Sky’s Music Download Service: To battle iTunes and Spotify
With the music download business pretty much all booked up, who would have thought that there would be space enough for one more big business to stick its foot in the door…. Well apparently Sky does. Read more
When is Google Music Onebox coming to other countries?
Today Alan reported the news about the all new Google Music Onebox service that is free and legal for downloading music in mainland China that are also supported by advertising, but our question is “When is Google Music Onebox coming to other countries?
Now we know this will never come to any other country for the simple fact China has no copyright laws, Music Onebox will route users to Top100.cn which is a website that already has licensing agreements with about 100 music labels and allows Chinese wibblers to download or stream tunes free of charge. Yes you know what are about to say now, all internet users outside China will indeed be blocked from accessing Top100.cn
Google come on, you have the money and the resources to give all other countries what they need and yes you know that you will earn all the money you desire through advertisements.
Read Alan’s full article here.
Apple maintains Music Sales Lead
August 7, 2008
Filed under Apple News, Music, News
The latest figures are in from NPD MusicWatch, and they confirm that Apple iTunes is beginning to dominate music sales in the US. Earlier this year, they surpassed music sales by Wal-Mart and these latest stats show that iTunes remains the leading U.S music retailer, with Amazon starting to also climb the charts.
Amazon rose from fifth place to fourth due to two main reasons, the first being that online CD sales are not dipping as fast as those at high street stores, and secondly the fact that Amazon was now gaining sales from its newly launched digital music store, Amazon.mp3.
A quote from the NPD predicts that Apple will continue to enjoy more success, “We expect Apple will consolidate its lead in the retail music market, as CD sales continue to slow,” claims Russ Crupnick who is a entertainment industry analyst for the NPD group.
This latest story is further evidence that the music industry is more reliant on online sales than ever before, I wonder just how many of you use iTunes regularly to purchase your music, before previously going outside to retail stores to buy, the convenience of it all is basically enough to tempt most of us to purchase tracks online these days.
Here is the chart of Music sales in full:
1. iTunes
2. Wal-Mart
3. Best Buy
4. Amazon
5. Target.
Source: Read
Vodafone Music launched: download songs direct to mobile
August 6, 2008
Filed under Cell Phones, Music
Vodafone have finally launched Vodafone Music, this new service allows customers to buy music anytime anyplace. Vodafone Music allows customers to preview songs, then if they like the track they can then download it direct to their mobile.
Once you have downloaded the track to your mobile, you are then able to play the song immediately through the music player on your mobile phone.
Vodafone is already included on Vodafone Live handsets, and it is available to download via Vodafone Live for other handsets. The new music service is fully integrated with Vodafone Live Music Shop and is powered by Real Networks.
Vodafone Music has a smart search option, this means that the user do not have to put in the full title of the track, artist or name. Another great feature is how you are able to transfer a previously purchased track from one handset to another.
On average a single will cost £0.99 with an album costing £7.99. For more information visit Vodafone Music.
Rhapsody New DRM free MP3 store available on Verizon phones
The music companies have been doing their best to protect the music for their artists and the record labels profit, DRM copy protection on digital music was meant to help this but today we see Rhapsody have launched a DRM-free MP3 store. To promote this new service, Rhapsody is giving the first 100,000 people to sign-up a free album until July 4th.
The stores MP3s cost $9.99 per album and $.99 per track, they are encoded in 256kpbs CBR and this is near CD quality. As this music is DRM free you are able to copy it to CDs, PCs, iPods and other media as many times as you like. Does this show that DRM copy protection on digital music is on its way out?
If you are with the Verizon Wireless service, then you can download the music to your phone thanks to versions of the Rhapsody store being on them phones. With Rhapsody following in Amazon’s footsteps, could we be that much closer to a DRM copy protection free future?
You cannot doubt that iTunes is still massive, but how long can Apple keep copy protection up when other big names are not. This should send thousands of music lovers away from iTunes, but in the real world could that really happen to the amount that makes iTunes go DRM free.
If you are a Verizon Wireless phone owner, will you download music DMR free and will iTunes users want DRM free music? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Visit rhapsody.com/mp3 to see what the new store looks like and to get some DMR free action.
First ever Blu-Ray record Divertimenti released is Norwegian? Trondheimsolistene the Trondheim soloists
The latest news in the way of Blu-ray is that of Norwegian record label 2L releasing the first ever in the world a Blu-Ray record, oh and it’s Norwegian. “Divertimenti” is a milestone in many ways and it’s the 50th record release which marks the 20th anniversary of the Trondheim soloist whose concert in Selbu Church is captured on “Divertimenti.”
It is a label that is always at the forefront technologically, 2L (Linberg Lyd) found the occasion right to make “Divertimenti” a milestone also in format. Moving onto the Blu-ray technology, it makes use of five separate sound tracks which are complex indeed with a mixture of complex recording and mixing process which as been condition by very sophisticated equipment, 2L has cooperated with equipment manufacturers and the record now available is the fruit of a combined effort opening up new vistas of sound rendition. This is something special that is nothing you have ever heard before.
You will hear that each instrument has been clearly positioned which creates a multidimensional listening experience of stunning clarity and obviously with many not having the proper equipment to play Blu-ray discs you will never hear the clarity, this new release also includes a SACD disc, playable on all standard CD players and computers. Trondheimsolistene known as the Trondheim soloists is said to be one or the finest orchestras in Norway and under the leadership of Øyvind Gimse they have developed something special into an ensemble of international renown, and undertaken successful tours all over Europe, in America, Japan and Brazil.
The repertoire on “Divertimenti” is as follows: Bejamnin Britten: Simple Symphony,
Grazyna Bacewicz: Concerto for string orchestra, Terje Bjørklund: Carmina and Béla Bartók: Divertimento for strings.
You can see the PDF file here
Guitar Video Tutorials Climbs on iTunes Podcast Charts: Is this thanks to Guitar Hero?
We all know that Guitar Hero is a gateway drug, well that is what some people have said and modern guitarists have many new options when it comes to learning more about their musical instrument, music lessons and chord books, but for the visual learner one of the best options in learning is not only Guitar Hero but more likely video tutorials. There are many ways online to learn but it seems that “iVideosongs” is one of the best.
Many people feel this way and of the top 20 podcasts which are offered by iTunes six of them are in fact iVideosongs tutorials and apparently the second most popular on iTunes is iVideosongs Beginning Guitar 101. The interest in guitar tutorials is definitely because of the popular games Guitar Hero and Rock Band.
If you are a guitarist who wants to become the best then try out iVideosongs lessons which you can purchase individually for $5 or $10, obviously dependant on if the song is being taught by the music artist who wrote it or not, there are certain titles that are available for free download within iTunes, you would like to know that all purchases are in HD quality and can be transferred onto iPods and iPhones for portable tutelage. The songs are broken down in segments - intro, verse, chorus, bridge and so forth.
IVideosongs have just recently updated these - Tom Petty’s “Refugee”, Peter Frampton’s “Baby, I Love Your Way”, Everclear’s “Wonderful”, Jimmy Buffett’s “Pencil Thin Mustache”, Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” and Brad Paisley’s “Alcohol”.
Go on get learning over at http://www.ivideosongs.com/
Tesco digital music download service vs Apple iTunes
It would not be the first time someone thought they could challenge Apple iTunes for a piece of the music download business, but this time it’s Tesco Digital and they have got a pretty good track record of giving the consumer value for money. The UK supermarket chain is planning to open its online shop next month with games, films, music, television programmes for digital players and that includes the iPod.
The download business is growing steadily thanks to faster connection speeds and the feeling of getting a good deal that in most cases is cheaper than buying in a store. Tesco Digital will offer a choice of 3.3 million tracks and half of these songs will be able to play on any music player in MP3 format. This means the song you want could well be on Tesco Digital and able to play on your mobile phone or any iPod/PMP.
You will have to wait to the end of 2008 if you want to download episodes of TV programmes and films from Tesco Digital, so it will be a long time before this service is really up to iTunes standard. The good point of Tesco’s download service is the fact that the tracks will come without digital rights management (DRM) software and this gives you a bit more freedom (Tesco will be the first large retailer to offer tracks like this to UK consumers).
We would all like to see Apple make iTunes DRM free/open, but sadly things are a bit more complicated than that. We will update you when we get an idea on what the download prices will be.
Source: Read
Motley Crue releasing Saints of Los Angeles single on Rock Band
April 16, 2008
Filed under Music, News, Sony Playstation 3, Xbox 360
Video games are the future as well as music, so combine the two together and you have something really special. Well the latest news is that the rock ‘n’ roll bad boys Motley Crue will become the first group to release a new single called “Saints of Los Angeles” through the game Rock Band.
The single called “Saints of Los Angeles,” is indeed the first single from Motley Crue’s upcoming album which will be available for download for 99 cents (50 pence), you can download this via Sony Corp’s PlayStation store on Thursday and Microsoft Corp’s Xbox Live Marketplace on Tuesday Viacom Inc’s MTV Games said.
In the Rock Band game all gamers will be able to play along to songs with their guitar controllers, microphone or drum set. The game is sold for around about $170 for consoles such as Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, it is similar to that of Guitar Hero.
Using big named bands is a new way to earn money via games such as this and with CD sales dropping fast can see this being the next big step forward. The game Rock Band went on sale last year in November and now has more than 80 tracks available for download and in addition to the 58 tracks in the original game.
MTV Games themselves have said that players have bought more than 6 million downloadable songs for Rock Band which is staggering, the details of the Motley Crue album is expected to be announced during a news conference in Hollywood on Tuesday.
The question is “Are you a Motley Crue fan?
Madonna’s “4 minutes” single exclusive to Vodafone UK
As from today Vodafone UK customers will be the only ones in the UK to have access to the Timbaland Mobile Underground Remix version of Madonna’s “4 Minutes” single according to Vodafone and Warner Music.
the remix is a collaboration between Madonna, Justin Timberlake and Timbaland.
Also exclusive to Vodafone only and starting on the 21st April a total of seven tracks from Madonna’s new album “Hard Candy” will be released.
Jay-Z To Get Eavis Introduction At Glastonbury Festival
It has been reported that Jay-Z only agreed to headline at the Glastonbury Festival this summer after the organiser Michael Eavis offered to personally introduce him on stage.
Michael Eavis was forced to break Glastonbury tradition to secure Jay-Z. Michael said that “I was discussing it (the headline slot) with Jay-Z and his manager. They were slightly worried about the audience not being a London or Birmingham urban crowd. I said, ‘OK, I’ll do something that I haven’t done for the entire 38 year history of the festival - I’ll take you on stage and introduce you to the audience.’ And he (Jay-Z) said, ‘Michael, I’ll do your show’.”
What kind of response do you think he will get?
Jay-Z at O2 Wireless Festival: Tickets on sale Friday
Don’t miss Jay-Z on the Main Stage of the O2 Wireless Festival in what’s being tipped as one of the hottest gigs of the year!
The multi-talented hip hop and rap supremo, singer, producer and actor has had eight U.S. Number 1 albums, sold over 34 million records in the process, and won 7 Grammy Awards in a glittering career.
Joined on the day by a stellar line-up including Mark Ronson, Roisin Murphy, Hot Chip and more top names soon to be announced, tickets will sell fast for this must-see show!
Visit Ticket Master for information and prices.
Radiohead Social Network Launched: Waste aka w.a.s.t.e. for fans and tickets
Radiohead have just launched their Social Network that is called Waste or also known as w.a.s.t.e. it a place for Radiohead fans to find other fans, buy concert tickets and join concert dates/groups.
W.A.S.T.E Central may look very basic to some, but then this nearly all black look follows the Radiohead image and helps fans easily recognize them.
Do you love Radiohead and have you joined W.A.S.T.E Central yet?
This May Radiohead will be starting their tour of Japan, Europe and the US so check out the W.A.S.T.E social network site to get the latest info on concert stories, tickets, the band and to upload your photos.
Kanye West Teams Up With Muppets For his forthcoming US Tour
It has been reported that Kanye West will be joined by a team of puppets for his forthcoming U.S Tour with the help of The Muppets creator Jim Henson.
It’s said that Kanye has promised his fans that the tour will be his most extravagant one yet which kicks of this month, and will feature holograms, a light show, a robot and puppets created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
Kanye writes on his internet website, “This is not a regular show. I tell people, hey, this show is gonna be crazy and they say, ‘I bet it is!’, But They Have No Idea! “I’m sure a lot of people expect some neon or maybe the light up jacket from the Grammies, perhaps the robot girl and light spectacle they saw on Youtube from the European run. My friends .. None Of The Above!!! An Entirely New Designed Set!!! Robot designed by acclaimed artist Christian Colon, creature’s (sic) by the legendary Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. My set does not have a pyramid in it or anyway feel like a bite of Daft (Punk)’s show. We’ve got holograms shot by Hype Williams!!!”
Will you be attending on of these shows?
New Kids On The Block want to be mobbed by screaming fans
It has been reported that New Kids On The Block want to be mobbed by their screaming fans again when they return for the tour to mark the 20th anniversary of sophomore LP Hangin’ Tough.
Brothers Jonathan and Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg and Danny Wood as we know enjoyed huge success in the late 1980s and early ’90s and sold more than 50 million albums.
Donnie said that “We generally enjoyed the screaming and the screeching and the hysteria that came with performing back in the old days. And I think if the fans are that enthusiastic and willing to scream and go crazy and buy a ticket for our show, we’d be more than grateful for that and receive it with open arms.” Jordan said that “Scream all you want. We love it. Bottom line.”
Are you looking forward to their come back tour and album?
Check out the clip below of the song Hangin’ Tough.
source
Jay-Z signs $150 million Live Nation deal
It has been reported that Jay-Z has agreed a $150 million deal with concert promoter Live Nation.
The ten-year deal means that we should see him tour, release records and launch his own talent and management company Roc Nation. Jay-Z said: “I’ve turned into the Rolling Stones of hip-hop. In a way I want to operate like an indie band. Play the music on tour instead of relying on radio. Hopefully we’ll get some hits out of there and radio will pick it up, but we won’t make it with that in mind.”
Do you think that this was a good move for him?
Mariah Carey beats the late Elvis Presley in US Single Charts
It has been announced that Mariah Carey has become the second artist to ever get 18 U.S. number one singles which beats the late Elvis Presley.
Mariah has now claimed her 18th number one single, leaving her just two short of The Beatles’ record so do you think that she has what it takes to beat them?
Mariah insists that she could never compare herself to musical greats such as Presley and The Beatles. Mariah said that “I really can never put myself in the category of people who have not only revolutionized music but also changed the world. That’s a completely different era and time … I’m just feeling really happy and grateful“.
Leona Lewis’s smash hit Bleeding Love to be in blockbuster film
As we know Leona Lewis is becoming huge she already has cracked the UK and the US and now Hollywood companies are battling it out to have her track Bleeding Love for their next big blockbuster film.
Leona has already been compared to Whitney Houston and is the first British female artist to have a No 1 in the US chart in 21 years. Now that’s not bad coming from X Factor now is it?
We keep saying it but this girl is going to be very big in years to come.
What to you think of Leona Lewis?
Kylie Minogue has one more attempt to crack the US
It has been reported that Kylie Minogue is giving it one last go to try and crack the US. Kylie is due to appear on several US TV shows to promote her new album ‘X’.
A source said that “It eats away at Kylie that she has never been big there. She has tried before and it didn’t happen. But being the kind of determined person she is, she’s giving it one more go.”
Kylie has spoken about her desire to have success in the US, saying that “It’s a notoriously difficult market. To know where I fit within that market is very difficult.”
What do you think can Kylie crack the US?
The Pussycat Dolls have been fined for being too sexy
During a concert in Malaysia, last July The Pussy Cat Dolls performed their raunchy routines as they do but because it is a strict Muslim country this was not aloud so now they must pay a fine of $3,400 for flashing body parts.
Absolute Entertainment who were the Promoters for the concert were fined for allowing The Pussycat Dolls to perform sexually suggestive routines in the strict Muslim country.
Under the country’s Muslim laws, all female performers must be covered from their shoulders to their knees and Jumping, throwing objects or shouting onstage is also banned.
Do you think that country’s should allow performers to be themself?