Billboard.biz - Top Stories

Pepsi to Launch Twitter Push With Concert Livestreams, Free Music Downloads

Associated Press — 2012-05-30 07:46:00.0

PepsiCo Inc. is lifting the curtain on its music partnership with Twitter, saying it plans to offer free downloadable songs from Amazon.com's MP3 store on its Twitter page starting today and streaming video of live concerts this summer.

Exclusive: Hard Rock International Launches Record Label, Signs Rosco Bandana

Andrew Hampp, New York — 2012-05-30 07:00:00.0

Hard Rock International is launching Hard Rock Records, an in-house record label for the cafe, hotel and casino chain. Its first signing, Mississippi-based rock band Rosco Bandana, will issue its debut album in September and perform at a kickoff party for the label June 19 at Hard Rock Cafe Nashville.

Dutch Lawmakers Reject ACTA Online Piracy Treaty

Associated Press — 2012-05-30 06:20:00.0

Dutch lawmakers adopted a motion Tuesday urging the government not to sign a controversial international treaty aimed at reining in online piracy. The motion was another setback for the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, known as ACTA, which has run into opposition around the world.

Exclusive: Songkick Allows Artists To Update Tour Data With Tourbox

Glenn Peoples, Nashville — 2012-05-29 21:40:00.0

Called Tourbox, the new product allows any artist to tap directly into Songkick’s database. Tourbox features a dashboard that lets artists input their concert information into Songkick and syndicates the event listings to a variety of digital services. The service also gives a widget for artists’ websites and blogs that has their concert data feed.

Folk Musician Doc Watson Dies In NC Hospital At 89

Martha Waggoner, Associated Press — 2012-05-29 20:23:00.0

Doc Watson, the Grammy-award winning folk musician whose lightning-fast style of flatpicking influenced guitarists around the world for more than a half-century, died Tuesday at a hospital in Winston-Salem, according to a hospital spokeswoman and his management company. He was 89.

Business Matters: Facebook's IPO Could Have Just Killed Some Digital Music IPOs

Glenn Peoples, Nashville — 2012-05-29 18:14:00.0

Facebook's falling stock prices may deter other digital music sites from stepping into public waters, such as Vevo and Spotify, while it may also have had an effect on Pandora's stock price, which fell back down after last week's gains.

President Obama Honors Bob Dylan, Others With Medal of Freedom

Associated Press With Billboard Staff — 2012-05-29 16:53:00.0

President Barack Obama honored a diverse group of political and cultural icons, including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, astronaut John Glenn and rock legend Bob Dylan, with the Medal of Freedom at the White House today.

Nashville Knowledge: Billboard Country Music Summit To Examine Genre's Wild Success

Ray Waddell (@billboardtour), Nashville — 2012-05-29 16:45:00.0

Sophisticated, ever-evolving and wildly successful, the country music business will be explored from every angle at the third annual Billboard Country Music Summit June 4-5 at Nashville’s Cannery Ballroom. Here you'll find Q&A's with Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam and CAA's Rob Light; a Luke Bryan "Artist Development Study;" a roundtable with Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean's managers; a touring panel with Live Nation Country and TMG/AEG Live execs; and much, much more...

No Doubt to Argue Lawsuit Against Activision In Front of Jury

Anthony McCartney, Associated Press — 2012-05-29 16:25:00.0

No Doubt's attorneys can argue to a jury that the band was misled by gaming giant Activision Publishing Inc. about how its likeness would be used in the video game "Band Hero," a judge ruled Tuesday.

'The Voice' Producers, NBC Greenlight New Singing Competition 'The Winner Is'

Phil Gallo, Los Angeles — 2012-05-29 16:05:00.0

The producers of “The Voice” have taken its battle rounds set in a boxing ring and turned it into another singing show for NBC. The network, which airs “The Voice,” has given a greenlight to “The Winner Is,” a vocal game show featuring head-to-head singing duels.

Justin Bieber and the Billboard Music Awards: A Tale of Dueling Hashtags

Katie Morse, New York — 2012-05-29 15:15:00.0

The tale of how tweets from Justin Bieber, using the wrong hashtag, nearly caused Billboard to revise its social-media plan for the Billboard Music Awards -- and lessons learned along the way.

London's Southbank Centre Wins Top UK Venue Honors

Juliana Koranteng, London — 2012-05-29 15:05:00.0

London’s Southbank Centre has won top honores in the 2011 top 100 U.K. music venues as compiled by PRS for Music, the U.K. authors’ collecting society. Southbank Centre was followed by The Sage Gateshead in Tyne & Wear, north England; O2 Academy in Birmingham; The Stables in Milton Keynes; Ronnie Scott’s in London; and O2 Academy in Islington, north London.

Beach Boys' 50th Anniversary: How the Complex Tour Came Together

Ray Waddell, Nashville — 2012-05-29 15:00:00.0

With multiple managers, three booking agencies and the five Beach Boys participating in a reunion -- Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks -- there were many opinions floating around about how to proceed with the tour. Here's how it all came together.

Amanda Palmer Hits $1 Million Mark on Kickstarter Campaign

Dan Rys, New York — 2012-05-29 13:00:00.0

Amanda Palmer has been burning through milestones since launching a Kickstarter campaign to help fund her new album May 1, and today she hit another, surpassing $1 million raised with more than two days to go.

Samsung Debuts Online 'Music Hub,' Challenges iTunes With 19 Million Tracks

Dan Rys, New York — 2012-05-29 12:15:00.0

Samsung is debuting an online music store called the Samsung Music Hub, which will be available initially via its new Galaxy S III in Germany, Italy, the U.K., France and Spain.

Weinstein Company Wins Major Lawsuit Over 'Soul Man' Sam Moore

Eriq Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter — 2012-05-29 11:39:00.0

The Weinstein Company won a major lawsuit over 'Soul Man' Sam Moore, who alleged that the company had infringed on his trademarks and publicity rights, introduced unfair competition, and libeled him with the movie 'Soul Men' starring Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac.

Neil Finn, Missy Higgins, Simon Crean Deliver Speeches During APRA Song Summit

Lars Brandle (@larsbrandle), Sydney — 2012-05-29 10:06:00.0

The APRA Song Summit wrapped Monday in Sydney and was dominated by a passionate call to arms by Australian federal arts minister Simon Crean, while musicians Missy Higgins and Neil Finn also delivered keynotes.

Sweden's Loreen Wins Eurovision Song Contest

Peter Leonard, Assolciated Press — 2012-05-29 08:04:00.0

Sweden's Loreen clinched the top spot at this year's Eurovision Song Contest with her dance hit "Euphoria," pushing aside competition from a sextet of Russian grannies and a Serbian balladeer. The 57-year-old pan-European competition is viewed by some 125 million people worldwide.

Gotye Sweeps APRA Awards

Lars Brandle (@larsbrandle), Sydney — 2012-05-29 07:43:00.0

Gotye was the big winner Monday night at the 30th annual Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) Awards in Sydney, where he collected a hat-trick of awards for song of the year, songwriter of the year and most-played Australian work for his smash “Somebody That I Used To Know” (featuring Kimbra).

Justin Bieber Wanted For Questioning In Scuffle With Photographer

Associated Press — 2012-05-29 07:28:00.0

Justin Bieber is wanted for questioning by Los Angeles County Sheriff's investigators after a photographer complained of being roughed up by the pop star at a shopping center. The Sheriff's department said the incident occurred as Bieber and girlfriend Selena Gomez walked out of a theater at The Commons at Calabasas.

Emeli Sande Squeaks Past Joe Bonamassa to Top U.K. Albums Chart

Paul Sexton, London — 2012-05-28 12:57:00.0

In a nailbiting finish, Scottish singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé kept bluesman Joe Bonamassa from a notable first U.K. No. 1 album.

Lady Gaga Cancels Indonesian Show Citing Security Threats

Jane Kellog, THR — 2012-05-28 08:03:00.0

While the "Born This Way Ball" sold out of its 52,000 tickets for its June 3 concert in Indonesia, Lady Gaga has decided to cancel the performance citing security concerns. Police officials had announced they were worried about potential violence after Islamic extremists threatened violence if Gaga performed. Promoters will now issue refunds.

John Mayer, MercyMe, Slash, Sara Bareilles On Course for Top 10 on Billboard 200

Keith Caulfield, Los Angeles — 2012-05-25 17:09:00.0

John Mayer seems far and way the likely next act to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, as his "Born and Raised" set should easily debut atop the list next week. As for the rest of the top 10 next week, Christian band MercyMe seems on course for its second top 10 album. And guitar god Slash may be in line for the third-highest bow with "Apocalyptic Love."

Indian Copyright Act Amendments Give Music Artists Ownership Rights

Nyay Bhushan, The Hollywood Reporter — 2012-05-25 15:56:00.0

The long-debated amendments – for which the late Robin Gibb had also campaigned with the Indian government - give copyright ownership to artists replacing the earlier work-for-hire system where film producers held that right.

Business Matters: Google Shines a Light on Huge Effort to Fight Piracy at Google Search

Glenn Peoples, Nashville — 2012-05-25 13:59:00.0

Google has lifted the veil on its anti-piracy efforts by launching an online Transparency Report that offers details on the issuers and targets of removal requests for Google’s search results. Also, guitar dealers suffer collateral damage from the Gibson Guitars v. Lacey Act battle; and Tom Silverman says monetizing passive fans is a way forward for the music business.

Why Skrillex, David Guetta, Deadmau5 Aren't Playing This Weekend's Detroit Movement Fest

Andy Gensler (@andygensler), New York — 2012-05-25 13:15:00.0

Detroit's annual Movement Festival, widely considered the U.S.'s most prestigious and well-curated electronic dance music event, kicks off Saturday with over 100 artists performing for roughly 100K fans over three days. Yet, just as “The Summer of EDM” gets underway, one wonders why the year’s biggest dance artists – Skrillex, David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Deadmau5, Kaskade, Avicii, Tiesto and others - are nowhere to be found...

Eurovision Song Contest Promotes the Wacky and the Exotic

Peter Leonard, Associated Press — 2012-05-25 11:22:00.0

A memorable melody. Distinctive stage presence. Some horse-trading of votes. Those are secrets to success in the annual Eurovision Song Contest, a televised pan-European extravaganza viewed by some 125 million people worldwide that is now entering its 57th year. Here's a look at favorites and wacky wonders.

Justin Bieber, Carly Rae Jepson, Nelly Furtado to Perform at MuchMusic Video Awards

Karen Bliss, Toronto — 2012-05-25 10:54:00.0

Canadians Nelly Furtado, Justin Bieber and rising pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen — who all performed on last weekend’s Billboard Music Awards — have been added to the MuchMusic Video Awards lineup, along with pop band Marianas Trench.

Chart Moves: Garbage Returns to Billboard 200 Albums Chart, 'Newsies' Cast Recording Rebounds

Keith Caulfield, Los Angeles — 2012-05-25 10:24:00.0

Garbage returns to the Billboard 200, while Pantera, Michael Jackson, Guns N Roses, and Journey all make gains.

Chart Moves: Rihanna Rises on Hot 100, Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw's 'Star' Fades

Gary Trust, New York — 2012-05-25 09:00:00.0

Beyond Carly Rae Jepsen and Gotye owning the tops of the Hot Digital Songs and Billboard Hot 100 charts, respectively, there's lots of lower echelon machinations brewing: Songs by Rihanna, David Guetta featuring Sia, Grouplove, and Gym Class Heroes featuring Ryan Tedder all make gains while Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw's latest flags.

Daddy Yankee Named Face of Verizon's 'Mis Fabulosos Quince' Campaign

Leila Cobo (@Leilacobo), Miami — 2012-05-25 08:47:00.0

Urban star Daddy Yankee is the face of Verizon’s new Mis Fabulosos Quince (My Fabulous Quince) campaign. The contest aimed at Latina teenagers will have 15-year-olds submitting essays to win an all-expenses paid Quinceañera party for 100 guests, plus a $5,000 college scholarship and a private performance from Yankee.

Doc Watson, Legendary Folk Musician, Master Flatpicker, In Critical Condition

Martha Waggoner, Associated Press — 2012-05-25 08:10:00.0

Grammy-winning folk musician and master flatpicker Doc Watson was in critical condition Thursday at a North Carolina hospital after falling at his home in Deep Gap earlier this week. The blind singer and guitarist has won several Grammys, including a lifetime achievement award. He also received the National Medal of the Arts.

Troy Carter, Lady Gaga's Manager, Says Singer Won't Change Show For Protests

Associated Press — 2012-05-25 07:57:00.0

Lady Gaga's manager Troy Carter says the pop diva has no plans to tone down her act, even if that prevents her from performing in some countries on her Asian tour. A report quoted Carter as saying Lady Gaga is not being "provocative for the sake of being provocative."

Lady Gaga's 'Simpsons' Appearance, Tour Controversy Spark Billboard Social 50 Chart Gain

William Gruger, New York — 2012-05-24 22:09:00.0

Lady Gaga rises makes a big jump back into the top 10 of Billboard's Social 50 chart (climbing 14-5), thanks to the momentum generated by her guest appearance on Fox TV's "The Simpsons" on May 20. Bit it was controversy surrounding her most recent tour dates in the Philippines and Indonesia that became the focal point for online activity pertaining to Gaga towards the end of the charting week.

Pub Briefs: Spirit Music Group Buys Jimmy Sturr Catalog, Imagem Music USA Signs John Shanks, and More

Ed Christman, New York — 2012-05-24 21:00:00.0

Spirit Music Group has purchased the complete song catalog of polka icon Jimmy Sturr as part of a joint venture with with Lauren Keiser. Also, Imagem Music USA (IMU) has signed of a worldwide, multi-year co-publishing agreement with Grammy winning writer/producer John Shanks. And ASAP will honor composer Trevor Rabin at the 27th annual ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards. Click through to read more publishing news.

M.I.A. Signs With Roc Nation Management

Billboard staff — 2012-05-24 19:24:00.0

Sri Lankan MC M.I.A. has signed with Roc Nation management, the company announced on its website today.

Business Matters: Yahoo! Music Says 'Yoo-Hoo!'

Glenn Peoples (@billboardglenn), Nashville — 2012-05-24 18:42:00.0

What has 27 million U.S. visitors each month and seems to get less attention in the music business than many music blogs? Yahoo! Music. Also, two recent NME.com stories are the perfect example of why you should be careful about what you read/pass on as news; and Pandora's good day or two...

Sony Overtaking Universal in Market Share? It Already Happened in March

Ed Christman, New York — 2012-05-24 18:25:00.0

If the media wants to write about the possibility of Sony Music Entertainment overtaking Universal Music Group in U.S. market-share rankings, maybe they should have done so when Sony actually accomplished that feat back in March, as detailed in Billboard’s April 14 issue. Here's a look at 2012 so far, and which releases will influence the battle for the rest of the year.

Lionel Richie's 'Tuskegee' Becomes Year's Second-Biggest-Selling Album

Keith Caulfield (@keith_caulfield), Los Angeles — 2012-05-24 17:29:00.0

One of 2012's biggest surprise success stories just got even more surprising and successful: This week, Lionel Richie's smash "Tuskegee" album becomes the second-biggest selling album of the year with a total of 789,000 sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

BMG Rights Management and Germany's GEMA Sign 'One-Stop' European Digital Licensing Deal

Wolfgang Spahr, Berlin — 2012-05-24 15:34:00.0

BMG Rights Management and the German collection society GEMA reached an agreement that will simplify the licensing and administration of online rights for BMG's Anglo-American repertoire across Europe. The partnership will begin July 1, 2012.

AKB48 Sweeps Japan Society of Songwriters, Authors and Composers Awards

Rob Schwartz, Tokyo — 2012-05-24 15:02:00.0

The J-Pop mega-idol group AKB48 is continuing its dominance of the Japanese music industry. The act grabbed the top four spots in JASRAC’s (Japan Society of Songwriters, Authors and Composers) Awards for the tracks that earned the most copyright royalties in fiscal 2011.

'American Idol' Has Lowest-Rated Finale Ever, Down 32% From 2011

THR & Billboard Staffs — 2012-05-24 13:59:00.0

The "American Idol" finale scored a sizable victory on Wednesday night, pulling a 6.1 rating among adults 18-49 and 20.7 million viewers, according to fast affiliate ratings. But the finale's numbers were the lowest of any previous "American Idol" finale and a 32% drop from last season.

Vevo's Numbers Climb in First Quarter With Facebook Integration

Glenn Peoples (@billboardglenn), Nashville — 2012-05-24 13:15:00.0

Vevo’s recent integration with Facebook appears to have helped increase usage at both Facebook and Vevo.com, according to numbers the company released today. Vevo launched a new interface with tighter Facebook integration in March and immediately saw a numbres boost, including a 600% increase in videos viewed or published at Facebook and 500,000 new user registrations via Facebook (a 142% increase).

Exclusive: Rdio Working on Plan to Directly Compensate Artists

Glenn Peoples (@billboardglenn), Nashville — 2012-05-24 09:32:00.0

Music subscription service Rdio is formulating a plan to directly compensate recording artists for bringing it new subscribers, according to a source within the company and two managers who have discussed the program with Rdio. The plan comes at a time when subscription services are fighting for market share and against negative publicity over royalty payments.

Kip Moore's 'Truck' Chugs To No. 1; Kenny Chesney, Willie Nelson Debut on Country Charts

Wade Jessen, Nashville — 2012-05-24 09:05:00.0

Newcomer Kip Moore becomes the fourth artist this year to reach No. 1 for the first time on Country Songs, as “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck” (MCA Nashville) rises 3-1 in its 33rd chart week. Meanwhile new songs by Kenny Chesney and a new album by Willie Nelson make impressive debuts.

Phillip Phillips Wins 'American Idol' Season 11 as Show's Ratings Dip

Kevin Rutherford and Billboard Staff — 2012-05-24 08:30:00.0

Philip Phillips, the Leesburg, Ga. native, became the 11th winner of American Idol last night beating out California's Jessica Sanchez after a record 132 million votes were cast. The record number of votes, however, may be something of a pyrrhic victory as the hugely successful singing contest franchise's ratings have dropped nearly 25% this season.

Viacom Increases Quarterly Dividend

Georg Szalai, THR and Billboard Staff — 2012-05-24 07:45:00.0

Viacom said Wednesday that its board has approved a 10 percent increase in its quarterly dividend to 27.5 cents per share from 25 cents. Viacom reported earlier this month that its net income rose 56 percent this past quarter thanks to higher revenue from its TV networks.

Donald 'Duck' Dunn Remembered During Memphis' Beale Street Funeral March

Adrian Sainz, Associated Press — 2012-05-24 07:30:00.0

The late bass player Donald "Duck" Dunn was honored Wednesday in the city where he performed on some of R&B's best-known hits, with musicians leading a lively funeral march down Memphis' Beale Street.

Justin Timberlake Making Music Return with 'The Devil in the Deep Blue Sea' Score

David Greenwald, Los Angeles — 2012-05-23 21:49:00.0

Justin Timberlake will compose the score, his first, for the film "The Devil in the Deep Blue Sea," according to The Hollywood Reporter. The New Orleans-set drama will feature Jessica Biel (Timberlake's fiancé), Chloe Moretz and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and is expected to start shooting in the fall.

John Mayer Going for Third No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart

Keith Caulfield, Los Angeles — 2012-05-23 21:18:00.0

John Mayer's new album "Born and Raised" is heading for No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart next week. Industry sources suggest it could sell around 220,000 to 240,000 copies by week's end on May 27. The new Billboard 200 chart's top 10 will be revealed on the morning of May 30.

Pandora Beats Guidance for Quarter, Raises Guidance for Fiscal Year

Glenn Peoples, Nashville — 2012-05-23 19:03:00.0

Pandora Media pleased investors by beating estimates for its fiscal first quarter revenue and increasing its guidance for the fiscal year. Revenue grew 58% to $80.8 million, easily beating the company’s guidance of $72 million to $75 million.

Michael Rapino, Perry Farrell Added to Insomniac's EDMBiz Conference in Las Vegas

Dan Rys, New York — 2012-05-23 17:25:00.0

Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino and Lollapalooza founder/Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Farrell are among the latest big names to be added to Insomniac's EDMBiz Conference, set for June 5-7 in Las Vegas in the buildup to the city's Electric Daisy Carnival.

Donna Summer's Album Sales Skyrocket 3,277% Following Death

Keith Caulfield (@keith_caulfield), Los Angeles — 2012-05-23 17:13:00.0

The late Donna Summer impacts Billboard's music charts this week, following her death on May 17. Billboard's new sales charts reflect only four days since Summer's passing, but in that time the Queen of Disco had four albums enter the Billboard 200 up 3,277% from the week before; and 187,000 song downloads (up from 4,000) topped by "Last Dance" and "On the Radio.”

Business Matters: Is Vevo Considering An IPO?

Glenn Peoples (@billboardglenn), Nashville — 2012-05-23 16:42:00.0

Vevo is seeking new investors to help fund its international expansion, according to two reports -- and one claims the video streaming company is considering an initial public stock offering. Also, mobile-first social apps could be hurting YouTube; and Flurry, a new social startup, is launching with partners Live Nation and BandPage.

ICM Finalizes Equity Firm Buyout, Excludes Former CEO Jeffrey Berg

Daniel Miller, The Hollywood Reporter — 2012-05-23 16:28:00.0

International Creative Management has finalized its deal to buy out majority owner Rizvi Traverse Management and has formed a new partnership structure for the agency, the company said Wednesday. Control of the firm will now rest with its agents and executives.

Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne on Attempt at Record For O Music Awards, 'Great' Relationship With Warner Bros.

Andrew Hampp, New York — 2012-05-23 16:05:00.0

When the Flaming Lips set out to break Jay-Z’s world record for most live concerts in multiple cities in 24 hours as part of MTV’s O Music Awards on June 27th, it will probably look like a scene straight out of “The Magical Mystery Tour.”

Music Apps For the Summer Time -- Last.fm Festivals, Blog DJs, Chart Playlists, More

Knar Bedian, Evolver.fm — 2012-05-23 14:48:00.0

As the thermometer consistently tops 70 degrees here in New England, it's safe to say summer is coming in. For music lovers, that means music festivals. This week's batch includes Last.Fm's Festivals app, designer playlist apps, and chart-based apps that allow you to stream some of the most popular music on the U.S. charts.

Carly Rae Jepsen Jumps to No. 1 on Digital Songs, No. 2 on Hot 100

Gary Trust, New York — 2012-05-23 13:47:00.0

The pick-up line anthem ascends to No. 1 on Hot Digital Songs, but couldn't unseat Gotye for No. 1 on the Hot 100. On the Hot 100, the song claims top Digital and Airplay Gainer honors.

The Great GoogaMooga Fest to Refund 'Extra Mooga' Tickets Amid Attendee Backlash

Dan Rys, New York — 2012-05-23 13:07:00.0

Complaints against the inaugural Great GoogaMooga festival, held in Brooklyn last weekend, said the event was marred by impossibly long lines, nonexistent cell phone service, food and drink running out, and a breakdown of the wine and beer tent payment system. Now the fest's promoter, Superfly Presents, is issuing full refunds for the $250 'Extra Mooga' tickets (general tickets were free). The event included performances by the Roots, Hall & Oates, Fitz & The Tantrums, James Murphy and others.

Adam Lambert Scores First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 With 'Trespassing'

Keith Caulfield (@keith_caulfield), Los Angeles — 2012-05-23 11:00:00.0

For the first time, one "American Idol" replaces another at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 as Adam Lambert's "Trespassing" debuts atop the list with 77,000 sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan. His arrival bumps last week's leader, Carrie Underwood's "Blown Away," down to No. 3 (54,000; down 55%).

What to Expect from Pandora's Earnings Release Today

Glenn Peoples, Nashville — 2012-05-23 10:03:00.0

Look for continued, strong listener growth to be the theme when Pandora Media reports its fiscal first quarter earnings today after the end of the trading day. The company’s shares are down 30% to $9.98 since first fourth quarter earnings were released March 6.

Fool's Gold's Nick Catchdubs on The Goldmine, Indie Label's New Premium Digital Service (Q&A)

Emmanuelle Saliba (@ignitethesound), New York — 2012-05-23 08:05:00.0

Fool’s Gold, the Brooklyn-based indie label, just launched The Goldmine, a premium digital subscription service. Here, label co-founder Nick Catchdubs explains the service's genesis; the challenge of translating the label's physical retail experience to digital ("you're not going to see A-Trak"), and how the Holy Ship! cruise inspired the first release.

Surreal 'Holy Motors' Film With Kylie Minogue Receives Rapturous Cannes Reception

Jill Lawless, Associated Press — 2012-05-23 08:00:00.0

The most rapturous audience reception at the Cannes Film Festival has gone to "Holy Motors," a disorienting, whirling dream of a movie by French director Leos Carax. Starring Denis Lavant as a man who adopts a dozen wildly different personas during a long Paris day, the film includes surrealist scenes, tender moments, pop star Kylie Minogue and bonobo monkeys.

Richard Lom promoted to VP at SBS Entertainment

Leila Cobo (@leilacobo), Miami — 2012-05-23 07:55:00.0

Richard Lom has been promoted to VP of SBS Entertainment, the live entertainment and management arm of media company Spanish Broadcasting System.

Mercury Prize Announces New Venue, Live Gigs, Broadcast Partner

Paul Sexton, London — 2012-05-23 07:53:00.0

The U.K.'s Barclaycard Mercury Prize has announced a number of significant changes for it upcoming Nov. 1 awards: This includes a new location, a series of gigs featuring nominees for the prestigious award and a new television partner in Channel Four after the BBC hosted the awards for the past fifteen years.

Lady Gaga Tweets Indonesia 'Born This Way' Show Still Up In The Air

Associated Press — 2012-05-23 07:24:00.0

Lady Gaga is as confused as anyone about whether she'll be allowed to perform in Indonesia with protests, censorship and permits clouding the situation. And the superstar's tweets on the matter didn't clear things up.