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August 29, 2005
Jay-Z: Def Jam President, Rap Mogul
Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter has taken over as the president of Def Jam Recordings. With 10 albums released in less than ten years for a current total of over 33 million copies sold as well as winning four Grammy Awards, Jay-Z
Creative artistry and business acumen are not mutually exclusive but it remains to be seen which of Jay-Z's personas will take precedent: that of Jay-Z, rapper, or the one belonging to Shawn Carter, Def Jam Recordings President. Most likely we will see a blending of both. I suspect Jay-Z/Shawn Carter has what it takes for the job. If he does, look for some major announcements from Def Jam Recordings in the near future. The next few months should be interesting.
Posted by BIGBAER at 09:16 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 10, 2005
Females On Fire CD compilation
GILLI MOON & WARRIOR GIRL MUSIC PRESENT "Females On Fire" CD compilation
"igniting talented female artists and their songs to the world"On Friday August 26 2005, Warrior Girl Music will be releasing the first "Females On Fire" CD compilation - part of a series of music compilation CDs igniting 30 talented female artists and their songs to the world. To mark the celebration, they will be launching the double CD at THE MINT, 6010 West Pico Blvd, Los Angeles CA.
A BLOCKBUSTER 20 ARTIST NIGHT! Artists performing on Friday August 26 include Gilli Moon, (who recently released her 4th CD "extraOrdinary life"), Dina Gathe, Holly Light, Little Sista, Kim Erin, Vertigo Road, Jamie Green, Alpha Cat, Celeste Lear, Hilde Sevens, Kris Miller, That Girl Laura, Kelen, Willow, Lizzie, Penelope Torribio, tch, and Cindy Alter. Spoken word guests J. Walker and Antoinette Valente will also perform. Check out all the performers at www.femalesonfire.com [ Keywords: Gilli Moon Warrior Girl Music Females on Fire ] [ Gilli Moon
TIME & PLACE: FRIDAY AUGUST 26 @ THE MINT (newly renovated)
6010 West Pico Blvd (Just East of Crescent Heights)
Los Angeles, CA, 90035
7:30pm
Dinner reservations: 323-954-8241.
Posted by BIGBAER at 11:12 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 09, 2005
Crunkland Records presents CRUNKFEST 2005
CRUNKFEST 2005 Weekend Spectacular, Sept 23, 24, 25, In resort city of Heber Springs, Arkansas.
THE CRUNKFEST WEEKEND SPECTACULAR is designed to provide information and direction, and to showcase artists talent for aspiring musicians, songwriters, producers, filmmakers, vocalists, actors, models, and any others who have interest in the entertainment industry. [LINK Crunkfest 2005 ]
For more info contact:
Crunkland Records Ltd.
316 W. Main St. Suite D.
Heber Springs, Arkansas 72543
(501) 362-7516
Posted by BIGBAER at 12:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 08, 2005
Warner Music Group Corp. Reports Fiscal Third Quarter Ended June 30, 2005 Results
Warner Music Group Corp. announced its third quarter financial results for the three-month period ended June 30, 2005. Reported net loss was $179 million or $(1.41) in earnings per share. Excluding $135 million in non-recurring after-tax expenses and $9 million in FAS 123 expenses, adjusted net loss was $35 million, or $(0.27) per share for the quarter. These non-recurring charges described below relate to specific IPO-related one-time events and do not reflect on-going operations of the business.
* Warner Music Group Corp. revenues grew 2% to $742 million compared to the same quarter in 2004, with both Recorded Music and Music Publishing contributing to growth.
* Digital revenue of $44 million or 6% of total revenue grew by 26% from the second quarter and 76% from the first quarter of fiscal 2005.
* The reported operating loss was $92 million in the quarter. Adjusted for certain non-recurring charges related to the company's initial public offering (IPO) and FAS 123 expenses, operating income rose 33% to $20 million, compared to $15 million for the same period last year.
* Operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA) adjusted for certain IPO-related non-recurring charges and FAS 123 expenses was $79 million up 5% from $75 million for the comparable period last year.
* The company also reported a cash balance as of June 30, 2005 of $265 million and total long-term debt of $2.2 billion.
"Warner Music Group's solid performance in the quarter reaffirms the strength of our strategic plan and the efficacy with which it is being executed by our outstanding management team. In the most advanced digital market place - the U.S. - we are encouraged to see digital gains outpacing the physical business," said Edgar Bronfman, Jr., Warner Music Group's Chairman and CEO. "The industry continues to be faced with complex and significant challenges including piracy and a quickly evolving distribution landscape. However, at WMG, we are transforming these challenges into opportunities by continuing to make smart investments in A&R, managing our costs, improving our margins and working closely with our partners in the technology space to provide innovative music offerings to consumers."
Non-Recurring Items
Non-recurring, IPO-related items include the $73 million fee to terminate a management contract in connection with our IPO, $1 million of management fees paid to the Investor Group, certain cash payments to employees totaling $29 million related to the issuance of stock awards below fair market value and payment of an IPO bonus to our employees, as previously disclosed, and $35 million resulting from the payment of redemption premiums and other charges in connection with the previously announced redemption of debt issued by our subsidiary, WMG Holdings Corp. There were also $9 million in FAS 123 expenses in the quarter.
Recorded Music
Recorded Music revenue expanded by 2% to $588 million, led by robust digital sales. Digital Recorded Music revenues of $38 million represented approximately 6% of Recorded Music revenue, up from 5% in the second fiscal quarter of 2005. Major sellers in the quarter were Rob Thomas, Green Day, Michael Bublé, Mike Jones and James Blunt. Recorded Music OIBDA was $47 million for the quarter. Recorded Music adjusted OIBDA (which excludes the non-recurring charges regarding the IPO and FAS 123 expenses) grew 11% to $73 million from $66 million in last year's comparable quarter as higher-margin digital products contributed to results. Recorded Music adjusted OIBDA margin rose one percentage point to 12.4% as compared to the same quarter last year despite rising promotional expenses ahead of a heavier fourth quarter release schedule. Recorded Music operating income was $6 million for the quarter. Recorded Music adjusted operating income (which excludes the non-recurring charges regarding the IPO and FAS 123 expenses) improved by 33% to $32 million from $24 million in last year's comparable quarter, yielding an adjusted operating margin of 5.4% -- up 1.2 percentage points from 4.2% in the comparable prior year period.
Music Publishing
Music Publishing revenue climbed by 5% to $161 million compared to last year's comparable period. Digital revenue from Music Publishing of $6 million represented 4% of total Music Publishing revenue, up from 3% in the second fiscal quarter of 2005. Increases in synchronization royalties and, to a lesser extent, mechanical revenues, were partially offset by declines in performance royalties and other revenues. Movie, video game and advertisement deals as well as DVDs drove higher synchronization royalties. Lower performance revenues reflect fewer radio hits. Music Publishing operating income was $13 million in the quarter and Music Publishing adjusted operating income (which excludes the non-recurring charges and FAS 123 expenses) was $15 million up 15% from the prior year quarter. Music Publishing OIBDA was $28 million for the quarter. Music Publishing adjusted OIBDA (which excludes the non-recurring charges and FAS 123 expenses) rose 7% to $30 million compared to last year's comparable quarter. Music Publishing adjusted OIBDA margin improved to 18.6% compared to 18.3% and Music Publishing adjusted operating income margin lifted 80 basis points to 9.3% from 8.5% in last year's comparable period.
Posted by BIGBAER at 11:08 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Video-C Celebrates Its 5th Birthday: A Revamp & Exclusive Oasis Competition
Video-C, the UK’s most exciting digital music video portal, is celebrating its 5th birthday with a complete site redesign that brings new and enhanced functionality to the site. The redesign puts the consumer first, making it easier for music lovers to find, buy and watch, their favourite new music videos.
"This is more than just a make-over,” says Karl Badger, Managing Director of Video-C. “This is a complete site facelift and redesign. Video-C puts the music video at the heart of the buying process, and is an essential part of the marketing campaign for any new release that is looking to make a direct impact in the heart of the digital music community.”
To mark the occasion, Video-C has teamed up with Oasis to offer a VIP day out for one lucky fan. The competition winner will get a pair of tickets to see Oasis at Noise & Confusion ’05 at the Cardiff Millennium Stadium gig on December 10th, as well as accommodation, signed Oasis artwork and goodies. Video-C will also be exclusively offering every competition entrant the chance to stream footage of the band performing ‘Lyla’ from their sell-out Manchester City stadium gig in June.
Video-C is at the forefront of the digital music video revolution. A recent study by AccuStream showed that there were a staggering 5.6 billion video downloads online last year, and over a third of those were music videos. That’s nearly two billion music videos every year.
As one of the UK’s most-watched free music video websites, Video-C is in a strong position to effectively market and promote music releases to a targeted and responsive record buying audience. Video-C employs a wide range of tools – bespoke website and micro site builds, email marketing,
competitions for data generation and distribution of content through our partnerships – with established ISPs Apple / QuickTime and Blueyonder and also through artist fan sites – to create awareness, interest, data and revenue for record companies.
“The online marketing is a very important element in the marketing mix and Video-C is always on our checklist of marketing must-haves for any music video release.” David Quirk, Marketing Director of labels Innocent and Angel.
As tribute to its expertise in entertaining the digital music video generation and servicing the music industry, Video-C picked up last year’s BT Digital Music Award for ‘Best use of Broadband’. Video-C's pre release content and superior quality video is so good. Apple / QuickTime developer for the past 5 years and Ericsson mobile partner. Ensuring year upon year growth in music consumers.
This growth means that Video-C now receives over 2 million requests to watch music videos every month along with a VIP membership list of 145,000 and growing.
To go with the re-launch Video-C is carrying out a smart targeted marketing campaign. National outdoor posters will be supported with online marketing including banner placements on NME, Virgin Radio, Record of the day, Popbitch and festival advertising at V2005, Reading, Leeds and Notting Hill Carnival.
Video-C, is the largest provider of music content video in Europe, setting a new standard for music videos online. Log on to www.video-c.co.uk to join in the birthday celebrations, and for your chance to be a lucky Oasis winner. [ ] [ keywords Video-C music videos online streaming music video ]
For PR enquiries please contact Lucy Bannatyne lucy@video-c.co.uk 020 7693 6331 and for all other enquiries contact Paul Langston or Karl Badger on 020 7691 2805.
Posted by BIGBAER at 10:35 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 05, 2005
The Pressure Is On Stirring Excitement Among Reggae Fans
Tsuni Records
For Immediate Release
August 5, 2005
The Pressure Is On Reggae Fans
Conscious reggae music has a new rising star and his solo debut
cd is surprising and delighting listeners. The Pressure Is
On, the highly anticipated album by St. Thomas’ Pressure, was
released on June 18. The release coincided with Pressure’s
performance at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in
California.
Pressure, born Delyno Brown, rose to popularity in the Virgin
Islands and in regional and national reggae circles as a member
of the Star Lion Family reggae group. The members decided to
pursue solo careers and Pressure linked with the talented Dean
Pond and Eno Stafford of Studio 340, who produced The Pressure
Is On. Single releases from The Pressure Is On have already
been well received by awaiting fans in the Virgin Islands. But
it is track number 13, No Limitation that is creating a buzz
among reggae fans everywhere. On track number 6, famed lover’s
rock singer Glen Washington joins Pressure on When Dem Come.
"It’s really a blessing to bring forth this album, because I
really worked hard on it," Pressure says. "It’s really straight
from the heart. I’m excited to spread the message to the four
corners of the earth." Pressure says that the cd has tracks
that people from all walks of life will appreciate. The music,
beats and arrangements are top notch.
"The Pressure Is On" is also the first release from Tsuni
Records, owned and managed by Virgin Islander Tony Blacks.
"The V.I. has a distinct sound," says Tony Blacks. "Pressure is
combining consciousness with roots and dancehall style. All the
songs are very deep. To me every song is a hit," Tony Blacks
says of the cd. He laments on the state of mainstream reggae.
"There has been a stray away from conscious reggae," Tony
Blacks says. On a brighter note, "the V.I. is bringing back the
consciousness," he says.
"The Pressure Is On" is available on-line at www.viroots.com,
www.cdbaby.com/tsunirecords, www.ebreggae.com and
www.vprecords.com.
Posted by BIGBAER at 10:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 01, 2005
Life During Wartime for CBGB
CBGB - This Must Be The Place
Is another of Rock's iconic clubs about to bit the dust? Can Steven Van Zandt, of the E Street Band and "The Sopranos," singer David Byrne and the filmmaker Jonathan Demme help resolve CB's rent dispute? For the Talking Heads as well as many other 80's rock icons, CB's WAS the Place.With Negotiations Stalled, Clock Ticks Down for CBGB in Rent Dispute
Hilly Kristal was feeling optimistic.
Though CBGB, the landmark Bowery rock club he founded in 1973, is embroiled in a legal dispute with its landlord and faces eviction at the end of the month when its lease expires, there were signs, Mr. Kristal said, that an agreement would be reached soon.
"I think it's going to be settled amicably," he said by phone last week from his office at the club, where, at 73, he still arrives early each morning and answers the phone with a quick, cordial "CB's."
But as Mr. Kristal discussed the situation, his attitude changed. He said he was certain that his landlord - the nonprofit Bowery Residents' Committee, which aids about 8,000 homeless people each year - "wants me out," and he soured on the prospects of a new lease.
Then he excused himself to go to a meeting where, Mr. Kristal said, he would discuss moving the club to Las Vegas.
"If New York doesn't want me," he said, "then I'll try to do something else. There are people out there who do want me."
With 31 days left in its lease, CBGB's future remains uncertain, and though a motley group of celebrities, public relations specialists and punk activists have worked steadily in recent weeks to help the club negotiate with its landlord, no agreement has been reached, and stomachs have tightened all around.
Today, Steven Van Zandt, of the E Street Band and "The Sopranos," who has been leading the celebrity volunteer effort to save the club, is to announce an Aug. 31 rally, planned for Washington Square Park. Depending on the success of a proposal that Mr. Van Zandt's team has submitted to the committee on behalf of the club, the rally could be CBGB's last hurrah or the start of its new life.
"This is the last rock 'n' roll symbol left," Mr. Van Zandt said. "We have seen one iconic rock 'n' roll venue after the other disappear, and we finally said, 'Let's draw a line here, and save at least one.' "
Read it all Clock Ticks Down for CBGB
This ain't no party,this ain't no disco,
This ain't no fooling around
This ain't no mudd club, or CBGB,
I ain't got time for that now
[Lyrics excerpt from Talking Heads - Life During Wartime]
[ Related Punk + late 70’s + CBGB’s + Loud + Fast = The Ramones ]
Posted by BIGBAER at 12:10 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Lil' Kim To Reveal The "Naked Truth" On Sept. 13th
Queen Bee/Atlantic recording artist Lil' Kim
Lil' Kim has already given her fans a first look at "NAKED TRUTH
" via the advance buzz track "Shut Up," which is lighting up radio mixshows across the country. The timely and provocative track finds Kim openly confronting her critics, especially those who spread gossip and rumors about her life. "You ain't paying my bills, so you ain't sayin' nothing," she raps in the song. "Ain't keepin' it real then you need to stop frontin'... Get your facts straight or shut up bitch."
On "NAKED TRUTH," the Queen Bee collaborates with a line-up of today's hottest hip-hop producers, including Kanye West, Scott Storch (T.I., R Kelly, 50 Cent, The Game), 7 Aurelius (Mariah Carey, LL Cool J), Fredwreck (Snoop Dogg, Cypress Hill), Hot Runner (Eve, Cassidy), and Red Spyda.
Kim's new album follows 2003's "LA BELLA MAFIA," which made its Billboard 200 debut at #5. That collection included the top-charting smash, "Magic Stick," as well as the hit singles "The Jump Off" and "Thug Luv."
Lil' Kim first stepped into the world's spotlight as part of the late Notorious B.I.G.'s rap collective Junior M.A.F.I.A., in which she was the lone female member. Her thugged-out Betty Boop delivery on tracks such as "Player's Anthem" and "Get Money" helped propel Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s 1995 RIAA gold certified Big Beat/Atlantic debut, "CONSPIRACY," into the top 10 on the Billboard 200, and established Kim as Bonnie to Biggie's Clyde.
In 1996, Kim unleashed her classic debut solo collection, "HARD CORE
2000's "THE NOTORIOUS K.I.M." saw Lil' Kim's star continue to rise as she graced the covers of such magazines as The Source, XXL, Interview, and Vibe. In 2001, Lil' Kim teamed with Christina Aguilera, Pink, Mya, and Missy Elliott for the blockbuster remake of "Lady Marmalade." The track's success led to Kim winning her first-ever Grammy Award, for "Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals."
Have you taken the Sex in Music Survey?
What list of sexy rappers would be complete without Trina the Baddest Bitch and her 69 Ways and let's not forget about SisQo and his Thong Song (even if it is a little dated). [ Lil Kim WALL POSTER
Posted by BIGBAER at 10:29 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack