Music Industry News

Wannabe's Can Upload, Sell Tracks in 'Rock Band'

Source: PC Magazine
July 18, 2009

Ever wanted to self-publish your garage band's 1992 hit “Death Cupcakes for Diana" on MTV's Rock Band? Then it's time to get practicing. Harmonix and MTV Games announced Friday that they will launch the Rock Band Network, a platform to turn virtually any track into a Rock Band gameplay file, and then sell that track direct to gamers, online, through a new Rock Band Network Music Store. The service will enter beta in late August, the companies said, where artists ...

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Man Suspected of Stealing 2 Expensive Violins Extradited

Source: Michael Ricci
July 18, 2009

Man suspected of stealing 2 expensive violins is extradited from France. He had been in French custody since 2007, when he was arrested after allegedly trying to sell the instruments, which were stolen from a Los Angeles Philharmonic musician's home.

A “career criminal" who allegedly stole two violins from the home of a Los Angeles Philharmonic musician was extradited from France on Friday to face federal charges after trying to sell the instruments to Parisian shops, the FBI said.

Anthony ...

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Potent Anesthetic Propofol Primary Reason Jacksons Heart Failed

Source: All About Jazz
July 17, 2009

The potent anesthetic Propofol was the primary reason Jacksons heart failed. Should toxicology and autopsy results confirm it, the criminal investigation into the stars death will seek out whoever prescribed and administered the drug to the singer.

The results of Michael Jacksons full autopsy will be delayed, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles coroners office tells the AP. Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said the report which is expected to include toxicology results will not be finished for two more ...

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Michael Jackson's Pseudonyms for Drugs

Source: Michael Ricci
July 17, 2009

Investigators target Michael Jackson's pseudonyms. Associates say the pop singer had long used false names to acquire prescriptions, a violation of federal and state laws designed to curb drug abuse.

At least five physicians are focus of probe. For those who live in the tabloid cross hairs, the fake name is essential. Privacy-seeking celebrities have standard pseudonyms for checking into hotels, booking spa appointments, reserving restaurant tables, advertising for help and setting up visits to the doctor's office.

But when ...

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AEG Faces Aftermath of Singer's Death

Source: All About Jazz
July 17, 2009

Things seem to be getting back to normal in the offices of AEG, the owner of both venues and the promoter behind the 50 sold-out concerts at Londons 02 Arena that Michael Jackson was prepping for before his death June 25.

While AEGs VP of communications Michael Roth is fielding phone calls and emails related to Jackson, the dust had largely settled. At least until an autopsy report will determine how much money AEG will be able to recoup from ...

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Madonna Stage Collapse in France Claims a Second Victim

Source: All About Jazz
July 17, 2009

A 32-year-old British man has died after suffering injuries due to the collapse of a stage being constructed for a Madonna concert in Marseilles, France.

As Rock Daily reported yesterday, a 53-year old French man also died when a crane collapsed at the Stade Velodrome. One American remains in critical condition. Two other victims required surgery and seven others were treated and released when the roof of the stage caved in as four cranes were raising it. The Marseilles concert, ...

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Jazz This Week: Peter Martin, Jim Manley, Tim Cunningham, and More

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
July 17, 2009

While there are no major touring jazz headliners passing through St. Louis this week, there are several noteworthy shows from locally based musicians coming up over the next few days.Tonight, trombonist/bassist Wayne Coniglio will do a free concert for the Jazz at Holmes series at Washington University, while guitarist Tom Byrne's trio performs at the St. Louis Jazz Cafe.Tomorrow, pianist Peter Martin, a St. Louis native who has worked with jazz luminaries such as Dianne Reeves, ...

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Rhino's Digital 45: A Format Worth Copying

Source: HypeBot
July 16, 2009

In an era where getting fans to pay for music is difficult, new formats that offer extra value may offer part of the answer. To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the 45 rpm single, WMG's Rhino is releasing a series of digital singles priced at $1.49 - $1.99 that include a hit, it's b-side and the original artwork. The initial release is 60 titles with 25 more to be added monthly. It's an obvious play for ...

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