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LALA.COM LAUNCHES NEW FANGLED STORAGE STREAMING SERVICE THING Some of those models have become redundant - such as the sort of clever way to overcome the old DRM dilemma, by delivering iPod compatible AAC files that were in theory DRM free but which were delivered directly to the iPod reducing the chances of them being illegally copied. And some of their models have been adopted by others - such as the fully-licensed on-demand music streaming jukebox funded in the main by an up-sell button that hopes to persuade those who access the free music to then pay for actual downloads. Lala's latest innovation basically sees it move into the digital storage domain previously occupied by MP3.com founder Michael Robertson, providing a service where people can upload their existing digital music collections to a Lala server meaning they can then listen to that collection wherever they go via the web. The service will enable users to upload both DRM-free music as well as files with Windows or Apple DRM embedded. Unlike Robertson's similar service, Lala, which is partly owned by Warner Music, seemingly has all the licensing sorted with all the majors and some indies on board. From what I can see the revenue model works like this - users have to pay 10 cents for each track they put into their Lala player (they can listen to each track once for free I think, but realistically they need to pay the albeit nominal fee to properly use the service). They can subsequently add new tracks directly from Lala.com for 89 cents, a purchase which would also let them download the MP3. Or at least I think that's how it works. The labels seem to like it, possibly because it forces us all to pay another ten cents to listen to tracks we've already paid for. Though new tracks will be available for ten cents cheaper than the iTunes standard rate, and I'm not sure the service will be able to do anything about those MP3s in your record collection that were obtained from not-quite-legit sources. Giving his support to the new venture, Warner's Exec VP Of Digital Music Strategy told reporters: "It is a significant new model, and even more significant as a consumer proposition. What I think is really interesting is the idea of virtual ownership - creating a value proposition that's between the sampling of a stream and the purchase of a download". Lala founder Bill Nguyen adds: "If the goal is to get consumers to buy more music, then the existing model of how it's priced and sold doesn't work. Look at subscription music. They pay for every single song that's streamed, but they get a fixed revenue from the customer. So if you're a big music listener, you actually may cost the service more money that it makes. Instead of a streaming access product, think of it as if it were a real product. It's just virtual. It doesn't have the bits, but behaves in the same functional way". So there you go, I think I got all that right. Now I need to go and take a paracetamol. -------------------------------------------------- STUDENT CATEGORIES ADDED TO THE RECORD OF THE DAY AWARDS During its five year history the Music Journalism And PR Awards have consistently championed the best in music journalism talent of the present and the past. But this year RotD is also teaming up with us here at CMU and collecting society PPL to champion the best music journalists of the future by launching two new awards for student media people. To this end, we are currently inviting student writers and photographers from across the UK to enter themselves for these brand new ROTD Award categories - Best Student Music Journalist and Best Student Music Photographer. Their work will be judged by an impressive bunch, NME features editor James McMahon, Observer Music Monthly editor Caspar Llewellyn Smith, Clash magazine editor Simon Harper, and music journalists Jude Rogers and Caroline Sullivan, with the overall winners receiving an award at the bash in London on 27 November, as well as the opportunity of work experience at both the Observer Music Monthly and Clash magazine, and a commission from NME.com. PPL will specifically support the new Best Student Music Journalist prize. Confirming the society's support for the new award, Jonathan Morrish, Director of PR & Corporate Communications at PPL says: "Music writing is a critically important part of introducing music and musicians to new audiences. PPL is delighted to sponsor this new award and applauds RotD in encouraging the next generation of journalists". CMU will help coordinate both student awards. CMU Co-Editor Chris Cooke says this: "Ever since we began, we've always looked to support and showcase creative people in the student community, because that's so often where the talent that will feed the music, music industry and music media of the future can be found. So we're really excited about being able to champion the best student media talent alongside the established mainstream music media industry at this year's Music Journalism and PR Awards". So, how to enter... it's simple, it really is. If you are a student journalist who writes about music, all you have to do is write a 150-200 word review of the track 'Steel' by new Dublin-based band Noise Control, which you can check out at this URL - www.muzu.tv/noisecontrol/Steel/32047 (though review the song not the video), and submit it along with two other music reviews or features that have been published in your student newspaper at some point in 2008; plus tell us your name, your university and the student newspaper you write for. You can email your entries to [email protected], or mail cuttings to RotD Awards, CMU, Unicorn House, 221-222 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6PJ. If you are a student photographer it's even easier. Simply email three photos of artists or bands you have taken this year to [email protected]. The pictures can be band portraits, live or studio shots. You should tell us what bands feature in the pictures and where they were taken, plus your name, your university and the student newspaper you work for. Photos should be saved as JPEGs and be no more than 300k each. And that's it. It goes without saying that all work must be your own. So, spread the word. All entries must be received by 3 Nov. -------------------------------------------------- SOME IN RAINBOWS STATS FROM RADIOHEAD The sales figures for 'In Rainbows' are interesting, of course, because it was the album Radiohead made available for download months before its physical release on a 'pay what you want' basis. With the band having not long left their previous label EMI, somewhat acrimoniously, the promotion led to much 'is this the future of the music industry?' and 'surely now the record companies are doomed?' style commentary. Certainly the pay what you want promo was a genius bit of 'right place, right time, right band' marketing - securing Thom Yorke et al buckets of mainstream press coverage, all of which helped hype the accompanying box set release, the subsequent CD release and even the conventional digital release via iTunes. And while some casual Radiohead fans probably chose to pay nothing for the new long player - which they might otherwise have bought - others may have been prompted to buy the CD release because of the hype surrounding the original digital giveaway. Plus, without the overheads of a major record company and with the hype surrounding the giveaway reducing marketing costs, the band and their business partners were always going to go into profit on this release a lot quicker. And, of course, all the hype helped promote the band's then upcoming tour. So job done, but there has still been much speculation as to how well the download promotion actually did, what the average fan chose to pay for the album, and what impact the giveaway had on the subsequent physical release. Unlike Trent Reznor, who has been brutally honest about the pay what you want releases he's been involved in, Radiohead have been very quiet on how the 'In Rainbows' promotion really went. We still don't know what the average fan chose to pay for the free download, but the band's publicist has said 'In Rainbows' was definitely a success for the band in terms of both reach and income, revealing that 3 million units of the album have been sold to date, including downloads, that 100,000 deluxe box sets were sold, and that 30,000 copies of the album were even sold by iTunes. He added that the band had made more money from 'In Rainbows' than from 2003's EMI released 'Hail To The Thief' before it had even been released on CD. Of course that might tell us more about how little 'Hail To The Thief' earned the band rather than how much 'In Rainbows' brought in, but it's an interesting statistic nevertheless. -------------------------------------------------- LONG BLONDE JACKSON ON SPLIT AND SOLO PLANS Speaking of Cox's affliction, Jackson explained: "It was actually two days after we got back from our American tour and we have no idea what caused that. Obviously, it was a complete shock for all of us, something that we've had a bit of time now to come to terms with. It does mean that he's unable to play the guitar at the moment and we don't really know when he'll be able to do that again. Unfortunately we've had to take the decision to split up". She did say that Cox's condition is improving with daily physiotherapy, however. "When it first happened he couldn't move his leg or his arm at all and we weren't sure how his speech, memory, or intelligence were going to be affected", she said. "Thankfully those things are completely unaffected. He's still the same Dorian, just lovely and hilariously funny. We haven't lost him at all, it's just the arm now that they're working on". Jackson says they're not ruling out the idea of a reunion once Cox recovers fully, but for now they'll be working on individual projects, saying of her own solo plans: "It's the first time I've talked about it but that's my plan. I'm just beginning but I think it will reflect my personal music taste a bit more than the Long Blondes, which was a collaborative thing. I've only just started and a lot of the influences will overlap so hopefully fans of the Long Blondes will like what I do". As previously reported, Jackson will also DJ at Twisted Licks at The Last Days Of Decadence in London in 7 Nov. -------------------------------------------------- LIL WAYNE'S ASSISTANT SAW A GUN, BUT NOT ON WAYNE Anyway, Wayne's assistant Terry Bourgeois was this week asked under oath whether he had seen dope smoking or guns on the rapper's tour bus. He responded by saying he had, on occasion, seen a handgun and people smoking marijuana on the bus. However, he added that he's never actually seen his boss with a gun, and that he didn't know whether there had been a gun on the bus on the day it was police searched. -------------------------------------------------- CHINESE DEMOCRACY LEAKER PLEADS NOT GUILTY Despite reportedly previously admitting that he uploaded the tracks to his blog, he claims he is not guilty of the specific charges currently being made against him. If he is found guilty he could face 3-5 years in prison, depending on whether the courts feel he made any commercial gain out of the infringement. As previously reported, after the tracks leaked online a statement from Guns N Roses said that while they didn't support Coghill's actions they were more interested in knowing how the tracks got from the studio to the blogger in the first place. A date for Coghill's trial is tbc, though, as previously reported, a date for the long long long awaited release of 'Chinese Democracy', in the US at least, has now been announced - 25 Nov. -------------------------------------------------- BURNS' BOTCHED BOUCHE BRINGS BIG BONUS Last week, Dr Viel admitted in the High Court to allegations that he injected a product called Outline Original into Burns' lips without proper warning of potential side-effects. He also failed to observe guidelines about its use in conjunction with other products and gave an excessive number of follow-up injections. Burns' lawyer Auriana Griffiths said: "The barrister representing Dr Viel confirmed last week in court that the allegations of negligence set out in the original documents filed at court have been admitted. Further allegations have been added, with the permission of the court, relating to a lip lift procedure. At this stage, the investigation into the value of the case is ongoing and no figure has been agreed". -------------------------------------------------- ASTORIA DEMOLITION DRAWS CLOSER -------------------------------------------------- PETE TOWNSHEND ON RELIGION DOCUMENTARY SONG INCLUSION In a statement to the paper, Townshend said: "Bill Maher is a comedian. I am a songwriter. I have faith in what I would call God, but I am not a religious man. I don't want to press my views on other people. Maher seems to have the wish to question and make fun of the sanity of we believers. I'm happy to say I'd prefer to be my kind of crazy than his kind of cynical, but... we live in a free society... Maher's film is not an important moment in the history of religion ... So when I first refused the use of my song (for a very modest fee by the way) and Maher badgered me, I decided to allow it. If you have problems with this film, talk to Bill Maher. If you really want to know where I am on my spiritual journey, listen to the song". -------------------------------------------------- SINGLE REVIEW: The Herbaliser - Can't Help This Feeling (!K7) Buy from iTunes -------------------------------------------------- KATHERINE JENKINS SIGNS MULTI-STREAM DEAL WITH WARNER As part of the deal a new Katherine Jenkins Webstore will be launched offering fans a one-stop-shop for tickets, merchandise and exclusive content. The first album to be released under the new deal will be produced by David Foster, who has previously worked with the likes of Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Seal and Celine Dion. Confirming the new deal, Warner Music Europe top man John Reid said this: "Warner Music continues to evolve our partnerships with our acts, offering them an expanding menu of services and developing new ways for them to reach a wide spectrum of audiences. WME's ability to create diverse entertainment experiences for all formats and platforms across a range of genres makes the label the perfect home for Katherine's multifaceted, highly flexible talent. By more closely aligning the interests of artist and label we can take an holistic approach to building on her massive success and broadening her relationship with her ever-expanding global fan-base". Reports circulating yesterday that the deal was worth $10 million have been denied by Warner insiders, while the major has also denied confirming the relationship will run for at least five albums, as was reported in some places. back to top-------------------------------------------------- EMINEM NOT READY TO TOUR The rap star, who, as previously reported, recently finished making the record with Dr Dre on production duties, added that he wanted this album to "remind people how I rap. I've accomplished enough with the music that I haven't had to go out there and do other things to over-saturate. That's probably what I take pride in most. But, at the end of the day, it's kind of catch 22. I love the attention but I don't like too much of it". -------------------------------------------------- LCD MAN HAS NEW BAND On the subject of the band's name, Murphy said: "They have a lot of names that we argue back and forth about. I think they try to come up with the worst names possible just to wind me up". -------------------------------------------------- JURASSIC 5 REISSUE -------------------------------------------------- WEEZER MAN TO RELEASE SECOND DEMO COMPILATION -------------------------------------------------- NOISE CONTROL IN LONDON TONIGHT -------------------------------------------------- METALLICA ANNOUNCE UK TOUR DATES Tour dates: 25 Feb: Nottingham, Trent FM Arena -------------------------------------------------- JONAH MATRANGA HITS THE UK Tour dates: 22 Oct: London, The 12 Bar -------------------------------------------------- ALBUM REVIEW: Chase & Status - More Than A Lot (Ram Records) Buy from iTunes -------------------------------------------------- UNIVERSAL LAUNCH GEFFEN UK Geffen Records US, of course, was set up by David Geffen in 1980, being bought by Universal (then known as MCA) in 1990. Since the mid-nineties it has operated as a division within Universal's Interscope enterprise, though is still a widely recognised record label brand in the US market with its own roster and website. It's unclear if Geffen UK will work with any Geffen US artists, or if they will continue to be marketed over here through other Universal divisions. Confirming the new division and Barlow's appointment, Universal Music International chief Lucian Grainge told reporters: "Colin and I have worked together in publishing and records for almost 20 years, and his greatest achievements speak for themselves. The legacy of Geffen and the future of Colin are exceptionally powerful and exciting". In his statement, Barlow stressed his ambitions for the new Universal division to be multi-stream, or 360 degree if you like, looking to enter into deals with new artists that cover recordings and other areas. He told reporters: "With Geffen UK I want to create the hottest new company in the business, but it won't just be about records. David Geffen was one of the original music executives who looked at what we do as a whole - he built a company which encompassed all sides of the entertainment business - and what I'm looking to do is create, sign and develop artists with that same broad perspective. The legacy of Geffen in America was that it was an artist-led label and that is exactly what Geffen in the UK will become too". -------------------------------------------------- EMI APPOINT NEW CFO FOR NORTH AMERICA -------------------------------------------------- IMEEM LAUNCH MOBILE SERVICE FOR ANDROID PHONE -------------------------------------------------- ASTA WELCOMES CLOSURE OF DODGY TICKETING OUTFIT From what we can see the police took action by telling the company hosting the site to take it down. A message currently showing at that URL reads: "On 16 October, the Metropolitan Police Service's Computer Crime Unit requested the dehosting of the www.paperticket.co.uk website under the Proceeds of Crime Act. People who have bought tickets from this site are encouraged to call Consumer Direct for advice on 08454 04 05 06". The boss of the ASTA said yesterday that his organisation had alerted the authorities to the rogue ticket seller after spotting them selling tickets to upcoming tours at unrealistically cheap prices. ASTA chair Graham Burns told reporters: "We have been concerned for weeks that Paperticket was selling tickets for forthcoming concerts by the likes of Barry Manilow, Kings of Leon and the Killers at unrealistically low prices and we made our concerns known to the authorities". Depending on the scale of the paperticket.co.uk operation, and the number of fans who have been sold possibly dodgy tickets, this may increase calls from the live music sector for more government legislation to cover the re-sale of tickets to gigs by unofficial agents. That said, the ASTA says that its kitemark scheme and code of conduct already protects consumers, and Burns says government and the industry should endorse it to further consumer awareness of it. Burns: "The Government's failure to endorse a kitemarking scheme means the consumer has no way of identifying legitimate traders leaving them open to exploitation. We would urge consumers only to buy tickets on the internet from accredited suppliers or legitimate ticket brokers who have signed up to the ASTA Code of Conduct". -------------------------------------------------- JAMES BLUNT EDITS METRO However, before all you UK-based Blunt fans set your alarms early to make sure you get a copy of the Metro on that day - well, sorry, the UK's Metro newspaper, owned by Associated Newspapers, is not part of Metro International, the free paper available in loads of cities elsewhere in the world. So you'll have commute via Dublin or Lille to get a copy. -------------------------------------------------- PEEL TO GET TRAIN NAMED AFTER HIM Peel's wife Sheila Ravenscroft said that tune was the DJ's second favourite track ever: "John just loved the song. He always became emotional when he played it. He wasn't capable of playing it without crying. If he played it on the radio he'd have to put something on straight afterwards because he wouldn't be able to speak. When he played it at home, he'd always need a cuddle afterwards. We are just really delighted that John is being honoured with this train. He would have loved it". Councillor Mark Dowd, chair of Merseytravel said: "We are very proud of the man John was and of his connection with Merseyside. Naming this train in his honour is our tribute to a true broadcasting legend". back to top-------------------------------------------------- SCOTTISH PRESENTER WON'T PLAY AC/DC David "The Captain" Grant says: "I couldn't believe it when I saw Scotland was to be missed out of the group's touring dates. Fans are contacting the show in their hundreds and to disappoint loyal, lifelong supporters like this is just unacceptable. I will not be playing another AC/DC song on my show for a long time to come, or until the band change their mind on coming to Scotland as part of the tour". Ciaran O'Toole, manager of the station, which serves Paisley and Renfrewshire, says: "I think what the Captain has done is absolutely right. We, as a Scottish Rock Radio station, need to support the fans". back to top-------------------------------------------------- FURTADO MARRIES IN SECRET Furtado told Canadian TV's Entertainment Tonight: "I love it. I'm happy... I'm excited about the future. I just feel kind of free and relaxed and more in tune with trying not to be so stressed out". -------------------------------------------------- BEE GEES KEEP PEOPLE STAYIN' ALIVE During the study, students performed CPR on dummies while listening to 'Stayin' Alive', timing their compressions with the beat of the song. After five weeks, they were asked to do it while just thinking of the song in their heads (presumably it wouldn't look good if they sang it out loud) and, on average, managed roughly the correct number of compressions. |
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