If you remember Oceana, then mentally cross that band name out and scribble in Polyenso instead. Except it’s not quite so simple because with a new name and a recent self-released album, it’s crystal clear that this is not the “post-hardcore†band listeners may have thought they knew before their break.
David Pakman, CEO of eMusic, will leave the subscription service at the end of the year. Pakman explained his departure on Monday, and yesterday disclosed that his next destination would be VC firm Venrock. Pakman championed DRM-free music, viewing the measures as anti-consumer. This has been a phenomenon, along with his commitment to editorial investment – a stark contrast to Apple’s iTunes music store which one reader after launch called “an airport kiosk without the cigarettes and chewing gum.” Pakman grew the eMusic subscriber base from 10,000 to 400,000 in his four years as boss, turning it into the second… Read more »
Sensing a revolution in the way Internet traffic is managed, rock musicians find themselves in the unusual position of defending the status quo. Independent, lesser-known musicians and smaller record labels launched a nationwide campaign Tuesday to support the idea that all Internet traffic should be treated equally, which they said is under fire from providers who want to charge a fee to have some Web sites load faster than others. The Rock the Net campaign, made up mostly of musicians who are on smaller record labels or none at all, said they’re fearful that if the so-called “Net neutrality” principle… Read more »
Used record bins are flooded with albums from swaggering British lads whose bands have conquered England and have their eyes set on cracking the States. Not too many of them can claim to have their music used in two of the most popular TV shows in the country before most Americans have ever heard of them, though. The vaguely scary, beat-crazy sound you might have heard on recent episodes of “Desperate Housewives” and “CSI: Miami” comes courtesy of Kasabian, currently infecting American ears with the intense marriage of druggy beats and massive guitar riffs from their self-titled debut. “We’re going… Read more »
Record labels have historically invested significant financial resources toward new acts’ touring efforts, whether it be $20,000 for a regional van trek or $200,000 for a national bus outing. But in today’s world of shrinking revenue and tight budgets, tour support funds – though almost always recoupable against album sales – are becoming harder to come by. “There’s not as much money at any level, whether it’s signing bonuses, (recording) albums, tour support or anything else,” says Tim DuBois, senior partner of Nashville-based record label Universal South, home of such ascts as Pat Green and Joe Nichols. “But even in… Read more »
Sony (SNE) aims to take on industry leader Apple (AAPL) starting Tuesday with an online music service whose songs will play only on Sony products. Internet analysts are scratching their heads, especially because the digital download service – called Connect – is geared toward supporting Sony’s MiniDisc, a 13-year-old format that has never hit big. But some retailers say sales of MiniDisc players perked up in the two years since Sony added the ability to record digital music onto them. And Sony will introduce an offshoot of the MiniDisc in June, offering more storage at a lower price than competitors.… Read more »
On Jan. 6, San Francisco’s Moscone convention center pulses with all the energy of a rock concert. A crowd sprinkled with hip-hop teenagers, digerati, and aging hippies streams in to hear the annual state-of-the-Mac keynote from Apple Computer Inc. Chief Executive Steven P. Jobs. Every facet of the event bears the fingerprints of the obsessive Jobs – right down to the music that fills the air. This year, it’s the King himself, Elvis Presley. Later, Jobs rolls the tape of Apple’s famous “1984” ad that ran on Super Bowl Sunday that year – and hasn’t been broadcast since. Only this… Read more »
After signing with John Feldmann‘s Big Noise Music Group. in May, iann dior is back with a new, laid-back track, “Melrose.” Previously, the artist shared his Big Noise debut, “Edge Of Tomorrow,” which was paired with a cinematic music video. “iann dior is one of those dream artists you hope you have the chance to work with every couple of years as a label,” Big Noise CEO Nick Gross explains. “His ear for melody and attention to detail around the art he makes is very special. I’m really looking forward to our partnership. Most importantly, this new music that will be heard… Read more »
Sueco is here with a new track, “Mulholland Drive,” and it’s a major departure from his previous hits. This new offering showcases Sueco‘s raw vocals over tender acoustic guitar strums. In fact, he revealed that this is “one of the best songs I’ve ever written,” and that he’s been sitting on it for nearly two years. The soaring choruses reveal Sueco evolving, excitingly growing in his craft. Previously, the artist shared the single, “Drama Queen,” on March 22, kicking off a new album cycle. Coming up in June on an unconfirmed date, the artist’s record, Attempted Lover, is slated for… Read more »
408 fans, rejoice! Their cheeky new single “Break Up With Your Girlfriend” is officially available on all streaming platforms. Exclusively premiering on idobi Radio’s Gone Fishkin, the track is reminiscent of 90’s radio pop-rock: A time when Third Eye Blind and Matchbox Twenty were taking over the airwaves. Its bouncy arrangement and infectious vocal melodies juxtapose the more melancholy themes of the song. “Break Up With Your Girlfriend” is about questioning whether or not your significant other is the right one for you and concluding that someone else could be your true puzzle piece. 408 shares the deeper meaning behind… Read more »
