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New Study Suggests Decline in Music Sales due to Less Selection |
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In 2004, the major music labels released 2906 albums, singles and DVDs - in 2003, the major music labels released 4480 albums, singles and DVDs. This represents a staggering 35% decline in only 12 months.
According to Mr. Malik's research, the greatest decline was music singles. In 2003, 769 singles were released, compared to a paltry 446 in 2004. This represents a significant 42% drop in the overall availability of new singles. Album releases fell by 39%, as 3198 were released in 2003, while only 1938 were released in 2004. DVD releases saw a marginal increase - from 513 in 2003 to 522 in 2004 - however this number is no where near enough to "compensate for the reduction in album or single releases."
The statistics for his research were provided by the weekly "ARIA Report", which supplies information on new album and single releases. Full Article |
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Test Dept still making noise?!? |
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 Rumour is that the groundbreaking Test Dept video Program for Progress is to be released on DVD sometime this Spring! Test Dept reissues and DVD's of early performances are in the pipeline for 2005 release. A TD remix CD is also expected.
"More expressly political than their German counterparts Einstrzende Neubauten, Test Department followed the same tack: A creative use of the ethos in which diverse objects (including large amounts of scrap metal and power tools) can be used as instruments.The band released the album Program For Progress in 1984, and made a full-length film to cover each song on the album that film is presented on DVD for the very first time. A stunning and visually unique presentation, the DVD is a must for all fans of the band. Track list: Cold Witness, Shockwork, Compulsion, The Fall From Light, Total State Machine, Mirbach, Inheritance, V.F.M." |
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Would you pay 5 cents for a song? |
An academic at McGill University has a simple plan to stop the plague of unauthorized music downloads on the Internet. But it entails changing the entire music industry as we know it, and Apple Computers, which may have the power to make the change, is listening.
Peering out from under his de rigueur cap, music-industry veteran Sandy Pearlman, a former producer of the Clash and now a visiting scholar at McGill, spoke with a kind of nervous glee while describing his idea at the Canadian Music Week conference in Toronto last week.
Pearlman proposes putting all recorded music on a robust search engine -- Google would be an ideal choice, but even iTunes might work -- and charging an insignificant fee of, say, five cents a song. In addition, a 1 per cent sales tax would be placed on Internet services and new computers -- two industries that many argue have profited enormously from rampant file-sharing, but haven't had to compensate artists.
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Yahoo readies iTunes rival for launch |
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Web giant Yahoo is poised to launch a new digital store and music player, aiming to compete more directly with Apple Computer's successful iTunes service, according to sources familiar with the project.
Yahoo's full-fledged entry into the digital-music retail business could help shift a market that has remained tilted strongly in Apple's favor. Yahoo has already built a large and loyal following for its streaming-music and video service, and could parlay that into music sales.
Indeed, the company's Launchcast radio services was the highest-rated Webcasting service online in January, according to ratings firm Arbitron and ComScore Media Metrix, attracting more than 2.2 million people that month. Full Article |
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VNV Nation - Chrome online only single |
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 VNV Nation have become a major name in alternative electronic music over the last few years. Their music combines soulful vocals, insightful lyrics with energetic and passionate music that draws on influences from styles like underground dance, industrial and orchestral. VNV Nation have consistently topped the German Alternative charts in the last 5 years and gained a dedicated following worldwide. “Chrome”, is the first single from VNV Nation’s eagerly awaited new album “Matter and Form”. It is a gritty, hard hitting track that is sure to become a hit in alternative clubs across Europe. The single was co-produced by well known German producer Humate and VNV Nation’s own Ronan Harris. The track shows their sound evolving into new electronic territories while focusing and retaining the energy and emotion that have become the hallmarks of the VNV Nation sound.
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Nettwerk Records Launches Nettradio |
 On Tuesday, March 1st, Nettwerk Music Group launched Nettradio.com, a network of 5 online radio stations which each represent a genre of music comprising the independent label's extensive roster, which includes Sarah McLachlan, Delerium, Old Crow Medicine Show, Tiesto, and the Finn Brothers. The station will give listeners the option to click through to download individual tracks from the new Nettmusic.com MP3 download store, or to purchase CDs from Werkshop.com.
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 Colin Vearncombe (aka BLACK) enjoyed huge success with his 80s hits "Wonderful Life" and "Sweetest Smile". With 5 albums already released and an equal number under his own name he has decided to slip back into the BLACK personna and release a new album after 10 years!
"2004 saw him relocate his family to the Republic of Ireland and begin writing what has become the first Black album in 11 years. Recording began in South Africa in February ’04 and continued with further London sessions in June and November of the same year. “Between Two Churches” should be available Spring 2005 and promises to be a major event in the music calendar. “This is the one I’ve been working towards; the best one since the first one and the only good reason for trusting a singer!” – Black. " www.b-sideblack.com
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Some musicians say P2P valuable means of distribution |
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A prominent group of musicians and artists, breaking with colleagues and the major entertainment studios, is urging the Supreme Court not to hold online file-sharing services responsible for the acts of users who illegally trade songs, movies and software. The group, which includes representatives of Steve Winwood, rapper Chuck D and the band Heart, said in court papers to be filed today that it condemns the stealing of copyrighted works. But it argues that popular services such as Grokster, Kazaa and others also provide a legal and critical alternative for artists to distribute their material.
"Musicians are not universally united in opposition to peer-to-peer file sharing" as the major records companies claim, according to a draft of the group's court filing. "To the contrary, many musicians find peer-to-peer technology . . . allows them easily to reach a worldwide online audience. And to many musicians, the benefits of this . . . strongly outweigh the risks of copyright infringement." Full Article |
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