BBC launches Playlister
The BBC yesterday unveiled its Playlister platform, a new music service first mooted almost exactly a year ago. As expected, the new platform doesn't compete with existing digital music services, but rather complements them, and indeed counts Spotify, Deezer and YouTube as partners at launch, with plans to hook up with other online music providers down the line.

Playlister will enable users to tag songs they first experience through BBC programmes, creating playlists which can then be exported into Spotify, Deezer or YouTube for future listening. Signed-up users will also be able to opt to receive music recommendations from DJs working for one of the Beeb's many radio stations.

It's a simple, and possibly obvious, service for the BBC to offer in principle, though one not without technological and political challenges. The former in a bid to make the service work across multiple delivery platforms (though just web and mobile browsers at launch, with the Beeb's RadioPlayer app to be integrated in the short term future). The latter to assure the licence-fee funded BBC isn't seen to be competing with commercial players in the digital music space, in the UK at least.

There had been talk of Playlister also making available recordings from the BBC's vast archives, though that doesn't seem to be part of the mix at the moment. Doing so would pose cost and more political challenges, even if said content was actually distributed via partners like Spotify and Deezer. Not least because labels would need to be cut in to the action (because although the BBC created the recordings, with signed artists they only did so with the labels' permission, via a waver that wouldn't allow for commercial exploitation).

And besides, the more simple playlist proposition is possibly more powerful, because at a time when the digital music sector, and especially the streaming services, are obsessed by developing the best 'discovery' tools, it possibly reaffirms that for mainstream consumers, one of the best music discovery channels remains radio. And with the Playlister service being available globally, it further promotes BBC radio beyond the UK.

Playlister was launched yesterday as newish BBC chief Tony Hall delivered his first big vision statement since taking over the top job at the Corporation. Other commitments in his speech included simplyfing the organisation's corporate structure, a budget boost for arts coverage, a stepped up iPlayer and more global services.

On Playlister specifically, Hall told reporters: "BBC Playlister is a wonderful innovation from the BBC that has been designed purely with audience needs in mind. We have a proud musical heritage that dates back to the very beginning of the BBC's history, and over the years we have found many new ways of bringing fantastic music to our viewers and listeners. Working with partners such as Spotify, YouTube and Deezer, we will once again transform our audiences' relationship with music and the BBC".

Meanwhile the service's three launch partners also delivered some quotastic wordage, as follows...

Chris Maples, VP Of Europe for Spotify: "The BBC and Spotify share a passion for offering lovingly curated, great music to music fans, making Spotify a great partner for BBC Playlister. Through the BBC Playlister app on Spotify, you can be the first to hear and follow playlists from your favourite DJs, radio stations and TV programmes, and explore a world of hand-picked music content from across the BBC. From Zane Lowe's Hottest Records Of 2013 to the tracks from 'Later... With Jools Holland', you can enjoy them first through the BBC Playlister app on Spotify".

Ben McOwen Wilson, Director Of Content Partnerships for YouTube Europe: "The BBC is a hugely influential and powerful curator of music choice across generations and across genres. We're delighted that through BBC Playlister, YouTube's community of passionate music fans can access and share the music content they love from their favourite BBC shows by easily exporting playlists directly to YouTube".

Axel Dauchez, CEO of Deezer: "We're delighted to partner with the BBC at the launch of their new music product, BBC Playlister. At the click of a button, users will be able to export their favourite tracks from across the BBC to listen to in full and take them wherever they go with Deezer. Music fans in more than 180 countries already listen to and discover new music with Deezer - our editors are seeking out and recommending new music every day. Now people in many countries across the world can listen to the music they love on the BBC with Deezer".

Jackson family planning to appeal ruling in AEG lawsuit
The Jackson family are planning to appeal the ruling in their long running legal battle with live giant AEG, according to media reports.

As much previously reported, the Jacksons wanted AEG, as promoters of the late Michael Jackson's ill-fated 'This Is It' venture, to be held liable for the king of pop's demise, because it hired Dr Conrad Murray, the medic jailed for causing the singer's death through negligent treatment.

But, while a jury ruled that AEG had hired Murray as Jackson's personal medic, they said that bosses there couldn't have known that Murray, as a licensed doctor, would act negligently. Therefore AEG was not held liable for Jackson's passing.

Confirmation that the family will appeal the ruling seemingly comes from Tom Mesereau, the lawyer who successfully defended Jackson in his 2005 child abuse trial. He told reporters: "I spoke to them. They are going to appeal".

The attorney also hit out at Murray, who continues to insist he was not responsible for Jackson's death, even as he reaches the end of his jail term for manslaughter. Murray also recently said he thought the Jacksons v AEG case had in some way vindicated him. Commenting on the doctor, Mesereau added: "Unless he tries to change his attitude I have contempt for him. I hope he admits responsibility, but I doubt it".

It's not clear who would represent the Jacksons in any appeal. US media report that their chief lawyer in the original case, Brian Panish, worked for the family on a no-win-no-fee basis, and as such lost out on legal fees in the region of £4.5 million because of the ruling.

Though legal reps for the Jackson family matriarch Katherine, who was the main plaintiff in the case, have denied other reports that she was regretting having ever pursued the litigation following last week's ruling.

A source told TMZ: "Any reports that Katherine Jackson is feeling remorse for filing the wrongful death lawsuit are completely untrue. Mrs Jackson feels the lawsuit is very important, and that so far it has proven that AEG did in fact hire Dr Murray".

Said source went on: "The lawsuit has also confirmed that Michael Jackson was an outstanding father, son, humanitarian, and human being. [Katherine] hopes that the lawsuit will change the way that entertainment companies treat their talent".

Ninja Tune signs Lee Bannon
Ninja Tune has added Stateside hip hop producer Lee Bannon to its ranks, and will release his new LP, 'Alternate/Endings', on 9 Dec.

Bannon, who's made his name both as a solo artist and via collaborations with Joey Bada$$ and Pro Era, is marking the Ninja Tune signing by giving away his Poliça-featuring 'Place/Crusher' mix EP free at this link.

--------------------------------------------------

Mute Song sign Wasp Factory opera composer
Mute Song, the publishing side of the Mute group, has announced a worldwide deal with composer and producer, and Brian Eno collaborator, Ben Frost, whose first opera, based on the Iain Banks novel 'The Wasp Factory', recently premiered at the Royal Opera House.

Mute describe Frost's three albums to date as fusing "intensely structured sound art with militant post-classical electronic music, shape-shifting physical power with immersive melody, concentrated minimalism with fierce, rupturing dark metal".

Frost and his management team will now work closely with the Mute publisher seeking future projects and opportunities.

Sallen appointed COO at new BMG/Primary Wave label services business
Record industry veteran Ira Sallen has been appointed as COO of the new BMG/Primary Wave label services business in the US.

As previously reported, the new BMG/Primary Wave label services JV was part of the two companies' recent deal Stateside, which also saw the former take a stake in the latter's publishing catalogue. The new business sees BMG extend its service-provider orientated approach to master recording deals into the US market, albeit with Primary Wave leading.

Sallen spent two decades in senior HR roles with the original BMG company, latterly at the merged SonyBMG, before joining recruitment firm WTW Associates in 2009. Given Sallen's HR background, it's an interesting hire for the new company's top operational executive. He will report into Primary Wave founder Larry Mestel, who is CEO of the label services set up.

Confirming the appointment, Mestel told reporters: "I've known Ira for fourteen years and I knew he would be a natural fit as COO of our new label services [company] because our vision and way of thinking are completely aligned. By partnering Primary Wave's marketing power with a major like BMG, we now have a full-service label and ability to sign iconic artists, who are looking for change and creative freedom with their music".

--------------------------------------------------

New GM for Sony's RED Associated Labels
Sony Music's US-based independent distribution unit RED has announced the appointment of Tom Carrabba as GM for RED Associated Labels. He will head up the division's new label services operation, providing marketing and promotions support to some of the labels distributed via the RED network. In his new role Carrabba, who has held various previous posts across the Sony Music business, will report into RED Distribution president Bob Morelli.

He told reporters: "We are excited to be adding Tom to the RED team. He is a seasoned and accomplished executive who understands how to work with artists and labels, and how to successfully set up, launch and follow through on artist releases. In leading RED Associated Labels, he will allow us to support the titles we distribute from Sony Music Entertainment venture partners with high-quality label services that are essential to maximising an artist's impact and presence in the marketplace".

--------------------------------------------------

Kobalt appoint STIM man to collecting society liaison role
Kobalt has announced the appointment of Tomas Ericsson to the role of President, Society Relations, in which he will manage the music firm's relationships with both collecting societies and digital service providers around the world. Ericsson joins the company from the Swedish performing right society STIM, where for a time he led ICE, the rights administration JV between STIM and PRS For Music.

Confirming the appointment, Kobalt CEO Willard Ahdritz told CMU: "We are excited to have Tomas join Kobalt to continue strengthening our relationships with global societies and digital service providers. Tomas is one of the most experienced and forward looking senior society executives in the world, and we're looking forward to working together to develop and further improve our leading global collection services for our clients".

Ericsson himself added: "I am very happy to join Kobalt to further build and strengthen the company's visionary platform through global relationships and strategic alliances for the benefit of its clients".

SFX IPO raises $260 million
Dance music-focused live firm SFX has raised $260 million via its initial pubic offering share sale, according to Bloomberg. The sale confirms the company's valuation in excess of $1 billion.

Demand for shares in the latest business venture from entertainment industry veteran Robert Sillerman was seemingly high. In the end 20 million shares were sold at $13 each, over 3 million more than originally intended, and at the upper end of the proposed price tag. The shares will start trading today on the Nasdaq stock exchange.

Sillerman will hold just under half of the stock in the now publicly listed entertainment company, which plans to use monies generated by the IPO to fund further acquisitions in the EDM space.

MIA creates knock-off Versace line
When she isn't spending time telling the NFL to kindly 'flip off', MIA has been known to do other more artistic things, like releasing LPs and going to the Grammys dressed as a football.

It's thanks to those same brave creative credentials that she has been invited to design a fashion line for Versace's 'affordable' sister brand Versus. And unlike a lot of other celeb-endorsed style ventures, it's possible MIA might (what with her art degree, and all) have actually designed this one, so that's cool.

Talking a bit about the line, which quite glibly plays on the proclivity of tacky Versace knock-offs, MIA says: "The theme of counterfeits, of those that produce and sell them, has always been part of the culture of MIA. When I was contacted by Versace, it seemed a great idea to invert the circle. Versace's designs have always been copied, now it's Versace that copies the copies, so those that copy must copy the copies. So this will continue".

You followed that, right? Anyway, see a few of the designs here, or via the clips on MIA's Instagram.

Caroline Flack to co-host main X-Factor show
Caroline Flack has been given an 'X-Factor'-sized promotion, and will move from a slot fronting the ITV pop-a-thon's ITV2 spin-off 'The Xtra Factor', to act as Dermot O'Leary's 'backstage' co-host on the main show.

I say 'move'; in reality (because this is reality TV, right) Flack will in fact stay on at 'Xtra Factor', but will now have backstage-to-front-stage slots included in the main show too.

Stating that same fact, Flack says: "I can't wait to help out Dermot on 'The X Factor' and share all the backstage antics with people at home. Live shows this year are going to be the best yet".

An apparently non-threatened O'Leary adds: "It's a big family at 'The X Factor' and I'm thrilled to have Caroline on board on the main show. She is my TV little sister and she'll be great".

Lieberberg to keynote at Festival Conference
Organisers of the UK Festival Awards have announced some details about the accompanying UK Festival Conference, which will take place on 2 Dec at the Roundhouse in London.

Topics up for debate include payment methods, competition for UK events from festivals abroad, and dealing with the neighbours of festival sites, while Marek Lieberberg, Founder and Director of Germany's Rock am Ring and Rock im Park festivals, will provide a keynote address.

Info and tickets from www.festivalconference.com

--------------------------------------------------

AIM announce details of Indie-Con 2013
The Association Of Independent Music has announced the return of Indie-Con, a one-day conference specifically aimed at indie labels that first took place in July 2012. This year's event will take place at London's Glaziers Hall on 20 Nov.

Topics to be covered include music marketing, publishing, the future of physical products, diversifying revenue streams and the art of A&R, with reps from Visible Noise, Infectious, Mute, Hospital Records, Transgressive Records, Hyperdub and Full Time Hobby amongst those set to speak.

More at www.musicindie.com/indiecon2013

Pogues guitarist Chevron dies
Philip Chevron, of Irish punk band The Radiators From Space and, for over two decades (in two stints), guitarist with The Pogues, has died aged 56.

Chevron was first diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2007, but recovered from the disease in 2009. However, it was announced that the cancer had returned back in May this year.

In a statement, The Pogues confirmed Chevron's passing, saying: "After a long illness Philip passed away peacefully this morning. We all send our sincere condolences to his family".

Release round-up: Pearl Jam stream LP; MKS cover Lorde; and Eagulls and FaltyDL share free MP3s
So, Pearl Jam are letting their tenth LP, 'Lightning Bolt', strike earlier than its physical 14 Oct hit-date, free-streaming it via iTunes. In addition, the band have been chatting to director Judd Apatow ahead of the release, so watch that going on via NPR.

In the same 'free' spirit, plenty of acts are gifting their fans with free MP3s, not least CMU-approved Leeds band Eagulls. Paying lip service to Killing Joke (in that it's a cover), 'Requiem', the b-side to new Eagulls single 'Nerve Endings', is available to pick up via Rolling Stone.

And FaltyDL, aka NYC-based garage beatsmith Drew Lustman, is in a charitable mood today, too, offering a free five-track EP as his brand new alias, Donna Chambray Leon, so that's nice. This is a link to download it in one go, and this is one to preview it first via SoundCloud.

And finally, whilst I can't help sensing ex-Sugababes Mutya Keisha Siobhan's star is already waning a little bit, they're still pretty great. MKS have premiered a very near perfect interpretation of Lorde's 'Royals' that I beseech you to hear here.

Matt Goss claims 'healing' abilities
So, one-time Bros bro Matt Goss thinks his hands have spiritual healing powers, and what in heaven (or on earth) is wrong with that?

Talking a lot of what might, just playing devil's advocate, be total 'dross' to Seven magazine, Goss claimed he'd given a cancer-stricken fan 'healing' vibes whilst playing a show at the Gossy Room in Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas, where he has a residency.

He said: "My grandad was a healer. I do healing. There was a fan that had cancer, and she asked me to give her healing. It was in the Gossy Room and I gave her healing after the show... I'm not saying it's because of me [that she was cured]. Maybe a state of mind. But it's something that my grandad told me to pursue and not be ashamed of".

Asked in what way he'd react to naysayers, his highly 'spiritual' answer was: "I couldn't give a shit".