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On The Other Hand - Part 2
October 31, 2008
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"We don't make enough good records. The fact that people are signing artists for £1m (one million pounds) in this market is ridiculous."
-- Epic MD Nick Raphael, at the Musexpo Global A&R Forum in London this week, as reported on musicweek.comThe above quote from Mr. Raphael is another one simply loaded with truth. And it's what many people (including myself) have been saying for a long, long time.
It's funny, but when an album sells four, five, or six million copies these days, it's actually analyzed by some in the media. Articles appear with headlines like "Despite Downloading, (Artist's name here) Sells Multi-Platinum." Or these days, "The Economy Might Be Bad, But Look Who Just Sold Several Million CDs."
The simple truth is that great albums sell more than mediocre ones. Yes, I'm repeating myself, but it's worth repeating.
Even in these darkest economic times, there are albums selling multi-platinum (despite all the illegal downloading and complaints that iTunes killed the album). Even in these darkest economic times, people are spending lots of money at the box office. Check the box office grosses this year on "The Dark Knight," "Iron Man," "Indiana Jones 4" and the other films this year that have all grossed over $100 million. (18 already)
Great entertainment still generates big retail no doubt about it.
So, as a follow-up to my main commentary last week about how important and meaningful the album is to both the artist(s) and the industry, I wanted to report that (as expected), AC/DC's new album 'Black Ice' did debut at #1 on the Billboard Album Charts here in the U.S.
But, the big news is that the album also debuted at #1 in 28 other countries around the globe. Nearly five million copies of the new album shipped worldwide, and in the past year AC/DC has also sold another five million in back catalog.
(Source: http://tinyurl.com/5fj4hy ).
The group's current DVD, "No Bull: Live From The Plaza De Toros Las Ventas: Madrid, Spain," has been #1 on the Billboard Top Music Video Chart for weeks and is certified 5x RIAA Platinum video sales. Their DVD "Live At Donington" is certified 6x RIAA Platinum video sales, and re-enters the Billboard Top Music Video Chart at #10 this week.
All in all, not bad for a band that's been around for almost four decades.
I doubt if any act that puts out singles at their leisure, but doesn't make great albums, will have anything near this kind of extraordinary long-term success.
Hit singles are fine. Hit albums are divine.
Without great A&R, you just ain't getting' very far.
And Now This...
After the trainwreck MTV Awards broadcast, I wrote a commentary about the show and about the host, Russell Brand.
In that commentary I said: "No, I have no idea who chose Russell Brand as host. But he was maybe the worst host ever. I have no idea where he came from, but according to Wikipedia he's allegedly an "English comedian, actor, columnist and presenter of radio and television." Well, so much for the English standards of taste and "talent." (Let's remember, they thought Benny Hill was hysterical) And so much for MTV investing in a host who can talk and be understood by the majority of the people watching. And still more evidence that MTV has lost relevance with their audience: There's already rumors circulating that Brand might be the host next year."
I received about one hundred e-mails from readers after they read the article and many thanked me for writing my review. All of them echoed the same sentiments about Russell Brand. But, still they asked ...where did he come from? What was his background?
This week, the news comes from London came that Brand resigned as a BBC radio host amid the ongoing controversy over prank phone calls to the veteran 'Fawlty Towers' actor Andrew Sachs.
And how was he referred to in the press there? "Former heroin addict Brand"... who has been on the air since November 2006, and allegedly was earning 200,000 pounds a year. (Source: http://tinyurl.com/6qq94m )
It's good to know that heroin addicts can cure their addiction and become successful working people. Obviously, the BBC has a great program for recovering addicts. I guess sometimes, it doesn't work out as planned.
Ticketmaster Announces Agreement To Acquire Controlling Interest in Front Line Management
Irving Azoff Named Chief Executive of TicketmasterTicketmaster, the world's leading ticketing company, announced this week an agreement to acquire a controlling equity interest in Front Line Management Group Inc., one of the world's leading artist management companies. Ticketmaster also announced that Irving Azoff, founder and CEO of Front Line, will become CEO of Ticketmaster. Upon completion of the transaction, Ticketmaster will change its name to Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc., to reflect its continued emergence as a diversified live entertainment and marketing company.
Mr. Azoff will retain a sizable equity stake in Front Line and will also continue to serve as its CEO.
Read more about it by clicking here.
MTV Wins Rights To Beatles For 'Rock Band'
Ars TechnicaTalk about a battle of the bands. Activision, which makes "Guitar Hero," and MTV-Harmonix, which makes "Rock Band," have for years been engaged in a war for exclusivity with some of the world's all-time greatest musicians in an effort to build the ultimate set lists for their respective music-based video games. But the big catch, The Beatles, have long lay unclaimed.
Until now, that is. In one of the biggest coups of the digital music era, MTV has won the rights to include Beatles music in its "Rock Band" game. But this is about more than gaming: This is the first time that the Beatles music has been licensed for release in a digitally-distributed format, including iTunes.
"This game will take you on a journey from the Beatles first album 'Please Please Me' until the last album at Abbey Road," said Apple Corps CEO Jeff Jones. "It will span samples of the whole catalogue all the way through."
Read more about it by clicking here.
CBS Shows' New Purpose: Selling CBS Music
Advertising AgeCBS is taking advantage of the fact that TV soundtracks can be a good way to promote emerging artists. The network has been using the theme song on its comedy "The Ex-List" to get the word out about Karmina, a recording artist on the CBS Records label. "It makes a lot of sense for networks to want to start their own labels, just so they have total control. They can go out and shop for artists that fit their message," says Julianne Hintz, music marketing executive.
Using its media assets to promote its artists was one of the attractions when CBS revived CBS Records in 2006. Expect the net to increasingly look to its TV shows to spark awareness of its artists' songs.
Read more about it by clicking here.
Music Distributor TuneCore Gets $7 Million
Just after it announced a distribution deal with high-profile social music service iLike, digital music distribution company TuneCore has another deal to announce: it's raised $7 million in venture funding from Opus Capital.
Read more about it by clicking here.
What's New For Audio In Windows 7?
Microsoft took the wraps off the next version of Windows Tuesday at its Professional Developers Conference, and the Web's abuzz with first impressions and previews most of which are positive.
But forget the big picture ... what's in store for digital audio in the next version of Windows? Here's a quick rundown of what in known based on the very early pre-beta shown in Los Angeles. And it's all good media wise for music.
Read more about it by clicking here.
Radio's Trick or Treat Research
From Jerry Del Colliano's great blogsite, INSIDE MUSIC MEDIA, another great article this week.
Paragon Research has a new study out that has been getting headlines in The New York Times, Rolling Stone and elsewhere. The Times headline says "Perhaps iPods Aren't Replacing Radio" and Rolling Stone says "According to New Study, Traditional Radio Gaining Popularity."
You can believe all of this at your own risk.
I have nothing against Paragon, a good radio research advocate that reportedly conducted their survey online. But it is very difficult to give much credence to this research that says the trend is switching back to radio. As The Times puts it "Paragon Media Strategies, reports that 14-24 year-olds mostly say their radio listening has increased over the last year or two, while they said the opposite last year".
From time to time radio produces research that appears to bolster its position in a world where it is losing influence -- with audience and advertisers. I'll refer you to the HD studies that show up from time to time. If you believe their results, I've got a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn.
For those of you who know through your anecdotal experience that it is impossible for young people to return to radio, then you know that the neglect stations have shown their programming these past eight years is the real news story.
I think it's worth examining the rest of the story.
Read more about it by clicking here.
Finding a Gold Mine in Digital Ditties
From the NY TIMES - Joel Moss Levinson always knew he had a calling in life. But it took cheap video cameras, YouTube and some desperate corporations to show him what it was.
Mr. Levinson's skill is turning out homemade corporate commercials -- what advertisers call a form of "user-generated content." Companies, frantic to connect with younger consumers, sponsor contests seeking these commercials to find new ways to advertise their products, often attracting hundreds of entries and lots of attention. So far, Mr. Levinson, a college dropout with dozens of failed jobs on his résumé, has won 11 contests, earning more than $200,000 in money and prizes. His success has made him into the digital age version of Evelyn Ryan, the woman from Defiance, OH, who supported her family by winning commercial jingle contests in the 1950s and '60s.
Read more about it by clicking here.
Dolly Parton Joins Turf Fight Over White Space
Country singer Dolly Parton is lending some star power to TV broadcasters' campaign against a proposal to allow white spaces to be used for wireless broadband. "With my extensive background in the entertainment industry, I can unequivocally confirm that the importance of clear, consistent wireless microphone broadcasts simply cannot be overstated," Parton said in a letter to the FCC, which is scheduled to vote on the issue Nov. 4th.
Read more about it by clicking here.
Study: Consumers Embrace Social Media Ads
Four in 10 online consumers have made a purchase based on advertising they saw on a social media site, while almost three-quarters welcome brand advertising on social networks, according to new research from Razorfish. The Seattle-based agency's second annual "Feed: Consumer Experience Report" found that people are actively embracing social media and new communication tools like Twitter and are more open to advertising than commonly assumed.
Read more about it by clicking here.
Will TiVo Win TV's Future?
For those trying to understand what television looks like in a digital, IP-driven, networked future, today's announcement that TiVo and Netflix have finally teamed up is a big step. Could TiVo's carriage of Netflix movies give the company a significant "leg up" in its long-fought battle to be a key entertainment "platform" in the homes of television viewers? Maybe.
Read more about it by clicking here.
Al Kooper Inducted Into Musicians Hall Of Fame, Releases New Album
Musician, producer, songwriter, performing artist and author Al Kooper was inducted into The Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville during a star-filled celebration on October 28th, 2008. The class of 2008 also includes Booker T & The MG's, The Memphis Horns, The Crickets, Duane Eddy, The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, and Country uber-producer, Billy Sherrill. Al joins last years inductees Motown's Funk Brothers, Elvis Presley's Blue Moon Boys, The LA Wrecking Crew, The Nashville A-Team, Johnny Cash's Tennesee Two, and The Memphis Boys.
Commenting on his induction, Al said, "I am deeply humbled to be included in a room filled with all my heroes, muses, and virtual music teachers from the genesis of my entire career." Al celebrates his 50th year in the music business with his brand new album release, "White Chocolate," which was released on October 21st, 2008.
"White Chocolat," follows Al's critically acclaimed last album "Black Coffee," released in 2005, when Al emerged from a 30-year hiatus from solo recording. "Black Coffee" was voted the Memphis Blues Award for Comeback Album Of The Year. Previously, Al filled his time producing others, writing songs, performing all over the world, and writing his poignant, amusing autobiography, "Backstage Passes & Backstabbing Bastards," which was re-published and updated for an unprecedented third time in March of this year. (And if you haven't read it, it's a must read!)
"It was extremely intimidating to try and follow up "Black Coffee," which was the best I had done up to that point. I just slowly began selecting the right songs from various parts of my life until I had a cohesive, soulful lineup I was proud of," he reflects.
Included on "White Chocolate" are performances by Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn, Anton Fig, members of the folk-blues act Ollabelle, blues singer Catherine Russell, The Uptown Horns and Al's performing band of the last 10 years, The Funky Faculty, as well as two recent songwriting collaborations between Al and legendary lyricist Gerry Goffin.
Congrats Al on recognition well-deserved!
Read more about it by clicking here.
WAL-MART ONLINE UP AGAIN
Wal-Mart re-launched its mp3 store this week and tracks now start selling at just 74 cents. The store offers more than 3 million mo3 tracks with content from all major labels, and is supported by multiple elements in Wal-Mart stores, including a free mp3 download with every CD purchased in stores or online.
KANYE LEAKS
Two more tracks from Kanye West's upcoming "808s & Heartbreak" album, "Robocop" and "Coldest Winter," hit the Internet this past weekend.
GUITAR HERO TAPS JOCKS FOR SPOT
'Guitar Hero: World Tour' has tapped some of the biggest name in sports for their new commercial. Kobe Bryant, Tony Hawk, Michael Phelps and Alex Rodriguez all pay homage to 'Risky Business' in the commercial.
PINK'S iPHONE
Pink has launched a new iPhone application in anticipation for her new album "Funhouse." The app features 30-second previews of new songs, liner notes, photos and a link to download the rest of her discography.
AND ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF ROCK'N'ROLL INTERVENTION
Amy Winehouse was rushed to the hospital this week with a chest infection. And if there was ever a poster-child for nationalized health care, it's Amy.
ZEPPELIN MIGHT BE PLANT-LESS
Well, as for whether it's really going to happen or not, who knows, but after weeks and weeks of rumor and hearsay, Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones has all but confirmed the band will soon hit the road again. But the planned reunion tour won't include Robert Plant. Jones said at a Manson's Guitar Show in England last weekend that Jimmy Page, Jason Bohnam and himself are all "itching" to hit the road after reuniting in London back in December 2007. However, Plant, occupied with his tour with Alison Krauss, said he hopes to reunite with his Led Zep bandmates "in a couple of years." Jones said Led Zeppelin will instead go on tour with another vocalist in place. "As soon as we know who it is, we'll let you know who it is." Stay tuned.
SOME DUETS ARE GETTING STRANGER AND STRANGER
In an unusual pairing, Josh Groban joined the Smashing Pumpkins on the Siamese Dream ballad "Disarm" during last weekend's annual Bridge School Benefit.
HERE WE GO AGAIN
Opening statements in the Phil Spector murder retrial began this week in Los Angeles. Spector's last trial ended in a hung jury last year.
SILENT BEATLES UP FOR GRABS
A Beatles fan has unearthed a silent, color filmstrip he recorded of the band performing at Kansas' Municipal Stadium during their 1964 tour. The film will go to auction on November 4th. (And who would want this?)
METTALICA VINYL
Metallica's 'And Justice For All' will be reissued on vinyl on December 1st. The album is the latest in the band's plan to re-release their entire catalog on vinyl. (Note to all label execs who still think vinyl isn't all that important: Get on board right quick, because ANY ancillary revenues from ANY source at retail cannot afford to be ignored as CD sales decline continuously. Gross sales of vinyl are already in the double-digit millions, and they're GROWING)
LOOK FOR THE UNION LABEL
Neil Young canceled his Los Angeles concert Wednesday night out of respect for a union picket. Young, an honorary member of the International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees, said, "I am extremely disappointed to have to choose between satisfying my fans or backing my brothers and sisters of the IATSE." The concert will be rescheduled for 2009.
BOSS AND OTHERS DONATE TRACKS FOR GOOD CAUSE
Bruce Springsteen, My Morning Jacket and DMC have contributed tracks to the Hard Rock Café's charity compilation "Serve3." The album will benefit the restaurant chain's "Imagine There's No Hunger" campaign.
Quotes of the week
"I mean I dabbled in high school, who didn't?"
-- Ellen DeGeneres, on dating boys as a teenager, on her show."I am not a Kraft piece of cheese. I don't like to be classified. If I was on MySpace, I would say 'swinging.'"
-- Marilyn Manson, on his relationship status, to PEOPLE at the Spike Scream Awards. Swinging? In that Halloween make-up you wear?"I doubt it'll be me and Brad [Pitt]. I know Brad can't sing."
-- Edward Norton, nixing the idea of a cast reunion for a "Fight Club" musical, to MTV"Yes, J-Lo and I are going to do an album together ... it's acoustic versions of KC & The Sunshine Band's hits."
-- Brad Pitt, in response to a question about his singing abilities.
The B-Side - 'Blips'
THE ONION (www.theonion.com) STORY OF THE WEEK:
'I Would Make A Bad President,' Obama Says In Huge Campaign Blunder
TALLAHASSEE, FL-In a campaign gaffe that could potentially jeopardize Sen. Barack Obama's White House bid, the Democratic presidential nominee told nearly 8,000 supporters Tuesday that, if elected, he would be a terrible president.
The blunder, captured by all major media outlets and broadcast live on CNN, occurred when the typically polished Obama fielded a question about his health care policy. Obama answered by saying he would give small business owners a tax credit to help them provide health care for their employees, and then added, "Now, I'm not completely certain that my plan would work because, overall, I think I would make a bad president."
According to sources, before those on hand could fully process what Obama had said, the Illinois senator continued to stumble, claiming that, were he to win the general election, he'd have absolutely no idea what to do.
"My youth and inexperience would definitely make me an awful president," said Obama.
Read the rest here and laugh: http://tinyurl.com/5m8vrx.
THE RADIO INTERVIEW on 'THE AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE' - From newsblaze.com
"Steve Meyer is on the front line of global music sales and distribution which he expects will soar to pocket-bursting levels. What's more, he shares his insight and ingenuity with us. Steve gives us both historical perspective and futuristic vision as he chats with Judy about the love of his work, trends of the business and his personal points of view about success, happiness and blending life with the lust for life. Steve joins Judy and helps us discover the thrill of having it all with a sense of balance and purpose. "
You can listen to an interview I did with Judy Piazza of 'The American Perspective' by clicking here: (It runs about 15 minutes)
http://www.thesop.org/index.php?id=10306.
The Blogs
Check out a great blog by Jerry Del Colliano, the Director Executive Programs, Clinical Professor Music Industry & Recording Arts, at the Thornton School of Music,University of Southern California, by clicking here: http://www.insidemusicmedia.blogspot.com.
Box Office
Check The Daily & Weekly Box Office (and more film info) at: www.boxofficemojo.com.
TinyURL
Check out www.tinyurl.com where you can make a smaller URL that will work for any webpage you wish to link to or reference. (As you can see, I'm using it in my news stories above!)
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