Thursday, April 24th, 2008
Daily News: Thursday
Virgin/Capitol Layoffs: “EMI Music restructured its U.S. radio promotion efforts today and cut staffers at the Capitol Music Group. Among those let go were Virgin Records VP of promotion Dave Reynolds, Virgin director of promotion operations Jordan Rosenblatt, Virgin Boston regional James MacDonald, Capitol Chicago regional Amy Kaplan and Capitol Florida regional Ric Austin. Additionally, several assistants have been let go from the Los Angeles office, including Jen Kelly. Sources say executive VP of promotion for the Capitol Music Group Greg Thompson has been elevated to the corporate level and will lead promotion efforts across all labels in the U.S., with the exception of EMI Christian.” (via Billboard)
On The Sony/Gracenote Deal: “$260m is a lot to pay for a pile of information about a dying music format - but Sony might just have made the deal of the century. The entertainment giant now has the biggest store of music metadata in the world, with the acquisition of Gracenote.” (via The Register)
RIAA Spent $2 Million Lobbying Congress: “The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) spent nearly $2.1 million in 2007 lobbying Congress for favorable copyright-related legislation, Ars Technica reported, citing the group’s disclosure via the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The RIAA focused its efforts on the PRO-IP Act, Intellectual Property Enforcement Act, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, and legislation related to Internet radio royalties.” (via Hits)
Signings:
- “Disney Music Publishing has signed a worldwide co-publishing agreement with songwriter/artist Lyrica Anderson.” (via Billboard)
- “Three Roman Catholic priests have geared up for global superstardom by signing a £1 million contract with music giant Sony BMG.” (via Coolfer and Press Association)
- Additionally: We will soon be able to announce the signings of 3 bands we recently featured on our site - stay tuned!
