Search Results for: NeX GEn

At 4:20 p.m. yesterday, while moe. doodled on a series of winding tunes, those close to the stage at the Earth Day on the Mall concert in Washington, DC, got a glimpse of some unusual items being frantically unloaded: a giant pair of hands, a massive orange ring. There was no mistaking it – the Flaming Lips‘ gear had finally arrived, just 25 minutes before they were due to hit the stage in front of the gleaming Capitol. While techs scrambled, Coyne vamped by chatting with fans and amping up Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency Lisa Jackson’s speech, waving… Read more »

Apple Inc. and major music labels are betting that the launch of three-tier pricing at the iTunes Music Store will boost music sales with a new mix of song-based packages and give consumers more options. Apple will announce its new three-tier price points at 69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29, according to several people familiar with its plans. Since opening in 2003, all songs in the iTunes store have been priced at 99 cents. The previous “one price fits all” strategy has long caused friction between Apple and the music labels, who argued that songs should be priced differently to… Read more »

Over the last few decades, a veteran music act’s best shot at platinum magic usually consisted of pairing up with younger hitmakers (a la Santana) or covering treasured classics (like Rod Stewart. These days, another kind of vehicle has become a path to best-selling success – teaming up with box store chains. Garth Brooks ‘ started the trend in earnest back in 2005, with an exclusive Wal-Mart deal, and the Eagles and AC/DC had multiplatinum-plus success over the last two years by exclusively selling new CDs at Wal-Mart. Guns ‘N Roses sold about a million copies with a special Best… Read more »

Jesse McCartney is looking to take his career from boy-next-door pop singer to edgy R&B crooner, and his new single seems to be paving the way for the transition. Usually known for sugary pop hits like “Beautiful Soul,” McCartney decided that wanted to work with Ludacris for the remix of his song “How Do You Sleep?” Now the pair promise that the Sean Garrett-produced track is going to be the jam of 2009. “We’re setting the bar high for 2009 features,” McCartney told MTV News on the set of the track’s video. “It’s gonna be a big year. It’s gonna… Read more »

Christopher Hicks has been appointed Executive Vice President, Def Jam Recordings, it was announced today by Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Chairman, Island Def Jam Music Group.   In his new position, Mr. Hicks will assume overall responsibility for the acquisition and develop ­ment of new talent, overseeing producers and guiding the creative vision and brand recognition of the legendary Def Jam label as it celebrates its 25th year anniversary in 2009.   Mr. Hicks will report directly to Mr. Reid, and to Steve Bartels,   President & COO, Island Def Jam Music Group, on operational matters.   Mr. Hicks will be… Read more »

Sirius  XM Satellite Radio has been working with advisers to prepare for a possible bankruptcy filing in a move that could put pressure on the satellite company EchoStar, which owns a substantial amount of the company’s debt. Sirius has been working with the restructuring expert Joseph A. Bondi of Alvarez & Marsal and the bankruptcy lawyer Mark Thompson of Simpson, Thatcher & Bartlett to help prepare a Chapter 11 filing, people close to the company said. The documents and analysis are close to being completed and a filing could come within days, according to a person familiar with the matter.… Read more »

In between the raunchy humor and nudity, Blink-182 managed to make a huge impact on other bands and devoted fans. Perhaps without even knowing it – and definitely without ever really trying – Blink-182 have somehow become one of the most influential bands of the past 20 years. This might seem like a bit of a stretch. After all, aren’t these the same guys with the discography of di– jokes? The ones who gave their albums titles like “Enema of the State or Take Off Your Pants and Jacket?” Well, yes. But they’re also the same guys who featured Robert… Read more »

Ever since it started in 2006, the Bamboozle Left festival has generally been reserved for bands of the “tight pants and swooping bangs” variety. But this year, it looks like they’re doing things a little differently. That’s because none other than 50 Cent – the reigning king of bling, biceps and beef – has been confirmed to headline the second night of the fest, which will take place Apr. 4-5 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, California. Other artists on the bill include Fall Out Boy, Thrice, Cobra Starship and The Used. While 50 Cent doesn’t usually run with… Read more »

EMI has made a number of key appointments to its new Music Services’ division. Merchandising and packaged goods veteran Peter Palmer will lead EMI’s global Merchandising group. Dominic Pandiscia will head a global Label Services unit and Violet Gonzalez, who joins EMI from Live Nation, will establish a new sponsorship department. “Music Services is all about delivering revenues to EMI’s artists, as well as to the independent label and artist community. We now have the industry’s only one-stop shop for accessing a global marketplace of traditional and non-traditional commercial partners,” said EMI Music Services President Ronn Werre.   “This team… Read more »