Beats responds to sign-up delays, Ek responds to Beats
So, in amongst all the ripe hype online surrounding the US launch of the Beats Music streaming service on Tuesday was the customary flutter of Twitter gripes from some users who were struggling to get into the new digital set up, or having trouble getting the new app-based platform to work.

But that, Beats insists, was simply due to the high level of interest in streaming music's latest arrival. As some users reported a wobbly service within the app, Beats initiated a stagger system for allowing newcomers into the platform, which was probably behind most of the reports on the social networks of users not being able to get in.

Beats Music boss Ian Rogers told USA Today: "We were able to still register people, so we don't turn them away at the door. We just don't put them into the main service so they don't have a bad experience. And then we can email them after and say 'All right, come on in'".

Presumably keen to placate those who've had to queue outside the virtual Beats club, the streaming service has confirmed that anyone who signed up for the free seven day trial this week will actually get fourteen days of Beats goodness gratis, before the premium-only streaming set-up demands some quality dollars.

Elsewhere in streaming music, Spotify top geezer Daniel Ek has been asked about the arrival of a high-hype new competitor in the US market and, ultimately, beyond. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Ek was pragmatic, conceding that Beats Music was a significant new competitor, but also suggesting that such a high profile new entrant into the market could be good for streaming music in general, making the majority of consumers yet to embrace such services at all aware of what a fully on-demand online music platform offers. Especially in the US where Pandora-style streaming services still dominate.

Which is all fine, suitably sporting and rather sensible. Though he did manage to get a little dig into his quote too. So well done Dan. Said Ek: "It's a competitor, for sure, but my way of looking at it is, if it gets people to understand the value of streaming, it is ultimately good. Our way of doing this is not just slapping some celebrity brand on it and hoping it will be good. We are a social service; we are a product company. People have tried to put a brand on it and thought that's enough, and they have failed: Microsoft, Nokia - many big companies".

Ian Watkins to appeal length of sentence
Former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins is to appeal the length of his sentence for the attempted rape of a baby and other child abuse offences.

As previously reported, Watkins was sentenced to 29 years in prison, as well as another six on licence upon leaving prison, after he pleaded guilty to charges against him in December. Two women, whose children he abused, were also sentenced to fourteen and seventeen years respectively. The judge told Watkins that he had reached "new depths of depravity" and continued to pose a significant risk to children.

Nonetheless, Watkins thinks that his 35 year sentence is a bit much, and entered an application to appeal the sentence earlier this week, according to BBC News.

Downtown announces Notable alliance
The Downtown music publishing company has announced a worldwide administration deal with another publisher, Notable Music Co, which will see the former administrate the catalogues of the latter. Notable was founded by composer and jazz musician Cy Coleman back in 1962 and counts songs like 'The Best Is Yet To Come', 'Big Spender' and 'Never Can Say Goodbye' amongst its catalogue.

Confirming the new arrangement, Downtown Music Publishing boss Justin Kalifowitz told reporters: "It is with extreme gratitude that we welcome Notable to Downtown Music Publishing. When he wasn't busy contributing to the Great American Songbook or scoring many iconic, award winning Broadway musicals, Songwriters Hall Of Fame member Cy Coleman built one of the finest song collections of his time. We couldn't be more delighted to represent this historic catalogue and partner with Damon [Booth] in growing the Notable business for years to come".

Booth, VP and GM for Notable, added: "I've been a big fan of the creativity, passion and commitment Downtown has shown to its roster for many years. It's an honour to be joining Justin and his team at this exciting and challenging time in our business".

Following licensing battles and annual upgrade, Ministry plots party weekend
Having fought the planning laws and won its right to party, however much noise that might result in (within reasonable limits, obviously), south London club Ministry Of Sound is kicking into action this weekend with two big club nights, which will also show off some recent refurbs at the uber-venue, including a new larger courtyard, VIP suite and two new balconies. Big up the balconies.

Having resolved long-running issues with the developers behind a new residential set-up due to be built adjacent to the clubbing venue, Ministry boss Lohan Presencer told CMU: "We're pleased that the situation surrounding the Eileen House site has been resolved and we're grateful for the support shown by the dance and wider music community. We remain focused on putting on a fantastic programme of events to ensure we continue to be the best club in the world".

While on the recent refits, he added: "Ministry Of Sound has always been about renewal. Upgrading the venue is an annual project for us and each year we look at improving the experience for the hundreds of thousands of clubbers who come here".

And as for those aforementioned parties, tonight it's all about an Anjunabeats showcase featuring Super8 & Tab, Jaytech, Boom Jinx, Prok & Fitch, while the party-athon will carry on tomorrow with one of club's 'Saturday Sessions' events, this featuring Danny Avila, Third Party and in-Ministry DJ, Patrick Hagenaar.

Last.fm pulls in YouTube videos for new player
One of the original "yeah, but I don't get how you're EVER going to make any money" online music services Last.fm is in the process of overhauling its music player in a move that could well make the user-experience more compelling, though is almost certainly more about saving money.

Basically the CBS-owned site's music player is changing so that rather than playing tracks off its own platform it pulls in videos from YouTube. It means that the Last.fm personalised radio service now comes with video, and that you can navigate YouTube's music libraries via Last.fm's personalised playlists.

Still in beta, it's not entirely clear if and how YouTube's pre-roll advertising will play; whether the Last.fm technology overcomes some of the sound-level wobbles that occur when you use YouTube as a music player; what the move means for catalogue size, given the Google-owned video sites is less comprehensive when it comes to album tracks; and whether Last.fm can pull in Vevo content (without which catalogue gaps would be more significant).

But it could all work - and actually would be kind of cool if extended the other way, so that those who have allowed Last.fm to monitor their music listening for the last decade could let the platform organise their YouTube listening.

Presumably for CBS the move is more about saving money though. The streaming music element of Last.fm - the bit of the venture that seemed to have the most potential to become a viable business in its own right, and which was a significant player in the early-doors streaming music market in a handful of countries, for a time - has been greatly downsized in recent years. With Last.fm still losing owner CBS money, the move could be seen as a last ditch attempt to capitalise on the set-up's enviable data pile while allowing other parties to worry about content licensing costs.

Slightly ironically, the most recent incarnation of Last.fm's own music player, with it's arty slide shows utilising artwork attached to tracks, is rather like what we expect YouTube's own in-development audio streaming service to look like when it goes live later this year.

Newsbeat editor removed from post for 'bullying'
The BBC has moved the editor of Radio 1's 'Newsbeat', one Rod McKenzie, from his position following an inquiry into alleged 'bullying'. McKenzie denies the claims made against him, which centre on accusations that he'd shown favouritism towards a small group of employees, and shouted at others.

Whilst said accusations span the past 20 years, they were most recently included in the BBC-commissioned Dinah Rose QC's 'Respect At Work Review'. Set up in May 2013 in the wake of the Savile-gate scandal, it was designed to look into instances of inappropriate behaviour within the corporation. The National Union Of Journalists later made a formal complaint about McKenzie, citing the Dinah Rose Review, on behalf of over 20 employees.

Having reportedly received a final written warning, McKenzie has been reassigned to an unconfirmed alternative post at the Beeb, leaving Newsbeat's one-time deputy Kevin Silvetton to serve as acting editor of the programme.

The Independent quotes a source close to McKenzie as saying: "He strongly rejects these claims and maintains that his behaviour is entirely in keeping with a pressurised news environment", adding that McKenzie is pleased to note the "most lurid" claims have been dismissed and that, whilst he didn't have favourites, is said to have argued that "a favourite is a high achiever by another name"

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Global Radio to extend Academy initiative to full education programme
Global Radio yesterday announced that it is planning to expand its work placement and internship programme the Global Academy to create its own education initiative in partnership with the University Of Arts London. The second gen Global Academy will be a 'university technical college' in London providing vocational training for 14-18 year olds equipping them for a career in digital broadcasting.

Announcing the new scheme, that will launch in September 2015, Global boss Ashley Tabor told CMU: "Since founding Global, I've been struck by the shortage of young people coming into the industry with the right practical skills or broad enough skills. As emerging technologies continue to change the way we do business, that skills gap will only get bigger".

He went on: "With this new Global Academy, we want to lead the way in developing and nurturing talent and securing jobs for young people from all backgrounds. We will bring talented young people, some of whom wouldn't otherwise get the chance to gain these skills, into the exciting digital broadcasting industry and help ensure the industry continues to thrive while simultaneously equipping these students with the real skills they need to succeed in today's industry".

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Sir Elton John to guest edit Clash mag
In one of the most natural fits for a star/print-publication pairing since @rustyrockets and the New Statesman, Sir Elton John is to serve as the first ever guest editor-in-chief of Clash Magazine, taking over its February edition.

Beginning with an Editor's Letter, Sir Elton will go on to give his thoughts on new music, and the industry behind it. The issue's cover story will be a behind-the-scenes history of John's 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' LP, which turns 40 this year, including quotes and input from its surviving writers and contributors.

The mag will also feature a six-page photo spread of some of John's seldom-seen costumes, and a discussion with his long-time designer Annie Reavey. The issue will hit shelves on 6 Feb.

Century Media co-founder Oliver Withöft dies
Co-founder of independent metal label Century Media, Oliver Withöft died on Monday following several months of illness, it was announced yesterday. He was 49. In a statement, the label said: "On 20 Jan 2014, the Century Media family lost a creative genius, a visionary, a founder, an inspiring mentor and boss, parent and family member. We miss you".

Co-founder Robert Kampf added: "I have lost my best friend of 32 years and my business partner of 24. Although the unthinkable already happened three days ago, I am still in a state of utter shock. Oliver Withöft leaves a space that cannot be filled for all who held him dear. He was a tremendous father, husband, son and friend and will be terribly missed. I will always treasure him in my heart as the witty, brilliant and altogether great person he was".

Pitbull and J-Lo lock down World Cup song
Sing-rapping pop cue ball Pitbull is to move on from singing about pushing girls over in clubs with Ke$ha, to singing about togetherness (and kicking a ball all over a grass pitch) with Jennifer Lopez. Because, yes, he really is that versatile.

Long-time collaborators J-Lo and Bull will join in on the official song for 2014's FIFA World Cup, which for any non-football-fans is taking place this year in his native Brazil. It's titled 'We Are One', and will also have vocals on it by Claudia Leitte, popstar and coach on 'The Voice Brasil'.

This is a photo showing the facts in black, white and blue.

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So It Goes: Ratking confirm first LP
NYC rap nihilsts Ratking (warning: don't Google 'Ratking' by itself) have confirmed their first LP - first on XL's Hot Charity imprint, and first, period - the resignedly-titled 'So It Goes'. Release post-Fools' Day on 7 Apr, it'll feature King Krule, viral hit-girl Wavy Spice, and Paris-born vocalist/MC Salomon Faye.

All that's evidenced in this tracklisting (and no, the asterisk isn't a misprint):

*
Canal
Snow Beach
So Sick Stories (feat King Krule)
Remove Ya
Eat
So It Goes
Puerto Rican Judo (feat Wavy Spice)
Protein
Bug Fights
Take (feat Salomon Faye)

And this is preview single 'Canal'.

Gigs & Tours round-up: Kurt Vile, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Shonen Knife, Cults and Tycho
America's Kurt Vile - minus his band The Violators - is headed back to Britain in the spring, playing solo live dates at St James Piccadilly in London on 12 Apr, and Brighton's All Saint's Church on 13 Apr. Forming part of a larger European tour, the shows support Vile's new EP, 'It's A Big World Out There (And I'm Scared)', and less new 2013 LP, 'Wakin On A Pretty Daze'. Details and tickets here.

Making her second trip over to the UK from Japan this April is Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. The pop oddity will be bringing her day-glo stage show to the Shepherd's Bush Empire on 29 Apr, playing songs from her two Yasutaka Nakata-produced albums (he being one of our Artists Of The Year for 2013, you'll remember). Tickets for that went on sale this morning and are available here.

Keeping it Japanese, Osaka's first ladies of rock Shonen Knife are to gratify their many fans in May, playing a long, long line of shows starting at Manchester's Ruby Lounge (30 Apr) and Dingwalls in London (18 May). The band's 'Overdrive' trip will coincide with the release of their new TBA LP, on Damnably Records. Skim over the list of dates at this link.

Pop sophomores Cults are off on tour, too, in March, rallying for a 14-stop run of Europe which pulls in at London's Electrowerkz (its only UK stop-off) on 17 Mar. Designed to switch crowds on to the sounds of the duo's second LP 'Static', out now on Columbia, the tour is copied here in its entirety, complete with ticket links.

The kind-of-solo vision of Scott Hansen, ethereal psych type(s) Tycho (which is now a trio, technically) will signpost the 17 Mar release of his/their latest LP, 'Awake', by playing a show at London's Oval Space. Placed at the top of a five-date circle of the continent, its details, and links to find a way in to the show, are available here.

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Festival line-up update: Dour, Awakenings, Foalk By The Oak and more
Today's tray of a la carte festival treats feature line-up updates via massive Amsterdam dance weekender Awakenings, big new additions to Belgium's alt choc box Dour, rumblings at rustic day Folk By The Oak, and many (well, three) more events besides...

AWAKENINGS, Spaarnwoude, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 28-29 Jun: Adam Beyer, Adam Beyer & Joseph Capriati, Alan Fitzpatrick, Anton Pieëte & Kabale And Liebe, Awanto 3, Bart Skils & 2000 And One, Ben Klock, Ben Klock & Marcel Dettmann, Ben Sims, DVS1, Blawan, Sigha, Breach, Candy Cox, Carl Cox, Clouds, Daniela Haverbeck, Dave Clarke, De Sluwe Vos, Dispar Vulgo, DJ Rush, Dominik Eulberg & Gabriel Ananda, Dubfire & Paco Osuna, Egbert, Egbert&Secret Cinema, Extrawelt, Fatima Hajji, Fernanda Martins & DJ Lukas, Finnebassen, Gaiser, Gary Beck & Jonas Kopp, Gesaffelstein, Giorgio Gigli, Gregor Tresher, Gui Boratto, Guy Gerber, Harvey Mckay, Henrik Schwarz, Hot Since 82, Huxley, Ici Sans Merci, Ida Engberg, Jeff Mills, John Digweed, Jon Rundell, Joop Junior, Joran Van Pol, Joris Voorn, Joseph Capriati, Karotte, Klaudia Gawlas, Laura Jones, Len Faki, Luciano, Luigi Madonna, Maceo Plex, Manu Kenton, Marcel Dettmann, Marcel Fengler, Marco Carola, Max Cooper, Maya Jane Coles, Midland, Nic Fanciulli, Nina Kraviz, Noir, NT89, Oliver Schories, Pan-Pot, Pangaea & Pariah, Paul Ritch, Perc&Truss, PET Duo, Pfirter, Recondite, ROD, Sam Paganini, Schwarzmann (Henrik Schwarz & Ame), Secret Cinema, Seth Troxler, Skream, Speedy J, Spiros Kaloumenos, Sven Väth, Tale of Us, The Advent & Industrialyzer, Tim Wolff & Paul Boex, Zeitgeber. www.awakeningsfestival.nl

DOUR, Plaine De La Machine A Feu, Dour, Belgium, 17-20 Jul: Baauer, Mr Oizo, 65daysofstatic, Goldie, Connan Mockasin, Noisia, Shantel & Bucovina Club Orkestar, Steel Pulse, The Underachievers, Kölsch live, Claptone, Daniel Avery, DJ Rashad & DJ Spinn, Klingande, High Tone, Intergalactic Lovers, Onra, Shigeto. www.dourfestival.be

FOLK BY THE OAK, Hatfield House, Hertfordshire, 20 Jul: Seth Lakeman, Kathryn Tickell & The Side, The Elizabethan Session, Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker, March Martin Simpson, Nancy Kerr, Jim Moray, Bella Hardy, John Smith, Hannah James, Rachel Newton, Emily Askew. www.folkbytheoak.com

LEMONFEST, Newton Abbot Racecourse, 31 May: Gentleman's Dub Club, The Other Tribe, Mad Dog Mcrea, Will And The People, Owen Penrice, Moriaty. www.lemonfest.co.uk

SWINGAMAJIG, Boxxed, Digbeth, Birmingham, 4 May: Molotov Jukebox, Electric Swing Circus, The Destroyers, Renegade Brass Band, The Fresh Dixie Project, Smokey Joe and The Kid, Sam Green & The Midnight Heist, The Jenova Collective, Little Violet, The After Hours Quintet, Lunatrix, Mr Tea And The Minions, Holy Moly & the Crackers, Temple Funk Collective, Playing Django, The Collective 43, and The Swingamajig House Band, A Skillz, Bobby Friction, and Cat In The Hat, plus Jamie Berry, Costa Le Gitan, DJ Wolfie Razzmatazz, DJ Chris Tofu, DJ/VJ Nick Hollywood, Big Swing Sound System feat HypeMan Sage, Jamko, Madame Electrifie, DJR, and Myko Du Mal. swingamajig.co.uk

WATCHET LIVE, Parsonage Farm, West Somerset, 22-24 Aug: Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band, Toploader, The Ohmz, Abdoujaparov, NUMB, Joywride, Leatherat, The Sweetchunks Band, The Ten Pound Suit Band, The True Deceivers, New Groove Formation, One Eyed God, Thinker, Abi Ewles, Darren Hodge, Jess McAllister, Stevie - One Bloke One Mandolin. www.watchetfestival.co.uk

Mike Jagger not writing autobiography
If you were hoping for a Mick Jagger autobiography, like the one bandmate Keith Richards penned a couple of years back, then you're out of luck. Though if you have an internet connection, he'll point you in the direction of the information you require.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Jagger said: "I think the rock n roll memoir is a glutted market. I'd rather be doing something new. I'd rather be making new films, making new music, be touring. If someone wants to know what I did in 1965, they can look it up on Wikipedia without even spending any money".

Or you can stay right here, because I've already checked it out. Here's everything Jagger did in 1965:

• Turned 21
• Played a concert at Georgia Southern College
• Played 34 shows for about 100,000 people in Australia and New Zealand
• Had a number one album in the UK and US
• Had two number one singles in the UK and US

I can't see how Mick Jagger could bring much more insight to all that.

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CMU Beef Of The Week #190: Justin Bieber v God
So, while we were all praying for egg assassin Justin Bieber yesterday, he was out (allegedly) drinking, taking drugs and drag racing. The three Ds. As a result, the police arrested him, something he seemed rather pleased about. Look at his cheeky little face in this mugshot.

Anyway, in the early hours of Thursday morning, police spotted two Lamborghinis speeding down a road near Miami Beach, apparently racing each other. When stopped by police, he asked, "Why did you stop me?" Then, when asked to get out of the car, "Why the fuck are you doing this?" A police report notes that officers "immediately smelled an odour of alcohol emanating from the driver's breath and bloodshot eyes". And you know someone is really drunk when there's a smell emanating from their eyes.

Coaxed out, Bieber was made to stand with his hands on his car while he was searched. Insisting that he "ain't got not fucking weapons" and that no search was necessary, he was told that if he took his hands off the car before the search was complete, he would be arrested. See if you can guess what happened next.

If you guessed that he took his hands off the car and turned around, you win the chance to look at that mugshot again. Well done. Bonus points if you also thought he might have resisted arrest a little too.

He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs, plus resisting arrest and driving with an expired licence, before being released on $2500 bail, paid for by his manager Scooter Braun. The driver of the other car, singer Khalil, was also arrested and charged with DUI.

Braun later tweeted a message to Bieber, saying: "[I] love you and I will act in the manner of someone who truly cares. That is all I have to say. Thanks for all those concerned".

All of which just goes to show that none of us were praying hard enough, even after the singer's mother asked us so nicely. Well, either that or the idea that praying could affect any sort of change at all is utter nonsense. If only the Lord would give us a sign so we know whether to bother or not.

While we wait for that, we can bring you the news that there have already been devastating consequences from Bieber's latest run in with the law. Previously a hub of pro-Bieber activity (possibly), it seems that Gloucestershire is now turning against him. Upon learning the news of the pop tyke's arrest, The Gloucestershire Echo hit the streets to quiz Beliebers on their views, and it wasn't good news for Justin. One sixteen year old said: "I'm ashamed to say I'm a fan of Justin now. To think he might have done something so dangerous does make me question whether I still want to listen to his music".

Rock and roll, eh? I just wonder what Anne Frank would make of all this.