA also to question whether the high salaries revealed are an appropriate use of the licence fee.
CRCA's David McConnell said: "You have to ask to what extent is the money going on what the BBC is supposed to be delivering on, its public service remit? If these figures are right, the BBC is able to offer packages which make it difficult for commercial radio to compete."
Insider sources who expressed fears earlier in the week that the leaks over the scale of BBC salaries will continue have been proved correct, with the latest reports revealing the pay package of BBC1's Newsnight anchor Jeremy Paxman. The BBC has said it is looking into how the leaks came about. A spokeswoman has refused to comment on individual salaries, but said "we are concerned that it has made its way into the public domain and we are looking into that."
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EVANS MEETS WITH POOR RECEPTION
Chris Evans' debut in the Radio 2 drivetime slot has met with a very negative response from listeners, who have been contacting the BBC to complain, as well as posting hostile comments on the station's internet message boards. You may remember that there was a bit of an outcry following the news of Evans' appointment, which forced R2 controller Lesley Douglas to defend her decision to employ the presenter.
The BBC duty log reported 32 complaints with regard to Evans' first show on Tuesday, with one listener calling the show, "abysmal", another calling the DJ a "chauvinist pig". A third commented "he is absolutely disgusting. I can't understand why they have replaced the relaxing Johnnie Walker," whilst many said they would not be listening to Radio 2 again.
Hundreds of comments have been posted on the message boards. One poster called wrote: "I tried, I really did try to listen to Chris Evans this evening, but after his non-event quiz during the first half, it was too much... I turned to Radio 4... Sorry, Beeb, you have got it wrong... Please rethink... especially at the suggested salary he is earning. As a licence payer, I am being robbed, and you are not listening."
Another, who it seems, was not pre-programmed to hate whoever replaced Johnnie Walker, wrote: "I really am disappointed as I was excitedly waiting all day to hear his new slot, and it just doesn't seem to be working. Sorry, Chris... At one time, I really was one of your faithful."
A Radio 2 spokeswoman said: "Any schedule change will generate a reaction. We've received around 30 complaints, which is a tiny amount compared to Radio 2's audience of over 13 million. It's obviously early days, and we think he has made a good and confident start."
Speaking of the relevance of the comments on the listener forum, she continued: She added of the bulletin boards: "As far as the message boards are concerned, they are intended to encourage discussion amongst listeners. Many of these discussions take place amongst a small number of people, so are not necessarily an accurate reflection of the views of Radio 2's audience of 13.25million people. We do take complaints seriously and, as indicated on the website, we would encourage listeners to contact the BBC Complaints Site or BBC Information Office so their concerns can be dealt with in the appropriate way."
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IPODS BOOST FIRST QUARTER PROFITS FOR APPLE
Increasing sales of Apple's iPod have helped lift the company's first quarter profits by 41%. The technology firm reported earnings of $410m in the first three months of 2006, up from $290m during the same period last year. The iPod itself sold in the region of 8.5 million units up to 1 April, whilst Macintosh computers also contributed to a rise in profits, selling around 1.1 million units and representing a 4% increase. The continuing success of the iPod player, overall sales of which have now passed 50 million, would point to Apple's ongoing dominance in the portable music market.
The company are at present effecting a switch from the chips previously used in its computers to those produced by Intel, a transition designed to allow Macs to better compete with its PC rivals. CEO Steve Jobs, commenting on his company's strong performance in the last two quarters said, "we've generated over $10 billion in revenue and almost $1 billion in earnings in the first half of fiscal 2006. Our transition to Intel processors is going very well, and our music business just experienced another quarter of outstanding growth."
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ALBUM REVIEW: Terri Walker - I Am (Dekkor Records)
This is the third album from the British soul artist, and with a mercury nomination behind her and Gerry Brown on production duties on this record (he's worked with Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind and Fire among others), Terri Walker has got some expectation to live up to. 'Addicted', as it turns out, is pure, polished and mature, more Angie Stone than Joss Stone. The overall tone is mellow, a rainy Saturday afternoon backdrop that will probably appeal to older listeners who will appreciate the careful listening it deserves. The UK doesn't lend the kind of support to this sort of artist enjoyed by their US counterparts, so it's unlikely to make a huge dent in the charts but if Walker can prove her vocal ability in live performances then she'll have a bigger chance of commercial success. Single release 'Alright With Me' recalls the work of great black female singers of past decades and is definitely one of the stronger tracks, showing an upbeat, pop side to her sound, whilst 'The Truth' is the standout ballad. Just as the album is about to drift off in its slow stirrings, 'Side by Side' brings the record alive with some funk. All in all, the sound is subtle in its fusions of jazz and blues and showcases Terri's vocal talent well; it's not as strong as it could be, but there's still potential here. RM
Release Date: 15 May
Press Contact: Republica Media [CP, RP, NP], Rush Release [CR, RR, NR]
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EMINEM PAYS TRIBUTE TO PROOF
Eminem led tributes to his close friend and D12 bandmate Proof, aka Deshaun Holton at the rap star's funeral in Detroit on Wednesday. Speaking to a church packed with mourners, Eminem said "Without Proof, there would be no Eminem, no Slim Shady and no D12." He swore during his tribute, later apologising for "cussing in church”. Fellow rapper Obie Trice added a plea to end violence in the hip-hop community, saying: "We're killing each other, and it's about nothing."
In his eulogy, Reverend Wendell Anthony said: "Our community suffers the loss of another young man, who reflects the fact that those whom we love are dying too soon and leaving too quickly. The other family has also suffered a loss. Two families - both now grieving, a community now grieving."
As previously reported, Proof was killed during a fracas at the 333 Club on the city's Eight Mile Road. A second man, Keith Bender, subsequently died as a result of gunshot wounds sustained during the incident.
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A-HA, EMBRACE, IDOL FOR GUILFEST
Longterm CMU favourites A-Ha have been confirmed as headliners for this year's Guilfest, alongside Embrace and eighties throwback Billy Idol (I mock, but god, I loved 'White Wedding'). Embrace top the Friday bill, A-Ha headline Saturday, whilst Idol will close the festival on the Sunday. The event takes place at Stoke Park, Guildford from July 14-16.
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TIGA TO SUPPORT SCISSOR SISTERS IN NEW YORK
CMU Favourite Tiga is set to support Scissor Sisters at two gigs taking place this weekend in New York, opening for the band at their two night residency at the city's Bowery Ballroom. The concerts take place on 22 and 23 Apr, just ahead of the release of Tiga's new single '(Far From) Home' on Monday, taken from rather good album 'Sexor', released earlier this year.
The two acts go back a long way, of course: Tiga was one of the first people to remix Scissor Sisters hit 'Comfortably Numb', and Jake Shears has appeared as guest vocalist on Tiga's cover of 'Hot In Herre' and 2005 single 'You Gonna Want Me'.
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LOSTPROPHETS ANNOUNCE ONE OFF SHOW
Lostprophets have announced that they will play a one-off gig at the Newport Centre on 27 Apr. The band will follow that appearance, as previously reported, by co-headlining this year's Give It A Name festival alongside My Chemical Romance. That event takes place on 29 and 30 April at the Manchester Evening News Arena and at London's Earl's Court. Tickets for the Welsh show are on sale now.
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SCULLY TOUR AND SINGLE
Scully, who release their debut single 'Who's a Terrorist Now?'/'In Good Time' on 22 May, have announced a series of live gigs, the majority supporting Milburn on their previously reported UK tour. All the dates are as follows, press info from Emms:
13 May: Hull University
16 May: London Hoxton Bar and Grill
24 Apr: London Water Rats
23 May: Edinburgh Venue (supporting Milburn)
24 May: Newcastle Academy (supporting Milburn)
25 May: Liverpool Barfly (supporting Milburn)
27 May: Leeds Faversham (supporting Milburn)
28 May: Bristol Fleece (supporting Milburn)
30 May: London ULU (supporting Milburn)
31 May: Cambridge Soul Tree (supporting Milburn)
10 Jun: Bath University
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RAKES PLAY INTIMATE KEBAB GIG
The Rakes are to play a special intimate gig in a kebab house in London next month. The band will play the secret gig at the fast food outlet which is apparently in Dalston, as part of the T-Mobile Street Gigs series. Fans hoping to attend need to register at http://www.t-mobile.co.uk/street by midnight on April 26 to be in with a chance of getting in to the guest-list only event.
Vocalist Alan Donohue says: "At Rakes Inc., we're looking forward to our first ever gig in a kebab shop - We are looking forward to servings of falafels with hummus. It will be interesting to see what a kebab shop looks like before all the late night revellers pile in from the local Yates's Bar! Should be a night to remember!”
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HIP HOP KARAOKE NIGHT
Bored? Want something to do this evening? Okay, I've got something for you. Old Boy Entertainment's latest Hip-Hop Karaoke night is tonight at The Social, and I've never been, but it sounds really good. There's free Tiger beer and prizes (CDs, records, DVDs, t-shirts) for everyone who performs and the best person gets an extra special goodie bag. Hurrah. Get there early and sign up quickly as places are limited.
All takes place at The Social, 5 Little Portland Street, W1, sign up from 7pm, performance from 8-10pm. Lyric sheets are provided. See the full song list at http://www.hiphopkaraokelondon.com.
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ALBUM REVIEW: Madlib - The Beat Konducta Vol. 1-2: Movie Scenes
(Stones Throw)
In this, the follow up to Madlib's Beat Konducta vinyl-only releases, the producer/rapper/DJ presents a unique 35 track record, which he proclaims as a soundtrack for listeners to imagine the movie for. The retro funk influences in fact make it easily envisioned as a score for a Tarantino flick or a bygone blaxploitation film, the wide range of sound influenced by everything from old school Motown to contemporary hip-hop. The length does not make for easy listening - it's more like an experiment, an eclectic medley of sounds and beats through snippets of music and dialogue. It may therefore only be a record appreciated and listened to for long enough by true fanatics; it is, after all, an ambitious project and the breadth perhaps means that not every track achieves perfection. If developed, 'Pyramids' could be a strong, stand alone single with its breezy, feel good vibe, while 'Toe Fat' takes one back a bit with its seventies disco feel. As a whole this long player is probably too far from conventional for the wider hip-hop audience to appreciate, though its brave attempt to innovate will be heavily influential on artists and producers in the scene. One for those who admire more leftfield connoisseurs of the hip-hop/dance genre. RM
Release Date: 1 May
Press Contact: Darling Department [all]
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ATHLETE ON NEW ALBUM
Athlete have started work on their new album, and the band say it's going rather well. Posting on the group's official website, bassist Carey Willets wrote "It's coming along soooooo well... Just can't wait to get in now. It's been a good week all round. Joel (Pott, singer/guitarist), Tim (Wanstall, keyboards) and I got together to play each other our ideals and do a little recording and we've booked into a rehearsal studio for two days next week so we can all start playing over ideas together."
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K-FED SAYS NO WAY TO DIVORCE
Kevin Federline has said that he and his wife Britney Spears will stay together forever because he has no plans to ever get a divorce. Hope those words never come back to haunt him. Anyway, the, er, rapper said: "I ain't gettin' no divorce. Fuck that! I don't believe in that shit. Once you get married, you're in it for the fight." I'm sure Britney was charmed to hear that he thinks of their blissful union as a 'fight'.
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MADONNA TO BE CRUCIFIED
According to The Sun, Madonna is set to kick off shows on her upcoming shows by descending from the ceiling on a cross. The tabloid claims that the crucifix has been made from diamonds and Swarovski crystals at a cost of £5.7million. Which sounds like a flagrant waste of money to me.
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PRESLEY'S FIRST HOME UP FOR AUCTION
The first home Elvis Presley ever purchased, a ranch style property in Memphis, has been put up for sale on eBay. The legendary singer bought the four bedroom house in 1956 with his first royalties, living there with his parents and grandmother. He sold the property after just a year due to a lack of privacy, with police frequently being called to the building to handle the crowds of fans that gathered outside.
In his time in the house, Presley made a number of modifications including the installation of a granite swimming pool fifty feet in length, the largest residential pool in Memphis at that time. The hallway contains the star's original wallpaper, patterned with musical notes, uncovered during renovations by the present owners.
The auction has attracted 14 bids so far, the highest of which is $225,100 - just £126,000, but the reserve on the house has not been met. The sale ends on 14 May.
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UNAUTHORISED ELVIS IMPERSONATORS BANNED FROM VEGAS
Talking of Elvis, all those many thousands of impersonators may be out of a job - well, when in Vegas they will. Bob Sillerman, who owns 85% of Presley's 'name and likeness' has told the New York Times that he's starting a cabaret show in Las Vegas, and will ban Elvis impersonators from performing in the city, saying: "If we were going to do a show that was based on Elvis impersonators, then obviously it wouldn't make sense to have unauthorised Elvis impersonators."