Archive for August, 2008

Join the Pussycat Dolls in promoting their upcoming CD release Doll Domination on September 23 by joining their E-team here: http://www.popgeneration.com/htmlemail/pussycatdolls/teamemail

Below you can find a link to PCD’s music video, all PCD TV episodes and PCD’s new and updated iMeem page which features the new single and a link that includes the single artwork and a press release.

The Pussycat Dolls iMeem page featuring “When I Grow Up”:
http://www.imeem.com/pcdmusic

This summer won’t be remembered for the warm weather, ice cream trucks or girls in bikinis. 2008 is an “FNMTV Summer!” What is “FNMTV?” A 24/7 non-stop summer music celebration for and by the music fans, combining the best music experiences from TV and the Web. Each week MTV will premiere exclusive music videos and performances from the most talked about and soon to be talked about musicians. But in the end, it is all about the fans – as MTV turns over the controls to let them create their own music experiences on MTV.com and choose the best of the best to make it onto MTV for the world to see.

Kicking off “FNMTV” will be “FNMTV Premieres…” beginning Friday, June 13th at 8pm ET/PT. The new Friday night music event, hosted by talented musician, entrepreneur and activist, Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, will shine the spotlight on what viewers love best about music on television – the exclusive, epic live event that can’t be missed. Each week MTV will exclusively debut the hottest videos and set the stage for amazing live performances and special guest appearances. Artists featured on “FNMTV Premieres…” will range from the up and coming to the already arrived. Panic at the Disco, Flo-Rida, The Ting Tings, Snoop Dogg, Lil’ Wayne, The Pussycat Dolls, Duffy, Boys Like Girls and Vampire Weekend are some of the enormous talent already confirmed for the show.

After the debut of exclusive new videos and live performances each Friday night, the show never stops throughout the week, as fans are invited to put their own take on the music they have seen — like it? hate it? play with it, create it, and totally reinterpret it! Can you measure up to the vocal stylings of Usher? Send in those Karaoke videos! Do you have an opinion about a video you want to weigh in on? We want to hear your review! The FNMTV site on MTV.com will be the place for users to view all the submitted UGC. Music fans will then be the judge and jury as they determine the best of the best fan-submitted content that will make its way back onto the MTV big screen — from fan-submitted videos to user text comments, each showcased with the corresponding music videos played on-air.

“F is for feedback, N is for new, and together ‘FNMTV’ is the summer music event that brings it all together. Starting in June, MTV will focus on exclusive NEW music video premieres, and via mtv.com, the instantaneous feedback from our audience and culture at large as they make the music their own,” said Brian Graden, President of Entertainment, MTV Music Group. “MTV’s new paradigm enables us to not only initiate a conversation around music via flagship premieres, but also reflect that conversation back on television in real time. ‘FNMTV,’ along with interactive amateur competitions like ‘America’s Best Dance Crew’ and ‘Making the Band,’ the perennial viewer-driven ‘TRL,’ further MTV’s mission of enabling this generation’s great musical democracy.”
“Our audience has an insatiable hunger for the new and the fresh… We’re going to be loud about what’s new and use the power of MTV to engage music fans around music videos.” said Amy Doyle, SVP, Music and Talent, MTV. “Every week this summer we are going to highlight the most exciting artists and music and elevate the true art of the music video.”

MHD will also add to the “FNMTV” summer music strategy by airing weekly “FNM TV Premieres… Live Sets” show packages consisting of live performances that were featured on the show. Each performance package will air several times in HD throughout the week after their Friday premiere. In addition, leading up the “FNMTV Premieres…” show’s season finale MHD will run a marathon of all the Live Sets featured.

MTV will ask the audience to submit their UGC creations using MTV Mobile. Also, through text messaging viewers will be able to answer polls and submit comments about videos shown on-air as well as check out select live performance from the “FNMTV Premieres….” show.

Dave Sirulnick and Jesse Ignjatovic (Den of Thieves) serve as Executive Producers for the “FNM TV Premieres…” show. Amy Doyle and Joanna Bomberg serve as Executives in Charge of Music & Talent. Garrett English is Executive in Charge. Jen Jones serves as Producer.

Official sponsors of “FNMTV Premieres…” are Verizon Wireless and Rhapsody.

The CW Network and imeem, the leading social media network with over 27 million unique monthly visitors, are proud to announce an exciting new contest in which artists and fans can create their own cover version of the original theme song from the hit television series “Beverly Hills, 90210″ at http://www.imeem.com/90210.

The winner, who will be determined by a combination of popular vote and a judging panel, will have the chance for their version of the song to be featured on the highly anticipated new television series “90210,” premiering Tuesday, September 2, 2008 8:00p.m. ET on The CW Network.

Starting today through September 3, artists can enter the contest by submitting their original work at http://www.imeem.com/90210. A panel of judges will choose 10 finalists based on originality, creativity and fit with the new “90210.” From September 9, 2008 through September 17, 2008, the public will be invited to listen to the top 10 finalists’ entries online and cast their votes at http://www.imeem.com/90210.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Go to: http://www.imeem.com/90210

2. Listen to the original 90210 theme song and access the sheet music

3. Create your own version of the Beverly Hills, 90210 theme song

4. Send your version of the theme song to imeem90210contest@gmail.com

5. From the 10 finalists selected, friends, family, fans and complete strangers will vote for the best track

6. The winning version of the song will earn the chance to be featured on The CW’s new series 90210.

Hip Digital Media, the leading consumer experience network, and Nectar, the UK’s leading loyalty card, today announced the launch of the Nectar Digital Music Store. Available for the first time from any Loyalty Program in the UK, music can be downloaded in a high quality MP3 format and is compatible with virtually any digital music device.  With more than one million songs from the music catalogues of EMI, SONY BMG, Warner Music, and The Orchard, songs will be available for download at www.nectarmusicstore.com.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to enable and operate Nectar’s custom branded download music store, further extending our global partnership with Groupe Aeroplan”, said Mark Holden, President and CEO of Hip Digital Media.   “Through our strong relationships with content providers, we are able to lead the UK market which allows us to work closer with our partners, and continue to develop new channels for marketing, promoting and selling music.”

Nectar cardholders will be able to purchase bundles of song credits with their Nectar points, allowing them maximum flexibility to download music at their leisure. The launch of Nectar Music Store will be supported with a multi-faceted marketing campaign including a custom branded website accessible through the Nectar homepage, e-marketing, direct mail, POS across partner locations and a public relations campaign. In the coming weeks there will be an announcement of a major artist experiential campaign that will offer unique access and on-going opportunities exclusively created for Nectar collectors.

“We want to give our collectors the best possible digital music experience. By providing DRM-free downloads that are compatible with any music player, we’re giving our cardholders greater choice and flexibility,” said John Sheekey, Marketing Director for Nectar. “This is a first for a UK loyalty card and we’re excited to be leading the way in the ever popular world of online digital music.”

Hip Digital Media is also the agency behind the Aeroplan Music Store, which launched with industry breaking success in Canada last year. The Nectar Music Store represents the second collaboration with Aeroplan since December 2007.

Stephen Ferrera - who spearheaded the multi-platinum successes of Leona Lewis, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood and was instrumental in bringing the American Idol franchise to BMG’s RCA Music Group - has been appointed Executive Vice President, A&R, Island and Mercury Records, it was announced today by David Massey, President of Mercury Records.

In his new post, Mr. Ferrera will actively seek out, acquire and develop new talent, oversee recording projects from the creative standpoint, and solicit producers and repertoire on behalf of Island and Mercury artists. Mr. Ferrera, who is based in New York, will report directly to Mr. Massey.

“David Massey and I are kindred spirits and our musical paths have crossed many times over the years. I intend to invest all of my heart into the pursuit of realizing our artists’ musical potential and dreams. I’m grateful to David and to LA Reid for allowing me to bring my passion, ideas and experience into this new position,” stated Mr. Ferrera.

“Stephen is blessed with an impeccable reputation in the creative community,” said Mr. Massey. “He is a song man par excellence and a respected and accomplished musician and producer in his own right. That strength has served him well as one of the most talented A&R executives in the industry. His abilities complement our growing team at Island and Mercury, and we are extremely pleased to have him aboard.”

Mr. Ferrera comes to IDJ from RCA Music Group,  where he has served as Senior Vice President, A&R/Staff Producer, since 2000.  Over the last eight years, Mr. Ferrera has amassed a strong portfolio of diverse talent at the RCA Music Group. Some of the wide-ranging projects Mr. Ferrera has A&R’d at RCA include:  Kelly Clarkson’s two-time Grammy award winning album Breakaway (15 million albums sold to date);  Carrie Underwood’s Some Hearts (6 million albums sold to date);  Rod Stewart’s American Songbook series (20 million albums sold to date);  Heather Headley;  Landon Pigg; Paula DeAnda; Eliane Elias; and Fourplay, among many others.

Prior to joining RCA, Mr. Ferrera was head of A&R/staff producer at Jazz & Classics Capitol Records.

Mr. Ferrera began his executive career in 1994, as head of A&R/producer at the Chrysalis Group’s UK record company The Echo Label, where he signed and developed such renowned British alternative artists as Moloko, Feeder, Julian Cope, and Mono. A lifelong musician, songwriter, and producer, Ferrera has recorded with his own band for Universal/MCA Records and was an original member of Shakespeare’s Sister.

Nacional Records is proud to announce that the new EA Sports FIFA Soccer 2009 videogame soundtrack features songs from four of its roster’s artists. Futbol fans across the globe will hear The Pinker Tones, Señor Flavio, Plastilina Mosh and DJ Bitman while playing this award-winning game out in stores on October 2nd.

These four Nacional artists are part of a handpicked roster of 41 Platinum acts and soon-to-break artists from 21 nations. They join the soundtrack with other global stars like CSS, The Kooks, MGMT, Hot Chip, Chromeo and Ladytron.

“We have exceeded our annual challenge to create videogames’ preeminent international soundtrack,” said Steve Schnur, worldwide executive of music and marketing at EA. “No other game has been as influential with regards to new music, and FIFA 09 truly raises the bar worldwide. We’re excited that Brazilian fans of Curumin will hear Spain’s The Pinker Tones and Norway’s Datarock. We’re proud that Canadians who love Chromeo will discover Ladytron from England and Junkie XL from Holland. We want fans throughout France, Mexico and Germany to find that their favorite new song is by Señor Flavio from Argentina, DJ Bitman from Chile or Jupiter One from New York. FIFA 09 will take music globalization to a whole new level.”

FIFA Soccer 09 is localized into 18 languages and sold in 37 countries - it is the most popular franchise globally for EA Sports.

Other recent major Nacional Records syncs include songs in the trailer to the new Sony Pictures film, “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist,” several Target and Pacifico Beer commercials, the Madden NFL 2009 videogame and the soundtrack to the Showtime series “Californication.”

(Nashville, TN - August 22, 2008) Adam Gregory’s debut U.S. single, “Crazy Days,” will officially launch in digital format on Tuesday, August 26, the same day the rising star makes his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
The eSingle, video and mobile versions of “Crazy Days” will all be made available for purchase digitally at iTunes and other major digital outlets next week. The song has shown continual growth on the charts since its debut fifteen weeks ago, breaking into the Top 20 this week on Music Row and steadily climbing through the Thirties on the Country Aircheck and R&R charts.

His first ever appearance on the Opry is also set for Tuesday, August 26, where he will perform along with Chuck Wicks, Steve Wariner, Bill Anderson and Riders In The Sky at the Grand Ole Opry House. Gregory is scheduled to perform three songs at 7:15 p.m.

Gregory’s recent alignment with labels Big Machine, No Strings Attached and Midas Records has bolstered the exposure and response to “Crazy Days.” In addition to its progress on the radio charts, the video has seen significant airplay thus far from Artist and Fans Network on DirectTV, Music Mix USA, Music Choice, CMT and GAC. It can also be seen on mainstream retail reels such as Beauty Brands and Ashley Furniture in over 300 store locations nationwide.

Gregory’s yearlong, hectic schedule continues with a whirlwind trip back to his native Canada, where he will serve as a co-presenter at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards Sept. 8. He then returns to the road and his radio tour, which has been extended due to the overwhelming response he has received on his visits in the last several months.

(Nashville, TN - August 25, 2008) Big Machine/No Strings Attached/Midas Records recording artist Adam Gregory has signed an exclusive agreement with William Morris Agency to handle his booking duties.

“We are thrilled to have Adam finally join the WMA family after years of watching him grow and evolve as an artist,” said Gregory’s agent Rob Beckham. “He is an immensely talented singer, songwriter and performer, and we are excited to be a part of his team.”

His current single, “Crazy Days,” continues to climb the charts since its release in April. The digital single, video and mobile formats officially launch at iTunes and other major digital outlets Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Gregory recently realigned his previous deal with Midas/No Strings Attached to include a long-term promotion and distribution agreement with Big Machine Records, the label that houses artists Taylor Swift, Trisha Yearwood and Jack Ingram, among others.

LiveWire Mobile, a global provider of mobile managed personalization services and Virgin Mobile USA, a leading provider of wireless services with no annual contracts, announced an industry first: the Ringback Playlist. This groundbreaking feature enables customers to access pre-selected content channels instead of choosing individual tracks for their ringback tone.

Ringback Playlist allows Virgin Mobile USA customers to personalize their cell phones by choosing their favorite music genre, and setting their ringback tones to a collection of songs in that category. Each time a call comes into a Virgin Mobile USA customer’s handset, a different tune from the Ringback Playlist’s selected “station” is heard by the caller. Ringback Playlists will be available by music genre or trend with additional personalization options that can be set based on the caller, the day of the week or time of day.

Wes Radez, director of mobile content, Virgin Mobile USA, said, “Adding this innovative feature is a natural extension of our very popular ringback service and gives our customers a way to automatically keep their playlists fresh and share their favorite artists and music with friends and family.”

Starting August 1, 2008, Virgin Mobile USA customers are able to choose from 10 different channels that feature five ringback selections each, such as pop, hip-hop, alternative, country, and television and movie classics with additional Ringback Playlists being added continuously. Also, a special Virgin Mobile Festival channel is available, pulling from artists who appeared at the recent Virgin Mobile Festival on August 9-10 in Baltimore including “Mercy” by Duffy, “Let the Drummer Kick” by Citizen Cope, “A Milli” by Lil Wayne, “Flashing Lights” by Kanye West and “Real Wild Child” by Iggy Pop.

Virgin Mobile USA’s Ringback Playlist is supported by LiveWire Mobile’s Achieve Marketing Team. This group of dedicated mobile marketing professionals will regularly update track selections within the Ringback Playlist and provide specialized campaign support based on continuously collected metrics.

“By adopting this groundbreaking content delivery feature, and backing it with expert support from our Achieve Marketing Service, Virgin Mobile USA is expanding the attraction of its ringback tone business, one of the mobile industry’s fastest growing service offerings,” said Joel Hughes, President of LiveWire Mobile. “Enabling subscribers to discover stations of pre-selected and highly contextualized ringbacks will drive exploration of additional content and enable Virgin Mobile to deliver a new level of personalization for their subscribers.”

25
Aug

A2IM Throws Support Behind Pandora

   Posted by: mwatkins    in Publishing News

“Like many we were troubled to hear Pandora refer to the current situation as a possible ‘Last Stand For Webcasting.’ As the primary advocacy group for the independent music community we feel a need to reiterate our strong support and commitment to a fair and equitable resolution to the CRB rate negotiations - a solution that fairly compensates artists and labels for their creativity and investment but still allows the pure play webcasting community to continue to grow. These webcasters need to be supported, as they give independently produced music the opportunity to be heard and discovered, which is all too often not the case at traditional AM/FM radio. We’ve been fighting on this issue for some time, and we’re optimistic all parties can get back on track towards a constructive solution.”

-Rich Bengloff, President of The American Association For Independent Music (A2IM)

Clear Channel Radio announced that it has signed several senior executives in its management team to long-term contracts, including Evan Harrison, Susan Karis, Mark Kopelman, Gene Romano, Tom Schurr, and George Toulas. Separately, the company promoted Harrison, Kopelman, Romano, and Toulas to newly created positions that will give each of these executives expanded roles with the company. The announcements come on the heels of the company signing president and CEO John Hogan to a five-year deal.

“The talent and commitment of our senior management team continues to drive Clear Channel Radio’s industry leadership and success,” said Hogan. “These individuals are key members of our executive management team, and have helped build our audiences while turning competing technologies into collaborators. They will continue to push our outstanding content deeper into our current digital platforms as well as new ones.”

“These individuals, along with our full management team, are helping to change the face of radio,” Hogan added. “These promotions and contract extensions reflect the hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm that make the Clear Channel Radio team the strongest and most innovative group in radio.”

*EVPs leading major and mid-major market operations
On the operations side, Mark Kopelman and George Toulas are promoted to EVPO of mid-major markets. In a previous position as Regional SVP, Kopelman is credited with creating an avail-sharing program to help managers work together to help drive share of business. Kopelman also led the Houston stations through revenue growth of more than 15 percent. As President and Market Manager of Clear Channel’s Miami station cluster, Toulas helped grow top-line revenue in Miami by some 10 percent in 2007 and increased broadcast cash flow by some 18 percent.

They join Tom Schurr and Susan Karis, who now lead major markets in the eastern and western regions, respectively. Schurr is a 26 year veteran of the radio industry and has managed stations in Sacramento, Louisville, Nashville, Houston, and Dallas. He was first named Regional VP in 2000, promoted to SVP of the southeast region in 2005, and a year later became EVP of the east region. Karis has helped build extremely capable teams with senior leaders in different markets including Houston, Minneapolis and Phoenix. She has helped her markets focus on the key metrics for success, and worked with the market leadership to drive continued growth.

*Expanded Content and Programming Leadership
On the development side, the company announced the promotion of Evan Harrison to president of Clear Channel’s Online Music & Radio unit, capping a three-and-a-half-year run of unprecedented achievements. He remains an EVP of Clear Channel Radio. Clear Channel Radio’s online offerings rank #1 in streaming cume in the crucial workday day part. Harrison led the creation of the industry’s first local radio station social network, which boasts 500,000 members, and audience gains have translated into proven sales successes across a host of categories including automotive, telecom, travel, financial services, and many others.

Expanding the development leadership team is Gene Romano, who is upped to Executive VP of Programming from his previous role as Senior VP of Programming. In his new role, Romano will work with Susan Karis in the west major markets. Previously, Romano worked to develop various tools and resources to help teach and mentor local program directors, launched new format approaches such as FM News Talk WPGB/Pittsburgh and Alternative WRFF/Philadelphia, and recruited high performing programming and on-air talent.