Leona Lewis, Alesha Dixon in Amazon price war

Posted by editor on April 13th, 2009

In an ultra-competitive move against itunes, Amazon has slashed prices of top-selling mp3s to a low of 29p. MP3’s by artists such as Leona Lewis and Bajan artist Shontelle are at the bargain basement price, while Alesha Dixon’s ‘Breathe Slow’ is currently selling for a comparatively expensive £1.69.

This move comes as Amazon attempts to challenge Apple’s dominance in the digital download market. Just last week Apple changed its pricing structure: moving from offering a flat fee for all downloads - most songs were originally 79p - to tiered pricing which will see songs sold for 59p, 79p and 99p. 

To find out more about what’s going on at Amazon and why read more over at The Guardian

Is this a test of how much consumers are willing to pay for downloads? And who will win? 

Universal & YouTube launch premium music vid site

Posted by editor on April 13th, 2009

 

 

 

 

Read the full story here from Reuters: YouTube & Universal launch new music site, Vevo

It looks like it’s just Universal joining forces with YouTube on this new stand-alone music video site venture for now, but it won’t be long before the other majors follow suit.

Maybe labels with whom YouTube has been battling in the UK and Germany over disputes about payments will also come on board.

It’s good to see labels and new media working together in this way - looks like it will be a win-win situation for labels, artists and YouTube. 

Your thoughts?

Usher Stands At #1 in UK and US

Posted by editor on June 2nd, 2008

Here I Stand - the latest and fifth album from R&B singer Usher - has topped the album charts in both the UK and US this week.

Selling around 400,000 copies in America, Here I Stand is Usher’s second album after Confessions to have reached number one on the US Billboard Charts. Sales of his latest release are some way off from those of Confessions which shifted 1.1 million units in its first week of release in 2004 and remains one of the highest selling male solo albums, with total sales of 9.5million in the US alone. (more…)

Estelle Appears On David Letterman Show

Posted by editor on April 28th, 2008

UK songstress and rapper Estelle has made her first appearance on American network television, performing her chart topping single American Boy on the David Letterman show.

The Late Show with David Letterman is an hour-long comedy and talk show which is broadcast every weeknight, and which features a host of A-list guests and musical performers. It is one of the US’s most highly rated talk shows… (more…)

UK Charts: itunes #1 spot hit by Wiley

Posted by editor on April 25th, 2008

UK Grime artist Wiley, signed to Asylum Records, is currently sitting atop the number 1 spot on itunes with his latest release “Wearing My Rolex”.

Wearing My Rolex is due out for physical release on May 5

UK Reggae Label Greensleeves To Be Acquired By VP

Posted by editor on January 28th, 2008

VP Records, the world’s leading reggae record company, has today announced that it has made an offer to purchase Greensleeves Records & Publishing from Zest Group Plc , subject to the approval of Zest’s shareholders.

VP Records will inherit a catalogue comprised of some of the most notable albums of the genre, from Elephant Man to Yellowman and hit songs recorded by such acts as Rihanna, Sean Paul and Shaggy… (more…)