Music Industry News

Billboard and the Hollywood Reporter Sold

Source: HypeBot
December 11, 2009

Are Layoffs Ahead?

(UPDATED) A variety of sources are reporting that Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter have been sold to group led by James Finkelstein and Pluribus Capital Management. Rupert's son, Lachlan Murdoch reportedly dropped out of the purchase group at the 11th hour. Also included in the sale are Adweek, Mediaweek, Brandweek and Backstage.

Estimates of a total purchase price vary, but $70 million is the most common number given for all 6 publications. Editor & Publisher ...

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Owl Studios Signs Legendary Drummer Mike Clark

Source: Michael Bloom Media Relations
December 10, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS - Owl Studios is proud to announce that legendary drummer Mike Clark has been signed to the Owl Studios Artist Roster. Mike is currently working on a new album, which will be released on the Owl Studios label in 2010. Other artists on the session include Donald Harrison on Alto Sax, Fred Wesley on Trombone, Jerry Z on Organ, Lennny White on Drums and Owl Studios artists Rob Dixon on Tenor Sax and Derrick Gardner on Trumpet. The album, ...

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Music as Commerce: Understanding a Mindset

Source: HypeBot
December 10, 2009

Kyle Bylin, Associate Editor

It is unfortunate, that, at a time when the record industry is coming to terms with some of the most complex, multifaceted problems it has ever faced -- that what is being talked about, debated about, and is at the fore-front of this conversation is not music as culture, the role it plays in our society, and how significant it is to our personal and national identities. Instead, music as commerce, as it pertains to ...

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Police Investigating Shooting, Robbery Outside Spruill's

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
December 10, 2009

A story published today on STLtoday.com says St. Louis police are investigating a shooting and robbery that took place outside Spruill's Lounge early this morning. The club, located on Jefferson Ave. west of downtown, is familiar to many local jazz fans for hosting saxophonist Willie Akins' long-running Saturday matinee shows.The article written by reporter Carolyn Tuft says, in part: “At 3:45 a.m. today, the 49-year-old owner of Spruill's Lounge at 1101 N. Jefferson Ave. was carrying a ...

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Chief Sign to Domino Records Free Single "Mighty Proud"

Source: JamBase
December 9, 2009

CHIEF SIGN TO DOMINO RECORDS AND GIVE AWAY FIRST SINGLE, “MIGHTY PROUD"

Chief Chief have officially signed to Domino Records, and have digitally released their first single, “Mighty Proud," on the venerated label. Also featured is the B-side “Stealing."

Chief create rollicking melodic music which captures a time where storytelling was at the core of composition, and bands were followed by fans who believed in what they stood for and knew all the words to prove it. “Mighty Proud" and ...

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Apple Buys Lala

Source: HypeBot
December 9, 2009

(UPDATE 2) An Apple spokesperson confirmed on Sunday that Apple has bought Lala.com.

Apple is reportedly close to acquiring Lala. “Talks are very advanced." according to CNet. “One of the sources said that the sides have already agreed on terms and have only to sign a final agreement."

Exactly what Apple's plans are for Lala remain unclear, but its an indication that the the tech giant finally understands that music consumption is moving to more than the buy ...

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Analysis from Around the Net on Lala + Apple

Source: HypeBot
December 9, 2009

ars technica: “...for the moment, there's nothing about the purchase that seems to provide the company with any key technologies it was missing in terms of diving into markets. Until another company demonstrates that there's money to be made (or iPods to be sold) through streaming, there's no reason to think that a move of this sort is immanent. Billboard: Glen Peoples writes, “With its acquisition of online music start-up Lala, Apple appears to have bet on a ...

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Vote: Is Streaming the Future of Music?

Source: HypeBot
December 9, 2009

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