4/09/08 A Different Kind of Album Coming to the iPhone?
A Different Kind of Album Coming to the iPhone?
Digital album downloads deliver the music, but the trimmings are usually slim. That has given some advantage to fuller formats like the CD and vinyl, often a draw for more die-hard fans.
Now, that picture could begin to change. On Tuesday, MusicWeek reported that Apple is partnering with Snow Patrol on a new, interactive album format. The more involved download will be presented as an application for the iPhone or iPod touch, one that allows fans to access lyrics, artwork, and other extras. "It will be an interactive element; a digital booklet that will take you into the videos and content," Polydor product manager Liz Goodwin said.
The album, A Hundred Million Suns, is slated to hit iPhones next month, according to the report. Snow Patrol is expected to be the first of several artists to tap into the interactive format.
4/09/09 The Unfinished Leak: Author Has Guns N' Roses Moment
The Unfinished Leak: Author Has Guns N' Roses Moment
Pre-release leaks are almost expected on high-level albums, but what happens when the songs aren't finished? Axl Rose has been working on Chinese Democracy for more than ten years, though unfinished cuts from the album are now floating on the net. The Guns N' Roses album - or lack thereof - has been a running joke among music fans, though the rough pre-release raises some sticky issues.
For many artists, rough releases are disastrous events. Just recently, author Stephenie Meyer had an Axl moment, thanks to an unauthorized release of her upcoming book, Midnight Sun. The book, part of the immensely-popular Twilight series, was leaked in rough manuscript form online. "It was only an incomplete draft; the writing is messy and flawed and full of mistakes," Meyer stated. The author indicated that she will be shelving the release, and putting it on hold. "I am now focusing on spending more time with my family and working on some other writing projects," Meyer continued.
4/09/08 Bears Keep Growling at Universal Music Group...
Bears Keep Growling at Universal Music Group...
Universal Music Group suffered a 9.2 percent earnings drop during the recent quarter, slightly below expectations. According to information disclosed by parent conglomerate Vivendi, the dominant label moved to 148 million euros ($216 million) for the period, a milder 6.4 percent drop when measured at constant currencies.
That is the latest in a string of recent declines, driven by broader recording drops. But during the fiscal first half, the label group actually boosted earnings by nearly 18 percent, thanks partly to acquisitions of BMG Publishing and Sanctuary. But swinging currencies took their toll: measured at constant currencies, the gain is actually 24.4 percent, though the figure dips to 17.7 percent when fluctuations are factored. In total, the EBITA takeaway was 259 million euros ($378 million) for the past two quarters.
The label carries a superstar roster that includes Duffy, Mariah Carey, Jack Johnson, Lil Wayne and Amy Winehouse. The stable now also includes the Rolling Stones, though the 60-something group sells relatively few CDs. Universal also pointed to market share gains in the United States and Japan, as well as continued digital increases.
4/09/08...And Ticketmaster Goes Ticketless on Metallica
...And Ticketmaster Goes Ticketless on Metallica
Airlines went ticketless years ago. So what about live concerts? Ticketmaster is debuting its ticketless entry system in Europe with Metallica, according to information shared by the company Wednesday. The metal powerhouse is planning to play a charity gig at the O2 Arena in London on September 15th, an album release party for Death Magnetic. Fans that purchase online via credit or Visa debit card can skip the paper, and simply swipe their plastic while presenting a photo ID at the door.
Ticketmaster indicated that a physical receipt would be given to each show participant to complete the transaction. The gig is expected to attract roughly 15,000 attendees, though the concert will only be offered to fan club and Mission Metallica members. "Airline customers are now very used to arriving at check-in with just a credit card as validation and I believe that the TM Paperless Ticket system heralds the launch of a new phase in concert ticketing that will quickly be adopted by gig goers in exactly the same way," said promoter Stuart Galbraith, chief executive of Kilimanjaro Live Ltd.
4/09/09 Get Ready to Rock: Apple Cooking Its Latest iPod Batch
Get Ready to Rock: Apple Cooking Its Latest iPod Batch
Is Apple readying its latest batch of iPods? Most expect a refreshed lineup in time for Christmas, and the moment of truth could come next Tuesday in San Francisco. Just recently, Apple mailed a typically-vague invitation to key media contacts, one that includes a silhouette of someone rocking out with earbuds. "Let's Rock," the invitation hints.
Apple has already unveiled its updated, 3G-connected iPhone, though the holidays are incomplete without a spruced-up iPod stable. But this time around, consumers will probably exercise more caution, especially against an unfriendly economic backdrop. In that light, Apple could further drop pricing on the iPod, another squeeze play for competitors like the Microsoft Zune.
