Ashanti just lost a lawsuit and must pay her demo producer over $600,000 in damages. Why? Because said producer was promised in the demo contract that he could produce two tracks on her first major label release. Ashanti apparently failed…
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News
RupertSpace
To folks who were asking me what could possibly happen to MySpace… um… FOX could always buy it? Fox Buys Intermix: Some Background on MySpace (Is it me, or does it feel like 1998-99 these days?)
We’re gonna make you a star.
Alexis Petridis writes a superb column for the Guardian about the steps that musicians have to take before releasing a major label record. It’s not just about the music, it’s about branding, and fashion, and all of the other subconscious…
Send Your Message to Bob Moog
That synth you’ve been lugging around from gig to gig wouldn’t be here without the early work of Bob Moog. Bob’s been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, and recuperating with the help of friends and family. His loved ones…
Feudin’, Cussin’, & Mailin’
I got a couple of interesting e-mails today. One from a band who added me to their list without asking, which contained some profanity. I grew up in a working class neighborhood adjacent to Philadelphia, so I can tolerate more…
Grokster Loses
I think I just heard brains exploding at Downhill Battle. More posts as we try to comprehend what this actually means for working musicians.
CDBaby’s Derek Sivers gets “Love” from LA Weekly
Derek reminisces about how a clerk at CDNow inadvertently reshaped online music distribution for thousands of working musicians. He also talks about the dual-tracking trend (where folks play music but don’t want to give up a day job) and how…
Michael Jackson Verdict
Apparently, the judge will read out the verdict in the Michael Jackson case at 4:30pm ET. When my clients and I have discussed this case over the last few months, I’ve always held that this is the extreme example of…
Tupperware Parties for Musicians
Our friend Abnu from WordLab points out a quick MSNBC piece on the way that listening parties can make or break your record release.
Sanctuary Records Up for Sale
Sanctuary Records, one of the few large labels that has figured out how to really make money by partnering with artists, may be up for sale, or at least readying an offering. Ever since Warner managed to make some money…
Music Critics Have Had Enough of Major Label Listening Parties
Send a CD, or expect no column inches from the New Yorker. And I won’t be surprised if more publications follow suit. Could be a great opportunity for independent musicians to score some reviews if the majors don’t wise up.
What’s the difference between gross and net? About $4 million.
Trent Reznor wins his lawsuit.