Music Industry News

Amanda Palmer: "Artists Have Always Needed to Fund Themselves"

Source: HypeBot
May 27, 2010

“Asking for money is generally considered shameful in the art and music world... this cultural ideal about artists and how they shouldn't touch money because it strips away the integrity of their art. But that's obviously bullshit, especially if you look throughout history and see that artists have ALWAYS needed to fund themselves and their work creatively, sneakily, with gusto and with shamelessness.

The only mistake I think I've made is not making the connection sooner....I think I was still ...

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Soundexchange Explains $200 Million Bank Balance

Source: HypeBot
May 26, 2010

Digital Music News vs. SoundExchange

Last week, Digital Music news reported that SoundExchange was holding $200 million in unpaid royalties due to artists. “"According to IRS returns," wrote DMN. “SoundExchange was holding the bag on a 'fund balance' of nearly $260 million by the tail end of 2008. Subsequently, SoundExchange executive Laura Williams told DMN that the figure was closer to $200 million at the beginning of 2009 because of ongoing payouts. The organization could not offer more up-to-date figures, ...

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Congress to Musicians: "Quit Your Day Job"

Source: HypeBot
May 26, 2010

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Did the Rolling Stones' Music Go Downhill After the Beatles Broke Up?

Source: Michael Ricci
May 26, 2010

Reader Neil McCarthy responded to my recent interview with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards about the expanded reissue of the Rolling Stones 1972 album Exile on Main St. with an intriguing theory thats been voiced by others over the years.

In short, McCarthy thinks the Stones music started on a downhill slide around 1970, when the Beatles broke up and he suggests that was no coincidence.

“I've never felt Exile was anything but a sloppy attempt to match the Beatles ...

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U2 and Christina Aguilera Postpone Summer Tours

Source: Michael Ricci
May 26, 2010

Between the time most pop music fans ended their workdays on Monday and clocked in the next morning, two of the summers biggest tours vanished from the calendar: U2 postponed 16 shows, and Christina Aguilera put off 20.

Cancellations and postponements happen every year. But the loss of two prominent tours prompted a quick response from fans, gossipmongers and even Wall Street analysts. Live Nation, the promoter of both tours, merged with Ticketmaster earlier this year, and as it begins ...

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U.S. Inquiry on Apple Music Tactics

Source: Michael Ricci
May 26, 2010

The Justice Department is examining Apples tactics in the market for digital music and has sent staff members to talk to a number of major music labels and Internet music companies, according to several people briefed on the conversations.

The inquiry is in the very early stages, these people say, and the conversations have revolved broadly around the dynamics of selling music online. But people briefed on the inquiries also said investigators asked in particular about recent allegations that Apple ...

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"Now in Stores" - 5/16/2010 to 5/22/2010

Source: Groove Notes
May 21, 2010

We recommend five jazz albums that were released over the past week and here are this weeks five, released between May 16th and May 22nd, 2010. 1. Swingin with Sinatra by Beegie Adair (Green Hill, 5/18/2010) A Tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra. 2. Precipice by Denny Zeitlin (Sunny Side Records, 5/18/2010) Denny Zeitlin on this album:While I love playing with other musicians, there is something wonderfully limitless and challenging about being onstage or in the studio by myself. ...

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Indie Trade Group A2IM Names New Board

Source: HypeBot
May 24, 2010

A2IM, the American Association of Independent Music, has announced the results of their 2010 Board of Directors elections. Joining the board are: Eric Brown (VP Business Affairs, Sub Pop) Dave Hansen (General Manager, Epitaph) Tom Silverman (CEO/Founder, Tommy Boy)

Silverman returns to the A2IM board after time off due to A2IM term limits, while Eric Brown and Dave Hansen are beginning their first term. The board also includes Concord Music Group President Glen Barros; Beggars Group ...

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