| CMU Daily - on the inside Friday 26th January |
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In today's CMU Daily:
- Music zone closes down
- EMI restructure US operations
- Snoops pleads innocent to deadly weapon charges
- Former Jackson lawyer's plane recording lawsuit reaches court
- Waits reaches settlement over German car ads
- Brandy involved in fatal car crash
- Hammond Jnr's highway run in
- Burns sues over lips
- Brown's children want rid of estate trustees
- Stones top US pop rich list
- Nash to work with Epworth on their album
- Les Incompetents
- Death Cab solo project
- British Music Week to return, in more cities
- Southbank Centre to relaunch with weekend of music
- Arcade Fire confirm extra tickets for in demand shows
- ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead are going on tour
- More on Dupri going to IDJ
- Live Nation partner with last.fm
- MTV UK digital chief steps down
- IPC announce new music title dep eds
- Fox demand identities after pre-airing uploads on YouTube
- S-clubber Jo favourite for CBB eviction
- Winehouse asked to vacate hotel bar after singing
- Allen on Madonna again
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TOP BIT>>
Now, you know that MySpace Of The Day feature that we run here at the top of the CMU Daily each day that isn't a Friday? Well, here's a bit democratization for you.
While we, the esteemed CMU team, will continue to tip the MySpace pages from the new and not so new artists that we really rate (or at least we will until the MySpace bubble truly bursts, next month sometime possibly, you all have FaceBook accounts yes?), we thought it might be fun to occasionally throw open the slot to you the great CMU Daily readership, every one of you having both unquestionably fine tastes in music and your probably-by-now-quite sore fingers always on the pulse.
So, if you'd like to steal that little bit of Daily line-age for your own musical tips, then feel free. You need to tell us which artist tipping, their MySpace address, plus give us 100-150 words about why the band is worthy of our time, and what we will find on their MySpace. We'll credit the tip to yourselves, so make sure you tell us your job and company too.
But before all you PR types get excited, we will be instigating a 'you can't recommend a band you're working on rule' - so no bigging up your own artists thank you very much. But if you have bands you genuinely want to recommend (that you don't work on, or are in, yourselves), email details to [email protected], and we'll start dropping occasional reader nominated MSOTDs into the Daily in the coming weeks.
Hey, that'll be user generated content about user generated content. How cool are we?
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CMU FRIDAY TIPS
VIGSY'S CLUB TIP: Bar Knowledge at Cafe 1001
The peeps at Knowledge Magazine host some good ol' events. This fixture has moved from Charterhouse to this venue, which is just next to the Truman Brewery off Brick Lane. Tonight they team up with the Geisha Boyz Minimal tech night, which will take over one room, while the Knowledge Magazine guys themselves will fill the other, with Mad Cap, FD, Silverback and Haze dropping a selection of drum and bass cuts, with some phat and heavy beatz I'm sure. Follows on from the all nighter they had a couple of months back which rocked - though this one ends at a more sensible hour! Should be good, and it's FREE so definitely worth checking. Oh, and food is available, including vegan options!!
Friday 26 Jan, 8pm-12.30am, Cafe 1001, Dray Walk, off Brick Lane, London. E1, free, info: http://www.knowledgemag.co.uk; press info from [email protected]
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MUSIC ZONE CLOSES DOWN
Well, this is a bit depressing. Music retailer Music Zone formally closed down yesterday after administrators failed to find a buyer for the retail chain. The search for a buyer isn't completely over, but the company's shops have ceased trading and, frankly, it's not looking good.
As previously reported, Music Zone went into administration at the start of the month after losing the confidence of its key financial backers. Administrators had already shut 32 of the chain's stores last week, but had remained hopeful a buyer may be found for the remaining 72 shops. But yesterday it was confirmed they too would go, meaning the total number of jobs lost will exceed 1100.
Administrator Deloitte said in a statement yesterday: "Whilst discussions continue as regards the business, trading has ceased at this time as there is no certainty that any sale can be achieved".
As previously reported, the Music Zone chain grew from a record stall run by one Russ Grainger in the Manchester town of Levenshulme. He sold the company for £12 million in March 2005 in a buy out backed by Lloyds Capital Development. The new owners subsequently expanded the company by acquiring the struggling MVC record store chain.
Commenting on the fate of the company he founded when it first went into administration, Grainger accused the chain's financial backers from backing away from the company more because of general concerns about the music retail sector in the UK rather than because of Music Zone's specific performance.
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EMI RESTRUCTURE US OPERATIONS
The corporate restructure at EMI Music, which began earlier this month with the previously reported axing of its two most senior execs, Alain Levy and David Munns, continued yesterday with changes in the major's US operations.
The Group's two main US recorded music divisions, Capitol and Virgin, will merge to form the Capitol Music Group. Although Capitol and Virgin will continue to operate as separate entities within that division, the merger will mean some job losses at the senior level. The combined division will be run by Jason Flom, currently boss of Virgin Records America. Current Capitol chief Andrew Slater will leave the company.
Announcing the change, EMI Group CEO Eric Nicoli told reporters: "The music business shows exciting growth potential, but the environment remains extremely challenging. In order to thrive and meet the demands of a rapidly evolving and dynamic music market, we must re-think our operations, not only to make them efficient, but also more effective and focused on creative excellence. By bringing Capitol and Virgin into one label group, we will be better equipped than ever to promote and nurture artistic talent. We remain strongly committed to developing artists in America in all genres as this is a key repertoire source for the world, and to that end, we will maintain our A&R focus and keep a presence in both LA and New York. This structure will also allow us to further build our digital capability".
Flom will report directly to Nicoli in his new post. Elsewhere in the major's US hierarchy, Bruce Lundvall of the Group's more jazz based Blue Note division (home to the bankable Norah Jones) will continue to report directly to Nicoli, as will the COO and CFO of EMI Music North America, Ivan Gavin and Colin Finkelstein respectively. The bosses of EMI's other recorded music divisions, including Capitol Nashville and EMI Christian Music Group, will report to Gavin.
Of course the UK division of EMI is also structured around separate 'Capitol' and 'Virgin' divisions (the former in turn structured around 'EMI' and 'Parlophone'). It will be interesting to see whether a similar amalgamation strategy will be employed over here too. It's probably less likely, though not out of the question.
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SNOOPS PLEADS INNOCENT TO DEADLY WEAPON CHARGES
Snoop Dogg has formally pleaded not guilty your honour in relation to those previously reported charges he received after being found with a collapsible baton in his baggage while boarding a plane at John Wayne Airport in Orange County. Police charged him with possessing a deadly weapon, though Snoop claims it was an innocent prop. The rapper wasn't in court himself to deliver his plea, with his lawyers doing the duties at the Santa Ana court house earlier this week. Snoop's legal people also requested that the trial in regards to the baton matter move forward as quickly as possible. Presumably so they can concentrate their efforts on the other two sets of charges Snoop received last Autumn, both relating to him having drugs and guns in his car.
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FORMER JACKSON LAWYER'S PLANE RECORDING LAWSUIT REACHES COURT
Our old friend Mark Geragos, you remember him (?), he was Michael Jackson's lawyer for a time, is suing for $2 million that company that secretly filmed him and Jacko as they flew to California back in November 2003 to face those then brand new child abuse charges.
As you'll remember, the two men responsible for filming Jacko and Geragos that day, and for trying to sell the recordings on to various media outlets, both pleaded guilty (eventually) to conspiracy charges. One of the men, Jeffrey Borer, was sentenced to six months home detention and three years probation, while the other, Arvel Jett Reeves, got eight months in prison.
Both Geragos and Jackson were expected to launch civil proceedings against the two men, though Jacko seems to have had a change of heart. Geragos, however, has proceeded with his lawsuit, against Borer's company XtraJet, and the case went to court this week. The lawyer representing the, erm, lawyer, told the court that his client's $2 million claim was reasonable because that was the figure Borer had offered to sell the video for when approaching media firms.
Geragos himself told the court "I can't think of any act more distressing to me at a professional level than what was done here", which suggest Geragos doesn't have much of an imagination.
Lawyers representing Borer have been trying to reduce the potential damages payment their client faces by claiming the recordings made never included sound, telling the court: "From the very first day of this case they have known there was no sound involved", which might explain why pretty much every media company laughed at the suggestion they pay $2 million for the tapes.
The judge is yet to reach a decision on the case.
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WAITS REACHES SETTLEMENT OVER GERMAN CAR ADS
Elsewhere in the pop courts Tom Waits has reached a settlement regarding his previously reported dispute with German car maker Opel and their ad agency McCann Erickson. Waits claimed that the car firm had deliberately used a sound-alike on one of their TV ads to imply he had participated in the marketing campaign. The singer sought an injunction to stop the ads and at least $300,000 in damages. The exact nature of the out of court settlement is not know, though Waits has pledged to donate the money he will receive to charity. Confirming they had reached an agreement with the singer, McCann Erickson said yesterday: "We respect Mr Waits, and deeply regret any embarrassment this may have caused".
The settlement comes almost exactly one year after Waits won a similar court case in Spain where Volkswagen had also used a sound a like in a TV ad. Waits, famously critical of artists who take the advertising dollar off big business, said after yesterday's settlement was announced: "I'm glad to be out of the car sales business once and for all".
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BRANDY INVOLVED IN FATAL CAR CRASH
It was revealed yesterday that US actress and R&B singer Brandy was involved in a four-car crash that left one woman dead just before the New Year. The singer is thought to have been what police call the "contributing party" to the crash. According to a California Highway Patrol report, Brandy, full name Brandy Norwood, failed to slow down, and as a result hit the vehicle in front, being driven by one Awatef Aboudihaj. That car hit into the back of another, before sliding sideways into the path of an oncoming car. It was hit by that car, killing Aboudihaj.
Police, who have confirmed none of those involved in the incident had been drinking or taken drugs, say that Norwood reckons she was traveling at about 65mph at the time of the crash. They are currently inspecting her vehicle to ascertain whether the crash was caused by mechanical fault or human error. A police spokesman said this week: "We've impounded all four vehicles, and the outcome of the mechanical inspection is coming to us today or tomorrow. Barring any mechanical difficulties on Brandy's part there's the very high probability that she is the party most at fault or the contributing party". Either way, Aboudihaj's death has been ruled an accident.
Responding to media reports about the crash, a spokesman for Brandy told reporters yesterday: "She wishes to publicly express her condolences to the family of the deceased", adding that she hoped media would "respect the privacy of everyone involved at this time".
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HAMMOND JNR'S HIGHWAY RUN IN
Not quite so serious, but Albert Hammond Jnr was also involved in a skirmish on the American highway this week when his tour bus collided with a pick up truck that was attempting to speed away from the police.
Writing about the incident on MySpace, Hammond's keyboardist/guitarist, Marc Philippe Eskenazi, reports: "It turned out that the cops had been chasing a suspect in a pickup truck in a high speed chase a la OJ Simpson since the Texas state border. It seemed that the pickup was going to get away until he came into contact with youknowwho (us). It appeared that since our trailer has such a wide load - though sadly no such bumper sticker yet - we proved an obstacle passed which no mere pickup truck could speed ahead! But those crazy criminals will do anything to get a laugh, won't they. Those knuckleheads smashed into our trailer and spun out of control, crashing into the side ramp, and awaited their vacation in the Texas State Penitentiary . Book 'em, boys!"
Hammond Jnr's current tour, in support of Incubus, is actually proving to be quite eventful. His band's personal luggage was stolen while in Seattle, while they had to evacuate their tour bus at one point after a mattress fire.
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BURNS SUES OVER LIPS
Back to the courts, and Pete Burns, he of Dead Or Alive or Celebrity Big Brother fame, depending on your age really, is suing his plastic surgeon over those infamous lips of his. Which I thought he'd already done, but perhaps I dreamt it. Burns says that a Dr Maurizio Viel botched a lip augmentation treatment he underwent (a few years back I think) leaving him with painful swelling, blisters, heavy discharge, and an inability to eat, drink or speak, which doesn't sound so nice. And worse than all that, of course, the rest of us had to look at them. Burns claims it has taken over 100 more operations to try and fix what Veil did - and that at one point doctors warned he'd have to have his lips amputated as a result of the messed up treatment.
Launching litigation against the doc in the High Court, Burns said: "What happened to me after a series of injections was far worse than any nightmare I could have envisioned. Not only was it agonisingly painful but it was physically repulsive in the extreme. It was impossible to lead any life whatsoever. I was unable to leave my house as I was so distorted with swelling and I might begin to discharge yellow pus that was coming from the holes in my face. At times it leaves me seriously suicidal and depressed and I could have problems for the rest of my life. If I can prevent at least one person from undergoing this hell and point them in the right direction to a doctor who can manage their problem, then at least I can help stop someone else suffering."
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BROWN'S CHILDREN WANT RID OF ESTATE TRUSTEES
James Brown's six adult children are reportedly taking action in a bid to have the trustees of the late singer's estate (well, those bits of the estate that are being held in trust, which is all the really valuable stuff, including his music rights) removed amid allegations of mismanagement. The family members have filed a court order claiming that some of Brown's assets are in danger of being "lost or dissipated or stolen" if action isn't taken soon. But key trustee Buddy Dallas, who was Brown's attorney, denies those allegations, telling reporters: "I've been Mr Brown's trusted friend and counsel for 24 years - a relationship that was built totally on our trust. And I never violated that trust for 24 years".
As I am sure we've previously reported, other aspects of Brown's will are already causing problems because the papers were written before his marriage to Tomi Rae Hynie and the birth of his seventh child by her. Doubts about the legality of her marriage to Brown, coupled with her absence from the will itself, mean she and her son could get nothing.
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STONES TOP US POP RICH LIST
The Rolling Stones have topped the US music rich list for the second year running, having taken a sweet $138.5 million between them from their record breaking A Bigger Bang Tour. Forbes magazine, who compile the list, reckons that the band's total earnings were $150.6 million last year.
That puts them ahead of second placed Tim McGraw and Faith Hill who between them raked in $132 million, Rascal Flatts who took in $100.5 million and Madonna who earned $96.8 million - though when I last looked there's only one of Madonna, so basic maths (sorry, math, this is an American story) tells me she's actually the highest earner.
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NASH TO WORK WITH EPWORTH ON THEIR ALBUM
Lovely singer songwriter Kate Nash (actually I've no idea if she's lovely, but she looks lovely) has confirmed she is planning to work with producer-du-jour Paul Epworth (actually, possibly producer-de-l'hier, I'm not sure he's quite as buzzy as he was, though his debut original album is in the pipeline, so we're still quite excited about all things Epworth) on her debut album, having tried out a few other producer types, including Future Cut and Valgeir Sigurdsson.
Speaking to Gigwise, Nash said yesterday: "I had several demo sessions with producers before Christmas and Paul was the one it worked best with. We have the same ideas about music and I feel comfortable working with him. Hopefully the album will come out of the session".
Nash's debut single, 'Caroline's A Victim', is out on 5 Feb on Moshi Moshi.
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LES INCOMPETENTS
The short lived Les Incompetents, alas most probably best known for the almost fatal assault on front man Billy Leeson, are releasing an album with all the recordings they made during their brief time together. It will be called 'End Of An Error (2004-2006) and will feature all their songs plus a radio interview, improvised rap and a guest appearance from Little Britain's David Walliams. It will be released by White Heat Records on 26 Feb.
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DEATH CAB SOLO PROJECT
Chris Walla, guitarist with Death Cab For Cutie, is working on a solo album which NME report will be released in the Autumn. According to Billboard Walla will play every instrument on the album apart from drums, which will be provided (and played, no doubt) by DCFC bandmates Nathan Good and Jason McGerr.
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BRITISH MUSIC WEEK TO RETURN, IN MORE CITIES
The BPI have confirmed they will stage another British Music Week in Germany following on from last May's week long showcase of UK talent in Berlin. This time events will also be staged in Hamburg and Cologne.
Here's what British Music Week founder and BPI man Steve Redmond has to say about it all: "We said from the beginning that British Music Week would only succeed if it had genuine support from the German music industry. I am glad to say the response from the German industry, media and public to the last British Music Week was overwhelming. Germany is the largest European market for UK record sales and is a natural partner for this kind of event. The German industry has spoken and they want a truly national event that brings the best new UK bands to the most exciting music cities in Germany".
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SOUTHBANK CENTRE TO RELAUNCH WITH WEEKEND OF MUSIC
The Royal Festival Hall in London has announced that it will reopen following its somewhat extensive refurb with a weekend of free music. Musicians galore will appear at the Southbank venue from 8 to 10 Jun, while all four of the venue's resident orchestras (London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, London Sinfonietta and the Orchestra Of The Age Of Enlightenment) will play together for the first time on 11 Jun. More details on the line up for the weekend as soon as we get it.
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ARCADE FIRE CONFIRM EXTRA TICKET FOR IN DEMAND SHOWS
The much in demand Arcade Fire have confirmed they will make another fifty tickets available for each of their up coming London dates at St John's Church and Porchester Hall, available from 6pm on the night of the gig on a first come first served basis. The last minute extra ticket availability is part of an attempt to stop people touting tickets for the totally sold out gigs. The last minute tickets will be wristbands, to stop people who get them from selling them on outside the venue.
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...AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD ARE GOING ON TOUR
...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead are going on tour. Erm, that's it really. Here are the dates. Press info from Gilotti.
12 Mar: Birmingham Academy
13 Mar: Dublin TBMC
14 Mar: Glasgow Oran Mor
15 Mar: Manchester Academy
17 Mar: Leeds Cockpit
18 Mar: Bristol Mar:ekla Social
19 Mar: Oxford Zodiac
20 Mar: London Koko
22 Mar: Brighton Concorde II
23 Mar: Northampton Roadmender
24 Mar: Liverpool Carling Academy
25 Mar: Nottingham Rescue Rooms
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MORE ON DUPRI GOING TO IDJ
The New York Post has made mention of those previously reported rumours that producer Jermaine Dupri, formerly head of urban for EMI's Virgin US, who was reportedly in the process of developing a new EMI imprint before the radical restructuring there, is now about to head to Island Def Jam to launch a new label with them. The paper cites several "industry executives". Whether that makes the report any more credible than previous rumours, I'm not sure.
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LIVE NATION PARTNER WITH LAST.FM
The US division of live entertainment conglom Live Nation has forged a partnership with London based Last.fm which will see the live music firm provide the music recommendation service's 15 million users with concert information and ticket purchase links. The live music information Live Nation provides aims to utilise Last.fm's music profiling technology so to provide music fans with gig news relevant to their music tastes.
Confirming the partnership, Live Nation's Bryan Perez told reporters: "Our objective is to make LiveNation.com the world's definitive online live music destination where fans can search for concerts, buy tickets and connect with other fans. Partnering with Last.fm is an important step in pursuing this goal".
It's not clear if the partnership will expand to Europe, where Last.fm also has a significant membership base, of course.
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MTV UK DIGITAL CHIEF STEPS DOWN
MTV Networks' UK digital chief Angel Gambino is leaving the company after just sixteen months. Gambino oversaw the network's UK digital services like MTV Overdrive, as well as user generated content channel MTV Flux and various mobile initiatives. She won't be directly replaced, with three new roles - a head of digital, head of commercial and head of strategy - incorporating aspects of her work.
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IPC ANNOUNCE NEW MUSIC TITLE DEP EDS
IPC have announced the appointment of two new deputy editors on its music titles. NME Features Editor Krissi Murison will take on the Dep Ed role at the music weekly, while Uncut's Reviews Editor John Mulvey will take on that role on that title.
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FOX DEMAND IDENTITIES AFTER PRE-AIRING UPLOADS ON YOUTUBE
Mmm, interesting, Fox TV have subpoenaed YouTube demanding to know the identity of the user who uploaded new episodes of 24 and The Simpsons onto the video sharing platform before they'd even aired on Fox's own TV networks. Which does seem a bit cheeky. The uploading, not the subpoena.
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S-CLUBBER JO FAVOURITE FOR CBB EVICTION
Former S-Clubber Jo O'Meara is favourite to be kicked out of the Celebrity Big Brother house tonight, she being the only one of Jade Goody's fellow racist bullies to be up for the vote. Whether the former pop star will face a similar backlash to Goody for her role in the Shilpa Shetty bullying remains to be seen.
The latest round of Big Brother voting was another debacle after producers published incorrect instructions for voters (containing conflicting information as to whether viewers should vote for who they want evicted, or who they want to stay). All votes received as of last night were cancelled as a result. Channel 4 bosses said that anyone who had voted prior to that, and who had paid 75p to £1.20 for the privilege, could have their money back if they requested it, which sounds a bit shit to me, surely it's not beyond the TV company and their mobile partners, who make vastly more than the charities on Big Brother phone voting, to work out who wasted their cash on the none vote and to return it without demanding they get in touch. But seemingly no. Which public is it that this 'public service broadcaster' services again?
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WINEHOUSE ASKED TO VACATE HOTEL BAR AFTER SINGING
Amy Winehouse was reportedly asked to leave a Savoy Hotel bar the other night because her singing was upsetting the other customers. Winehouse was reportedly getting all musical with Jamie Cullum and Michael Ball after a boozy day at the South Bank Awards before being ejected from the hotel bar. Though I don't know the exact details of the incident, because the Savoy have said: "We do not comment on guests".
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ALLEN ON MADONNA AGAIN
And so we close the week with a bit of Lily Allen ranting, this time against Madonna. Again. Over to you Lily...
"I never say anything unprovoked, but an interviewer asked me who, in my opinion, was the most overrated pop star. And overrated for me is someone who sells a lot of records because of who they are. And I don't think people buy Madonna's records because they think they're really good".
Although, to be fair, quite a lot of them are. Well, quite good, certainly.